The Fearless Storyteller

Courtney Kenney is a science fiction author and non-fiction book launch expert. 

With fifteen books under her belt, one might not expect to hear that today’s guest spent several years disconnected from her creativity or even reading for joy. 

But when Courtney was laid off in 2015, it was a wake-up call. She realized she was burned out and it was time to do something more enjoyable with her life. 

Leveraging her project management skills, she started a successful book launch business and began writing non-fiction books. Just two years later, she’d also found the courage to start writing novels.

To learn more about Courtney’s unique journey, setting creative habits, and adopting a learning mindset, be sure to listen to today’s episode of The Fearless Storyteller podcast. 

About The Fearless Storyteller:

Are you finding this podcast to be a valuable resource? Learn how to support the show (and be benefited in return) on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/ethanfreckleton

Intro Song: “Unlimited Love” (instrumental version) by Ethan Freckleton & Lucas Clebsch

To learn more about Courtney Kenney's non-fiction work, visit projectmanagerwriter.com.

For her fiction, visit cameroncoral.com.

Cass Morris is a historical fantasy author and Shakespeare enthusiast.

She’s always loved storytelling. At the age of 4, she created an expansive sequel to The Last Unicorn and made her friends play out all the parts. By the age of 12, she was reading Shakespeare and traveling with her family to see theatre productions. 

Her love of Shakespeare persisted into adulthood; Cass wrote her Master’s thesis on relationship dynamics in Shakespeare and ancient Rome. She also emerged with a mastery of using rhetorical devices to create unique character voices. That love of character and voice has carried over into her own work on the Aven Cycle, a Roman-flavored historical fantasy released by DAW Books. 

To learn more about Cass Morris, be sure to listen to today’s episode of The Fearless Storyteller podcast.

About The Fearless Storyteller:

Are you finding this podcast to be a valuable resource? Learn how to support the show (and be benefited in return) on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/ethanfreckleton

Intro Song: “Unlimited Love” (instrumental version) by Ethan Freckleton & Lucas Clebsch

To learn more about Cass Morris, visit cassmorriswrites.com.

Piper J. Drake is a bestselling multi-genre hybrid author. 

She wrote her first stories doodling in the margins while attending high school and college courses. 

After setting aside books and writing for a relationship that didn’t work out, she decided to reclaim her first love. 

In 2010, Piper submitted to and won a contest. The book was signed to a deal and so began her publishing career.

She’s since published over 20 works, spanning the genres of romantic suspense, paranormal romance, science fiction, and fantasy.

To learn more about Piper’s journey, growing up with Thai roots, and learning to embrace the romance genre, be sure to listen to today’s episode of The Fearless Storyteller podcast.

About The Fearless Storyteller:

Are you finding this podcast to be a valuable resource? Learn how to support the show (and be benefited in return) on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/ethanfreckleton

Intro Song: “Unlimited Love” (instrumental version) by Ethan Freckleton & Lucas Clebsch

Learn more about Piper at piperjdrake.com.

Hervé Cohen is an award-winning documentary filmmaker focused on capturing the essence of the human experience.  

Born in Paris, France, Hervé studied law for five years before deciding to jump into film. While he never practiced law, he credits his studies for training him to defend his ideas and for making him a better writer.

Before he begins any project, he uses his writing process to uncover his point-of-view. Knowing why he wants to make a film and what he wants to express helps him create a more compelling, focused project—and that clarity also increases the likelihood of finding funders for his work.

To learn more about today’s guest, his life’s work, and why collaboration matters, be sure to listen to today’s episode of The Fearless Storyteller podcast. 

About The Fearless Storyteller:

Are you finding this podcast to be a valuable resource? Learn how to support the show (and be benefited in return) on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ethanfreckleton

Intro Song: “Unlimited Love” (instrumental version) by Ethan Freckleton & Lucas Clebsch

To learn more about today's guest, visit www.hervecohen.com.

Check out Life Underground.

Tiffany D. Jackson is a critically-acclaimed author of YA novels and has a background in TV and Film. 

Growing up, she always wanted to be a writer, but that was a scary dream for a family of immigrants. She was able to convince her parents to let her do a film program instead. 

Midway into a successful career in film, she applied the hustle and gumption she’d learned—along with a deeper understanding of audience and pacing—and started writing novels.

It wasn’t easy. Tiffany credits her mentor with talking her out of quitting. And also, for giving her feedback that unlocked all the success that would follow. 

To learn more about Tiffany, using her experiences to tell impactful stories, and why writing a quality first novel saved her career, be sure to listen to today’s episode of The Fearless Storyteller podcast. 

About The Fearless Storyteller:

Are you finding this podcast to be a valuable resource? Learn how to support the show (and be benefited in return) on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/ethanfreckleton

Intro Song: “Unlimited Love” (instrumental version) by Ethan Freckleton & Lucas Clebsch

To learn more about Tiffany D. Jackson visit her at www.writeinbk.com.

Dave Hill is a comedian, writer, and musician.

After playing in bands and getting a record deal, his sister—a journalist—helped him break into the writing field. But: “I realized early on that I only really liked writing jokes.”

He drifted from Cleveland to NYC, where he continued to write freelance pieces while also contributing to TV shows. He then landed his own show, The King of Miami, and later his first book deal (with St. Martin’s Press). 

There’s more to Dave’s story, of course, but at the center of his process is a commitment to creative play, staying in the flow, and seeing what happens. 

To learn more, be sure to listen to today’s episode of The Fearless Storyteller podcast.

About The Fearless Storyteller:

Are you finding this podcast to be a valuable resource? Learn how to support the show (and be benefited in return) on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/ethanfreckleton

Intro Song: “Unlimited Love” (instrumental version) by Ethan Freckleton & Lucas Clebsch

Learn more about Dave Hill at www.davehillonline.com.

J.R. Johansson is the author of Young Adult and Adult Thrillers, with books published in over a dozen languages.

But up until a decade ago, J.R. never thought she could be an author. It was only when she started writing as a form of escape and therapy that she ended up with a complete first draft. Realizing that the process was fun and cathartic, she kept writing (and rewriting). 

J.R. credits much of her success to finding a critique group online. With an array of unique strengths to draw upon, all six went on to land agents. The rest, as they say, is history.

To learn more about today’s guest, her writing process, and giving yourself permission to write a bad first draft, be sure to listen to today’s episode of The Fearless Storyteller podcast.

About The Fearless Storyteller:

Are you finding this podcast to be a valuable resource? Learn how to support the show (and be benefited in return) on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ethanfreckleton

Intro Song: “Unlimited Love” (instrumental version) by Ethan Freckleton & Lucas Clebsch

To learn more about today's guest, visit jrjohansson.com.

Marshall Ryan Maresca is the traditionally published author of twelve fantasy novels spread across four interlinked series.

His fantasy world began in 1993 with the drawing of a map that evolved over the years until finally, in 2007, he had a clear concept for his novels. Hedging his bets, Marshall had three series starters written or in-progress by the time he landed his first book deal.

When we talked, it was clear that Marshall is still fired up about his creative process and shows no signs of slowing down. 

To learn more about today’s guest, his thoughts of remaining relevant in the Fantasy genre, and his world building podcast, be sure to listen to today’s episode of The Fearless Storyteller podcast.

About The Fearless Storyteller:

Learn how to support the show (and be benefited in return) on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/ethanfreckleton

Intro Song: “Unlimited Love” (instrumental version) by Ethan Freckleton & Lucas Clebsch

Follow @MarshallMaresca on Twitter

Adam Wade is a bestselling author, comedian, and winner of 20 SLAMS at The Moth.

His storytelling journey began when he declared as a Film Major in college, despite a lukewarm reception from his family. After graduating, he moved to New York to pursue his dream of making it in “the business.” 

By day, Adam worked as a production assistant and later as a producer. By night, he continually honed his craft and evolved his relationship with fear.

If you’d like to learn how today’s guest finally overcame his stagefright to become a bestselling, award-winning storyteller, be sure to listen to today’s episode of The Fearless Storyteller podcast. 

About The Fearless Storyteller:

Learn how to support the show (and be benefited in return) on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/ethanfreckleton

Intro Song: “Unlimited Love” (instrumental version) by Ethan Freckleton & Lucas Clebsch

To learn more about Adam, visit www.adamwade.com.

J. Daniel Sawyer is the author of over 70 novels and short stories and co-host of The Every Day Novelist podcast. 

In today’s episode, we talk about:

* Learning by doing.

* The difference between Art and Craft.

* How pre-Internet radio dramas influenced his writing. 

* The essence of creation. 

* Seeking out diversity of thought, belief, and experience.

* The power of written language. 

* Cancel culture.

* His publishing business strategy. 

If there’s one thing that stands out about today’s guest, it’s his love of books. To learn more, be sure to listen to today’s episode of The Fearless Storyteller podcast!

About The Fearless Storyteller:

Are you finding this podcast to be a valuable resource? Learn how to support the show (and be benefited in return) on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/ethanfreckleton

Intro Song: “Unlimited Love” (instrumental version) by Ethan Freckleton & Lucas Clebsch

For more info about today's guest, be sure to visit jdsawyer.net.