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Trigger Warnings, D&D, and Award Winning Author Adrian Tchaikovsky

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Feb 25, 2025

Guest

Adrian Tchaikovsky

In this engaging discussion, award-winning author Adrian Tchaikovsky shares insights from his journey as a science fiction and fantasy writer, inspired by his background in zoology. He explores how tabletop games like D&D shaped his storytelling skills and reflects on the importance of world-building. The conversation also delves into the evolving publishing landscape, including the use of trigger warnings in literature and the impact of social media on author-reader dynamics. Tchaikovsky's deep fascination with insects and how they influence his writing adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.

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ANECDOTE

Origin Story

Adrian Tchaikovsky's writing journey began with tabletop role-playing games, like Dungeons & Dragons.
This experience honed his world-building and character creation skills, eventually leading him to novel writing.

insights

INSIGHT

World-Building

Tchaikovsky emphasizes the importance of creating immersive worlds in science fiction and fantasy.
He believes a solid foundation makes the world feel real to the reader, enhancing their engagement.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Publishing Journey

Tchaikovsky faced challenges getting published, submitting manuscripts yearly for 15 years before finding an agent.
He highlights the contrast between traditional publishing then, with its limited options and slow feedback, and the more accessible landscape today.

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Woofing Up the Bestseller List

11:44 • 3min

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Bonding Over Franchises

15:06 • 5min

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From Tabletop to Titles: A Writer's Journey

20:07 • 3min

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Challenges and Evolution in the Submission Process

23:18 • 2min

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Crafting Worlds and Characters

24:50 • 9min

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Crafting Interconnected Narratives

33:42 • 13min

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Navigating the Publishing Landscape

46:25 • 16min

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The Dog Agency Novels

Join hosts J.D. Barker, Christine Daigle, Jena Brown, and Kevin Tumlinson as they discuss the week's entertainment news, including stories about Kindle, Yorkies, and James Bond. Then, stick around for a chat with Adrian Tchaikovsky!

AdrianTchaikovsky was born in Lincolnshire and studied zoology and psychology at Reading before becoming a professional author in 2007. He is a keen role-player and board gamer and is trained in stage-fighting. His literary influences include Gene Wolfe, Mervyn Peake, China Miéville, Steven Erikson, Naomi Novak, Scott Lynch and Alan Campbell.

Adrian primarily explores deep themes, such as artificial intelligence and alien awareness within epic galactic and fantastical settings.

He has a deep interest in the animal world specifically insects from his studies in Zoology and has a particular penchant for spiders.

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