The Sample Chapter Podcast

2021 kicks off with episode 159 of the podcast where authors read a sample chapter! In this episode, Jason will be talking some behind the scenes stuff with what the show has been up to during the week off, as well as introducing an exciting new partnership with the show, Audible! Then he dives into what went into his latest book, A Novel Idea before finally reading the thrilling first chapter! A...

Our last episode of 2020 brings back Bram Stoker nominated author, Craig DiLouie! We're talking the x-factor in writing, his indie-published tank series, advice on being as prolific as possible as a writer and so much more before diving into his most recent thriller, Children of Red Peak! Craig DiLouie website/blog and social media links Children of Red Peak on Amazon Scrivener (use coupon code CH...

Episode 157 brings the thrills with 2-time Agatha Award nominee, Edwin Hill! Hear his discussion on writing a female-led series, inhabiting characters through details, how mysteries are like doing a puzzle and so much more! Edwin Hill website with social media links Watch Her on Amazon Scrivener (use coupon code CHAPTER to save 20% on the regular desktop version!) Pop Goes the Culture Network Proj...

Episode 156 introduces us to, Tara C. Allred, author of psychologically gripping stories like her latest, Beyond The End! Tara and Jason have a fascinating discussion on topics like using time wisely as a writer, the indie-author experience, knowing your goals, character-driven stories, and how asking "what if" in a real-life situation led to her first novel! Tara C. Allred website with social med...

Episode 155 brings to the show a debut author, Jared K. Chapman, who's sharing his incredible book, To Have or Have Not! It's a remarkable conglomeration of dystopian/superhero/fantasy set in a post-apocalyptic world! Listen in as we discuss how the book came to be, his childhood writing, developing from inspiration, and so much more! Jared K. Chapman website with social media links To Have or Hav...

Episode 154 kicks off December in Superhero style with speculative fiction author, Carrie Harris! Carrie dives deep into her history of eclectic jobs, the inspiration behind some of her previous novels, motivation to keep trying, and how her tenacity led to a book deal writing about the X-Men for Marvel Comics! Carrie Harris website Carrie Harris on Amazon Aconyte Books Scrivener (use coupon code...

Episode 153 with Calgary based crime thriller author, Dwayne Clayden is up at last! Join Jason and Dwayne for a fascinating discussion on learning the "writerly language", writing what you know, author validation, and so much more before diving into an ominous sample chapter from his latest thriller in the Brad Coulter series! Dwayne Clayden's website and ALL his social media links! Dwayne Clayden...

He's back! The long-time friend of the show, author, and podcaster, Armand Rosamilia returns with his latest book, Make Pretend! As a frequent guest, Armand and Jason get more into the writing process than usual but we also have a lot of laughs discussing important things like Funko Pops, and do you really need pants during a pandemic?  Armand Rosamilia website and social media links Make Pretend...

Tennessee life coach and author, Christina M. Eder is our guest for episode 151! Join in the laughs as Jason and Christina discuss having a heart for helping people begin their dreams, having infectious positivity, living with intent, and discover what in the world is a Frog Blog! (you'll even hear one!) Christina M. Eder website Christina's books on Amazon and Barnes & Noble Christina M. Eder Fac...

Episode 150 brings a delightful chat with sound producer and author, Jim Metzner! Listen to Jim describe his long-running radio show, Pulse of the Planet, discovering the sounds around you, and learn new and fascinating things about the inspiration for his novel, Sacred Mounds, a book thirty years in the making! Sacred Mounds website (not the musical group lol) Jim Metzner on Amazon Pulse of the P...

Happy Halloween! It's our final BONUS episode of the month with special guest author, producer, and screenwriter, Bonne' Bartron! Listen in as we discuss the hardships of filmmaking, characters inspired from life, switching from scripts to fiction novels and so much more before diving into a creepy sample chapter from Bonne's debut novel, Whispers! Bonne' Bartron website with social media links Bo...

Graphic Novelist, Michael May is our guest for episode 148! Prepare yourself for an episode chock full of podcasting, writing for comics, blogging, stressing over every word, and one heck of an entertaining sample chapter reading! It's all just a click away true believers! Michael May website , blog, and social media links Michael May on Amazon Hellbent for Letterbox podcast wesbite Jason Copland...

Episode 147 features a wonderful return guest in Horror & Dark Fantasy author, Liz Butcher! We catch up on her previous book, Fate's Fury, talk work/life balance, ghostwriting, and discuss how inspirational creepy old homes can be for an author!  Liz Butcher website Liz Butcher on Amazon Creative Edge Publicity NaNoWriMo (my ID is Jason A. Meuschke) Scrivener (use coupon code CHAPTER for 20% off t...

Episode 146 brings the goods with beloved actor/producer/screenwriter, and now author, Lou Diamond Phillips! Prepare yourself for amazing insights and laughs as Jason and Lou discuss topics like his inspiration for the book, switching from screenwriting to writing a novel to describe the images in his head, world-building, will there be a sequel, and so much more including a sample chapter reading...

For the show's second BONUS episode #145 of October, we're welcoming sci-fi and urban fantasy author, Jabe Stafford! Learn about writing in isolation, journaling for self-discovery, identifiable villains, and what the heck is a Yoga Witch? All this plus a sample chapter from Jabe's debut novel, Ales, Agents & Alchemy, is just a click away! Jabe Stafford website & newsletter with social media links...

Episode 144 brings an action-packed chat with award-winning author, Gary Phillips! Listen in as they discuss being a storyteller, working in different genres and media to both inform and keep your writing fresh, consistency is key as a writer, and we get a little side-tracked discussing cigars and how many is still okay in the current pandemic. All this plus an outstanding chapter reading is just...

Prepare yourself for a month of bonus episodes starting today with episode 143 and return guest, Splatterpunk-nominated author, Lucas Mangum! I had a blast chatting with Lucas about things like lifestyle changes and parenting tips for the pandemic, revising old stories, developing fully realized characters and stories, and the perks of being award-nominated! Before he dives into his sample chapter...

Episode 142 is here with a truly delightful author from Canada, Nina Munteanu. In the episode, Nina and Jason discuss character flaws, having the environment be a character in our prose, the "what ifs" in historical fiction, the writer's "wavelengths", and much more all before enjoying a magical chapter reading. Enjoy! Nina Munteanu website Nina Munteanu on Amazon Nina Munteanu Writing Coach websi...

Episode 141 brings us not one, but TWO sample chapters from a pair of author friends who are releasing at the same time! Nate Granzow and Mat Snyder talk with Jason about writing clubs, critique, research and so much more before diving into spectacular samples from each of their new novels! Be sure to join their Facebook launch party on October 1st! Nate & Mat's Facebook launch party Nate Granzow...

Episode 140 of the show features first-time author, and friend of the show, Katie R. Dale! Listen in as we dive into Katie's memoir and discuss mental health, way to seek and find help, writing for the reader, and the process of putting together that first book. Suffice to say the interview is an informative, and timely, look at very real struggles. Katie R. Dale website and blog with social media...

Speculative Fiction author and podcaster, Theresa Halvorsen is our delightful guest for episode 139! We're talking about the voices in an author's head, always learning, her podcast the Semi-Sages of the Pages, as well as diving behind the scenes of her debut novel, Warehouse Dreams! Theresa Halverson website with social media links Theresa Halverson on Amazon and Goodreads The Semi-Sages of the P...

Bonus episode time with special return guest, Edward Willett! Come along for a fun conversation as we discuss his two upcoming releases, building an anthology with other authors, the many ways of writing a book, and the sometimes hilarious pitfalls of transcription services. All this and an always amazing, and thrilling chapter reading from book three of his Worldshaper series, The Moonlit World!...

South Africa makes its first appearance on the show with author, Elaine Dodge! Jason and Elaine discuss topics like the mushy middle, pantsing the first few chapters, writing in places you've never been, bears, and brains in jars! All this and more before diving into a wonderfully steamy sample chapter from her award-winning book, Harcourt's Mountain! Elaine Dodge website with Facebook links Elain...

Episode 136 is doubly exciting as we feature the writing duo of CM Adler and AK Alexander with their new novel, Deadly Affairs! This interview is full of laughs and interesting tidbits like creating a "killer" character, juggling multiple author identities, character research and so much more and all before diving into a thrilling sample chapter. Trust me, you're going to love this!  Please note t...

Episode 135 is one for the ages as we sit with multiple award-winning, best-selling Thriller author, Hank Phillippi Ryan! We discuss how she fell in love with storytelling, writing effective suspense, the comfort of a returning character vs the thrill of a standalone novel, and so much more. And you for sure don't want to miss the gripping sample chapter of her latest thriller, The First to Lie, r...