Fictional Problems
@fictionalproblems.bsky.social
Fictional Problems is a new podcast where two mostly-human writers, A.R. Mc Nevin and Gary J. Martin embark on a quest to conquer the many-headed beast known as speculative fiction.
Let the overthinking begin...
Let the overthinking begin...
On today's episode, we explore writing groups both examining the social benefits, the creative support, issues such as comparison, performative feedback, and imbalanced group dynamics.
We share thoughts on how to use writing groups for encouragement without letting them define your writing path.
We share thoughts on how to use writing groups for encouragement without letting them define your writing path.
December 15, 2025 at 2:24 PM
On today's episode, we explore writing groups both examining the social benefits, the creative support, issues such as comparison, performative feedback, and imbalanced group dynamics.
We share thoughts on how to use writing groups for encouragement without letting them define your writing path.
We share thoughts on how to use writing groups for encouragement without letting them define your writing path.
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/writing-gr...
#writinggroup #authorshelpingauthors #WritingSupport #writingchallenges
#writingtips #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcast
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/writing-gr...
#writinggroup #authorshelpingauthors #WritingSupport #writingchallenges
#writingtips #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcast
Episode 14 - Writing Groups: Stars, Support and Sabotage | Fictional Problems
This is Fictional Problems, the podcast where we discuss all things writing, in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland. On today's episode, we explore writing groups — in-person and online — loo...
fictionalproblems.podbean.com
December 15, 2025 at 2:20 PM
NEW EPISODE, OUT NOW
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/who-do-we-...
#Critics #audience #phenotype #missionimpossible #writingtips #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcast
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/who-do-we-...
#Critics #audience #phenotype #missionimpossible #writingtips #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcast
December 8, 2025 at 10:12 PM
NEW EPISODE, OUT NOW
We discuss using personal experiences, emotional motivations, plot logic, and the influence of reviewers when crafting characters and stories, the trade-offs between traditional and self-publishing, and motivation shaping storytelling, character realism, and surprises.
We discuss using personal experiences, emotional motivations, plot logic, and the influence of reviewers when crafting characters and stories, the trade-offs between traditional and self-publishing, and motivation shaping storytelling, character realism, and surprises.
December 8, 2025 at 10:09 PM
NEW EPISODE, OUT NOW
We discuss using personal experiences, emotional motivations, plot logic, and the influence of reviewers when crafting characters and stories, the trade-offs between traditional and self-publishing, and motivation shaping storytelling, character realism, and surprises.
We discuss using personal experiences, emotional motivations, plot logic, and the influence of reviewers when crafting characters and stories, the trade-offs between traditional and self-publishing, and motivation shaping storytelling, character realism, and surprises.
This episode examines nostalgia in storytelling, why audiences often prefer worlds that feel constant, how stagnant universes shape fan comfort, worldbuilding choices and trade‑offs between historical gravitas, authenticity, and audience expectations.
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/when-world...
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/when-world...
Episode 12 - When Worlds Stand Still: The Comfort of Stagnant Sci‑Fi & Fantasy | Fictional Problems
This episode of Fictional Problems (with Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin) examines nostalgia in storytelling and why audiences often prefer worlds that feel constant — from Middle Earth to Star Trek. ...
fictionalproblems.podbean.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:53 PM
This episode examines nostalgia in storytelling, why audiences often prefer worlds that feel constant, how stagnant universes shape fan comfort, worldbuilding choices and trade‑offs between historical gravitas, authenticity, and audience expectations.
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/when-world...
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/when-world...
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/when-world...
#lordoftherings #startrek #ds9 #enterprise #ringsofpower #nostalgia #writingtips #newpodcastepisode
#ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ #fantasybooks #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow #booksky
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/when-world...
#lordoftherings #startrek #ds9 #enterprise #ringsofpower #nostalgia #writingtips #newpodcastepisode
#ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ #fantasybooks #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow #booksky
December 1, 2025 at 4:46 PM
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
In this episode, we discuss plagiarism in movie and TV adaptations of literary works—focusing on Foundation and The Witcher. We debate the importance of respecting the source material when creating adaptations.
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/adaptation...
In this episode, we discuss plagiarism in movie and TV adaptations of literary works—focusing on Foundation and The Witcher. We debate the importance of respecting the source material when creating adaptations.
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/adaptation...
Episode 11 - Plagiarism, Adaptation or Theft? | Fictional Problems
This is Fictional Problems, the podcast where we discuss all things writing, in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland. Join hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin as they return to tackle more f...
fictionalproblems.podbean.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:04 AM
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
In this episode, we discuss plagiarism in movie and TV adaptations of literary works—focusing on Foundation and The Witcher. We debate the importance of respecting the source material when creating adaptations.
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/adaptation...
In this episode, we discuss plagiarism in movie and TV adaptations of literary works—focusing on Foundation and The Witcher. We debate the importance of respecting the source material when creating adaptations.
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/adaptation...
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/adaptation...
#foundation #thewitcher #HenryCavill #WritingTips #irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcast
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/adaptation...
#foundation #thewitcher #HenryCavill #WritingTips #irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcast
November 24, 2025 at 11:57 PM
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
Personal philosophies, morals, and ethics shaping the stories writers tell. How authors hope their work affects readers.
The episode whether fiction can leave the world better than it was found. Balancing entertainment and stories prompting reflection and change.
Personal philosophies, morals, and ethics shaping the stories writers tell. How authors hope their work affects readers.
The episode whether fiction can leave the world better than it was found. Balancing entertainment and stories prompting reflection and change.
November 17, 2025 at 2:29 PM
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
Personal philosophies, morals, and ethics shaping the stories writers tell. How authors hope their work affects readers.
The episode whether fiction can leave the world better than it was found. Balancing entertainment and stories prompting reflection and change.
Personal philosophies, morals, and ethics shaping the stories writers tell. How authors hope their work affects readers.
The episode whether fiction can leave the world better than it was found. Balancing entertainment and stories prompting reflection and change.
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
#morality #change #writingtips #irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcast #thewitcher #foundation
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/when-write...
#morality #change #writingtips #irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcast #thewitcher #foundation
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/when-write...
November 17, 2025 at 2:22 PM
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
Politics, freedom of speech, political alignments, cancel culture, and the moral limits of political expression.
How contemporary narratives—false-flag tactics, historical parallels influence fiction and choices writers make when reflecting politics in their work.
Politics, freedom of speech, political alignments, cancel culture, and the moral limits of political expression.
How contemporary narratives—false-flag tactics, historical parallels influence fiction and choices writers make when reflecting politics in their work.
November 10, 2025 at 4:25 PM
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
Politics, freedom of speech, political alignments, cancel culture, and the moral limits of political expression.
How contemporary narratives—false-flag tactics, historical parallels influence fiction and choices writers make when reflecting politics in their work.
Politics, freedom of speech, political alignments, cancel culture, and the moral limits of political expression.
How contemporary narratives—false-flag tactics, historical parallels influence fiction and choices writers make when reflecting politics in their work.
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/free-speec...
#politics #FalseFlag #writingtips #irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcast
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/free-speec...
#politics #FalseFlag #writingtips #irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcast
November 10, 2025 at 4:14 PM
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
Bad story ideas, how flawed concepts can be mined for better work, and examples from pop culture. We discuss problematic premises, discarded drafts, worldbuilding missteps, and how to salvage or learn from discarded concepts.
www.templedarkbooks.com/fictional-pr...
Bad story ideas, how flawed concepts can be mined for better work, and examples from pop culture. We discuss problematic premises, discarded drafts, worldbuilding missteps, and how to salvage or learn from discarded concepts.
www.templedarkbooks.com/fictional-pr...
Fictional Problems Podcast | Speculative Fiction Ireland
Hosted by authors of Fantasy and Sci-Fi, Gary J. Martin and A. R. McNevin, and brought to you in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland, Fictional Problems discusses everything about writing, fr...
www.templedarkbooks.com
November 3, 2025 at 4:12 PM
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
Bad story ideas, how flawed concepts can be mined for better work, and examples from pop culture. We discuss problematic premises, discarded drafts, worldbuilding missteps, and how to salvage or learn from discarded concepts.
www.templedarkbooks.com/fictional-pr...
Bad story ideas, how flawed concepts can be mined for better work, and examples from pop culture. We discuss problematic premises, discarded drafts, worldbuilding missteps, and how to salvage or learn from discarded concepts.
www.templedarkbooks.com/fictional-pr...
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/from-bad-i...
#badidea #BrightMovie #jrrtolkien #writingtips #irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefiction #irishauthors #sciencefiction #speculativefictionireland #podcast
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/from-bad-i...
#badidea #BrightMovie #jrrtolkien #writingtips #irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefiction #irishauthors #sciencefiction #speculativefictionireland #podcast
November 3, 2025 at 4:07 PM
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
We explore how to handle action on the page, choreographing fights, making violence necessary and consequential, and balancing realism elements like magic, super science and healing.
We also talk about systemising your magic and power rules so stakes remain meaningful.
We explore how to handle action on the page, choreographing fights, making violence necessary and consequential, and balancing realism elements like magic, super science and healing.
We also talk about systemising your magic and power rules so stakes remain meaningful.
Fictional Problems Podcast | Speculative Fiction Ireland
Hosted by authors of Fantasy and Sci-Fi, Gary J. Martin and A. R. McNevin, and brought to you in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland, Fictional Problems discusses everything about writing, fr...
www.templedarkbooks.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:28 PM
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
We explore how to handle action on the page, choreographing fights, making violence necessary and consequential, and balancing realism elements like magic, super science and healing.
We also talk about systemising your magic and power rules so stakes remain meaningful.
We explore how to handle action on the page, choreographing fights, making violence necessary and consequential, and balancing realism elements like magic, super science and healing.
We also talk about systemising your magic and power rules so stakes remain meaningful.
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/.../when-vio...
www.templedarkbooks.com/fictional-pr...
#writingtips #irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefiction #irishauthors #ScienceFiction #speculativefictionireland #podcast #action #MagicSystem
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/.../when-vio...
www.templedarkbooks.com/fictional-pr...
#writingtips #irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefiction #irishauthors #ScienceFiction #speculativefictionireland #podcast #action #MagicSystem
Fictional Problems Podcast | Speculative Fiction Ireland
Hosted by authors of Fantasy and Sci-Fi, Gary J. Martin and A. R. McNevin, and brought to you in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland, Fictional Problems discusses everything about writing, fr...
www.templedarkbooks.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Reposted by Fictional Problems
At this point, I welcome our alien overlords.
October 27, 2025 at 1:36 AM
At this point, I welcome our alien overlords.
Now available to listen to on YouTube. Although the episode numbering needed to be changed so now we have Episodes 1-6. Sorry for the confusion.
youtube.com/playlist?lis...
youtube.com/playlist?lis...
Fictional Problems - YouTube
Welcome, wanderers of the written word, to Fictional Problems, the podcast where two mostly-human writers embark on a quest to conquer the many-headed beast ...
youtube.com
October 25, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Now available to listen to on YouTube. Although the episode numbering needed to be changed so now we have Episodes 1-6. Sorry for the confusion.
youtube.com/playlist?lis...
youtube.com/playlist?lis...
In this episode we back to TTRPGs, in particular, having a brief discussion about representation, inclusion and disability in these games.
www.podbean.com/eas/pb-kjyng...
#irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefiction #irishauthors #podcast
#ttrpg #inclusion
www.podbean.com/eas/pb-kjyng...
#irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefiction #irishauthors #podcast
#ttrpg #inclusion
October 20, 2025 at 1:27 PM
In this episode we back to TTRPGs, in particular, having a brief discussion about representation, inclusion and disability in these games.
www.podbean.com/eas/pb-kjyng...
#irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefiction #irishauthors #podcast
#ttrpg #inclusion
www.podbean.com/eas/pb-kjyng...
#irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefiction #irishauthors #podcast
#ttrpg #inclusion
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
Episode 1-Part 1 & 2
Episode 2-Part 1, 2, 3 & 4 available here
www.templedarkbooks.com/fictional-pr...
#irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefiction #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcast
#ttrpg #inclusion
Episode 1-Part 1 & 2
Episode 2-Part 1, 2, 3 & 4 available here
www.templedarkbooks.com/fictional-pr...
#irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefiction #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcast
#ttrpg #inclusion
Fictional Problems Podcast | Speculative Fiction Ireland
Hosted by authors of Fantasy and Sci-Fi, Gary J. Martin and A. R. McNevin, and brought to you in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland, Fictional Problems discusses everything about writing, fr...
www.templedarkbooks.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:23 PM
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
Episode 1-Part 1 & 2
Episode 2-Part 1, 2, 3 & 4 available here
www.templedarkbooks.com/fictional-pr...
#irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefiction #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcast
#ttrpg #inclusion
Episode 1-Part 1 & 2
Episode 2-Part 1, 2, 3 & 4 available here
www.templedarkbooks.com/fictional-pr...
#irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefiction #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcast
#ttrpg #inclusion
In Episode 2, Part 3, how tabletop role-playing games inspire writing and how small logistical details make fictional worlds feel real.
fictionalproblems.podbean.com
#irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefiction #irishauthor #speculativefictionireland #podcast
fictionalproblems.podbean.com
#irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefiction #irishauthor #speculativefictionireland #podcast
Fictional Problems Podcast | Speculative Fiction Ireland
Hosted by authors of Fantasy and Sci-Fi, Gary J. Martin and A. R. McNevin, and brought to you in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland, Fictional Problems discusses everything about writing, fr...
www.templedarkbooks.com
October 13, 2025 at 2:07 PM
In Episode 2, Part 3, how tabletop role-playing games inspire writing and how small logistical details make fictional worlds feel real.
fictionalproblems.podbean.com
#irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefiction #irishauthor #speculativefictionireland #podcast
fictionalproblems.podbean.com
#irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefiction #irishauthor #speculativefictionireland #podcast
In case anyone was interested in what Gary J.Martin had written, Knight of Gaelgara, please follow the below link. There is information about the title and photos of armoured and battling knights at the book launch in Swords Castle, Co. Dublin
www.templedarkbooks.com/knight-of-ga...
www.templedarkbooks.com/knight-of-ga...
Knight of Gaelgara - Epic Heroic Fantasy at Temple Dark Books
War of Souls Apocrypha is the debut trilogy from Irish author of Medieval Fantasy Adventure, Gary J. Martin. The first instalment, Knight of Gaelgara, releases in Summer 2024.
www.templedarkbooks.com
October 7, 2025 at 1:25 PM
In case anyone was interested in what Gary J.Martin had written, Knight of Gaelgara, please follow the below link. There is information about the title and photos of armoured and battling knights at the book launch in Swords Castle, Co. Dublin
www.templedarkbooks.com/knight-of-ga...
www.templedarkbooks.com/knight-of-ga...
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
Check out www.armcnevin.com
www.templedarkbooks.com/speculative-...
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/fail-your-...
#writingtips #irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #SpeculativeFiction #irishauthor #sciencefiction #speculativefictionireland #podcast
Check out www.armcnevin.com
www.templedarkbooks.com/speculative-...
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/fail-your-...
#writingtips #irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #SpeculativeFiction #irishauthor #sciencefiction #speculativefictionireland #podcast
Episode 2 Part 2 - Fail Your Way to Your Voice | Fictional Problems
This episode explores how failing to be your favourite writer can help you find your own voice, how failure and dislike can become creative fuel, and the choices between writing standalones or series ...
fictionalproblems.podbean.com
October 6, 2025 at 11:57 AM