This week on the Weekly Update, I share some exciting milestones for Page Chewing. The podcast has officially reached Captivate's monetization threshold, memberships are now available, and I've been booked with author interviews all the way into October.

I also talk about why I'm restarting Carpentry and the Elven Forest, the next stage of our The Second Apocalypse spoiler-filled reread, upcoming Panel Chewing episodes, and my plans for future community readalongs, including a chapter-by-chapter return to Blood Meridian.

Plus, I share some behind-the-scenes stories from interviewing authors, why genuine conversations matter, and what I've learned from speaking with so many creative people over the past few weeks.

Whether you're here for fantasy, comics, author interviews, or just to hear what's happening behind the scenes at Page Chewing, thanks for listening and being part of the journey.

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The spoiler-filled reread of The Second Apocalypse continues as we tackle Part II: The Emperor from The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker.

This section shifts the focus from Achamian to the political chaos surrounding Emperor Xerius III, introducing one of fantasy's most entertainingly paranoid rulers while laying even more pieces on Bakker's enormous chessboard. On a reread, it's remarkable how much is happening beneath the surface.

We discuss Xerius' blend of brilliance and delusion, the Consult's subtle manipulation of the Nansur court, early clues surrounding the Skin Spies, and the political maneuvering driving the coming Holy War. We also revisit Cnaiür's tragic introduction, Moënghus' mysterious influence, and one of the series' first major battles, viewed very differently now that we know where the story ultimately leads.

Along the way, we speculate about hidden gods, revisit details that may have been quietly foreshadowing events thousands of pages later, and enjoy some of the surprisingly dark humor that often gets overlooked in Bakker's work.

As always, this discussion contains major spoilers for the entire Second Apocalypse series, including The Aspect-Emperor novels. If you haven't finished all seven books, consider this your warning before listening.

Welcome back to Beyond the Page, the Page Chewing interview series where we explore the stories behind the storytellers.

In this episode, Steve sits down with horror author Alex Grass, whose latest collection, Infernal Tramps: Tales of Weird Terror, embraces cosmic horror, body horror, and the wonderfully strange corners of speculative fiction.

The conversation begins with horror but quickly expands into a thoughtful discussion about creativity, publishing, addiction and recovery, classic literature, and the experiences that shape both writers and their stories.

Together they discuss:

• Infernal Tramps: Tales of Weird Terror
• What defines weird fiction and cosmic horror
• Body horror and the influence of David Cronenberg and Clive Barker
• Writing short stories versus novels
• The changing world of publishing and independent authors
• Why reading widely makes better writers
• Favorite horror films and unforgettable book endings
• Balancing writing with family life
• Recovery, honesty, and finding purpose beyond addiction
• Why authentic human connection matters to both writers and readers

Along the way, Alex shares stories from his unique career path—including time studying mortuary science and law—and explains why some of the darkest fiction often comes from writers who are simply trying to better understand the human experience.

Whether you're a horror fan, an aspiring writer, or someone interested in thoughtful conversations about creativity and life, this episode offers an engaging look beyond the page.

(Amazon Affiliate Links)

Guest: Alex Grass: https://amzn.to/4yjsh8W

Featured Book: Infernal Tramps: Tales of Weird Terror: https://amzn.to/4yhrnKl

Welcome back to Beyond the Page, the Page Chewing interview series where we go beyond the stories and explore the people who create them.

In this episode, Steve sits down with John David, author of the award winning thriller The Bystander, longtime public relations and crisis communication consultant, nonfiction author, and corporate ghostwriter.

Drawing on decades of experience in communications, John shares his fascinating journey from writing nonfiction business books to crafting suspense novels that tackle timely and thought-provoking issues.

Together they discuss:

Writing the award-winning thriller The Bystander

Transitioning from nonfiction to fiction

Traditional publishing vs. self-publishing

The realities of finding an agent and publisher

Marketing books in today's publishing landscape

Book awards and whether they help authors grow

Corporate ghostwriting and what the job actually involves

Crisis communication, online reputation, and social media

Writing complex stories around controversial topics without preaching

How politics, culture, and current events influence modern fiction

The conversation also explores the slow pace of publishing, building a readership, creating a successful book series, and the challenges every new author faces after typing "The End."

Whether you're an aspiring writer, a publishing enthusiast, or simply enjoy thoughtful conversations about storytelling and the creative process, this episode offers an honest and insightful look behind the curtain of the publishing industry.

Guest: John David

Featured Book: The Bystander

Thanks for listening, and let's go Beyond the Page.

In this episode, Steve sits down with Angela Page, author, playwright, screenwriter, filmmaker, and president of the South Florida chapter of the Women's National Book Association.

Angela shares the remarkable true story that inspired her latest novel, Enrico G., based on her great-grandfather's extraordinary life in Italy and New York during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The conversation explores the challenges of transforming family history into compelling fiction while preserving the spirit of the people who inspired it.

Together they discuss:

• The true story behind Enrico G.
• Adapting stories between novels, screenplays, and stage plays
• Traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing
• Marketing books in today's publishing landscape
• Turning books into films and television projects
• AI as a tool for writers
• Finding writing communities and professional support
• Balancing historical accuracy with engaging storytelling
• Writing about difficult and controversial subjects with empathy and humor
• Why it's never too late to pursue a creative career

Angela also shares practical advice for aspiring authors, from querying publishers and avoiding common publishing pitfalls to building a long-term writing career in an ever changing industry.

Whether you're a reader fascinated by historical fiction or a writer looking to navigate today's publishing world, this episode offers an insightful conversation about creativity, perseverance, and the many paths that lead to telling meaningful stories.

Guest: Angela Page https://angelapage.net/

Featured Book: Enrico G. https://amzn.to/44uLFlX

Warning: This discussion contains major spoilers for all seven books of The Second Apocalypse, including events from The Unholy Consult. If this is your first journey through the series, we strongly recommend reading the novels before listening.

In this episode, Sean and I dive into Part I: The Sorcerer, revisiting the opening chapters with the benefit of knowing where the story ultimately leads. What once seemed like simple worldbuilding now reveals itself as an astonishing web of foreshadowing, hidden clues, and philosophical foundations that shape the entire seven-book series.

We discuss Achamian's role as the emotional heart of the story, the introduction of the Mandate Schoolmen, the first appearances of Skin-Spies and the Consult, the growing influence of Maithanet, and the early hints surrounding the Holy War. We also explore Bakker's use of the Seswatha Dreams, the nature of sorcery, the Outside, fate versus free will, and how compassion functions in a world built on manipulation.

Along the way, we revisit Esmenet's heartbreaking introduction, laugh about Achamian's infamous "morning apocalypse," and marvel at just how much Bakker quietly establishes in only a handful of chapters.

Whether you're revisiting Earwa for the tenth time or following along after finishing the series, join us as we examine the details, speculate about long-term connections, and inevitably miss a few things along the way.

In the second episode of Beyond the Page, Steve sits down with author Jared Maxwell to discuss his crime noir novel, Code of Vengeance, and the real-world experiences that helped shape its story.

Drawing from a career in the military and law enforcement, Jared shares how those experiences influenced his writing while explaining why he believes the best stories are built on complex characters rather than simple heroes and villains.

Together they discuss:

• The inspiration behind Code of Vengeance
• Creating the "Florida Noir" genre
• Using dark comedy to explore serious subjects
• Storytelling, character development, and writing morally gray protagonists
• The influence of Alien, Aliens, Breaking Bad, and classic noir fiction
• Leadership lessons from the military
• The realities of law enforcement compared to Hollywood
• How writing became a form of therapy and creative expression

The conversation wraps up with a few fun rapid-fire questions covering zombie survival, unusual food combinations, first jobs, and more.

Whether you're interested in crime fiction, thriller writing, military experiences, or the creative process behind unforgettable characters, this episode offers an insightful look beyond the finished novel.

Guest: Jared Maxwell

Featured Book: Code of Vengeance

Thanks for listening, and let's go Beyond the Page.

Podcast equipment used (Amazon Affiliate links):

Rodecaster Duo

Rode PSA1+ Professional Studio Arm

Rode Procaster Microphone

This week on Panel Chewing, Steve and Jarrod review another stack of new comics, discussing standout releases, surprising disappointments, and the books that earned a spot on this week's Pick of the Week.

The conversation includes thoughts on Absolute Martian Manhunter, Absolute Superman, The Hab, Powers 25, Odin, Ezra Cain: Mysteries of the Peril Brutal Dark, American Caper, The Punisher, and more.

In the second half of the episode, they continue their Lone Wolf and Cub readalong with Volume 7, exploring how Ogami's growing reputation changes the world around him while Daigoro begins to emerge as a character with his own sense of honor and identity. They discuss the volume's blend of self-contained stories, memorable sword fights, and the quiet moments that make the legendary manga one of the greatest character-driven series ever created.

Welcome to the very first episode of Beyond the Page, the Page Chewing interview series where we sit down with authors, creators, and storytellers to explore the ideas and passions behind their work.

For our inaugural episode, Steve is joined by fantasy author T.J. Cooper, author of A Shadows Vendetta: A Bond of Silver Book One.

Together they discuss:

• Writing classic epic fantasy in today's publishing landscape
• The inspiration behind A Shadows Vendetta
• Tolkien, Joe Abercrombie, Ray Bradbury, and other literary influences
• The realities of self-publishing and creating a professional book
• Worldbuilding, character creation, and pacing
• Favorite comics, the Absolute Universe, and indie recommendations
• The creative process behind planning an entire fantasy series

The conversation wraps up with a few fun rapid-fire questions about favorite family recipes, zombie survival, first jobs, and more.

Whether you're a fantasy reader, an aspiring author, or simply enjoy hearing creators talk about their craft, this is a great place to begin the Beyond the Page journey.

Guest: T.J. Cooper

Book: A Shadows Vendetta: A Bond of Silver Book One