The StoryCentric Podcast

Introducing Nicole Zylstra, improvisor, songwriter, and person of interest. We caught up at When Words Collide this year and discussed Nicole’s journey from classical theatre to the improv stage. We also cover the methodology of improv, how it relates to writing and public speaking, and the Kinkonauts in Calgary. Learn more about Nicole Zylstra Learn more about The Kinkonauts Get Tickets for When...

Jessica Waite is the author of the bestselling memoir THE WIDOW’S GUIDE TO DEAD BASTARDS. Recorded live at When Words Collide 2024, Jessica and I discuss her debut novel, her publishing journey, and how she’s dealing with the popularity of a story that’s deeply personal. Learn more about Jessica Waite Get Tickets for When Words Collide 2025 Become a Member of Andrew Buckley’s Patreon

In the second part of my conversation with bestselling sci-fi author Robert J. Sawyer, we discuss his writing career including articles, short stories, screenplays, and novels. We also cover the rise in popularity of Sci-Fi as a genre (in Canada and beyond) and its relevance in culture today. Learn More about Robert Get Tickets for When Words Collide 2025 Become a Member of Andrew Buckley’s Patreo...

Robert J. Sawyer is an award-winning and bestselling author of Science Fiction, an award-winning screenwriter, a keynote speaker, and one of the most interesting and knowledgeable people I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with. We discuss his origin story, early Sci-Fi influences, the reasons why the genre often borders the horror genre, and more! Learn More about Robert Get Tickets for When Words...

Finnian Burnett and Andrew Buckley loaded up with snacks and hit the road for When Words Collide 2024 in Calgary, and took the opportunity to record a BFF edition of the StoryCentric Podcast. This episode includes a pre and post conference recording and covers numerous discussion points including the value of writing community, imposter syndrome, conference highlights, reflections, and theories ab...

In the second half of my convo with Herman, we discuss his choice to write sci-fi and his recent transition into fantasy, the journey of a self-published author, and his future plans for global domination (sci-fi authors are so dramatic). Learn More about Herman Become a Member of Andrew Buckley’s Patreon

Herman Steuernagel is a man with a complex last name, he’s also an author of epic sci-fi and cozy fantasy whose recent Kickstarter campaign for his latest novel THE BARTENDER BETWEEN WORLDS brought in over $30k in pledges. In the first part of our convo we discuss Herman’s early influences, we chat Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series, Star Trek, running a half marathon as the impetus for starting...

In the second part my conversation with romance author and publisher Bernadette Marie, we talk about her career as an author, the discipline and process required to write 58 novels, the structure and tropes of contemporary romance, and the importance of the writing community. And we almost miss our exit to the airport. Learn More about Bernadette Marie Learn More About 5 Prince Publishing Become a...

She’s a romance author of 58(!!) books, a publisher, and a great believer in happy endings (the romantic kind!)—Introducing the delightful Bernadette Marie. Recorded en route to the Denver airport, we discuss pitching work, the benefits of an entrepreneurial background, the challenges of starting your own publishing house, and more! Learn More about Bernadette Marie Learn More About 5 Prince Publi...

In the second part of my conversation with YA/Horror author Tom Leveen, we talk about the impact of technology on publishing and art, the power of self-creation and access, artistic drive and determination, and balancing creative fulfilment with the need to make money. Learn More About Tom Leveen Become a Member of Andrew’s Patreon

Tom Leveen is an award-winning YA and horror novelist with a long career that includes acting, theatre work, improv, comic books, and more. We talk about his move from Arizona to Canada, the challenges of making a living as a creative, starting a theatre company in his back yard, the thrill of public speaking and performance art, and the changing landscape of traditional publishing. Yes, it’s a cr...

In the second part of my conversation with Mike Robinson, we discuss his transition into screenwriting and filmmaking, how writing scripts has helped improve his novel writing, his current projects, and we chat about the emergence of eco-fantasy. Learn More About Mike and Sign Up for His Newsletter Learn More About From Concept to Script - Screenwriting 101

I speak with curio/speculative fiction author Mike Robinson about literary representation and the value of editors and book coaches. We also discuss his books, his story style, nature and animal-themed stories, and the advantage of writing in a unique voice. Learn More About Mike and Sign Up for His Newsletter

It’s the first ever StoryCentric: BFF Edition! Andrew is joined by his ever-charming and gloriously talented writing partner & BFF, author Finnian Burnett. On this episode, Andrew and Finn discuss the value of attending writing conferences, their experiences, and how awesome it is to join the writing community at large. This is no ordinary episode so strap in, it’s going to get weird and wonde...

In May, I taught a small 5-week marketing class for authors through the Alexander Writers’ Center Society. During the last class, I sprung an impromptu podcast recording session on three of them and they rose to the occasion! We discuss the challenges of marketing as an author, authenticity in marketing, choosing a writing genre, the rewards of being a writer, and the value of a writing community....

In the second half of my conversation with speculative fiction and game writer, Erin Roberts, we get serious (not at all) discussing the different hats she’s worn in her career, we venture into the deeply rich world of game writing, including Erin’s ‘Naughty Bits’ (it’s not what you think), and how she got involved with The Writing Excuses Podcast. Learn more about Erin Check out the ⁠Writing Excu...

Erin Roberts, co-host of the Writing Excuses Podcast and a fantastic speculative fiction and game writer, joins StoryCentric this week to drop some serious truth about the von Trapp family of singers, among other things. We had such a great (hilarious) conversation that included working in television, working with non-profits, and vigorously defending soap operas and their value to the art of stor...

On May 2nd, 2024 we lost a wonderful human being in the form of author, screenwriter, and journalist, Brad Schreiber. I met Brad in 2019 and we remained good friends over the years. I wanted to share this interview I did with him in 2022 for Wordsmith Academy where we talked about his background, comedy, inspiration, obsession, being a prolific voice, and how to be psychotically eclectic. Please l...

In the second part of my conversation with writer and illustrator Howard Tayler, we talk about the evolution of the web comic, how he learned to be an illustrator, balancing business and artistry, page turns and comic books, and the undeniable power of story and humour. Learn more about Howard Check out the ⁠Writing Excuses Website⁠ Instagram:  ⁠writing_excuses⁠ TikTok:  ⁠writingexcuses⁠ Twitter: ...

The StoryCentric Podcast welcomes its first self-proclaimed asshole (though I don’t buy it). Howard Tayler is a writer and illustrator and a co-host of the Writing Excuses Podcast. We discuss his Hugo-nominated comic strip Schlock Mercenary , the launch of the web comic, starting the Writing Excuses Podcast, and important lessons he learned in college. Strap in folks, it’s a ride! Learn more about...

In the second part of my conversation with DongWon Song, we talk about their exploration of the publishing industry, the function of a book editor, working for Orbit, becoming a literary agent, fighting for the right of their authors, and the shifting landscape of queer literature in the marketplace. Special bonus points if anyone can name the 90’s sitcom that neither of us can remember the title...

Literary agent and co-host of the Writing Excuses Podcast, special guest DongWon Song joins StoryCentric to discuss (among other things) their general dislike of Florida and Palm Beach. We also cover their introduction to fantasy and sci-fi, their brief foray into documentary film, before moving into the publishing industry and discovering New York, and we tangent hard into an exploration of artis...

The second part of my conversation with author and editor Panio Gianopoulos finds us discussing his journey through the publishing world, from a start-up for YA novellas, to working in non-fiction with The Next Big Idea Club. We also talk about Panio’s writing process and how he learned to borrow genre fiction writing techniques and apply them to non-fiction and literary fiction. Learn More About...

The final interview from my time at this year’s San Miguel Writers Conference was with author and editor, Panio Gianopoulos. We discuss his time interning at the Chris Rock Show, the Sesame Street Magazine, and Tribeca Film, before transitioning into the world of book editing. He also tells the crazy (almost unbelievable) story of JT LeRoy and Panio’s experience alongside what is possibly the grea...

In the second part of my convo with horror author Silvia Moreno-Garcia, we talk about writing across genres, putting together a zombie anthology, the relationship between literary fiction and genre fiction, where Silvia gets her inspiration, the background behind her horror novel Silver Nitrate, and what might be next on her writing bucket list. Learn More About ⁠Silvia⁠ Get your copy of ‘Haunted:...