Creative Dynamos

In episode 39 of Creative Dynamos, I interview author Gina Brower about how losing her office job pushed her to finally write, beginning with a horror slasher script reworking Slaughter High and leading to books inspired by Jobriath. Brower explains how rediscovering Jobriath through the documentary “Jobriath A.D.” (directed by Kieran Turner) made him her muse, and describes her first prose projec...

In episode 38 of Creative Dynamos, I interview writer and musician Gray Rinehart about his long history of creating, from early poetry to later fiction and songwriting, including learning craft through Orson Scott Card’s workshops and bootcamp. Gray compares his approaches to fiction and nonfiction and explains the inspiration and reception of his book A Church More Like Christ, which explores how...

I welcome Mike and Dory of The Othering Podcast to discuss their path from running an internet radio station 20 years ago to launching a podcast in late 2024/early 2025 amid worsening disability and a tense political climate. Dory shares her experiences with depression, anxiety, and CRPS chronic pain, and explains the show’s focus on humanizing disabled and LGBTQ+ people, highlighting intersection...

I welcome a panel of fantasy authors—David and Michael (writing as Paragon Exordium/Mikel Melwassul), Caroline Ailanthus, and Jay Requard—to discuss why fantasy remains culturally relevant amid technology, AI, and shifting reader tastes. Panelists share current projects and favorite fantasy IPs (A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones, One Piece, Tolkien, and R.A. Salvatore) and argue fantasy’s dur...

In episode 36 of Creative Dynamos, fantasy author Brian Rathbone discusses his path from horse training and a 35-year technology career to self-publishing, including mentally developing stories for years before writing after a 2005 layoff. He recounts early mistakes like an expensive print run with no distribution, later success selling eBooks via MobiPocket (before Amazon acquired it), and setbac...

In episode 35 of Creative Dynamos, I talk with author Eric Swett, discussing the value of local writer communities for sharing advice on writing, marketing, and events. Swett traces his path from D&D dungeon mastering to fiction, shifting from formulaic fantasy to a post-apocalyptic serial and a daily 100-word exercise that became his first published book. He describes his Armageddon Angels se...

I interview horror author Jake Bible, a Bram Stoker–nominated novelist, co-chair of the North Carolina Horror Writers Association chapter, and a primary story writer for Dr. NoSleep podcast studios. Bible shares his writing history (first short-story sale in 2006/2007), his output (about 65 novels and roughly 250 short works), and how he began writing for Dr. NoSleep after responding to a freelanc...

In episode 33 of Creative Dynamos, I interview James Alan McGettigan, a talented filmmaker and author. We discuss his early inspirations, both in writing and filmmaking, his journey from creating fan fiction to developing his own unique fantasy and sci-fi series called The Dust Cosmos, and the challenges of writing across multiple genres. He also shares his experiences with filmmaking, the intrica...

In episode 32 of the Creative Dynamos Podcast, I chat with author Angela Sylvain about her journey into writing, her inspirations, and her work. Angela shares how she transitioned from reading voraciously to writing in her mid-thirties, inspired by a coworker. She discusses her initial foray into young adult paranormal novels and how she honed her skills with short stories, leading to over 60 publ...

In episode 31 of Creative Dynamos, I interview author Andrew K. Clark. Andrew discusses his journey as a writer, starting from high school, and elaborates on his works 'Where Dark Things Grow' and 'Where Dark Things Rise.' He delves into the influence of his Appalachian roots, the importance of authentic voice in storytelling, and discusses the balance between maintaining character...

In this episode of Creative Dynamos, I talk with my longtime friend and mentor, Matt Selznick. We cover the gamut, from Matt's extensive writing journey. From writing short stories in his childhood to creating immersive fantasy worlds like the Shapers World and the Sovereign Era, Matt has done it all. Matt provides insights into his self-publishing experiences and the early days of podcasting...

Aleshka aka Alexandra and I talk about her family history, her multiple creative outlets, and her book In the Garden Behind the Moon: A Memoir of Loss, Myth, and Magic. Affiliate Link - https://amzn.to/4pU08jo

In this episode I talk to author Omari Richards about his Afro-fantasy novel The Kimoni Legacy Initiation and his romantasy WIP James and Kiani: A Black Mermaid Tale (title subject to change). We also talk writing tips and the challenges and successes in 2025 IG/Threads: Omari_a_Richards TT: orichards_author. Affiliate link to his novel - https://amzn.to/4qvH1NJ

On this episode, I talk with the aptly named Kathleen Marple Kalb about her cozy mystery writing, her MASSIVE number of series, why she uses pen names, and her experience as a traditionally published author who's dabbled in and is seriously considering more indie publishing. Website: https://kathleenmarplekalb.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kathleen-Marple-Kalb-1082949845220373/ Instag...

In my conversation with author Arlo Graves, we talk about our love of the strange and dark, the blending of genres, and how our disabilities can affect our writing careers and the writing itself.

Gordon Duncan is an author of fiction and non-fiction, has four podcasts, and is starting his fourth career in his fifties. We talk about all that and more in this episode. Find him here - https://www.facebook.com/gordon.duncan

In this interview, Joel and I talk about his series Realm Guard, as well as how he builds better characters. We also talk about his pop culture writing, how to move a fantasy series into a sci-fi universe, and branching out into other genres.

Mark and I talk about his book Aroughcoune - a story about a house-sized raccoon - along with his experience as a journalist. We also talk about pushing the envelope as an author, the challenges of marketing, and being involved in your community. This file contains remastered audio.

I had the great pleasure of talking about fantasy, comedy, improv, and video game development with author Dave Dobson. He truly exemplifies what I'm doing with this podcast. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did! Dave's website is https://davedobsonbooks.com/ This version contains remastered audio.

In this episode, I talk to author Jay Requard about his experience with traditional publishing, his move to indie publishing, and the power of mythology, among other things. https://jayrequard.com/ Audio remastered on 1/15/26

I had the pleasure of talking with pastor, teacher, and author Dr. Josh Olds about: * his new life in Australia* writing with Ted Dekker* book reviewing and blogging* and his year long Bible study of the sermon on the Mount, being published to YouTube in 2026.You can find Josh here - https://josholds.com/ Remastered on 01/28/26

My interview with author Dietrich Stogner is wide-ranging. We talk about:* building a unique fantasy world* torturing your characters* his supernatural heist story, Extraction, and why it focuses on bull splooge* crafting a lesbian romance* social commentary in writing* and also bovine s_m_n.

Jacci Turner and I talk about her newest YA fantasy series, The Tree Singer series. Fifteen-year-old Mayten loves training as a tree singer, an esteemed position among her clan. But when she feels pain coming from the trees, she finds herself on an unexpected quest, one so dangerous she might never return home. Now Mayten must use her unfinished training to face betrayal, fear, and a deadly foe. I...

I took some time (more time than anticipated) to talk with author Matthew J. Gleason about their love of pulpy fiction, dirty pictures, sexy horror, and all things weird and wonderful. They were very patient with me (as you'll see), and this episode was a lot of fun!

In episode 16 of Creative Dynamos, I sit down with longtime friend and steampunk comedy adventure author Doc Coleman. We reminisce about our 15-year friendship, including our shared history at Balcon, and discuss Doc's writing journey, which began in 2009. Doc shares insights into his steampunk world and characters, particularly Professor Harmonious Crackle and Miss Titania Bang. We delve into...