“Do your research, read widely in the genre, and don't limit yourself to strict rules; go ahead and create something new. That would be cool.” - Beth Barany

In this How To Write the Future podcast episode, “Fantasy Steampunk: Do You Need Magic?” host Beth Barany answers a listener's question on whether magic is needed as an element to a steampunk novel.

She dives into how to understand what genre you are writing, how to work using your instincts, plus why it can be exciting to create something completely new and unique by combining genres and elements.

RESOURCES

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Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/

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Sign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/

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Schedule an exploratory call here and see if Beth can support you today: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/discovery-call/

SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth Barany
SHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDade
EDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompart

c. 2026 BETH BARANY

https://bethbarany.com/

Questions? Comments? Send us a text!

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For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Are you ready to edit your novel? If you're not sure, then get this checklist and video series and find out! => https://bethbarany.com/htwtfreadytoedit

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CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
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