Fictional Problems

This is Fictional Problems, a podcast where we discuss all things writing, in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland. Join hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin as they explore a viral definition of the writing process.
"You can create the characters, you design their personalities, their past, their dynamics, and then they refuse to behave the way you plan. At some point, you stop arguing with them and just take notes."
The hosts debate that idea—examining planning versus improvisation, character control, talent, fanfic influence, and the realities of long-term projects—offering practical takes and lively disagreement. Join us.
#Instagram #quote #plotting #writingtips #newpodcastepisode #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow
 
 

This is Fictional Problems, the podcast where hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin, in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland, reflect on their recent appearance on The Marlon Show (Dublin South 93.9 FM).
Joined by authors Daniel Wade and Donna Kennedy, they review a lively debate about AI in writing — covering fraud and deception (the Sam Blake case), using AI as a tool versus whole-cloth generation, questions of expertise, and whether AI can sustain long-form fiction.
They share their positive experience on the show, the dynamics of live versus remote participation, and invite listeners to join the conversation and check out the radio episode.
 
https://www.mixcloud.com/MarlonDublinSouthFM/lets-talk-about-writing-in-the-age-of-ai/
 
https://samblakebooks.com/warning-sam-blake-sam-fake/
 
#themarlonshow #DublinSouthFM #communityradio #writingcommunity #artificialintelligence #writingtips #newpodcastepisode #ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛy #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow
 
 

This episode of Fictional Problems explores why writers consider themselves "good writers." Hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin discuss motivations, processes, influences, worldbuilding, pacing, and the difference between craft and commercial success.
They reflect on publishing, external validation, the role of ego and inspiration, and how writers learn by blending influences into original work. Join them for an honest conversation about what makes writing meaningful and how to keep improving.
 
 
 
#WritingTips #newpodcastepisode #ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛy #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

This is Fictional Problems, the podcast where we discuss all things writing, in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland, with hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin.
In this episode, we examine Brandon Sanderson's Three Laws of Magic and several of Stephen King's rules on writing. We debate hard vs. soft magic, the importance of consistency and limitations, and practical tips (and traps) for writers.
 
#brandonsanderson #stephenking #writingrules
#WritingTips #newpodcastepisode #ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛy #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow
 
 
 

This is Fictional Problems, the podcast where we discuss all things writing in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland. Hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin dig into subplots, secondary characters, and the connective tissue that broadens a story—from exposition techniques to integrating side arcs naturally.
Using examples like Star Wars, Aliens, and A Song of Ice and Fire, they cover how to introduce, transition, and resolve subplots, when to cut what doesn’t serve the main plot, and how series versus standalones change your approach.
 
 
#writingtips #newpodcastepisode #ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛy #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow
 

This episode explores the value of reader comments and respect for reviewers, the power of a perfectly timed “mic drop” moment in storytelling, and how genre conventions—like how you kill a vampire—are flexible tools in worldbuilding. We also pitch a tongue-in-cheek campaign for every TV show to try a zombie episode, and discuss why long-running franchises can benefit from disappearing for a while.
Join hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin on Fictional Problems, the podcast about all things writing in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland.
 
#mikedrop #vampire #zombie #review #StarTrek
#writingtips #newpodcastepisode #ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛy #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow
 
 

In this episode of Fictional Problems, hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin tackle more Fictional Comments from fictional listeners about writing dilemmas: preventing time-travel fatigue and paradoxes, handling memory editing and what defines identity, and signalling unreliable narrators who don't realise they're unreliable.
We also discuss making machines and AI into characters and how to avoid writing dragons as humans with wings—practical craft tips for strange storytelling dilemmas and the emotional consequences that keep narratives believable.
 
 
#fictionalcomments #question #timetravel #dragons #unreliablenarrator
#writingtips #newpodcastepisode #ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #ScienceFiction #podcastshow

Fictional Problems explores writing craft through made-up listener letters in this playful episode. Hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin launch a new segment, "Fictional Comments," to debate real author dilemmas using fictional prompts.
Topics include whether character deaths should have memorable last words or haunting off‑page endings, whether magical societies would develop permits and paperwork, and how writers cope with reviews and feedback. Expect examples, craft tips, and lively opinions.
 
Join the hosts for a candid, entertaining conversation that uses fictional problems to illuminate real writing decisions.
 
#fictionalcomments #question #lastwords #writingtips #newpodcastepisode #ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #ScienceFiction #podcastshow
 
 

In this episode of Fictional Problems, Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin continue their discussion of identity fiction with a focused critique of recent Star Trek shows.
They contrast classic TNG episodes like "Measure of a Man" and "Chain of Command" with newer series, arguing modern entries prioritise surface identity politics over deep character-driven storytelling, and examine issues like representation, pacing, and franchise stewardship.
The hosts end with a call for stories that respect human complexity and the legacy of great science fiction writing.
 
THERE ARE FOUR LIGHTS!
 
#woke #wokeism 
#writingtips #newpodcastepisode #ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow
 
 
 
 

This is Fictional Problems, the podcast where we discuss all things writing, in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland. Hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin explore the idea of "woke" writing and ask what happens when identity is prioritised over story.
In this episode, they debate how those choices affect characters, themes, and audience engagement, draw on examples from film and TV, and consider whether storytelling should always come first. Join us for a frank conversation about representation, craft, and the stories that work.
#writingtips #newpodcastepisode #ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ #fantasybooks #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow