Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:44:36 -0500 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1626865 en-gb © 2026 The Mechanical Writers Podcast yes dfb9c804-aa87-533f-9a4d-e300954d4ac9 J D Smith and Freyja James episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) J D Smith and Freyja James https://storage.buzzsprout.com/78ivaqj6hyx7beam6tfow8324cdy?.jpg Episode 22 Pt2 - Larp 2022 A continuation of the exploration of Larp from Jim and Freyja's perspective as newbies to the hobby.

Information about the Larp we attended can be found here:
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Main_Page

And some other Larp based podcasts if this has only wet your whistle:
The Larp Noobs - https://open.spotify.com/show/2aZOOHzq7JGs7TOxSQXhdQ?si=b9c1ce4bb9674be6
2 Have & 2 Role - https://open.spotify.com/show/01FnKJCvj9R9zIuhN6LIvs?si=46e3e2ac1dab4a99
Larps and Tarps - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MSwC79TytMxEWlM7hgFuO?si=608ff7823c2e417b

]]> A continuation of the exploration of Larp from Jim and Freyja's perspective as newbies to the hobby.

Information about the Larp we attended can be found here:
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Main_Page

And some other Larp based podcasts if this has only wet your whistle:
The Larp Noobs - https://open.spotify.com/show/2aZOOHzq7JGs7TOxSQXhdQ?si=b9c1ce4bb9674be6
2 Have & 2 Role - https://open.spotify.com/show/01FnKJCvj9R9zIuhN6LIvs?si=46e3e2ac1dab4a99
Larps and Tarps - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MSwC79TytMxEWlM7hgFuO?si=608ff7823c2e417b

]]> J D Smith and Freyja James Buzzsprout-12009249 Sun, 15 Jan 2023 19:00:00 +0000 2586 #editing, #writing, #worldbuilding, #fantasy, #scifi, #advice, #comics, #graphicnovels, #yorkshire, #starwars, #gameofthrones, #dnd, #warhammer, #worldofwarcraft, #larp, #empire, #lrp, #larping 1 23 full true Episode 21 Pt 1 - Larp 2022 In a departure from our usual content Jim and Freyja explore their experiences of trying Larp for the first time in 2022 and generally try, emphasis on that word, to explain what it is and why they enjoy it.

Information about the Larp we attended can be found here:
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Main_Page

And some other Larp based podcasts if this has only wet your whistle:
The Larp Noobs - https://open.spotify.com/show/2aZOOHzq7JGs7TOxSQXhdQ?si=b9c1ce4bb9674be6
2 Have & 2 Role - https://open.spotify.com/show/01FnKJCvj9R9zIuhN6LIvs?si=46e3e2ac1dab4a99
Larps and Tarps - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MSwC79TytMxEWlM7hgFuO?si=608ff7823c2e417b

]]> In a departure from our usual content Jim and Freyja explore their experiences of trying Larp for the first time in 2022 and generally try, emphasis on that word, to explain what it is and why they enjoy it.

Information about the Larp we attended can be found here:
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Main_Page

And some other Larp based podcasts if this has only wet your whistle:
The Larp Noobs - https://open.spotify.com/show/2aZOOHzq7JGs7TOxSQXhdQ?si=b9c1ce4bb9674be6
2 Have & 2 Role - https://open.spotify.com/show/01FnKJCvj9R9zIuhN6LIvs?si=46e3e2ac1dab4a99
Larps and Tarps - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MSwC79TytMxEWlM7hgFuO?si=608ff7823c2e417b

]]> J D Smith and Freyja James Buzzsprout-12008627 Sun, 15 Jan 2023 15:00:00 +0000 3660 #editing, #writing, #worldbuilding, #fantasy, #scifi, #advice, #comics, #graphicnovels, #yorkshire, #starwars, #gameofthrones, #dnd, #warhammer, #worldofwarcraft, #larp, #empire, #lrp, #larping 1 22 bonus true Episode 21 - New Year, New Story Happy New Year! In todays episode Freyja and Jim attempt to equip anyone listening with some prompts and thoughts about starting a new story in the year to come. Enjoy!

]]> Happy New Year! In todays episode Freyja and Jim attempt to equip anyone listening with some prompts and thoughts about starting a new story in the year to come. Enjoy!

]]> J D Smith and Freyja James Buzzsprout-11918105 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 15:00:00 +0000 3096 #editing, #writing, #worldbuilding, #fantasy, #scifi, #advice, #comics, #graphicnovels, #yorkshire, #starwars, #gameofthrones, #dnd, #warhammer, #worldofwarcraft 1 21 full false Episode 20 - Lore In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss the problems of Lore as a design choice in fiction and why it can get in the way of a good story.

]]> In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss the problems of Lore as a design choice in fiction and why it can get in the way of a good story.

]]> J D Smith and Freyja James Buzzsprout-11873918 Sun, 18 Dec 2022 18:00:00 +0000 3564 #editing, #writing, #worldbuilding, #fantasy, #scifi, #advice, #comics, #graphicnovels, #yorkshire, #starwars, #gameofthrones, #dnd, #warhammer, #worldofwarcraft 1 20 full true Episode 19 - War and Peace, Worldbuilding Pt5 In todays episode Freyja and Jim talk (ramble) about why nations trend towards conflict and how to use outdated diplomatic assumptions to improve conflict writing in your story. 

]]> In todays episode Freyja and Jim talk (ramble) about why nations trend towards conflict and how to use outdated diplomatic assumptions to improve conflict writing in your story. 

]]> J D Smith and Freyja James Buzzsprout-11811575 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +0000 3057 #editing, #writing, #worldbuilding, #fantasy, #scifi, #advice, #yorkshire 1 19 full false Episode 18 - Field Trips, Off the Shelf and Thought Bubble Freyja and Jim have left the house! In todays episode they discuss their little expeditions to the local literary festival and a slightly less local Graphic Novel and Comic fair.

Off the Shelf
https://offtheshelf.org.uk/

Thought Bubble
https://www.thoughtbubblefestival.com/

]]> Freyja and Jim have left the house! In todays episode they discuss their little expeditions to the local literary festival and a slightly less local Graphic Novel and Comic fair.

Off the Shelf
https://offtheshelf.org.uk/

Thought Bubble
https://www.thoughtbubblefestival.com/

]]> J D Smith and Freyja James Buzzsprout-11698647 Sun, 20 Nov 2022 19:00:00 +0000 1899 #editing, #writing, #worldbuilding, #fantasy, #scifi, #advice, #northerners, #comics, #graphicnovels, #yorkshire 1 18 full false Episode 17 - Backstory, Writing for TTRPGs Pt4 In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss how to construct a good character backstory for TTRPGs, ramble about their own game and discuss personality tests. Its one of those episodes, just roll with it.

]]> In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss how to construct a good character backstory for TTRPGs, ramble about their own game and discuss personality tests. Its one of those episodes, just roll with it.

]]> Buzzsprout-11650334 Mon, 07 Nov 2022 22:00:00 +0000 3622 1 17 full false Episode 16 - Media Literacy In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss Subtext, Narrative Framing and their problems with fandom culture. By way of the War, Generational Trauma and a fan club 2000 years in the making.

Folding Ideas Annihilation Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URo66iLNEZw

]]> In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss Subtext, Narrative Framing and their problems with fandom culture. By way of the War, Generational Trauma and a fan club 2000 years in the making.

Folding Ideas Annihilation Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URo66iLNEZw

]]> Buzzsprout-11516278 Sun, 23 Oct 2022 18:00:00 +0100 3786 #editing, #writing, #worldbuilding, #fantasy, #scifi, #advice, #houseofthedragon, #lordoftherings 1 16 full false Episode 15 - Faith and Religion, Worldbuilding Pt4 In this Episode Freyja and Jim discuss the place of religion in societies and how to more convincingly integrate them into your fictional settings.

]]> In this Episode Freyja and Jim discuss the place of religion in societies and how to more convincingly integrate them into your fictional settings.

]]> Buzzsprout-11467400 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0100 2927 1 15 full false Episode 14 - Plot vs Story In todays episode Freyja and Jim talk about Plot and Story, why they are different and why that difference matters, along with the usual nonsense.

]]> In todays episode Freyja and Jim talk about Plot and Story, why they are different and why that difference matters, along with the usual nonsense.

]]> J D Smith and Freyja James Buzzsprout-11359612 Sun, 02 Oct 2022 15:00:00 +0100 2635 1 14 full false Episode 13 - Setup, Payoff and Death. Writing for TTRPGs Pt3 In this episode Freyja and Jim talk about setting up and paying off satisfying narrative moments in TTRPGs. They also talk through the various categories of death that can befall characters and how to deal with them.

]]> In this episode Freyja and Jim talk about setting up and paying off satisfying narrative moments in TTRPGs. They also talk through the various categories of death that can befall characters and how to deal with them.

]]> J D Smith and Freyja James Buzzsprout-11354941 Sun, 25 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +0100 3284 1 13 full false Episode 12 - Shock Writing In this week's episode Freyja and Jim discuss plot twists, good and bad, along with the danger of subverting audience expectations at the expense of thematic cohesion.

]]> In this week's episode Freyja and Jim discuss plot twists, good and bad, along with the danger of subverting audience expectations at the expense of thematic cohesion.

]]> J D Smith and Freyja James Buzzsprout-10045846 Sun, 13 Feb 2022 19:00:00 +0000 2713 #editing, #writing, #worldbuilding, #fantasy, #scifi, #advice 1 12 full false Episode 11 - Languages, Worldbuilding Pt 3 In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss Languages in fiction, how they express cultural norms and values along with how to make your very own Conlang.

Vulgarlang Link - https://www.vulgarlang.com/

]]> In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss Languages in fiction, how they express cultural norms and values along with how to make your very own Conlang.

Vulgarlang Link - https://www.vulgarlang.com/

]]> J D Smith and Freyja James Buzzsprout-9980371 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 19:00:00 +0000 3500 #editing, #writing, #worldbuilding, #fantasy, #scifi, #advice 1 11 full false Episode 10 - Editing and Criticism In todays episode Freyja and Jim talk through the mechanics (get it?) of the editing process, some of the misconceptions about it and why its not something to fear.

]]> In todays episode Freyja and Jim talk through the mechanics (get it?) of the editing process, some of the misconceptions about it and why its not something to fear.

]]> J D Smith and Freyja James Buzzsprout-9963083 Sun, 30 Jan 2022 19:00:00 +0000 2324 #editing, #writing, #worldbuilding, #fantasy, #scifi, #advice 1 10 full false Episode 9 - Quests and Villains, Writing for TTRPG's Pt2 In this episode Freyja and Jim talk about writing good quests and villains for both TTRPGs and video games.

]]> In this episode Freyja and Jim talk about writing good quests and villains for both TTRPGs and video games.

]]> J D Smith and Freyja James Buzzsprout-9850733 Sun, 16 Jan 2022 19:00:00 +0000 2825 1 9 full false Episode 8 - Christmas 2021 In this weeks festive episode Freyja and Jim talk about what makes a Christmas film and what the best Christmas film ever made is.  Also featuring socialism.

]]> In this weeks festive episode Freyja and Jim talk about what makes a Christmas film and what the best Christmas film ever made is.  Also featuring socialism.

]]> J D Smith and Freyja James Buzzsprout-9848152 Sun, 09 Jan 2022 19:00:00 +0000 1717 1 8 full false Episode 7 - Writing Oneself In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss the question of writing yourself into your work via characters or themes and if this is an problem or a boon, few conclusions are reached as ever. 

]]> In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss the question of writing yourself into your work via characters or themes and if this is an problem or a boon, few conclusions are reached as ever. 

]]> J D Smith and Freyja James Buzzsprout-9828095 Tue, 04 Jan 2022 19:00:00 +0000 2469 1 7 full false Episode 6 - History, Worldbuilding Pt2 In today's long delayed episode Jim and Freyja discuss creating a history for your world and how and when to flesh this history out with juicy detail.

]]> In today's long delayed episode Jim and Freyja discuss creating a history for your world and how and when to flesh this history out with juicy detail.

]]> J D Smith and Freyja James Buzzsprout-9650400 Sun, 05 Dec 2021 19:00:00 +0000 2548 1 6 full false Episode 5 - The Ethics of Writing In this week's episode Jim and Freyja discuss the moral obligation of writers and tour popular culture offending as many fandoms as possible in forty five minutes.

Topic Links
Hamilton Sally Controversy - https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/hamilton-thomas-jefferson-controversy-explained/ 

]]> In this week's episode Jim and Freyja discuss the moral obligation of writers and tour popular culture offending as many fandoms as possible in forty five minutes.

Topic Links
Hamilton Sally Controversy - https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/hamilton-thomas-jefferson-controversy-explained/ 

]]> Buzzsprout-8950457 Sun, 01 Aug 2021 19:00:00 +0100 2815 1 5 full false Episode 4 - To Plan or Not to Plan, Writing for TTRPGs Pt1 After a chaotic start Freyja and Jim spend this week discussing the restrictions and freedoms of writing your first RPG Campaign and try to answer the age old question. "How much planning should I do??"

]]> After a chaotic start Freyja and Jim spend this week discussing the restrictions and freedoms of writing your first RPG Campaign and try to answer the age old question. "How much planning should I do??"

]]> Buzzsprout-8907303 Sun, 25 Jul 2021 19:00:00 +0100 2609 1 4 full false Episode 3 - Dispelling “Necessary” Ingredients In this weeks episode Freyja and Jim discuss some of the pieces of 'soundbite' advice new writers often hear and the pitfalls of that type of mentality. Garlic also features.

]]> In this weeks episode Freyja and Jim discuss some of the pieces of 'soundbite' advice new writers often hear and the pitfalls of that type of mentality. Garlic also features.

]]> J D Smith and Freyja James Buzzsprout-8879036 Sun, 18 Jul 2021 19:00:00 +0100 2427 1 3 full false Episode 2 - Geography, Worldbuilding Pt1 In this weeks, delayed, episode. Freyja and Jim discuss how the geography of your world can affect the stories told within it along with offering some helpful advice on creating realistic looking maps and cultures. 

]]> In this weeks, delayed, episode. Freyja and Jim discuss how the geography of your world can affect the stories told within it along with offering some helpful advice on creating realistic looking maps and cultures. 

]]> J D Smith and Freyja James Buzzsprout-8849207 Mon, 12 Jul 2021 11:00:00 +0100 2793 1 2 full false Episode 1 - Reading as a Writer In the real first episode of their exciting new side project Freyja and Jim discuss the differences between reading as a consumer and as a writer. They also attempt to provide some helpful tips for how to consciously consume media as inspiration, and how to find your niche.

]]> In the real first episode of their exciting new side project Freyja and Jim discuss the differences between reading as a consumer and as a writer. They also attempt to provide some helpful tips for how to consciously consume media as inspiration, and how to find your niche.

]]> J D Smith Buzzsprout-8809127 Sun, 04 Jul 2021 21:00:00 +0100 2502 1 1 full false Episode 0 - The Pitch In this first (sort of) episode. Freyja and Jim lay out the plan for the future and what you can expect from the podcast going forwards.

]]> In this first (sort of) episode. Freyja and Jim lay out the plan for the future and what you can expect from the podcast going forwards.

]]> J D Smith Buzzsprout-8809082 Sun, 04 Jul 2021 20:00:00 +0100 407 1 0 trailer false