The Story Blender

This week on The Story Blender, I’m joined by literary agent and bestselling author Donald Maass, recorded live at the Advanced Fiction Intensive in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Donald co-hosted the event with me, and we captured a special Q&A with questions from the writers in attendance.

We talked about how to build powerful stories without getting in your own way, how to write with authority, why tension drives everything, and what it takes to create fiction that truly resonates.

If you’ve ever wanted to sit in on a candid conversation with one of the most insightful voices in publishing, this is your chance.

Tune in wherever you get your podcasts, and let us know—what’s one thing that helps you stay out of your own way when you write?

This week I was thrilled to welcome Katia Lief—acclaimed author and fiction instructor at The New School in Manhattan—onto The Story Blender. We discuss the strengths of the upcoming generation of storytellers (it might surprise you), the power of imagination, telling (and writing) authentic stories, writing activities that will help you improve your writing today, and her latest book WOMEN LIKE US. 

Ever wondered how to blend heart, suspense, and authenticity into a single storyline? Don’t miss this episode—Katia shares the secrets behind her storytelling success.

Tune in wherever you get your podcasts—and let us know:
What’s the one element you think makes a story unforgettable?

On this week’s episode of The Story Blender, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Julie Clark, New York Times bestselling author of The Ones We Choose and The Ghostwriter. 

We talked about the importance of perseverance and resilience as you pursue your storytelling dreams, weaving secrets and reveals into your fiction, and her writing journey.

If you’re a fan of thrillers with heart, or you’re curious about how Julie creates such compelling characters and impossible-to-put-down plots, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.

Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!

This week I caught up with Catalina Margulis, a speaker, author, story coach, and journalist from Toronto, Canada. We discuss how much truth memoirs can (or should) contain, how to create believable characters, and why it’s important to get out of the way when you tell a story. We also examine the intersection of truth and storytelling, explore the craft of narrative nonfiction, and uncover what drives compelling stories.

Give it a listen!

This week I caught up with one of Scotland’s premier authors and cultural commentators, Ewan Morrison. We explore the areas where technology and narrative meet and how they can help us examine what it means to be human. Why do we tell stories? Why are we even here? And, of course, is there such a thing as the Loch Ness Monster? (Yes, we even go there.) We also talk about Morrison’s latest thriller FOR EMMA. Check it out.

I sat down with Rob Hart, the critically acclaimed author of The Warehouse and The Medusa Protocol for a fast-paced and thought-provoking conversation about villains, twists, and how to create characters who are both deeply flawed and utterly compelling. 

We also discuss whether or not you can benefit from reading your reviews (both good and bad) and what kung fu movies and musicals have in common—and what storytellers can learn from them.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

S.A. BARNES works in a high school library by day, recommending reads, talking with students, and removing the occasional forgotten cheese-stick-as-bookmark. The author has published numerous novels across different genres, but Dead Silence is the first published as S. A. Barnes. Barnes lives in Illinois with more dogs and books than is advisable and a very patient spouse.

This week, Belgium author and screenwriter Sandra J. Paul joins me to talk about crafting suspense, plot twists, and the art of keeping readers guessing. Known as “the queen of twists,” Sandra has written more than 30 novels, including several innovative flip books. Her novels are available all over the world. Tune in for an insightful and inspiring conversation. Listen now:

This week on The Story Blender, we’re diving into myth, adventure, and the power of storytelling with Robert A. Walker, author of the Seven Gods series. We explore his process of listening to characters—and what that even means—and responding to the story as it unfolds, providing an intimate look at their struggles and journeys. He also shares inside info about his latest book Two Crowns, Three Blades and a word of advice he would give to his younger self that might be good for all of us to listen to today. Give it a listen!

This week’s guest, Susan Walter, moved to Los Angeles after flubbing an interview to be a newscaster, hoping to work in film and television production. Upon realizing writers were having all the fun, Susan became a screenwriter, then a director. She made her directorial debut on "All I Wish" starring Sharon Stone, which she also wrote. Susan transitioned to writing novels during the pandemic so she could murder people without consequences. She has a new book called LETTERS FROM STRANGERS and lots of great advice for novelists and screenwriters. Check it out!