Winter in the Pacific Northwest carries its own storytelling language—salt air and tide lines, ferry crossings, evergreen rain, storm winds, and the cozy glow of small-town community. In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, host Tyrean Martinson talks with Susanne Bacon, author of the Wycliffe novels, about writing sense of place so vividly readers feel like they can visit tomorrow.

Susanne shares how she builds her fictional Puget Sound town of Wycliffe (between Olympia and Seattle) using real regional textures—Olympic Mountain views, island silhouettes, waterfront parks, ferry terminals, and the changing smell of high tide vs. low tide. We also dig into how her journalism background shaped her as an observer of people and community, and how listening to real stories helps her craft believable characters without writing one-to-one from life.

This episode also arrives in the tender beauty of Christmas—Tyrean reflects on Christmas Eve worship, carols, and singing “Silent Night” by candlelight, remembering that Jesus is the Light of the World—our Emmanuel—God’s light shining in the darkness.

Find Susanne Bacon HERE

Tyrean's Tales

In this solo episode, Tyrean Martinson shares seven fiction and reflection writing prompts inspired by the worldbuilding philosophy of Irish science fiction and fantasy author Damien Larkin. Drawing on themes of layered realism, military-influenced settings, terrain-driven storytelling, and organic world growth, these prompts invite writers to create believable, lived-in speculative worlds. Released during Christmas week, the episode also reflects on Immanuel—God with us—and the quiet presence of hope in the creative process.

Find the prompts from this episode at Tyrean's Tales

Irish author Damien Larkin joins me to discuss gritty worldbuilding, military-influenced science fiction and fantasy, and writing stories that grow organically over time. From dinosaurs instead of dragons to societies shaped by centuries of war, this conversation explores realism, layered storytelling, and the craft of building believable worlds.

Damien Larkin's Website

Dancing Lemur Press for Damien

Tyrean's Tales

In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, I share a cozy fireside reading from my epic fantasy novel Dark Blade Forged.

Dark Blade Forged follows a young swordsman whose encounter with a cursed blade sets him on a path of sacrifice, justice, and difficult choices—where light must be chosen again and again.

These readings are part of a limited series of podcast episodes featuring chapters from Dark Blade Forged, Book One of The Dark Blade Trilogy. The ebook is currently available for 99 cents, with the full trilogy launching on Kickstarter in March 2026.

Tyrean also shares updates on her upcoming poetry releases, including a second edition of Light Reflections and her new poetry collection To Speak, releasing in January 2026.

Perfect for fans of epic fantasy, Christian fantasy, reflective storytelling, and listeners who enjoy stories told by the firelight during the Christmas season and New Year.

Tyrean's Website

99 cent Dark Blade Forged ebook

The Dark Blade Trilogy Prelaunch Page on Kickstarter

In this writing prompt episode of The Truth About Storytelling, Tyrean Martinson shares a set of creative writing prompts inspired by her recent conversation with author and editor Jemi Fraser.

These prompts explore practical storytelling tools and techniques, including story bibles and spreadsheets, visual mapping, intentional character naming, research that lives alongside the draft, and using pop culture references to reveal character. The episode also includes a fiction prompt inspired by romantic suspense, focusing on trust, tension, and emotional stakes.

Listeners will also hear updates on Tyrean’s upcoming poetry collection To Speak (releasing in January), Friday fiction readings from Dark Blade Forged, a limited-time 99¢ deal on Dark Blade Forged, and a preview of upcoming podcast interviews with Damien Larkin and Susanne Bacon.

This episode is perfect for writers seeking gentle, practical prompts, sustainable creative systems, and encouragement for telling honest, engaging stories.

In this episode, Author Jemi Fraser joins Tyrean Martinson for a craft-focused conversation on small-town storytelling and sense of place. Jemi shares how her fictional towns Fail and Blue Moose evolved into central story elements, how she maintains continuity across interconnected series, and how to introduce realistic suspense without losing a cozy tone. The episode also covers writing habits, research, recurring character Easter eggs, and Jemi’s latest series, Pick Your Spot, set on an apple farm and rooted in themes of community, stewardship, and belonging.

Jemi Fraser

In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, I read Chapters 8-11 of Dark Blade Forged, and give some author notes at the end about the characters and about sword-fighting experience as a one-time collegiate fencer.

99cent ebook of Dark Blade Forged

The Dark Blade Trilogy Kickstarter prelaunch page

Tyrean's Tales my website

Writing thrives in conversation.

In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, I share five original writing prompts inspired by the creative encouragement, mindset wisdom, and storytelling conversations offered by five podcasters and creators I deeply respect.

Drawing on themes like curiosity, sustainability, discipline, gentleness, play, and permission, these prompts are designed to help fiction writers re-enter their stories with fresh energy—whether you’re writing fantasy, romance, thrillers, or speculative fiction.

You’ll find prompts inspired by:

* Joanna Penn – creative legacy, curiosity, and the long view

* Craig Martelle – clarity, momentum, and forward motion

* Colleen M. Story – hope, persistence, and the inner life of writers

* Elisabeth Wheatley – curiosity, humor, and the joy of research

* Becca Syme – permission, process, and writing in a way that fits you

These prompts are not summaries or reproductions of their work, but original exercises shaped by the encouragement their creative voices offer to the writing community.

Whether you’re stuck, tired, or simply looking for a new angle into your story, this episode invites you to write—curiously, courageously, and with care.

At the end of the episode, I mentioned my Kickstarter. Any support would be awesome, even in the prelaunch phase. The Dark Blade Trilogy Kickstarter.