One of the things we love most is encouraging new voices in fantasy - and so on today’s episode of Mythmakers, we are delighted to meet Liz Hyder, author of award-winning Bearmouth and forthcoming The Twelve (coming October 2024 from Pushkin Press). The Twelve is a wonderful YA fantasy adventure set in Pembrokeshire Wales, it is a gripping mystery and a delightfully poetic read with a heart for the environment and the kids who don't quite fit in with other teens. Join us to hear Liz's journey to being a writer, the books she recommends and the processes she follows.  For more information on Liz and her works visit https://www.lizhyder.co.uk   For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit: Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram Facebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/Facebook TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok   0:00 Introduction to MythMakers Podcast 1:22 Early Influences and Gateway Books 2:50 Discovering Tolkien and Alan Garner 5:17 Alan Garner's Influence and Ongoing Inspiration 9:29 Writing Apprenticeship and Novel Drafting 11:15 Letting Go of Published Works and Moving Forward 12:30 Introduction to "The 12" and its Setting 14:55 Comparisons to Other Fantasy Writers 16:48 Personal Connection to Wales and Manorbeer 21:44 Setting the Story at the Turn of the Millennium 26:55 Loneliness and Isolation 30:37 Childhood Bullying Experiences 33:52 Characters Finding Connection 34:55 Patterns and Themes Emergence 36:48 The Empowerment of Editing 40:21 The Complex Villain 44:42 Collaboration with Artist Tom de Fresten 46:21 Caravan Holiday Destination: Narnia