Matt Weiss on Fan Series Writing, Improv, and the Hero's Journey! Matt Weiss, Star Trek Cello Guy, creator of Egotastic Trek and Adam's Radio Hour, joins Thomas J. Bellezza for a wide-ranging conversation on writing a Star Trek fan series, building Captain Hardinger's arc from villain to hero, voice acting and cold reads, the hero's journey, and a deep philosophical exchange on faith, language, and truth.

▶ Mathew Weiss's Website: https://allmylinks.com/shalin3327

THOMAS BOOKS

▶ The 27 Plot Point Outline: When Plot meets Story https://amzn.to/4r2H1EO
▶ The Foundation For Longevity [Book 1 of The Breaking Down Success Series] https://amzn.to/4mbh97n

Author Randee Dawn on Overwriting and Building Worlds! Author Randee Dawn (We Interrupt This Program, Tune in Tomorrow) joins Thomas J. Bellezza on The Write Mindset to talk about her path from music and TV journalism into contemporary fantasy, the magical Tunaverse, why a chapter is an event with its own arc, the cost of overwriting, and what screenplays taught her about word budgets.

▶ RANDEE DAWN'S BOOKS: https://amzn.to/4uWlShG
▶ WE INTERRUPT THIS PROGRAM: https://amzn.to/3PLWGLS

THOMAS BOOKS

▶ The 27 Plot Point Outline: When Plot meets Story https://amzn.to/4r2H1EO
▶ The Foundation For Longevity [Book 1 of The Breaking Down Success Series] https://amzn.to/4mbh97n

Crime vs Thriller: This 20-Book Author Knows the Difference! With Author Danielle Girard! Danielle Girard has written 20 books, 16 police procedurals, and her latest thriller, Pinky Swear. We discuss the real difference between crime and thriller genres, discovering character voice through writing, placing clues that feel earned, and how she used fiction to process betrayal and rebuild trust after divorce. Honest conversation about craft, catharsis, and the healing power of writing through pain without memoir.

▶ Danielle Girard's Books: https://amzn.to/42NNEAO

▶ The 27 Plot Point Outline: When Plot meets Story https://amzn.to/4r2H1EO

▶ The Foundation For Longevity [Book 1 of The Breaking Down Success Series] https://amzn.to/4mbh97n

From Bedtime Stories to Published Sci-Fi with Author Jason Randall Spriggs interview! Join me for a conversation with Randall, author of Star Skimmer, about writing science fiction that balances imagination with realistic science. We discuss his process of turning bedtime stories into published novels, building alien ecosystems inspired by Carl Sagan, creating pronounceable names, and the fine line between creative worldbuilding and going too far. Perfect for sci-fi writers developing craft.

▶ Jason Randall Spriggs Books: https://amzn.to/4n4C1yM

An interview with Jacqueline Pennewill, author of The Book of Eternity. Actress turned novelist Jacqueline joins The Write Mindset to talk about writing The Book of Eternity, her debut fantasy trilogy born from grief and a hospital room promise to her mother. We explore how acting shapes character work, why behavior matters more than dialogue, finding trusted readers, and the business parallels between acting and publishing.

▶ Jacqueline Pennewill Books: https://amzn.to/4csmpBo

Writing Culture, History, and Lost Worlds: A Conversation With Deepa Anappara. Thomas J. Bellezza sits down with author Deepa Anappara to explore writing culture, researching history, and how her novel The Last of Earth weaves map making and lost history together. A must-watch for writers drawn to culturally rich, research-driven storytelling.

▶ Deepa Anappara Books: https://amzn.to/40QczTp

▶ The 27 Plot Point Outline: When Plot meets Story https://amzn.to/4r2H1EO

▶ The Foundation For Longevity [Book 1 of The Breaking Down Success Series] https://amzn.to/4mbh97n

Be Willing To Write Poorly: Author Faulkner Hunt on the Journey to Fiction: Screenwriter turned novelist Faulkner Hunt joins Thomas J. Bellezza to talk about outlining, overexplaining, trusting readers to discover the story, and why great writing is rewriting. This is an honest conversation about the real craft journey that every fiction writer needs to hear.

▶ Faulkner Hunt's Books: https://amzn.to/4rG8cWd
NOVEL: The Ballad of Innes of Skara Skaill

Do Writers Have to Read? A Conversation With Poet Jeff Rimland: Do you have to read to be a great writer? Thomas J. Bellezza sits down with published poet Jeff Rimland for an honest conversation about reading as a writer and a deep dive into the craft of poetry, essential listening for any serious writer. ▶ Jeff Rimland's Books: https://amzn.to/46mrqrU

Author Interview: Stefanie Nici on Likable Characters, Voice, And More... Join me for a conversation with author Stefanie Nici about the unique depth writers bring to dialogue, the power of writing from personal interest, and the craft of creating likable characters. We explore how mentors shaped our approaches, why writing what fascinates you connects with readers, and the difference between everyday conversations and the deeper connections writers share. Real talk about craft and authenticity.

I had the pleasure of spending time with one of my childhood heroes, Edo van Belkom, the author of Lord Soth Dragonlance and Death Drives A Semi. Learning about his journey as an author, insight on writing, and the ins and outs of the publishing industry.

Edo van Belkom's Books: https://amzn.to/4t2kXMk

▶ The 27 Plot Point Outline: When Plot meets Story https://amzn.to/4r2H1EO
▶ The Foundation For Longevity [Book 1 of The Breaking Down Success Series] https://amzn.to/4mbh97n