From Law to Fantasy: A Leap of Creative Faith

Episode #0042

What does it take to walk away from a steady legal career into the wild, unpredictable world of fantasy writing? Richie Billing didn’t just take a step he leapt. At 23, tired and uninspired by law, and after a dream of starting his own firm fell through, he took the plunge into what he truly loved: writing. The road was anything but smooth Richie ran out of money within six months, and wrote a lot of what he humorously calls “rubbish stuff.” But that’s the magic of creative grit: practice, fail, repeat. It’s about investing in yourself, even when the outcome is uncertain.

That leap is the kind so many dream about but few dare to take. It’s about risking the known misery for unknown freedom and that’s exactly where Richie found his voice.

Embracing the Oddball: The Beauty of Being Different

Richie’s world is a bit weird and proudly so. From not kicking a football in Liverpool despite his dad’s football legacy, to loving niche fantasy characters and themes, he embodies the underdog’s spirit. You know what? There’s a strange kind of comfort in being the “orange among apples,” as Richie and his interviewer Paul put it. Differences challenge us, stretch our tolerance, and deepen our stories.

The lesson? Nobody is truly “normal,” and the best stories and people are those who embrace what sets them apart. This perspective bleeds into his writing, shaping gritty, realistic characters caught between shades of light and dark. It’s not about clichéd heroes winning the day but complex people wrestling with real-world issues in a fantasy setting that feels all too relatable.

Building Worlds, One Story at a Time

Richie’s fantasy universe Tervia isn’t just a backdrop but a living, breathing war zone between good and evil. What fascinates him most are tiny split-second decisions that reveal the human heart’s fragility and strength, a subtle dance between life and nothingness. Instead of overwhelming readers with exhaustive worldbuilding, Richie prefers a tight focus: telling fast, emotionally charged stories with essential backstory to keep readers hooked and coming back for more.

That’s the beauty of his approach; it’s intimate yet epic, a collection of voices with different agendas painting the big picture through smaller, personal battles. Every character from the healer to the drug dealer to the conflicted police officer offers a unique view of systemic corruption and resistance, making the story multifaceted and deeply human.​

Music and Magic: A Unique Reading Experience

Here’s something rare what if your fantasy book came with its own personalized soundtrack? Richie’s novel Together We Rise does just that. Inspired by the emotional power that a movie soundtrack can add (think Lord of the Rings), he created music to mirror the highs and lows of his characters’ journeys. Doesn’t that sound like the kind of experience you want to dive into on a lazy Sunday? It’s a novel idea that blends storytelling with sound, inviting readers to feel the story as much as read it.

Music isn’t just an accessory for Richie; it’s a creative tool that colors the mood of each scene, infusing his writing process with rhythm and emotional beats. This is storytelling on a new wavelength literally.​

Politics Meets Fantasy: Why Grit Matters

Richie’s writing isn’t an escape from reality; it’s a reflection of it and a critique. Political frustration and social division seep into his stories, driven by a desire to shine a light on issues that affect everyone regardless of political affiliation. It’s a call for unity in a fractured world, told through the lens of fantasy.

In Together We Rise, Richie doesn’t preach from the left or right; he tells stories that resonate across divides which is why even political opponents have found something to cherish in his work. It’s an invitation to look beyond tribalism and see our shared struggles and hopes.

The Writer’s Life: Midnight Sessions and Mobile Musings

Richie’s writing routine is a marathon, not a sprint broken into sessions scattered through the day and often stretching into the quiet, undistracted midnight hours when prose flows easiest. And here’s a nugget for modern creatives: Richie’s favorite writing device is his mobile phone. With fewer distractions than a laptop and the freedom to jot down thoughts anywhere, it’s become a secret weapon for capturing story ideas on the fly.

Creative stamina has its limits, though. Richie knows when writing feels like a chore, that’s his cue to step back and recharge. It’s a delicate balance of pushing through the dry spells and savoring bursts of inspiration—more like managing a stamina bar in a game than a 9-to-5 grind.​

Mentoring, Magic, and the Road Ahead

Richie’s journey isn’t just about personal success; it’s about lifting others along the way. Through his podcast and writing resources, he mentors aspiring authors, helping them navigate the writing wilderness. Watching writers grow and transform gives him profound satisfaction a reminder that storytelling is as much about community as creation.

Looking ahead, Richie faces new creative mountains, including completing a complex crime fantasy novel with occult twists set in Liverpool. The challenges of editing and refining long works are real, but so is the passion that drives him forward.

You can find Richie Billing's stories and podcast on his Patreon and website. His blend of gritty realism, political insight, and imaginative worldbuilding offers a fresh, authentic take that challenges the genre’s tropes while inviting readers into deeply emotional journeys. And who knows? The soundtrack might just be the perfect companion for your next fantasy adventure.

This post captures the essence of Richie Billing’s interview, weaving together his personal journey, creative philosophy, and storytelling insights with an engaging, conversational tone. It reflects nuanced emotions and cultural relevance while inviting readers into a world where fantasy meets reality in the most human way.