Page Chewing

 In this episode of Weekly Polls Pick of the Week, hosts Mike and Steve discuss their favorite comic book series of the year so far, exploring various new releases and their thoughts on character development, storytelling, and the challenges of anthology series. They share insights on survival stories, the evolution of iconic characters, and the impact of art in comics. The conversation also touch...

In this episode, we delve into the captivating world of second books in a series! Join us as we discuss the unique challenges authors face when crafting sequels and reveal our top five favorite second books from fantasy and beyond. From Queen of Attolia to A Clash of Kings , we explore how these novels exceed expectations, expand world-building, develop characters, and resolve mysteries in ways th...

In this episode, the group wraps up their in-depth exploration of The Unholy Consult , the final book in R. Scott Bakker's The Second Apocalypse series. Together, they reflect on their overall impressions of the series, dissect the explosive ending, and discuss key revelations, including the Dunyain’s origins, the nature of the No-God, and Kellhus' possession. The conversation also dives...

In this episode, Steve sits down with Kristof Morrow, an award-winning journalist, photographer, and self-published author, to explore his diverse creative outlets and writing journey. Kristof shares how his love for creativity was shaped by video games and books, eventually leading him to discover writing as a therapeutic escape. They delve into his experiences in the publishing industry, includi...

In this episode, we delve into chapters 13-16 of The Unholy Consult , where the lines between dark fantasy and sci-fi blur. Join us as we dissect the fall of the promised world, the chaotic battle with demonic forces, and the emergence of the mysterious Vile Angel. We speculate on Kelmomas's cryptic role in the narrative and explore the Inchoroi's audacious plan to sever the world from t...

In this episode, we gather for a laid-back forum discussion that touches on the highs and lows of the creative process. Our participants share their recent reading experiences and delve into the world of editing and publishing, shedding light on the fine balance between inspiration and imitation in storytelling. We also explore the phenomenon of franchise fatigue, discussing how over-saturation ca...

In this episode, Steve and Mike dive deep into the complexities of creativity, the impact of social media, and the challenges of the publishing industry. Mike, a seasoned writer, shares his journey through the creative process, offering insights into the highs and lows of being an artist in today’s digital age. Together, they explore the delicate balance between leveraging social media for career...

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into George Orwell's 1984 , exploring why it remains one of the most influential novels of all time. Our discussion covers the novel's exploration of control, manipulation, and the power of language, drawing parallels to today's society where social media and corporations hold significant sway. We analyze the complex relationship betwe...

In this episode, we dive deep into the complex and enigmatic world of The Unholy Consult . Join us as we explore the motivations behind the brutal torture of Moengus and the larger implications it has within the story's intricate metaphysical framework. We tackle the heavy themes of damnation and the role of the gods, pondering their influence on the characters' fates and the moral ambig...

Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Leanna Wolfe, an anthropologist and clinical sexologist, to discuss her compelling memoir, 177 Lovers and Counting: My Life as a Sex Researcher . Wolfe takes us on a fascinating journey through her decades-long career, exploring how different cultures around the world view sex, relationships, and societal norms. From the love marriages of In...

In this episode, we dive into a vibrant mix of topics, from the world of captivating illustrations and comic books to the nostalgic charm of 80s video games and diverse musical tastes. We highlight the unique artistry of Dawn Larder and Matthew Warne and explore the thought-provoking comic series Afterlife, Inc. by Big Punch Studios , where the afterlife is managed like a business. Our discussion...

In this episode, we dive into our July reading adventures, spanning a wide range of genres from enchanting fantasy worlds to comforting romance reads, and timeless classics. We share our candid thoughts on what we loved, what missed the mark, and why some genres stand out. Join us as we discuss the intriguing role of ghostwriters in the publishing industry, the impact of reading multiple books at...

In this episode, we dive deep into the intriguing eighth episode of House of the Dragon's second season. Join us as we unpack the complex character relationships, potential conflicts introduced by new dragon riders, and the significant character growth that added depth to the storyline. We explore the nuanced parallels between Daemon and Daenerys, dissect Daemon’s visionary encounter with Blo...

In this episode, we dive deep into the dark and disturbing events of the latest book in our series. We explore themes of depravity, blind following, and the haunting consequences of becoming what you hate. Our discussion examines the intricate exploration of human nature and religion, shedding light on the purpose behind these unsettling events. Join us as we dissect Proyas's moral dilemma an...

In this episode, we sit down with Dennis E. Taylor, acclaimed author of The Bobiverse series. Taylor shares his journey from writing as a personal exercise to becoming a published author, emphasizing the significance of reader feedback and balancing it with artistic integrity. We delve into the intersection of politics and storytelling, exploring the challenges of maintaining escapism in literatur...

In this episode of our podcast, Jared and Layla dive deep into the latest installment of House of the Dragon , Season 2, Episode 7. Join us as we dissect the complex power dynamics within the Targaryen family, analyze the strategic acquisition of dragons, and explore the intricate political maneuvering that shapes the realm. We'll discuss the motivations behind key characters like Jace, Otto,...

In this episode, we delve into the climactic final chapters of The Great Ordeal , the third book in R. Scott Bakker's Aspect-Emperor series. Join us as we explore the intricate character arcs, speculate on motivations, and unravel the complex web of actions that drive this epic tale forward. We'll discuss Kellhus' enigmatic connection to the No-God and ponder the roles of the Ajokli...

In this episode, our participants introduce themselves and dive into a wide-ranging discussion about their personal preferences for books and movies. The conversation touches on various intriguing topics, from the allure of the Vampire Chronicles and the writing style of "Interview with the Vampire" to the complexities of engaging with long fantasy series. Listeners will enjoy a lively d...

In this episode of Page Chewing, we dive deep into "Small Folk," the latest installment of House of the Dragon. The narrative spotlight shifts to the often-overlooked small folk, revealing their crucial roles and influence in the unfolding events. We explore the intricate manipulations by characters like Sir Stefan, the spy monger, and Mysaria, and how they use the small folk to further...

Join us as we delve into the intricate and thought-provoking chapters 12 and 13 of R. Scott Bakker's The Great Ordeal . In this episode, we unravel the complexities of the Inchoroi's transformation, the enigmatic concept of salvation for the Non-men, and the speculative nature of the Nail of Heaven as a wormhole. We also discuss the mysterious coffer with its glowing letters and Bakker&a...

Join hosts Holly Tinsley and Steve in an engaging conversation with DB Rook, a member of the Four Beardsman of the Bookpocalypse—a unique book review group that combines their love for literature with RPG gaming. In this episode, they dive into a variety of topics including DB Rook's indie writing projects, the resurgence of the Western genre, and his exciting foray into game writing. Discove...

In this episode of Page Chewing, we sit down with Michael Castleman, the acclaimed author of The Untold Story of Books . Castleman takes us on a fascinating journey through the history of book publishing, from the days of handwritten manuscripts to the rise of digital publishing. He sheds light on the challenges faced by authors, the evolution of the industry, and the impact of technology on book...

Join Steve, Jared, and Layla as they delve into the rich and tumultuous world of "House of the Dragon" in this detailed analysis of season two, episode six. In this episode, our hosts explore the intricate dynamics within the Targaryen family, examining the complex relationships and the ripple effects of their actions on the common folk. The discussion navigates through the intense power...

In this episode, we delve deep into R. Scott Bakker's captivating novel, 'The Great Ordeal' . Join us as we explore the intricate editing and point-of-view changes that define the latter part of the series, and discuss the overwhelming use of terminology and the challenges it presents to readers. We unpack the significant theme of the non-men's descent into madness and analyze...

Join us in this captivating episode as we sit down with Neil Laird, a TV producer turned novelist, to discuss his unique career journey and the creation of his comedic time travel novels like Prime Time Travelers . Neil shares how his background in the TV industry and his passion for ancient history and mythology inspired his writing. We dive into the challenges of transitioning from TV to writing...