Rich Bennett sits down with fantasy author Brandy Stoker for an inside look at what it really takes to build an unforgettable fictional universe from the ground up. From creating complex characters and immersive worlds to managing every aspect of self-publishing, Brandy shares the passion and persistence behind her growing fantasy series.

Brandy is the author of Escape from Media, a dark dystopian fantasy romance that combines action, adventure, morally gray heroes, powerful Family bonds, and unforgettable world-building. She discusses why writing has been her lifelong passion and how decades of preparation helped her launch multiple novels in just over a year.

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  What makes dark dystopian fantasy different from traditional fantasy 
•  How Brandy created an entire fictional world spanning more than 20 stories 
•  The realities of self-publishing, editing, audiobook production, and marketing 
•  Why authors must think like entrepreneurs 
•  Behind-the-scenes stories from Book Fair Bel Air and comic conventions 

Whether you're an avid fantasy reader, an aspiring author, or someone curious about independent publishing, this conversation offers valuable insights and plenty of inspiration.

Learn more about Brandy at BrandyStoker.com.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another book lover. Visit Conversations with Rich Bennett for more inspiring conversations with authors, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.

Send us Fan Mail

Celebrate the Magic of Words in Bel Air, Maryland!

https://bookfairatbelair.org/

Book Fair at Bel Air
Celebrate the Magic of Words in Bel Air, Maryland!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts 

Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:
Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett
Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook
Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett
Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett
TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok

Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:
Hosted on Buzzsprout
SquadCast

Subscribe by Email

Most Recent Episodes

June 28, 2026

Todd Krause on Building Better Businesses

What if the biggest thing holding your business back isn't your marketing, pricing, or competition, but your leadership?In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with...

Listen · 59:31

June 25, 2026

The Truth About Franchises with Rich Potter

What if the career you've worked so hard to build isn't the one you're meant to keep?After more than a decade climbing the corporate ladder, Rich Potter made the leap into...

Listen · 1:04:41

June 23, 2026

Nicolette Halladay on the Courage to Trust Your Story

Have you ever felt called to share your story but found yourself held back by self-doubt, fear, or the belief that nobody would care?In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down...

Listen · 1:21:49

Load More Episodes

Rich Bennett Podcaster

I'm a Marine Corps Veteran, Professional DJ, Entrepreneur, and Professional Podcaster.

I started the podcast “Harford County Living” in 2015, 3 years after launching the positive news website harfordcountyliving.com. A few years later I started getting requests from people outside of Maryland to come on the show as guests and the podcast became “Harford County Living with Rich Bennett”. Needless to say, more requests came in and a few people suggested to me that I needed to expand the podcast and change the name again and “Conversations with Rich Bennett” was born.