Oppression and Hope: Eight Voices on the Edge of Revolution with Author Richie Billing

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Richie Billing, author of the book Together We Rise. Richie Billing is a writer of dark fantasy and literary fiction. His tales often explore real-world issues, zooming in on the characters and their troubles.

His short fiction has featured in, among others, The Markaz Review, Literary Fantasy Magazine, Shlock! and Kzine, with stories adapted for BBC radio, translated into Italian, and taught in Swedish secondary schools.

His debut novel, Pariah's Lament, was published by Of Metal and Magic Publishing in March 2021. His first novella, a political fantasy called Together We Rise, came out in March 2025.

Richie also hosts the podcast The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, a venture inspired by readers of his acclaimed craft book, A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook.

When not writing, Richie works as an editor and digital marketer and teaches creative writing both online and in his home city of Liverpool.

In my book review, I stated Together We Rise is a fantasy action adventure by Richie Billing. This story is seen through the eyes of eight very different individuals who all live in a city that is falling apart. The citizens are angry. The government doesn't care. People are hurting, starving, and hopeless - unless you happen to be one of the wealthy ones.

But what happens when people who otherwise have nothing in common come together in anger and say no more? At first, it is simple resistance. Eventually, it turns to bloodshed.

I like the characters because they are real and imperfect. They have to make difficult choices and don't always choose well - or choose how I would choose in a time when morality is easier to discern.

Although a bit dark, it is strongly character-driven, and I think you will like it.

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You can follow Author Richie Billing

Website: https://richiebilling.com/