What happens when healthy self-discipline morphs into a consuming, unseen obsession? Today, host Terry Shepherd sits down with author Steven M. Rubin to explore his gripping new novel, The Unraveling of Michael Galler, a slow-build psychological family drama that walks the fragile line between protection and psychological unraveling. Together, they dive into how personal trauma can redefine our deepest fears, and how the grueling 26.2-mile journey of a marathon serves as the ultimate crucible for the human spirit.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

🧠 The Mechanics of Obsession: How childhood loss can cause a young mind to completely redefine the concept of illness and malevolent forces.
🏃‍♂️ The Marathon as a Crucible: Steven shares his harrowing real-life experience of surviving a heart attack during the Marine Corps Marathon—and why he chose to retrain and finish it five years later.
🎭 Twist vs. Reveal: A look behind the curtain at the craft of writing a psychological drama, and why the book’s shocking ending is a natural resolution rather than a traditional thriller twist.
✍️ The Writer’s Marathon: Creative advice for aspiring authors on finding your voice, entering short fiction contests, and committing to the long-haul journey of writing a book.

About the Guest

Steven M. Rubin is a former collegiate football player, marathon runner, and corporate employee benefits strategist who brings a uniquely analytical and deeply personal perspective to his fiction. Raised outside of Boston, his own experiences with family loss and endurance running heavily inspired the framework of his celebrated debut novel, which earned him a "Best in Show" award for short fiction at the Marblehead Festival of Arts.

About Terry Shepherd

Terry Shepherd is the host of the In Conversation podcast series, where he interviews leading and emerging authors, diving deep into the craft of writing, character development, and the human stories behind the pages.

Links & Resources

Visit the Author’s Website: Steven M. Rubin Official Website
Get the Book: Buy The Unraveling of Michael Galler on Amazon (Placeholder)
Connect with the Host: Terry Shepherd Official Website (Placeholder)
Follow the Podcast: In Conversation on Buzzsprout (Placeholder)

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