Long Story Short: The Official Podcast of The British Fantasy Society

Shen Tao joins Robin and David to discuss her debut, The Poet Empress, which released a day or so after us recording. A captivating and challenging story that does not shy away from difficult choices, inhabited by darkness, but shining brightly with bravery and love. We discuss Shen’s remarkable novel, matters of author self-care, character empathy, the experience of writing, and mice bombing asteroids.

David and Robin are joined by Cheryl Morgan, owner of Wizard's Tower Press. Come gather round to hear the insights of an experienced independent publisher on such matters as anthologies, the dealers' room, the colonisation of Welsh mythology, and the San Francisco 49ers. Cheryl gives away the secret to making a small fortune in publishing, and provides us with enough recommendations to break a TBR pile.

We are delighted to kick off our 2026 season with a novel (pun intended) format for us; we had so much fun discussing the important books Priya’s writing life that you can look forward to more such episodes in the future. So, dive into this fascinating selection box of literary gems.

https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/

’Twas the day before Christmas and all round the web, no podcaster was stirring, expect Rob and Dave…    Welcome to our final episode of 2025!

Okay, I’m sure there are plenty of other podcasts releasing today, but how many of them will take you on a journey stopping off at chronic teeth-grinding, Simon & Garfunkel, writing 20,000 words in a day, Latin lessons, murder mys...

Was it only seven weeks ago that 1,100 fantasy fans gathered in Brighton on the south coast of England for the World Fantasy Convention? If you made it there, here’s a podcast that might help to relive that happy time; and if you didn’t, maybe this offering can tempt you to the next Fantasycon in glorious Glasgow (it’ll be 2026 before you know it!)

https://britishfantasysoci...

Robin and David are joined by Samatha York, whose debut historical novel The Foreshore released in August. Discussion ranges far and wide into matters of language, myth versus reality, also history and who gets to write it. There are shoutouts for local bookshops, and discussions on popular islands like Atlantis and Númenor.

https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast...

Robin and Dave dress up as writers to chat with Stewart Hotston about his latest novel, the magnificent space opera Project Hanuman. We ramble far and wide to chat about LARPing, bookshelves, reading recs, the British Science Fiction Association, and much, much more, but most importantly, we touch on some weighty topics that need to be discussed, like why SF authors write about politics, and what happen...

The BFS are very pleased to support the Best Audiobook: Science Fiction & Fantasy category at the inaugural British Audio Awards, the ceremony for which takes place on 24th November. To mark the event, Long Story Short presents our very first Podcast Special.

https://www.thebookseller.com/the-british-audio-awards/the-british-audio-awards

http...

Robin & David were joined in the run up to World Fantasy in Brighton (UK) by Joe Hill, whose new novel, King Sorrow, is his first in nine years. This episode is a real doozy, with the chat ranging far-and-wide. Not to be missed! Check out our new detailed timestamps at the bottom of these notes.

https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/

Robin & Pam are joined by Marve Michael Anson, whose eagerly anticipated debut fantasy novel Firstborn of the Sun released this month. Come learn about ‘an epic world of courtly intrigue and forbidden power’, and the important work Marve does for the BFS on Outreach & Inclusion.  https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/

Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https:/...

Annabel Campbell, whose debut novel The Outcast Mage released in January, joins Robin & David to talk mages of many varieties. How would you shape up as a wizard? Would you use your power for good, or be tempted to the Dark Side where - we are given to believe - there are cookies?

Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-bfs/become-a-member/

Learn more a...

David & Robin chat with author Sam K. Horton, whose second novel Ragwort releases in November. We talk maps, book tour costumes, and the love of wild places. David discovers that Friday also is a business day. Plus, hear about the Top 10 reasons to attend Fantasycon from Ben and Nico of the Tiny Bookcase podcast.

Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here:           https://britishfantasysociety.org/ab...

David & Robin meet publisher, editor, & author William C. Tracy of Space Wizard Science Fantasy to chat about WorldCon Seattle, indie small press publishing, the bookselling market, and codifying magic systems. We also discuss cats, bees, and commas. (And yes, Robin did find ‘That Comma Video’ and if you absolutely must watch it… https://youtu.be/tGyiLkdA49Y #noapologies)

Robin & David converse with Lorraine Wilson, author of We Are All Ghosts in the Forest, about folklore, the future of identity, and the sea. In search of a response to the podcast’s title, literature, fantasy, magic and science all go into the growbag of genre. The efficacy of an ice-skating scoring system for panel responses is also assessed during this episode.

Are you...

Join David & Robin in conversation with Jay McGuiness, star of stage, screen & chart, as we talk about all manner of things including painting with watercolours rather than oils, love of Lemony Snicket, with a dramatic ‘Hollywood deal-making’ twist at the end.

Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-bfs/become-a-member/

Learn more about Jay here: ht...

In which David speaks to Calah Singleton about many things Middle Earth; the Hobbit, the trilogy, the movies, Rings of Power, where their own love of Tolkien’s work originated, their hot takes, and much, much more.

Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-bfs/become-a-member/

Learn more about Calah here: https://calahsingleton.com/about/  

Visit David's we...

Robin and David talk with the one and only Adrian Tchaikovsky about writing comedy, fighting in armour, TTRPGs, conventions and of course, books, in a wide-ranging chat covering the breadth and height of Adrian’s authorial career to date.

Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-bfs/become-a-member/

Find info about Adrian Tchaikovsky here: https://adriantcha...

Join Robin & Pam (PS Livingstone) for Episode 8, Myth, Romantasy & Feminist Rage, with Scarlett St. Clair. Discard preconceptions of Romantic Fiction, learn the power of librarians, social media, and emotion over mechanics. [CW: indirect sex references.]

Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-bfs/become-a-member/

Find info about Scarlett St. Clair ...

Author A.K. Faulkner joins David and Robin to talk about many and varied subjects, including writing books, selling books, and people reading books out loud. Also, learn about “the breadmaker”, trusting your brain, and fizzy drinks. [CW: handful of instances of stronger language.]

Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here:

   https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-bfs/become-a-member/

Find info abo...