In Part 2 of our conversation with David Rodriguez, we dive deeper into his journey as a storyteller across multiple creative mediums, including comics, novels, and tabletop games. Best known for works like Starkweather: Immortal, Gossamyr, and his first superhero comic BattleMex, David shares how stories about young heroes confronting impossible odds have shaped his narratives. We discuss the challenges of crafting compelling characters, building immersive worlds, and weaving through themes that resonate across genres. Whether you're a fan of epic tales, superhero adventures, or behind-the-scenes insights into the creative process, this episode is packed with inspiration and fascinating stories from David's career.

🎧 Join us for an unforgettable exploration of storytelling, creativity, and the art of world-building.

Keywords: David Rodriguez, Diablo IV, Vessel of Hatred, narrative director, storytelling, comics, novels, tabletop games, BattleMex, Starkweather: Immortal, Gossamyr, superhero comics, young heroes, creative process, world-building, epic stories, gaming narrative, podcast, storytelling across mediums, character-driven narratives.

Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠license⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

On this episode of The NoNaMe Storyteller Podcast, we explore the incredible writing journey of David Rodriguez, Narrative Director of Diablo IV and its expansion Vessel of Hatred. From a childhood immersed in RPGs and tabletop games to majoring in musical theater and creating superhero stunt shows complete with ninjas rappelling from the ceiling, David’s unique background set the stage for his career in gaming.

David shares how he started as a game writer, experienced early success, and navigated a major career setback. A pivotal opportunity to write for Skylanders and the Transformers DS games brought him back, leading to his transition into AAA mature titles. With the launch of Diablo IV, David reflects on finally feeling he’s “arrived” and celebrates the positive fan reactions to his work.

Listen as David dives into the craft of game writing, from the fast-paced, iterative process to finding the emotional weight in epic cutscenes. A must-hear for gamers, storytellers, and anyone fascinated by the art of creating unforgettable gaming experiences!

Keywords: David Rodriguez, Diablo IV, Vessel of Hatred, video game narrative, storytelling in gaming, AAA titles, Ground Control: Dark Conspiracy, Hunter: The Reckoning, Skylanders: Swap Force, game writing, emotional storytelling, fan reactions, overcoming setbacks, resilience in gaming, game industry career, action-packed franchises, narrative director, creative journey, humble beginnings, gaming industry insights.

This is Part 1 of 2! In the next episode, David rejoins us to dive deeper into his passion for comics, novel writing, and tabletop game design—don’t miss it!

Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠license⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Craig DiLouie, a prolific author and full-time writer, joins the NoNaMe Storyteller podcast to share his insights into the art and craft of storytelling. We dive deep into his writing process, including how he blends plotting and "pantsing" to build compelling narratives and follows frameworks like The Hero's Journey to shape plot points and character arcs. Craig also emphasizes the importance of research and preparation, offering practical advice for aspiring writers. One of his top recommendations? The 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller by John Truby. A professional marketer, Craig shares tips for building community and promoting books. We also highlight his latest work, Episode Thirteen (Hachette), a found-footage horror novel with paranormal investigators. Featuring co-hosts Aki Liao and Al McDermid and guest co-host Patrick Banayo, this episode is a must-listen for writers and horror fans alike.

Keywords:
Craig DiLouie, horror novels, WWII fiction, Episode Thirteen Hachette, Our War, zombie fiction, Tooth and Nail, Suffer the Children, The Infection, Permuted Press, Simon & Schuster, Zombiecon, Armor series, Crash Dive series, found-footage horror, writing advice, book marketing, NoNaMe Storyteller podcast, Al McDermid, Patrick Banayo.

Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠license⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

In this episode of The NoNaMe Storyteller Podcast, Al and Aki dive deep into the noir influences that shaped their Frank Keegan noir series, joined by guest co-host Patrick. From classics like The Big Sleep and The Maltese Falcon to neo-noir gems like Blade Runner, they break down how legends like Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, Ross MacDonald, and Jim Thompson impacted their work. The conversation expands to adaptations of Red Harvest, including Akira Kurosawa's Yojimbo and Last Man Standing with Bruce Willis, as well as James Ellroy’s L.A. Confidential—both the book and the film.

The trio explores hallmark noir elements such as moral ambiguity, flawed characters, and shadowy storytelling worlds while also discussing their discarded manuscript Lost Daughters and the characters they ultimately omitted. They highlight the influence of Professor Mimi Henriksen, American history historian from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, whose work inspired historical undercurrents in their writing.

In addition, Al, Aki, and Patrick discuss the works of prolific crime and thriller writer John Sandford, reflecting on how his compelling storytelling and meticulous pacing inform their own creative process. They also go through a list of common mystery plots to see which ones sound familiar to you. Plus, Al and Aki reveal a potentially big mistake they may have made in the Frank Keegan series—listen in and decide for yourself if it’s important or not!

Whether you’re a fan of hardboiled detectives, neo-noir sci-fi, or American history woven into dark fiction, this episode offers a fascinating look into the inspirations, challenges, and creative process behind Frank Keegan.

Keywords: Noir influences, The Big Sleep, Blade Runner, Frank Keegan series, Al and Aki, Lost Daughters manuscript, discarded characters, classic noir, neo-noir, Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, Ross MacDonald, Jim Thompson, Red Harvest, Yojimbo, Last Man Standing, L.A. Confidential, James Ellroy, John Sandford, crime fiction, thriller writing, Professor Mimi Henriksen, American history, University of Hawaii at Manoa, moral ambiguity, hardboiled detectives, noir storytelling, common mystery plots, big creative mistake, flawed characters, shadowy worlds, storytelling podcast, NoNaMe Storyteller podcast, neo-noir sci-fi, mystery series, dark fiction, creative process.

Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠license⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Kick off the new year with a special mini-reunion of creative minds on NoNaMe Storytellers! Al and Aki are joined by guest co-host Mark Smylie, special guest Alice Liao, and legendary comic book storyteller Joe Illidge. Together, they explore the art of crafting compelling stories, starting with Joe’s work on The House of IL for IntraLinks, alongside artist Sean Wang and colorist Jennifer Rodgers. Alice Liao, the thread connecting this Archaia Studios Press reunion, helps tie together a vibrant discussion about storytelling themes, influences like Battlestar Galactica, Simon Sinek, and Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point, and the enduring lessons from Joseph Campbell’s Hero with a Thousand Faces. Joe shares why characters facing their fears is the heart of great storytelling and gives a sneak peek into his upcoming spy thriller project Bloodletter, set in the Spawn universe, created with Tim Seeley for Image Comics. A must-listen for creators and fans alike!

www.josephillidge.com

www.seanwang.com

www.jenniferrodgers.com

Key words: Joe Illidge, Mark Smylie, Storytelling themes, The House of IL, Joseph Campbell, Malcolm Gladwell, DC Milestone Shadow Cabinet, Todd McFarlane's Spawn, Characters facing fears, Inspirational storytelling, Archaia reunion, V2.

Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠license⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

In this experimental episode of The NoNaMe Storyteller Podcast, the gang takes on the role of storytelling detectives, breaking down the 1970 classic Kelly's Heroes to uncover the structure that makes it a successful, memorable movie that still holds up nearly 55 years later.

Joined by special guest co-hosts Mark Smylie and Patrick Banayo, they analyze the film's genre-bending brilliance, sharp social commentary, and unforgettable characterizations. Together, they investigate the story structure and thematic elements that continue to resonate with audiences across decades.

If this new format strikes gold, the team will return with another episode exploring a lesser-known gem—because every great movie has a story to tell.

Keywords: Kelly's Heroes, storytelling, story structure, plot analysis, character development, genre-blending, timeless classics, heist movies, cinematic storytelling, Patrick Banyo, Mark Smylie, social commentary, film breakdown, hidden gems, NoNaMe Storyteller podcast.

Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠license⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

In this episode of NoNaMe Storytellers, hosts Al, Aki, and Joshua (along with guest co-host Mark Smylie) talk with Brian Petkash, author of Mistakes by the Lake, a heartfelt tribute to Cleveland's history and gritty character. Brian discusses his unique first-draft process with pen and paper, teaching Shakespeare to socio-economically disadvantaged students, and his marketing strategies after a canceled book tour. They also explore strategies for overcoming writer's block, writing bleak yet nostalgic stories, and Brian’s advice to start writing and give yourself some grace. A must-listen for writers and Cleveland enthusiasts, this episode dives deep into storytelling’s power and resilience.

Keywords: Cleveland, Mistakes by the Lake, Brian Petkash, novellas, short stories, nostalgia, Henry IV, bleak stories, teaching high school English, socio-economically disadvantaged students, marketing books, first-draft process, pen and paper, writer's block, grace in writing, writing journey.

Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠license⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

In this episode of NoNaMe Storytellers, co-hosts Aki, Al and Celeste (along with special guest co-host Mark Smylie) delve into the storytelling essentials from genre vs. story to scriptwriting versus novel writing. They explore the unique influences of 90s cop shows, noir, and the Hays Code on narrative style, plus techniques like complex plots, set dressing, and building from armature (outline) versus adding detail. With insights into concept albums, rooting for villains, and the timeless advice to “ultimately, start to write,” this episode is a must-listen for writers, filmmakers, and storytelling enthusiasts. 

Keywords: noir, 90s cop shows, storytelling, genre vs. story, scriptwriting vs. novel writing, Hays Code, complex plots, set dressing, armature, concept albums, rooting for villains, and start to write.

Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠license⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Join us for a special episode featuring actress, writer, and producer Lanette Ware-Bushfield! Lanette shares stories from her early days in NYC and is surprised by a guest tied to Small Change, the impactful short film that benefited the Center for Food Action. Fast forward to today, and Lanette is immersed in exciting projects, including her action thriller NOW WHAT—a heist story with two dynamic, mature women in lead roles. She also opens up about her creative process, from finding inspiration in dreams to recognizing her strengths and delegating where it counts. With an honest take on her screenwriting journey, Lanette explains why she values hiring professional screenwriters and getting expert critiques on her scripts. She wraps up the episode with inspiring words on storytelling and creativity. Don’t miss this fun conversation filled with surprises and unique insights!

Watch the award-winning short film, Small Change

Keywords: Lanette Ware-Bushfield, NOW WHAT heist thriller, NYC filmmaking, Small Change film, Center for Food Action, women in film, creative inspiration, storytelling insights, professional screenwriters, hiring screenwriters, creative delegation, knowing strengths, dream inspiration, script critiques, NoNaMe Storyteller podcast, behind-the-scenes stories, creative journey, filmmaking process, women creators in film, inspiring words on storytelling.

Updated Summary: In Part 2 of our conversation with John Maly, author of Juris Ex Machina, we dive into his writing process, exploring how he balances creative freedom with historical research on legal systems and prisons in Peru. John also reflects on the impact of AI on the future of literature, shares advice for maintaining a creative life, and even reminisces about his favorite childhood video games. Don’t miss this engaging and insightful episode filled with storytelling, technology, and nostalgia.

Keywords: John Maly, Juris Ex Machina, speculative fiction, AI in literature, creative writing process, historical legal systems, writing without structure, prison research, ideal writing environment, AI in storytelling, creative life advice, impact of AI on literature, balancing tech and narrative.

Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠license⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241

Artist: http://incompetech.com/