
Hosted by Reenita Hora · EN
The True Fiction Project is an unscripted-to-scripted podcast series that explores the journey of a story from non-fiction to fiction. It showcases the art of audio storytelling to explore how scripted fiction is inspired by our daily life, and it explores how audio storytelling can spark interesting IP that can be further developed for other media. Join our host Reenita Hora, as she conducts audio interviews with guests from all walks of life that have interesting stories. A fiction writer then listens to the interview, defines a main character inspired by it, and creates a piece of short audio fiction based on it. The episode pieces together the interview (non-fiction), the audio story + the print version (both fiction). Learn more at https://reenita.com/podcasts/true-fiction-project/

Hi everyone! I’m thrilled to welcome multi-award-winning children’s book author Renée Greene Murphy to the show this week. Renée is the author of Your Heart's Voice, one of the first children’s picture books on intuition, which she lovingly dedicated to her younger brother, who tragically passed away in 2022. In this heartfelt episode, Renée shares the inspiration behind her book, how grief shaped its development and the spiritual symbolism woven throughout its pages. We’ll also hear an excerpt from this beautifully written story designed to help children embrace self-awareness and intuition. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! IN THIS EPISODE:[1:48] Renée shares why she wrote the book[4:23] There were no accessible resources for children on the topic of intuition[7:01] How the book was restructured after the death of her brother[10:13] Where you can get your copy of Your Heart's Voice, [11:54] We hear an excerpt from Your Heart's Voice KEY TAKEAWAYS:In 2018, a New York State-certified school counselor and mother of two noticed a lack of children's picture books on intuition, a vital life tool. With three master’s degrees and 10 years of experience, she was inspired to fill this gap.The tragic loss of Renée’s younger brother in 2022 deeply impacted her, with writing serving as a therapeutic outlet to cope with the shock, anger, and depression of grief.The book incorporates numerous spiritual elements, including angel numbers, symbolic animals like a cardinal, dragonfly, and turtle, and settings like the beach, where the author feels most connected to her intuition—all reflecting themes of guidance, resilience, and celebrating her brother.Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode and be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/ReenitaFiction Credits:Written by: Renée Greene Murphy Read by: Renée Greene MurphyGUEST RESOURCES:Renée Greene Murphy - WebsiteRenée Greene Murphy - LinkedInRenée Greene Murphy - Business FacebookRenée Greene Murphy - InstagramRenée Greene Murphy - FacebookYour Heart's Voice - AudioYour Heart's Voice - Barnes and NobleHOST RESOURCESWebsiteLinkedIn Tiktok Instagram Facebook Twitter (X) Substack Threads LinkTree BIOGRAPHY: Renée Greene MurphyMulti-award-winning children’s book, author of Your Heart's Voice, one of the first children’s picture books on intuition. Your Heart's Voice is dedicated to my little brother, who tragically passed in a car accident in 2022. Writing was therapeutic for me during the initial stages of grief, so I ended up dedicating my book to him and adding him as a main character. Jade learns three life lessons throughout the story, and by listening to our heart's voice, she makes the right choice and feels good about herself. Robert, my brother in the story, teaches her that her heart voice is indeed her intuition. Your heart voice is an excellent supplemental tool in any classroom for students ages five and up to help increase self-awareness, self-esteem, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to season 6 of the True Fiction Project Podcast! I’m thrilled to start this season off with my dear friend Rachana Devidayal. Rachana is a graphic design artist with a profound connection to her craft and the stories she tells through her work. In this episode, she opens up about her journey—why she chose a path different from her mother’s, how her struggles are reflected in her art and the barriers she’s had to overcome along the way. We also dive into the deep inspiration she draws from the sacred Narmada River, the rituals of Maheshwar, and her ongoing artistic projects. Join us for an insightful conversation about creativity, resilience, and the interplay between art and spirituality.IN THIS EPISODE:[2:01] Rachana shares her background as a graphic design artist and why she felt she needed to follow a different path than her mother[6:49] How her struggles are reflected in her work[13:08] Rachana describes the dams she erects in her heart[15:43] Rachana describes this huge puja, this huge religious ceremony[17:13] Rachana describes a ritual in the town called Maheshwar and her last project, which is still a work in progress[19:28] The inspiration behind Rachana’s focus on the riverKEY TAKEAWAYS:Flowing uniquely east to west, the Narmada River is revered as one of India’s most sacred, believed to cleanse sins with a mere glance. Its deep spiritual significance inspires artistic exploration, with layered mediums reflecting the river’s essence and timeless story.The Narmada River exudes unstoppable feminine energy, defying control despite controversies and environmental impacts. A holy man’s prediction of her resistance was affirmed by early dam failures, symbolizing her enduring vitality and inspiring awe and resilience.Artists often face self-imposed barriers, but awareness enables reinvention and progress. Each success breaks old limitations, though new challenges arise, reflecting growth, persistence, and artistic fulfillment.Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode and be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/ReenitaGUEST RESOURCES:Rachana Devidayal - WebsiteRachana Devidayal Design - LinkedInRachana Devidayal - Facebook Rachana Devidayal - InstagramHOST RESOURCESWebsiteLinkedIn Tiktok Instagram Facebook Twitter (X) Substack Threads LinkTree BIOGRAPHY: Rachana DevidayalI completed my education at the Cathedral School, Bombay, and earned honors in Graphic Design from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1994. With a passion for print media, I’ve worked on diverse projects for publishing houses, museums, and private clients. I taught art to ISDI School of Design & Innovation students and co-founded Flying Tricycle Workshops in 2016, curating creative programs for children. Reconnecting with fine arts during the pandemic led to my 2023 solo exhibition, Palash & Baadal, inspired by the light and architecture of Mandu. My paper and watercolor works blend structured design, artistic freedom, and vibrant color.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this revisited episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast, we are looking back at a True Fiction Fan Favorite episode with actor, writer, and stand up comedian Shenuque Tissera. He shares his story of how he went from a Doctor of Geography to a Stand Up Comedian. He talks about the expectations his parents had of him after immigrating to the US, and his fear of disappointing them as he faked his graduation and dropped out of graduate school. We hear all about the Art of Killin' It and the other projects he is currently working on. The episode ends with the short story titled, Faking the Grade by Michael Kobzik. In this story we follow an aspiring stand up comedian who officially drops out from becoming a Doctor of Geography but still shows up at his graduation to receive a fake diploma to appease his unaware parents. IN THIS EPISODE: [1:57] What is Shenuque’s primary career? [2:50] Shenuque walks through his college education path. [11:38] How did Shenuque fake his graduation? [13:10] Shenuque talks about his start as a stand up comedian. [14:53] We hear about the Art of Killin' It. [16:43] How is Quidditch (quadball) actually played? [22:37] What do Shenuque’s parents think of the decisions he has made with his career? [23:50] Shenuque tells us about the Twenty Sided Podcast and his character. [26:36] A short story Faking the Grade by Michael Kobzik. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Follow your heart. Shenuque knew that he wasn’t destined for the graduate school path. Once he followed his heart he was able to find a career that he absolutely loves and is wildly successful at. Quidditch is a real game that was played at the college level! You can be more than one thing in life! You don’t have to silo yourself into one career, follow your passions and see where you end up. Fiction Credits: Excerpt written by: Michael Kobsik BIO: Shenuque is an actor, writer, and stand-up comedian. He portrays 'Jaylen' in the theatrical production of the Art of Killin' It. He's been featured on HBO Max's Human By Orientation. He is also the voice of Yaksha Rah on the Twenty Sided Podcast. You can find him @shenuque on Instagram or @fakeshenuque on TikTok. Shenuque Tissera Website The Twenty Sided Podcast Shenuque Tissera's Twitter Shenuque Tissera's Instagram Shenuque Tissera's TikTok Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast! During this special episode, we are mashing up three spooky authors: one a fiction author, another a paranormal writer and the third a writer of witch fantasy from Season 5. These episodes include The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper, The Pied Piper’s Prince and Whisper’s Most Foul. All three stories have unique plots and will make your spine tingle. Tune in today for interview snippets and stories, and find the link to the full episodes in the notes below. IN THIS EPISODE: [1:48] Interview snippet of Mary Savarese sharing how her life experiences inspire her storytelling [3:08] Short story The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper by Mary Savarese [6:28] Interview snippet of Gina Schaeffer sharing how her work as a paranormal investigator has framed her writing [7:25] Short story The Pied Piper’s Prince by Gina Schaeffer [11:41] Interview snippet of Emma MacDonald and where she finds her inspiration to write about witches [12:54] Short story Whisper’s Most Foul by Emma MacDonald KEY TAKEAWAYS: Mary Savarese builds suspense and emotional depth by immersing readers in a vivid and magical prologue. Gina Schaefer incorporates chilling, tangible elements that encourage readers to reflect and explore further, heightening their emotional investment. Emma McDonald leverages atmospheric storytelling and relatable characters to evoke fear and intrigue, leaving readers captivated by the unfolding mystery. Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode and be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita FICTION CREDITS: The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper A short story written and ready by Mary Savarese Mary Savarese - Facebook Mary Savarese - Instagram The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper - Audiobook The Pied Piper’s Prince A short story written and read by Gina Schaeffer The Pied Piper's Prince - Barnes and Noble Gina Schaeffer - Instagram Gina Schaeffer - Facebook Whisper’s Most Foul A short story written and read by Emma MacDonald Emma MacDonald - Instagram Emma MacDonald - Website Whisper's Most Foul - Barnes and Noble RESOURCES Season 5 Episode 2 - The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper Season 5 Episode 11 - The Pied Piper's Prince Season 5 Episode 9 - Whisper's Most Foul HOST RESOURCES Website LinkedIn Tiktok Instagram Facebook Twitter (X) Substack Threads LinkTree Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to this revisited episode of the True Fiction Project. Traci DeForge, CEO and Founder of Produce Your Podcast, interviews Lynn Moon (CEO) and Shannon Peason (CFO), Co-Founders of the publisher, Indignor House, about Reenita’s new book she launched back in July of 2024! Lynn and Shannon share a bit about the type of authors they typically work with, and how they became connected to Reenita. Lynn shares a lot of the history in India from when this book was written and the impact that it can have on future generations of those who read this book. At the end, you will hear an excerpt from Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh written and read by Reenita herself about the forbidden love between an Anglo-Indian school teacher and a Muslim student activist against General Dyer’s impending tragedy. Get your copy of Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh here! IN THIS EPISODE: [2:42] How did Lynn and Shannon get started on creating Indignor House? [4:12] What type of authors were they looking for when they started Indignor House? [5:53] How did they get connected to Reenita? [12:21] What type of genre do they typically work with? [15:27] What is the history of the time that Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh was written about? [21:35] What is it like to publish a non U.S. historical fiction book in the United States? [25:06] How did the experience of publishing this book impact Shannon (editor)? [27:01] What are Lynn’s expectations for this book? [30:14] Is there a screenplay version in development? [31:02] How can people get their hands on the book? [32:21] We hear an excerpt from Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh written and read by Reenita Hora. Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of the podcast and be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora KEY TAKEAWAYS: If you are an aspiring author, take your time and wait for the right publishing company and editor. The wait is worth it to ensure that you are able to send your message out to the world in a beautiful way. We need to take care of each other, we need to respect each other. Power is not everything. Disagreement is important, but being able to have a conversation without getting emotional is crucial. The story Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh is a story that everyone needs to get their hands on. It is a tragic historical fiction story, but the lessons show why we must support others to avoid history continuing to repeat itself. Fiction Credits: Written and read by Reenita Hora RESOURCES: Where to buy Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953278523 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vermilion-harvest-reenita-m-hora/1145699636?ean=9781953278524 Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Reenita-Malhotra-Hora/author/B001KHTMSS Walmart https://www.walmart.com/ip/Vermilion-Harvest-Playtime-at-the-Bagh-Hardcover-9781953278517/5976849351?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0 Thriftbooks https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/vermilion-harvest-playtime-at-the-bagh_reenita-m-hora/53127072/#edition=71488527&idiq=64643525 Booktopia (Australia) https://www.booktopia.com.au/vermilion-harvest-reenita-m-hora/book/9781953278517.html Hatchards (UK) https://www.hatchards.co.uk/book/vermilion-harvest/reenita-m-hora/9781953278524 Indignor House Website Indignor House Facebook Indignor House Twitter Indignor House Instagram BIO: Bio for Lynn Moon: CEO & Co-Founder of the publisher, Indignor House Lynn is the award-winning author of the Agency Series that follows a government with unlimited power and money. She has worked for state and federal government agencies and uses her long reaching personal experiences to captivate her audience with realistic stories of political corruption. Her novels have won awards including the Moonbeam Children's Book Award, IPPY award, and the Dante Rossetti Book award. Lynn holds an MPA in Public Administration from Troy State University and an MFA in Literature from Lindenwood University. She’s the CEO of Indignor House, working to change the publishing environment one book at a time. Bio for Shannon Pearson: CEO & Co-Founder of the publisher, Indignor House Shannon comes to Indignor House with a treasure trove of over 10 years of experience in accounting and administrative services. For the last five years, Shannon has worked in the editorial fields of all genres. With her talent, she gives the numbers and letters a refined breath of fresh air. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hi everyone! This week, I am thrilled to introduce Doyle Glass, a former criminal prosecutor, an American historical novelist, and a sculptor who brings us the powerful story of the young men who fought in Vietnam. Doyle's journey is one of passion, perseverance, and the desire to preserve the untold stories of those who served. His book, Swift Sword, is a tribute to the Vietnam War veterans whose real experiences were often overlooked or forgotten. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation about history, healing, and the importance of telling the truth. IN THIS EPISODE: [1:31 Doyle’s background is shared, and he discusses the story of Swift Sword [3:24] Doyle gave up his role as prosecutor and his passion for these veterans [6:02] Why weren’t these stories documented [8:17] How did Doyle find the subjects for his book [10:01] Doyle’s life experiences at the time of the writing of the first edition [12:40] Doyle shares the backstory of what we are about to hear [18:21] We hear an excerpt from Swift Sword KEY TAKEAWAYS: The Vietnam War left deep pain and division, causing many to avoid documenting veterans' true stories. Unlike WWII, Vietnam was marked by controversy and a desire to forget. As veterans pass, their stories risk being lost, a gap the writer seeks to fill with his books. The writer faced a tough journey creating his book, as many veterans were reluctant to share painful memories. After years of interviews and personal hardships, including caring for his terminally ill wife, he rediscovered the transcripts a decade later and completed the book after two decades. Doyle's book on the Vietnam War appeals to the Americans who fought in the Vietnam War and their families, as well as to lovers of history. Many readers, including the children, grandchildren, and relatives of veterans, seek a deeper understanding of what their loved ones experienced. The book serves as a way to preserve and uncover the "real truths" of those who fought, capturing a legacy that might otherwise be lost. Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode and be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita Fiction Credits: Written by Doyle Glass Read by Doyle Glass GUEST RESOURCES: Doyle Glass - Website Doyle Glass - Facebook Doyle Glass - Instagram Doyle Glass - LinkedIn Swift Sword Lions of Medina HOST RESOURCES Website LinkedIn Tiktok Instagram Facebook Twitter (X) Substack Threads LinkTree BIO: Doyle Glass (born January 22, 1962) is an American historical novelist and sculptor known for his bestselling books Lions of Medina (2007) and Swift Sword (2023), as well as his sculptures of the Texas and Kentucky Medal of Honor Memorials. A former criminal prosecutor, Glass began writing and sculpting after his legal career. Lions of Medina details the sacrifices of Charlie Company Marines in Vietnam, while Swift Sword recounts a harrowing firefight in the Queson Valley. His upcoming book, Unthrottled: The Story of Robert Benoist (2025), will tell the story of a French Grand Prix champion turned British secret agent during WWII. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hi everyone! This week, I am excited to introduce Melody Fowler, a passionate creative who brings a story to us ranging over several decades. The inspiration for this historical fiction novel comes from her husband’s grandmother, Loucindia. She died at the age of 97 but left behind a life-long trail of stories. Melody reads an excerpt from her book How We Healed which tells of Loucindia facing the Great Appalachian Storm of 1950 and waiting for her alcoholic husband to come home. Tune in for a story of a powerful woman, ahead of her time. IN THIS EPISODE: [1:35] How did Melody go from wanting to be a journalist to a full time writer? [3:46] What does Melody feel is her primary creative skill? [5:16] How did the storyline for How We Healed come to Melody? [8:47] Is this story more like a memoir or a fictional structure with a plot? [9:57] Melody shares the backstory of what she will read today. [10:42] Why was it important to bring Loucindia's story to the reading public? [13:30] We hear an excerpt from How We Healed . KEY TAKEAWAYS: Maintaining authentic vernacular in writing, whether for fiction or nonfiction, is essential. It brings the storyline to life, making it feel more genuine and relatable. Our guest spent hours on end visiting with her husband’s grandmother to capture her biographical story and then share it with us taking creative license to create How We Healed . The importance of sharing her husband's grandmother's story lies in the universal themes of relationships, personal growth, and perspective. Her connections with family and friends and the lessons she learned are experiences we can all relate to. Often, we view others through the lens of our own perspective, sometimes missing a more holistic understanding of them. As we mature, we start to recognize that it's not all about us; other viewpoints come into focus, and we see people differently. Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode and be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita Fiction Credits: Written by Melody Fowler Read by Melody Fowler GUEST RESOURCES: Melody Fowler - Website How We Healed - The Book Melody Fowler - LinkedIn Melody Fowler - Facebook Personal Page Melody Fowler - Facebook Business Page Melody Fowler - Twitter Personal Account Melody Fowler - Instagram HOST RESOURCES Website LinkedIn Tiktok Instagram Facebook Twitter (X) Substack Threads LinkTree BIO: Melody is from Vancouver, BC, Canada. Three years ago, Melody retired after decades of working for the government. The artist in her was now completely free to pursue her passions. She is a recognized painter and a poet. Her art has been showcased in local galleries. Her first book was Life Lyrics: Love, Sex & Other Deviances, a book of poetry, and her latest work is How We Healed a novel she has co-written with her husband, Arric. She now lives outside Vancouver with her husband, where their backyard, affectionately known as the "Fowler Vineyard," continues to produce amazing mustard, wines, jams and jellies. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, I am excited to introduce paranormal writer Gina Lynelle Schaefer. The stories she shares throughout the episode are quite fascinating and it is inspiring to learn more about her writing process and how she is inspired by real life events. She shares about her personal contributions and how she pulls them into stories, as well as her experience with capturing ghosts. Gina reads an excerpt from her book Pied Piper’s Prince which is inspired by the Candy Man. This portion of the story is when the veil is lifted, and a woman is trying to understand what happened in her home in the past. Tune in if you enjoy spooky, goosebump giving stories! IN THIS EPISODE: [1:57] Gina shares about her inspiration when writing paranormal fiction. [4:41] Why are people so fascinated with true crime? [6:09] What sites has Gina visited for inspiration for her stories? [9:40] What’s the difference between paranormal, horror, and mystery? [12:04] What personal contributions does Gina bring into her stories? [12:48] How does a paranormal investigator capture ghosts? [14:41] Gina shares about the piece she will read for us, the Pied Piper’s Prince. [18:57] We hear an excerpt from the Pied Piper’s Prince. KEY TAKEAWAYS: If young readers can see it, feel it, and it's descriptive, they’re more likely to buy it, read it, and get hooked on it. The research that goes into creating non fiction into fiction can be a huge amount of time. Our guest today spends time physically visiting sites, talking with those who were involved, and gathering information to inspire her next story. It is thought that the obsession with true crime comes from people trying to understand what goes on in the minds of these people and how it’s possible. Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode and be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita Fiction Credits: Written by Gina Lynelle Schaefer Read by Gina Lynelle Schaefer GUEST RESOURCES: Gina Schaefer's LinkedIn Gina Schaefer's Facebook Personal Page Gina Schaefer's Facebook Business Page Gina Schaefer's Instagram Gina Schaefer's Website The Pied Piper's Prince BookHOST RESOURCES Website LinkedIn Tiktok Instagram Facebook Twitter (X) Substack Threads LinkTree BIO: Gina Lynelle Schaefer is the author of five books based out of historical fiction and paranormal horror. She has performed paranormal investigations and visited and written about all realms of paranormal and true crime. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to the True Fiction Project! From historical fiction to adult romances, Amy True is a wonderful storyteller. Amy shares the various female protagonists she showcases in her stories, and who she got the inspiration from. She explains how she creates her characters and the process of writing historical fiction. Amy then shares what led her to add adult romance to her list of books. Tune in to hear an excerpt from her newest book Meet Me in Ivy Falls, about a hot mess of a woman who goes on to save a small town. IN THIS EPISODE: [2:04] Why does Amy go by the last name of Trueblood vs. True? [4:42] Are Amy’s female protagonists inspired by real people? [8:05] Why did Amy write historical fiction vs. a history book? [9:25] What made Amy segue into adult romance? [12:31] How does Amy’s relationship with her siblings tie into her stories? [16:09] When is the book available and where can you find Amy? [17:18] Amy reads an excerpt from her newest book, Meet Me in Ivy Falls. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Writing historical fiction is a huge undertaking because not only are you writing a story, but you have to have your facts straight as well, which requires a lot of research. Sometimes as an author, you need to switch up your writing style to allow yourself to clean your slate and get out of a rut. That is what caused our guest to switch from historical fiction to adult romance. Meet Me in Ivy Falls is a sweet small town romance, readers who enjoyed the show Gilmore Girls will love this book! Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode and listen to Bill’s second song, “It is What it Is Until It’s Not”. You will also be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita Fiction Credits: Written by Amy True Read by Amy True GUEST RESOURCES: Amy True's Website Amy True's Instagram HOST RESOURCES Website LinkedIn Tiktok Instagram Facebook Twitter (X) Substack Threads LinkTree BIO: After stints working in entertainment and advertising, Amy True turned to chasing her one dream: writing romance. She can often be found in her local writing spot sipping her favorite iced tea (with a touch of lemonade) and putting together playlists for her next books. When she’s not daydreaming about her next cinnamon roll hero, she’s traveling with her family, reading good books, and plotting her next small-town romance. While she grew up only ten minutes from Disneyland, which inspired her love for storytelling, she now calls Arizona home. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to the Season of the Witch! This week I am joined by Emma MacDonald, a storyteller of witch fantasy. We talk about all things witches from black and white witches, to herbal witches. Emma explains how she uses witchcraft in her life, and how it is different from the outcasted witches of the past. She shares what inspired her to write her novel Whispers Most Foul about a college student who cannot cast spells, but can see ghosts. At the end of the episode, you’ll hear an excerpt of her novel, which is when the main character, Rose, is visited by a ghostly vision in the bath. Interested in reading more? Whispers Most Foul is out now! Check it out here.IN THIS EPISODE:[1:46] What is witch fantasy? [2:24] What was Emma doing before she became a witchy author? [3:26] Emma explains the background of witchiness. [5:23] What is Emma’s witchy setup?[8:30] What is a white witch vs. a black witch? [9:37] Emma shares what her novel Whispers Most Foul is about and what inspired her to write it. [12:44] We hear an excerpt from Emma’s novel Whispers Most Foul.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Witchcraft is varied in so many different places and there are different types of witchcraft. The term white witch and black witch comes from a Wiccan tradition, where white magic was good magic and black magic was bad magic. People like to flirt with the unknown, that mystery. There is something innately human about wanting to reach for those mysterious places.Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode and be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/ReenitaFiction Credits:Written by Emma MacDonaldRead by Emma MacDonaldGUEST RESOURCES:Emma MacDonald's Twitter Account Emma MacDonald's Instagram Account Emma MacDonald's TikTok Account Whispers Most Foul BookHOST RESOURCESWebsiteLinkedIn Tiktok Instagram Facebook Twitter (X) Substack Threads LinkTree BIO:Emma MacDonald was born and raised outside of Washington, DC, where she received a B.A in International Relations from American University. When she’s not writing, she can be found gardening, brewing potions, or chasing after her small menagerie of pets. Emma loves to write fantasy with a big splash of magic and romance.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy