In The Writers Chair

Want to write villains so believable they jump off the page? In this episode of "In The Writer's Chair," host Lana McAra sits down with author and criminal behavior expert Merle Davenport to uncover the dark and fascinating reality of the criminal mindset.

Merle brings 25 years of experience teaching inside prisons in Oklahoma and Michigan, backed by his Master's and PhD studies in criminal thinking and recidivism. As the author of Echoes of the Criminal Mind, Merle breaks down why the "bad guy in a black hat" trope isn't enough for today's sophisticated readers and how understanding real-world psychology is the key to writing unforgettable antagonists. 

In this episode, we explore:

• The Villain's Perspective: Why most criminals don't believe they are doing anything wrong and continually justify their actions.
• Villain Archetypes: The difference between "flat" villains like the Big Bad Wolf, fully realized antagonists like Darth Vader, and "rogue heroes" like James Bond and Han Solo.
• The Double Life: The terrifying reality of criminals who seamlessly blend into society as perfect spouses, parents, or church members while hiding deep, dark secrets.
• Complicating Factors: How the volatile mix of mental illness, alcohol, and drugs drastically alters thought patterns and behaviors.
• A Pivot to Romance: An exclusive look at Merle's newest project, Lady Jane, a historical romance set in 1830s England. Co-written with his wife Karen under the pen name M.K. Davenport, the story is inspired by his great-grandfather, a stable boy who defied strict social classes to marry an aristocrat.

Be sure to check out Merle Davenport’s Echoes of the Criminal Mind and Lady Jane (by M.K. Davenport) available on Amazon.

Brought to you by Vella Publishing: A traditional publisher with an untraditional model that builds career authors without taking royalties or holding rights. Visit Vella at VDELPublishing.com. 

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and pull up a chair for more candid conversations about the writing life!

Welcome to "In the Writer's Chair," where host Lana McAra sits down with USA Today, Amazon, and New York Times bestselling author Joanna Campbell Slan to tackle one of the toughest challenges of the writing life: handling criticism.

Joanna is a powerhouse in the publishing world, boasting over 80 published books across fiction and nonfiction, alongside contributions to the original Chicken Soup for the Soul and a college-level textbook on storytelling. As an Agatha Award finalist, Daphne du Maurier Award winner, and former motivational speaker who now writes from a nearly deserted island off the coast of Florida, Joanna brings decades of invaluable experience to the table. 

In this episode, Lana and Joanna explore:

• The Fear of Criticism: Why writers subconsciously avoid feedback and struggle with the false belief that they must be perfect to be loved.
• Navigating Subjective Feedback: How to separate helpful insights from unqualified or cruel reviews, and why art's goal of evoking emotion makes it inherently subjective.
• Taking Back Your Power: Why you must never hand your future over to someone else to decide, a powerful lesson Joanna learned early in life.
• Turning Pain into Prose: How to use the emotional sting of harsh critiques and negative experiences as method-acting material to deepen your fictional characters.
• Community Kindness: The critical importance of graciousness at writing conferences, treating fellow authors and readers with respect, and avoiding unforced errors in professional relationships.

Joanna also reveals what is next on her writing desk, including a new Kiki mystery titled "Gingerbread Dead Man," a Golden Retriever and Great Dane crossover collaboration with Neil Plaquey called "Death Under the Dogwoods," and another Jane Eyre book.

Connect with Joanna Campbell Slan:

• Links: Explore her work at linktr.ee/jcslan.
• Books: Find her extensive catalog on Amazon or by searching her name on Google.

In this episode of In the Writer's Chair, host Lana McAra sits down with John Winn Miller, an award-winning investigative reporter, Pulitzer finalist, foreign correspondent, and screenwriter turned historical novelist. 

John discusses his unconventional journey into writing fiction and the release of his latest book, Miriam in the Shadows, the third standalone thriller in his Peggy C. series. Listeners will hear the fascinating story of how a vivid dream sparked his first novel, The Hunt for the Peggy C., and how his years reporting from conflict zones taught him to capture the vivid, five-sense details that make a story come alive. 

We also dive deep into the craft of historical fiction. John shares his meticulous research process—from using Google Earth and the Imperial War Museum to recreate authentic 1940s settings, to weaving real-life historical figures like Ian Fleming into his plots with absolute accuracy. 

As a self-described "pantser," John offers an honest look at his writing routine, the danger of falling down research rabbit holes, and the importance of silencing your inner perfectionist to keep the words flowing. 

In this episode, we cover:

• How John transitioned from the Associated Press and screenwriting into writing complex historical novels. 
• The real-life spy history and moral ambiguity behind his latest heroine in Miriam in the Shadows. 
• Tips for researching historical periods, understanding 1940s slang, and making your characters act and sound authentic to their time. 
• The difference between "plotters" and "pantsers," and why you should always quit writing for the day when you know exactly what happens next. 

Links & Resources:

• Connect with John Winn Miller and explore his Peggy C. series at johnwinnmiller.com. 

This episode is sponsored by Vendela Publishing. Learn more about their traditional publishing model at vendelapublishing.com.

In this episode of In the Writer's Chair, host Lana McAra sits down with Joseph Muller, a historical novelist who has recently expanded his repertoire into children's literature with his new book, Pirates of Adventure Island. Joseph holds a BA in history and the classics, as well as a master's in architecture, backgrounds that inform both his historical fiction and the technical layout of his children's books. He lives in a household full of inspiration, including his wife and his six-year-old son, who serves as both his muse and chief critic.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The "Obvious" Mashup: How a simple conversation with his son led Joseph to create a book combining pirates and dinosaurs—a pairing he found surprisingly missing from the market.
• The Art of Collaboration: Joseph details his 50-50 partnership with watercolor artist Carla Bess, emphasizing a non-dictatorial process where words and images iterate together to tighten the narrative.
• Architecture Meets Children's Literature: How Joseph applied architectural layout principles and digital skills in programs like Illustrator to format the book for high-resolution printing.
• Lessons from Reading Aloud: The specific pitfalls to avoid in children's books, such as distracting text bubbles or "extra words" that break the engagement between parent and child.
• Bravery in Small Moments: Joseph's intentionality in showing characters taking brave actions to drive the plot, aiming to teach his son about courage in a "silly and stupid" but meaningful way.
• Marketing for a Niche vs. a Mass Market: Why Joseph found marketing a children's book significantly easier than historical fiction due to its clearly defined and universal target audience.

If you have spent months or years writing your book, why would you settle for anything less than a professional package? In this episode of In the Writer’s Chair, Lana McAra sits down with Michele DeFilippo, owner of 1106 Design and a publishing industry veteran since 1972. Together, they explore the "earthquake" of Amazon and how the ease of self-publishing has led to an avalanche of poor-quality books that risk damaging an author's reputation.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The History of Bookmaking: Michele shares fascinating insights into how books were manually crafted as "works of art" before the digital age.
• The Impact of Amazon: Discover how the open door of self-publishing changed the industry, creating new opportunities while also leading to an "avalanche" of poor-quality books in the marketplace.
• Investing in Your Reputation: Why viewing your book as a professional business product—rather than just a low-cost project—is essential for long-term success and protecting your reputation.
• The Importance of Quality: Insights into why high-quality editing, design, and "packaging" are critical to standing out alongside major publishers.
• Maximizing Revenue: Strategies for authors to maximize income from every sale while delivering a top-quality product to their readers.

Whether you are a seasoned author or just starting your writing journey, this conversation is packed with advice on how to navigate the modern publishing landscape with integrity and professional excellence.

About Our Guest: Michele DeFilippo is the owner of 1106 Design, a full-service editorial and design firm that provides authors with top-tier advice and hands-on support to publish high-quality books.

Learn more about Michele DeFilippo: Visit: www.1106design.com 

Subscribe to In the Writer's Chair for more conversations on the craft and business of writing!

What does it really take to become a published author?

In this special roundtable edition of In The Writer’s Chair, host Lana McAra sits down with three Vendela Publishing authors for a candid conversation about writing, perseverance, publishing, rejection, inspiration, and the importance of finding the right creative community.

Lana is the author and ghostwriter of more than 50 published titles, with over one million copies sold. Joining her are writers from the Jacksonville, Florida area whose paths to publication could not be more different.

🎙️ MEET THE AUTHORS

Chris Koehler
A former university professor specializing in fisheries and aquatic biology, Chris is the author of the suspense thriller Cracked Island, a story rooted in Haitian history and culture.

Harry Martinez
A former Marine scout sniper and retired Army National Guard Sergeant Major, Harry is the author of One Is A Warrior, exploring leadership, service, sacrifice, and the realities faced by citizen soldiers.

Alexandra Harris
Alexandra grew up absorbing life lessons from celebrity magazines in her mother’s hair salon. Her writing focuses on practical tools for discovering your mission, embracing purpose, and finding your own joie de vivre.

🔑 IN THIS EPISODE

• How experiences in Haiti, military deployments, and even lessons from Mother Teresa inspired these authors to write
• Why perseverance may be the most important skill an author can develop
• Lana McAra’s story of enduring 19 rejections over 14 years before finally being published
• Chris Koehler’s funny, and painfully familiar, encounter with the world of literary agents
• Alexandra Harris on the difference between stressful work and fulfilling “chop wood, carry water” effort
• Why writers need mentors, colleagues, editors, and supportive communities
• What led these authors to work with Vendela Publishing
• Encouragement for aspiring authors who are still struggling to get those first words on the page

Whether you’re working on your first manuscript, searching for a publisher, or already navigating the writing life, this conversation is a reminder that becoming an author is rarely a straight line.

🔗 CONNECT

Vendela Publishing:
https://vendelapublishing.com

Chris Koehler:
https://chriscolter.com

Alexandra Harris:
https://alexandraharris.com

👍 If you enjoyed the conversation, please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with a writer who could use a little encouragement.

#Writing #Authors #Publishing #WritingTips #IndieAuthors #BookPublishing #AuthorInterview #WritingCommunity #VendelaPublishing #WritersLife

Are you tired of your brilliant book gathering digital dust? Host Lana McAra opens this episode with a hard truth: if your readers can't find you, you can't help them. Before diving into the interview, Lana invites listeners to the "Visibility Experiment," a tactical training designed to move your work off the Amazon shelf and into the hands of those who need it.

In today's episode, Lana is delighted to welcome author Vickey Wollan to the podcast. Vickey brings her energy, curiosity, and love for the outdoors into her sweet adventure romance and Christmas-themed writing. Together, they discuss the writing craft, travel inspirations, and the realities of the modern writing life.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• The Power of Tropes: Vickey explains how she strategically uses tropes—like forbidden love, sweet love triangles, and second-chance romance for mature characters—to set reader expectations.
• World-Building & Inspiration: Discover how Vickey's travels to America's national parks fuel her imagination and help her craft both real and fictional settings.
• Writing to Market vs. Passion Projects: Vickey shares her current crossroads of deciding whether to cross over her highly marketable Christmas series with her passion project, the Laney Shay adventure romance series.
• Redefining "Writer's Block": Learn why Vickey doesn't believe in writer's block and how she pushes through plot tweaks until a story finally settles into place.
• The 50/50 Rule: A candid discussion on the reality of being a published author, where half of your time goes to marketing and the other half to writing.

Featured Books by Vickey Wollan:

• A Snowflake Christmas Series (featuring The Nutcracker and The Elf).
• A Cheery Christmas (A seven-story collection spanning contemporary, young adult, and paranormal genres).
• Her Mentor's Revenge (The first book in the Laney Shay's Treasure Quest series, featuring a female archaeologist heroine akin to a female Indiana Jones).

Special Listener Giveaway!

Vickey is graciously offering a free e-book box set of the entire Snowflake series! To become eligible, simply comment on Vickey's social media posts promoting this podcast episode.

Connect with Vickey Wollan:

• Website: vickiewollandauthor.com
• Find her books on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.

This episode is brought to you by Vendela Publishing, a traditional publisher where authors keep 100% of their royalties and rights, offering dedicated support for publicity and booking live speaking events.

In this compelling episode of In the Writer’s Chair, host Lana McAra sits down with retired Army officer turned author Darrell Berry. Darrell shares his journey from a 22-year military career to writing his gripping mystery novel, Early This Morning, which explores the complexities of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" era.

Darrell discusses how he transitioned from an avid reader to a published novelist, his process for weaving real-world military intelligence experience into fiction, and his current adventures adapting his work for the screen and researching a new mystery while driving for Lyft.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Transition from Soldier to Storyteller: How Darrell turned decades of service into a compelling narrative.
• The "Seed" of a Story: How the discrepancies and injustices of military policy during the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" era inspired a high-stakes mystery.
• Inside Early This Morning: A look at the plot involving secret missions, biological agents, and a group of soldiers deemed "expendable" by the Pentagon.
• Writing Craft & Process: Darrell’s advice on why you should "just sit down and do it," even if you only have a rudimentary outline.
• New Horizons: The challenges of adapting a novel into a screenplay and why Darrell is considering the world of audiobooks.
• Character Research from the Driver’s Seat: How Darrell uses his time as a Lyft driver to develop a fascinating "character base" for his next project.

About Our Guest:

Darrell Berry is a retired Army officer with over 22 years of service in both the enlisted and officer ranks. Drawing on his background in medical intelligence, Darrell writes mysteries that are both technically accurate and emotionally resonant. His debut novel, Early This Morning, is available now.

Connect with Darrell:

• Website: dberrybooks.com 

What happens when you mix real-world environmental science, historic landmarks, and chilling native folklore? You get the spine-tingling world of author Benjamin A Coward!

In this episode of In the Writer's Chair, host Lana McAra sits down with Ben to discuss his journey from environmental scientist to fiction author. They dive deep into his latest supernatural horror thriller, Wendigo Knights, exploring the real-life history and North American cryptid lore that inspired it. From the eerie cave systems of Hannibal, Missouri to the challenges of writing authentic modern teenagers, Ben shares how he weaves snippets of nonfiction into captivating fiction.

Plus, Lana and Ben exchange creative strategies for selling books in unexpected places (like gun shows and nature festivals!) and how to craft the perfect 30-second elevator pitch to hook readers instantly.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The Lore Behind the Monster: How Algonquin and Ojibwe tribal beliefs inspired the supernatural elements of Wendigo Knights.
• Setting the Scene: Why a real-life cave system in Mark Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, Missouri provided the perfect, creepy backdrop.
• Writing 3D Worlds: How Ben uses his environmental science background to organically seed environmental and cultural themes into his books without overtaking the plot.
• Thinking Outside the Box: Creative marketing tips for authors, including how to connect with readers at craft shows, nature events, and local festivals.
• Bouncing Between Genres: How Ben manages writing two completely different series—the fantasy world of The Dragon's Tooth and his monster-hunting supernatural thriller series—to keep his passion for writing alive.

About the Guest:

Benjamin A Coward lives in Florida with his family, where he works in environmental science. He is the author of the young adult fantasy novel The Dragon's Tooth and the supernatural thriller Wendigo Knights. You can connect with Ben on Facebook or Instagram, and find his books available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Connect with the Show:

• Host: Lana McAra
• Podcast: In the Writer’s Chair
• Sponsor: Vella Publishing

Pull up a chair, and let's talk about the writing life!

In this gripping episode of In the Writer's Chair, host Lana McAra welcomes Rand R. Timmerman, a retired attorney and Marine combat veteran who began his prolific second act as an author at age 70. Rand shares the fascinating inspiration behind his latest book, The Syracuse Hit Man Versus a Shoe Repairman, a story of violence, redemption, and spiritual transformation based on a real-life genius "hit man" he met in recovery.

Rand dives into his "movie-like" writing process and how decades of experience as a litigator prepared him to craft compelling courtroom dramas. He also recounts a harrowing real-life encounter with a client that nearly cost him his life—a story that serves as the basis for his next high-stakes novel.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Attorney-to-Author Pipeline: How writing legal briefs and affidavits for decades translates into powerful fiction.
• Real-Life Inspiration: The incredible true story of "Ronnie," a Mensa-level genius and former hit man whose life transformation inspired Rand's latest book.
• The Atmosphere of Syracuse: Exploring the unique, historical ethnic enclaves of Syracuse, New York, and how they shape the setting of Rand's work.
• Writing as a "Movie": Rand’s unique process of visualizing his stories in vivid color and letting the plot unfold organically as he writes.
• Themes of Redemption: Why spiritual recovery and transformation are central motifs in both of Rand's books.
• Combat Instincts in the Courtroom: A chilling account of how Rand’s Marine Corps training saved his life during a confrontation with a dangerous former client.

About Our Guest:

Rand R. Timmerman is a retired attorney and a Marine combat veteran of the Vietnam War. Based in Syracuse, New York, he turned to writing later in life, publishing his first memoir about hiking the Appalachian Trail and transitioning into crime fiction. Rand is a dedicated advocate for recovery and uses his writing to promote messages of hope and redemption.

Connect with Rand:

• Website: randtimmerman.com 

Featured in this Episode:

• The Syracuse Hit Man Versus a Shoe Repairman: Rand’s newest novel.
• A Spiritual Passage: Rand’s memoir about his journey on the Appalachian Trail.
• Vella Publishing: Today’s sponsor, a traditional publisher with an untraditional model that empowers authors to keep their rights and royalties.

Looking for more? Subscribe to In the Writer's Chair for more candid conversations about the writing life. Visit VellaPublishing.com to learn how you can grow your presence as a career author.