The Writing Community Chat Show

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thewccs.substack.com

In case you missed it, we recently had the privilege of sitting down with author Lorna Selley for an insightful and inspiring live interview on The Writing Community Chat Show. Known for her unique blend of mystery, sci-fi, romance, and the supernatural, Lorna took us deep into the eerie world of her latest novel, A Glimmer in the Hollows—a haunting tale set in a small Appalachian town filled with dark secrets, unexplained disappearances, and blurred lines between reality and the unknown.Why You Should Watch This InterviewIn this interview, Lorna Selley not only dives into the rich, atmospheric world she’s created in A Glimmer in the Hollows, but she also opens up about her personal writing journey, the inspiration behind her supernatural storytelling, and the challenges of crafting such a genre-bending novel. If you’re a fan of suspenseful mysteries with a paranormal twist or a writer looking to learn from a seasoned storyteller, this interview is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss.Here are our thoughts on the interview and a clip just for you.Here’s what else we covered in our conversation with Lorna:Inside A Glimmer in the HollowsLorna’s novel, A Glimmer in the Hollows, takes place in the misty, mysterious Appalachian town of Driftwood, where children have been disappearing for years. The story centers on Jessica Paige, a woman haunted by the memory of a young girl named Olivia Garcia, who vanished under her care twenty years ago. But Jessica’s fragmented memories and strange visions suggest there’s more to the story, and as she embarks on a quest for answers, she encounters two feral boys who may hold the key to unlocking the town’s dark secrets. Along the way, she’s joined by bestselling author Elliot Reed, who is in town to explore Driftwood’s eerie legends for his next book. Together, they unravel a mystery that challenges their perceptions of what’s real and what’s unknown.Lorna’s expert weaving of mystery, sci-fi, and romance—with just the right dose of supernatural elements—creates a narrative that keeps readers on edge. During the interview, she shared how she struck this perfect balance and what inspired her to explore these themes.Lorna’s Writing Journey: From Editorial to AuthorWith over 15 years of experience in content development and editorial roles, Lorna brings a unique perspective to her writing career. In the interview, she explained how her previous professional experience helped her craft such a compelling and intricate novel. She also discussed the challenges of transitioning from an editorial career to fiction writing, sharing valuable advice for writers who are considering making a similar leap.Gateless Writing Academy: Empowering the Creative ProcessLorna is a graduate of Suzanne Kingsbury’s Gateless Writing Academy, a program designed to provide writers with support, encouragement, and a sense of community. She spoke highly of the program and how it helped her build confidence in her creative voice. For aspiring writers, Lorna’s experience with Gateless offers a blueprint for how to nurture creativity and grow in a supportive environment.Crafting Atmospheric SuspenseOne of the hallmarks of A Glimmer in the Hollows is its chilling, immersive atmosphere. During our chat, Lorna revealed her approach to creating tension and suspense in her writing. She explained how the setting of Driftwood itself becomes a key character in the story, filled with looming forests, shadowy roads, and misty landscapes. Her tips on crafting atmosphere and tension are invaluable for any writer aiming to transport readers into vividly realized worlds.Travel, Exploration, and InspirationHaving lived in multiple countries, Lorna’s global experiences have greatly influenced her writing. In the interview, she reflected on how her travels have shaped her perspective, providing her with rich inspiration for the various settings and cultural nuances that appear in her work. For writers drawing inspiration from real-world exploration, Lorna’s insights are a great reminder of the value of stepping outside your comfort zone and bringing those experiences into your stories.A Conversation Packed with Insights for WritersFor independent writers and creative minds interested in mystery, the supernatural, and genre-blending fiction, this interview is a must-watch. Lorna’s experiences and the lessons she shares are invaluable, offering a roadmap for crafting your own compelling stories—whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your craft.Don't Miss Out—Watch and Subscribe!This conversation with Lorna Selley offers more than just a look into the eerie world of A Glimmer in the Hollows; it’s an opportunity to gain deep insights into the art of writing, storytelling, and finding inspiration in the unknown. Whether you’re a reader intrigued by Lorna’s paranormal world or a writer seeking guidance on your own journey, this interview has something for everyone.To listen to the full podcast episode, or to watch the entire video, subscribe here.Full video interview below.

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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thewccs.substack.com

In this episode of The Writing Community Chat Show, we sit down with Dale L. Roberts, a self-publishing expert and YouTube content creator, to discuss what it takes to hit #1 on the bestseller list. Packed with actionable marketing strategies, writing advice, and motivational insights, this episode is a must-watch for indie authors looking to boost their book sales and build a strong author brand. Dale breaks down how to create momentum, engage your audience, and navigate the world of self-publishing with confidence.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thewccs.substack.com

We just wrapped up an incredible episode of The Writing Community Chat Show, and this is one you don't want to miss! Former NFL star Tra Battle, who played for the San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys, sat down with us to talk about his fascinating transition from the world of football to children's literature—and trust us, the conversation is as inspiring as his career path.The Unlikely Journey from the NFL to Children's BooksIn this exclusive interview, Tra takes us behind the scenes of his transformation from tackling opponents on the field to tackling tough topics in his writing. His debut children's book, When Two Homes Feel Like One, offers a compassionate and insightful look into the lives of children navigating divorce—a subject often avoided but incredibly important. Tra shares how his personal experiences and passion for empowering children inspired him to write a book that helps kids feel less alone during such a challenging time.Writing About Divorce: The Courage to Address Tough TopicsTra isn't afraid to dive into the difficult conversations many avoid, and this episode highlights his belief that addressing sensitive subjects—like divorce—through storytelling can open doors to healing. He discusses the importance of mental health and how literature can help families start tough conversations in a way that's approachable for kids. If you're an author or aspiring writer, this part of the interview is gold. Tra talks about the need for courage in writing and why stepping out of your comfort zone can create meaningful connections with readers.The Power of Perseverance: Lessons From Football to WritingThroughout his career, Tra has defied the odds. From being told he was “too small” for the NFL to facing the challenges of breaking into the publishing world, perseverance has been the backbone of his success. In this episode, Tra shares valuable lessons that every writer can benefit from, whether you’re just starting out or battling your own creative hurdles. His message is clear: Keep going, even when it gets tough. His mental health strategies and motivational advice are as applicable to writers as they are to athletes.More Than a Book: A Series Rooted in CommunityWe also got an inside look at Tra’s upcoming five-part series, all set in the close-knit community of Battle Creek. Each book will highlight important life lessons and show how communities can come together to support each other through life's toughest moments. This series isn't just for children—it's for families, caregivers, and anyone looking to foster meaningful conversations with kids.Why You Should Watch/Listen NowThis episode isn’t just an interview—it’s an inspiring conversation that touches on personal growth, mental resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling. Tra Battle’s journey from the NFL to children's author is a testament to the strength of passion and perseverance, and his insights will leave you motivated to chase your own creative dreams.But here’s the thing: This interview is exclusive to our paid Substack subscribers. By subscribing, you’ll not only get access to this full conversation—complete with video and podcast formats—but also enjoy future episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and much more. Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from Tra Battle about his inspiring transition and his groundbreaking book on divorce.Unlock the full interview now and get ready to be inspired.Join our community of writers and creatives who are committed to making a difference—just like Tra Battle.WATCH THE INTERVIEW BELOW!

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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thewccs.substack.com

What happens when you bring an author, screenwriter, and podcast pioneer onto The Writing Community Chat Show? You get an inspiring, insightful, and downright fun conversation with Mark Stay! For those who missed it, don’t worry—you’ll have a chance to watch the full interview by subscribing at the end of this post. But first, let me give you a sneak peek into why this is a chat you won’t want to miss!From Waterstone’s Shelves to Bestseller ListsMark Stay’s journey as a writer is anything but ordinary. He started out with a part-time Christmas job at Waterstone’s (yes, back when it still had an apostrophe), but his love for books turned a seasonal gig into a 25-year career in publishing. Along the way, he discovered his passion for writing, and, in his own words, “stuck with it”—an approach that ultimately paid off with bestselling books and blockbuster screenplays.In our conversation, Mark opened up about his creative upbringing and how the encouragement he received from his parents and teachers shaped his journey. He reminisced about writing plays with his friends as a kid, which later evolved into crafting screenplays and novels.Key takeaway: Whether you’re shelving books or writing them, it’s all about staying persistent and writing what you love!Writing The End of Dragons: World-Building Meets Character DevelopmentOne of the standout moments in the interview was when we dove into Mark’s latest work, The End of Dragons, the second book in The End of Magic trilogy. Mark shared his process of balancing epic world-building with character-driven storytelling—something that every fantasy writer knows can be a challenge.He revealed how satisfying it is to wrap up a trilogy but also the pressure of ensuring every loose end is tied up and every character arc is fully realized. For fans of fantasy and those just beginning their own writing journeys, Mark’s insights into creating immersive worlds while keeping characters at the forefront will be invaluable.Finding Your Voice and Staying True to ItThroughout the interview, Mark emphasized the importance of finding your own voice as a writer. He reflected on how drawing inspiration from your favorite authors can help shape your style, but ultimately, your unique voice is what will resonate with readers. This was a recurring theme as we talked about his transition from screenwriting to novels, and how he learned to trust his instincts along the way.His advice for writers? “Write what excites you, and don’t worry about trends. Your passion will shine through.”Building a Relationship with Readers and Exploring New Income StreamsMark also touched on something incredibly relevant for today’s writers: building a direct relationship with your readers. Whether it’s through platforms like Substack, podcasts, or social media, Mark believes that engaging with your audience is key to growing as an author. He also discussed the importance of diversifying income streams and how today’s writers can explore new avenues to support their creative work.Why You Don’t Want to Miss This InterviewIn this interview, Mark Stay is refreshingly honest, witty, and full of practical advice. Whether you’re a fan of his Witches of Woodville series, eagerly awaiting the next installment in The End of Magic trilogy, or just someone who loves hearing about the creative process, this conversation has something for you.But there’s even more you won’t want to miss—like Mark’s thoughts on writing horror (Unwelcome), what it was like working on a TV series (Nautilus), and the funniest piece of feedback he’s ever received about his writing!Watch the Full Interview Now!To watch the full interview, where we explore all of this and more, you can subscribe below. Trust me, it’s a conversation that will leave you inspired, entertained, and itching to start your next creative project. So, if you’re a writer, aspiring storyteller, or just a fan of great writing, you’ll want to unlock this exclusive content.👉 Subscribe now to access the full interview. You can listen to the whole podcast on this page and watch the interview below!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thewccs.substack.com

We’re thrilled to share with you one of our most insightful episodes yet on The Writing Community Chat Show! This past Friday, we had the privilege of hosting Jane Friedman, a true authority in the publishing world with over 25 years of experience. Jane has made it her mission to help authors navigate the often daunting landscape of book publishing, offering them the honest and unbiased guidance they need to thrive.In this special episode, we took a deep dive into Jane’s journey and her wealth of knowledge through three exciting rounds:Round 1: The Road to Writing – Jane shared her incredible journey, from her early days in the publishing industry to becoming one of the most trusted voices in the field today. It was fascinating to hear about the experiences that shaped her career and how she’s stayed ahead in an ever-changing industry.Round 2: What's the Story? – We then shifted gears to discuss Jane’s acclaimed book, The Business of Being a Writer. This essential resource for authors explores the crucial business principles that are often overlooked in the world of writing. Jane’s insights here are invaluable for anyone looking to turn their writing passion into a sustainable career. She also gave us a sneak peek into her upcoming projects, including the highly anticipated second edition of her book.Round 3: Community Questions – Finally, we opened the floor to our live audience, who asked some truly brilliant questions. From navigating the impact of AI on publishing to strategies for building a successful author platform, Jane offered practical and empowering advice that every writer can benefit from.This episode is a must-watch for any author—whether you’re just starting out or are well into your writing career. Jane’s practical advice, coupled with her deep understanding of the industry, will leave you feeling more confident and prepared to navigate the business side of writing.We’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who tuned in live and participated. Your questions brought a whole new level of depth to the conversation. A special shoutout to our paid members—your support helps us continue to bring valuable content to our community. If you’re not yet a member, consider joining to get exclusive access to future episodes, early releases, and more.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

We’ve got some important news about the future of The Writing Community Chat Show, and we wanted you to hear it directly from us. After years of hard work on YouTube and our podcast, we’re making a bold move—and we need your support!

🎥 Listen and learn all about our exciting transition to Substack, why we’re making this change, and what it means for you. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this!

👉 JOIN OUR SUBSTACK HERE: https://thewccs.substack.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=substack_profile

Thank you for being with us on this journey. Your support means the world to us, and we can’t wait to take this next step together! 💪✍️


#WritingCommunity #BigNews #Substack #WatchNow #Podcast #AuthorLife #SupportWriters
#TheWCCS #TheWritingCommunityChatShow #Writer #Author 


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

Connect With The Community

🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.

• 📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.
• ✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack
• 🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: PayPal.Me

Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

We had an interesting conversation with the intriguing crime fiction author, C J Grayson! Hailing from Darlington in the North East of England, Chris Grayson is not just a brilliant storyteller but also a dedicated family man with three energetic sons.

 He relishes long walks on the beach, jamming to music, and keeping fit with the occasional run, while also enjoying football and coaching his son's team. When he's not spinning tales or cherishing family time, Chris dives into crime novels, devours engineering and construction shows, and indulges in spine-chilling horror and supernatural films that send shivers down his spine. 

He's got a peculiar passion for unusual escapism and a quirky obsession with guzzling coffee to fuel his writing spree. C J Grayson is the mastermind behind thrilling crime series set in Darlington featuring DI Max Byrd & DI Orion Tanzy, along with his latest Manchester-based series starring detective April Fisher. Rounds of the Show: Introduction - Discover C J Grayson's journey into the world of crime fiction. 

Book Talk - Explore the gripping Darlington and Manchester-based series. Writing Process - Uncover Chris's unique writing approach that breathes life into his stories. Quickfire Round - Enjoy fun, rapid-fire questions revealing the author's quirks and preferences. 

Audience Q&A - Chris tackles live audience questions. Don’t miss this thrilling episode filled with insights, tales, and unexpected surprises. Set your reminder and join us for an engaging chat with C J Grayson! 

Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell so you won't miss any future episodes! 

Hey! We've been loving StreamYard for 3 years. Check out how its fantastic features elevate our live streaming experience. We're big fans, and they're always enhancing their service. Explore it through our link, and we could earn from referrals! https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4835638006775808


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

Connect With The Community

🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.

• 📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.
• ✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack
• 🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: PayPal.Me

Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

We had an interesting conversation with the intriguing crime fiction author, C J Grayson! Hailing from Darlington in the North East of England, Chris Grayson is not just a brilliant storyteller but also a dedicated family man with three energetic sons.

 He relishes long walks on the beach, jamming to music, and keeping fit with the occasional run, while also enjoying football and coaching his son's team. When he's not spinning tales or cherishing family time, Chris dives into crime novels, devours engineering and construction shows, and indulges in spine-chilling horror and supernatural films that send shivers down his spine. 

He's got a peculiar passion for unusual escapism and a quirky obsession with guzzling coffee to fuel his writing spree. C J Grayson is the mastermind behind thrilling crime series set in Darlington featuring DI Max Byrd & DI Orion Tanzy, along with his latest Manchester-based series starring detective April Fisher. Rounds of the Show: Introduction - Discover C J Grayson's journey into the world of crime fiction. 

Book Talk - Explore the gripping Darlington and Manchester-based series. Writing Process - Uncover Chris's unique writing approach that breathes life into his stories. Quickfire Round - Enjoy fun, rapid-fire questions revealing the author's quirks and preferences. 

Audience Q&A - Chris tackles live audience questions. Don’t miss this thrilling episode filled with insights, tales, and unexpected surprises. Set your reminder and join us for an engaging chat with C J Grayson! 

Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell so you won't miss any future episodes! 

Hey! We've been loving StreamYard for 3 years. Check out how its fantastic features elevate our live streaming experience. We're big fans, and they're always enhancing their service. Explore it through our link, and we could earn from referrals! https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4835638006775808


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

Discover the unbelievable story of Emmy-winning writer Kevin Bachar, known for his work on "The Inhabitant" and his involvement with the Horror Writers Association. Don't miss this exclusive interview on The Writing Community Chat Show!

We sat down with the remarkable Kevin Bachar! Kevin is an Emmy-winning documentary director and a WGA screenwriter whose diverse career spans thrilling horror films and breathtaking natural history documentaries.

Kevin's latest horror film, "The Inhabitant," released through Lionsgate, is now streaming on Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Apple+. His upcoming project, "El Monstruo," is currently in pre-production with MarVista and Marginal MediaWorks. Kevin's extensive documentary experience, capturing real-life danger and drama, lends an unmatched authenticity to his screenwriting.

Known as one of the premier natural history filmmakers globally, Kevin's work is a staple on Shark Week, National Geographic, and PBS. He's the adventurous filmmaker who dives with sharks and explores caves with vampire bats. Beyond filmmaking, Kevin has lectured at esteemed institutions such as Rutgers University, American University, and the Rubin Museum of Art.

Throughout his career, Kevin has collaborated with top-tier clients including Lionsgate, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, A&E, History Channel, and more. He is also a proud member of the Horror Writer's Association.

In this exclusive interview, we will explore Kevin's extraordinary career, his creative process, and gather valuable tips for aspiring writers and filmmakers. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the industry's best!

Watch the "The Inhabitant - Official Trailer 2022" on YouTube, and tune in this Friday for an inspiring conversation.

🔔 Subscribe to our channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we go live!



#KevinBachar #TheInhabitant #HorrorMovies #DocumentaryFilmmaking #Screenwriting #WritingCommunity #FilmmakingTips #SharkWeek #NationalGeographic #PBS #Interview #Sharks


Hey! We have spent 3 years using StreamYard. You can see how much we love its features, and how we can make it look great for live streaming. We are huge fans and they are constantly improving their service. Check it out with our link and we could earn from referrals!
https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4835638006775808

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

Connect With The Community

🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.

• 📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.
• ✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack
• 🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: PayPal.Me

Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

Discover the unbelievable story of Emmy-winning writer Kevin Bachar, known for his work on "The Inhabitant" and his involvement with the Horror Writers Association. Don't miss this exclusive interview on The Writing Community Chat Show!

We sat down with the remarkable Kevin Bachar! Kevin is an Emmy-winning documentary director and a WGA screenwriter whose diverse career spans thrilling horror films and breathtaking natural history documentaries.

Kevin's latest horror film, "The Inhabitant," released through Lionsgate, is now streaming on Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Apple+. His upcoming project, "El Monstruo," is currently in pre-production with MarVista and Marginal MediaWorks. Kevin's extensive documentary experience, capturing real-life danger and drama, lends an unmatched authenticity to his screenwriting.

Known as one of the premier natural history filmmakers globally, Kevin's work is a staple on Shark Week, National Geographic, and PBS. He's the adventurous filmmaker who dives with sharks and explores caves with vampire bats. Beyond filmmaking, Kevin has lectured at esteemed institutions such as Rutgers University, American University, and the Rubin Museum of Art.

Throughout his career, Kevin has collaborated with top-tier clients including Lionsgate, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, A&E, History Channel, and more. He is also a proud member of the Horror Writer's Association.

In this exclusive interview, we will explore Kevin's extraordinary career, his creative process, and gather valuable tips for aspiring writers and filmmakers. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the industry's best!

Watch the "The Inhabitant - Official Trailer 2022" on YouTube, and tune in this Friday for an inspiring conversation.

🔔 Subscribe to our channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we go live!



#KevinBachar #TheInhabitant #HorrorMovies #DocumentaryFilmmaking #Screenwriting #WritingCommunity #FilmmakingTips #SharkWeek #NationalGeographic #PBS #Interview #Sharks


Hey! We have spent 3 years using StreamYard. You can see how much we love its features, and how we can make it look great for live streaming. We are huge fans and they are constantly improving their service. Check it out with our link and we could earn from referrals!
https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4835638006775808

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.