Speculative Sandbox
Join Vickie Lan and unpack the tropes that make fiction fun! Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Cover image photographed by J.D. Fitzgerald. Episode cover images and zoom backgrounds feature royalty-free images from Canva and Pexels. Audio provided by Anchor and Transistor.fm
Bonus · Mon, March 24, 2025
AUTHOR TAKEOVER: L.L. Madrid and Lora Durance talk about Writing When the World Feels Broken
Authors L.L. Madrid and Lora Durance take over the podcast this week to talk about horror, rage, and what it's like writing and reading dark content while living in an unsettling world. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Follow L.L. and Lora on Instagram: @llmadridwrites and @lroseriver Read the mentioned Book Riot article "Dystopian Books Have Taken Over the Bestseller Lists…That Can’t Be a Good Sign" at https://bookriot.com/bestselling-books-february-6-2025/
Bonus · Mon, March 17, 2025
AUTHOR TAKEOVER: Alisa Alering and Gloria Munoz talk about Hopeful Dystopia
Alisa Alering, author of the book Smothermoss and this week's podcast guest host, interviews author Gloria Munoz about her book This is the Year and what it's like to write a dystopian fiction. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Bonus · Mon, March 10, 2025
AUTHOR TAKEOVER: Garrett K. Jones talks about writer's block
Author Garrett K. Jones guest-hosts the podcast to talk about writer's block. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
S1 E82 · Mon, March 03, 2025
82. Death Games
Hunger Games, Squid Games, Dungeon Crawler Carl ...Hayley Chow joins Vickie Lan on the podcast to talk about Death Games! From real life to fiction, we cover the social commentary that centers around systemic oppression, world building, society's attraction to violent spectacle, and the importance of relatability in the main character when they're up against equally oppressed opponents. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
S1 E81 · Mon, February 24, 2025
81. Writing for the screen
What should novel writers know about screen writing? Author Luis Prieto joins the podcast to talk with Vickie Lan about the basics of writing a screenplay (or an audio drama!). Note: Sorry for the less-than-perfect audio quality from Vickie's mic! There were technical difficulties and the recording came from the desktop instead. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
S1 E80 · Mon, February 17, 2025
80. Secrets in fiction
Mysteries, suspense, thrillers...how can writers use secrets to advance their plots? Author Teddie Peacock joins the podcast to discuss the many ways to build intrigue and keep your readers (and characters!) guessing. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
S1 E79 · Mon, February 10, 2025
79. Speculative Flash Fiction
Author Avitus B. Carle joins Vickie Lan on the podcast to read her story How We Survive, and to provide insight on the 'flash' side of fiction writing. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
S1 E78 · Mon, February 03, 2025
78. Avenging Angels
Damien Alameda returns to the podcast to discuss with Vickie Lan the Avenging Angels trope! Learn what drives these "angels" and distinguishes them from a classic hero's journey, whether they need to have a bigger impact than just their self interest, and much more. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
S1 E75 · Mon, January 27, 2025
77. Romance in Speculative Fiction
Author Emily Colin joins Vickie Lan to discuss the building blocks of romance in speculative fiction, including how to keep momentum after the couple gets together, how character development and plot progression impact the relationship, and the way authors can manage expectations when it comes to reader responses. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover photo by J.D. Fitzgerald. Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
S1 E76 · Mon, January 20, 2025
76. Fated Destiny
Author and dream interpreter Megan Mary joins Vickie Lan to discuss the Fated Destiny, Discovered Magick, and The Chosen One tropes. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
S1 E75 · Mon, January 13, 2025
75. Where are the aliens?
Where are the aliens? While NASA and military officials provide testimonials on the world stage, author Grace Richard joins Vickie Lan to discuss the ways science fiction writers have answered this question. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
S1 E74 · Mon, January 06, 2025
74. Fragmenting the Author
Alisa Alering, author of the book "Smothermoss", joins Vickie Lan in a discussion about the ways authors use pieces of themselves to make authentic characters, including characters with opposing viewpoints. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
S1 E73 · Mon, December 30, 2024
73. Uncanny Fiction
Author Becca Mionis joins Vickie Lan in a discussion on uncanny fiction, which, similar to the uncanny valley, leaves readers in a state of unease or confusion. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
S1 E72 · Mon, December 23, 2024
72. In Defense of Tropes
Author Brent Miller joins the podcast to talk about the perceptions of tropes, the slippery slope into cliches, and whether or not it's actually possible to write a trope-less story. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
S1 E71 · Mon, December 16, 2024
71. Gonzo Fiction
It's the blurring of fact and fiction as author Garrett K. Jones joins the podcast to talk about Gonzo Fiction, known for its unique narrative style as seen in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and American Psycho. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
S1 E70 · Mon, December 09, 2024
70. Mythical Archetypes
Author Lauren Teffeau joins Vickie Lan to discuss non-theistic mythical archetypes in fiction, including Carl Jung's 12 brand archetypes and the way archetypes can be used to form the foundation of societal values and laws. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
S1 E69 · Mon, December 02, 2024
69. Authenticity in Writing
Author J.D. Estrada joins the podcast to talk about authenticity in writing and the ways authors can tap into personal experiences to inform an otherwise unfamiliar scenario. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover photo by J.D. Fitzgerald. Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
S1 E68 · Mon, November 25, 2024
68. Paranormal Places
Horror Author John James Minster returns to the podcast to talk about paranormal places located around the northeast region of the United States, as well as the Christian belief system of demons, ghosts, and spirits that fuels the local lore. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
S1 E67 · Mon, November 18, 2024
67. Time Loops
Neal Holtschulte cycles back to the podcast to talk with Vickie Lan about time loops! From "Groundhogs Day" to "The Flash", how can time loops be used to propel character growth, and what can writers do to avoid falling in a plot spiral? The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
S1 E66 · Mon, November 11, 2024
66. Anti-heroes
Are antiheroes just villains with too much credit? Damien Alameda, host of The_First Pages on YouTube, joins Vickie Lan to debate the characteristics and motives of the antihero and where they fall on the spectrum of good and evil. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
S1 E65 · Mon, November 04, 2024
65. Fates Worse Than Death
What could possibly be worse than death? Storytellers will tell you! Author Matthew C. Brown returns to the podcast to talk about all the various ways authors can torture their characters. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotifyand YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcastare their own.
S1 E64 · Mon, October 28, 2024
64. "American Psycho" watch party
In honor of Halloween, guest Michael Crawford and Vickie Lan sit down to watch and unpack the tropes found in the classic 2000 horror movie American Psycho, including 80s yuppie culture, the unreliable narrator, psychopath characteristics, and the purposeful ambiguity of its characters and settings. Rewatch with us! "American Psycho" is currently available on Netflix. Rated R. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover photo by J.D. Fitzgerald. Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
S1 E63 · Mon, October 21, 2024
63. LatinX Representation in Speculative Fiction
Angela Alvarez joins Vickie Lan to talk about Latinx representation in speculative fiction and the powerful story opportunities that come from writing through an authentic lens. Note: "LatinX" in the context of this episode is used to to inclusively refer to all genders within the community. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotifyand YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcastare their own.
S1 E62 · Mon, October 14, 2024
62. What Booksellers Want
Crispin Jeffrey-Franco, owner of Stacks Book Club, joins Vickie Lan on the podcast to talk about tropes from a bookseller's perspective. Learn which tropes are tired and which tropes are on the rise, what booksellers look for when curating their list, and how indie authors can build relationships with their local bookstores. Note: Stacks Book Club will be hosting in-store novel writing events in November of their own design, unaffiliated with the NaNoWriMo organization. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
S1 E61 · Mon, October 07, 2024
61. Spice & Everything Nice
It's time to unpack spicy books with Wendy Dwan, LAC EMDR Therapist and smut expert! Wendy and Vickie Lan talk trigger warnings, societal impressions and taboos, and the mental health impacts of spicy fiction. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
S1 E60 · Mon, September 30, 2024
60. The Lawless Lawman
John Wick, Dexter, James Bond. Rob Hart joins Vickie Lan to discuss the Lawless Lawman character archetype in fiction as well as his book “Assassins Anonymous”. What makes operating outside of the law so attractive? And is this character truly lawless, or does he just have a personal code that he holds above the law? The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
S1 E59 · Mon, September 23, 2024
59. RECORDED LIVE: Infidelity, guilt, and self-exploration with Jessica Elisheva Emerson
Wife-swapping, traditions, religious identities, and self-exploration. This episode was filmed live at Stacks Book Club with Vickie Lan as part of author Jessica Elisheva Emerson's debut book tour for "Olive Days", now available! VIDEO: Watch the video interview on Spotify! Stacks Book Club is an indie bookstore located in Oro Valley, Arizona. Husband-and-wife owners, Crispin and Lizzy, believe in the importance of community and supporting local businesses. Learn more and order books by visiting https://www.stacksbookclub.com/. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
S1 E58 · Mon, September 16, 2024
58. We're back!
Vickie Lan returns to Speculative Sandbox with a new format! Learn what's new, what's changing, and what to look forward to. Episode note: - 4:42: I mention “industry professionals” in the context of working on contract within for a publishing house or movie studio, but but this term definitely shouldn’t minimize the professionalism and hard work of indie/self authors and artists! Need to update my vernacular 😅.
Bonus · Mon, December 25, 2023
[REWIND] Ensembles: The "Kings of the Wyld" character development tour
[Originally aired February 6, 2023] Happy holidays! We're revisiting our BEST episodes! Award-winning Author Nicholas Eames kicks off the spring 2023 season with a deep dive into the ensemble cast in his novel "Kings of the Wyld." Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Bonus · Mon, December 18, 2023
[REWIND] Cautionary Tales: Dystopian Societies
[Originally aired March 23, 2022] Happy holidays! We're revisiting our BEST episodes! Not all Dystopian societies are terrible...right? Guest writer Brad Allis joins me in a discussion of the dystopian trope, why we love to read and write them, and their small silver linings (if any!) Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Bonus · Mon, December 11, 2023
[REWIND] Am I the Drama? Problematic Protagonists
[Originally aired March 16, 2022] Happy holidays! We're revisiting our BEST EPISODES. Good protagonists, evil protagonists, evilly good protagonists? Author Matthew C. Brown joins Speculative Sandbox in a chat about complex protagonists, the appeal of evil characters, and how story telling has evolved as our interactions on social media take center stage. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Bonus · Mon, December 04, 2023
[REWIND] The End of the World: How to elevate the stakes beyond global annihilation
[Originally aired December 6, 2022] Happy holidays! We're revisiting our TOP EPISODES. Jason Pargin, New York Times Bestselling Author of the John Dies at the End and Zoe Ashe books series, joins the podcast to talk about the end of the world. What is it about this trope that has a hold on society? And is our worldwide demise enough stakes to get the audience truly invested? You won't want to miss this one. Your survival depends on it. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
S1 E57 · Mon, November 27, 2023
57. LIVE RECORDING: Father-and-son relationships and male friendships with Matt Mendez
Welcome to Speculative Sandbox's first live recording, in partnership with Stacks Book Club and Pine Reads Reviews. Author Matt Mendez talks about his new book, "The Broke Hearts", and unpacks the heartbreak of intergenerational trauma, father and son relationships, and the importance of male friendships. VIDEO: Watch the video interview on Spotify! Stacks Book Club is an indie bookstore located in Oro Valley, Arizona. Husband-and-wife owners, Crispin and Lizzy, believe in the importance of community and supporting local businesses. Learn more and order books by visiting https://www.stacksbookclub.com/. Pine Reads Review is an online children’s and young adult literature publication run by University of Arizona undergraduates in Tucson, Arizona committed to showcasing a combination of debut, diverse, and established authors. For more information, visit https://www.pinereadsreview.com/. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Bonus · Mon, November 20, 2023
Author Takeover: Can you judge a book by its cover?
Author Daniel Bautz returns to the podcast in this Author Takeover to walk you through the book cover design process. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Bonus · Mon, November 13, 2023
Author takeover: Moby Dick, a fantasy novel?
Is Moby Dick one of the greatest secondary world fantasies ever written? Author David Hopkins takes over the podcast to discuss this classic novel through a new lens. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Bonus · Mon, November 06, 2023
Author Takeover: Deals with the Devil
Author Vanessa Thurgood joins the podcast in this Author Takeover to discuss the "Deals with the Devil" trope. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Bonus · Mon, October 30, 2023
Author Takeover: Finding authenticity in horror writing
Happy Halloween! Author John James Minster returns to the podcast to share his experience with the paranormal and how he instills authenticity in his horror writing. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Bonus · Mon, October 23, 2023
Author Takeover: Ways to channel the writing muse
Do you have difficulty starting your manuscript? You may remember Author and Roundtable Radio podcast host Odin Halvorson from our episode on Maps. He returns in this Author Takeover to discuss the ways writers can channel their creative muse. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Bonus · Mon, October 16, 2023
Author Takeover: Birth of a Superhero
Newcomer and author D. A. Randall joins the podcast to talk about the Birth of a Superhero. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Bonus · Mon, October 09, 2023
Author Takeover: The importance of community
Please welcome newcomer Author Katee Stein to Speculative Sandbox, where she walks us through the importance of creating safe spaces and communities as writers. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Bonus · Mon, October 02, 2023
Author Takeover: The evolution of storytelling in media
Author Garrett K. Jones from our episode on “Unreliable Narrators” takes over the podcast to examine the evolution of storytelling in media, from the episodic format of early sitcoms to the long-form storytelling of today. Examples include the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Friends, and How I Met Your Mother. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
S1 E56 · Mon, September 25, 2023
56. Symbolism - the hidden layers of storytelling
Drag Queen and Author Joshua Valentine, the "Lady Gaga of the Writing World", joins Speculative Sandbox to unpack symbolism in storytelling. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
S1 E55 · Mon, September 18, 2023
55. Succession: The race for power
Fantasy author and Shakespeare teacher David Hopkins joins the podcast to talk about the twisted paths of succession. From George R.R. Martin’s “Game of Thrones” to HBO’s “Succession”, what makes an effective succession story? We’ll discuss the types of characters that make good contenders, real-life succession stories, and the ways writers can make the succession journey as messy as possible. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
S1 E54 · Mon, September 11, 2023
54. Mass Hysteria
Continuing our talk from our episode "Madness", Ian Young returns to the podcast to talk about "Mass Hysteria." What did the term "hysteria" originally mean? And does a panic on a large scale always have a scientific explanation? Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
S1 E53 · Mon, September 04, 2023
53. Scifaiku and Astropoetry
What is scifaiku and astropoetry? Wendy Van Camp, Poet Laureate for the City of Anaheim, CA, joins the podcast for a poetry reading and lesson. Participate in the lesson! Read the words submitted by our listeners below, write your own scifaiku, and send it to vickielan@gmail.com or direct message Speculative Sandbox on Instagram. We'll share your poem on social media! Sci-fi trope: Cybernetic implants Aliens are humans Time travel AI goes rogue Fish out of water Robots Evil aliens The ghost in the machine Emotional words: Tearful Distraught Horny Anxiety/Anxious Somber Exhausted Season/time: Serendipity Birth Spring Winter Autumn Dusk Crack epidemic Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
S1 E52 · Mon, August 28, 2023
52. Customized Humans: Gene-editing and mutations
Could we one day customize our own bodies? Author and podcast host Jordan Griffin joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about gene-editing. How close are we to science fiction? We break down the science, including CRISPR technology, genetically-modified foods, and the ethical concerns of human experimentation. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
S1 E51 · Mon, August 21, 2023
51. Female Sleuths
From combatting systemic oppression to leaning into gender stereotypes to solve the case, female sleuths tend to find themselves in interesting situations. Author Brittany Sweeting joins the podcast to talk about female sleuths! We discuss famous characters like Nancy Drew, Enola Holmes, and Jessica Jones, as well as break down the difference between an amateur sleuth and detective. Finally, we explore real-world sleuthing, including social media and safety in the age of modern dating. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
S1 E50 · Mon, August 14, 2023
50. Robots: A Character Study
Author and robot enthusiast Mara Lynn Johnstone joins Speculative Sandbox to unpack the character development opportunities of fictional robots. From killing machines to tools and the childlike mind, what kind of character arcs can authors explore to give their robots depth? And does a self-fulfilled robot serve humanity's needs? Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
S1 E49 · Mon, August 07, 2023
49. Unreliable Narrators
Can we always trust what we read? Author and podcaster Garrett K. Jones joins Speculative Sandbox to unpack the unreliable narrator. Whether it’s due to exaggeration, madness, naivety, lying, or having an outsider’s perspective, the unreliable narrator will leave the reader guessing and, to some extent, questioning their own sanity. Memory lapse: Which book did Vickie have to stop reading because it was so triggering? It was #fashion victim by Amina Akhtar! Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
S1 E48 · Mon, July 31, 2023
48. Redemption: When bad characters turn good
Author Matthew C. Brown returns to the podcast to discuss the redemption character arc! We cover the important characteristics of a redeemable villain using examples in fiction, as well as discuss characters who didn't deserve their redemption arc and characters who should've been redeemed, but weren't. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
S1 E47 · Mon, July 24, 2023
47. RUNAWAY A.I. PART II: ChatGPT and what it means to be a writer
Author Neal Holtschulte returns to the podcast to discuss the latest developments in artificial intelligence, including ChatGPT and its impact on writers and industry professionals, how A.I. is portrayed in speculative fiction compared to real life, and whether or not A.I. has actual feelings. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
S1 E46 · Mon, July 17, 2023
46: Whodunit? The usual suspects
The butler did it! Or...did they? Author Gabrielle Chmilar joins the podcast to investigate the usual suspects in a "whodunit" mystery, as well as the plot structure that allows authors to truly surprise their readers in the second-half of the story. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
S1 E45 · Mon, July 10, 2023
45. So You're Writing About Paranormal Investigations
Whether you're writing about paranormal investigations or are simply curious, author and paranormal investigator Daniel Bautz joins the podcast with a wealth of information that will inspire even the non-believer. We'll walk you through the investigative process, including what to expect when you're on a haunted site, the best tools to use, and the types of encounters. Daniel even assesses a ghostly encounter that Vickie Lan had in her childhood home, with chilling results. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
S1 E44 · Mon, July 03, 2023
44. Music and Storytelling
Fantasy Author and Podcaster Richie Billing joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about music and storytelling, where we cover musical history, character leitmotifs, genre sound coding, and the psychological benefits of music. MUSIC NOTE: It wouldn't be an episode about music without music! As much as we would love to feature the actual music mentioned in this podcast, we simply don't have the licensing :) Thank goodness for stock music. Music credits: Soundstripe, Motion Array. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Bonus · Mon, June 26, 2023
[REWIND] The Immortality Dilemma: Legacy building gone wrong
[Originally published March 30, 2022] Ghostwriter and editor Leslie Hinson joins Speculative Sandbox on the search for immortality. Like Dorian Gray and his aging portrait, how do different characters avoid death? How does legacy building ensure our future? And what happens when someone else takes control? Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Bonus · Mon, June 19, 2023
[REWIND] Love and Death: Greek Myth Tropes and Archetypes
[Originally published April 20, 2022] Greek mythology set the standard for many story tropes and character archetypes seen in today’s fiction. From tragedies to triumphant battles, petty arguments to unrequited love, the Greek Gods continue to leave a lasting impression because they are undeniably relatable. USA Today Bestselling Romance Author Carly Spade joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about the allure of the greek gods, their shadier pasts, and her approach for retelling their stories to a modern audience. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Bonus · Mon, June 12, 2023
[REWIND] Corporatocracy: "The Warehouse" world-building tour
[Originally published September 13, 2022] Author Rob Hart explores the horrors of working in an Amazon-esque corporation in his dystopian thriller “The Warehouse”. Learn about the real-world conditions and events that influenced this book, Rob’s world-building strategies, and how to create a complex billionaire villain. How far away are we from a corporatocracy? And...how can we prevent one? Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Bonus · Mon, June 05, 2023
AUTHOR TAKEOVER: Examining Edgar Allan Poe
Author John James Minster takes over the podcast this week to examine Edgar Allan Poe. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Trailer · Sun, June 04, 2023
Speculative Sandbox Trailer
Take a sneak peak.
Bonus · Mon, May 29, 2023
[REWIND] Chasing Utopia: The Horrors of Perfection
[Originally published April 6, 2022.] Thomas More coined the term "Utopia" in his 1516 book of the same name, but is it really the ideal place to live? Author Jacob Devlin joins Vickie Lan in a discussion about fictional utopian societies, what makes them wonderful at first glance, and what makes them terrifying once you read between the lines. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Bonus · Mon, May 22, 2023
[BONUS] Playing God: A short look at "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3"
What does the High Evolutionary and Nazi Germany have in common? The "playing god on society" trope is prevalent in both fiction and real life, and for speculative fiction writers, it's an opportunity to examine the systems and world-building that enables such villainous acts. Disclaimer: this episode briefly summarizes some of the horrifying events that happened during the Holocaust. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Bonus · Mon, May 15, 2023
AUTHOR TAKEOVER: Stop being an "aspiring" writer
Got a graveyard of WIPs in your Google Drive? #WriterProblems Caitlin Fisher first came on the show to discuss time travel tropes and is back again to talk about the process of writing a first draft and how they help coach beginner writers to finish their first drafts in the face of imposter syndrome, comparison, and self-doubt. Listen in to learn: How to stop being an "aspiring" writer and claim the title of writer The change to their writing routine that allowed them to write 104k words in a year, up from approximately 0 When to stop learning HOW to write and learn BY writing How to shift from hustling perfectionist to balanced storyteller The importance of taking breaks for integrating your new skills Interested in writing your own first draft in the next twelve months? Get on the Working Title waitlist at www.workingtitlestudio.com ! Check out Caitlin around the internet at @CaitlinLizFisher on Instagram, CaitlinLizFisher.com, and the Neurodivergent Creative Podcast. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Mon, May 08, 2023
43. Single-Biome Planets: Desert, ice, swamps, and beyond
Author Neal Holtschlute joins the podcast to take a tour through the universe to hunt for single-biome planets. These are staple locations in science fiction, most notably used in Star Wars, where a single eco-system wraps an entire planet. How realistic are single-biome planets? And do we have some right in our own solar system?
S1 E42 · Mon, May 01, 2023
42. Mind Control: From conditioning to the hive mind
Is mind control REAL? Author A.R. Mirabal joins the podcast this week to talk about all the ways a mind can be controlled in fiction and in real life, including conditioning and the hive mind. We even go into the challenges of overcoming a very real form of mind control - the algorithm.
S1 E41 · Mon, April 24, 2023
41. Castles: A writer's world-building tour
You have your King. You have your Queen. Now what? Learn from S.G. Blaise the ins and outs of castles. From defense and court life to waste management (or the lack thereof), S.G. takes us on a tour of anything you may want to know for your storybook setting.
S1 E40 · Mon, April 17, 2023
40. Dogma: Systems of authority
"You can't have fantasy fiction without some sort of dogma, it seems." Author Quillem McBreen has a wealth of knowledge on the topic of dogma in speculative fiction. Learn about the different guiding principals explored in fantasy novels like "Game of Thrones", "American Gods", and "Wheel of Time", as well as the dogmatic systems that have a impact on our everyday lives.
Mon, April 10, 2023
39. Madness: Mental health in speculative fiction
How is madness portrayed in fiction, and what impacts do our stories have on the real world? Author Ian Young joins the podcast today to talk about his personal experience with madness, the importance of mental health education, and the ways writers can use madness effectively in their stories.
S1 E38 · Mon, April 03, 2023
38. Corporate Colonialism: Systems and motives of exploitation
The Avatar movie franchise is just one of many fictional works that explore corporate colonialism, the practice of a corporation maintaining or extending its control over other countries, especially in establishing settlements or exploiting resources. Writer Lindsay DeFrates join the podcast today to talk about what drives corporate colonialism, how it impacts the native populations, and how fiction can be an effective tool for change.
S1 E37 · Mon, March 27, 2023
37. Folk Horror: The horrors of nature and humanity
Isolated settings. Superstitions. Natural forces. Author Kacey Rayburn joins the podcast to talk about folk horror. What makes this sub-genre so chilling? We cover the common elements and themes, unpack some of well-known titles (Midsommar anyone?) and ask ourselves the big question: Is the scariest part of folk horror the demon in the woods....or is it us?
S1 E36 · Mon, March 20, 2023
36. Time Travel: Paradoxes and time loops
If you could travel back to any time period, when would it be? Writer Caitlin Fisher and I discuss this question, as well as tackle the tangled and complex topic of Time Travel. From the MCU’s multi-verse to the Grandfather Paradox, how can writers explore time travel in their work? And can we do our own time-travel right now, with our memories?
S1 E35 · Mon, March 13, 2023
35. Resurrection: When death can't hold you down
Author John James Minster joins Speculative Sandbox to discuss all the ways we can come back after death: resurrections, reincarnation, realistic revivals, ghosts, and more. Have a taste for the horror? John also gives some advice on how to make your story particularly terrifying.
S1 E34 · Mon, March 06, 2023
34. Food in Fiction: A menu of culinary literary devices
Author J. Dianne Dotson joins the podcast to talk about food in fiction. We’ll start off with an appetizer of rapid-fire questions, followed by a starter salad of literary devices, then the main course meal of food across different genres. Then, for a little dessert, we tease a future of lab-printed food.
S1 E33 · Mon, February 27, 2023
33. Magic Systems: Should magic users be forced to reveal themselves?
Matthew C. Brown returns to the podcast to talk about Magic Systems! We discuss the fundamentals of magic in fantasy, whether or not science fiction and technology are magical, and how we can challenge the traditional light versus dark in binary magic systems. Stick around until the end, where we debate the classic question: if magic users existed in our modern society, should they be forced to reveal themselves?
S1 E32 · Mon, February 20, 2023
32. Spaceships: From take-off to "ludicrous" speed
U.S.S. Enterprise. Millennium Falcon. Battlestar Galactica. Author and aerospace engineer S.J. Schauer takes our listeners to school with a discussion on spaceships. How can writers apply real-world concepts to their spacecrafts? Is light-speed travel really possible? And what is the most impractical spacecraft seen in fiction?
S1 E31 · Mon, February 13, 2023
31. Meet Cutes: From the serendipitous to the sinister
Author Salem Miles joins the podcast to talk about Meet Cutes! What happens when two potentially-romantic characters cross paths? From character dynamics to real-world experiences, this is an episode you won't want to miss this Valentine's week.
S1 E30 · Mon, February 06, 2023
30. Ensembles: The "Kings of the Wyld" character development tour
Award-winning Author Nicholas Eames kicks off the spring 2023 season with a deep dive into the ensemble cast in his novel "Kings of the Wyld."
Bonus · Mon, January 30, 2023
AUTHOR TAKEOVER: Writing Tie-In Fiction
Author Marsheila Rockwell takes over the podcast this week to talk about tie-in fiction. Speculative Sandbox will return to our regular interview format in February. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok for information on episodes and soundbites.
Bonus · Mon, January 23, 2023
AUTHOR TAKEOVER: A journey from plotting to pantsing a novel
Author Andrew Dart takes over the podcast this week to talk about plotting and pantsing a novel. Speculative Sandbox will return to our regular interview format in February. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok for information on episodes and soundbites.
Bonus · Mon, January 16, 2023
AUTHOR TAKEOVER: Tricksters!
Author and Podcaster Jacob Devlin takes over the podcast this week to talk about tricksters in speculative fiction. Speculative Sandbox will return to our regular interview format in February. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok for information on episodes and soundbites.
Bonus · Mon, January 09, 2023
AUTHOR TAKEOVER: How does a potato help you understand your characters?
Author Lucy A. McLaren takes over the podcast this week to talk about how she uses counseling strategies to develop her characters. Speculative Sandbox will return to our regular interview format in February. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok for information on episodes and soundbites.
Mon, January 02, 2023
AUTHOR TAKEOVER: The beginning
Author Matthew C. Brown takes over the podcast this week to take you back to the beginning...of your story. When is a prologue helpful or hurtful? And how can writers improve their beginnings to hook their readers? Speculative Sandbox will return to our regular interview format in February. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok for information on episodes and soundbites.
Tue, December 27, 2022
Best of 2022 and looking ahead to 2023
Happy New Year! Learn what's planned for next year and hear a roundup of our 2022 episodes.
Sun, December 25, 2022
Day Twelve of "Twelve Days of Tropes"
Hint: This trope has mystical origins. We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear. Episode notes: Resources: TVTropes.org Music from Pixabay
Sat, December 24, 2022
Day Eleven of "Twelve Days of Tropes"
Hint: This trope has extreme disparities. We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear. Episode notes: Resources: TVTropes.org Music from Pixabay
Bonus · Fri, December 23, 2022
Day Ten of "Twelve Days of Tropes"
This trope is not what it seems. We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear. Episode notes: Resources: TVTropes.org Music from Pixabay
Bonus · Thu, December 22, 2022
Day Nine of "Twelve Days of Tropes"
Hint: This trope may come back again. We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not-so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear. Episode notes: Resources: TVTropes.org Music from Pixabay
Bonus · Wed, December 21, 2022
Day Eight of "Twelve Days of Tropes"
This trope might leave you feeling reflective. We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear. Episode notes: Resources: TVTropes.org Music from Pixabay
Bonus · Tue, December 20, 2022
Day Seven of "Twelve Days of Tropes"
Hint: This trope goes up and down. We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear. Episode notes: Resources: TVTropes.org Music from Pixabay
Bonus · Mon, December 19, 2022
Day Six of "Twelve Days of Tropes"
Hint: This trope may give you a sinking feeling. We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear. Episode notes: Resources: TVTropes.org Music from Pixabay
Bonus · Sun, December 18, 2022
Day Five of "Twelve Days of Tropes"
Hint: This trope is unsettlingly shaped. We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear. Episode notes: Resources: TVTropes.org Music from Pixabay
Bonus · Sat, December 17, 2022
Day Four of "Twelve Days of Tropes"
Hint: This trope might be shaped like a candlestick. We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear. Episode notes: Resources: TVTropes.org Music from Pixabay
Bonus · Fri, December 16, 2022
Day Three of "Twelve Days of Tropes"
Hint: This trope may keep you up at night. We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear. Episode notes: Resources: TVTropes.org Music from Pixabay
Bonus · Thu, December 15, 2022
Day Two of "Twelve Days Of Tropes"
Hint: This trope has been handed down for generations. We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear. Episode notes: Resources: TVTropes.org Music from Pixabay
Bonus · Wed, December 14, 2022
Day One of "Twelve Days of Tropes"
Hint: This trope comes from a place of authority. We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear. Episode notes: Resources: TVTropes.org Music from Pixabay
S1 E29 · Tue, December 06, 2022
29. The End of the World: How to elevate the stakes beyond global annihilation
Jason Pargin, New York Times Bestselling Author of the John Dies at the End and Zoe Ashe books series, joins the podcast to talk about the end of the world. What is it about this trope that has a hold on society? And is our worldwide demise enough stakes to get the audience truly invested? You won't want to miss this one. Your survival depends on it.
S1 E28 · Tue, November 29, 2022
28. Taverns: Liquid courage for writers
Drink up, me hearties! Writer Brad Allis returns to the podcast to discuss the role of taverns in speculative fiction. Why are they such useful locations for story telling? We talk about our favorite fictional taverns and some of our own original cocktails.
S1 E27 · Tue, November 22, 2022
27. Maps: Fictional placemaking and world building
Writer and co-founder of the Round Table Writers, Odin Halvorson, joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about fictional placemaking. What can we learn from fantasy classics like Westeros and Narnia? And how can we push the boundaries of maps to present entirely new concepts, particularly in the science fiction genre? We talk about all this and more.
S1 E26 · Tue, November 15, 2022
26. De-Stressing the Damsel: Getting off the train tracks
The damsel in distress is a classic trope that typically places a female character in danger so that the hero can save the day. Author Bibiana Krall returns to the podcast to discuss this trope, how it impacts everyone, and the ways we can de-stress the damsel role.
S1 E25 · Tue, November 08, 2022
25. Runaway A.I.: The technological singularity
Could computers one day take all our jobs? It's a scary possibility, but that's not all A.I. can do. Author Neal Holtschulte joins the podcast to talk about technological singularity in fiction and in real life. How close are we to this singularity? And what does it mean for humanity?
S1 E24 · Tue, November 01, 2022
24. Modern Gods: The Algorithm, Google, and Karen
If future theologians were to examine artifacts from today, what conclusions could they reach about our society that could be interpreted as modern gods? Author Andrew Dart joins me to discuss our modern rituals and belief systems. Which modern god do you subscribe to? And what is the sacrifice in doing so?
S1 E23 · Tue, October 25, 2022
23. HALLOWEEN SPECIAL (WITH VIDEO!): Tea leaves and spooky reads
Happy Halloween! Author Bibiana Krall returns to the podcast to talk about Halloween traditions and share spooky stories, followed by a live tea leaves reading! To get the full experience, watch the video on Spotify or YouTube. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5MvhLXzUWQp7FbkeMiMKRk?si=-uwnxdasS9GZEvB7ETnpng YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCqKsIfTIkHxYTH3guo6xzVQ
S1 E22 · Tue, October 18, 2022
22. Emergency Responders: Alien invasions and zombie outbreaks
Writers: So you want to write about a mass emergency? Learn from guest writer and former firefighter Thomas Slatin about real life emergency response and communications. Topics covered include alien invasions, incoming meteors, nuclear fallout, and more.
S1 E21 · Tue, October 11, 2022
21. Sexuality in Speculative Fiction
Digital Publishing expert and Writer Nick Coveney joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about sexuality in speculative fiction, specifically the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation. We discuss how fiction can be used to challenge "norms", the pressures (and importance!) of representing a marginalized group, the political backlash to having more diverse voices in books, and how authors like J.K. Rowling can hurt a community. Also, do you love X-men? Stay for the deep dive at the end.
S1 E20 · Tue, October 04, 2022
20. Dragons: Western and Eastern mythical beasts
Fantasy Author Danielle Orsino joins the podcast to talk about dragon representation in fiction! We cover the differences between western and eastern dragons, common tropes, and Danielle's unique method for making her dragons as realistic as possible on the page.
S1 E19 · Tue, September 27, 2022
19. Fighting Words: Everybody loves conflict writing
Fight sequences can be thrilling on the screen, but how can you make them equally thrilling on the page? Writer Matthew. C Brown joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about our favorite fight scenes, tips and trick for writing one, and some pitfalls to avoid.
S1 E18 · Tue, September 20, 2022
18. The Chosen One: When the world really does revolve around you
The Chosen One is arguably one of the most loved or hated story tropes, and Author Lucy A. McLaren joins the podcast to explain why. We cover some famous examples, discuss how the Chosen One is the perfect setup for a villain, and how marginalized characters bring a fresh perspective to the trope.
S1 E17 · Tue, September 13, 2022
17. Corporatocracy: "The Warehouse" world-building tour
Author Rob Hart explores the horrors of working in an Amazon-esque corporation in his dystopian thriller “The Warehouse”. Learn about the real-world conditions and events that influenced this book, Rob’s world-building strategies, and how to create a complex billionaire villain. How far away are we from a corporatocracy? And...how can we prevent one?
Bonus · Tue, September 06, 2022
TRAILER: Fall 2022 season
We're back! Get a sneak preview of the Fall 2022 season topics: Corporatocracy, The Chosen One, Fighting Words, Dragons, Sexuality in Speculative Fiction, Emergency Responders, Modern Gods, Runaway A.I., De-Stressing the Damsel, Maps, Taverns.
Bonus · Tue, July 05, 2022
BONUS: Speculative Sandbox goes on summer break
Don't fret, we'll be back soon in the fall. Learn how you can participate in future episodes, or tell us what tropes you'd like to learn about next!
S1 E16 · Tue, June 28, 2022
16. Drugs & Robots: "The Body Scout" World-Building Tour
"The Body Scout" by Lincoln Michel has been heralded as a “timeless and original” sci-fi thriller ( New York Times ) about a hardboiled baseball scout who must solve the murder of his brother in a world transformed by body modification. Sit back as Vickie Lan and author Lincoln Michel take you on a tour of this cyberpunk world. *NOTE!* Reading the book is not a requirement for following along with this episode. There will be world-building spoilers, but no plot spoilers. If you prefer zero spoilers, feel free to come back and listen when you're ready!
S1 E15 · Tue, June 21, 2022
15. Ghost Stories: Real-Life Hauntings and Fictional Tropes
Vickie Lan and Author Bibiana Krall talk about ghost stories and real-life hauntings! Why do ghosts come back? How can writers capture a chilling encounter in an authentic way? And why should you ignore the shadow in the corner? Learn all this and more in this deliciously spooky episode.
S1 E14 · Tue, June 14, 2022
14. The Internet Is Dead: Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories seek answers for the patterns we see in everyday life. They can be fun, they could be important, and they can also be dangerous. Aspiring writer Mike Crawford joins the podcast to discuss Q-anon, Flat Earth, the Dead Internet theory, and more.
S1 E13 · Tue, June 07, 2022
13. Unhappy Endings: The Good, The Bad, and the Bittersweet
Have you ever finished a book and wanted to throw it across the room? Or have you ever left the theater with tears running down your face? Beta-reader Elizabeth Brown joins the podcast to talk about unhappy endings. What purpose do they serve? Do you love or hate them? And what famous happily-ever-after story should have ended on a low note? DISCLAIMER: we do talk about endings of popular fiction! If you prefer to not be spoiled, you may need to skip this episode or fast-forward at your discretion.
S1 E12 · Tue, May 31, 2022
12. Shared Universes: Many Stories, One World
Middle Earth, the Wizarding World, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe are just a few examples of shared universes where independent stories exist with interconnecting characters, locations, and events. Matthew C. Brown returns to the podcast to discuss the joys and challenges of writing a shared universe.
S1 E11 · Tue, May 24, 2022
11. Space Cities: The Challenges of Leaving Earth
BSFA-Award-Winning Author Gareth L. Powell joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about space colonies! Will we ever leave Earth? Which planets would make good homes? And how can science fiction writers warn us of potential pitfalls? Go on a tour through our solar system with us.
S1 E10 · Tue, May 17, 2022
10. Modern Heroes for Modern Problems
It's hard to look anywhere without seeing comic book superheroes. From Marvel's MCU domination to DC's attempt to reboot their characters again...and again...and again...maybe it's time to give superheroes an upgrade. Author Brad Allis revisits Speculative Sandbox to talk about the evolution of superheroes in pop culture and what superheroes would be like today if they took on modern problems with modern solutions.
S1 E9 · Tue, May 10, 2022
9. Doomed Mentors: Common Occupational Hazards
It's not easy being a hero. It's even worse being the mentor. Why do most mentors die a gruesome death right before the hero wins the day? Writer Jonathan Carlson and Vickie Lan unpack this trope, looking at popular examples from books and movies, and discuss ways to make this plot device feel fresh again.
Bonus · Mon, May 09, 2022
BONUS: Query Letters and Analysis Paralysis
Vickie Lan answers questions submitted to the Speculative Sandbox Instagram or Twitter DMs.
S1 E8 · Wed, May 04, 2022
8. Asian American Voices in Speculative Fiction
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Vickie Lan chats with editor and "Bookish Brews" blogger Amanda Khong about speculative fiction that is meaningful to them, magic, and the importance of representation in the book industry.
S1 E7 · Wed, April 20, 2022
7. Love and Death: Greek Myth Tropes and Archetypes
Greek mythology set the standard for many story tropes and character archetypes seen in today’s fiction. From tragedies to triumphant battles, petty arguments to unrequited love, the Greek Gods continue to leave a lasting impression because they are undeniably relatable. USA Today Bestselling Romance Author Carly Spade joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about the allure of the greek gods, their shadier pasts, and her approach for retelling their stories to a modern audience.
S1 E6 · Mon, April 18, 2022
6. Crafting the Villain: Dark Triad Personalities
We watch them on TV. We read about them in books. We learn about their nefarious behaviors in the news. I’m talking about Dark Triad Personalities. Narcissists. Machiavellians. Psychopaths. They’re the villains of both our stories and our real lives. Author Marsheila Rockwell joins Vickie Lan in a discussion of what defines these three personality types, how they apply to both fictional and real-life people, and the ways writers can develop compelling Dark Triad characters.
S1 E5 · Wed, April 06, 2022
5. Chasing Utopia: The Horrors of Perfection
Thomas More coined the term "Utopia" in his 1516 book of the same name, but is it really the ideal place to live? Author Jacob Devlin joins Vickie Lan in a discussion about fictional utopian societies, what makes them wonderful at first glance, and what makes them terrifying once you read between the lines.
S1 E4 · Wed, March 30, 2022
4. The Immortality Dilemma: Legacy building gone wrong
Ghostwriter and editor Leslie Hinson joins Speculative Sandbox on the search for immortality. Like Dorian Gray and his aging portrait, how do different characters avoid death? How does legacy building ensure our future? And what happens when someone else takes control?
S1 E3 · Wed, March 23, 2022
3. Cautionary Tales: Dystopian Societies
Not all Dystopian societies are terrible...right? Guest writer Brad Allis joins me in a discussion of the dystopian trope, why we love to read and write them, and their small silver linings (if any!)
S1 E2 · Wed, March 16, 2022
2. Am I the Drama? Problematic Protagonists
Good protagonists, evil protagonists, evilly good protagonists? Author Matthew C. Brown joins Speculative Sandbox in a chat about complex protagonists, the appeal of evil characters, and how story telling has evolved as our interactions on social media take center stage.
S1 E1 · Wed, March 09, 2022
1. Introduction: A podcast for speculative fiction writers
What is speculative fiction? What can you expect from this podcast? Who am I? Learn all this and more in the introductory episode of Speculative Sandbox.
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