Authors After Action: Real Life Stories Behind the Books

What does it take to pivot from crisis communications expert to award-winning thriller novelist?

In this episode of Creators at Work, Donald Dunn sits down with John David, author of the breakout thriller The Bystander, named one of the best thrillers of twenty twenty five. Inspired by real-world headlines and the psychology of fear, John shares how a mall shooting incident sparked the premise for his debut novel — and how he transformed that idea into a commercially successful mystery series.

They dive deep into:

• The real-life event that inspired The Bystander

• Writing fiction after a career in journalism and public relations

• Plotter vs pantser writing styles

• The realities of publishing and working with editors

• Why mystery readers expect structure — and how to deliver it

• Building tension through realism instead of fantasy

• How pop culture, sports, and politics influence storytelling

John also shares insights into his upcoming sequel, The Pawn, and the release of the audiobook edition.

If you're an aspiring author, entrepreneur, or creative professional looking to understand the craft and business of storytelling, this episode delivers practical insights and real-world experience from inside the publishing industry.

🔗 Learn more about John David: https://byjohndavid.com

📚 The Bystander available wherever books are sold.

If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe, leave a review, and share with another creator.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. byjohndavid.com
2. bookshop.org
3. barnesandnoble.com
4. amazon.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Authors After Action
2. Tooley Tuli Publishing
3. Barnes and Noble
4. Amazon
5. bookshop.org

How do you truly heal after sexual assault?

In this powerful episode of Authors After Action, Amy McKiernan shares her deeply personal journey of surviving sexual assault and the ten-year process it took to write her healing-centered book. This conversation explores trauma, PTSD, reclaiming your voice, and the courage it takes to share a vulnerable story publicly.

Amy discusses what healing actually looks like, why recovery isn’t linear, the importance of support systems, and how writing became part of her transformation. The episode also dives into the realities of self-publishing, navigating difficult memories, and why telling your story can help others feel less alone.

If you or someone you love is navigating trauma, this episode offers hope, perspective, and practical insight into the healing process.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. amymckiernan.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. BookBaby
2. Draft2Digital

What does skydiving have to do with leadership?

In this powerful episode of Spirits and Stories, Donald Dunn sits down with leadership coach and engineering executive Joe to explore how stepping outside your comfort zone transforms the way you lead, think, and grow.

With over 650 skydives and years of experience building high-performance teams in mission-critical environments, Joe shares practical leadership lessons on:

1. How to overcome fear and take calculated risks
2. Why growth mindset beats achievement mindset
3. How to reduce risk without becoming paralyzed
4. The importance of defining your “why” in leadership
5. How young leaders today are reshaping the future
6. Why awareness and perspective matter more than ever

Whether you're a business owner, executive, veteran transitioning to civilian life, or someone feeling stuck in your professional growth, this episode offers actionable insights you can apply immediately.

Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about courage, clarity, and consistency.

If you’re ready to level up your leadership skills, navigate uncertainty with confidence, and push beyond self-imposed limits, this conversation is for you.

If you like podcasts that help improve peoples lives and filled with story telling, Check out https://barracksmedia.com/network

Links referenced in this episode:

1. wyserwithjoe.com
2. linkedin.com/in/wyserwithjoe
3. instagram.com/wyserwithjoe
4. https://barracksmedia.com
5. https://barracksmedia.com/network

Today's podcast dives into the magical realm of storytelling with the incredible J.F. Munroe, the mastermind behind the Legacy of the Four trilogy. We chat about how ancient powers collide with the human heart, and trust me, it's not just epic battles and mythical creatures; it’s about courage, sacrifice, and characters that’ll stick with you long after you turn the last page. J.F.'s journey from maternity leave to author is a wild ride filled with inspiration from fantasy giants like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. We’ll also explore the nitty-gritty of the writing process, from the chaos of creating a trilogy to the highs and lows of marketing your book. So grab a comfy seat, maybe a cup of coffee, and let’s uncover the secrets behind crafting stories that resonate!

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Amazon
2. Fiverr

Links referenced in this episode:

1. JFMonroeBookshelf.com

In this episode, Donald Dunn speaks with Michelle DeFilippo, founder of 1106 Design, about what self-publishing really means today — and how authors can avoid expensive publishing traps.

They break down:

1. The difference between self-publishing, traditional publishing, and hybrid publishers
2. How some publishing companies charge authors thousands while still taking royalties
3. What professional book editing and cover design actually cost
4. Why authors must hire experts instead of doing everything themselves
5. How Amazon royalties really work (and what percentage you actually keep)
6. Why most authors never recoup their investment
7. How speakers and consultants can use books to build authority and generate income
8. The truth about becoming an Amazon bestseller
9. Common mistakes new authors make

If you are a veteran, entrepreneur, speaker, or aspiring author, this episode will help you understand the real costs, risks, and opportunities in modern publishing.

Before you invest thousands into editing, design, or a hybrid publishing package, listen to this conversation.

1. 1106design.com
2. barracksmedia.com

1. 1106 Design
2. Amazon
3. IngramSpark

If you want to write a book that stands the test of time, what separates a short-term release from a decades-long bestseller?

In this episode of Authors After Action, host Donald Dunn sits down with bestselling author Marita Tedder, also known to many readers as Marita Littauer, whose landmark personality book Wired That Way has remained in continuous publication for more than twenty years.

Drawing from a career that spans writing, speaking, training communicators, and leading conferences, Marita shares what truly makes a book worthwhile, how authors build lasting audiences, and why clarity of message is the foundation of long-term success.

This conversation goes far beyond writing mechanics. It explores platform building, speaking before publishing, marketing realities, and the discipline required to keep your work relevant in an increasingly crowded publishing world.

1. The first question every aspiring author must answer
2. How to know if your message is strong enough
3. Why many self-published books struggle
4. Building an audience before you publish
5. Using speaking to refine your material
6. Marketing strategies that extend a book’s lifespan
7. Authentic writing in the age of AI

Whether you are an aspiring author, entrepreneur, speaker, or creative professional, this episode delivers practical insight from someone who has built a lasting career around words and communication.

Subscribe for more conversations with impactful authors sharing the strategies, mindset, and experience behind their success.

If you want to lower your golf score, the answer might not be a new club — it might be simple math.

In this episode of Authors After Action, host Donald Dunn sits down with engineer-turned-author Bob Labbe, creator of Putting by the Numbers, to break down a physics-based approach to putting that helps golfers eliminate costly three-putts and improve consistency on the green.

Bob explains how understanding distance, friction, and repeatable mechanics can dramatically improve lag putting without changing your swing or buying new equipment. His method is designed for golfers of any skill level and focuses on simple, practical adjustments that lead to immediate results.

Whether you are a recreational golfer or a competitive amateur, this conversation explores why putting accounts for such a large portion of your score and how small changes in approach can save multiple strokes per round.

1. Why most golfers struggle with long-distance putting
2. How math and physics improve distance control
3. The mental side of consistent putting
4. Why great putting matters more than powerful drives
5. Turning decades of research into a practical golf method
6. The process of writing and publishing a niche instructional book

If improving your putting is your fastest path to better golf scores, this episode provides a smarter, more reliable way to approach the green.

Putting by the Numbers

https://puttingbythenumbers.com

https://boblabe.com

Authors After Action features in-depth conversations with authors, engineers, and subject-matter experts who share the thinking, experience, and discipline behind their work.

Subscribe for interviews focused on mastery, execution, and real-world results.

In this episode of Creators at Work, Donald Dunn sits down with Maxwell Ivey, known worldwide as The Blind Blogger, to discuss why accessibility matters for podcasters and creators — and how improving accessibility can directly grow your audience. Maxwell shares his journey from teaching himself HTML in two thousand seven just to get online, to becoming a respected accessibility expert, speaker, consultant, and advisory board member for PodMatch.

Maxwell explains how most creators unintentionally limit their reach by ignoring accessibility standards on their websites, podcasts, and digital platforms. From proper website structure and alt text to audio clarity and inclusive content practices, he breaks down practical steps that can make your content more usable for everyone — not just people with disabilities.

This conversation goes beyond compliance. It’s about opportunity. When you make your content accessible, you’re not just doing the right thing — you’re expanding your visibility, strengthening your brand, and positioning yourself as a professional who understands audience growth.

If you’re a podcaster, blogger, business owner, or content creator looking to build authority and increase engagement, this episode will challenge you to rethink how accessible your platform truly is — and what you might be missing.

Listen now and discover how accessibility isn’t a limitation — it’s a competitive advantage.

Get ready to dive into a heartfelt conversation about reclaiming your voice with the incredible Amy Lou Jenkins! We kick things off discussing how Amy transformed her life from nursing to writing, realizing that her voice was never too much—just too contained. She shares her journey of self-discovery in the quiet of nature, where she learned that nothing apologizes for existing. This episode is all about the power of authentic storytelling and how it can help us make meaning of our experiences, no matter how tough they may be. Join us as we explore the importance of writing not just for ourselves, but for future generations to connect with our stories. So grab a comfy seat and let’s get inspired to embrace our voices! A deep dive into the transformative journey of Amy Lou Jenkins unfolds in this episode as she shares her story of reclaiming her voice and identity. Starting from a place where her emotional expressiveness was deemed too much, Amy found solace and clarity in the natural world, particularly during moments spent walking in the woods with her son. This discovery led her to a profound realization: nature exists unapologetically, and so too should we. Through candid reflections, Amy discusses the struggles she faced with silence and compliance, stemming from her upbringing in a challenging environment. With an earnestness that resonates, she encourages listeners to embrace their authentic selves and tells us how writing can be a powerful tool for personal liberation. As a seasoned writer and instructor, she emphasizes that storytelling is not merely a personal indulgence but an essential act of courage and connection that fosters community and understanding. Amy's work now focuses on guiding others through the art of journaling and memoir writing, helping them to navigate their own paths to self-discovery and voice reclamation.

Takeaways:

1. Amy Lou Jenkins emphasizes the importance of reclaiming our voices as writers, especially after feeling silenced in the past.
2. She discusses how nature can serve as a powerful source of inspiration and reflection for writers, enhancing their storytelling abilities.
3. Writing isn't just a career; it's an act of courage and authenticity that connects us to others and to our own truths.
4. Amy believes that every story matters, and encourages aspiring writers to embrace their unique narratives without fear of judgment.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. amyloujenkins.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Sierra Club
2. Consequence magazine
3. Nonfiction Writers Association
4. Bennington
5. Jack Walker Press

Vicki Ann, a talented young adult paranormal author, dives into the enchanting world of spiritualism and the paranormal in our latest chat. With a knack for crafting gripping tales—like her award-winning Alex McKenna series featuring a transgender teen with extraordinary gifts—Vicki shares her journey of navigating the complexities of writing in the genre. We’ll explore how her sensitivity to the supernatural shapes her stories and the unique challenges she faces in both the writing and publishing processes. From the nitty-gritty of editing to the exhilarating highs of seeing her books in print, Vicki's insights will inspire and entertain aspiring authors and readers alike. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s uncover the mysteries behind her captivating narratives!

Takeaways:

1. Vicki Ann's journey into writing began in childhood, sparked by a murder mystery contest that captivated her imagination.
2. The passion for writing is essential to overcome the challenges of editing and marketing in the publishing process.
3. Exploring spirituality and the paranormal can profoundly influence an author's writing style and subject matter, as Vicki's works demonstrate.
4. Creating characters often feels like a collaborative process where they sometimes take the lead in shaping their own stories.
5. The editing phase can be a rollercoaster, as authors often relive their narratives multiple times, which reveals both the joy and the struggles of writing.
6. For aspiring authors, facing rejection is a part of the journey, and using those experiences as motivation can lead to success.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. vickiannebush.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Barnes and Noble
2. Creative James Media
3. Amazon