This week I caught up with Catalina Margulis , a speaker, author, story coach, and journalist from Toronto, Canada. We discuss how much truth memoirs can (or should) contain, how to create believable characters, and why it’s important to get out of the way when you tell a story. We also examine the intersection of truth and storytelling, explore the craft of narrative nonfiction, and uncover what drives compelling stories. Give it a listen!
This week I caught up with one of Scotland’s premier authors and cultural commentators, Ewan Morrison. We explore the areas where technology and narrative meet and how they can help us examine what it means to be human. Why do we tell stories? Why are we even here? And, of course, is there such a thing as the Loch Ness Monster? (Yes, we even go there.) We also talk about Morrison’s latest thriller FOR EMMA. Check it out.
I sat down with Rob Hart , the critically acclaimed author of The Warehouse and The Medusa Protocol for a fast-paced and thought-provoking conversation about villains, twists, and how to create characters who are both deeply flawed and utterly compelling. We also discuss whether or not you can benefit from reading your reviews (both good and bad) and what kung fu movies and musicals have in common—and what storytellers can learn from them. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform....
S.A. BARNES works in a high school library by day, recommending reads, talking with students, and removing the occasional forgotten cheese-stick-as-bookmark. The author has published numerous novels across different genres, but Dead Silence is the first published as S. A. Barnes. Barnes lives in Illinois with more dogs and books than is advisable and a very patient spouse.
This week, Belgium author and screenwriter Sandra J. Paul joins me to talk about crafting suspense, plot twists, and the art of keeping readers guessing. Known as “the queen of twists,” Sandra has written more than 30 novels, including several innovative flip books. Her novels are available all over the world. Tune in for an insightful and inspiring conversation. Listen now:
This week on The Story Blender , we’re diving into myth, adventure, and the power of storytelling with Robert A. Walker , author of the Seven Gods series. We explore his process of listening to characters—and what that even means—and responding to the story as it unfolds, providing an intimate look at their struggles and journeys. He also shares inside info about his latest book Two Crowns, Three Blades and a word of advice he would give to his younger self that might be good for all of us to li...
This week’s guest, Susan Walter, moved to Los Angeles after flubbing an interview to be a newscaster, hoping to work in film and television production. Upon realizing writers were having all the fun, Susan became a screenwriter, then a director. She made her directorial debut on "All I Wish" starring Sharon Stone, which she also wrote. Susan transitioned to writing novels during the pandemic so she could murder people without consequences. She has a new book called LETTERS FROM STRANGERS and lot...
This week I talk with novelist Meg Serino about her new novel, ANNAPURNA. We explore the issues that fiction allows us to evaluate, the crossroads that we face, and the new insights that stories can bring us. We chat about the importance of forgiveness and grace, extending them toward yourself, and shaping stories that really enrich people on an emotional level. Check it out!
This week I chat with the bestselling authors from the popular podcast, Friends & Fiction. We dive into their advice on what writers should focus and what to avoid, the advantages and drawbacks of stepping out on a limb, and lessons learned from unexpected places. We also talk about their books, their podcast, and how to connect with a community of 250,000 committed readers and writers. Check it out!
Have you ever heard of the infamous pirates Captain Kidd and Blackbeard? Have you ever been interested in the golden age of pirates, privateers, and the truth behind the legends? This week, I interview Samuel Marquis, the author of the new book “Captain Kidd: A True Story of Treasure and Betrayal.” Marquis shares fascinating insights on pirates, storytelling, the way fiction wears with truth in legendary stories, and what it means to be “a villain all nations.” Check it out....
This week I catch up with Michael Carson, the president of the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee—the site of the contemporary storytelling revival. We discuss the power of stories to bring joy, to bring healing, and to bring people together. We talk about the dance of audience and teller, how important it is to respond to your listeners even as you tell your story, and why there is no one right way to tell a story. Check it out and learn more about the International St...
This week I chat with suspense author Jaclyn Goldis about her writing process, the importance of curiosity, plunging into reality through fiction, writing advice you’ve heard but should never follow, whether or not to write every day, what success as an author truly looks like (it might surprise you) and more. We also discuss her latest book, The Safari . Check it out!
Don’t miss this week’s episode of The Story Blender as I interview gothic novelist Paulette Kennedy. We talk about everything from cemetery rubbings to creating a sense of dread, to how much we love it when characters question their own sanity and travel on a journey of self-awareness through the narrative. What is it that makes a story gothic? How does isolation and self-questioning fit into that genre? You’ll also love her advice on what to do in regard to chasing your dreams.
This week on The Story Blender I sit down with award-winning sports journalist David Newton to talk about when the rubber meets the fans at a NASCAR race, his work at ESPN, writing about Tiger Woods’ early career, and even Cam Newton’s outlandish style choices. From his decades of experience, David shares the importance of tapping into the human drama—including struggles and obstacles—no matter what type of story you might be writing or telling. Listen in for his unique advice on finding the sto...
My guest this week is an award-winning translator author and folklorist who's written extensively on Japanese ghost stories and supernatural stories from and has translated many tales from Japanese into English for the first time. He has also lectured on folklore and manga throughout the United States and Europe.
This week I caught up with Latina author C.I. Jerez whose new book AT THE ISLAND’S EDGE releases in March . We discuss leaning into the interiority of your characters, getting to know them over time, finding your voice, and letting the story tell itself to you. Give it a listen!
This week, acclaimed science thriller author Mark Alpert joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about how not to say everything all at once in your story, creating enough mystery and intrigue to keep readers flipping pages, why you should apply for a writer residency, how to use a flare to keep polar bears at bay in the Arctic, the best way for aliens to invade earth (it’s not what you think!), whether AI will become our overlord and more. Check it out!
This week I catch up with acclaimed storyteller Adam Booth. We talk about reading the room, creating space in your story, and dancing with the audience. We also chat about whether or not to script out content and the importance of establishing normalcy at the start of a storytelling program to presentation. Adam tours throughout the country, performing his stories for young and old alike and I’m sure you’ll love his insights and perspective.
This week I speak with novelist, storyteller, and world-renowned speech writer Tom Morrisey on the keys to storytelling for leaders. Learn why people have a short attention span these days (it’s not the reason you might think), why stories work so well for building trust, and three reasons you should be telling stories in your work to inspire and motivate those you lead. We also chat about our upcoming Storytellingkeys.com Summit in Tennessee in April. Give it a listen, and join us April 8-10 fo...
Listen to a fascinating conversation with filmmaker and screenwriter Nicholas Tomnay as we talk about whether stories reflect culture or alter it, why you should avoid Toxic Carrots, and the difference between twists and reveals. We also discuss his latest film, “What You Wish For.” Give the episode a listen and then check out the movie after you hear Nicholas’s insights into the writing process!
Have you ever wanted to write a script for Hollywood? If so, then you’re going to love this week’s episode of The Story Blender. Screenwriter and script consultant Mike Thompson joins me. He has sold projects to Columbia Pictures, New Line Cinema, Universal, Paramount, NBC, CBS, and many others. We talk about fusing character and concept, coming up with pitches and loglines, the engine that propels every story forward, the secrets to writing scripts that sell, and more. Check it out!...
This week I talk with Rowan Gibson, an international business consultant, keynote speaker, and innovator who has told stories in over 60 countries. According to Forbes, Rowan Gibson is “one of the most recognized thought leaders in business innovation.” We talk about everything from telling stories in the corporate world to what it takes to make a James Bond story work to thinking outside the box (and redefining what the box is), and more. Give it a listen. Check it out!
This week we flip the script as bestselling author D.P. Lyle interviews me about my latest book on the craft of writing—DELVE, PIVOT, PROPEL. We talk about what led me to write in the first place, what set me back five years in my writing journey, what a “pivot” is and why authors should include one in every scene, and one piece of advice I would give to my younger self. Check it out!
This week I chat with acclaimed artist and American Book Award-winning graphic novelist, Eric Drooker. We talk about vulnerability in storytelling and art, the importance of communicating your vision, and the importance of telling the stories that lie closest to your heart. It’s a wide ranging conversation that explores the significance of stories and art, and even touches on the paradox of holding onto hope in a world that is so often hopeless. Give it a listen!...
This week I talk with Kiran Singh Sirah, an award-winning Storytelling Industry leader and Past President of the International Storytelling Center. His work in peace-building through storytelling has received recognition from UNESCO, The White House, and The United Nations. Kiran and I explore the power of stories to build bridges and understanding between different groups and cultures. Join us as we discuss Telling Stories that Matter, no matter what background you might have!...
This Christmas and holiday season I sat down with storyteller, performer, and conference speaker Keith Ferrin. He has presented and performed entire books of the Bible, created biblical storytelling programs for Christmas, and spoken at events worldwide. We talk about his journey toward becoming a storyteller, his three words of advice on how to enhance, improve and avoid different aspects of your presentation, and keys to great presentations no matter who your audience is. Give it a listen!...
This week I speak with New York Times bestselling author Travis Thrasher. He’s a prolific author who has written an astonishing 100 books including memoirs and fiction. His latest collaboration is That Deserves a Wow by sports broadcaster Chris Myers. We discuss writing stories from your life and the types of moments to include, what lies at the heart of all great stories (regardless of the genre), and how to apply fiction writing techniques to nonfiction. Check it out!...
This week I chat with acclaimed author and radio personality, Chris Fabry. His 80+ novels have won numerous awards and sold to readers all over the world. We talk about his writing process, advice for storytellers at any stage in their journey, why it’s vital to get your stories out there, the importance of family storytelling, and hunting stories that might or might not be true. (Don’t worry, no real animals were harmed in the making of this podcast!) Give it a listen!
Acclaimed author and screenwriter Adam Hamdy joins me this week to talk about story, storytelling, and his latest thriller, DEADBEAT. We explore finding and losing your storytelling voice, giving your characters agency, how your character’s reaction is really a means of revelation, and whether or not you can have a character who is both the hero and a villain at the same time. Join us for a fascinating and interesting interview. Check it out!
This week I caught up with prolific author Josh Corin. He has written six Deadpool graphic novels for Marvel aComics and has a new twisty novel out called ASSUME NOTHING. We talk about why high stakes matter in a story, transgressions that characters make, writing about people you don’t understand, irony leading to resonance, and what it means to throw rocks at your protagonist. It’s a great conversation. Check it out!
