From Pop-Punk to Epic Fantasy: Tim Facciola’s Decade of Dream-Weaving
From Pop-Punk to Epic Fantasy: Tim Facciola’s Decade of Dream-Weaving
"I don’t know if I’m too stubborn or too stupid to give up—but either way, I couldn’t stop until the story was exactly what it deserved to be." — Tim Facciola
Tim Facciola, an award-winning fantasy author and former pop-punk band lyricist, joins us to share his 10-year journey of creating A Vengeful Realm, an epic fantasy trilogy inspired by gladiators, mythology, and the chaos of Manhattan’s grind. From his humble beginnings in an underground gym to his transformation into a published author, Tim’s story is one of creativity, perseverance, and finding balance in a high-speed world. Whether you're a fantasy fan or chasing your own dreams, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight.
The Origin Story: How a pop-punk lyricist in an underground gym discovered a passion for storytelling. Epic Fantasy World-Building: The 10-year evolution of A Vengeful Realm from sprawling draft to a polished trilogy. Perfectionism vs. Progress: The hard lessons of editing down 278,000 words into a marketable masterpiece. Systems for Success: Tim’s process for creating immersive stories, balancing plot and character growth. The Publishing Journey: Why Tim turned down a traditional contract to fully craft his trilogy before publishing. Creativity in Chaos: The impact of life in Manhattan and the pandemic on his writing process. Advice to Aspiring Authors: Journey before destination—Tim’s reminder to enjoy the process of creation.
More conversations
Becoming Your Own Best Friend
Janice Erlbaum left home at 15 for New York City's shelter system. Twenty years after Girlbomb, she talks about owning her part of the story, the teachers who saw her, and why she tells everyone to keep writing it down.
Listen →
When Small Towns Censored Hollywood
Novelist Glenn R. Miller on the small-town ministers who once censored Hollywood's silent films, the family note cards that inspired his satire Rough Cuts, and why censorship is never black and white.
Listen →
Living Your Own Truth
Singer Machan Taylor, who toured with Pink Floyd and Sting, on the loneliness behind a glamorous life on the road, writing a memoir she never meant to write, and why holding the finished book finally let her let go.
Listen →