Episode 11: We've got Ben Galley with us this week and we're deep diving on worldbuilding and the fine-tuning of a classic cocktail, the Old Fashioned.  Ben Galley is the author of Heart of Stone, the Chasing Graves trilogy, the Scarlet Star Trilogy, The Emaneska series, and the Scalussen Chronicles including it’s latest release, Heavy Lies the Crown. Here's what Ben thinks you should be checking out right now. Indie: King Fall by David Estes, Spirits of Vengeance Rob J. Hayes, Norylska Groans by Michael R. Fletcher and Clayton W. Snyder Everything Else: Loki (TV Series), Dying Light (video game), The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne Be sure to check out Ben Galley and his work. Website: bengalley.com Twitter: @BenGalley Goodreads: Ben Galley Instagram: @bengalleyauthor Facebook: @BenGalleyAuthor YouTube: BenGalleyAuthor You can get his books anywhere books are sold.  Our Drink for this episode is the good ol' Old Fashioned, in all its' simple yet complex goodness. Old Fashioneds are a prime cocktail for experimentation. The following recipe is just a suggestion based on our two methods.  The Old Fashioned  2-3oz Bourbon or Rye Whisky  1tsp Brown sugar or raw/turbinado/demerara sugar or a plain old white cube if you like.   2-4 dashes of Angostura Bitters (add an additional 2-4 dashes of oranges bitters if you're feeling extra orange-y)  Add the sugar to the glass and add the bitters. Mix well and tilt the glass to coat the sides. add ice and your whisky of choice and stir to chill. Garnish with a cherry and orange peel. Flame the peel over the drink, heat the peel to release more oils, and rub the rim of the glass with the peel. Throw the peel in and enjoy.   For more news and information about Indie Pub, check out the links below. Website: jrushingwrites.com/the-indie-pub-podcast/ Twitter: @TheIndiePub The Indie Pub streams on the following services. Anchor / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / Spotify / YouTube / RadioPublic / Castbox / Overcast / Breaker / Pocket Casts If you’d like to know more about host J. Rushing and his writing including his fantasy/noir novel RADIO, here are some links as well. Website: jrushingwrites.com Twitter: @jrushingwrites Goodreads: J_Rushing Instagram: @jrushingwrites You can find RADIO for kindle or paperback here. Thanks for listening and we’ll see you back in the pub next time.

Episode 10: This week in the pub, author and professional designer K.M. Alexander is back with us and this time he’s dishing out all kinds of tips, tricks, and resources surrounding map making for books, particularly fantasy maps.  You can check out the maps he discusses here. K.M. Alexander is the author of the New Weird and Cosmic Horror series The Bell Forging Cycle including The Stars Were Right, Old Broken Road, Red Litten World, and the latest addition, Gleam Upon the Waves. Here's what K.M. thinks you should be checking out right now. Indie: A Ritual of Bone by Lee C. Conley and The Wicked Blade by Jason VanHee Everything Else: The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman, Whispers in the Dark by Laurel Hightower, The John Nyquist Series by Jeff Noon Be sure to check out K.M. Alexander and his work. Website: kmalexander.com Twitter: @KM_Alexander Goodreads: KMAlexander Instagram: @kmalexander You can get his books here. Our Drink for this episode is some scurvy fighting grog! Grog 2oz Rum (Navy strength if you got it, dark, spiced, or dark/spiced rum if you want a bit more flavor) 2tsp Brown Sugar 0.5oz Fresh Lime Juice 0.5oz Water Stir the ingredients together in a class until the sugar has dissolved. Serve with the spent lime husk as garnish and without ice to both help with over-dilution and get a feel for how the seafarers of old would have served it.  For more news and information about Indie Pub, check out the links below. Website: jrushingwrites.com/the-indie-pub-podcast/ Twitter: @TheIndiePub The Indie Pub streams on the following services. Anchor / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / Spotify / YouTube / RadioPublic / Castbox / Overcast / Breaker / Pocket Casts If you’d like to know more about host J. Rushing and his writing including his fantasy/noir novel RADIO, here are some links as well. Website: jrushingwrites.com Twitter: @jrushingwrites Goodreads: J_Rushing Instagram: @jrushingwrites You can find RADIO for kindle or paperback here. Thanks for listening and we’ll see you back in the pub next time.

Episode 9: In the pub this week is award winning author Justin Lee Anderson. We're both authors. We're both beta readers. So, we get into the nitty-gritty of the process of beta reading from both perspectives.  Justin Lee Anderson is the author of the SPFBO 6 (Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off) winning novel The Lost War, and the Audie Award winning novel Carpet Diem. Here's what Justin thinks you should be checking out right now. Indie: The SPFBO Finalists and Semi-Finalists including Patrick Samphire's Shadow of a Dead God and Michael R. Fletcher's Black Stone Heart The Rest: The Boys, Invincible, Brightburn, DC's Kingdom Come, Legion of Super Heroes comic series Be sure to check out Justin and his work. Websites: justinleeanderson.com Twitter: @authorjla Facebook: @justinleeandersonauthor Instagram:@justinleeandersonauthor Goodreads: Justin Lee Anderson Be sure to check out his books on Amazon. Our Drinks for this episode are two drams of whisky. Justin has Ardbeg 10, I have Lagavulin 16, and we talk about a lot of others because if you love whisk(e)y then you love a lot of whiskies. For more news and information about Indie Pub, check out the links below. Website: jrushingwrites.com/the-indie-pub-podcast/ Twitter: @TheIndiePub The Indie Pub streams on the following services. Anchor / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / Spotify / YouTube / RadioPublic / Castbox / Overcast / Breaker / Pocket Casts If you’d like to know more about host J. Rushing and his writing including his fantasy/noir novel RADIO, here are some links as well. Website: jrushingwrites.com Twitter: @jrushingwrites Goodreads: J_Rushing Instagram: @jrushingwrites You can find RADIO for kindle or paperback here. Thanks for listening and we’ll see you back in the pub next time.

Welcome to our first installment of After Hours. The pub doors are closed, the indie writing folks have gone home, and you're here alone with the proprietor of this establishment as I wax poetic about purely boozy matters.  In this episode, we’ll be looking for some answers to a question that many find confusing, costly, and intimidating. How do I start my own home bar?  We’re going to look at the basic tools and glassware you'll need to get yourself started and we’ll examine three philosophies on how to begin your own bottle collection with a focus on one method I personally feel works best. For more news and information about Indie Pub, check out the links below. Website: jrushingwrites.com/the-indie-pub-podcast/ Twitter: @TheIndiePub The Indie Pub streams on the following services. Anchor / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / Spotify / YouTube / RadioPublic / Castbox / Overcast / Breaker / Pocket Casts If you’d like to know more about host J. Rushing and his writing including his fantasy/noir novel RADIO, here are some links as well. Website: jrushingwrites.com Twitter: @jrushingwrites Goodreads: J_Rushing Instagram: @jrushingwrites You can find RADIO for kindle or paperback here. RADIO is also available in paperback from most booksellers.  Thanks for listening and we’ll see you back in the pub next time.

Episode 8: This week in the pub we have professional editor, book reviewer, and author, Sarah Chorn to discuss the state of representation of disability in writing and tips to help authors avoid pitfalls as the work to become more inclusive.  Sarah Chorn is the author of Of Honey and Wildfires, Seraphina's Lament and Glass Rhapsody which comes out June 30th.  Here's what Sarah thinks you should be checking out right now. Indie: The Written by Ben Galley, Windborn by Alex S. Bradshaw Everything Else: Loki on Disney+ Be sure to check out Sarah and her work. Websites: bookwormblues.net Twitter: @bookwormblues Goodreads: Sarah Chorn Be sure to check out her books on Amazon. Our Drink for this episode is the Mojito.  Mojito 5-ish mint leaves  2oz White Rum 0.5oz simple syrup Juice of half a lime Club Soda or any Sparkling Water Mint sprig and lime wheel for garnish *pro tip: Place the mint leaves in your hands and give them a big *clap!* The air pressure breaks some of the cells and results in more flavor. -Place the mint in the glass, squeeze the lime over the top, throw the lime husk in as well, then muddle well.  -Add the rum and simple syrup then add ice. Top with club soda and give it a few gentle turns to cool the drink.  -Garish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel and enjoy.  For more news and information about Indie Pub, check out the links below. Website: jrushingwrites.com/the-indie-pub-podcast/ Twitter: @TheIndiePub The Indie Pub streams on the following services. Anchor / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / Spotify / YouTube / RadioPublic / Castbox / Overcast / Breaker / Pocket Casts If you’d like to know more about host J. Rushing and his writing including his fantasy/noir novel RADIO, here are some links as well. Website: jrushingwrites.com Twitter: @jrushingwrites Goodreads: J_Rushing Instagram: @jrushingwrites You can find RADIO for kindle or paperback here. Thanks for listening and we’ll see you back in the pub next time.

Episode 7: This week in the pub author, reviewer and TTRPG-er Ryan Howse and I discuss the interesting similarities and fundamental differences between fantasy writing for novels and table top role playing games.  Ryan Howse is the author of The Steel Discord ( a magi-tech train heist), The Alchemy Dirge (Noir/Fantasy/Crime set in the same world as The Steel Discord), and Red in Tooth and Claw (a wilderness survival/fantasy/horror).  Here's what Ryan thinks you should be checking out right now. Indie: Mothership RPG, Burning Wheel RPG, 7th Sea 1st edition RPG, Nice Marines RPG, The Origin of Birds in the Footprints of Writing by Raymond St. Elmo, The Mold Farmer by Rick Claypool, and Legacy of the Brightwash by Krystle Matar Be sure to check out Ryan and his work. Websites: Grimdark Magazine, Before We Go Blog Twitter: @RyanHowse Goodreads: Ryan Howse Be sure to check out his books on Amazon. Our Drink for this episode is espresso. Grab your grinder, some of your favorite beans, an espresso machine, and pull some shots of liquid gold.  For more news and information about Indie Pub, check out the links below. Website: jrushingwrites.com/the-indie-pub-podcast/ Twitter: @TheIndiePub The Indie Pub streams on the following services. Anchor / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / Spotify / YouTube / RadioPublic / Castbox / Overcast / Breaker / Pocket Casts If you’d like to know more about host J. Rushing and his writing including his fantasy/noir novel RADIO, here are some links as well. Website: jrushingwrites.com Twitter: @jrushingwrites Goodreads: J_Rushing Instagram: @jrushingwrites You can find RADIO for kindle or paperback here. Thanks for listening and we’ll see you back in the pub next time.

Episode 6: This week in the pub we have Allegra Pescatore and Christopher Russell discussing inner workings of co-authorship. They're here to demystify just what it takes to successfully go from "Oh, your an author too?"  to "I can't believe we published a book together." and everything in between.   Our Drink this week is the Gin and Tonic.  Gin and Tonic 2oz Gin of choice 10oz Tonic of choice Add ice to glass and pour in gin. Finish with tonic and garnish with lime or lemon, or cumber or... Our guests' indie recommendations are:  Orconomics by J. Zachary Pike The Lightning Conjurer series by by Rachel Rener The Fall of Wizardoms series by Jeffrey L. Kohanek For more info about our guests, check out the links below. Allegra's Website: https://www.authorallegra.com/ Allegra's Twitter: @AuthorAllegra Allegra's Facebook: @authorallegra Allegra's YouTube: Plot Mom Allegra's Patreon: Plot Mom Allegra's Discord: Plot Mom You can find Allegra's books here and here. Christopher's Website: https://www.christopherrussellauthor.com/ Christopher's Twitter @chris_DT_author Christopher's Instagram: @christopher_russell_author Christopher's Facebook: Divinity's Twilight Fantasy Novels  You can find Christopher's book here. For more news and information about Indie Pub, check out the links below. Website: jrushingwrites.com/the-indie-pub-podcast/ Twitter: @TheIndiePub The Indie Pub streams on the following services. Anchor / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / Spotify / YouTube / RadioPublic / Castbox / Overcast / Breaker / Pocket Casts/ and more. If you’d like to know more about host J. Rushing and his writing including his fantasy/noir novel RADIO, here are some links as well. Website: jrushingwrites.com Twitter: @jrushingwrites Goodreads: J_Rushing Instagram: @jrushingwrites You can find RADIO for kindle or paperback here. Thanks for listening and we’ll see you back in the pub next time.

Episode 5: This week in the pub author Dale Lucas and I discuss the triumphs and tribulations of writing historical fantasy. From accuracy issues, to the pains and pleasures of research, to respecting peoples and places, to hilarious tidbits we'll always keep with us, we talk about it all.  Dale Lucas is the author of the sword and sorcery/police procedural series The Fifth Ward and the historical urban fantasy Doc Voodoo series. Here's what Dale thinks you should be checking out right now.  Indie: The Deeds of Pounce by Benjamin Wachs and anything buy Beating Windward Press.  Non Indie: Declare by Tim Powers  Be sure to check out Dale and his work.  Website: authordalelucas.wordpress.com Twitter: @DaleLucas114 Goodreads: Dale Lucas Facebook: @AuthorDaleLucas You can get his books anywhere books are sold.  Our Drink for this episode is La Quilt à l'Orange, a fall/winter warmer with a gin base. This was a collaboration as we are both cocktail enthusiasts and we even named the drink live during the episode. Listen to see how it all came about.  La Quilt à l'Orange 2oz Gin 0.75oz Orange Liqueur of choice (curaçao/Cointreu in this case)  0.75oz Benedictine 2-4 dashes Orange Bitters 2-4 dashes Angostura Bitters Stir first three ingredients with ice until well chilled and strain into your favorite cocktail glass. Twist an orange peel over the top and place into the drink. Finish off with dashes of bitters. Enjoy. For more news and information about Indie Pub, check out the links below. Website: jrushingwrites.com/the-indie-pub-podcast/ Twitter: @TheIndiePub The Indie Pub streams on the following services. Anchor / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / Spotify / YouTube / RadioPublic / Castbox / Overcast / Breaker / Pocket Casts If you’d like to know more about host J. Rushing and his writing including his fantasy/noir novel RADIO, here are some links as well. Website: jrushingwrites.com Twitter: @jrushingwrites Goodreads: J_Rushing Instagram: @jrushingwrites You can find RADIO for kindle or paperback here. Thanks for listening and we’ll see you back in the pub next time.

Episode 4: This week in the pub we have Beth Tabler from Grimdark Magazine and Before We Go Blog. She's here to shed some light on just what exactly Grimdark is and what it isn't. Is a genre? Is it a filter? Is it all about the violence? Listen and find out.  While the topic may be dark, the drink is about as bright as it gets. In this episode we're sipping on some fruit filled Pimm's Cups and lamenting our lack of those amazing British fascinator hats.   *Notes:  -You may notice a few brief instances of connection issues during this episode. This may be due to Beth secretly calling from within the Matrix or it may be an issue with Skype. I'll let you be the judge.  -This episode was recorded last month so when you hear "this month" it means March 2021 and when you hear "next month" it means April 2021 Beth Tabler is the owner and editor of Before We Go Blog and assistant editor and site lead at Grimdark Magazine and moderator and co-organizer of TBRcon.   Be sure to check out Beth Tabler and her work. Website: beforewegoblog.com and grimdarkmagazine.com Twitter @BethTabler Our Drink for this episode is The Pimm's Cup, a British classic and a fruit basket in a glass.  The Pimm's Cup -Beth's Recipe 3oz Pimm's no1 Cup 9oz Sprite Sliced orange, strawberry, cucumber -My Recipe 1.5oz Gin 3oz Pimm's no1 Cup 9oz San Pellegrino Limonata Sliced orange, strawberry, cucumber, and a sprig of rosemary. (Traditional Pimm's Cups use mint in place of rosemary)  For either recipe, add ice and sliced fruit to a tall glass. Add your alcohols and top with mixer. Stir gently to preserve the carbination. Enjoy! For more news and information about Indie Pub, check out the links below. Website: jrushingwrites.com/the-indie-pub-podcast/ Twitter: @TheIndiePub The Indie Pub streams on the following services. Anchor / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / Spotify / YouTube / RadioPublic / Castbox / Overcast / Breaker / Pocket Casts If you’d like to know more about host J. Rushing and his writing including his fantasy/noir novel RADIO, here are some links as well. Website: jrushingwrites.com Twitter: @jrushingwrites Goodreads: J_Rushing Instagram: @jrushingwrites You can find RADIO for kindle or paperback here. Thanks for listening and we’ll see you back in the pub next time.

Episode 3: We have a little something different for you in the pub this week. We're talking with Will Munn and Drew Gerken, two of the creators of Arium, an indie published tabletop role playing game or TTRPG focused on broad and diverse story creation. We also have our first non-alcoholic  episode and we're sipping a few different rooibos chais along with our discussion. Like any good pub, we strive to cater to lots of tastes, boozy or not.  In this episode, we discuss what Arium is, how it differs from other TTRPGs like D&D, as well as some of the parallels and key differences indie game publishing has to indie book publishing. There's been a lot of well deserved buzz surrounding Arium and after interviewing these two, it's easy to see why. Definitely give this a listen whether you're into gaming or not. The process is fascinating.  For more info and Arium and its creators, check out the links below.  Arium Website: adepticarus.com Arium Twitter: @AdeptIcarus Arium Facebook: @AdeptIcarus Drew Gerken Website: drewgerken.com Drew Gerken Twitter @wordrew Drew Gerken Instagram: @wordrew Will Munn Twitter:  @WLMunn Our Drink for this episode is rooibos chai. We each came with our own version but as with most chai and most rooibos teas, they were all fantastic.  Will had Harney & Sons: Rooibos Chai Drew had August Uncommon Tea: Biarritz - Velvety Rooibos with Amaretto and Orange Blossom I had Teekanne: New York Chai For more news and information about Indie Pub, check out the links below. Website: jrushingwrites.com/the-indie-pub-podcast/ Twitter: @TheIndiePub The Indie Pub streams on the following services. Anchor / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / Spotify / YouTube / RadioPublic / Castbox / Overcast / Breaker / Pocket Casts/ and more. If you’d like to know more about host J. Rushing and his writing including his fantasy/noir novel RADIO, here are some links as well. Website: jrushingwrites.com Twitter: @jrushingwrites Goodreads: J_Rushing Instagram: @jrushingwrites You can find RADIO for kindle or paperback here. Thanks for listening and we’ll see you back in the pub next time.