Shows
Speculative Sandbox84. Black Swan EventsHow well does fiction capture devastating levels of mass emergencies? Guest author Helen Hynson Vettori, a former EMT/paramedic and retired senior medical intelligence analyst at the Department of Homeland Security and author of the Black Swan scifi disaster thriller series, joins Vickie Lan to answer this question. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
2026-02-0243 min
Speculative Sandbox83. Cozy FantasyIt's time to cozy up near the fire with a mug of coffee/tea/hot chocolate as Vickie Lan and author Garrett K. Jones talk about the cozy fantasy book genre. Garett K. Jones can be followed on Instagram at @gkj_publishingSpeculative Sandbox can be followed on Instagram at @speculativesandboxSpeculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
2025-12-2536 min
Speculative Sandbox82. Death GamesHunger Games, Squid Games, Dungeon Crawler Carl...Hayley Chow joins Vickie Lan on the podcast to talk about Death Games! From real life to fiction, we cover the social commentary that centers around systemic oppression, world building, society's attraction to violent spectacle, and the importance of relatability in the main character when they're up against equally oppressed opponents.
The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
2025-03-0336 min
Speculative Sandbox81. Writing for the screenWhat should novel writers know about screen writing? Author Luis Prieto joins the podcast to talk with Vickie Lan about the basics of writing a screenplay (or an audio drama!).
Note: Sorry for the less-than-perfect audio quality from Vickie's mic! There were technical difficulties and the recording came from the desktop instead.
The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
2025-02-2439 min
Speculative Sandbox79. Speculative Flash FictionAuthor Avitus B. Carle joins Vickie Lan on the podcast to read her story How We Survive, and to provide insight on the 'flash' side of fiction writing.
The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
2025-02-1036 min
Speculative Sandbox78. Avenging AngelsDamien Alameda returns to the podcast to discuss with Vickie Lan the Avenging Angels trope! Learn what drives these "angels" and distinguishes them from a classic hero's journey, whether they need to have a bigger impact than just their self interest, and much more.
The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
2025-02-0339 min
Speculative Sandbox77. Romance in Speculative FictionAuthor Emily Colin joins Vickie Lan to discuss the building blocks of romance in speculative fiction, including how to keep momentum after the couple gets together, how character development and plot progression impact the relationship, and the way authors can manage expectations when it comes to reader responses. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.Main cover photo by J.D. Fitzgerald.Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
2025-01-2750 min
Speculative Sandbox76. Fated DestinyAuthor and dream interpreter Megan Mary joins Vickie Lan to discuss the Fated Destiny, Discovered Magick, and The Chosen One tropes.
The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
2025-01-2039 min
Speculative Sandbox75. Where are the aliens?Where are the aliens? While NASA and military officials provide testimonials on the world stage, author Grace Richard joins Vickie Lan to discuss the ways science fiction writers have answered this question.
The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
2025-01-1332 min
Speculative Sandbox74. Fragmenting the AuthorAlisa Alering, author of the book "Smothermoss", joins Vickie Lan in a discussion about the ways authors use pieces of themselves to make authentic characters, including characters with opposing viewpoints.
The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
2025-01-0649 min
Speculative Sandbox73. Uncanny FictionAuthor Becca Mionis joins Vickie Lan in a discussion on uncanny fiction, which, similar to the uncanny valley, leaves readers in a state of unease or confusion.
The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
2024-12-3041 min
Speculative Sandbox70. Mythical ArchetypesAuthor Lauren Teffeau joins Vickie Lan to discuss non-theistic mythical archetypes in fiction, including Carl Jung's 12 brand archetypes and the way archetypes can be used to form the foundation of societal values and laws.
The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
2024-12-0941 min
Speculative Sandbox67. Time LoopsNeal Holtschulte cycles back to the podcast to talk with Vickie Lan about time loops! From "Groundhogs Day" to "The Flash", how can time loops be used to propel character growth, and what can writers do to avoid falling in a plot spiral?
The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
2024-11-1847 min
Speculative Sandbox66. Anti-heroesAre antiheroes just villains with too much credit? Damien Alameda, host of The_First Pages on YouTube, joins Vickie Lan to debate the characteristics and motives of the antihero and where they fall on the spectrum of good and evil.
The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
2024-11-111h 02
Speculative Sandbox64. "American Psycho" watch partyIn honor of Halloween, guest Michael Crawford and Vickie Lan sit down to watch and unpack the tropes found in the classic 2000 horror movie American Psycho, including 80s yuppie culture, the unreliable narrator, psychopath characteristics, and the purposeful ambiguity of its characters and settings. Rewatch with us! "American Psycho" is currently available on Netflix. Rated R. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.Main cover photo by J.D. Fitzgerald.Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.co...
2024-10-281h 47
Speculative Sandbox63. LatinX Representation in Speculative FictionAngela Alvarez joins Vickie Lan to talk about Latinx representation in speculative fiction and the powerful story opportunities that come from writing through an authentic lens. Note: "LatinX" in the context of this episode is used to to inclusively refer to all genders within the community. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotifyand YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcastare their own.
2024-10-2150 min
Speculative Sandbox62. What Booksellers WantCrispin Jeffrey-Franco, owner of Stacks Book Club, joins Vickie Lan on the podcast to talk about tropes from a bookseller's perspective. Learn which tropes are tired and which tropes are on the rise, what booksellers look for when curating their list, and how indie authors can build relationships with their local bookstores. Note: Stacks Book Club will be hosting in-store novel writing events in November of their own design, unaffiliated with the NaNoWriMo organization. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube.
2024-10-1441 min
Speculative Sandbox61. Spice & Everything NiceIt's time to unpack spicy books with Wendy Dwan, LAC EMDR Therapist and smut expert! Wendy and Vickie Lan talk trigger warnings, societal impressions and taboos, and the mental health impacts of spicy fiction. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.Main cover art illustrated by Sofia HanssonIndividual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
2024-10-0741 min
Speculative Sandbox60. The Lawless LawmanJohn Wick, Dexter, James Bond. Rob Hart joins Vickie Lan to discuss the Lawless Lawman character archetype in fiction as well as his book “Assassins Anonymous”. What makes operating outside of the law so attractive? And is this character truly lawless, or does he just have a personal code that he holds above the law? The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.Main cover art illu...
2024-09-3048 min
Speculative Sandbox59. RECORDED LIVE: Infidelity, guilt, and self-exploration with Jessica Elisheva EmersonWife-swapping, traditions, religious identities, and self-exploration. This episode was filmed live at Stacks Book Club with Vickie Lan as part of author Jessica Elisheva Emerson's debut book tour for "Olive Days", now available!VIDEO: Watch the video interview on Spotify!Stacks Book Club is an indie bookstore located in Oro Valley, Arizona. Husband-and-wife owners, Crispin and Lizzy, believe in the importance of community and supporting local businesses. Learn more and order books by visiting https://www.stacksbookclub.com/. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on...
2024-09-2341 minSpeculative Sandbox58. We're back!Vickie Lan returns to Speculative Sandbox with a new format! Learn what's new, what's changing, and what to look forward to. Episode note:- 4:42: I mention “industry professionals” in the context of working on contract within for a publishing house or movie studio, but but this term definitely shouldn’t minimize the professionalism and hard work of indie/self authors and artists! Need to update my vernacular 😅.
2024-09-1620 min
Eat Your Content034. Feast of the Gods: Loki Season 2 Culinary Chronicles with Vickie LanIndulge your senses in a tantalizing episode of "Eat Your Content" as your host, Rich Herrera, invites the brilliant Vickie Lan from the Speculative Sandbox podcast to the table. In this episode, they delve into the delectable world of Loki Season 2, exploring how the culinary delights featured in the series, such as the unforgettable Key Lime Pie scene, played a crucial role in shaping the narrative and defining the characters.Join Rich and Vickie as they embark on a gastronomic journey through the multiverse, dissecting the symbolism behind each mouth-watering moment and uncovering the hidden layers that...
2024-01-021h 00
Creative PeacemealVickie Lan, Writer, Host of the "Speculative Sandbox" Podcast Part 2Send a text Vickie Lan is a writer, and host of Speculative Sandbox, a podcast that delves into writing tropes with industry professionals. This appearance marks Vickie's return to the podcast. She catches me up on what she's been doing since we last chatted, and we get into the importance of seeking creative activities and endeavors, touch on the topic of outer space, and so much more.To listen to Vickie's podcast, or find out more about her, check out the website below.https://vickielan.com/podcast S...
2023-09-2531 min
The Write TurnInterview with Vickie Lan, host of Speculative SandboxIt's here! Host of the amazing Speculative Sandbox podcast, Vickie Lan, and I sit down to talk writing methods, experience within the industry, and so much more. Join us for a glimpse into this amazing author's journey, her process when it comes to writing, and her strategies for navigating the tricky world of traditional publishing. A huge thanks to Vickie for stopping by!Want to submit your story for Jordan to work on over the air? Have an idea for a topic? Or just want to say hi? Email at writ3turn@gmail.comIf...
2023-09-0832 min
Speculative Sandbox49. Unreliable NarratorsCan we always trust what we read? Author and podcaster Garrett K. Jones joins Speculative Sandbox to unpack the unreliable narrator. Whether it’s due to exaggeration, madness, naivety, lying, or having an outsider’s perspective, the unreliable narrator will leave the reader guessing and, to some extent, questioning their own sanity.
Memory lapse: Which book did Vickie have to stop reading because it was so triggering? It was #fashion victim by Amina Akhtar!
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own...
2023-08-071h 02
Speculative Sandbox45. So You're Writing About Paranormal InvestigationsWhether you're writing about paranormal investigations or are simply curious, author and paranormal investigator Daniel Bautz joins the podcast with a wealth of information that will inspire even the non-believer. We'll walk you through the investigative process, including what to expect when you're on a haunted site, the best tools to use, and the types of encounters. Daniel even assesses a ghostly encounter that Vickie Lan had in her childhood home, with chilling results.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are...
2023-07-101h 02
Speculative Sandbox44. Music and StorytellingFantasy Author and Podcaster Richie Billing joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about music and storytelling, where we cover musical history, character leitmotifs, genre sound coding, and the psychological benefits of music.
MUSIC NOTE: It wouldn't be an episode about music without music! As much as we would love to feature the actual music mentioned in this podcast, we simply don't have the licensing :) Thank goodness for stock music. Music credits: Soundstripe, Motion Array.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast...
2023-07-0350 min
Speculative Sandbox[REWIND] The Immortality Dilemma: Legacy building gone wrong[Originally published March 30, 2022] Ghostwriter and editor Leslie Hinson joins Speculative Sandbox on the search for immortality. Like Dorian Gray and his aging portrait, how do different characters avoid death? How does legacy building ensure our future? And what happens when someone else takes control?
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
Guest form...
2023-06-261h 00
Speculative Sandbox[REWIND] Love and Death: Greek Myth Tropes and Archetypes[Originally published April 20, 2022] Greek mythology set the standard for many story tropes and character archetypes seen in today’s fiction. From tragedies to triumphant battles, petty arguments to unrequited love, the Greek Gods continue to leave a lasting impression because they are undeniably relatable. USA Today Bestselling Romance Author Carly Spade joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about the allure of the greek gods, their shadier pasts, and her approach for retelling their stories to a modern audience.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are th...
2023-06-1954 min
Speculative Sandbox[REWIND] Corporatocracy: "The Warehouse" world-building tour[Originally published September 13, 2022] Author Rob Hart explores the horrors of working in an Amazon-esque corporation in his dystopian thriller “The Warehouse”. Learn about the real-world conditions and events that influenced this book, Rob’s world-building strategies, and how to create a complex billionaire villain. How far away are we from a corporatocracy? And...how can we prevent one?
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature...
2023-06-121h 01
Speculative SandboxAUTHOR TAKEOVER: Examining Edgar Allan PoeAuthor John James Minster takes over the podcast this week to examine Edgar Allan Poe.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
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Curated episode playlists on Spotify
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2023-06-0538 min2023-06-0402 min
Speculative Sandbox[REWIND] Chasing Utopia: The Horrors of Perfection[Originally published April 6, 2022.] Thomas More coined the term "Utopia" in his 1516 book of the same name, but is it really the ideal place to live? Author Jacob Devlin joins Vickie Lan in a discussion about fictional utopian societies, what makes them wonderful at first glance, and what makes them terrifying once you read between the lines.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.c...
2023-05-2944 min
Speculative Sandbox[BONUS] Playing God: A short look at "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3"What does the High Evolutionary and Nazi Germany have in common? The "playing god on society" trope is prevalent in both fiction and real life, and for speculative fiction writers, it's an opportunity to examine the systems and world-building that enables such villainous acts.
Disclaimer: this episode briefly summarizes some of the horrifying events that happened during the Holocaust.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free...
2023-05-2206 min
Speculative SandboxAUTHOR TAKEOVER: Stop being an "aspiring" writerGot a graveyard of WIPs in your Google Drive? #WriterProblems
Caitlin Fisher first came on the show to discuss time travel tropes and is back again to talk about the process of writing a first draft and how they help coach beginner writers to finish their first drafts in the face of imposter syndrome, comparison, and self-doubt.
Listen in to learn:
How to stop being an "aspiring" writer and claim the title of writer
The change to their writing routine that allowed them to write 104k words in a year, up from approximately 0
When to...
2023-05-1532 min
Speculative Sandbox43. Single-Biome Planets: Desert, ice, swamps, and beyondAuthor Neal Holtschlute joins the podcast to take a tour through the universe to hunt for single-biome planets. These are staple locations in science fiction, most notably used in Star Wars, where a single eco-system wraps an entire planet. How realistic are single-biome planets? And do we have some right in our own solar system?
2023-05-0849 min
Speculative Sandbox42. Mind Control: From conditioning to the hive mindIs mind control REAL? Author A.R. Mirabal joins the podcast this week to talk about all the ways a mind can be controlled in fiction and in real life, including conditioning and the hive mind. We even go into the challenges of overcoming a very real form of mind control - the algorithm.
2023-05-011h 05
Speculative Sandbox41. Castles: A writer's world-building tourYou have your King. You have your Queen. Now what? Learn from S.G. Blaise the ins and outs of castles. From defense and court life to waste management (or the lack thereof), S.G. takes us on a tour of anything you may want to know for your storybook setting.
2023-04-2450 min
Speculative Sandbox40. Dogma: Systems of authority"You can't have fantasy fiction without some sort of dogma, it seems." Author Quillem McBreen has a wealth of knowledge on the topic of dogma in speculative fiction. Learn about the different guiding principals explored in fantasy novels like "Game of Thrones", "American Gods", and "Wheel of Time", as well as the dogmatic systems that have a impact on our everyday lives.
2023-04-171h 00
Speculative Sandbox39. Madness: Mental health in speculative fictionHow is madness portrayed in fiction, and what impacts do our stories have on the real world? Author Ian Young joins the podcast today to talk about his personal experience with madness, the importance of mental health education, and the ways writers can use madness effectively in their stories.
2023-04-1039 min
Speculative Sandbox38. Corporate Colonialism: Systems and motives of exploitationThe Avatar movie franchise is just one of many fictional works that explore corporate colonialism, the practice of a corporation maintaining or extending its control over other countries, especially in establishing settlements or exploiting resources. Writer Lindsay DeFrates join the podcast today to talk about what drives corporate colonialism, how it impacts the native populations, and how fiction can be an effective tool for change.
2023-04-0347 min
Speculative Sandbox37. Folk Horror: The horrors of nature and humanityIsolated settings. Superstitions. Natural forces. Author Kacey Rayburn joins the podcast to talk about folk horror. What makes this sub-genre so chilling? We cover the common elements and themes, unpack some of well-known titles (Midsommar anyone?) and ask ourselves the big question: Is the scariest part of folk horror the demon in the woods....or is it us?
2023-03-2758 min
Speculative Sandbox36. Time Travel: Paradoxes and time loopsIf you could travel back to any time period, when would it be? Writer Caitlin Fisher and I discuss this question, as well as tackle the tangled and complex topic of Time Travel. From the MCU’s multi-verse to the Grandfather Paradox, how can writers explore time travel in their work? And can we do our own time-travel right now, with our memories?
2023-03-201h 00
Speculative Sandbox35. Resurrection: When death can't hold you downAuthor John James Minster joins Speculative Sandbox to discuss all the ways we can come back after death: resurrections, reincarnation, realistic revivals, ghosts, and more. Have a taste for the horror? John also gives some advice on how to make your story particularly terrifying.
2023-03-131h 06
Speculative Sandbox34. Food in Fiction: A menu of culinary literary devicesAuthor J. Dianne Dotson joins the podcast to talk about food in fiction. We’ll start off with an appetizer of rapid-fire questions, followed by a starter salad of literary devices, then the main course meal of food across different genres. Then, for a little dessert, we tease a future of lab-printed food.
2023-03-0651 min
Speculative Sandbox33. Magic Systems: Should magic users be forced to reveal themselves?Matthew C. Brown returns to the podcast to talk about Magic Systems! We discuss the fundamentals of magic in fantasy, whether or not science fiction and technology are magical, and how we can challenge the traditional light versus dark in binary magic systems. Stick around until the end, where we debate the classic question: if magic users existed in our modern society, should they be forced to reveal themselves?
2023-02-271h 11
Speculative Sandbox32. Spaceships: From take-off to "ludicrous" speedU.S.S. Enterprise. Millennium Falcon. Battlestar Galactica. Author and aerospace engineer S.J. Schauer takes our listeners to school with a discussion on spaceships. How can writers apply real-world concepts to their spacecrafts? Is light-speed travel really possible? And what is the most impractical spacecraft seen in fiction?
2023-02-201h 02
Speculative Sandbox31. Meet Cutes: From the serendipitous to the sinisterAuthor Salem Miles joins the podcast to talk about Meet Cutes! What happens when two potentially-romantic characters cross paths? From character dynamics to real-world experiences, this is an episode you won't want to miss this Valentine's week.
2023-02-1359 min
Speculative Sandbox30. Ensembles: The "Kings of the Wyld" character development tourAward-winning Author Nicholas Eames kicks off the spring 2023 season with a deep dive into the ensemble cast in his novel "Kings of the Wyld."
2023-02-0655 min
Speculative SandboxAUTHOR TAKEOVER: Writing Tie-In FictionAuthor Marsheila Rockwell takes over the podcast this week to talk about tie-in fiction.
Speculative Sandbox will return to our regular interview format in February. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok for information on episodes and soundbites.
2023-01-3020 min
Speculative SandboxAUTHOR TAKEOVER: A journey from plotting to pantsing a novelAuthor Andrew Dart takes over the podcast this week to talk about plotting and pantsing a novel.
Speculative Sandbox will return to our regular interview format in February. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok for information on episodes and soundbites.
2023-01-2312 min
Speculative SandboxAUTHOR TAKEOVER: Tricksters!Author and Podcaster Jacob Devlin takes over the podcast this week to talk about tricksters in speculative fiction.
Speculative Sandbox will return to our regular interview format in February. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok for information on episodes and soundbites.
2023-01-1611 min
Speculative SandboxAUTHOR TAKEOVER: How does a potato help you understand your characters?Author Lucy A. McLaren takes over the podcast this week to talk about how she uses counseling strategies to develop her characters.
Speculative Sandbox will return to our regular interview format in February. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok for information on episodes and soundbites.
2023-01-0909 min
Speculative SandboxAUTHOR TAKEOVER: The beginningAuthor Matthew C. Brown takes over the podcast this week to take you back to the beginning...of your story. When is a prologue helpful or hurtful? And how can writers improve their beginnings to hook their readers?
Speculative Sandbox will return to our regular interview format in February. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok for information on episodes and soundbites.
2023-01-0219 min
Speculative SandboxBest of 2022 and looking ahead to 2023Happy New Year! Learn what's planned for next year and hear a roundup of our 2022 episodes.
2022-12-2717 min
Speculative SandboxDay Twelve of "Twelve Days of Tropes"Hint: This trope has mystical origins.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
Episod...
2022-12-2503 min
Speculative SandboxDay Eleven of "Twelve Days of Tropes"Hint: This trope has extreme disparities.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
Episod...
2022-12-2404 min
Speculative SandboxDay Ten of "Twelve Days of Tropes"This trope is not what it seems.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
Epis...
2022-12-2304 min
Speculative SandboxDay Nine of "Twelve Days of Tropes"Hint: This trope may come back again.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not-so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
Episod...
2022-12-2205 min
Speculative SandboxDay Eight of "Twelve Days of Tropes"This trope might leave you feeling reflective.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
Episo...
2022-12-2103 min
Speculative SandboxDay Seven of "Twelve Days of Tropes"Hint: This trope goes up and down.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
Epis...
2022-12-2003 min
Speculative SandboxDay Six of "Twelve Days of Tropes"Hint: This trope may give you a sinking feeling.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
Episode notes:
Resour...
2022-12-1903 min
Speculative SandboxDay Five of "Twelve Days of Tropes"Hint: This trope is unsettlingly shaped.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
Episod...
2022-12-1803 min
Speculative SandboxDay Four of "Twelve Days of Tropes"Hint: This trope might be shaped like a candlestick.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
2022-12-1703 min
Speculative SandboxDay Three of "Twelve Days of Tropes"Hint: This trope may keep you up at night.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
2022-12-1603 min
Speculative SandboxDay Two of "Twelve Days Of Tropes"Hint: This trope has been handed down for generations.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
2022-12-1504 min
Speculative SandboxDay One of "Twelve Days of Tropes"Hint: This trope comes from a place of authority.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
2022-12-1404 min
Speculative Sandbox29. The End of the World: How to elevate the stakes beyond global annihilationJason Pargin, New York Times Bestselling Author of the John Dies at the End and Zoe Ashe books series, joins the podcast to talk about the end of the world. What is it about this trope that has a hold on society? And is our worldwide demise enough stakes to get the audience truly invested? You won't want to miss this one. Your survival depends on it.
2022-12-061h 08
Speculative Sandbox28. Taverns: Liquid courage for writersDrink up, me hearties! Writer Brad Allis returns to the podcast to discuss the role of taverns in speculative fiction. Why are they such useful locations for story telling? We talk about our favorite fictional taverns and some of our own original cocktails.
2022-11-2943 min
Speculative Sandbox27. Maps: Fictional placemaking and world buildingWriter and co-founder of the Round Table Writers, Odin Halvorson, joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about fictional placemaking. What can we learn from fantasy classics like Westeros and Narnia? And how can we push the boundaries of maps to present entirely new concepts, particularly in the science fiction genre? We talk about all this and more.
2022-11-221h 07
Speculative Sandbox26. De-Stressing the Damsel: Getting off the train tracksThe damsel in distress is a classic trope that typically places a female character in danger so that the hero can save the day. Author Bibiana Krall returns to the podcast to discuss this trope, how it impacts everyone, and the ways we can de-stress the damsel role.
2022-11-1545 min
Speculative Sandbox25. Runaway A.I.: The technological singularityCould computers one day take all our jobs? It's a scary possibility, but that's not all A.I. can do. Author Neal Holtschulte joins the podcast to talk about technological singularity in fiction and in real life. How close are we to this singularity? And what does it mean for humanity?
2022-11-081h 02Creative PeacemealVickie Lan, Author, PodcasterSend a textVickie Lan is a writer, and host of Speculative Sandbox, a podcast that delves into writing tropes with industry professionals. In this episode we dig deep into being Asian-American in the creative field, and touch on lighter topics as well like fave movies, writings tips, and more. Support the showVisit www.creativepeacemeal.com to leave a review, fan voicemail, and more!Insta @creative_peacemeal_podcastFB @creativepeacemealpodRedbubble CPPodcast.redbubble.comCreative Peacemeal READING list here Donate to AhHa!Broadway
2022-11-0747 min
Speculative Sandbox24. Modern Gods: The Algorithm, Google, and KarenIf future theologians were to examine artifacts from today, what conclusions could they reach about our society that could be interpreted as modern gods? Author Andrew Dart joins me to discuss our modern rituals and belief systems. Which modern god do you subscribe to? And what is the sacrifice in doing so?
2022-11-011h 04
Speculative Sandbox23. HALLOWEEN SPECIAL (WITH VIDEO!): Tea leaves and spooky readsHappy Halloween! Author Bibiana Krall returns to the podcast to talk about Halloween traditions and share spooky stories, followed by a live tea leaves reading! To get the full experience, watch the video on Spotify or YouTube.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5MvhLXzUWQp7FbkeMiMKRk?si=-uwnxdasS9GZEvB7ETnpng
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCqKsIfTIkHxYTH3guo6xzVQ
2022-10-2557 min
Speculative Sandbox22. Emergency Responders: Alien invasions and zombie outbreaksWriters: So you want to write about a mass emergency? Learn from guest writer and former firefighter Thomas Slatin about real life emergency response and communications. Topics covered include alien invasions, incoming meteors, nuclear fallout, and more.
2022-10-181h 02
Speculative Sandbox21. Sexuality in Speculative FictionDigital Publishing expert and Writer Nick Coveney joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about sexuality in speculative fiction, specifically the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation. We discuss how fiction can be used to challenge "norms", the pressures (and importance!) of representing a marginalized group, the political backlash to having more diverse voices in books, and how authors like J.K. Rowling can hurt a community. Also, do you love X-men? Stay for the deep dive at the end.
2022-10-111h 27
Speculative Sandbox20. Dragons: Western and Eastern mythical beastsFantasy Author Danielle Orsino joins the podcast to talk about dragon representation in fiction! We cover the differences between western and eastern dragons, common tropes, and Danielle's unique method for making her dragons as realistic as possible on the page.
2022-10-0455 min
Speculative Sandbox19. Fighting Words: Everybody loves conflict writingFight sequences can be thrilling on the screen, but how can you make them equally thrilling on the page? Writer Matthew. C Brown joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about our favorite fight scenes, tips and trick for writing one, and some pitfalls to avoid.
2022-09-271h 11
Speculative Sandbox18. The Chosen One: When the world really does revolve around youThe Chosen One is arguably one of the most loved or hated story tropes, and Author Lucy A. McLaren joins the podcast to explain why. We cover some famous examples, discuss how the Chosen One is the perfect setup for a villain, and how marginalized characters bring a fresh perspective to the trope.
2022-09-2057 min
Speculative Sandbox17. Corporatocracy: "The Warehouse" world-building tourAuthor Rob Hart explores the horrors of working in an Amazon-esque corporation in his dystopian thriller “The Warehouse”. Learn about the real-world conditions and events that influenced this book, Rob’s world-building strategies, and how to create a complex billionaire villain. How far away are we from a corporatocracy? And...how can we prevent one?
2022-09-131h 01Speculative SandboxTRAILER: Fall 2022 seasonWe're back! Get a sneak preview of the Fall 2022 season topics: Corporatocracy, The Chosen One, Fighting Words, Dragons, Sexuality in Speculative Fiction, Emergency Responders, Modern Gods, Runaway A.I., De-Stressing the Damsel, Maps, Taverns.
2022-09-0604 min
Speculative SandboxBONUS: Speculative Sandbox goes on summer breakDon't fret, we'll be back soon in the fall. Learn how you can participate in future episodes, or tell us what tropes you'd like to learn about next!
2022-07-0501 min
Speculative Sandbox16. Drugs & Robots: "The Body Scout" World-Building Tour"The Body Scout" by Lincoln Michel has been heralded as a “timeless and original” sci-fi thriller (New York Times) about a hardboiled baseball scout who must solve the murder of his brother in a world transformed by body modification. Sit back as Vickie Lan and author Lincoln Michel take you on a tour of this cyberpunk world. *NOTE!* Reading the book is not a requirement for following along with this episode. There will be world-building spoilers, but no plot spoilers. If you prefer zero spoilers, feel free to come back and listen when you're ready!
2022-06-2850 min
Speculative Sandbox15. Ghost Stories: Real-Life Hauntings and Fictional TropesVickie Lan and Author Bibiana Krall talk about ghost stories and real-life hauntings! Why do ghosts come back? How can writers capture a chilling encounter in an authentic way? And why should you ignore the shadow in the corner? Learn all this and more in this deliciously spooky episode.
2022-06-2157 min
Speculative Sandbox14. The Internet Is Dead: Conspiracy TheoriesConspiracy theories seek answers for the patterns we see in everyday life. They can be fun, they could be important, and they can also be dangerous. Aspiring writer Mike Crawford joins the podcast to discuss Q-anon, Flat Earth, the Dead Internet theory, and more.
2022-06-1449 min
Speculative Sandbox13. Unhappy Endings: The Good, The Bad, and the BittersweetHave you ever finished a book and wanted to throw it across the room? Or have you ever left the theater with tears running down your face? Beta-reader Elizabeth Brown joins the podcast to talk about unhappy endings. What purpose do they serve? Do you love or hate them? And what famous happily-ever-after story should have ended on a low note? DISCLAIMER: we do talk about endings of popular fiction! If you prefer to not be spoiled, you may need to skip this episode or fast-forward at your discretion.
2022-06-071h 05
Speculative Sandbox12. Shared Universes: Many Stories, One WorldMiddle Earth, the Wizarding World, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe are just a few examples of shared universes where independent stories exist with interconnecting characters, locations, and events. Matthew C. Brown returns to the podcast to discuss the joys and challenges of writing a shared universe.
2022-05-311h 03
Speculative Sandbox11. Space Cities: The Challenges of Leaving EarthBSFA-Award-Winning Author Gareth L. Powell joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about space colonies! Will we ever leave Earth? Which planets would make good homes? And how can science fiction writers warn us of potential pitfalls? Go on a tour through our solar system with us.
2022-05-2457 min
Speculative Sandbox10. Modern Heroes for Modern ProblemsIt's hard to look anywhere without seeing comic book superheroes. From Marvel's MCU domination to DC's attempt to reboot their characters again...and again...and again...maybe it's time to give superheroes an upgrade. Author Brad Allis revisits Speculative Sandbox to talk about the evolution of superheroes in pop culture and what superheroes would be like today if they took on modern problems with modern solutions.
2022-05-1748 min
Speculative Sandbox9. Doomed Mentors: Common Occupational HazardsIt's not easy being a hero. It's even worse being the mentor. Why do most mentors die a gruesome death right before the hero wins the day? Writer Jonathan Carlson and Vickie Lan unpack this trope, looking at popular examples from books and movies, and discuss ways to make this plot device feel fresh again.
2022-05-101h 02
Speculative SandboxBONUS: Query Letters and Analysis ParalysisVickie Lan answers questions submitted to the Speculative Sandbox Instagram or Twitter DMs.
2022-05-0913 min
Speculative Sandbox8. Asian American Voices in Speculative FictionIn honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Vickie Lan chats with editor and "Bookish Brews" blogger Amanda Khong about speculative fiction that is meaningful to them, magic, and the importance of representation in the book industry.
2022-05-041h 12
Speculative Sandbox7. Love and Death: Greek Myth Tropes and ArchetypesGreek mythology set the standard for many story tropes and character archetypes seen in today’s fiction. From tragedies to triumphant battles, petty arguments to unrequited love, the Greek Gods continue to leave a lasting impression because they are undeniably relatable. USA Today Bestselling Romance Author Carly Spade joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about the allure of the greek gods, their shadier pasts, and her approach for retelling their stories to a modern audience.
2022-04-2054 min
Speculative Sandbox6. Crafting the Villain: Dark Triad PersonalitiesWe watch them on TV. We read about them in books. We learn about their nefarious behaviors in the news. I’m talking about Dark Triad Personalities. Narcissists. Machiavellians. Psychopaths. They’re the villains of both our stories and our real lives. Author Marsheila Rockwell joins Vickie Lan in a discussion of what defines these three personality types, how they apply to both fictional and real-life people, and the ways writers can develop compelling Dark Triad characters.
2022-04-1852 min
Speculative Sandbox5. Chasing Utopia: The Horrors of PerfectionThomas More coined the term "Utopia" in his 1516 book of the same name, but is it really the ideal place to live? Author Jacob Devlin joins Vickie Lan in a discussion about fictional utopian societies, what makes them wonderful at first glance, and what makes them terrifying once you read between the lines.
2022-04-0644 min
Speculative Sandbox4. The Immortality Dilemma: Legacy building gone wrongGhostwriter and editor Leslie Hinson joins Speculative Sandbox on the search for immortality. Like Dorian Gray and his aging portrait, how do different characters avoid death? How does legacy building ensure our future? And what happens when someone else takes control?
2022-03-301h 00
Speculative Sandbox3. Cautionary Tales: Dystopian SocietiesNot all Dystopian societies are terrible...right? Guest writer Brad Allis joins me in a discussion of the dystopian trope, why we love to read and write them, and their small silver linings (if any!)
2022-03-2352 min
Speculative Sandbox2. Am I the Drama? Problematic ProtagonistsGood protagonists, evil protagonists, evilly good protagonists? Author Matthew C. Brown joins Speculative Sandbox in a chat about complex protagonists, the appeal of evil characters, and how story telling has evolved as our interactions on social media take center stage.
2022-03-161h 00
Speculative Sandbox1. Introduction: A podcast for speculative fiction writersWhat is speculative fiction? What can you expect from this podcast? Who am I? Learn all this and more in the introductory episode of Speculative Sandbox.
2022-03-0913 min