The Story Blender
The Story Blender is a podcast dedicated to the craft of storytelling. Hosted by Steven James, it features conversations with great storytellers who reveal the secrets behind their art. Each episode offers insights and techniques for anyone interested in improving their own storytelling abilities. The show focuses on the practical and creative aspects of crafting compelling narratives.
Episodes
Season 10 Episode 41: Jack Smith
This week, I sat down at the Storytelling Resource Place in Jonesborough, Tennessee, to chat with award-winning poet and storyteller Jack Smith. He shares his passion for writing poetry and telling tales, gives us a glimpse into his creative process, and reminds us how important it is to leave the nest. He also shares several of his moving and poignant poems.
Season 10 - Episode 40: Chris Mullen
Award-winning author Chris Mullen talks with me about everything from writing Westerns to teaching Kindergarten to encouraging creativity and risk-taking—and how to move past the obstacles that so many adults put in their own way. Chris is an award-winning teacher and the acclaimed author of Westerns for teens and adults.
Season 10 - Episode 39: Deborah Raney
Acclaimed novelist Deborah Raney joins me to talk about writing women’s fiction and romance, how she crafts stories without using an outline, what she does when her characters surprise her, and how important it is—or isn’t—to keep stories believable. We also talk about her latest novel, WHO NAMES THE STARS. Check it out!
Season 10 - Episode 38: Mark Gottlieb
This week, I'm thrilled to speak with literary agent Mark Gottlieb. He has represented many award-winning and bestselling authors and offers a look under the hood of the publishing industry, sharing what literary agents are looking for, what turns them off, and why it's important to have a strong query letter. We also discuss whether or not you should follow publishing trends, verbal break
Season 10 - Episode 37: Rachel Howzell Hall
Acclaimed and bestselling mystery writer Rachel Howzell Hall joins me to talk about how to craft a great mystery, the importance of receptivity rather than rigidity when writing, why main characters should be both vulnerable and admirable (without being perfect), and her latest book, MIST AND MALICE.
Season 10 - Episode 36: Anderson Boyd
Veteran screenwriter and author Anderson Boyd joins me to talk about his advice for writing a novel, what he learned from screenwriting that transferred into writing fiction, some of his favorite authors, and specific thoughts on shaping and telling the stories you have within you. We also chat about his novel THE LEASE OF NATURE. Check it out!
Season 10 - Episode 35: Josh Goforth
Josh Goforth
Season 10 - Episode 34: Liv Constantine
Bestselling author Liv Constantine comes on the show to share thoughts about writing domestic suspense, the keys to characterization, and how to (and why to) keep your stories believable. We also talk about our newest thriller PROMISE ME NEVER. Check it out!
Season 10 - Episode 33: J.T. Ellison
This week, New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison joins me to talk about ghost cats, why she’s a gardener rather than an architect as a writer, the differences (and surprising similarities) between mystery and suspense, serendipity, believability, and more. We also discuss her latest novel, YOU KNOW WHY.
Season 10 - Episode 32: Eriq La Salle
In this week’s conversation with actor, director, and producer Eriq La Salle, you'll learn why your characters are only as fascinating as the problems they face, why it’s more important to be interested in your story than to be interesting, why you should never judge your characters, and why you should always do your research. We also discuss the challenge of creating a hero who’s just as comp
Season 10 - Episode 31: Alex Finlay
International bestselling author Alex Finlay joins me to talk about trusting your readers, letting them fill in the gaps, how much planning to do (or not do) before writing your book, and how to handle clichés in a way that lets you get away with using them.We also discuss his latest thriller, THE ANNIVERSARY.
Season 10 - Episode 30: J. D. Barker
With books sold in 150 countries, author J.D. Barker has become a name synonymous with suspense. He joins me to talk about his writing process, the economy of language, how to start scenes (and how not to), and why the emotional impact of stories matters so much. We also talk about Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula, how he actually believed in vampires, the missing 102 pages, and J.D.’s latest thriller
Season 10 - Episode 29: Douglas & Aletheia Preston
This week on The Story Blender, international bestselling author Douglas Preston and his coauthor (and daughter), Aletheia Preston, join me to discuss their latest novel, PARADOX.We explore what makes characters truly resonate, why believability matters—even when you're writing stories with extraordinary or unbelievable elements—and how to keep readers invested from beginning to end. We also d
Season 10 - Episode 28: Carla Hoch
Martial arts expert and author Carla Hoch joins me to talk about writing fight scenes that actually work. How do you write a knife fight scene? What do you need to remember? What would (or should) your character do? Is it better to fight on the ground or standing up? Does adrenaline cloud or sharpen your vision? We also chat about situational awareness and using unique objects of opportunity. Figh
Season 10 - Episode 27: Zena Dell Lowe
This week on The Story Blender, I’m joined by screenwriter and storytelling consultant Zena Dell Lowe for a provocative conversation about writing redemptive stories that aren’t agenda-driven, why consequences matter and how they reveal character, the importance of a story’s moral fabric, the difference between moral ambiguity and moral complexity, and the secrets to writing heroic characters. We
Season 10 - Episode 26: Mark Phillips
In a special Father’s Day episode, author and essayist Mark Phillips joins me to talk about telling personal stories, writing memoirs, and how much truth lives in the “true” stories we tell. We also chat about his book MY FATHER’S CABIN, which explores the complexities of a father-son relationship and the forgiveness that sometimes needs to go both ways. Check it out!
Season 10 - Episode 25: Gregory Poirier
This week, screenwriter and novelist Gregory Poirier joins me to discuss how to create characters that readers and viewers are immediately drawn to, identify with, and care about. We explore the differences between writing a novel and writing a screenplay, how important structure is (or isn't), and why the economy of language matters. (We also examine why tigers tracking you through the jungle
Season 10 - Episode 24: T.J. Payne
This week, horror author T.J. Payne joins me to discuss what makes us frightened, the role of horror in art, and the moral fabric of scary stories—and what (if anything) they have in common with romance stories. We explore why they appeal to us, the importance of facing our fears, and how scary stories can bring people together. We also discuss his latest chilling novel, INTERCEPTS.
Season 10 - Episode 23: Bethany Jett
Author and literary agent Bethany Jett joins me for a lively discussion about what agents look for and what turns them off. She explains how to approach an agent, the different ways to pitch a novel and a nonfiction book, and secrets to getting discovered. Listen in for a rare glimpse into an agent’s mindset and perspective on publishing.
Season 10 - Episode 22: Carol Snow
Author Carol Snow joins me to chat about her process of writing, how to write in different genres, how much you should try to be cool when you write for teens, and how much planning is helpful before you start to write a book. We also talk about her latest thriller THE GIRL ON THE BEACH and the best and worst writing advice we’ve ever been given. Check it out!
Season 10 - Episode 21: Tori Eldridge
Author Tori Eldridge hops on this week to chat about her latest book HAWAI’I RAGE. We talk about writing ninja fight scenes, making pizzas on volcanos, the origin of Hawaiian ranchers, the importance of musicality in stories, and how to create authentic characters in your writing.
Season 10 - Episode 20: Donald Maass
On this episode of The Story Blender Podcast, I sit down with legendary literary agent Donald Maass during my time at ThrillerFest in New York City. With more than 40 years in the publishing industry, Donald shares invaluable insights on storytelling, publishing, and what truly makes fiction resonate with readers. We discuss writing immersive point of view, creating emotional connections that stay
Season 10 - Episode 19: Josh Mancuso
This week, viral comedy sensation Josh Mancuso joins me to talk about football mascots, why you shouldn’t make ambition an idol, what makes something funny, insider secrets on emceeing, and two comedians you haven’t heard of that you need to check out.
Season 10 - Episode 18: Cleo Ballard
This week, multi-genre author Cleo Ballard joins me to talk about storytelling principles that apply to whatever story you might tell—whether it’s true or not. We dive into characterization and the importance of being able to pivot into new directions as your career develops rather than always writing in a predictable way. We also chat about her latest domestic suspense thriller, THIS IS A LIE. Do
Season 10 - Episode 17: Emily Carpenter
Emily Carpenter, who is known as the master of southern gothic suspense, joins me to chat about why we like scary stories, what a gothic story is, how setting and atmosphere contribute to her stories, and what motivated her to write her latest book, A SPELL FOR SAINTS AND SINNERS. (We somehow also talk about Bigfoot, voodoo, ghosts, the Loch Ness monster, and more.) Check it out.
Season 10 - Episode 16: Dr. John Paul Abner
This week, internationally known psychologist Dr. John-Paul Abner joins me to talk about the psychology of story, its power to draw people together, and how stories help us share our values and build bridges between people. If you’ve ever wondered about the impact of your stories on others or how to reframe the stories you tell to yourself, give it a listen. See the show notes for a free PDF of st
Season 10 - Episode 15: Clay Stafford
My guest this week is bestselling, award-winning author, poet, screenwriter, and playwright Clay Stafford. With millions of books sold, he’s also the founder of the annual Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference. We talk crime writing, how improv can help authors, and how I almost ended up a prisoner of the infamous Ministry of Tolerance. Check it out!
Season 10 - Episode 14: Nat Cassidy
This week, horror author, actor, and playwright Nat Cassidy joins me to talk all things horror. You may have seen him playing a villain on the TV shows Quantico, FBI, or Law & Order: SVU, or read one of his acclaimed novels. Listen as he shares insights into why people love scary stories, what draws us in (and what drives us out), how they honor the human experience, and what Shakespeare has t
Season 10 - Episode 13: Jon Lindstrom
This week, I catch up with veteran Hollywood actor Jon Lindstrom, who has appeared in thousands of hours of television over the last three decades. He’s also a bestselling author with a new book out, a Los Angeles crime novel, Hollywood Payback. Join us as we talk about what actors can teach writers, the difference between ambiguity and moral complexity, and why it’s easier to write villains than
Season 10 - Episode 12: Jane Friedman
For decades, Jane Friedman has been keeping her finger on the pulse of the writing industry. Each month she shares her insights with tens of thousands of writers through her newsletter The Bottom Line. This week she joins me to talk about some of the most prickly topics in publishing: whether or not to use a prologue, whether or not to outline, how many points of view to include, and the pet peeve
Season 10 - Episode 11: Nick Petrie
Critically acclaimed, bestselling novelist Nick Petrie, who is known for his propulsive action stories and suspenseful plots, joins me this week. He shares how to create suspense, what lies at the heart of a great story, the importance of surprise, insights into the writing process, and more. We also talk about his latest book in the popular Peter Ash series, THE DARK TIME. Don’t miss it!
Season 10 - Episode 10: Jayne Ann Krentz
New York Times bestselling novelist Jayne Ann Krentz joins me to talk about what romantic suspense actually is (and is not), how to identify your strengths in the stories you tell, true heroism, how a love story is different from a romance story, and the most interesting character in PARADISE LOST. We also chat about her latest romantic suspense novel THE SHOP ON HIDDEN LANE. Check it out!
Season 10 - Episode 9: Bede Blake
This week, I caught up with screenwriter Bede Blake, one of my favorite instructors on the craft of writing and story, and the host of the YouTube channel PillarBoxer. On the channel, Bede shares ideas and insights into screenwriting—what works, what doesn’t, and why. He’s an expert at breaking down stories and has a fresh perspective you’re not going to get anywhere else. Listen in and be sure to
Season 10 - Episode 8: C.J. Box
C.J. Box, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, joins me this week to talk about his iconic character, Joe Pickett, and his latest novel, THE CROSSROADS. Learn why he’s named “Joe,” what makes him so appealing, and how he has grown over the years. C.J. shares his thoughts about believability, authenticity, the importance of the West in his stories, and his personal advice to all aspiring autho
Season 10 Episode 7: Wendy Walker
With the Olympics here this month, there’s no better time to check out a chilling, ice skating thriller. This week, bestselling author Wendy Walker, author of the critically acclaimed new novel BLADE, joins me to talk about her approach, how details matter, adding authenticity to stories, and what is more important—plotting or receptivity. As a former competitive ice skater, she tells a gripping s
Season 10 - Episode 6: Robin Cook
Legendary medical thriller author Robin Cook joins me this week. Author of more than forty books, he shares his origin story of how he wrote his first book while he was underwater for 75 days on a submarine, and once interviewed a Russian scientist who defected and whose team had hoarded enough anthrax to kill everyone on the planet. In addition, Robin shares his advice on writing and the inside s
Season 10 - Episode 5: Karen Morgan
This week I caught up with comedian Karen Morgan to talk about humor, comedy, and how to be funny. Listen in for tips and advice on why you should never try to be funny and why only you can do comedy like you can do. Give it a listen and don’t forget to check out her latest special on Dry Bar Comedy!
Season 10 - Episode 4: Matthew Quirk
Matthew Quirk—New York Times bestselling author of The Night Agent, Hour of the Assassin, and Inside Threat—joins the show. The Night Agent hit #1 in 77 countries and returns to Netflix for Season 3 in February.We talk his latest novel The Method, writing believable thrillers, avoiding over-plotting, and how characters grow from page to screen. A must-listen for fans of spy fiction and intrigue.
Season 10 - Episode 3: Ryan Steck & Simon Gervais
In this episode of The Story Blender, host Steven James sits down with thriller heavyweights Ryan Steck and Simon Gervais to talk about their new collaborative novel, The Second Son. The trio digs into what it takes to write as a duo, how high-concept thriller ideas are built and refined, and why today’s authors must think beyond the page and treat writing as a business. It’s a wide-ranging conver
Season 10 - Episode 2: Tony Marr
This week, acclaimed storyteller Tony Marr returns to talk about techniques to tell personal stories. We discuss the three key questions to ask yourself about any personal story you wish to share, how to end your stories, how to be vulnerable without oversharing, and how to retain the trust of your listeners as you tell your stories. If you have a personal story to share, this is the episode for y
Season 10 - Episode 1: Carter Wilson
As we kick off the 2026 year, I sit down with my good friend and our first guest, Carter Wilson. His work has received starred reviews from every major trade publication, has won multiple awards, and has been optioned for television and film. His 2025 release, Tell Me What You Did, was selected by Barnes & Noble as a national monthly pick. We talk suspense, making good on plot promises, how em
Season 9 - Episode 47: John R. Carlos
Science fiction author John R. Carlos joins me to talk about world building and how emergent trends in technology might affect our lives in the future. We touch on context and trajectory—both in culture and in storytelling—and how stories can equip us with the courage to face oppression in whatever form it might come. We also talk about his debut novel Cryonic Dreams: Awakening. Check it out!
Season 9 - Episode 46: Mia Sheridan
This week, bestselling author Mia Sheridan joins me to talk about how monsters can be made, whether it’s important to include the background on a villain in your story, how much believability stories need, longing for justice to occur in the stories that we read, and what’s more important—a story’s beginning or the ending? We also chat about her latest romantic thriller, The Fix. ,working through
Season 9 - Episode 45: Melinda Leigh
Melinda Leigh, the bestselling author of 40 novels, talks about how her background in the martial arts informs how she writes fight scenes (and why you need vaguely specific details to make them believable). We also talk plot twists, why it’s so much fun to write villains, working through revisions, voice, and honest writing. Check it out!
Season 9 - Episode 44: David Morrell
This week on The Story Blender I talk with legendary action thriller writer David Morrell. As the author of First Blood, he is known as the father of the modern action thriller. In this wide-ranging conversation, he shares his inspiration, words of advice for aspiring authors, and hard-won insights into the writing process that you just won’t want to miss. Check it out.
Season 9 - Episode 43: John Branyan
Join me as I chat with acclaimed comedian John Branyan. We talk about secrets to comedy, how to gain confidence, how to tap into the truths of life and your own experiences to find humorous stories to tell. He also explains the history behind his famous Shakespearean “Three Little Pigs” rendition and shares who he thinks are the three comedians you definitely need to check out today. Give it a lis
Season 9 - Episode 42: Traci Hunter Abramson
This week I sit down with former CIA officer, Traci Hunter Abramson to talk about writing political and spy thrillers. We cover what spies are (and what they are not), what to include in your novels and what to leave out, advice she would give to aspiring authors, and the story behind her latest novel, VICTIM #8. Check it out!
Season 9 - Episode 41: Terry Whalin
My guest this week is an author, editor, and publishing professional who has written more than 50 books and coached hundreds of authors on how to put together book proposals. Terry Whalin and I talk about the importance of details, gripping openings, showing instead of telling, looking at the bigger picture, giving readers a reason to flip the page, and The 11th Myth. Check it out!
Season 9 - Episode 40: Chris Riley
This week, Chris Riley, the author of the classic screenwriting book The Hollywood Standard, joins me on The Story Blender. In a wide-ranging conversation, we discuss how to keep viewers and readers from leaving the dream, when to focus on our shared humanity in the stories we tell, why stories are a gift that we give to our audiences, what a story actually is, and what is more important, story or
Season 9 - Episode 39: Yannick Murphy
Don’t miss this week’s conversation with novelist Yannick Murphy. We examine whether or not there is such a thing as talent, how a story is like a mirror, and how to write in a way that makes the reader feel like you are their best friend. Learn to observe what has gone unnoticed, bring a sense of presence to the page, and invite in the turbulence. Give it a listen!
Season 9 - Episode 38: Daniel Church
This week on The Story Blender, I chat with horror writer, Daniel Church. We talk about folk horror, the importance of atmosphere in scary stories, what frightened him as a child (you might be surprised when you hear what it was!). You'll also catch some of his recommendations for movies and other authors who write stories that will bring a chill to your bones. He has a new book out just in time f
Season 9 - Episode 37: Jennifer Fawcett
This week, Jennifer Fawcett joins me to talk about how playwriting and novel writing intersect and inform each other. We explore what a scene is and why scenes in plays are longer than they often are in novels. We also talk about the importance of surprise, the difference between motivation and intention and her latest thriller Keep This For Me. Give it a listen!
Season 9 - Episode 36: Jerome Charyn
This week I talk with acclaimed author Jerome Charyn, who has been a professional writer for 70 years. We explore the music of sentences, the lyrical landscape of New York City, looking for magic in the stories we write and tell, the importance of the first and last sentence, and how every sentence in Hamlet destroys you. Check it out!
Season 9 - Episode 35: Victoria Dowd
This week, crime writer Victoria Dowd joins me to discuss the art of the red herring, how to plant clues in plain sight in a way that no one will notice, locked room mysteries, and coming up with (almost!) impossible crimes. We also discuss her latest historical mystery, Death in the Aviary. Check it out!
Season 9 - Episode 34: Carol VandenHende
This week on The Story Blender I talk with award-winning author Carol VanDenHende about the power of letter writing to the people who’ve impacted you in your life. We dive into how stories can bridge differences, the freedom that comes from accepting that you are enough, what 5-year-olds can teach us about narrative theory, and using stories as a force for good. Give it a listen, and check out her
Season 9 - Episode 33: Brent Weeks
This week on The Story Blender podcast I had the pleasure of sitting down with Brent Weeks—New York Times bestselling author of The Night Angel Trilogy and The Lightbringer Series.We talked about building complex worlds that feel alive, the discipline it takes to write sweeping multi-book sagas, and how he balances the demands of storytelling with the surprises his characters throw at him along th
Season 9 - Episode 32: Katheleen Antrim & D.P. Lyle
This week on The Story Blender, I caught up with bestselling authors Kathleen Antrim & D.P. Lyle at Killer Nashville, one of the country’s premier crime-writing conferences.We chat about crime writing, mysteries, thrillers, and twists. Both of them have taught writing seminars throughout the country and founded Outliers University, an online school for anyone serious about improving their writ
Season 9 - Episode 31: Dean Koontz
Join me this week to listen to an interview I did a few years ago with legendary thriller author, Dean Koontz. With hundreds of millions of books in print and a loyal following around the world, Dean is one of the most influential authors of our generation. Enjoy!
Season 9 - Episode 30: John Bucher
Author, and storyteller who also serves as the Executive Director of the Joseph Campbell Foundation. John Bucher is a master at exploring the profound connections between myth, culture, and personal identity. He’s been featured on platforms such as the BBC, the History Channel, the LA Times, and The Hollywood Reporter, among many others and has collaborated with everyone from Academy Award nominee
Season 9 - Episode 29: Joe Hart
This week on The Story Blender, I spoke with award-winning, bestselling author Joe Hart about what drives a story forward—especially if it taps into mystery or suspense. What are the dynamics that shape those two things? How are they related to each other? We explored the dark corners of psychological suspense and how to craft twists that truly land as we chatted about his latest novel, I BECOME H
Season 9 - Episode 28: Kerry Nietz
This week I had the chance to chat with author Kerry Nietz—yes, the mind behind the novel Amish Vampires in Space. We talked about where the idea came from, what it means to write organically, and why the slow-and-steady approach can be just as powerful as writing in bursts of inspiration.We also explored a few creatures we wish were real, and the joy of discovering a story as it unfolds. Kerry’s
Season 9 - Episode 27: Donald Maass
This week on The Story Blender, I’m joined by literary agent and bestselling author Donald Maass, recorded live at the Advanced Fiction Intensive in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Donald co-hosted the event with me, and we captured a special Q&A with questions from the writers in attendance.We talked about how to build powerful stories without getting in your own way, how to write with authority, wh
Season 9 - Episode 26: Katia Lief
This week I was thrilled to welcome Katia Lief—acclaimed author and fiction instructor at The New School in Manhattan—onto The Story Blender. We discuss the strengths of the upcoming generation of storytellers (it might surprise you), the power of imagination, telling (and writing) authentic stories, writing activities that will help you improve your writing today, and her latest book WOMEN LIKE U
Season 9 - Episode 25: Julie Clark
On this week’s episode of The Story Blender, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Julie Clark, New York Times bestselling author of The Ones We Choose and The Ghostwriter. We talked about the importance of perseverance and resilience as you pursue your storytelling dreams, weaving secrets and reveals into your fiction, and her writing journey.If you’re a fan of thrillers with heart, or you’re c
Season 9 - Episode 24: Catalina Margulis
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 d
Season 9 - Episode 23: Ewan Morrison
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
Season 9 - Episode 22: Rob Hart
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—
Season 9 - Episode 21: SA Barnes
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.
Season 9 - Episode 20: Sandra J. Paul
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:
Season 9 - Episode 19: Robert Walker
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 Bl
Season 9 - Episode 18: Susan Walter
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 sh
Season 9 - Episode 17: Meg Serino
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!
Season 9 - Episode 16: Friends and Fiction
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
Season 9 - Episode 15: Samuel Marquis
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 le
Season 9 - Episode 14: Michael Carson
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 w
Season 9 - Episode 13: Jaclyn Goldis
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!
Season 9 - Episode 12: Paulette Kennedy
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
Season 9 - Episode 11: David Newton
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 wh
Season 9 - Episode 10: Zack Davisson
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.
Season 9 - Episode 9: C. I. Jerez
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!
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