Author Insights Episodes
Delve into the minds of fantasy authors as they share their journeys, writing processes, and behind-the-scenes details about their works.
11
Nov. 12, 2026
Folk Horror and Doppelgangers: Darren Simpson and Lykewise
Horror is having a moment. Looking at recent cinema releases, you’ll see the genre is booming as a big box office draw. But where on the scale does a horror story become fantasy? Returning this week to Mythmakers, Darren Simpson discusses this with Julia Golding. They turn to the tradition of the doppelgänger story - the portrait in the attic, the ‘other’ or shadow self – and take a look at what it tells us about psychology. In Darren’s new children’s book, Lykewise, the doppelgänger is the Lyk...
10
Nov. 5, 2026
Just a Fool's Hope - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 5 Ch 4
We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 00:00 Intro...
9
Oct. 29, 2026
Romantasy and The Wycherleys with Annaliese Avery
Annaliese Avery, author of the Wycherley series, joins Julia Golding on the pod to talk about the conclusion to her trilogy. Annaliese and Julia explore the phenomenon of romantasy, the kind of rules necessary to make magic systems believable, and the appeal of the Regency period as a fantasy setting. Prepare yourself for a few shocking revelations about first drafts and dragons! To learn more about Annaliese and her writing visit https://www.annalieseavery.com 00:00 Introduction: Welcome to ...
8
Oct. 22, 2026
The Neverland Thieves: Katie and Kevin Tsang and the Peter Pan Legacy
When Great Ormond Street Hospital, home to the rights to Peter Pan, asks you to add to its beloved stories, you take on an awesome responsibility. In this episode of Mythmakers, authors Katie and Kevin Tsang join Julia Golding to share their journey into Neverland in support of this worthy cause, with profits benefiting the hospital’s charity. They made the bold decision to centre the story on Tom, a seriously ill patient at Great Ormond Street, bringing with it a particularly high level of res...
7
Oct. 15, 2026
Where Will Wants Not, a Way Opens - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 5 Ch 3
We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 00:00 Intro...
5
Oct. 1, 2026
The Dead Are Following - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 5 Ch 2
We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 00:00 Intro...
2
Sept. 10, 2026
Dark Indeed Is the Hour - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 5 Ch 1
We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 00:00 Intro...
50
Aug. 6, 2026
LOTR: An Author's Journey - Wrap Up of The Two Towers, Book 4
We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 00:00 Intro...
48
July 23, 2026
The Top 5 Writing Lessons from The Two Towers
Having completed our journey through The Two Towers, in today's Sidecast episode Julia Golding pauses to reflect on the top five lessons she has taken from Tolkien’s craft as an author. From the interlacing of multiple storylines and the careful maintenance of suspense, to the creation of epic, living landscapes, Julia explores how Tolkien handles the challenges of a middle volume with remarkable skill. She also reflects on the poetry of his prose and the depth of his themes, amongst the wealth...
47
July 16, 2026
Not Asleep, Dead - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 4 Ch 10
We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 00:00 Intro...
46
July 9, 2026
She Had Many Exits From Her Lair - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 4 Ch 8
We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 00:00 Intro...
45
July 2, 2026
Don’t the Great Tales Never End? - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 4 Ch 8
We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 00:00 Intro...
44
June 25, 2026
They Cannot Conquer for Ever! - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 4 Ch 7
We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 00:00 Intro...
42
June 11, 2026
Then I Will Declare My Doom - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 4 Ch 5
We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 00:00 Intro...
June 4, 2026
Were you a friend of Boromir? - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 4 Ch 4
We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 00:00 Intro...
39
May 21, 2026
Something Hot Out of the Pot - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 4 Ch 4
A Sidecast Episode
35
April 23, 2026
Casting, Colbert and Contracts: Big News of Lotr Films and the Best Way to Get a Book Contract
In today’s episode of Mythmakers, we cover three lively topics of discussion. Join Julia Golding and friend of the podcast, Jacob Rennaker, as they begin with the latest casting news for the upcoming prequel film The Hunt for Gollum—hits or misses? Next, they turn to the content challenges surrounding Stephen Colbert’s script for the second Lord of the Rings film currently in development—which we’re calling “the interval.” Rather than focusing on canon, Julia and Jacob explore the storytelling ...
34
April 16, 2026
The Call: Peadar Ó Guilín, Irish Fantasy and the Nature of Fairy Stories
Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to take part in a magical contest?
33
April 9, 2026
Notorious Virtues: Alwyn Hamilton and a 1920s Heiress Fantasy
Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to go to a stylish party?
32
April 2, 2026
Mammoth Rider: SJ Poyton's Long Road to Publishing
What is the best mythical species to introduce into our world?
29
March 12, 2026
Dead Faces in the Water! - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 4 Ch 2
A Sidecast Episode
25
Feb. 26, 2026
He's Much More Dangerous than He Looks - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 4 Ch 1
A Sidecast Episode