Mitchell S Karnes Podcast

In this special simulcast of The Neil Haley Show and The Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Neil “The Media Giant” Haley welcomes author Mitchell S. Karnes to share exciting updates about the film adaptation of Water Grave, his publishing journey, his growing Abbey Rhodes mystery series, and his continued efforts to connect with readers.

Mitchell announces that filming for the remaining four Water Grave episodes will continue, with the project expected to be completed by December. A trailer is coming soon for potential investors, while books two and three are planned for development in 2027. Mitchell will also act alongside one of his daughters.

The conversation highlights the long journey behind these developments. Mitchell explains that discussions about adapting his work for film began in February 2025, followed by periods of progress and delays. Although the process sometimes felt slow, he is encouraged by the team's decision to continue. Neil reflects on the significance of this opportunity, emphasizing that success often comes after years of persistence rather than happening overnight.

Mitchell shares that his writing journey began as early as sixth grade, while his first published book came out in 1996. After experiencing setbacks and publishing several short stories, he spent years teaching English, which limited the time he could devote to writing. He returned to writing his current series around 2022 or 2023 and worked through the challenges of finding representation and a publisher willing to take on its subject matter.

Mitchell explains that his work did not fit easily into traditional publishing categories. Some Christian publishers were hesitant about its controversial themes, while the secular market was not the right fit for its Christian elements. He eventually found a publishing partner in WordCrafts, allowing him to move forward with the series. He also discusses securing a six-book contract after presenting the larger story arc and explaining how he intends to develop the main character, Abby Rhodes, across multiple books. Mitchell hopes to continue writing about her beyond the initial six-book plan as long as the stories keep coming and he enjoys the process.

The discussion also covers Mitchell's experience at a local pop-up book event. Selected as one of ten local fiction authors, he participated in a smaller gathering held in a coffee shop rather than a traditional large book fair. He shares that he sold seven copies of Water Grave at the event and explains why reaching readers matters so much to him. For Mitchell, publishing a book is not just about completing a manuscript; he wants people to read the story, become invested in its characters, and look forward to what happens next.

Neil and Mitchell also discuss the author's upcoming novella, which Mitchell says is already available as an ebook through Amazon, including for Kindle Unlimited readers. Meanwhile, Mitchell is making progress on book five, which he says is approximately two-thirds complete. He has worked out the remaining story details and is ready to continue writing.

To close, Mitchell encourages listeners to visit his website and sign up for his newsletter to receive updates about his books, upcoming events, and the Water Grave screen adaptation. Neil also shares plans to develop a custom app for Mitchell, with a potential launch in 2027.

Watch this episode to hear Mitchell S. Karnes discuss the next steps for Water Grave, his long road as an author, his publishing milestones, and his determination to keep bringing new stories to readers.

📍To Learn More About Mitchell S. Karnes and His Books:
mitchellskarnesauthor.com

In this special simulcast of The Neil Haley Show and The Mitchell S Karnes Podcast, Neil “The Media Giant” Haley and host Mitchell S Karnes discuss podcast interviewing, authentic conversations, the growing popularity of video podcasts, and the latest developments surrounding Mitchell’s Water Grave adaptation.

The conversation begins with Mitchell sharing his experience interviewing actresses Julie Pykarski and another actress involved in Water Grave. Neil and Mitchell discuss what makes an effective interviewer, emphasizing the importance of listening carefully, asking thoughtful follow-up questions, and allowing guests to guide the conversation. Mitchell draws on his background as a counselor to explain how building trust and showing genuine interest can help people feel comfortable sharing meaningful answers.

Neil also shares his perspective on starting interviews with simple, engaging questions rather than lengthy introductions. They discuss how podcast audiences have changed as short clips compete for attention across social media. While video podcasts continue to grow in popularity, Neil highlights the value of short clips in attracting viewers and reaching new audiences.

The conversation then turns to clickbait and the pressure to create controversial content for views. Neil and Mitchell discuss how social media algorithms can reward attention-grabbing material, sometimes at the expense of meaningful conversations and authentic stories. They explain why they prefer content with substance over provoking guests or exaggerating their answers simply to generate clicks. Mitchell also connects this issue to education, comparing the quick recognition of keywords when grading papers with the greater effort required to understand what someone is actually communicating.

Neil and Mitchell next discuss the progress of Water Grave, the screen adaptation of Mitchell’s book. Mitchell shares that editing is underway and that a trailer may be released soon. With more than half of the first season already filmed, the team is considering whether to present the project as a pilot or complete the season before packaging it for potential partners. He also discusses storylines involving Alzheimer’s disease and American Heart and Stroke issues, explaining that organizations have expressed interest in helping connect the project with their audiences.

Mitchell also talks about filming at John Rich’s Redneck Riviera, which is expected to serve as the series’ police bar location. He expresses appreciation for the support behind the production and reflects on how his book has developed into a larger screen project. The discussion also touches on the script, the production team, and the possibility of adapting additional books for future seasons.

The episode also covers Mitchell’s upcoming author events, newsletter, and publishing plans. He discusses an appearance at the Pumpkin Fest in Franklin, Tennessee, on October 24, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. He also shares that a new novella is scheduled for release on November 4, with preorders planned through Amazon. Meanwhile, he is working on the rough draft of his fifth book, which he hopes to have ready in January, while continuing toward the remaining books in his six-book contract with WordCrafts.

As they look ahead to 2027, Neil and Mitchell discuss the future of the Abbey Rhodes Mystery Series and the possibility of bringing additional installments to the screen. Mitchell explains how planning and outlining his stories helps him manage his writing process while balancing his other professional responsibilities.

📍 To learn more about Mitchell S. Karnes and his books, visit mitchellskarnesauthor.com.

In this special interview on The Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, actress, dancer, and choreographer Julie Piekarski discusses her childhood career in entertainment, her experiences on The New Mickey Mouse Club and The Facts of Life, her faith and family, and her continued work in film and theater.

Julie looks back on being selected as one of just 12 children from approximately 30,000 who auditioned for the 1970s version of The New Mickey Mouse Club. Growing up in St. Louis, she was encouraged by her dance instructor to pursue the opportunity, which eventually took her to California. She recalls filming the show daily, keeping up with school assignments, and performing at Disneyland. The experience gave her lasting memories and a fan base that continues to reach out to her from different countries.

Julie later auditioned for The Facts of Life, where she played Sue Ann Weaver. She reflects on her relationships with her castmates and how her acting experiences shaped her life. She also explains how her education and the values instilled by her parents helped her stay grounded while working in the entertainment industry.

Faith and personal boundaries are important parts of Julie's story. She recalls turning down a potential film opportunity because the role required her to do something that conflicted with her values. Although her agent explained that the project could have been a major career opportunity, Julie felt comfortable saying no. She credits her parents, education, and supportive people around her for helping her make decisions that aligned with her beliefs. She also emphasizes the importance of having honest friends and mentors who are willing to tell the truth rather than simply agree with everything.

The conversation moves to Julie's acting projects, including the dramatic film Forgive Me, April. She discusses the emotional demands of portraying a character seeking forgiveness after difficult experiences and explains how personal experiences can help actors connect with their roles. She also shares her interest in returning to singing and dancing and remaining open to new creative opportunities.

Julie and Mitchell explore changes in the entertainment industry, comparing traditional auditions with today's self-taped auditions. They discuss how social media followings can influence casting decisions and how the boundaries between television, film, theater, and streaming have become less distinct. Julie encourages aspiring performers to continue developing their craft, build professional relationships, and keep pursuing their goals.

The discussion also covers faith-based entertainment and independent filmmaking. Julie shares her perspective on the risks involved in creating and funding independent projects, while the conversation explores how audiences and crowdfunding can help bring stories to the screen. They highlight the importance of meaningful material, collaboration, and the people who support a creative vision.

Mitchell explains his mystery-writing process for the Abbey Rhodes Mysteries, starting with Water Grave, including plotting endings, building clues, and using red herrings. He and Julie also discuss the importance of balancing an author's vision with collaboration when adapting Water Grave: Season 1 of The Abbey Rhodes Mysteries for the screen.

Throughout the interview, Julie shares lessons from a career that began in childhood and continues through new creative opportunities. Her story highlights the importance of staying true to personal values, maintaining supportive relationships, continuing to learn, and remaining open to new possibilities.

📍To learn more about Mitchell S. Karnes and his books, visit mitchellskarnesauthor.com.

In this episode of The Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Mitchell S. Karnes speaks with Miriam Thor, a Christian fiction author and president of the Alabama chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. Miriam shares her journey as a writer, her work as a sign language interpreter, her experience writing young adult and contemporary Christian fiction, and the importance of community and perseverance.

Miriam begins by discussing her work as a sign language interpreter at an elementary school. Her interest in American Sign Language began when she was around six or seven years old after a deaf girl started attending her church. That early experience inspired Miriam to learn sign language, eventually leading her to study ASL and elementary education in college.

The conversation then turns to Miriam's love of writing. She remembers a second-grade teacher, Miss Chambliss, who encouraged her to write freely and helped her discover her interest in creative writing. Miriam also recalls writing and illustrating a small book about seals as a child and later attempting a middle-grade fantasy story.

Miriam discusses the books and authors that influenced her, including Gail Carson Levine, Shannon Hale, and Karen Witemeyer. She talks about Listening to the Rain, an idea she first developed in high school that was eventually published in 2022. She also discusses Her First Noel and A Kringle Family Christmas, along with her plans for future writing.

As a writer, Miriam describes herself as a plotter. She develops her characters, settings, and story ideas before creating a chapter-by-chapter outline. She explains that her plans can change as she writes and discovers more about the story.

A major part of the interview focuses on young adult fiction. Miriam explains the differences between middle grade and YA, including the age of the readers, character development, and the coming-of-age themes often found in young adult stories. She also discusses Christian YA fiction, the challenges. Christian authors can face in publishing, and the growing popularity of fantasy romance. Miriam emphasizes her desire to write stories that are appropriate for their intended audience and reflect her Christian values.

Miriam also shares why YA is especially meaningful to her. As a teenager, books provided her with a place where she felt safe and at home. She enjoys writing about characters who are discovering who they are and going through important changes during adolescence.

The discussion also covers Miriam's involvement with American Christian Fiction Writers. After completing her first manuscript, she researched publishing, attended writing conferences, and connected with other Christian authors. She eventually became involved with the Alabama ACFW chapter and later became its president. Miriam describes the organization as an important source of encouragement, community, and support for writers.

Near the end of the interview, Miriam offers advice to aspiring authors. She encourages writers not to fear rejection because rejection is a normal part of the publishing journey. Instead of giving up, she encourages writers to keep learning, writing, submitting their work, and connecting with others in the industry. Her message is ultimately about persistence, faith, and continuing to pursue writing even when the path to publication takes time.

🧷To Learn More:

📍Visit miriamthor.com to learn more about Miriam, her books, newsletter, and writing.

📍Learn more about American Christian Fiction Writers and its community for Christian fiction authors, visit acfw.com.

In this special simulcast of The Neil Haley Show and The Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Neil “The Media Giant” Haley speaks with author Mitchell S. Karnes about his experience as a writer, his podcasting journey, and the process of seeing his work move from the page to the screen. Mitchell shares what he has learned from interviewing actors, actresses, and other authors while discussing the development of the Water Grave series and what it has been like to watch his characters come to life.

Mitchell begins by explaining his writing process and the different approaches writers use when developing stories. He describes himself as someone who plans and plots his stories, working through ideas, chapters, characters, and storylines before bringing everything together. He also talks about how inspiration develops and how some ideas are saved for later while others continue to grow into complete stories.

Mitchell discusses his experience interviewing actors and learning more about the entertainment industry. He explains that writing screenplays is not necessarily his preferred format because he enjoys exploring the emotions, thoughts, and backgrounds of his characters, while watching actors perform his work gives him a new perspective on his writing.

The discussion focuses on Water Grave and its transition from a book to a screen production. Mitchell describes watching actors bring his characters to life and discusses Kristen Sweeney’s casting as Detective Abbey Rhodes, noting how her personality, strength, and athletic abilities fit the character.

Mitchell also shares how actors have asked him about their characters’ motivations, histories, and personalities. He enjoys seeing performers take an interest in understanding his characters and reveals that he will also appear in the production in a role he specifically wrote for himself.

The discussion continues with the filming of the musical and concert portions of Water Grave. Mitchell explains that much of the musician's side has already been filmed and that additional concert scenes are planned at Redneck Riviera in Nashville. He talks about the original songs written for Water Grave and how the music will contribute to the production and its soundtrack.

Mitchell also describes his plans to be present behind the scenes and his observations about the demanding schedules involved in film production.

Neil and Mitchell also talk about the long hours actors and production crews can work while filming. Mitchell notes that some production days can last 10 to 14 hours, including overnight filming when venues need to be used outside of their normal operating hours. The conversation highlights the many people and responsibilities involved in bringing a production together.

Alongside the Water Grave project, Mitchell is continuing to work on his next book, Closure. He explains that he has been writing whenever he can find the time and has a deadline approaching for completing his rough draft.

Neil and Mitchell discuss the challenge of balancing writing with the demands of the series, with Mitchell joking about needing some time in “hibernation” to focus on finishing the book.

The episode also covers Mitchell’s upcoming opportunities to meet readers and promote his books in person. He discusses an upcoming pop-up book fair at Barista Parlor in East Nashville, where he will join other authors to meet visitors and talk about their books.

He also talks about appearing at Pumpkin Fest in Franklin, Tennessee, an event he has attended before, as well as other local events connected to the bookstore community.

Mitchell shares how readers enjoy recognizing real locations from Water Grave, as parts of the series are being filmed in Nashville and Franklin. This gives local readers a stronger connection to the story and its screen adaptation.

To learn more about Mitchell S. Karnes, his books, upcoming events, and newsletter, visit mitchellskarnesauthor.com.

In this special simulcast of The Neil Haley Show and The Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Neil “The Media Giant” Haley speaks with author Mitchell S. Karnes about the latest developments surrounding Water Grave, the production of its pilot, Book 5 of the Abbey Rhodes series, and his upcoming book events.

Mitchell provides an update on Water Grave, explaining that the pilot is still in the editing stage. The production team is also filming B-roll in Nashville, including different locations and sites along Broadway that will be part of the project. Performance videos are also being filmed with artists including Bonnie King, Natalie Brady, Phil Vassar, Jeremy Bowman, and Jimmy Allen. Mitchell explains that these performances will be part of the music videos for the soundtrack as well as the film.

Mitchell shares that pre-production for Episode 2 of Water Grave has started, while the completed pilot will be submitted to distributors for review. He also mentions that several parties have expressed interest in the project.Mitchell discusses the creative direction of the project and the talent involved, including actors, producers, artists, staff, and crew members. He also talks about the strong female lead characters being sought for the project and its focus on a faith-adjacent market.

The discussion then moves to writing Book 5, explaining that he has already planned the clues, red herrings, mystery elements, and chapters. He was working on Chapter 19 of the rough draft and described this stage as faster because he already knows the direction of the story, allowing him to focus on action, dialogue, scenery, and later editing.

Mitchell reveals that Book 5 will have a different style and pace from the previous two books. While the earlier stories were more fast-paced, including a serial killer storyline and a countdown-based suspense thriller, he describes this book as a slower, psychological, and more in-depth story. The story focuses on Abbey Rhodes and her emotions as she investigates a death that has been ruled a suicide but that she believes was not a suicide.

A key part of the mystery is that the person who died had asked Abbey for a meeting on the same day. Mitchell explains that the book is called Closure because several elements that have been carried throughout the series and previously hinted at will finally reach a resolution. These developments lead into Book 6, which will continue Abbey’s story arc.

Mitchell explains that Book 6 will bring together elements of Abbey’s background and faith as she develops into the detective she will become for the rest of the series. He also makes clear that Abbey’s story will continue beyond Book 6, saying that he plans to keep writing the series and hopes to produce many more books.

Mitchell explains that he wants each book in his mystery series to offer a different experience instead of following the same formula. His goal is to keep each installment fresh and interesting for readers.

Mitchell also shares how readers are responding to the upcoming book. He mentions receiving a message from a reader who said she was impatiently waiting for Book 5. He discusses the challenge of producing books on an approximately six-month timeline, noting that although this is a fast schedule for producing a book, some readers are still eager for the next story.

The episode also includes updates about Mitchell’s upcoming appearances. He says he will be in Nashville on October 17 for the Pop-Up Book Affair at Barista Parlor in East Nashville, where several authors will have their books on display. He also plans to participate in Pumpkin Fest in Franklin on October 24 and 25, with his appearance scheduled for one of those days.

Mitchell also mentions a November 4 release and says there will be a combined book launch and cover reveal.

To learn more about Mitchell S. Karnes and his works, visit mitchellskarnesauthor.com.

Water Grave Takes Shape: Mitchell S. Karnes on the Pilot, Book Five & Coming Full Circle

In this special simulcast of The Neil Haley Show and The Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Neil “The Media Giant” Haley catches up with author Mitchell S. Karnes for updates on the Water Grave screen adaptation, Book Five of the Abbey Rhodes Mystery Series, upcoming appearances, and a memorable return to his high school reunion.

Mitchell admits that life is a little overwhelming right now—but for all the right reasons.

The Water Grave pilot is approximately a quarter of the way through the editing process, as the production team continues transforming the footage into the first finished episode. Plans are also being made for live performances that will become part of one of the five planned episodes. Once the pilot is ready, the team is considering entering it into a film festival while also preparing to present the finished product to streaming companies.

For Mitchell, it's another exciting step in watching characters that once existed only in his imagination become real on screen.

At the same time, he's balancing two major writing projects. Mitchell is revising The Necklace, his novella for an upcoming collection, while continuing work on Book Five of the Abbey Rhodes Mystery Series.

He's currently about twelve chapters into Book Five, and this installment may be his most complicated yet. Multiple reveals are being developed simultaneously, requiring Mitchell to carefully plant information throughout the story without exposing the surprises too early.

Mitchell describes himself as a plotter, meaning he enters the writing process with tentative summaries for each chapter and an understanding of how the major pieces should connect. But even with that preparation, there's no guarantee every idea will work once it reaches the page.

He has something particularly ambitious planned for Book Five. If he can pull it off, he believes it will create a memorable payoff for readers. If it doesn't work, he's prepared to remove that element and allow the story to evolve.

The conversation then shifts from Mitchell's future to his past as he reflects on attending his high school reunion.

Long before the Abbey Rhodes Mystery Series or Water Grave was heading toward the screen, some of Mitchell's classmates already knew he wanted to write. He had begun creating short stories when he was young, and several longtime friends remembered that passion.

Returning decades later as a published author created some entertaining conversations. Classmates joked about knowing someone “famous,” but what meant even more to Mitchell was discovering how many had actually followed his work.

Some had read his earlier fantasy novels and standalone suspense fiction, while others were already deep into the Abbey Rhodes Mystery Series. Several had finished Books Three and Four and immediately wanted to know what was coming next—especially after the cliffhanger at the end of Book Four.

For an author, that's exactly the kind of reaction that makes the years of writing worthwhile.

Mitchell is also preparing for several upcoming appearances. One carries special meaning because it will take place at the church where he served for 17 years, including his final 10 years as pastor. That same church became one of the filming locations for the Water Grave pilot, and several members of the congregation even participated as extras during the worship scene.

Visit MitchellSKarnesAuthor.com to purchase Mitchell's books, learn more about the Abbey Rhodes Mystery Series, follow updates on Water Grave, and sign up for Mitchell's newsletter.

In this special simulcast of The Neil Haley Show and The Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, author Mitchell S. Karnes shares the latest developments surrounding his books, the production of the Water Grave streaming series, and the next chapter of the Abbey Rhodes Mystery Series.

Mitchell begins with an update on The Necklace, his novella appearing in a collaborative book with two other authors centered on survivors and victory. Mitchell's contribution explores addiction and the difficult road toward overcoming it. The manuscript has returned from the editor, revisions are underway, and the book is scheduled for release on November 4.

Meanwhile, work continues on the screen adaptation of Water Grave. The production team is deep into post-production on the pilot, organizing footage, syncing sound, and editing scenes together to create the finished episode. Once completed, Mitchell says the pilot is expected to be presented to at least three distributors to determine who may be interested in carrying the project forward.

At the same time, the team isn't waiting around. Part Two of the five-part first season is already in pre-production, with work underway on the screenplay, equipment, locations, and additional casting.

Mitchell reflects on how much he's learned by watching his novel become a production. Filmmaking truly "takes a village." From directors and actors to sound crews, lighting teams, makeup, costumes, continuity personnel, and countless people behind the camera, every department must work together. Mitchell was particularly fascinated by continuity—the detailed process of making sure clothing, hairstyles, props, and backgrounds remain identical when scenes are filmed at different times.

The experience has given him an entirely new appreciation for what audiences never see on screen.

The conversation also becomes personal as Mitchell prepares to attend his 45th high school reunion in Southern Illinois. Neil asks what it feels like to return home as an author whose work is now being adapted for television. Mitchell reveals that becoming a successful writer wasn't a new dream. In fact, he had dreamed about writing books since middle school.

The road simply took much longer than he expected.

Along the way, Mitchell became two things he once swore he'd never become—a teacher and a pastor. Looking back, he believes those experiences helped shape his character and gave him the humility and life experience necessary to become the writer he is today.

Mitchell also provides an exciting update on Closure, Book Five of the Abbey Rhodes Mystery Series. He's now entering one of the most challenging portions of the novel, carefully planting subtle clues while protecting a major surprise he doesn't want readers discovering too early.

The book also represents a significant moment in Abbey's six-book journey. Mitchell explains that he began several long-running story threads all the way back in Water Grave. In Closure, three of those five major threads will finally reach their conclusions, while the remaining two will carry into Book Six and the conclusion of Abbey's overall story arc.

And there may be even more surprises ahead for the Water Grave production.

Mitchell reveals that discussions are underway involving recognizable stars potentially appearing in cameo roles. He can't reveal names or even offer hints yet, but says the possibilities have him extremely excited.

From a childhood dream of becoming an author to watching an entire production crew bring Abbey Rhodes to life, Mitchell's journey continues to move forward—one book, one scene, and one milestone at a time.

Visit MitchellSKarnesAuthor.com to purchase autographed copies of Mitchell's books, follow the Abbey Rhodes Mystery Series, subscribe for updates, and learn more about the continuing production of Water Grave.

Podcast Show Notes

What began as a reader's question—"When's the movie coming out?"—is becoming a reality.

In this special simulcast of The Neil Haley Show and The Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Neil Haley and author Mitchell S. Karnes celebrate the remarkable journey of Water Grave, the first book in the Abbey Rhodes Mystery Series, as it prepares to begin filming as a streaming series.

Mitchell takes listeners back to the launch of Water Grave. During a Q&A, a reader jokingly asked when the movie would be released. Mitchell laughed and answered, "In my dreams." But his publisher had another response: "We'll talk about that." That conversation eventually led to an agreement giving the production team the opportunity to bring the novel to the screen.

Now the dream is moving into production.

Mitchell discusses producer Mike Parker's work building the project, navigating the business and legal requirements of production, and assembling a team capable of turning the novel into a television series. Producer Doug Collins also joined the effort with an ambitious vision that could eventually extend across all six books in the Abbey Rhodes Mystery Series.

Casting has brought another level of excitement. Kristen Sweeney is set to portray Abbey Rhodes, while country music star Phil Vassar has joined the cast as the second detective. Mitchell also discusses additional cast members, including Julie Bukarski, Eugenia Kuzmina, Bonnie Keene, Aaron Shaver, and others who have become involved as momentum continues to grow.

The next major milestone is the cast table read, followed by the beginning of filming. Water Grave is currently planned as a five-episode story, beginning with the pilot and continuing through four additional episodes.

Mitchell also explains how different the book-to-screen process is from what he originally imagined. Signing away screen rights doesn't mean cameras immediately start rolling. There are contracts, financing requirements, Screen Actors Guild considerations, casting decisions, locations, schedules, investors, and countless other pieces that must come together.

One particularly meaningful part of the experience has been Mitchell's continued involvement. Rather than simply handing over his novel, he's been able to review the screenplay, offer input on what should remain or be changed, participate in the table read, meet the actors, attend filming, and serve as an advisor as his characters come to life.

Financing remains another major part of the journey. The project's Kickstarter campaign originally targeted $15,000 and ultimately raised more than $20,000. Additional private investors have joined the project, providing enough funding to move forward with the pilot while producers continue pursuing the larger budget required for the complete production.

A major distributor has also expressed interest but wants to see the finished pilot before making a commitment—making this first episode especially important to the future of the series.

Mitchell's ultimate dream is much bigger than one pilot. If Water Grave succeeds, the vision is to continue adapting the Abbey Rhodes novels, potentially covering two books per season and building a multi-season series.

That exposure could also introduce an entirely new audience to the books themselves. Mitchell hopes viewers will discover the novels after watching the series, explore story elements that couldn't make it onto the screen, and even bring the Abbey Rhodes mysteries into book clubs.

For an author who once jokingly said a screen adaptation existed only "in my dreams," watching actors prepare to become the characters he created is an extraordinary milestone.

Visit MitchellSKarnesAuthor.com to purchase autographed books, join Mitchell's newsletter, follow production updates, and discover the complete Abbey Rhodes Mystery Series.

Podcast Show Notes