Creative Dynamos

I had the pleasure of talking with pastor, teacher, and author Dr. Josh Olds about: * his new life in Australia* writing with Ted Dekker* book reviewing and blogging* and his year long Bible study of the sermon on the Mount, being published to YouTube in 2026.You can find Josh here - https://josholds.com/

Remastered on 01/28/26

My interview with author Dietrich Stogner is wide-ranging. We talk about:* building a unique fantasy world* torturing your characters* his supernatural heist story, Extraction, and why it focuses on bull splooge* crafting a lesbian romance* social commentary in writing* and also bovine s_m_n.

Jacci Turner and I talk about her newest YA fantasy series, The Tree Singer series. Fifteen-year-old Mayten loves training as a tree singer, an esteemed position among her clan. But when she feels pain coming from the trees, she finds herself on an unexpected quest, one so dangerous she might never return home. Now Mayten must use her unfinished training to face betrayal, fear, and a deadly foe. Is she a match for the ancient evil attacking her trees or will the entire kingdom fall to ruin?We also talk about how our spirituality informs our choices as writers, and what it means to be a progressive Christian voice in that space. Jacci gives me some insight into her non-fiction work and her work in leading retreats.https://linktr.ee/Jacciturner

I took some time (more time than anticipated) to talk with author Matthew J. Gleason about their love of pulpy fiction, dirty pictures, sexy horror, and all things weird and wonderful. They were very patient with me (as you'll see), and this episode was a lot of fun!

In episode 16 of Creative Dynamos, I sit down with longtime friend and steampunk comedy adventure author Doc Coleman. We reminisce about our 15-year friendship, including our shared history at Balcon, and discuss Doc's writing journey, which began in 2009. Doc shares insights into his steampunk world and characters, particularly Professor Harmonious Crackle and Miss Titania Bang. We delve into the appeal of steampunk, its retro-futuristic elements, and the genre's blend of science fiction and fantasy with a Victorian-era twist. Doc reveals his writing process, involving both planned and spontaneous elements, and his approach to creating self-contained, episodic novels that new readers can enjoy at any point in the series. We also discuss the challenges of researching historical settings and Doc's future projects, including his newest book and audiobook endeavors. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about creativity, storytelling, and the unique world of steampunk adventures.00:00 Introduction and Reunion01:24 Doc Coleman's Writing Journey03:28 The Fun in Storytelling08:31 Defining Steampunk11:12 The Punk Element in Steampunk15:22 Creating Iconic Characters19:49 Mystery and Discovery in Writing21:24 Overcoming Writer's Block with Creative Solutions23:33 Crafting Open-Ended Series with Self-Contained Adventures31:35 Balancing Research and Creativity in Writing38:46 Exploring Future Plans and Audio Book Production44:49 Where to Find More of Doc Coleman's Work

In episode fifteen, I talk with author Damon Thompson about superheroes and his unique take on them. We also discuss how growing up in working poor families may affect our approach to writing and our sense of community. Finally, we talk about how important failure is to our success.

In episode 14 of Creative Dynamos, I interview Mike Mollman, an accomplished writer and YouTuber from Richmond, Virginia. Mike discusses his unique path to becoming a writer at 46, his body of work that spans six books across fantasy and science fiction genres, and the inspiration behind his writing. He shares anecdotes about his experiences at author signings, his method of developing characters based on his dogs, and his successful ventures at ComicCons. Mike also delves into his writing process, including his meticulous planning and thoughts on outlining. Additionally, he offers insights into his YouTube channel 'Bald and Balding,' co-hosted with Roe, and the joys and challenges of being an indie author. This episode is packed with valuable tips for aspiring authors, lessons from personal experiences, and a glimpse into the creative mind of Mike Malman.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:19 Mike Malman's Writing Journey04:16 Genre Exploration and Writing Process11:56 Humor in Sci-Fi and Fantasy18:04 Book Length and Writing Preferences23:55 Indie Publishing and Final Thoughts24:08 The Frustration of Query Letters25:17 Creating Eye-Catching Book Covers27:47 Navigating Comic Cons and Local Events29:51 The Joys and Challenges of Meeting Fans31:44 Strategies for Selling Books at Events41:06 The Birth of a YouTube Channel45:20 Where to Find Us and Our Books

In Episode 13 of Creative Dynamos, I chat with noir writer Neil Christiansen. Neil shares insights from his extensive writing career, exploring the noir genre's gritty appeal, its definition, and its intersection with other genres like thriller, legal drama, and romance. We also discuss the enduring relevance of noir amid societal challenges and adaptations of novels to film. Engage in a deep dive into the nuances of character development, narrative style, and the balance between maintaining creative integrity and appealing to popular culture. Tune in to uncover how real-life struggles and systemic corruption shape compelling noir stories.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:33 Neil's Writing Journey02:05 Defining Noir03:44 Noir in Modern Media08:06 Writing Techniques and POV16:06 Cultural Relevance of Noir21:55 Character Exaggeration in Noir27:29 Defining Noir in Modern Cinema29:57 Genre Blending and Storytelling31:22 The Blurry Lines of Genre33:07 Writing for Yourself vs. Writing for an Audience37:27 The Art of Adaptations40:34 Casting and Character Descriptions46:23 Marketing and Author Branding49:40 Final Thoughts and Farewell

I interviewed author and family medicine doctor Darin Kennedy at Big Lick Comic Con. In this episode, Darin shares insights about his journey from an army physician in Iraq to a versatile writer with multiple novels and short stories. Discover the evolution of his writing career, the inspiration behind his unique stories, his publishing experiences, and valuable advice for aspiring writers. Find out more about Darin's works and where to connect with him online. https://www.darinkennedy.com/00:00 Introduction to Big Lick ComicCon00:28 Meet Darin Kennedy: Author and Army Physician01:19 Darin's Writing Journey and Inspirations02:53 The Birth of 'The Pawn Stratagem'04:26 Publishing Paths: Traditional vs. Self-Publishing05:21 Advice for Aspiring Writers06:51 Challenges in the Writing World08:16 Where to Find Darin Kennedy's Works

Join me on day two of Big Lick Comic-Con as I dive into an engaging conversation with prolific author Stuart Jaffe. Learn about his journey in the world of independent publishing, his diverse range of genres, and the importance of patience in building a writing career. Stuart shares insights from his 30 years in the industry, including his experiences with hybrid publishing, the impacts of changing market dynamics, and his plans for future projects like Patreon. This episode is a must-watch for aspiring authors and fans of Stuart's work alike.https://www.stuartjaffe.com/00:00 Introduction to Big Lick Comic-Con00:33 Interview with Stuart Jaffe Begins00:59 Stuart Jaffe's Writing Journey02:12 Advice for Aspiring Authors03:45 The Realities of Independent Publishing06:36 Exploring New Avenues: Patreon and Kickstarter07:47 Adapting to the Changing Landscape11:31 Conclusion and Where to Find Stuart Jaffe