In this episode of The BrightWord Books Podcast, we sit down with debut author Mark Levy to explore his gripping new novel, What a Mess: Blackmail. With a background as a Marine Corps veteran and second-degree black belt, Mark shares how his diverse life experiences shaped his journey into fiction writing. We dive into the emotional and psychological layers of his story, discussing themes of infidelity, moral ambiguity, and the destructive power of secrets. Mark opens up about the creation of his complex protagonist, Captain Jim Clinton, whose internal struggles and tangled relationships drive a suspenseful, character-rich narrative. From the spark that inspired the novel to the challenges of transitioning into a writing career, this conversation offers listeners an intimate look at the making of What a Mess: Blackmail—a story where blackmail is just the beginning.