Join host Theresa Bakken for a captivating conversation with Austin-based author Scott Semegran and Brooklyn-born narrator Brian P. Craig about their latest collaboration, Starman After Midnight. This literary fiction novel explores unlikely friendships, neighborhood mysteries, and the power of human connection in our divided times.

Discover the story behind a naked man appearing on porch cameras, missing pets, and how two neighbors with opposing political views find common ground. Scott and Brian discuss the creative process, the art of audiobook narration, and how weather, technology, and serendipity weave through this unique tale.

Episode Length: ~52 minutes

Scott Semegran - Austin, Texas-based author of literary fiction, including The Codger and the Sparrow (featured on Desideratum in 2024) and Starman After Midnight. Scott writes character-driven stories with humor, heart, and unexpected depth.

Brian P. Craig - Audiobook narrator with an acting background who grew up in Brooklyn, New York. Brian brings Scott's characters to life with nuanced performances that capture both the humor and emotional complexity of the stories.

[0:00 - 4:30] Introduction & Recording Setup

• The challenges of home recording studios
• Managing temperature and equipment noise
• The gift of getting lost in creative work

[4:30 - 14:00] The Narrator-Author Partnership

• How Brian's voice blends perfectly with Scott's narrative style
• The difference between "by the numbers" mysteries and literary fiction
• Why this collaboration works so well

[14:00 - 23:00] Physical Description & Cinematic Writing

• Scott's vivid character descriptions (the "human-sized farm egg" moment)
• How detailed imagery helps narration
• The cinematic quality of the storytelling

[23:00 - 35:00] Literary Fiction vs. Genre

• Character-driven, voice-forward storytelling
• Why readers either love it or hate it
• The importance of humor in dark narratives

[35:00 - 48:00] The Neighborhood as Character

• How proximity forces connection
• The role of weather (ice storms, tornadoes, drought) as a unifying force
• Real-life inspiration from Austin's 2022 ice storm

[48:00 - 1:05:00] Unlikely Friendship Across Political Divides

• Seth (progressive writer) and Big Dave (MAGA plumber)
• How the friendship develops despite ideological differences
• The importance of face-to-face interaction vs. online conflict

[1:05:00 - 1:20:00] The Starman Mystery

• A naked man appearing on neighborhood security cameras
• Missing and dead pets
• The "Hey Neighbor" app and social media hysteria
• The yellow asterisk that gives Starman his name

[1:20:00 - 1:30:00] Featured Audio Excerpt

• Hank the Uber driver's story
• The great horned owl scene
• Brian's masterful pacing and vocal performance

[1:30:00 - 1:45:00] Technology & Community

• The double-edged sword of neighborhood apps
• How online information differs from face-to-face conversation
• The physicality of in-person conflict and resolution

[1:45:00 - 2:00:00] Unexpected Elements

• The Farmer's Almanac as common ground
• Rural vs. urban perspectives
• Finding shared language across divides

[2:00:00 - 2:15:00] Magic & Mystery

• The Melon Girl and magical realism
• Nature's unpredictability
• The Log Lady inspiration from Twin Peaks

[2:15:00 - 2:30:00] The Audiobook Format

• Why this experimental structure works in audio
• 10 poems, 10 short stories, and a 10-chapter novella
• The challenge of multiple narrative forms

Purchase the audiobook from Libro.fm to support your local independent bookstore. Here's the Desideratum Podcast affiliate link:
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=970873&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9798218769482

Scott Semegran

• Website: https://scottsemegran.com/

Brian P. Craig

• Website: https://brianpcraigvoice.actor/