Podcast Summary: Living The Next Chapter – Episode 680

Guest: John Newton

Date: February 27, 2026

Theme: Historical Science Fiction, Writing Community, "The Healing Stone," and the Power of Storytelling

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Dave Campbell welcomes John Newton, author of the historical science fiction series "Shadows of Time" and its debut novel, "The Healing Stone." The conversation weaves through Newton’s unique life journey—including a transcontinental upbringing, a deep-rooted love for history and science fiction, and his insights into the writing process. The episode delves into the intersection of history and sci-fi, the importance of community for writers, the genesis of Newton’s book, key story concepts, and a captivating live reading.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

John Newton’s Backstory: A Life of Adventure and History

• Early Years on the Move

  • John attended 12 schools across different countries due to his father's engineering work, ultimately graduating high school in Cyprus.
  • The experience broadened his worldview and fostered a deep appreciation for persistent, place-based history.
  • Notable Quote:

    "You do discover a bit of who you are. Because you are transplanted in these different locations...you find out what doesn't change." — John Newton [09:52]

• Formation of Historical Interests

  • Newton shares how living in ancient lands influenced his love of storytelling and informed the historical threads in his fiction.

The Writing Journey: From Inspiration to Publication

• Community is Vital
  • Newton stresses the significance of joining a writers' group, both for accountability and constructive feedback.
  • He discovered his group via local community resources and recommends others either find or create one.
  • Notable Quote:

    "Try to find yourself a good group, and stick with them." — John Newton [13:11]

• Short Stories as Creative Labs
  • Many short stories emerged as offshoots or “rescued scenes” from the main novel. He describes the process of "putting darlings to sleep" rather than killing them.
  • Some stories connect directly to the main series, serving as origin points or world-building material.

"The Healing Stone" and the Shadows of Time Series

Genesis and Concept

• Historical Science Fiction Defined
  • The series merges rigorous historical accuracy with speculative sci-fi elements, using the "what if" scenario of time travel impacting the past.
  • The narrative pivot: Time travelers lose their advanced tools in history, raising stakes and inviting paradox.
  • Notable Quote:

    "What happens when time travelers lose their tools?" — John Newton [20:29]

Plot, Structure, and Themes

• Series Structure
  • Each novel centers on a different "chosen one" across various eras and continents (medieval Spain, Mali Empire, Aztec Empire, etc.), akin to solo superhero movies culminating in an ensemble moment.
  • The protagonist of the first book, Francisco, is a teen orphan in 13th-century Spain who inherits a magical stone with healing powers—setting him on a path balanced between secrecy, survival, and responsibility.

World-Building and Characters

• Primary Characters

  • Francisco: Loyal, persistent, and forced into secrecy about his gift; his life is shaped by conflict and the stone’s enigmatic rules.
    • Notable Quote:

      "His father, before his father dies, tells him: 'Do no harm, lest you break the charm.'" — John Newton [25:59]

  • Supporting cast includes time-travelers from diverse eras: a Japanese female samurai, an Anglo-Saxon warrior, and Angelo, a semi-immortal guide.

• Historical Realism

  • Settings are rendered with attention to detail—armory, geography, and cultural dynamics based on extensive research.

The Craft of Historical Sci-Fi: Bridging Two Genres

• Integration of Fact and Imagination
  • Newton illuminates how he fuses real historical settings with speculative challenges, such as hypothetical technology left in the past.
  • The series leans into the ethical dilemmas and dramatic tension generated by anachronistic interferences (e.g., a modern phone lost at Woodstock).

Audience and Reader Experience

• Intended Audience
  • Broad in scope, but especially aimed at readers 16+ and those who enjoy character-driven, high-concept adventure—"historical fiction with a sci-fi heart."
  • Upcoming audio version will expand accessibility.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote / Moment | |-----------|---------------|----------------| | 11:38 | John Newton | "Try to find yourself a good group, and stick with them." | | 20:29 | John Newton | "What happens when time travelers lose their tools?" | | 25:59 | John Newton | "[Francisco's father] tells him: 'Do no harm, lest you break the charm.'" | | 37:44 | John Newton | "When someone catches something that's going on behind the scenes, I think that's where I feel like, okay, we did it." |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:00–09:19] – John reflects on his global upbringing and how it shaped him.
• [11:38–15:27] – Writing process, the value of writers' groups, and peer feedback.
• [16:57–19:13] – The origin of short stories and their link to the main series.
• [19:13–23:08] – Explaining historical science fiction and structuring the "Shadows of Time" series.
• [25:50–30:08] – Deep dive into Francisco's character and core narrative premises.
• [32:01–36:52] – Audiobook excerpt performed by John Newton (Mr. Hunan episode, pencils as mysterious plot element).
• [37:44–38:29] – Newton discusses reader feedback and his proud moments as an author.
• [38:49–39:17] – Timeline for the next book and ongoing series development.

Live Reading & Standout Scene

• Live Audiobook Sample [32:01–36:52]
  • Newton reads from the opening scene: Sharon, a nursing assistant, interacts with the enigmatic Mr. Hunan—an "addiction" to pencils becoming the focal point of a quietly mysterious introduction.
  • Memorable detail: Discovery of pencils emptied of graphite, hinting at inexplicable phenomena to come.
  • Notable Host Reaction:

    "Oh. Oh, gosh. Oh, come on, John. That's okay. See, I knew you were gonna do something like that." — Dave Campbell [36:52]

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

• Newton encourages aspiring writers to seek community and pursue the "what if" questions at the heart of engaging fiction.
• Historical research underpins the series, but story and character remain central.
• Readers seeking layered, genre-crossing stories with both heart and speculative mystery should look to "The Healing Stone."
• Closing Message to Readers (John Newton, 40:46):

  "I hope you enjoy it. It's just that simple. Kick your feet up, get immersed. I don't think you're going to be disappointed...there's a lot of depth. Historically accurate as far as I can tell...But just enjoy it. It's a world for you."

Connect Further

• Website: John Newton’s Newton Sci-Fi (links to novels, short stories, YouTube, newsletter, and contact)
• YouTube: Newton Sci Fi

Next in the Series

• Book 2 expected in May 2027; Book 3 also in advanced drafting.

This episode blends warmth, humor, and deep craft insight, making it a rich listen (or read) for writers, history buffs, and speculative fiction fans alike.