Marj Charlier discusses her career journey from journalism to writing novels and self-publishing. She shares her experiences and challenges in the publishing industry, emphasizing the importance of patience and learning to take oneself seriously as a writer. Marj also discusses the rise in popularity of medieval fiction and the difficulties of researching and writing in that time period. She highlights the fascinating women of the early medieval period who defied societal norms and fought for their independence and power. She discusses her approach to researching historical events and finding surprising and intriguing stories. She shares examples from her own research, such as the rebellion by nuns in 589 and the prevalence of slavery during the time of the barbarian invasions. She also reflects on the parallels between historical events and current issues, highlighting the ongoing theme of mass migration throughout history. Charlier emphasizes the excitement of discovering new perspectives and the challenge of translating historical facts into engaging fiction. She also discusses the popularity of romance and fantasy genres and the difficulty of promoting historical fiction.

Find Marj: http://marjcharlier.com

Send us a message

Support the show

Page Chewing Blog

Page Chewing Forum

Film Chewing Podcast

Speculative Speculations Podcast

Support the podcast via PayPal

Join Riverside.fm

Co-Hosts and friends:

Jarrod

Varsha

Chris

Jose

Carl D. Albert (author)

Holly Tinsley (author)

Susana Imaginário (author)

Tim Hardie (author)

Thomas J. Devens (author)

Michael R. Fletcher (author)

Janny Wurts (author)

Find the episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1793148/15255719

In this part of the discussion, the group discusses the ending of The White Luck Warrior and focuses on the character of Esmenet. They appreciate the depth of Esmenet's character and her growth throughout the series. They also discuss the relationship between Esmenet and Maithanet and how it resolves quickly. The group reflects on the fallibility of the Dunyain and the fragility of power. They also discuss the character of Kelmomas and his twisted nature. The conversation ends with speculation about the mysterious voice that Kelmomas communicates with. 

Overall, they delve into the mysteries and complexities of the world of The Second Apocalypse. In this final part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the lack of altruism among the gods and the twisted nature of their worship. They also explore the theme of memory and its connection to purity and becoming.  They reflect on the dark and hopeless tone of the series and the absence of the brighter aspects of human nature. They draw parallels between Bakker's work and other literary works, such as Society of the Spectacle and The Lord of the Rings. The hosts share their favorite quotes and express their excitement for the next book.

Send us a message

Support the show

Page Chewing Blog

Page Chewing Forum

Film Chewing Podcast

Speculative Speculations Podcast

Support the podcast via PayPal

Join Riverside.fm

Co-Hosts and friends:

Jarrod

Varsha

Chris

Jose

Carl D. Albert (author)

Holly Tinsley (author)

Susana Imaginário (author)

Tim Hardie (author)

Thomas J. Devens (author)

Michael R. Fletcher (author)

Janny Wurts (author)

The discussion covers various topics related to the chapters 12 and 13 of The White Luck Warrior. It includes speculations about the characters, their dreams, and the significance of certain events. The conversation also delves into the nature of skin spies, the impact of the Great Ordeal, and the timeline of historical events within the story. The conversation delves into the historical timeline, the interpretation of the tusk, the revelation of characters' motives, and the complex relationships between characters. It also explores the manipulation and ulterior motives of key characters, as well as the enigmatic nature of Kellhus and the Nonmen. The discussion raises questions about the alliances, betrayals, and the potential impending conflict. The conversation delves into the complexities of character motivations, divine magic, and the nature of the gods in the story. It also explores the impact of battle scenes, the writing style of the author, and the interpretation of specific sequences in the book. The discussion touches on the emotional and narrative aspects of action sequences, as well as the portrayal of large-scale battles and the sense of dread they evoke. The conversation delves into the mysterious nature of the Korai and its connection to the divine, the concept of damnation and hubris, the horror elements in the story, and a discussion on book covers and their impact on sales. The hosts also share their social media and Patreon details for listeners to connect with them.

Send us a message

Support the show

Page Chewing Blog

Page Chewing Forum

Film Chewing Podcast

Speculative Speculations Podcast

Support the podcast via PayPal

Join Riverside.fm

Co-Hosts and friends:

Jarrod

Varsha

Chris

Jose

Carl D. Albert (author)

Holly Tinsley (author)

Susana Imaginário (author)

Tim Hardie (author)

Thomas J. Devens (author)

Michael R. Fletcher (author)

Janny Wurts (author)

Jane-Marie Auret discusses her background in literature and Arabic studies, her experience with mental health, and the impact of Freud's work. She also explores the concept of healing and the influence of social media on mental health. The conversation delves into the detrimental effects of social media addiction, the impact of online interactions on mental health, the concept of human insignificance in the vastness of space and time, and the importance of genuine human connection. It also explores the role of influencers in shaping opinions and the value of humility and sacrifice in teamwork.

Find Jane: https://janemarieauret.com/literary-magazine/

Send us a message

Support the show

Page Chewing Blog

Page Chewing Forum

Film Chewing Podcast

Speculative Speculations Podcast

Support the podcast via PayPal

Join Riverside.fm

Co-Hosts and friends:

Jarrod

Varsha

Chris

Jose

Carl D. Albert (author)

Holly Tinsley (author)

Susana Imaginário (author)

Tim Hardie (author)

Thomas J. Devens (author)

Michael R. Fletcher (author)

Janny Wurts (author)

The conversation with Cara Lopez Lee and Layla Goushey explores the themes of multiculturalism, identity, trauma, and the power of storytelling. Cara discusses her upcoming novel, Candlelight Bridge, which is inspired by her Mexican Chinese grandmother's stories and her own mixed-race heritage. She shares how she combined the backgrounds of her characters to create a compelling narrative and explores the cultural lenses through which they interact. The conversation also delves into the challenges of publishing a multicultural book and the need for more diverse voices in literature. Cara discusses her research trips to El Paso and China to ensure authenticity in her storytelling. She shares her personal journey of discovering her Chinese-Mexican heritage and the emotional impact it had on her. Cara also talks about the challenges of writing a sequel and the anticipation of releasing her deeply personal story to the world. The conversation touches on the importance of understanding history, the power of storytelling, and the complexities of human relationships.

Find Cara Lopez Lee: https://caralopezlee.com/

Find Layla Goushey: https://twitter.com/lgoushey

Send us a message

Support the show

Page Chewing Blog

Page Chewing Forum

Film Chewing Podcast

Speculative Speculations Podcast

Support the podcast via PayPal

Join Riverside.fm

Co-Hosts and friends:

Jarrod

Varsha

Chris

Jose

Carl D. Albert (author)

Holly Tinsley (author)

Susana Imaginário (author)

Tim Hardie (author)

Thomas J. Devens (author)

Michael R. Fletcher (author)

Janny Wurts (author)

Note: I realized I forgot to upload this one at the time of recording so I'm uploading it now. This will be out of order on the podcast list. My apologies.

Our reading group discusses the first four chapters of The Judging Eye, exploring themes of prophecy, lineage, and character development. They delve into the complex nature of the characters, the impact of dreams and visions, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. The conversation also touches on the concept of divine lineage and the manipulation of power. The conversation delves into the characters and themes of the book, exploring the psychological depth of the characters, the influence of external forces, and the philosophical and metaphysical aspects of the story. It also touches on historical and literary influences, as well as the evolution of the author's writing style. The conversation delves into the complex dynamics of the characters, their emotional struggles, and the unfolding of the plot. It explores themes of manipulation, family drama, the no-God, and the significance of the time jump. The speculation about the future events and the impact of the characters' actions is a key focus.

Send us a message

Support the show

Page Chewing Blog

Page Chewing Forum

Film Chewing Podcast

Speculative Speculations Podcast

Support the podcast via PayPal

Join Riverside.fm

Co-Hosts and friends:

Jarrod

Varsha

Chris

Jose

Carl D. Albert (author)

Holly Tinsley (author)

Susana Imaginário (author)

Tim Hardie (author)

Thomas J. Devens (author)

Michael R. Fletcher (author)

Janny Wurts (author)

In this conversation, Kirsten Weiss, a writer of mystery novels, discusses her journey as a writer and her latest book, 'Legacy of the Witch.' She talks about how her experiences working overseas influenced her storytelling and the inspiration she drew from folklore and the people she met. Kirsten also explains the concept of paranormal women's fiction and how she combined it with mystery elements in her new book. She shares her thoughts on middle-aged women in literature and the importance of representing their experiences. Kirsten also discusses the rise of indie publishing and the challenges of standing out in a market flooded with AI-generated books. In this conversation, Kirsten Weiss discusses the challenges of the publishing industry and the pressure of writing follow-up books. She also shares her experiences with tarot and the incorporation of magic and subconscious themes in her work. Kirsten recounts a bizarre encounter with fortune tellers in Kyrgyzstan and her belief in the power of tarot. She also talks about her upcoming book, 'Shadow of the Witch,' and the interactive elements she includes for readers.

Find Kirsten: https://19315050-dbe1-4318-9f0b-22d3ca06e174.usrfiles.com/ugd/193150_e35b851b8c224caa8e385e3b0f9a23dd.pdf

Send us a message

Support the show

Page Chewing Blog

Page Chewing Forum

Film Chewing Podcast

Speculative Speculations Podcast

Support the podcast via PayPal

Join Riverside.fm

Co-Hosts and friends:

Jarrod

Varsha

Chris

Jose

Carl D. Albert (author)

Holly Tinsley (author)

Susana Imaginário (author)

Tim Hardie (author)

Thomas J. Devens (author)

Michael R. Fletcher (author)

Janny Wurts (author)

In this discussion of chapters 10 and 11 of The White Luck Warrior, the participants explore various themes and character developments. They discuss the relationship between Sorwheel and Serwa, questioning whether she is intentionally manipulating him. They also delve into Kellhus' conversations with Proyas, pondering whether he is being sincere or manipulating him. The participants analyze the maturity of Sorwheel's thoughts and the influence of genetics and beliefs on the Dunyain. They also discuss the magic and horror elements in the story and the meandering nature of the plot. The chapter ends with a discussion about Sorweel's interaction with Yatwer. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss various themes and scenes from the book. They talk about the non-men and their otherworldly nature, the memory loss of the non-men, and the tension and creepiness they bring to the story. They also discuss Esmenet's treatment of the young girl in the whorehouse and the dark side of motherhood. The hosts speculate on the identity of the assassin and the role of the Four-Horned Brother. They also mention the theory that Ajokli is inside Kelmomas. Overall, they explore the complex and morally ambiguous aspects of the characters and their actions. In this final part of the conversation, the hosts discuss their confusion and desire for more information about the gods, damnation, and the afterlife in the series. They also explore the concept of the White Luck Warrior and its connection to the god of war. The hosts share their favorite quotes from the chapters and express their excitement for the upcoming battles and the development of characters like Akka and Mimara.

Send us a message

Support the show

Page Chewing Blog

Page Chewing Forum

Film Chewing Podcast

Speculative Speculations Podcast

Support the podcast via PayPal

Join Riverside.fm

Co-Hosts and friends:

Jarrod

Varsha

Chris

Jose

Carl D. Albert (author)

Holly Tinsley (author)

Susana Imaginário (author)

Tim Hardie (author)

Thomas J. Devens (author)

Michael R. Fletcher (author)

Janny Wurts (author)

JV Hilliard is an epic fantasy and dark fantasy author, known for his series called The Warminster Saga. He explores themes of struggle, redemption, unrequited love, and the hero's journey in his work. He draws inspiration from comics like The Dark Knight Batman series and the realistic approach of Game of Thrones. Hilliard emphasizes the importance of realism in fantasy novels, where bad things can happen to good people and the scars of battle remain even after victory. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities in the publishing industry, highlighting the benefits of independent publishing and the need for industry reform. In this conversation, JV Hilliard discusses the challenges of getting published in the traditional industry and the rise of indie authors. He highlights the importance of finding the right publishing house and the camaraderie among indie authors. Hilliard also shares his experience of selling his intellectual property (IP) for video games and graphic novels, emphasizing the need to be involved in the creative process while allowing for changes in the adaptation. He talks about the influence of tabletop games on his storytelling and the value of game testing his stories. Hilliard also provides insights for aspiring authors, including the importance of vetting publishers and considering the indie route.

Find J.V.: https://www.jvhilliard.com/

Send us a message

Support the show

Page Chewing Blog

Page Chewing Forum

Film Chewing Podcast

Speculative Speculations Podcast

Support the podcast via PayPal

Join Riverside.fm

Co-Hosts and friends:

Jarrod

Varsha

Chris

Jose

Carl D. Albert (author)

Holly Tinsley (author)

Susana Imaginário (author)

Tim Hardie (author)

Thomas J. Devens (author)

Michael R. Fletcher (author)

Janny Wurts (author)

Join us on an immersive journey into the heart of R. Scott Bakker's epic fantasy world as we delve deep into the latest installment, "The White Luck Warrior." In this riveting episode, our hosts Carl and Varsha lead a captivating discussion on the awe-inspiring battle scenes of chapters 7-9, marveling at the scale and vivid descriptions that bring the shrank battle to life.

As the conversation unfolds, the spotlight turns to the enigmatic non-men and their control over the shrank, sparking speculation on the beggar's lament and the intricate web of fate woven by the gods. Proyas's uncertain fate hangs in the balance, while the actions of the mysterious Inrilatas are dissected, revealing layers of tragedy and complexity.

But it's the enigmatic Kelmomas who steals the spotlight, his motivations shrouded in uncertainty. Carl and Varsha ponder whether his actions stem from a broader plan or are driven purely by emotion, while exploring the dangerous allure of the Kiiri and its addictive grip on those who dare to wield its power.

Amidst the chaos, the intricate dynamics between Maithanet and Esmenet come into focus, fraught with danger and conflicting emotions. Could Kelmomas hold the key to unlocking a divine connection, or is his fate bound to the whims of fate?

Join us as we unravel the mysteries of "The White Luck Warrior," exploring the tangled web of fate, ambition, and desire that binds its characters together. With each revelation, the future becomes more uncertain, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this spellbinding saga. 

Send us a message

Support the show

Page Chewing Blog

Page Chewing Forum

Film Chewing Podcast

Speculative Speculations Podcast

Support the podcast via PayPal

Join Riverside.fm

Co-Hosts and friends:

Jarrod

Varsha

Chris

Jose

Carl D. Albert (author)

Holly Tinsley (author)

Susana Imaginário (author)

Tim Hardie (author)

Thomas J. Devens (author)

Michael R. Fletcher (author)

Janny Wurts (author)