Living The Next Chapter: Candid Conversations with Authors and Writers for Readers Searching for a New Read

E746 - Douglas Smith - Character Based Writing, Bundling Short Stories, Spirit Dance and Borderlanz

EPISODE 746 - Douglas Smith - Character Based Writing, Bundling Short Stories, Spirit Dance and BorderlanzAuthor and guest Douglas Smith joins the show from Unionville, just outside Toronto, reflecting on Canadian winters, good coffee, and the long path that led him to finally chase his writing dream in his early forties. He admits he waited too long, always assuming he would “start someday,” until the early death of one of his favorite authors, Roger Zelazny, jolted him into action. Looking back, he wishes someone had told him to simply start, and to begin with short stories instead of aiming immediately at a big novel. For Douglas, short fiction is the ideal training ground: it lets writers experiment with different genres, voices, and techniques across many smaller projects, while also teaching them how to submit, handle rejection, and learn from editors.That philosophy inspired his book for emerging writers, Playing the Short Game, which walks beginners through why and how to build a career through short fiction, from first draft to contracts and rights management. Douglas describes how writing many short stories gave him a full creative toolbox before he ever tackled novels. He also highlights the emotional journey of early rejections, the encouragement of personalized feedback, and the importance of protecting your rights so you can later reprint stories, resell them, or collect them into your own books.As an author, Douglas is known for richly developed characters and a distinctly visual, cinematic style. He finds it ironic that readers praise his settings because description used to be his biggest struggle, until a craft lesson on “writing setting as character” helped him anchor description in point of view and emotion. He explains how short fiction forced him to make every word count, hook readers from the first line, and compress full worldbuilding and character arcs into just a few thousand words. Those same skills now strengthen his novels, including his shapeshifter universe (beginning with the story “Spirit Dance” and the novel The Wolf at the End of the World), his Dream Rider Saga trilogy, and a connected near-future post-apocalyptic science fiction project.Douglas also demystifies short story collections, talking about how he sequences stories to shape a satisfying reader experience, balances length, tone, and genre, and always includes at least one new story to reward dedicated fans. He shares how reviews and endorsements from admired authors can be both powerful and dangerous for writers, recommending that beginners protect themselves from early negative reviews while still learning to use positive feedback as encouragement and promotion. Throughout, he returns to the themes of experimentation, resilience, and generosity: using short fiction to grow your craft, building a backlist that can be repackaged over time, and paying it forward to the next generation of writers.Key takeaway: Douglas’s journey shows that it is never too late to start writing, and that beginning with short fiction can give you the skills, confidence, and resilience you need to build a lasting, flexible career as an author.https://smithwriter.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

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E745 - Scott Clifford Mack - Soccer On Sunday In The Park and Adventures of a Forgotten Man

4d ago00:54:40Summary ready

EPISODE 745 - Scott Clifford Mack - Soccer On Sunday In The Park and Adventures of a Forgotten ManAuthor and guest Scott Clifford Mack joins us from Falmouth, Maine, a coastal community with a deep literary tradition and a revolutionary-era history that mirrors his themes of resilience and reinvention. He describes Maine as an introspective place that quietly supports the inner life of a writer, even as he humbly refrains from placing himself among its famous names. Scott shares an early, sobering experience at a publishing seminar where an industry professional bluntly stated that most first novels will never see the light of day. What felt devastating at the time eventually became a foundational lesson about failure, resilience, and the necessity of honest self-assessment. He admits his early work was not as strong as he believed, and that accepting this truth pushed him to improve his craft.Over the years, Scott has written novels, magazine articles, essays, and short stories, facing both rejection and acceptance. These experiences deepened his confidence and clarified his priorities. He realized he writes primarily for the love of writing itself, not for guarantees of publication or acclaim. For him, joy comes from sitting alone with a story, refining each sentence, and “baking the cake” before worrying about covers and marketing. Scott prefers to keep his voice as pure as possible, resisting heavy editorial direction so his work remains fully his own. He reads widely across genres, studying how other authors structure stories and shape language, and emphasizes that a compelling story is what ultimately carries a reader from first page to last.Scott’s first published novel, Soccer on Sunday in the Park, grew from lifelong passion and multiple failed attempts to write about the sport he loves. The book centers on a diverse group of everyday people who gather weekly for informal pickup soccer. Through their eyes, he explores three main themes: a grassroots homage to the game, the power of human connection across age, background, and culture, and the importance of adults continuing to play and embrace the humility and resilience that come with games. His second novel, Adventures of a Forgotten Man, shifts to corporate culture, remote work, and the modern world of employment. Inspired by a real report of remote employees who stopped logging in yet continued to be paid, Scott imagines a man “misplaced” by a large insurance company and explores what happens when work becomes transactional and disconnected. The protagonist’s journey contrasts older, more personal workplace eras with today’s diffuse, digital reality, raising questions about identity, loyalty, and meaning in work. Throughout the conversation, Scott explains his character-building process, from notebooks and detailed profiles to the surprising way minor figures sometimes grow into pivotal roles. He is especially drawn to “under the radar” people and finding the remarkable in the seemingly unremarkable. https://www.instagram.com/scmack13Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

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E744 - Luna Westish - Meet Me at the Ruins - The Story of Margo, a Student and Story Set In Scotland

6d ago00:49:06Summary ready

EPISODE 744 - Luna Westish - Meet Me at the Ruins - The Story of Margo, a Student and Story Set In ScotlandIn this episode, author Luna Westish shares the unexpected path that led her to writing and publishing her debut novel, Meet Me at the Ruins. From relocating her family to Mexico City during the pandemic to navigating the realities of self-publishing, Luna reflects on creativity, personal growth, and the lessons she learned along the way.Luna begins by discussing the major life decision that reshaped her family’s world. After years of talking about living abroad, she and her partner chose the uncertainty of the pandemic as the moment to take the leap. Selling nearly all their belongings and leaving Tacoma, Washington behind, they moved to Mexico City with their children. What began as an experiment quickly turned into a new home as they found community in the vibrant, international city. While Luna still misses the nature and coastline of the Pacific Northwest, the move created space for new experiences and creative exploration.That sense of experimentation carries into Luna’s approach to writing. Contrary to common advice that writers must produce words daily or follow strict routines, Luna discovered that creativity works best when she allows flexibility. Writing for her happens in bursts of inspiration, often in quiet coffee shops in the morning. Instead of focusing on word counts or rigid goals, she treats writing as a process of curiosity and self-discovery, allowing stories to emerge naturally rather than forcing them.Her journey into fiction was equally unplanned. Luna spent years writing nonfiction, including academic work, policy reports on climate change, and articles related to small business. Eventually she began writing deeply personal essays about her childhood growing up in a restrictive religious environment. That vulnerable work opened the door to fiction. Inspired by weekly coffee shop writing sessions with her teenager, she started drafting a story that eventually became her novel.Meet Me at the Ruins follows Margot, a college student studying abroad in Edinburgh in the early 2000s. The novel explores anxiety, identity, relationships, and the search for purpose during a formative stage of life. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Edinburgh, the story blends elements of coming-of-age, romance, and contemporary literary fiction while focusing on emotional growth rather than a traditional plot-driven arc.Luna also offers candid insight into the publishing world. After partially releasing the story online, she queried agents and publishers but ultimately chose to self-publish when contracts lacked clarity around responsibilities and timelines. The experience revealed how complex book marketing can be, from building advance reader groups to securing reviews and interviews. Her biggest lesson for aspiring authors: allow far more time for marketing and outreach than you think you’ll need.Despite the challenges, Luna views the entire process as a learning experience rather than a purely commercial pursuit. For her, writing is about exploration, connection, and sharing stories that resonate emotionally with readers. That same mindset shapes her parenting, encouraging her children to pursue creativity for joy rather than productivity.https://lunawestish.wordpress.com/___Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

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BONUS - Austin Kleon's Book Series - Why These Books Matter to Authors and Creative People

1w ago00:15:52Summary ready

BONUS - Austin Kleon's Book Series - Why These Books Matter to Authors and Creative PeopleAustin Kleon’s four books work best when read as one creative roadmap. They move from making original work, to shaping your voice, to sharing your process, to protecting your creative life when things get messy.Steal, then make it yoursSteal Like an Artist is the spark. Kleon argues that no idea arrives from nowhere, so creators should study what they love, remix it, and turn influence into something personal. The book’s appeal comes from how practical it feels. Readers often praise it for making creativity feel accessible instead of mysterious.Share the processShow Your Work! takes the next step. Kleon shifts the focus from finished product to public process, encouraging readers to share small pieces of their work, teach what they know, and build trust over time. The message is clear. People do not only connect with polished results, they connect with the story of how the work gets made.Keep the fire aliveKeep Going brings the series into real life. It focuses on staying creative through distraction, pressure, and chaos. Rather than chasing inspiration, Kleon emphasizes routine, limits, and steady habits that protect the work. This is the book for people who have started, shared, and now need a way to keep showing up.(New!) Don’t Call It Art: 10 Ways to Create Like a Kid Again points readers back to play, curiosity, and freedom. It reminds creators to loosen perfectionism and return to the simple joy of making. That foundation matters because the rest of Kleon’s work builds on the idea that creativity starts with action, not permission.Why read all fourTogether, these books form a complete creative framework. Don’t Call It Art opens the door. Steal Like an Artist helps readers find their voice. Show Your Work! teaches them how to build an audience. Keep Going helps them sustain the practice long term.If you are recommending all four books to listeners, the strongest theme is this: creativity is a practice, not a moment. Play, borrow wisely, share generously, and keep going. That simple arc makes the set worth reading as a collection.https://austinkleon.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

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E743 - Luke K Wilson - Science Fiction Author - Icewind and Falcata

1w ago00:47:33Summary ready

EPISODE 743 - Luke K Wilson - Science Fiction Author - Icewind and FalcataFalcataAuthor: Luke K. WilsonRelease Date: February 2026Description:Falcata is a science fiction epic from Luke K. WilsonThe Maran Ark contains the last of a shattered civilization. These last remaining bands of humans are all that survived the destruction of Mara, their beloved home world, and they’ve been on the run from their enigmatic, unsympathetic enemies ever since. Now, they wander through a devastated, desolate galaxy filled with the ruins and remnants of long-dead empires, as well as pirates and marauders out to prey on anything still living. Only one thing keeps the Marans going: the promise of a new world to call their own and the hope that one day their children will be born beneath and open sky, with soil beneath their feet.Leanette-14810 is a young girl born into the Ark long after Mara’s destruction. She is raised listening to the horrors of their home world’s fall, as well as the haunting rumors of what lurks outside the Ark’s hull. Now, she must walk a rigid path which prioritizes the collective good, and society’s survival against all odds. She approaches adulthood and a predetermined life as a Maran woman, to never leave the confines and relative safety of the Ark.But when Leanette is banished from the Ark’s rigid caste system dictated by gender and aptitude, she is thrust into a terrifying world she never knew existed. She eventually realizes the greatest threats facing the Ark’s survival are not outside its hull, but deep within them.Facebook Author Page:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576851991360My Listing on the Publisher's website:Falcata - Golden Storyline Bookshttps://goldenstorylinebooks.com/falcata/Amazon.com: Falcata eBook : K. Wilson, Luke: Kindle Storehttps://a.co/d/0erRobxFSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

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E742 - Eric Clark - The Beekman Affair - The perfect couple, the perfect life, the perfect lie

2w ago00:58:56Summary ready

EPISODE 742 - Eric Clark - The Beekman Affair - The perfect couple, the perfect life, the perfect lieIn this conversation, Eric Clark reflects on his journey as a writer and the deeper themes behind his work. Speaking from San Diego after growing up in New York City, he shares how perspective and lived experience shape both storytelling and personal identity.Eric emphasizes that writing must begin with love for the craft rather than a focus on publishing or marketability. For him, creativity should remain untainted by the pressures of agents, sales, or audience targeting. The work has to come from an internal need to express something true. Inspiration often arrives unexpectedly, and reading other authors can spark new ideas without becoming plagiarism. Every story ultimately filters through the writer’s unique experiences.At the heart of his latest novel is an exploration of perspective, change, and the discomfort that comes when deeply held values are challenged. The story follows Claire and Peter, a married couple whose backgrounds shaped them in very different ways. Claire is driven, accomplished, and structured. Peter is reflective, conflict averse, and open. When new neighbors move in and tension rises, existing marital strain surfaces and forces both characters to confront their assumptions.The novel examines how people evolve over years, not months. Change is gradual and often painful, especially when it challenges identity or stability. Eric draws from his own background as the child of immigrants to portray characters who understand both the inside and the outside of belonging. His writing consistently returns to themes of outsiders navigating systems that may accept them conditionally.Throughout the discussion, Eric highlights the complexity of social and political perspectives. He avoids caricatures, instead giving sincere voice to multiple viewpoints. The story challenges readers to recognize how easily we forget our own past struggles once we feel secure. It asks what happens when change arrives next door rather than at a distance, and whether we can extend empathy across differences.Ultimately, Eric writes for readers who remain open to growth. His goal is not to divide but to invite reflection on how we handle change, identity, and community in a complicated world.New Release: The Beekman AffairPublication Date: Coming March 17th by Glass Spider PublishingThe perfect couple. The perfect life. The perfect lie.Clare and Peter Davidson have always looked like they had it all—college sweethearts turned devoted partners, with two bright children and a picture-perfect home in the tight-knit community of Beekman. But behind the manicured lawn and warm smiles lies a marriage quietly unraveling under the weight of secrets, betrayals, and unspoken regrets.When Beekman itself begins to fracture—factory closures, job losses, neighbors forced to choose sides in a bitter local conflict—Clare and Peter find themselves on opposite ends of a fight that hits closer to home than they ever imagined. As the town’s tensions mount, so do the cracks in Clare’s carefully constructed world.The Beekman Affair is a gripping story of loss, betrayal, and the quiet courage it takes to reclaim your own life—no matter the cost.https://ericclarkauthor.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

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E741 - Anne Beall - The Compassionate Writer - Find Your Voice, Enhance Your Story and Touch Lives

2w ago00:45:23Summary ready

EPISODE 741 - Anne Beall - The Compassionate Writer - Find Your Voice, Enhance Your Story and Touch LivesIn this episode, author and social psychologist Anne Beall invites listeners into a life shaped by curiosity, compassion, and a deep belief that every person has a story worth telling. She shares how her path from research psychology into the business world and, eventually, into full time writing and literary editing grew out of a desire to understand people more fully and communicate with them more effectively. That journey includes founding and running a market research company for over two decades, selling it, and then dedicating herself to writing books and leading the Chicago Story Press Literary Journal, which focuses on meaningful, insight rich creative nonfiction.Anne describes how her lifelong love of animals led to exploring the emotional intelligence and depth of connection possible between humans and other species. From service llamas who intuitively comfort residents in assisted living to a pig that can identify English words on a soundboard, she recounts stories that challenge our assumptions about animal awareness and underline her conviction that many beings understand us in ways we barely recognize. Those experiences informed her book about heartfelt connections with animals and reinforced her broader commitment to writing about relationships, empathy, and unseen emotional bonds.At the heart of the conversation is Anne’s book about compassionate writing and her belief that good storytelling requires a nuanced view of human nature. Instead of dividing people into heroes and villains, she argues that powerful writing reveals everyone as flawed, complex, and deeply human. She explores the difference and overlap between empathy and compassion, suggesting that compassion is not just a feeling but an action: the deliberate effort to understand why people behave as they do, including ourselves. By looking at life’s painful or confusing events through a compassionate lens, writers can find meaning in their experiences and translate that understanding onto the page in ways that help readers see themselves more clearly and judge themselves less harshly.Drawing on her role as an editor, Anne talks about what makes a story a good fit for a literary journal, why certain themes become overrepresented, and how even strong work can be rejected for reasons beyond an author’s control. She emphasizes persistence, the value of revisiting and strengthening work after repeated rejections, and the reality that numbers and timing often shape publication outcomes as much as quality. Throughout, she returns to the idea that emotional resonance matters most: writers and readers are both seeking stories that illuminate life, particularly around loss, family, identity, and the moments that change us.Anne also speaks directly to listeners who may not see themselves as writers. She encourages anyone who journals or reflects on their life to view those pages as meaningful work that can bring healing and clarity, especially when approached with self compassion. Key takeaway: You are worthy of your story. Approaching your life and your writing with compassion – for yourself, your characters, and your readers – can turn painful or confusing experiences into meaningful narratives that touch lives, including your own.https://annebeall.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

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E740 - Carter Vance - A story of living, loving and growing up on Canada's Parliament Hill

2w ago00:41:44Summary ready

EPISODE 740 - Carter Vance - A story of living, loving and growing up on Canada's Parliament HillIn this engaging episode, author Carter Vance shares his writing journey with host Dave, connecting as fellow Canadians. Originally from the small town of Cobourg, Ontario—famous for its literal Big Apple roadside sculpture and summer beach—Carter credits a high school teacher's encouragement for launching his creative path. She connected him with local cafe owners for poetry readings, sparking his early involvement in plays, school magazines, and submissions to prestigious outlets like Arc Poetry Magazine, which offered a mentorship that honed his skills in audience focus, form, and resilience against rejections.Reflecting on advice he'd give his younger self, Carter emphasizes demystifying publishing, treating writing like a disciplined job—as Stephen King advocates with daily hours—and clarifying one's unique "why" amid abundant content. Creative writing, for him, captures intangible life moments and fosters empathy by letting readers inhabit others' minds, unlike film or music. His diverse career, including policy work in Canada, the UK, Indonesia, and Parliament (as a House leader staffer from 2015-2019 and Senate role), humanized politicians as flawed individuals, revealing unexpected alliances, young staffers' influence, and information's power in decision-making.Carter's debut novel, Smaller Animals (released November), draws from these experiences, following young Canadian political staffers' relationships and growth amid power dynamics—"smaller animals" behind the spotlight. Comparable to Arthur Phillips' Prague, Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises, or Sally Rooney's works, it appeals to politics enthusiasts and character-driven readers alike, requiring no deep parliamentary knowledge. He discusses staff autonomy, grunt work evolving to info control, and hopes readers connect personally while gaining insights into unseen influencers.Amid recent Canadian tragedies, Carter finds hope in political maturity, rising public engagement, and openness to change. Upcoming: a short story in Plentitude magazine, more writing, and ideas like a Berlin Wall saga. Key Takeaway: Writing thrives on encouragement, discipline, and authentic voice—craft stories that build empathy and unique perspectives, turning personal experiences into shared connections.https://cartervance.ca/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

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E739 - J. Bellante Ward - The Wyrd of Skulda Discover Norns, the three legendary females who control time

3w ago00:45:53Summary ready

EPISODE 739 - J. Bellante Ward - The Wyrd of Skulda Discover Norns, the three legendary females who control timeIn this engaging episode of Living The Next Chapter, host Dave welcomes debut fantasy author J. Bellante Ward, a dental hygienist from Virginia originally from Maryland, who stumbled into writing after a coworker praised her knack for words in a simple professional email. Nervous but thrilled for her first podcast appearance, J. shares how she penned her Norse mythology-inspired series in just two months, embracing her "pantser" style where the plot unfolded organically through character journeys rather than rigid outlines. She discusses battling impatience for instant gratification, learning not to chase perfection—since human imperfections make stories relatable and distinct from AI-generated content—and finding her authentic voice about a quarter into the manuscript, shifting to a more confident tone.J. dives into her series' core: three Norns controlling past, present, and future, reimagined in a world without cell phones or modern tech to emphasize raw human connections and epic quests. Book one follows Bren, the Norn of the future from a dark kingdom, on a self-discovery path amid romance, "smut," and battles against an evil king seeking to dominate the realms via the tree of life. Unplanned characters like Bren's sarcastic best friend stole her heart, earning future books, while part one builds the world lightly and part two accelerates into non-stop action. She credits advice from patients and fellow authors, like writing the ending at 80% to race smoothly to the finish, and cut filler for a lean, approachable read even for fantasy newcomers.Marketing challenges surface too: J. finds social media inauthentic and mentally draining, preferring genuine conversations like this interview over forced videos, and pitches her elf-and-mythology tale proudly despite adult awkwardness. A vivid reading from chapter three paints a terrifying swamp creature encounter, drawing from head-to-toe details inspired by quirky YouTube like Salad Fingers. Her real "moment" came from a stranger's glowing review, not pre-sales from supporters. Looking ahead, book two launches soon, with Instagram and Facebook as key follows.Key Takeaway: Embrace your creative flow without perfectionism—human flaws and organic storytelling connect deepest with readers, proving anyone can birth a world from a spark.https://www.instagram.com/j.bella.ward.writes/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

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E592 - Joe McClean - Screenwriter, Author and Director - Putting Yourself Out There and Into Your Story, That is Where the Opportunity Lies

3w ago00:46:33Summary ready

Episode 592 - Joe McClean - Screenwriter, Author and Director - Putting Yourself Out There and Into Your Story, That is Where the Opportunity LiesJoe made a bunch of short films and one feature length movie with friends and no money. To this day, I enjoy watching those early attempts to craft a story, but essentially this era of on-the-job-training was my film school. Now it was time to take my first big swing. I wrote a script I felt I could raise enough money to shoot myself, a found-footage film, and I spent a year begging for cash and favors. The star of a hit TV show, who had gone to the same high school as me, graciously agreed to act in it. An NBA player made a small investment. Actor, comedian, and Late Show with David Letterman regular, Jay Thomas agreed to make a cameo. The snowball was growing and eventually I scraped together enough cash to direct Life Tracker. The movie played over 20 science fiction conventions and got a digital distribution deal with Charter Communications (now Spectrum) and streamed into millions of American homes.Life Tracker Great! Now I needed a follow up to prove that my work ethic couldn't be mistaken for beginner's luck. Taking advantage of a group of talented actor friends and another who owned property outside of Fresno, I wrote and directed a super-low-budget homage to The Big Chill called The Drama Club which can currently be seen on Tubi.The Drama Club Looking back from that point, I could see the years of work I'd put in. Meeting people. Working with casts and crews. Going on adventures together. taking risks and building trust. Jobs started to fall into place. I signed my first manager. I joined the Writers Guild of America. I pitched big shot producers at legacy studios and powerhouse production companies. Always searching for that next opportunity. That's when I met Blair Underwood. A business lunch turned into an attachment (and a friendship), and soon I was hitting up everyone I'd ever done business with to see who wanted to join the team.Viral was written and produced by me, it's directed by and stars Blair, and he shares the screen with Sarah Silverman, Jeanine Mason, and the incomparable Alfre Woodard! The movie is finished and we're actively working with our sales team to bring it to audiences.In the mean time, I’m working with Amistad (an imprint of HarperCollins Publishing) on a two-book deal titled Sins of Survivors about the plight of a family who lived in the once vital African American neighborhood of Black Bottom in 1930s and 40s Detroit. The first book is currently available everywhere books are sold, and the second hits shelves in the summer of 2026... So, go to your local bookstore's website get your copy!Why "Ginger Beard," you ask? My wife's maiden name is "Beard," and when our son was born he had a reddish tint to his hair. So, my company is named after my son, my "Ginger Beard"... It's only a bonus that I have red facial hair.https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-mcclean-6668b018https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0565697/https://www.gingerbeardfilms.com/Wednesday, September 17, 2025Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

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Living The Next Chapter: Candid Conversations with Authors and Writers for Readers Searching for a New Read

All episodes

E746 - Douglas Smith - Character Based Writing, Bundling Short Stories, Spirit Dance and Borderlanz

E745 - Scott Clifford Mack - Soccer On Sunday In The Park and Adventures of a Forgotten Man

E744 - Luna Westish - Meet Me at the Ruins - The Story of Margo, a Student and Story Set In Scotland

BONUS - Austin Kleon's Book Series - Why These Books Matter to Authors and Creative People

E743 - Luke K Wilson - Science Fiction Author - Icewind and Falcata

E742 - Eric Clark - The Beekman Affair - The perfect couple, the perfect life, the perfect lie

E741 - Anne Beall - The Compassionate Writer - Find Your Voice, Enhance Your Story and Touch Lives

E740 - Carter Vance - A story of living, loving and growing up on Canada's Parliament Hill

E739 - J. Bellante Ward - The Wyrd of Skulda Discover Norns, the three legendary females who control time

E592 - Joe McClean - Screenwriter, Author and Director - Putting Yourself Out There and Into Your Story, That is Where the Opportunity Lies