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Fictional Problems

@fictionalproblems.bsky.social
246 followers 583 following 98 posts

Fictional Problems is a new podcast where two mostly-human writers, A.R. Mc Nevin and Gary J. Martin embark on a quest to conquer the many-headed beast known as speculative fiction. Let the overthinking begin...

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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
#WritingTips #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow #birthdaycelebration #BirthdayEpisode #GeneralDiscussion #friendship #CommonInterest #hosting #celebration #BirthdayEpisode #Emmys #WidowsBay #ThePitt #TheOdyssey #spiderman #dungeoncrawlercarl
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/birthday-b...
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Episode 39 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY FICTIONAL PROBLEMS, Part 2: A Year in Media, Mayhem, and Memories | Fictional Problems
We're back with part two of our birthday celebration — a free-flowing year-in-review covering TV, film, books, culture, and the noisy world of streaming. We debate whether it's a golden age or a churn...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FICTIONAL PROBLEMS! Enjoy a special double episode today as we celebrate a year of having many, many fictional problems. fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/one-year-o...
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Episode 38 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY FICTIONAL PROBLEMS! Part 1: One Year On: Celebrating the Podcast, the Plank, and Bob | Fictional Problems
Episode anniversary: the hosts mark one year and roughly 38 episodes, reflecting on why they started the podcast and what it has meant for their writing and friendship.They discuss defining themselves...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/plot-holes... #newpodcastepisodealert #fantasy #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow #indy #gameofthrones #jaws #lordoftherings #harrypotter #backtothefuture #StarTrek #wrathofkhan #plot #TheTerminator #starwars #gandalf #timeturner #jamielannister
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Episode 37 - It Made Sense at the Time: Debating Plot Holes from Indy to Middle‑Earth | Fictional Problems
Welcome to Fictional Problems, the podcast where Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin examine famous plot holes and story inconsistencies in speculative fiction. In this episode, they discuss examples from...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
We explore where writers find inspiration, how a single line or image can spark whole stories, and the challenge of turning intense influence into original work.
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/when-inspi... #WritingTips #newpodcastepisodealert #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow #inspiration #balance #thefarside
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Episode 36 - Inspired by True Events, Balancing Muse and Manuscript | Fictional Problems
This episode of Fictional Problems explores where writers find inspiration, how a single line or image can spark whole stories, and the challenge of turning intense influence into original work. Hosts...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Hosts Gary Martin and A.R. McNevin discuss Cthulhu, the slumbering Azathoth, and H.P. Lovecraft, examining the mythos, its themes, and how writers craft the unknowable. fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/eldritch-e...
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Episode 35 - Hello Darkness My Old Friend. Part 3 of a 3 Part Series on Monsters in Fiction. | Fictional Problems
This episode of Fictional Problems explores the third part of a three-part series on monsters, focusing on cosmic horror. Hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin discuss Cthulhu, the slumbering Azathoth...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/eldritch-e... #WritingTips #newpodcastepisodealert #Fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow #monsters #monstersinfiction #cthulhuart #aztharoth #hplovecraft #cosmichorror #eldritchhorror
fictionalproblems.podbean.com
Episode 35 - Hello Darkness My Old Friend. Part 3 of a 3 Part Series on Monsters in Fiction. | Fictional Problems
This episode of Fictional Problems explores the third part of a three-part series on monsters, focusing on cosmic horror. Hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin discuss Cthulhu, the slumbering Azathoth...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/scales-sto...
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Episode 34 - I See Fire. Part 2 of a 3 Part Series on Monsters in Fiction. | Fictional Problems
This episode of Fictional Problems (part two of our monsters series) explores the dragons of Western mythology — what they look like, where they came from, and why they keep appearing in our stories. ...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! Hosts Gary Martin and A.R. McNevin discuss dragons, historical origins, symbolic roles and modern reworkings. #writingtips #newpodcastepisodealert #fantasy #sciencefiction #podcastshow #monsters #dragon #dungeonsanddragons #gameofthrones #HouseOfTheDragon #dragonbooks
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
#writingtips #newpodcastepisode #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow #monsters #dracula #werewolf #frankenstein #frankensteinsmonster #monstersinfiction #JekyllAndHide #bramstoker #maryshelleysfrankenstein #ClassicMonsters
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/monsters-a...
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Episode 33 - What's that coming over the hill? Part 1 of a 3 part series on monsters in fiction. | Fictional Problems
Join the Fictional Problems hosts as they begin a multi-part exploration of monsters in fiction. From Dracula and Frankenstein to the werewolf and Jekyll and Hyde, they examine how monsters reflect so...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! Hosts Gary Martin and A.R. McNevin begin a multi-part exploration of monsters in fiction. From Dracula and Frankenstein to the werewolf and Jekyll and Hyde, they examine how monsters reflect societal fears, moral anxieties, and changing cultural norms.
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
#writingtips #newpodcastepisode #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow #Rules #BreakingTheRules #mentalhealth fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/we-broke-o...
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Episode 32 - We Broke Our Own Rules: Brutal, Honest Advice for Writers | Fictional Problems
This episode of Fictional Problems, with Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin, breaks the podcast's own rules to share practical do's and don'ts for writers. They cover when not to write, how to accept and...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/we-broke-o...
fictionalproblems.podbean.com
Episode 32 - We Broke Our Own Rules: Brutal, Honest Advice for Writers | Fictional Problems
This episode of Fictional Problems, with Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin, breaks the podcast's own rules to share practical do's and don'ts for writers. They cover when not to write, how to accept and...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! Practical dos and don'ts for writers. When not to write, how to accept and filter feedback, how to set realistic goals, how to manage multiple projects, and how to find the poetry in your prose, offering candid tips to help authors finish their work and enjoy the process.
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/writing-sm... #sherlockholmes #writingtips #newpodcastepisode #Fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow #intelligent #clever #politicians #mastermind #genius
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Episode 31 - Smarter than the Average Bear, Crafting Intelligent Characters | Fictional Problems
This is Fictional Problems, the podcast where we discuss all things writing, in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland. On today's episode, hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin explore how to w...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! On today's episode, hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin explore how to write intelligent characters: can an author create someone smarter than themselves, and what does intelligence look like on the page?
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Our hosts explore "placeholder" characters. They discuss examples from Sherlock Holmes to fanfic. A character's process, limits, and growth to keep stories engaging, using examples from detective fiction, fantasy, and popular media to illustrate how to craft believable development and stakes.
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!! #sherlockholmes #herculepoirot #MarySue #GaryStu #writingtips #newpodcastepisode #fantasyart #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow #placeholder
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!! fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/when-a-wiz...
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Episode 30 - When a Wizard Did It: The Problem with Placeholder Characters | Fictional Problems
On this episode of Fictional Problems (in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland), hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin explore "placeholder" characters — figures whose abilities are presuppose...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/when-chara... #Instagram #quote #plotting #writingtips #newpodcastepisode #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow
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Episode 29 -A clever quote or abhorrent nonsense, you decide. | Fictional Problems
This is Fictional Problems, a podcast where we discuss all things writing, in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland. Join hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin as they explore a viral definitio...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
This is Fictional Problems, the podcast where hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin, in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland, reflect on their recent appearance on The Marlon Show Joined by authors Daniel Wade and Donna Kennedy, they review a debate about AI in writing
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
www.mixcloud.com/MarlonDublin... #themarlonshow #DublinSouthFM #communityradio #writingcommunity #artificialintelligence #writingtips #newpodcastepisode #Fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/on-air-wri...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
The Fictional Problems hosts discuss A.I. and writing on The Marlon Show Dublin South FM with authors Daniel Wade and Donna Kennedy. www.mixcloud.com/MarlonDublin...
mixcloud.com
Marlon & His Distinguised Panel Of Writers
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!! fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/why-are-yo... #writingtips #newpodcastepisode #ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛy #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow #motivation #inspiration #expectation #writingprocess #honesty
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Episode 27 - Why Are You a Good Writer? | Fictional Problems
This episode of Fictional Problems explores why writers consider themselves "good writers." Hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin discuss motivations, processes, influences, worldbuilding, pacing, and...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!! The hosts discuss motivations, processes, influences, worldbuilding, pacing, and the difference between craft and commercial success. fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/why-are-yo...
fictionalproblems.podbean.com
Episode 27 - Why Are You a Good Writer? | Fictional Problems
This episode of Fictional Problems explores why writers consider themselves "good writers." Hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin discuss motivations, processes, influences, worldbuilding, pacing, and...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
#brandonsandersonbooks #stephenking #writingrules #WritingTips #newpodcastepisode #ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛy #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! In this episode, we examine Brandon Sanderson's Three Laws of Magic and several of Stephen King's rules on writing. We debate hard vs. soft magic, the importance of consistency and limitations, and practical tips (and traps) for writers.
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! fictionalproblems.podbean.com/.../when-law... #brandonsandersonbooks #stephenking #writingrules #WritingTips #newpodcastepisode #ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛy #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
The guys dig into subplots, and the connective tissue that broadens a story—from exposition techniques to integrating side arcs naturally. From Star Wars,Aliens, to A Song of Ice and Fire, they cover how to introduce, transition, and resolve subplots, when to cut what doesn’t serve the main plot.
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/side-quest...
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Episode 25 - Sub-Plots & Side-Characters (Without the side-characters bit) | Fictional Problems
This is Fictional Problems, the podcast where we discuss all things writing in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland. Hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin dig into subplots, secondary characte...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/side-quest... #SUBPLOT #SecondaryCharacters #starwars #aliens #gameofthrones #WritingTips #newpodcastepisode #ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛy #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! Perfectly timed “mic drop” moment in storytelling, and flexible genre conventions in worldbuilding. We also pitch a tongue-in-cheek campaign for every TV show to try a zombie episode, and why long-running franchises can benefit from disappearing for a while.
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/respect-th...
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Episode 24 - Respect the Reader — Mic Drops, Vampires & Zombie Week | Fictional Problems
This episode explores the value of reader comments and respect for reviewers, the power of a perfectly timed “mic drop” moment in storytelling, and how genre conventions—like how you kill a vampire—ar...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/go-back-an...
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Episode 23 - More Fictional Comments -Time-Travel Fatigue, Character Memory Edits and Dragons as Humans with Wings | Fictional Problems
In this episode of Fictional Problems, hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin tackle more Fictional Comments from fictional listeners about writing dilemmas: preventing time-travel fatigue and paradoxe...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
#fictionalcomments #question #timetravel #dragons #unreliablenarrator #writingtips #newpodcastepisode #ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛy #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
In this episode of Fictional Problems, we tackle more Fictional Comments from fictional listeners about writing dilemmas: preventing time-travel fatigue and paradoxes, handling memory editing and what defines identity, and signalling unreliable narrators who don't realise they're unreliable.
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
"Fictional Comments," Topics include whether character deaths should have memorable last words or haunting off‑page endings, whether magical societies would develop permits and paperwork, and how writers cope with reviews and feedback.
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! #fictionalcomments #question #lastwords #writingtips #newpodcastepisode #ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #ScienceFiction #podcastshow
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/last-words...
fictionalproblems.podbean.com
Episode 22 - New Segment - Fictional Comments, this episode: Death and Drama | Fictional Problems
Fictional Problems explores writing craft through made-up listener letters in this playful episode. Hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin launch a new segment, "Fictional Comments," to debate real aut...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
#identific
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Gary and Alan continue the discussion of identity fiction with a focused critique of recent Star Trek shows arguing modern entries prioritise surface identity over character-driven storytelling The hosts call for stories that respect human complexity and the legacy of great science fiction writing
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! THERE ARE FOUR LIGHTS! #Woke #wokeism #identity #StarTrek #StarfleetAcademy #AlexKurtzman #TNG #MeasureofaMan #chainofcommand #writingtips #newpodcastepisode #ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/what-is-st... #Woke #wokeism #identity #StarTrek #StarfleetAcademy #AlexKurtzman #TNG #MeasureofaMan #chainofcommand #writingtips #newpodcastepisode #ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction #podcastshow
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Episode 21 - What Is Your Writing About? Identity and Storytelling in Star Trek | Fictional Problems
In this episode of Fictional Problems, Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin continue their discussion of identity fiction with a focused critique of recent Star Trek shows. They contrast classic TNG episod...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Gary Martin and A.R. Mc Nevin explore the idea of "woke" writing and ask what happens when identity is prioritised over story. #woke #wokeism #writingtips #newpodcastepisode #fantasy #speculativefictionireland #irishauthors #sciencefiction fictionalproblems.podbean.com/e/when-ident...
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Episode 20 - When Identity Loses the Plot: The 'Woke' Debate in Fiction | Fictional Problems
This is Fictional Problems, the podcast where we discuss all things writing, in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland. Hosts Gary J. Martin and A.R. McNevin explore the idea of "woke" writing a...
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Fictional Problems @fictionalproblems.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Check out the complete works of one of our hosts A.R. McNevin www.armcnevin.com
armcnevin.com
Author | A.R. McNevin
The author website of A.R. McNevin; author of the Parliament of Crowe series among other works of science fiction and fantasy
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