Mitchell S Karnes Podcast

Author Mitchell S. Karnes returns for another special simulcast of The Neil Haley Show and The Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast with major updates surrounding the upcoming television adaptation connected to his mystery series, exciting podcast interviews, book events, publishing news, and the emotional realities behind writing stories that tackle difficult subjects while remaining grounded in faith and hope.

The episode opens with an honest conversation about frustration, persistence, and the reality of building creative projects.

As Mitchell explains, entrepreneurship, publishing, and entertainment rarely move exactly according to plan.

Roadblocks happen.

Delays happen.

Challenges happen.

But giving up at every obstacle guarantees failure.

Mitchell shares a major update regarding the television production side connected to his mystery universe.

The casting process continues moving forward, but production funding remains a key piece of the process.

The union casting director attached to the project has experience working with both union and non-union talent, but casting cannot officially move forward until funding goals are fully secured.

The Kickstarter campaign remains in the approval and vetting process.

Once approved, supporters will have opportunities to participate and help move the production toward completion.

Momentum continues building.

Progress continues happening.

Patience becomes part of the process.

Mitchell discusses how faith continues shaping his approach during moments of uncertainty.

Trusting the process.

Staying consistent.

Continuing forward.

Those principles remain central not only to his creative work but also to navigating larger projects connected to television development.

The conversation shifts toward feedback Mitchell recently received from readers.

One fan offered insight that helped reinforce what separates Mitchell’s books from many mystery novels currently on the market.

Readers looking for compelling mystery stories often want suspense.

Danger.

Mystery.

Real stakes.

Emotional depth.

But not everyone wants graphic content.

Mitchell explains his goal remains creating mysteries filled with realism and tension without relying on vulgar language, graphic sexual content, or excessive violence.

The stories remain gritty.

The stakes remain real.

But difficult realities are handled thoughtfully rather than graphically.

Mitchell shares that readers have described his books as offering mystery and suspense without becoming formulaic or predictable.

Real life does not always wrap itself neatly.

Neither do his stories.

The discussion explores how writing mystery fiction grounded in faith creates opportunities to reach audiences from all backgrounds.

Mitchell shares that readers from multiple faith traditions—and even readers who identify as atheists—continue connecting with the mystery series.

Good storytelling reaches beyond labels.

Compelling characters matter.

Authentic struggles matter.

Truth matters.

The episode also highlights upcoming interviews Mitchell has planned.

One major guest includes country music artist and songwriter Phil Vassar, who will portray detective Sam Tidwell in the upcoming television adaptation.

Listeners will hear insights from Phil surrounding both music and stepping into acting.

How does performing music compare to acting?

What translates from stage performance into television?

How does creative storytelling connect across different entertainment fields?

Those conversations continue coming soon.

Mitchell also highlights another important upcoming guest.

Matthew Sears.

A career law enforcement officer and current lieutenant who serves as one of Mitchell’s advisors.

Accuracy matters deeply inside the Abbey Rhodes mystery universe.

Police procedures.

Investigations.

Detective work.

Real-world operations.

In this exciting episode of The Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast simulcast with The Neil Haley Show, bestselling author and pastor Mitchell S. Karnes shares major updates surrounding his writing career, upcoming projects, and the incredible momentum building around his growing mystery series. From completing book four to preparing for television production, Mitchell opens up about storytelling, faith, difficult topics, and the responsibility authors carry when writing stories that challenge readers while pointing toward hope.

The episode begins with exciting news for Mitchell's audience. His recent interviews are now available on YouTube and will soon be featured on his website, allowing readers and listeners more opportunities to engage with his work. Mitchell discusses how much he has enjoyed moving beyond short weekly conversations and diving deeper into long-form discussions where he can spotlight others and explore meaningful topics.

One of the biggest announcements centers around Book Four of his acclaimed series. Mitchell reveals that final edits are officially complete and the manuscript has now been submitted to the publisher. Readers can expect the newest installment to arrive during the first week of July, slightly earlier than planned, to align with upcoming book events and signings.

Mitchell also shares details about his busy event schedule, including appearances at festivals, conferences, and major publishing events. Fans can meet him at book signings, hear firsthand stories behind his writing process, and pick up signed copies of his novels. He reflects on how rewarding it has become connecting directly with readers, especially through book clubs where conversations often move beyond the pages and into deeper themes surrounding purpose, faith, and difficult realities.

A particularly memorable discussion focuses on a recent visit with a book club in Johnson City, Tennessee. Readers asked thoughtful questions about character creation, inspiration behind the stories, and one of the topics Mitchell hears most often:

How does a pastor write dark mysteries?

Mitchell explains his approach to writing within what he describes as a growing "gritty Christian" space—stories that tackle difficult subjects honestly while still offering redemption and hope. Rather than avoiding painful realities, he believes storytelling can shine light into places many people would rather ignore.

The conversation explores how Christian publishing continues evolving. Mitchell points out that publishers are becoming increasingly willing to embrace stories dealing with serious issues including trauma, violence, and human suffering when handled responsibly and through a lens of restoration.

Mitchell also discusses his involvement with the Brave Authors Group, a community of writers chosen for their willingness to address challenging subjects through fiction. He shares how collaboration among authors tackling difficult themes creates support, encouragement, and stronger storytelling.

On this episode of the Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Mitchell shares exciting updates surrounding his growing author career, the completion of Book Four in the Abbey Rhodes Mystery Series, major developments for the upcoming Water Grave streaming adaptation, and the increasing momentum heading into a busy spring and summer season.

From bookstore signings and book clubs to film production meetings and original music development, Mitchell gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at everything happening as his stories continue reaching readers—and soon viewers—across the country.

With filming scheduled to begin in August and new podcast episodes on the horizon, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year.

A major milestone has been reached.

Mitchell officially completed Book Four in the Abbey Rhodes Mystery Series.

The manuscript has now been submitted to his literary agent for:

• Editorial review
• Requested revisions
• Consistency checks
• Final polishing

The goal:

👉 Release by early July 2026

Timing is important because Mitchell already has bookstore events scheduled for summer and wants readers to have the newest installment available.

Even after completing a manuscript, the process continues.

Mitchell discusses:

• Working through edits
• Fine-tuning consistency
• Collaborating with his agent
• Preparing for publication deadlines

Writing a novel isn't simply typing "The End."

The real work continues until publication day.

Mitchell’s spring calendar continues filling up.

Location:

Johnson City / Jonesborough, Tennessee area

Readers will gather to discuss:

Water Grave

Mitchell will participate directly with readers, answer questions, and explore themes from the novel.

Mitchell will also appear at:

Franklin Main Street Festival

Festival attendees can:

• Meet Mitchell
• Discuss the Abbey Rhodes series
• Purchase books
• Learn about upcoming projects

One of the biggest developments:

Water Grave continues moving toward production.

Mitchell recently spent time with the film production team creating:

Preparing fundraising assets and campaign planning.

Lead actors began reading scenes together.

Early chemistry development between major characters is underway.

The series will feature:

🎵 Completely original music

An exciting announcement:

Country music star Phil Vassar is contributing original music to the project.

Phil Vassar:

• Two-time Songwriter of the Year
• Acclaimed country artist
• Actor portraying one of the series leads

Additional musicians are contributing as well.

Mitchell also met with the musician composing:

Building a unique musical identity for the series helps elevate production quality and emotional connection.

Production planning continues toward:

Current confirmed filming location:

📍 Walker Baptist Church – Franklin, Tennessee

This location carries special meaning.

Mitchell:

• Served there for 16 years
• Pastored there for 10 years

Several scenes are expected to be filmed there.

Planned filming includes:

Church members may also participate as extras.

Mitchell opens up about a difficult reality.

One church location originally connected to the inspiration behind the books chose not to participate because of concerns regarding subject matter.

The Abbey Rhodes books tackle:

• Crime
• Trauma
• Redemption
• Faith
• Difficult life issues

Mitchell emphasizes:

Scripture itself addresses hard subjects.

Themes of redemption remain central to the series.

The Abbey Rhodes books were intentionally designed with:

Biblical themes

Redemption arcs

Discussion questions

Faith exploration

Every novel includes:

Discussion and Bible-study style questions designed for:

• Churches
• Book clubs
• Small groups

In this deeply powerful and emotional episode of the Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Mitchell sits down with Fred Legendre, the multi-talented audio mastermind behind the Watergrave film project.

Fred shares his role in the film industry—handling everything from on-set audio to post-production sound design and music composition—but the conversation goes far beyond filmmaking.

This episode becomes a moving testimony of faith, survival, and purpose as Fred opens up about his battle with a rare form of cancer—and the miracle that followed.

Fred humorously explains that while Hollywood might have 20 people handling sound…

👉 On this project, he is all 20.

On-set audio recording
Sound engineering
Post-production editing
Sound design
Music composition
Final mixing

He oversees the entire auditory experience of the film.

Fred breaks down filmmaking audio in a way anyone can understand:

Capturing clean dialogue and environmental sound

Recording silence to create a natural audio baseline

Where the real magic happens:

Syncing audio with video

Replacing unusable dialogue (ADR)

Adding sound effects

Creating emotional depth

One of the most eye-opening insights:

👉 Most sounds in action scenes are added after filming

Punches, movement, even subtle background noise—
are carefully crafted in post-production.

Fred dives into how music shapes emotion in film:

👉 “What you hear determines what you feel.”

Examples include:

Building tension

Enhancing emotional moments

Guiding audience reactions

Original songs

Licensed tracks

Background score (instrumental)

Mood-setting soundscapes

Fred is actively:

Writing original songs

Collaborating with artists

Working with Phil Vassar

Developing a unique sound for the series

Each piece of music is crafted to match:

Specific scenes

Emotional tone

Character development

Fred shares his deep connections with the team:

A long-standing friendship built on trust and creativity

A personal, almost family-level connection

👉 These relationships bring authenticity and heart to the project

Fred makes it clear:

👉 His faith isn’t separate from his work—it is his life.

From worship leading to creative work, everything flows from:

Purpose

Calling

Spiritual identity

This episode takes a powerful turn as Fred shares his personal story.

Rare blood cancer

Tumors throughout his bones

Multiple fractures (20+ ribs, 7 vertebrae)

Kidney failure risk

Extreme pain

Loss of mobility

Aggressive chemotherapy

Stem cell transplant

Near-death experience

Before receiving the diagnosis, Fred experienced something profound:

👉 A peace he had never felt before

He knew:

“Whatever comes… it’s going to be okay.”

Fred shares a life-defining scripture:

➡️ Psalm 118:17
“I will not die, but live and proclaim what the Lord has done.”

That became his anchor.

After intense treatment and suffering:

👉 Cancer completely disappeared

No trace found in tests

Doctors confirmed remission

No cancer

Off treatment

Continuing recovery

Living with purpose

Fred explains how cancer changed everything:

Life is fragile

Faith is real

Purpose matters

Pain has meaning

👉 “God kept His promise.”

Sound is not just technical—it’s emotional storytelling

Music drives audience experience more than visuals alone

Faith is not just belief—it’s lived reality

Pain can become purpose

Sometimes the greatest stories happen off screen

➡️ “In Hollywood, I’d be one of 20 people. Here—I’m all 20.”

➡️ “What you hear determines what you feel.”

➡️ “God gave me a promise—and He kept it.”

➡️ “I was on the edge… and then everything changed.”

👉 Learn more about the project:
https://MitchellSKarnesAuthor.com

👉 Follow the journey of Watergrave

👉 Stay connected for updates on the upcoming film series

In this powerful and transparent episode of the Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Mitchell sits down with author and Brave Authors founder Sarah Hanks to discuss what it truly means to write boldly in today’s publishing world.

From adoption and family life to faith-driven storytelling and confronting controversial issues, Sarah shares her journey of building a platform for authors who refuse to water down truth.

This episode is a must-listen for writers, creatives, and anyone who believes storytelling should reflect real life—not just safe topics.

Sarah opens up about her incredible family journey:

Adopting a son with Down syndrome

Navigating special needs parenting

Embryo adoption

Raising a family of 10 children

👉 Her life is a reflection of the very themes she writes about:

Faith
Courage
Sacrifice
Purpose

Sarah’s writing journey started young:

Wrote her first novel at 17

Self-published early (and later pulled it back)

Transitioned into serious writing in 2020

Her true debut came with:

👉 Mercy Will Follow Me

Sarah explains two key storytelling formats:

Two parallel storylines:

Modern-day character

Historical character

Connected through ancestry or objects

One character moves between timelines

👉 Both allow:

Deep emotional connections
Historical insight
Spiritual parallels

Primary audience:

Women ages 40–60

Faith-based readers

But her stories resonate beyond that:

Men
Younger readers
Anyone seeking meaningful storytelling

Sarah’s process is structured—but flexible:

Starts with inspiration (often from children’s history books)

Deep research phase

Character development

Plotting the full story

But…

👉 Characters sometimes take over

Like many authors, Sarah experiences:

Characters resisting the plot

Stories shifting direction

Unexpected narrative changes

👉 It’s not just writing—it’s discovery

Sarah highlights a major industry issue:

👉 Publishers avoid controversial topics

Examples include:

Human trafficking

Racism

Abuse

Church hurt

Why?

Risk
Market sensitivity
Brand protection

Sarah created Brave Authors to:

Support bold writers

Connect readers with real stories

Address topics others avoid

✔ Help readers find meaningful books
✔ Give authors a platform
✔ Encourage faith-centered storytelling

Collaborative collections tackling real issues:

Pro-life

Human trafficking

Church hurt and abuse

Overcoming adversity

Each project includes:

Multiple authors
Shared themes
Unique perspectives

A major tension discussed:

👉 “Too Christian for secular”
👉 “Too gritty for Christian”

This creates a gap:

A large, underserved audience

Readers seeking real-life faith stories

Sarah’s advice:

👉 Don’t compromise the message

But…

👉 Be flexible in the method

Key principle:

Truth should remain intact
Delivery can adapt

When writing difficult topics:

Use sensitivity readers

Listen to lived experiences

Avoid blind spots

👉 This ensures:

Respect
Accuracy
Authenticity

A powerful takeaway from the episode:

👉 The church should lead—not follow—culture

If not:

The world fills the gap

Alternative narratives dominate

Sarah’s guidance:

Follow God’s calling

Don’t fear rejection

Consider indie publishing

Stay authentic

👉 Most importantly:

Write what needs to be written

Life isn’t clean—stories shouldn’t be either

Readers are actively searching for truth

Not every publisher will say yes

Communities like Brave Authors matter

Write what you’re called to write

➡️ “The church should be shaping culture—not reacting to it.”

➡️ “Don’t compromise the message—only the method.”

➡️ “There are readers looking for these stories.”

➡️ “If God is calling you to write it, take the step.”

👉 Explore Brave Authors:
Visit Brave Authors

👉 Follow Sarah Hanks

👉 Listen to more episodes of the Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast

This episode isn’t just about writing…

It’s about courage.

In this powerful episode of the Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Mitchell sits down with Mike Parker of WordCrafts Press—a true multi-hyphenate creative: writer, publisher, actor, and director.

Mike shares his incredible journey from early inspiration as a writer to building a publishing company with over 300 titles… and now stepping into the director’s chair to bring Watergrave to life as a streaming mini-series.

This episode dives deep into storytelling, faith, publishing realities, and the exciting future of the Abbey Rhodes Mysteries on screen.

Mike traces his passion for writing back to reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, where he first experienced the emotional power of storytelling.

That moment sparked a lifelong mission:

➡️ To make readers feel something real
➡️ To create stories that resonate beyond the page

Over the years, he has:

Written 2,000+ magazine articles
Interviewed major figures like Sir Ridley Scott and Pierce Brosnan
Authored novels, plays, screenplays, and promotional content

Mike’s publishing journey began out of frustration.

After writing his first novel, he repeatedly heard:

👉 “Too Christian for the mainstream”
👉 “Too mainstream for the Christian market”

Instead of quitting…

He built his own publishing company.

What started as a necessity turned into:

✔️ 125+ authors
✔️ 300+ published titles
✔️ A platform for voices that don’t fit traditional molds

Mike identifies a powerful niche:

➡️ Readers who live between faith and real-world struggle
➡️ Stories that are honest, gritty, and redemptive

This is exactly where Mitchell’s Abbey Rhodes Mysteries thrive.

Mike explains what made Mitchell’s work different:

Abbey is not perfect—she’s broken, fierce, and real.

The story isn’t just about crime—it’s about healing, trauma, and identity.

The dynamic between Abbey and Sam creates a powerful emotional anchor.

Readers are kept guessing without feeling tricked.

👉 “You gave enough clues—but not too many. That’s the balance.”

Originally planned as a feature film, Watergrave evolved into something bigger.

Because cutting it down would mean losing:

The emotional depth

Character backstories

The soul of the story

➡️ A 5-episode streaming mini-series
➡️ ~42 minutes per episode
➡️ Designed for platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime

Current status:

✔️ Legal structure for investment completed
✔️ Limited partnership established
✔️ Investment opportunities opening
✔️ Kickstarter campaign launching soon
✔️ Casting underway
✔️ Filming scheduled for August

Lead roles cast (Abbey & Sam)

Music and film score in development

Locations secured

Production company: Rule 14 Pictures

The project is currently seeking:

✔️ Accredited investors (larger contributions)
✔️ Kickstarter supporters (smaller contributions with perks)

Important note from Mike:

👉 Film is a high-risk investment
👉 Only invest what you can afford to lose

Casting will be handled by:

🎬 Ken Petski Casting

Timeline:
➡️ Casting begins around mid-May

Actors (union and non-union) can:

📧 Reach out via:
[email protected]

🔑 Key Topics Covered✍️ The Origin of a Writer📚 The Birth of WordCrafts Press⚖️ The “In-Between” Audience🔍 Why Watergrave Stood OutComplex, layered charactersEmotional depthStrong character relationshipsUnpredictable storytelling🎬 From Book to Screen: The EvolutionWhy?Final Direction:🎥 Film Production UpdateConfirmed Elements:💰 Investment & Opportunities🎭 Casting Information

In this episode of the Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Mitchell shares the latest updates on his growing podcast, upcoming interviews, and continued progress on Book Four in the Abbey Rhodes Mysteries series.

As Mitchell steps fully into the role of host, he reflects on the power of meaningful conversations, the unexpected connections formed through interviews, and how storytelling continues to evolve both on the page and in real life.

From coordinating guests across time zones to preparing for film production and live bookstore events, this episode highlights the steady momentum behind the Abbey Rhodes journey.

Mitchell continues expanding his podcast by bringing on a diverse range of guests, including authors and creatives connected to storytelling and faith-based narratives.

Upcoming interviews include:

A middle-grade fiction author represented by the same agent as Mitchell

The founder of Brave Authors, a collective of Christian writers tackling difficult and often avoided topics

Coordinating schedules—especially across time zones—has been a challenge, but Mitchell is committed to building meaningful conversations that go beyond surface-level interviews.

Transitioning from being interviewed to hosting his own show has been a powerful learning experience.

Mitchell reflects on a key realization:

You may think you know someone—but real understanding happens when you sit down and truly talk with them.

Through podcasting, Mitchell has discovered:

Deeper personal stories behind each guest

Unexpected life experiences and shared struggles

Stronger personal and professional connections

One powerful example came from a conversation with the sound engineer for the Watergrave series. Both Mitchell and the guest had experienced cancer, creating an immediate and meaningful bond that went far beyond the original interview topic.

A major goal of the podcast is to give a voice to emerging authors, particularly those who are still building their audience.

Mitchell is intentionally using his platform to:

Help other writers gain exposure

Share audiences across networks

Create opportunities for collaboration

This approach reflects a broader mission—not just to grow his brand, but to help others grow alongside him.

Despite a busy schedule, Mitchell continues making strong progress on Book Four in the Abbey Rhodes Mysteries.

Current status:

Over 220 pages completed in the rough draft

The story has entered the resolution phase, where major plotlines begin to come together.

Mitchell describes the writing process reaching an “organic stage,” where:

New ideas emerge naturally

Characters begin guiding the direction of the story

Unexpected plot developments strengthen the narrative

The final manuscript is expected to reach approximately 300 pages.

As development continues on both the books and the upcoming mini-series, Mitchell is seeing a unique crossover between fiction and reality.

Working with the actress cast as Abbey Rhodes has influenced his writing process. Her personality and characteristics are naturally blending into how Mitchell now envisions the character.

👉 https://MitchellSKarnesAuthor.com

In this powerful and transparent episode of the Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Mitchell sits down with his literary agent, Stephanie Cardel, founder of Lighthouse Literary, for a candid conversation about writing, publishing, faith, craft, rejection, perseverance—and what it truly takes to succeed in today’s competitive publishing world.

This is more than an interview. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the journey of an author and his agent walking the road together.

Stephanie shares her journey from waiting on her own book to be published… to becoming a literary agent… to eventually launching her own agency, Lighthouse Literary. What began as impatience during submission season turned into purpose.

She interned for a year, became an agent for two more, and has now been leading Lighthouse Literary for three years—representing authors across genres including:

• Christian contemporary fiction

• Young adult

• Legal thrillers

• Children’s picture books

• Mystery and suspense

Her goal? Landing Big Five publishing deals for her clients—and she’s not slowing down until she does.

Stephanie openly discusses how her faith reshaped her writing career. Her debut novel, This Isn’t Shakespeare, originally leaned secular. But conviction led her to revise it and fully embrace a gospel-centered message.

That pivot didn’t just change her book—it defined her agency.

She explains how Lighthouse Literary exists to glorify God through storytelling and to help writers develop their gifts with excellence and integrity.

For aspiring authors, Stephanie offers direct advice:

The most important thing in a story is the tension between what the main character wants and why they can’t have it.

She emphasizes:

• Conflict must appear on page one.

• Emotional interiority matters.

• Writers must be teachable.

• Critique is non-negotiable.

• Hiring a developmental editor can transform your craft.

She shares that agents and editors receive hundreds of submissions weekly. Breaking into publishing requires resilience, patience, and thick skin.

Mitchell echoes this, reflecting on his own growth—learning to seek improvement rather than affirmation.

Mitchell praises Stephanie’s YA novel for its emotional intensity and authenticity. The story follows Madison, a dancer whose romanticized relationship blinds her to toxic patterns.

Themes include:

• Identity in Christ

• Romantic disillusionment

• Forgiveness of self

• Cultural pressure

• Emotional maturity

The novel includes discussion questions and a devotional companion titled Whatever Is True, designed for deeper reflection.

Stephanie explains what drew her to Water Grave and the Abbey Rhodes character:

• Abby’s trauma

• Her journey toward reconciliation

• The layered emotional arc across six books

• The need to soften Abby’s voice and introduce a romantic thread

She reveals how editorial insight strengthened the series and expanded Abby’s growth across future installments.

For Mitchell, this collaboration reshaped the direction of the series—deepening both character and market appeal.

Stephanie currently has 25 manuscripts on submission.

She walks through the submission process:

• Researching editors

• Targeting the Big Five first

• Working down to mid-size publishers

• Waiting 3–6 months for responses

• Navigating rejections professionally

She discusses the difficulty of placing gritty Christian fiction in today’s market—especially in the YA space—where stories tackling heavy issues often struggle to find traditional homes.

Stephanie previews her upcoming YA release:

A modern teen reimagining of The Count of Monte Cristo.

Themes include:

• False accusation

• Juvenile detention

• Revenge vs. forgiveness

• Identity in Christ

• Anger toward God

• Redemption

Founded by Stephanie Cardel, Lighthouse Literary represents authors who write stories rooted in faith, tension, and emotional truth. The agency works across genres but maintains a commitment to strong storytelling and spiritual integrity.

In this episode of the Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Mitchell shares exciting updates as the Abbey Rhodes Mysteries continue to grow. With book signings on the calendar, new readers discovering the series, and Book Four nearing completion, Mitchell reflects on how momentum is building both for the novels and the upcoming Watergrave mini-series.

Mitchell also discusses the expansion of his podcast into full interviews with authors and creators, offering listeners deeper conversations about storytelling, publishing, and the creative process.

From library events and book clubs to signed copies and virtual appearances, Mitchell continues connecting with readers while the Abbey Rhodes story evolves.

Mitchell is heading to Carterville, Illinois for a book signing event at a local library.

The event will take place:

Saturday from 10 AM – 1 PM

Carterville holds special meaning for Mitchell because it is located just east of where he grew up and attended high school. The signing offers an opportunity not only to meet readers but also reconnect with friends and members of the community.

Events like these allow Mitchell to meet new readers while strengthening connections with longtime supporters of the series.

Reader engagement continues to grow as more book clubs discover the Abbey Rhodes Mysteries.

One recent virtual book club has already led to a new opportunity: a church fundraiser auction where a virtual book club appearance with Mitchell will be offered as a prize.

The concept is simple:

A book club reads the novel together, discusses it, and then invites Mitchell to join the final meeting virtually to answer questions and talk about the story.

This interactive format allows readers to explore the deeper themes of the series while connecting directly with the author.

Mitchell also shared a surprising moment from a recent interview with his publisher and series director.

The publisher publicly offered a money-back guarantee for readers who purchase Watergrave and do not enjoy the book.

The message was simple:

Buy the book.
Read it.
If you don’t like it, you can get your money back.

It’s a strong vote of confidence in the story and a sign of how much belief the publishing team has in the series.

Fans can order signed or personalized copies of the Abbey Rhodes books directly through Mitchell’s website.

Readers can choose between:

Signed Copy
A book personally signed by Mitchell.

Personalized Copy
A custom message written to a specific person, often used as gifts for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.

Recently, Mitchell signed and personalized a full set of the first three books as a birthday gift for a reader’s husband.

Mitchell continues writing Book Four in the Abbey Rhodes Mysteries series.

Current progress:

Over 200 pages written in the rough draft.

As the story unfolds, Mitchell describes the familiar experience many writers recognize—when the story begins to take on a life of its own.

Instead of forcing the narrative forward, the characters begin guiding the direction of the plot.

This stage of writing is often where the most natural storytelling happens.

The book is currently scheduled for release in July.

One of the biggest developments is the evolution of the podcast itself.

What began as a short update format is now expanding into full interview episodes, where Mitchell speaks with authors, filmmakers, and creative professionals connected to storytelling and the Abbey Rhodes universe.

Readers can purchase signed or personalized copies of the Abbey Rhodes Mysteries at:

https://MitchellSKarnesAuthor.com

Available titles include:

Watergrave
The Least of These
The Cleansing

🎙 Episode OverviewIn this episode of the Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Mitchell shares the exciting results of a strong book sales month—driven not by ads, not by algorithms—but by showing up in person.From Barnes & Noble to Landmark Booksellers, Mitchell talks about what happens when readers meet the author face-to-face, ask questions, and connect with the story behind the story.This conversation is a masterclass in grassroots book marketing, authentic engagement, and understanding your audience.📚 Live Events Are Still KingMitchell discusses his recent appearances at:Barnes & NobleLandmark BooksellersBeing positioned near the entrance—with posters displayed prominently—sparked curiosity immediately. Readers walked in, saw the visuals, and asked the most important question:“Tell me about this.”That opened the door.🔥 Why The Cleansing Is Turning HeadsBook Three, The Cleansing, drew strong attention visually, but something interesting happened:Even though the newest book grabbed attention, many buyers chose to start with Book One, Water Grave, after learning it’s part of a six-book story arc.Readers want the full journey.They want to start at the beginning.And in Johnson City, demand for hardbacks exceeded expectations—something Mitchell is now factoring into future event planning.🤝 The Power of Personal InteractionMitchell shares practical strategies that worked:Welcoming customers as they entered the storeAsking simple questions like, “Do you like mysteries?”Mentioning that it’s a Christian homicide mystery set in NashvilleOffering candy canes to children—creating natural conversation with parentsOne particularly powerful moment:A couple initially walked past without engaging. As they exited, Mitchell simply said:“You all have a blessed day.”They stopped. Turned around. Came back.And bought one of each book.Sometimes it’s not a pitch.It’s presence.👩‍👩‍👧 Understanding the AudienceMitchell estimates that about 75% of bookstore foot traffic is female, and women are the primary buyers of fiction.Why does that matter?Because the Abbey Rhodes series features:A strong female protagonistEmotional depthA redemptive six-book arcGritty but clean storytellingThat combination is resonating deeply.✝️ Crossing the Faith DivideOne of the most fascinating takeaways from this episode:Mitchell has atheist readers actively engaged in the series.They identify with Abbey’s struggle with faith, hurt from the church, and resentment toward religion—even while reading books filled with scripture and church scenes.That reveals something important:This series is not preaching.It’s exploring.It’s honest.Readers can engage at multiple levels:Pure mystery and suspenseEmotional and psychological depthSpiritual reflectionRedemptive narrative arc🎨 The Message Beneath the MysteryMitchell shares a powerful metaphor from his days as a pastor.He once showed children a large white poster board with a single black ink blot. When asked what they saw, every child focused on the blot.That’s human nature.We fixate on the flaw.The stain.The failure.Through the Abbey Rhodes series, Mitchell is reminding readers:Not every Christian represents God accuratelyHurt from church doesn’t equal rejection from GodThere is more good than brokennessIt’s layered storytelling with purpose.🎬 Film UpdateThe Abbey Rhodes streaming series is moving forward:Filming locations have been finalizedLegal processes are completeFundraising is beginningA production company is reviewing potential acquisitionMomentum is building.