Mitchell S Karnes Podcast

In this exciting episode of The Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast (simulcast with The Neil Haley Show), Mitchell shares major updates on the upcoming film and streaming adaptation of Watergrave. What began as a debut novel is now moving toward the screen—with a creative team forming, casting underway, filming locations identified, and a clear strategy to pitch the project at the highest level.

Mitchell takes listeners behind the scenes of recent meetings with the cinematographer, director, and sound design team, discusses the planned theatrical pilot and episodic streaming format, and reflects on how quickly the journey has evolved over the past year. This episode also explores audience growth, book buzz, and what comes next for the Abbey Rhodes universe.

• Meetings completed with:

  • Cinematographer (New York–based experience)

  • Director

  • Sound designer / audio coordinator

• Creative discussions focused on tone, mood, atmosphere, and emotional impact

• Film will be shot in 5K to meet top-tier streaming standards

• Strategy: shoot for the highest level, then pitch outward

• Limited theatrical release for the pilot episode

• Followed by a four-episode streaming season

  • Episode 1: The theatrical pilot

  • Episodes 2–4: Continuation of the story

• Long-term goal: adapt Books 2, 3, and 4

• Production goal: two seasons per year, pending audience response

• Kristen Obe cast as Abbey Rhodes

• Phil Vassar cast as Sam

• Mitchell S. Karnes cast as Susan’s father (small role in Season 1, growing later)

• Maeve (women’s ministry coordinator) cast

• Mitchell’s daughter cast as homicide department administrative assistant

• Ongoing casting for:

  • Skyler

  • Susan (the pastor’s widow)

• Casting agencies narrowed to Nashville and Atlanta

• Primary church location identified in Nashville

• Church is one where Mitchell previously served as pastor

• Includes surrounding grounds and creek featured in the novel

• Filming target shifted to July

• Reasons include:

  • Financial scheduling considerations

  • Casting timelines

  • Allowing proper preparation

• Emphasis on doing it right, not rushing

• Strong reader response continues

• Readers frequently pass copies of Watergrave to others

• Growing identification with Abbey Rhodes and Susan

• Over 16,000 YouTube views in the past month

• Expanding podcast reach and upcoming guest appearances

• Continued writing and promotion

• More podcast launches planned for 2026

• Newsletter growth and direct fan engagement

• Discussion of signed copies, holiday bundles, and autograph editions

• Website & Newsletter: https://mitchellskarnesauthor.com

• Books Available: Watergrave and The Least of These

• Podcast: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and major platforms

“A year ago we were talking about a book release. Now we’re talking about streaming, film crews, and casting. You never know where the story will take you.”

🎧 Subscribe to The Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast for behind-the-scenes updates on the Abbey Rhodes Mysteries, writing life, faith, storytelling, and the journey from page to screen.

🔑 Episode Highlights🎬 Watergrave Film & Streaming Update🎥 Release Structure (Current Plan)🎭 Casting Updates📍 Filming Locations⏳ Timeline Update📚 Book Momentum & Audience Growth🔮 What’s Next🌐 Connect with Mitchell S. Karnes✨ Key Quote from the Episode

In this insightful episode of The Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Mitchell and co-host Neil Haley dive deep into the realities of editing—what it takes to produce a professional novel, why humility is essential for success, and how the process differs between self-publishing and traditional publishing. Mitchell opens up about the ongoing challenges of finalizing The Cleansing, the third book in the Abbey Rhodes Mystery Series, and offers guidance to new authors navigating revisions, editors, and technology in today’s publishing landscape.

• Mitchell explains that the editing process is far more demanding than most writers expect.

• While Watergrave and The Least of These went through minimal revisions, The Cleansing has required over a dozen rounds of edits.

• Every time he changes one detail, several new inconsistencies appear—forcing him to start again from the beginning.

“Every time I take a step forward, I find five steps backward. But that’s the work that makes a book great.”

• Mitchell discusses the value of having an experienced team behind him:

  • Metro Nashville Police Department advisors who ensure procedural accuracy.

  • Agent and editor Stephanie Cardel (Lighthouse Literary) for developmental and consistency edits.

  • Mike Parker and the team at WordCrafts Publishing, who handle final editing and production.

• These “second voices” are crucial, catching errors and inconsistencies that Mitchell might miss.

“I’m thankful for people who can be honest enough to say, ‘This isn’t ready yet.’ It’s humbling, but it’s how you get better.”

Mitchell and Neil share practical guidance for independent authors:

1. Go through multiple edits — not just grammatical, but developmental and structural.

2. Do your research before hiring an editor—check their track record, past clients, and editing style.

3. Seek honesty, not flattery — you want editors who challenge your work, not just validate it.

4. Use tools wisely — programs like Grammarly can help, but can’t replace human judgment.

5. Understand the business side — professional editing is costly but essential for credibility and long-term success.

• Mitchell reflects on a lesson he’s carried since college: “You don’t want to write; you want to have written.”

• As tempting as it is to rush to completion, every draft must be re-examined for clarity, consistency, and continuity—especially in a multi-book series.

• Revising ensures character development remains consistent and that every clue, red herring, and subplot aligns properly.

“If you don’t do the work, you’ll lose readers by Book Three. They won’t follow you to Book Four or Five.”

• Neil and Mitchell discuss how artificial intelligence can serve as a tool, not a replacement.

• While tools like Grammarly can help catch errors, publishers prohibit AI from generating book content.

• Mitchell emphasizes that authentic writing—the joy of creating worlds and characters—can’t be outsourced.

“If you really want to be a writer, you don’t want anyone else writing for you. That’s the fun part.”

Neil announces a new streaming distribution deal, expanding The Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast to new platforms where it will be monetized from day one.
This partnership also opens the door for future film and series distribution opportunities once the Watergrave movie adaptation is finalized.

• Editing isn’t just about polishing a manuscript—it’s about personal growth and professional responsibility.

• Writers must remain teachable, flexible, and humble if they want to reach higher levels of success.

“You’ve got to persevere. You can’t just throw your work out there. Do the work—and do it well.”

• Website: mitchellskarnesauthor.com

• Books: Watergrave and The Least of These available now; The Cleansing releases January 2026.

• Newsletter: Sign up on the website for exclusive updates, giveaways, and author Q&A.

• Social: Follow Mitchell on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for new episodes and event coverage.

In this episode of The Neil Haley Show and The Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Mitchell S. Karnes gives listeners an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of revising The Cleansing—the third book in his acclaimed Abbey Rhodes Mystery Series—and the early development of Book Four: Abbey’s Road. With humor and honesty, Mitchell shares the lessons he’s learned from his editors, his law enforcement advisors, and the writing process itself, offering invaluable insights for aspiring authors and loyal readers alike.

• Mitchell reflects on the revision process for The Cleansing and how it has been his most demanding project to date.

• While his first two books, Watergrave and The Least of These, required only minor tweaks, Book Three has undergone multiple major revisions—each adding new depth and accuracy.

• The changes came from two key sources:

  • Law enforcement advisors (a homicide detective, lieutenant, and forensic pathologist from Metro Nashville PD) who corrected procedural details.

  • His literary agent, Stephanie Cardel of Lighthouse Literary, who focused on timeline consistency and character development.

“You don’t have to take every note, but you do have to be willing to learn. If you want to keep readers invested in a series, you’ve got to put the work in.”

• Mitchell breaks down his multi-phase editing process:

  • 4–5 personal revisions before submitting to his agent.

  • Agent’s edit focusing on story structure, plot consistency, and pacing.

  • Grammar and style edit once story revisions are finalized.

  • Publisher’s edits, adding several more layers before publication.

• Even with countless revisions, Mitchell jokes that “no matter how many people edit it, one reader will always find something we missed.”

• Because The Cleansing involves a serial killer plotline, Mitchell worked with law enforcement to ensure procedures were realistic—adding an FBI consultant character and adjusting scenes to reflect actual investigative hierarchy.

• His revisions also included adjusting Abby Rhodes’ character to remain consistent with her established personality, making sure her responses stayed believable as she evolves through trauma, faith, and self-discovery.

• The process reminded him that readers expect authenticity, especially in a mystery grounded in realism.

• While wrapping revisions on Book Three, Mitchell has already begun drafting Book Four—Abbey’s Road, slated for July 2026 release.

• Currently 25 pages in, he’s deep in research involving forensic pathology and toxicology, consulting medical experts to portray a realistic poisoning case.

• He reveals that Book Four will take the series in a darker, more emotional direction—with major character deaths that will surprise longtime readers.

In this episode of The Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, author Mitchell S. Karnes pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to write, promote, and sustain a mystery series. Joined by Neil Haley, Mitchell discusses the intricate process of developing the Abbey Rhodes Mysteries, from writing and editing to research, cover design, and marketing. He also offers updates on his upcoming third book, The Cleansing, the ongoing film discussions for Watergrave, and his continued engagement with readers through book clubs, events, and newsletters.

• Writing a series is much more than finishing one book and moving to the next. Mitchell details how he balances multiple responsibilities at once: writing, revising, promoting, and preparing future releases.

• With Watergrave (Book One) released in January 2025 and The Least of These (Book Two) released in July 2025, Mitchell is now finalizing The Cleansing (Book Three) for its January 2026 release while already outlining Book Four: Abbey’s Road for July 2026.

• Even as new books move through production, earlier titles must continue to be promoted—keeping the series alive and attracting new readers who want to start from the beginning.

• Mitchell shares how ongoing promotions include book signings, social media posts, newsletters, and author events.

• Upcoming appearances include the PumpkinFest in Franklin, TN, where Mitchell will sign books at Landmark Booksellers, as well as multiple book club discussions—both in-person and virtual.

• He invites readers nationwide to contact him for book club appearances, whether in person or via Zoom, emphasizing how much he enjoys connecting directly with readers to discuss Abbey’s story and themes.

• The Cleansing is now in its final stages, with the remaining edits focused primarily on grammar and formatting.

• Mitchell explains the collaborative process with WordCrafts Publishing, including cover art selection. Publisher Mike Parker reads each book and presents three or four potential covers based on its tone and storyline. Mitchell then selects his favorite and helps refine the final version.

• Each book also requires:

  • A dedication page and acknowledgments section.

  • An updated author bio and author photo.

  • A concise yet compelling back cover description—which Mitchell admits is often harder to write than an entire novel.

• The new book’s tagline, drawn from its theme, is “Without love, we are nothing.”

• For Book Four: Abbey’s Road, Mitchell reveals fascinating behind-the-scenes research into forensic toxicology and poisoning.

• His research includes referencing manuals such as Police Procedural Criminal Poisoning and a laboratory text, consulting a pathologist, and contacting the National Materials Lab—a facility specializing in toxin testing.

• He even discovered the poison featured in the story is one that’s nearly impossible to detect and lacks an antidote—raising the stakes for Abby’s next case.

• Book One: Watergrave

  • Born from a vivid image during a difficult personal season when Mitchell was preparing to step away from pastoral ministry after battling cancer.

  • The story began with a haunting question: “Why would a pastor be found dead in a baptistry?”

  • The book evolved into a meditation on hypocrisy, faith, and redemption, introducing readers to detective Abbey Rhodes, a character deeply shaped by pain, doubt, and resilience.

• Book Two: The Least of These

  • Inspired by the stark contrast Mitchell observed driving past Nashville’s Cumberland River, where luxury developments sit opposite sprawling homeless encampments.

  • The story explores economic inequality and the moral dilemmas of justice through dual murder investigations—one wealthy victim, one homeless.

  • The title, drawn from the biblical verse “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me,” perfectly encapsulates its message.

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In this compelling episode of The Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, host and author Mitchell S. Karnes gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the challenging but rewarding process of revising The Cleansing, the upcoming third installment in the Abbey Rhodes Mystery Series. Joined by co-host Neil Haley, Mitchell discusses the realities of rewriting, receiving feedback, maintaining authenticity, and staying grounded in the midst of creative pressure.

The Reality of Revisions

• Mitchell opens up about tackling major revisions for The Cleansing—including feedback from both law enforcement advisors and his literary agent.

• His team includes a lieutenant and homicide detective from the Metro Nashville Police Department, who ensure procedural accuracy, and his agent Stephanie Cardel of Lighthouse Literary, who focuses on character consistency and continuity across the series.

• While revisions are tough, Mitchell emphasizes they’re crucial for elevating the quality of his work and staying true to his readers.

“If you want your book to be better and reach the next level, you have to take advice. You don’t have to take every note, but you have to be open to growth.”

Why Criticism Is Hard—But Necessary

• Mitchell and Neil discuss the emotional challenge of receiving critique and why it feels so personal for creatives.

• Mitchell compares the revision process to getting a graded paper back in college—equal parts dread and growth opportunity.

• He reminds listeners that critiques target the work, not the writer, and learning to separate the two is key to creative maturity.

Maintaining Authenticity in Fiction

• Authenticity has become one of Mitchell’s trademarks, thanks to his real-world collaboration with law enforcement professionals.

• His police advisors ensure that Abby Rhodes’ actions and procedures remain believable, grounding the novels in realism.

• The feedback also introduced new elements—like FBI advisory involvement—to strengthen procedural accuracy.

• Mitchell notes that maintaining character integrity is just as important as factual authenticity, crediting his agent for catching small inconsistencies that readers notice.

Inside The Cleansing

• The Cleansing continues the six-book story arc of “Own the Truth or the Truth Will Own You.”

• The antagonist from the first two novels returns, setting out to make Abby Rhodes a legend—her Moriarty to his Sherlock Holmes.

• The story delves deeper into Abby’s faith journey as she’s forced to confront and use the very scriptures she’s long avoided.

• Mitchell teases a powerful internal conflict where Abby must reconcile her past pain with her present challenges, using the Bible itself to outsmart the villain.

• The book also introduces a major romantic development and a devastating secret from Abby’s past that threatens to derail her progress.

“She’s still on that balance of—can I drop my walls and trust someone—while facing the ghosts of her past. This book is her breaking point and her turning point.”

The Process Moving Forward

• Once Mitchell’s revisions are finalized and approved by his agent, the manuscript will move to the publisher for several more rounds of grammatical and developmental edits.

• The goal is to release The Cleansing in January 2026, maintaining the six-month cadence established for the series.

• After that, Mitchell will dive headfirst into Book Four: Abbey’s Road, inspired by the iconic Beatles album and laced with symbolic clues tied to the music.

A Message to the Fans
Mitchell expresses his deep gratitude to his growing community of readers and supporters:

“Thank you for being invested in this series and following along with Abbey’s journey. I’d love to hear from you—what you thought of the books, what questions you have, or even what advice I can offer if you’re a writer. Someone once helped me the same way, and I want to pay that forward.”

In this simulcast episode of The Neil Haley Show and the Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Mitchell S. Karnes shares the latest updates from a busy season of book signings, speaking engagements, and his first-ever panel appearances at the Killer Nashville Conference. From building relationships with book clubs to connecting with readers one-on-one, Mitchell reflects on how his work as an author is also becoming a ministry.

Book Clubs on the Rise

• Mitchell recaps his recent appearance at the Rarity Bay Women’s Club (near Knoxville) with over 60 attendees.

• Several book club invitations have followed—including one in Johnson City and others via email/video.

• Even when unable to attend in person, Mitchell responds to book club questions, creating meaningful dialogue with readers.

• The most common question he receives: How can a man write authentically from a female perspective? His answer draws from years as a pastor, counselor, coach, and father of four daughters.

Killer Nashville Conference

• Mitchell reflects on his first Killer Nashville experience—initially invited to one panel, but ultimately joining three:

  • Writing Series Characters: crafting protagonists for long arcs versus standalone stories.

  • Red Herrings: creating twists that entertain while leaving the real clues intact.

  • Story Arcs: developing a multi-book journey (his current Abbey Rhodes arc is six books).

• With 300 authors present, book sales were limited, but the true value was in building connections and finding his niche as one of the few openly Christian mystery writers.

• Fellow authors encouraged by Mitchell’s faith-based angle approached him after sessions, some inspired to include faith more boldly in their own work.

Book Signings and Sales Growth

• Two recent book signings exceeded expectations: 49 books sold at one event and 36 at another, both surpassing his 25-book goal.

• One standout event was through his sister-in-law’s women’s club, where personal connections quickly turned into reader engagement and book sales.

• Lessons learned: readers prefer dialogue over monologues, and he plans to begin reading excerpts from the novels during future events.

One-on-One Ministry Through Fiction

• Mitchell shares how his books resonate with readers who have been hurt by the church or distanced from God.

• The stories open doors for conversations, with readers often wanting to pass books on to friends or family who’ve struggled in faith.

• Mitchell sees this as a continuation of his pastoral calling, but with a wider reach through fiction.

Expanding Connections

• Mitchell emphasizes the importance of personal engagement—whether through live events, email, or video calls.

• Invites readers to connect directly via his website or email for Q&A and interaction.

• Notes the upcoming launch of his newsletter, which will keep fans updated on events, new releases, and behind-the-scenes insights.

"The nicest thing for me is hearing from people who want to pass my books on to someone else who’s struggled with church or faith. That’s the ministry I hoped for all along." — Mitchell S. Karnes

• Website: mitchellskarnesauthor.com

• Books: Watergrave and The Least of These available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Audible, Apple Books, and independent bookstores.

• Email: Connect directly through his website to ask questions or invite Mitchell to your book club.

👉 Subscribe to the Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast for author insights, behind-the-scenes updates, and deeper conversations about faith, mystery, and storytelling.

Episode HighlightsKey Quote:Connect with Mitchell S. Karnes

In this special simulcast of The Neil Haley Show and the Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Mitchell shares the latest updates on his author journey—from panel appearances at a major writers’ conference to blog tour successes and upcoming live events. With The Least of These gaining traction and Watergrave sales climbing, Mitchell reflects on how momentum is building for the Abbey Rhodes mystery series and what’s next in his busy calendar.

Panel Discussions at Killer Nashville

• Mitchell previews his first panel appearances at Killer Nashville, one of the country’s premier conferences for mystery writers.

• He’ll participate in three sessions:

  • Creating Series Characters: how long-term protagonists differ from standalones.

  • Red Herrings: how many twists are too many in a mystery.

  • Story Arcs: developing multi-book journeys that keep readers hooked.

• Mitchell shares his mindset going in—balancing awe at being on stage with established authors while focusing on what he brings to the table.

The Power of Storytelling on Panels

• Neil offers encouragement to lean into storytelling, reminding Mitchell that audiences connect most with authentic, personal insights.

• Mitchell notes he’s likely the only Christian mystery author on the panels, which sets him apart and appeals to a unique audience.

Blog Tour Success

• The ongoing blog tour continues to deliver glowing reviews of The Least of These.

• Bloggers describe the novel as “riveting,” “driving,” and “compelling.”

• Mitchell appreciates that reviewers aren’t just summarizing his book but engaging deeply with the characters and themes.

Upcoming Events

• Rarity Bay Women’s Club (Post-Labor Day): Speaking to a large audience of 300 members plus an open invitation to the wider subdivision.

• PumpkinFest in Franklin, TN: A major community festival where Landmark Booksellers invited him back to sign books.

• Shepherd’s Pie Podcast: A Christian podcast appearance to expand reach into faith-based audiences.

• Additional fall events are being lined up to keep momentum going through the end of the year.

Why Being Published Matters

• Mitchell reflects on the tradeoff of earning less per copy with a publisher but gaining credibility, reach, and momentum that self-publishing alone rarely provides.

• With two books now available, readers are buying into the series—often purchasing both titles, boosting sales across the board.

Writing Updates

• Final revisions of Book Three are complete.

• Already over 5,000 words into Book Four, Mitchell shares his excitement about continuing Abby Rhodes’ journey.

• He hints at a middle-grade project (The Tracy Twins Mysteries) waiting in the wings when time allows.

Author Mindset: Passion and Persistence

• Mitchell emphasizes that writing doesn’t feel like work—it’s passion and purpose.

• Shares his philosophy: If you find something you love, it never feels like work.

• Acknowledges that persistence, patience, and consistent effort are what create real success—not “overnight” moments.

Call to Readers

• Mitchell invites readers, book clubs, and organizations nationwide to reach out and request him for speaking engagements.

• He’s open to traveling to new states, answering questions, and engaging with readers wherever they are.

"You just have to be willing to put yourself out there, believe in your product, and believe in yourself. The stories will resonate if you stay persistent." — Mitchell S. Karnes

• Website: mitchellskarnesauthor.com

• Books: Watergrave and The Least of These available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Audible, Apple Books, and wherever books are sold.

• Speaking Invitations: Mitchell is available for book clubs, panels, podcasts, and live events across the country.

👉 Subscribe to the Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast for more author insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and updates on the Abbey Rhodes mystery series.

Episode HighlightsKey Quote:Connect with Mitchell S. Karnes

In this exciting simulcast episode of The Neil Haley Show and the Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Mitchell celebrates the successful launch of his latest Abbey Rhodes mystery novel, The Least of These. With book sales climbing and momentum growing, Mitchell discusses the exciting upcoming promotional events scheduled across Tennessee.

Mitchell also dives deep into what he's learned from previous book signings, the crucial role persistence plays in promotion, and how an author's journey is more a marathon than a sprint. Additionally, he reflects on recent successes, including impressive audience growth on YouTube and positive reader responses to the audiobook giveaway.

Episode Highlights:

• Mitchell shares excitement about the release of the second Abbey Rhodes novel, The Least of These, noting increased sales and renewed reader interest in the first novel, Watergrave.

• Highlights the excitement of multiple upcoming events designed to engage readers directly.

Mitchell outlines his event calendar for the coming months:

• Barnes & Noble, Johnson City: Discussing the importance of foot traffic, engaging readers, and prior successes.

• Landmark Booksellers, Franklin, TN: Building on the success of the initial book launch and deepening local reader connections.

• Killer Nashville Conference: Presence at a major writers' conference, offering networking and broader audience engagement.

• Rarity Bay Women's Club, Knoxville Area: A large audience gathering and interactive Q&A session in an intimate community setting.

• Mitchell emphasizes the importance and success of interactive Q&A sessions, recounting how an audience member’s question sparked the idea of adapting the series into film and streaming formats.

• Discusses planning improvements for upcoming events—such as increased filming, photos, and personalized reader engagement.

• Reflects honestly on the challenges of self-promotion, highlighting the necessity of repetition, persistence, and unapologetically believing in one's work.

• Mitchell shares a powerful anecdote about learning persistence through the recent audiobook giveaway, highlighting the shift from initial silence to eventual enthusiastic engagement.

• Stresses the importance of realistic expectations and proactive pre-event promotion, including leveraging personal networks, social media, and visual storytelling through trailers.

• Suggests practical event tips such as designating a team for capturing content (photos and videos), preparing for logistical needs (book sales methods and autograph setups), and ensuring seamless customer experience.

• Neil and Mitchell share honest insights into the realities behind "overnight success" myths, emphasizing the many years of consistent hard work needed before achieving major milestones.

• Mitchell candidly discusses his growth in learning to appreciate all aspects of authorship: writing, editing, and now promotional efforts.

• Mitchell announces continued excitement about the Abbey Rhodes series’ trajectory, including early plans for movie and streaming adaptations.

• Explores new ideas, such as offering personalized autographed book sales directly through his website in the near future.

• Website: mitchellskarnesauthor.com

• Books & Audiobooks: Available at Amazon, Audible, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and local bookstores.

• Social Media: Stay tuned for ongoing news, event updates, and special announcements by following Mitchell on social media platforms.

Subscribe to the Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast for more insightful episodes about the author journey, behind-the-scenes content, and deeper explorations of Abbey Rhodes and her mysteries.

Celebrating the Launch of "The Least of These"Upcoming Book Signings and EventsLessons from Previous EventsThe Importance of Persistence in PromotionAdvice for New Authors and Promotion TipsReflections on Author PerseveranceExciting Future PlansConnect with Mitchell S. Karnes:

In this special simulcast episode of The Neil Haley Show and The Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, author Mitchell S. Karnes joins host Neil Haley to discuss the upcoming release of his latest mystery novel, "The Least of These," and the deeper themes it explores—crime, compassion, and the pressing homelessness crisis in Nashville.

Episode Highlights:

• Book Launch Excitement (0:00 - 2:00)
  Mitchell shares his anticipation and excitement surrounding the July 16th release of his new book. He previews upcoming signing events in Johnson City, Franklin, and Knoxville, Tennessee, including his appearance at the Killer Nashville Conference.

• Audiobook Giveaway and Engagement (2:01 - 4:00)
  Mitchell discusses the overwhelming response to his audiobook giveaway and encourages listeners to act quickly to claim a free audiobook copy. He highlights the compelling narration that brings protagonist Abbey Rhodes' unique voice to life.

• Synopsis of 'The Least of These' (4:01 - 6:00)
  Mitchell offers a detailed summary of the novel's gripping plot, involving dual murders—one in a homeless camp and another involving a wealthy man's son connected to Nashville’s East Bank Project. He emphasizes the book’s core message: every life has value, regardless of social status.

• Addressing Nashville’s Homeless Crisis (6:01 - 8:30)
  The author reflects on the importance of proactive, rather than reactive, solutions to homelessness. He critiques temporary handouts, advocating instead for sustained support, skill development, job training, and holistic assistance.

• The Church’s Role and Community Outreach (8:31 - 10:30)
  Mitchell shares insights from his pastoral experience, detailing how churches and local ministries, like Room In The Inn, Nashville Rescue Mission, and Salvation Army, play crucial roles in supporting homeless populations by providing resources such as shelter, job assistance, and spiritual guidance.

• Realities Behind Homelessness (10:31 - 13:00)
  The discussion dives deep into the varied backgrounds of those experiencing homelessness—from highly educated professionals facing financial crises to individuals struggling with mental illness or addiction. Mitchell underscores the necessity of addressing root causes rather than merely alleviating symptoms.

• Breaking the Cycle (13:01 - 15:00)
  Emphasizing education and empowerment, Mitchell advocates for teaching life skills and providing tangible resources, such as mailing addresses and phones, to help homeless individuals re-enter society effectively. He references the classic proverb, "Give a man a fish… Teach him to fish," as an essential approach for lasting change.

Key Quotes:

• "Death doesn't keep a schedule." – Mitchell S. Karnes

• "Every life has value, from the richest to the poorest." – Mitchell S. Karnes

• "Handouts are band-aids, not cures. Proactive assistance changes lives." – Mitchell S. Karnes

Resources Mentioned:

• Mitchell S. Karnes Author Website

• Organizations Supporting Nashville's Homeless:

  • Room In The Inn

  • Nashville Rescue Mission

  • Salvation Army

  • Grace Works

Upcoming Events:

• July 16th – Official Launch of "The Least of These"

• July 26th – Book signing in Johnson City

• Killer Nashville Conference – Special appearance

• Rarity Bay Women's Club, Knoxville – Author talk and signing event

In this special simulcast episode of The Neil Haley Show and the Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, Mitchell opens up about the deeper mission behind his acclaimed Abbey Rhodes mystery series. He shares his personal journey as a former pastor, counselor, and teacher, revealing how real-life experiences and encounters inspired Abbey Rhodes’ character and her compelling stories. Mitchell and Neil discuss important themes including faith struggles, church hurt, authenticity, and the importance of community. Mitchell also provides an honest look into his writing process, dealing with critique, perseverance, and the exciting future of his books, including screenplay adaptations.

The Heart Behind Abbey Rhodes:

• Mitchell candidly shares how Abbey Rhodes was inspired by his ministry experience and counseling interactions, highlighting the disconnect between authentic faith and church hypocrisy.

• Abbey Rhodes embodies readers who've faced church-related hurt, capturing their struggles and ultimately, their potential journey back to reconciliation.

Authenticity in Storytelling:

• Mitchell emphasizes creating authentic, relatable characters who represent real-life struggles rather than idealized versions of faith.

• He discusses how Abbey’s journey through tragedy, skepticism, and gradual healing resonates powerfully with readers.

Feedback from Diverse Readers:

• Mitchell highlights meaningful feedback from atheist readers and those hurt by religious institutions who found common ground and connection with Abbey’s character.

• His stories offer a relatable path for readers navigating their own complicated relationships with faith.

Balancing Entertainment and Message:

• Neil and Mitchell discuss maintaining narrative tension and entertainment value while presenting deep spiritual themes.

• Mitchell describes the intentional ups and downs of Abbey’s personal journey to keep readers emotionally invested.

Real-life Church Struggles in Fiction:

• Mitchell shares how real-life controversies and moral challenges within churches inspired key plot elements in the Abbey Rhodes novels.

• His novels aim to normalize conversations about faith struggles, imperfections, and authenticity within religious communities.

Challenges Facing Modern Churches:

• Mitchell addresses the pressures churches face today to conform to cultural trends, sometimes compromising biblical values and authentic community.

• He stresses the importance of genuine faith that is both preached and practiced outside the walls of the church.

From Pastor to Full-Time Author:

• Mitchell reflects on his transition away from pastoral ministry, acknowledging a new season and calling as an author.

• He highlights how writing has expanded his platform, allowing him to reach a global audience, including readers from Germany and the UK.

The Reality of Author Perseverance:

• Mitchell discusses the challenges authors face—such as criticism, self-doubt, and marketing hurdles—and the importance of persistence and resilience.

• He shares personal insights on managing critiques, editing processes, and the necessity of embracing constructive feedback to grow.

Exciting Developments and Adaptations:

• Mitchell reveals he's currently reviewing the screenplay draft for the adaptation of Watergrave, exploring the challenges of adapting a novel to screen format.

• He shares his excitement about reaching new audiences through film and streaming opportunities.

Key Advice for Aspiring Authors:

• Mitchell underscores the importance of perseverance and authentic enjoyment in the writing process.

• He encourages writers to see setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than personal rejections.

• Website: mitchellskarnesauthor.com

• Email: [email protected]

• Books Available on: Amazon, Audible, Apple, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold.

Episode Highlights:Connect with Mitchell S. Karnes: