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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...

192 Followers  |  526 Following  |  31 Posts  |  Joined: 14.08.2025  |  1.7364

Latest posts by fictionalproblems.bsky.social on Bluesky

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 β€” from Middle Earth to Star Trek. ...

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...

01.12.2025 16:53 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!

fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/when-world...

#lordoftherings #startrek #ds9 #enterprise #ringsofpower #nostalgia #writingtips #newpodcastepisode
#α΄‘Κ€Ιͺα΄›ΙͺΙ΄Ι’α΄„α΄α΄α΄α΄œΙ΄Ιͺᴛʏ #fantasybooks #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow #booksky

01.12.2025 16:46 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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...

NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!

In this episode, we discuss plagiarism in movie and TV adaptations of literary worksβ€”focusing on Foundation and The Witcher. We debate the importance of respecting the source material when creating adaptations.

fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/adaptation...

25.11.2025 00:04 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!

fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/adaptation...

#foundation #thewitcher #HenryCavill #WritingTips #irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcast

24.11.2025 23:57 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

17.11.2025 14:28 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!

#morality #change #writingtips #irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcast #thewitcher #foundation

fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/when-write...

17.11.2025 14:21 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!

Politics, freedom of speech, political alignments, cancel culture, and the moral limits of political expression.
How contemporary narrativesβ€”false-flag tactics, historical parallels influence fiction and choices writers make when reflecting politics in their work.

10.11.2025 16:25 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!

fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/free-speec...

#politics #FalseFlag #writingtips #irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcast

10.11.2025 16:14 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

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...

03.11.2025 16:12 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!

fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/from-bad-i...

#badidea #BrightMovie #jrrtolkien #writingtips #irishwriters #newpodcastepisode
#writingcommunity #fantasy #speculativefiction #irishauthors #sciencefiction #speculativefictionireland #podcast

03.11.2025 16:07 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
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...

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.

27.10.2025 16:28 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
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...

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

27.10.2025 16:27 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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At this point, I welcome our alien overlords.

27.10.2025 01:36 β€” πŸ‘ 50    πŸ” 13    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
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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 ...

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...

25.10.2025 09:47 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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

20.10.2025 13:27 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
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...

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

20.10.2025 13:23 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
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...

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

13.10.2025 14:07 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Author | A.R. McNevin The author website of A.R. McNevin; author of the Parliament of Crowe series among other works of science fiction and fantasy

Check out the substantial range of titles produced by A.R. Mc Nevin.

www.armcnevin.com

07.10.2025 13:27 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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...

07.10.2025 13:25 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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 ...

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

06.10.2025 11:57 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Speculative Fiction Ireland (SFI) Speculative Fiction Ireland (SFI) is Ireland's national association for fans of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror. Become a member now.

PSSSSST...Just between us, early access to new episodes of Fictional Problems can found at:

www.templedarkbooks.com/speculative-...

01.10.2025 15:54 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!

29.09.2025 15:22 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Episode 1-Part 1 & 2
Episode 2-Part1 available here

www.templedarkbooks.com/speculative-...
and here
www.podbean.com/eas/pb-6gqzf...

#podcast #writingtips #writingcommunity #irishwriters
#writing #fantasy #speculativefiction #irishauthor #sciecefiction #speculativefictionireland #booksky

29.09.2025 15:20 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
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In episode 2, part 1, your hosts explore where ideas come from, the form of inspiration, whether fan fiction counts as writing, readiness to hit publish, and how series structure shapes storytelling.
Join the conversation about turning influences into original work and preparing a story for readers.

29.09.2025 15:16 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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βš”οΈ IT’S LIVE βš”οΈ
Join @adrianmgibson.bsky.social @mjkuhnbooks.bsky.social & Greta Kelly as they discuss EPIC FANTASY with George R.R. Martin @robinhobb.bsky.social @brandonsanderson.com @rebeccaroanhorse.bsky.social @ryancahill.bsky.social!

WATCH: youtu.be/OxhX_Ct9f-4?...
LISTEN: linktr.ee/SFFAddicts

16.09.2025 14:12 β€” πŸ‘ 15    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 3    πŸ“Œ 2

NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!

Episode 1, part 2- we talk about the relevancy of what's on the page versus the notes not played.
We'll be discussing foreshadowing, making sense of it all, plotting versus pantsing, and we'll tackle an introduction to world building. Join us.

22.09.2025 14:31 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Here is our podcast 'intro' as we in the business like to call it. Gary J.Martin writes fantasy, depicted by a knight. A.R. McNevin writes science fiction and shown as an intrepid 'naut' of some kind, astronaut, cosmonaut, galaxinaut or even a dimensionaut. Either way it could all come to naut. 🀭

20.09.2025 21:46 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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#podcast #writingtips #writingcommunity #fantasybookseries #irishwriters
#podcastshow #writing #fantasy #speculativefiction #templedarkbooks #irishauthor #sciecefiction #speculativefictionireland #booksky

18.09.2025 22:57 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Fictional Problems now also available on:

Amazon Music/Audible -
music.amazon.com/podcasts/692...
Podbean -
www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-mp...

Apple Podcasts -
podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/f...

18.09.2025 22:57 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Episode 1-Part 1 & 2
Episode 2-Part1 available here

www.templedarkbooks.com/speculative-...

#podcast #writingtips #writingcommunity #fantasybookseries #irishwriters
#podcastshow #writing #fantasy #speculativefiction #templedarkbooks #irishauthor #sciecefiction #speculativefictionireland #booksky

09.09.2025 22:45 β€” πŸ‘ 9    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

@fictionalproblems is following 20 prominent accounts