Podcast Summary: True Fiction Project - S6 Ep 4: "Him"

Episode Information:

• Title: True Fiction Project
• Host: Reenita Hora
• Guest: Brian Ga
• Episode: Season 6, Episode 4 - "Him"
• Release Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: In this episode, host Reenita Hora converses with Brian Ga, an accomplished author and entrepreneur, delving into his journey from writing nonfiction and youth sports novels to his latest work in adult fiction, titled "Him."

Introduction

The episode begins with a brief introduction by Renita Hora, setting the stage for the discussion. She highlights the essence of the True Fiction Project—transforming real-life experiences into compelling fiction through the art of audio storytelling.

[00:00] Brian Ga: "Welcome to the True Fiction Project, a podcast series that explores the origins of fiction..."

Renita then welcomes Brian Ga, emphasizing his dual expertise in nonfiction and fiction writing.

[00:58] Renita Hora: "Welcome to the True Fiction Project. I have with me today a very special guest who, like myself, has delved into nonfiction as well as fiction. This is Brian Ga..."

Brian Ga's Background and Early Career

Brian Ga shares his professional journey, beginning with his career in sales post-college, which eventually led him to become a sales manager. This experience sparked his interest in documenting sales techniques, which transitioned into writing.

[01:50] Brian Ga: "I started my career in sales out of college and then became a sales manager... I started thinking, yeah, maybe these would be a book."

His first published work, "Congratulations, You're a Millionaire," emerged from his consistent journaling and dedication to capturing valuable sales insights.

Transition to Youth Sports Novels

As Brian became a parent, his passion for sports inspired him to write youth sports novels. He was influenced by Matt Christopher's works but sought to modernize them to resonate with contemporary young readers.

[05:27] Brian Ga: "One of the things that kind of put the light bulb on... dune buggies were a thing but my kids didn't know what a dune buggy was."

He aimed to infuse modern vernacular and technological elements into his stories, making them more relatable for today's youth. This endeavor led to the creation of four youth sports novels, each approximately 30,000 to 40,000 words in length.

Challenges of Publishing and Marketing

Brian discusses the harsh realities of the publishing industry, debunking the myth that writing books effortlessly leads to financial success and widespread recognition.

[08:45] Brian Ga: "Anybody who's thinking... if I write a book, maybe this will happen to me... the reality is it's a very hard road."

Initially, his nonfiction work was conventionally published, but he soon realized the importance of self-promotion. This revelation led him to self-publish his youth sports novels to retain greater control and revenue.

[09:52] Renita Hora: "he must be, you know, just rolling in royalties... the reality is, again, it's a very hard road."

Brian emphasizes that success in writing often requires relentless marketing efforts, regardless of the publishing route chosen.

Entrepreneurial Approach to Writing

Brian views his writing endeavors through an entrepreneurial lens, treating each book as a product to be marketed and sold effectively.

[08:45] Brian Ga: "Sales and marketing is my niche. That's how I have been able to support my family throughout the years."

This mindset has driven him to continuously seek ways to promote his books, leveraging platforms like Amazon and his personal website, Books by God.com, to reach a broader audience.

Introducing "Him" - Transition to Adult Fiction

The conversation shifts to Brian's first foray into adult fiction with his book "Him." He explains the inspiration behind the story, which centers on a dog navigating life in a shelter, yearning to reunite with his cherished caretaker.

[12:51] Renita Hora: "Tell us about Him. Him is your first work of adult fiction. What is it about?"

Brian narrates a vivid excerpt from "Him," providing listeners with a glimpse into the emotional depth and narrative style of his adult fiction.

[14:23] Brian Ga: [Reads excerpt] "I can barely remember his smell anymore... When someone trusts you, if you run away, no one can ever trust you again."

This passage showcases Brian's ability to infuse genuine emotion and relatable experiences into his storytelling, bridging the gap between nonfiction insights and fictional narratives.

Insights on Writing and Creativity

Brian reflects on the subconscious influences that drive creative processes. He shares a personal anecdote about how a simple conversation with a colleague sparked the idea for "Him," illustrating the spontaneous nature of inspiration.

[10:31] Brian Ga: "I was a big believer in the subconscious... One day I got an email from a colleague... I had the idea from beginning to end at that moment what I was going to write."

This insight underscores the importance of being receptive to everyday experiences as potential seeds for creative works.

Engaging with the Audience

Towards the end of the episode, Brian highlights the avenues through which listeners can access his work, including his website and Amazon. Renita encourages the audience to engage further by subscribing to paid content for exclusive readings.

[13:17] Brian Ga: "Books by God.com is my website and all the books are on Amazon..."

[13:32] Renita Hora: "We will have links to all of that in the show notes..."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with Renita expressing her appreciation for Brian's candid discussion about the challenges and triumphs of writing. She reiterates the mission of the True Fiction Project to transform real-life stories into engaging fiction.

[18:59] Renita Hora: "This is the True Fiction Project... offering paid subscribers something a little extra special each time..."

Brian reciprocates the gratitude, emphasizing the mutual enjoyment of the collaborative storytelling process.

[18:57] Brian Ga: "Thank you for having me. I enjoyed it."

Key Takeaways:

• Persistence in Writing: Brian Ga's journey highlights the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the literary field.
• Modernizing Youth Literature: By updating classic youth sports narratives with contemporary elements, Brian successfully appeals to a new generation of readers.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Treating writing as a business venture enables authors to take control of their marketing and revenue streams.
• Inspiration from Real Life: Authentic stories often originate from everyday experiences and genuine human emotions, serving as a solid foundation for fiction.
• Marketing is Crucial: Beyond writing, effective marketing and promotion are essential for literary success.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Ga on Publishing Realities:

  "The reality is it's a very hard road. There's a lot of competition... it's probably not going to be something that you do to make millions and millions of dollars..." [00:00]

• Brian Ga on Trust and Character:

  "When someone trusts you, if you run away, no one can ever trust you again." [14:23]

• Renita Hora on Marketing Efforts:

  "I feel like all I'm doing is guerrilla marketing... we all have to go through this." [09:52]

Where to Find More:

• Brian Ga's Website: Books by God.com
• Purchase Books: Available on Amazon
• Connect with True Fiction Project:
  • Email: contact@renita.com
  • Newsletter: substack.com/@rinitahora

Subscribe for Exclusive Content: Paid subscribers gain access to special readings and video versions of podcast episodes. Ensure to subscribe via Substack to enjoy these additional benefits.

This episode of the True Fiction Project offers a profound look into the multifaceted world of writing, blending personal anecdotes with practical insights. Brian Ga's experiences serve as an inspiring testament to the dedication required to transform real-life narratives into captivating fiction.