Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write in and about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits with Tom Ortiz, who discusses his diverse professional background, ranging from thermodynamic experiments to oil and gas industry work, and his critical views on the green energy transition.

Ortiz elaborates on his new book, ‘Why We Struggle to Go Green,’ aiming to bridge the gap between casual readers and academic audiences with accessible yet detailed insights into energy systems like hydrogen and carbon capture. He addresses the harsh realities of shifting to renewable sources, emphasizing the need for reduced energy consumption and greater resilience to climate change. Ortiz also reflects on the evolving role of academia and its challenges in fostering unbiased technological advancement. The discussion concludes with Ortiz’s future aspirations and a brief about his collaboration with Stony Creek Publishing.

Key highlights:

Resources:

Tom Ortiz on LinkedIn

Tom Ortiz Substack

Tom Ortiz on Stoney Creek Publishing

Why We Struggle to Go Green on Texas A&M University Press

Stoney Creek Publishing Website

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Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Tom Fox

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Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and writes up the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom Fox visits John Brock, the author of ‘The Great Ice Cream War of Summer 2016 and marketing manager for Texas Tech University Press.

Brock discusses his day job at the Press, his new novella, and the inspiration behind it. He also details his writing process, which took eight years for this particular novella, highlighting the importance of persistence and creativity. They also explore the nuances of novella writing, self-publishing, and marketing strategies for new authors. The conversation explores the theme of change as a universal narrative tool and its relevance in both the context of his story and broader societal shifts. Brock also shares insights into the offerings and upcoming publications from Texas Tech University Press.

Key Highlights:

Resources:

The Great Ice Cream War of Summer 2016 on Amazon

Visit Texas Tech University Press Website

Follow John Brock on:

Facebook

Substack

Instagram

As a valued listener, order John Brock’s book and receive a $2.00 discount. Visit IngramSpark here.

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Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Tom Fox

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Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write in and about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits Claudette Fette, an academic from Texas Woman's University, about her professional background and her work in mental health and community-based practices. 

Fette shares the journey that led her to occupational therapy and advocacy, influenced by her son's struggles with mental illness and addiction. They discuss the development and principles of authentic wraparound services, the importance of multidisciplinary staffing, and the effectiveness of early intervention and preventative mental health support. Fette also touches on the failures of the criminal justice system in dealing with mental health and substance abuse, advocating for restorative justice practices. Additionally, she provides insights into her writing and publishing process for her book, 'No Saints Here,' and the ongoing resources she provides through her blog and website.

Key Highlights 

·      Claudette Fette's Professional and Academic Journey

·      The Story Behind 'No Saints Here'

·      Community-Based Alternatives to Institutionalization

·      The Importance of Multidisciplinary Staffing

·      Early Intervention and Preventative Mental Health Support

·      Educational Interventions and Support Systems

·      Criminal Justice System and Mental Health

·      Authentic Wraparound and Recovery

·      Writing and Publishing Journey

Resources

Claudette Fette on Stoney Creek Publishing

No Saints Here on Texas A&M University Press

Stoney Creek Publishing Website

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Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Tom Fox

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Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write up the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits Rob Espenscheid, Jr., about his newly released book, ‘The Rise of Mad March.’

Rob shares his extensive background as a piano technician and how his love for music influenced his writing. He details the inspiration and writing process behind his fifth novel, a tribute to small-town rock bands of the early 70s. Rob also discusses his journey as an author, beginning in his sixties, and shares his experiences with self-publishing, as well as his collaboration with Stoney Creek Publishing to bring his latest story to life. The discussion offers insights into the importance of adhering to proper timelines in historical fiction and Rob’s passion for the writing process.

Key highlights:

Resources:

 Rob Espenscheid, Jr.on Stoney Creek Publishing

The Rise of the Mad March on Texas A&M University Press

Stoney Creek Publishing Website

Rob Espenscheid, Jr. Website

Rob Espenscheid, Jr on Facebook

Rob Espenscheid, Jr on Instagram

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 Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Tom Fox

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Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits author Jack Woodville London, discussing his intriguing career and novels focused on Texas history.

London, a seasoned courtroom lawyer with a background in aviation accidents, delves into his journey from practicing law to writing creatively. They explore his experiences at Oxford University and his fascination with historical research. London shares insights into his books, particularly the ‘French Letters Series’ and ‘Dangerous Latitudes,’ highlighting lesser-known events in Texas history. The discussion also touches on public education, historical figures, and the Mexico-Texas conflicts, providing a rich tapestry of historical and literary insights.

Key highlights:

Resources:

Dangerous Latitudes on Stone Creek Publishing

Dangerous Latitudes on Texas A&M University Press

Stoney Creek Publishing Website

Jack Woodville London Website

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Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Tom Fox

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Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits author Phil Oakley, discussing his intriguing professional background and his novels, which are based on his family’s history in Texas.

Oakley shares stories from his childhood, professional encounters, and inspirations drawn from his grandparents’ lives. They delve into his book series, starting with ‘Little Hatchet’ and ‘Runners,’ exploring the ways he incorporates Texas history and personal heritage into his work. Oakley also reflects on the impacts of weather, railroads, and prohibition on his family and the state. Towards the end, he discusses his transition from biography to fiction and the potential for his books to be adapted into a streaming series. The session concludes with insights on working with Stony Creek Publishing and resources for readers to find his books.

Key highlights:

Resources:

Little Hatchet | Book 1 of The Oakley Series

Runners | Book 2 of The Oakley Series

Little Hatchet and Runners on Texas A&M University Press

Stoney Creek Publishing Website

Little Hatchet Book Trailer on YouTube

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Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Tom Fox

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Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write up the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits Skip Rhudy, a writer with deep ties to the Texas Gulf Coast.

Rhudy shares his experiences growing up in Port Aransas and delves into the contrasts of living in a tourist spot. They discuss Rhudy's two novels, 'Under the Gulf Coast Sun' and 'One Punk Summer,' touching on themes of setting as character, the punk music scene in Austin, and preserving Texas culture through fiction. Rhudy also discusses his writing process, inspirations from Ernest Hemingway, and future projects, including a novel interwoven with Greek mythology and a nonfiction account of building a kit plane.

Key highlights:

Resources:

• Skip Rhudy on Stoney Creek Publishing

• 'Under the Gulf Coast Sun on Texas A&M University Press

Stoney Creek Publishing Website

Podcast Cover Art

• Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and writes up the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom Fox visits Charles Swenson, a passionate historian and author of Voices of Camptown.’

Swenson delves into the rich history of Camptown, a freedmen’s colony established in Brenham, Texas, following the Civil War. He explains his involvement in uncovering this lost community’s legacy, spurred by the discovery of the overgrown Camptown Cemetery. Swenson shares insights into the lives of the African American families who once resided there, their struggles during Reconstruction, and their achievements despite the adversities of Jim Crow. He also emphasizes the crucial role of education and the significant contributions of military veterans to these communities. Swenson’s research methods and collaboration with the Brenham Heritage Museum, along with local individuals like Eddie Harrison, highlight a neglected chapter of Texas history that he is dedicated to preserving. The episode closes with information on how listeners can learn more about Swenson’s work and his upcoming book.

Key highlights:

Resources:

Charles Swenson’s on Stoney Creek Publishing

Voices of Camptown on Texas A&M University Press

Stoney Creek Publishing Website

Podcast Cover Art

Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits with Paul McGrath, whose journalism career spanned decades at newspapers like the Houston Chronicle.

They delve into Paul’s roots in Texas, his transition from journalism to authorship, and the inspiration behind his debut novel ‘Left,’ which draws from the tragic Uvalde school shooting. Paul discusses his writing process, his relationship with Stoney Creek Publishing, and the importance of student newspapers in the journalistic landscape. The episode also teases future books, planned as part of a trilogy, with coffee as a surprising central theme.

Key highlights:

Resources:

Paul McGrath on Stoney Creek Publishing

Left at Texas A&M University Press

 Podcast Cover Art

Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Tom Fox

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Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits with author Paul Remmers, a physician with over forty years of experience in internal medicine. He was born and raised in Galveston, Texas, where he attended the University of Texas Medical Branch and later returned as a faculty member. He has also served on the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

They discuss the medical landscape of Galveston, the historical significance of the 1900 hurricane, and Dr. Remmer’s personal experiences that influenced his novel. Dr. Remmer elaborates on the challenges and emotional highs and lows that medical interns experience, both in contemporary settings and throughout history. He also reflects on Galveston’s diverse cultural backdrop and its impact on his upbringing. The episode wraps up with Dr. Remmer’s experiences with publication and his recent participation in a book festival.

Key highlights:

Resources:

Paul Remmers on Stoney Creek Publishing

Island Intern at Texas A&M University Press

Podcast Cover Art

Nancy Huffman Fine Art