True Fiction Project

Crime thrillers, suspense, and twists await in this gripping crime thriller mash-up review of season six of the True Fiction Project! I’m Reenita Hora, your host, diving into the thrilling world of crime thrillers with excerpts from talented fiction authors. We’ll explore Crossroads by Rhonda Parker Taylor, a novel about a young man’s haunting choices after a life-altering tragedy. Then, Shakedown by Armand Rosamilia, where a crew member’s mistake risks everything. Finally, The Old Town Horror by Ed Moser uncovers a bloody investigation in historic Virginia. Each story weaves fiction inspired by real-life drama. Tune in today for interview snippets and stories.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:           

How crime thrillers blend suspense and real-life inspiration

The power of twists in shaping gripping narratives

How authors use fiction to reflect personal and historical drama

Insights into the creative process behind storytelling

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal

Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00: Reenita Hora introduces a blend of crime thriller, non-fiction interviews, and fiction stories that explore life experiences.

01:45: Rhonda shares how crime thrillers like Crossroads use suspense to highlight the impact of choices and drama in shaping lives.

07:15: Armand discusses the market for crime thrillers and their appeal to readers craving twists and thrillers.

15:15: Ed Moser reveals the scandalous history of Lafayette Square, tying crime thrillers to real secrets and drama.

20:39  Reenita invites listeners to share great stories they would like to see featured on True Fiction Project

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

Crossroads by Rhonda Parker Taylor: Choices lead to irreversible drama and trauma, urging readers to reflect on life's pivotal decisions before they spiral into suspense and tragedy.

Shakedown by Armand Rosamilia: In the gritty world of crime thrillers, a single oversight can seal your fate, highlighting the deadly consequences of mistakes in high-stakes criminal operations.

The Old Town Horror by Ed Moser: Historic locales hide layers of secrets and violence, where investigating murder unearths the eerie persistence of the past in modern thrillers.

ABOUT THE GUESTS: 

Rhonda Parker Taylor (@rhondaparkertaylor) • Instagram photos and videos

Armand Rosamilia (@armand_rosamilia) • Instagram photos and videos

Ed Moser - LinkedIn

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

THE OLD TOWN HORROR: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic Locale

Suspense Thriller Crossroads by Rhonda Parker Taylor 

ShakeDown (First Coast Thriller Series): 9798401775757: Rosamilia, Armand: Books

Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. We are in between seasons and in this special episode, we are mashing up three talented children’s book authors from Season 6, each bringing unique stories inspired by personal experiences. These episodes include Your Heart’s Voice, Leave Your Mark On The World, and The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic. All three stories touch on different heartstrings: handling grief, boosting self-esteem, and following your dreams. Tune in today for interview snippets and stories, and find the link to the full episodes in the notes below. Let’s jump right in!

Also, Reenita is giving away free copies of her children’s book, Sundri and Mundri’s Lohri Adventure! Email her at [email protected] or reach out on Instagram at @reenita_storyteller.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:30) Reenita shares information about her children’s book, titled Sundri and Mundri’s Lohri Adventure, and she is offering free copies! Email her at [email protected] or reach out on Instagram at @reenita_storyteller
• (01:32) Interview snippet with Renee Green Murphy. She shares how grief from her brother’s 2022 loss inspired Your Heart’s Voice
• (03:30) Excerpt from Your Heart’s Voice by Renee Green Murphy
• (08:53) Interview snippet with Erica Silverman discussing her daughter’s self-esteem issues, inspiring Leave Your Mark On The World
• (09:40) Excerpt from Leave Your Mark On The World 
• (12:38) Interview snippet with Vicky McGrath. She shares how her daughter’s veterinary dreams inspired The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic
• (15:06) Excerpt from The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Renee Green Murphy's Your Heart's Voice uses grief and intuition to craft a children's book that promotes self-awareness, helping young readers navigate emotions through a heartfelt story inspired by personal loss.
• Erica Silverman's Leave Your Mark On The World inspires self-esteem and perseverance in children's literature, showing a marker's journey to become permanent through kindness, resonating with young readers.
• Vicky McGrath's The Dragon And The Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic brings a veterinary clinic to life in a middle-grade graphic novel, using a hometown setting to engage readers with themes of friendship and aspiration.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free! https://substack.com/@reenitahora 

FICTION CREDITS:

Your Heart's Voice 

A short story written and read by Renee Green Murphy

Your Heart's Voice - Website 

Renee Greene Murphy - Website

Renee Greene Murphy - LinkedIn

Leave Your Mark on the World

A short story written and read by Erica Silverman

Erica Silverman - Website

Erica Silverman - LinkedIn

The Dragon And The Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic 

A short story written and read by Vicky McGrath

Vicky McGrath - Website

Vicky McGrath - LinkedIn

The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tails from the Clinic: Book 1

RESOURCES:

S6 Ep 2 - Your Heart's Voice–True Fiction Project 

S6 Ep 3 - Leave Your Mark on the World - True Fiction Project 

S6 Ep 7 - The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic - True Fiction Project

HOST RESOURCES

Website

LinkedIn 

Tiktok 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Twitter (X) 

Substack 

Threads 

LinkTree 

In this revisited episode, we have a very special show because we are celebrating the anniversary of Independent India, which fell on August 15th. Our special guest is Shukla Lal, a writer based in New Delhi, who has recently written a book detailing her personal experience from the partition that led to India’s Independence. We hear the amazing story of her father’s incredible escape in the midst of the violence and mayhem of the partition. Later in the episode, Shukla’s daughter, Sonia Kullar, reads an excerpt from Shukla’s book, Rano and Phulo.  

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [01:50] Shukla and her new book on the 75th Anniversary of the Partition of India are introduced. 
• [05:39] We hear about Shukla’s family’s experience before the partition and how her father escaped. 
• [11:45] We learn how her true events are interwoven into her short story. 
• [14:30] We explore how Shukla’s story captures an India frozen in time. 
• [18:50] Has India grown into the identity it desired after the partition? 
• [21:16] We hear about the future of India and more about Shukla’s written work. 
• [24:57] An excerpt from Rano & Phulo written by Shukla Lal, and read by Shukla’s daughter, Sonia Kullar 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Shukla and her family left for Shimla on holiday, never believing that they would not return to their home due to rising political and religious tensions, now known as the partition of India. Her book is based on her family’s experience during this time. 
• Following the partition, there was a renewed sense of nationalism and patriotism. It was also a time where women were leading out in entrepreneurship and contributing as business women.  
• India continues to rise and be recognized for its culture and ethics. Since the 60s and 70s it has grown from being a developing and poor nation to being a globally recognized and self-respecting nation. 

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free! You will also be eligible for other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction, and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora  

Fiction Credits:  

Excerpt taken from Rano & Phulo, a book written by Shukla Lal 

Shukla Lal's website 

Shukla Lal's Facebook 

Link for further research 

Excerpt read by: Sonia Kullar, Shukla Lal’s daughter 

Sonia's email 

BIO: 

Shukla Lal was born in Amritsar. As a child, she imbibed the beauty and diversity of this beautiful land – India, as her family moved from Amritsar, Lahore, Shimla, to the Central and Southern cities of Madras (now Chennai), Nagpur and Hyderabad and eventually found their anchor in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in the early-1950s. Over 40 years later, she moved to New Delhi to retire. 

Since catching the literary bug on her 80th birthday, Shukla has written two historical romance sagas, Floating Logs set in Kolkata (published by Notion Press in December 2019), and Rano and Phulo set in Undivided and then partitioned India (published by Goya Publishing in March, 2019), and a collection of poems, Meri Nazmon ka Ehsaas (soon to be published) all captured gamely on her iPad Notes App. She has finished the first draft of her third historical novel, Soul’s Rapture, a mystical romance set in Lahore and Mumbai. She has also written several short stories. She was invited to write for the Chandigarh Tribune, and has been interviewed for the Reader’s Digest, the Times of India, the Telegraph (Kolkata), and www.womensweb.com. Her deep spiritual practice and sense of wonder for the beauty of the world around her find expression in her storytelling. Her own lived experience adds luster and authenticity to her stories. 

Joyful wit and multilingual expressiveness is a family trait she inherited from her parents and shares with her accomplished siblings. Her choice of stories and writing style could best be understood from her own words “I am a romantic and an idealist by nature and find true romance scattered everywhere irrespective of class, creed, religion, nationality or age”. 

Shukla Lal Website 

Shukla Lal on Facebook (personal) 

Shukla Lal on Facebook (business) 

Shukla Lal on Instagram  

Good Reads - Shukla Lal 

If you would like to purchase any of Shukla Lal’s books, follow these links:: 

Amazon India 

Flipkart 

Are you ready to dive into a thrilling sci-fi world? Want to uncover the chilling secrets of an alien invasion? I’m excited to welcome Aaron Ryan, a passionate author and self-proclaimed Lord of the Rings geek, to today’s episode. Aaron’s vivid storytelling, inspired by cinematic masterpieces like Aliens, brings a unique musicality to his gripping narratives. We’ll explore his Dissonance series, a four-book series that began as a trilogy and expanded with a prequel, set in a post-apocalyptic 2042. Aaron shares insights into his creative process and the thematic depth of human conflict in his work. He reads an excerpt from his novel, Dissonance, where Cameron Shipley recalls the day the world was ravaged by telepathic gorgons during their devastating 2026 invasion. 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• (01:51) Explanation of tetralogy versus quadrilogy, with tetralogy being the correct term for four books, distinct from quadrilogy for movies 
• (02:56) Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien and Aliens, crafts Sci-Fi thriller narratives driven by speculative, scientifically creative concepts 
• (04:22) Discussion on authors crossing genres, explanation of Dissonance as a theme 
• (08:40) Ryan describes incorporating musicality in writing, inspired by the Alien's soundtrack 
• (13:53) Ryan reads an excerpt from Dissonance describing Cameron Shipley recalling the 2026 Alien invasion by Gorgons      

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Aaron Ryan's Dissonance series, a gripping sci-fi thriller tetralogy, explores a post-apocalyptic world after a 2026 alien invasion by telepathic Gorgons, blending intense action with themes of human dissonance and survival. 
• Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien and films like Aliens, Ryan crafts a vivid world-building narrative, using weaponized frequencies and a musicality in writing to enhance thrilling scenes, such as those in Dissonance. 
• Dissonance is being adapted into a Screenplay for platforms like Netflix, with its telepathic paralytic Gorgons and weaponized frequencies, highlighting its pulse-pounding storytelling and terrifying alien encounters. 

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free! You will also be eligible for other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction, and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora  

FICTION CREDITS: 

Written and read by Aaron Ryan 

GUEST RESOURCES: 

Aaron Ryan Author - Website  

Dissonance Alien Invasion Saga - Website 

Aaron Ryan - LinkedIn 

Author & Speaker Aaron Ryan - Facebook Business Page 

Author Aaron Ryan - Twitter 

Author Aaron Ryan (@authoraaronryan) • Instagram photos and videos 

Author Aaron Ryan - Pinterest 

HOST RESOURCES 

Website 

LinkedIn  

Tiktok  

Instagram  

Facebook  

Twitter (X)  

Substack  

Threads  

LinkTree  

BIO: 

Aaron Ryan, a Washington-based author, lives with his wife, two sons, a dog, a cat, and finches, and writes the Dissonance series, Forecast, The Superhero Anomaly, and business books. Inspired by a second-grade novella, his diverse experiences as a voiceover artist, musician, and more fuel his unique storytelling. 

Ever wonder how a medical thriller is born? Or what happens when a real-life experience sparks a pulse-pounding fiction excerpt? Today, I’m joined by Dr. John Bukowski, former veterinarian, epidemiologist, and now full-time novelist. John brings a fascinating journey from medicine to fiction, with a knack for turning scientific curiosity into gripping narratives. In this episode, we discuss how his background shaped his storytelling, how real moments become powerful “what if” plot points, and how an ordinary hotel stay inspired a high-stakes, suspenseful scene. John reads an excerpt from his latest novel, Checkout Time—a page-turner about a mysterious arsonist targeting hotels and the unlikely duo racing to stop him.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (02:10) Bukowski’s path from veterinarian and epidemiologist to fiction writer
• (05:06) Summary of Project Suicide, a thriller based on an Alzheimer’s drug turned weapon
• (06:49) Value of short fiction for building credibility before novel publishing, and how they differ
• (11:38) How a real hotel stay sparked the plot for the thriller Checkout Time
• (14:30) Paid subscribers will hear an excerpt from The Wheel of Fortune
• (15:50) Excerpt from Checkout Time, where an unassuming hotel room trap door erupts into an explosion               



KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Bukowski turned a science and medical background into a foundation for writing medical thrillers like Project Suicide.
• Publishing short fiction helped Bukowski refine his skills and establish himself as a novelist.
• A hotel trapdoor inspired Checkout Time, showing how everyday moments can lead to compelling fiction.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free! https://substack.com/@reenitahora 

GUEST RESOURCES:

thrillerjohnb.net

www.projectsuicidenovel.com

www.checkouttimenovel.com

John Bukowski - Facebook

https://X@jabukow2021

HOST RESOURCES

Website

LinkedIn 

Tiktok 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Twitter (X) 

Substack 

Threads 

LinkTree 

BIO:

Dr. John Bukowski is a former veterinary practitioner, health researcher, and medical writer who now writes short fiction and fast-paced novels, including Project Suicide (www.projectsuicidenovel.com) and the recently published Checkout Time (www.checkouttimenovel.com). He has authored fourteen published short stories and a variety of consumer materials, including handbooks, website content, and radio scripts. He has extensive experience in public speaking, having appeared on the theatrical stage, radio, television, and podcasts, as well as in workshops and seminars. He’s a Detroit native who currently resides in Eastern Tennessee.

Have you ever wondered how history’s dark secrets inspire modern fiction? Ready to uncover the violent past of America’s most iconic locales? I’m Reenita Hora, your host of the True Fiction Project, and today I’m thrilled to welcome Ed Moser—a former writer for Jay Leno’s Tonight Show, presidential speechwriter, history tour guide, and author with a knack for unearthing gripping tales. In this episode, Ed takes us through the scandal-filled history of Washington, D.C.’s Lafayette Square, as detailed in his nonfiction book, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood, which exposes 230 years of crime. Ed reads an excerpt from his novel, The Old Town Horror: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic Locale, which transports us to a bloody investigation taking place at The Carlisle Mansion, in Alexandria Virginia.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (01:32) Ed reflects on his professional journey and working on The Tonight Show
• (04:25) Ed shares that there have been violent events over 230 years around the White House
• (06:47) How the events of the past become fiction in the present day at the Carlisle Mansion
• (08:52) Paid subscribers will hear an excerpt from The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood
• (11:44) Excerpt from The Old Town Horror, set in modern Alexandria, Virginia, where a bloody investigation taking place

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Moser’s novel The Old Town Horror draws from real historical events in Alexandria, blending past and present for a thrilling narrative.
• Moser’s research reveals a surprising history of violence, including murders and espionage, in iconic Washington, DC locales like Lafayette Square.
• Moser compares writing for The Tonight Show and the White House to making sausage, as both involve blending material from multiple writers.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free, or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode. You will also be eligible for other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction, and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora 

GUEST RESOURCES:

THE OLD TOWN HORROR: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic Locale

Lafayette Sq. Tours of Scandal, Assassination & Spies Meetup

THE OLD TOWN HORROR: Murder and Theft in America's Most Historic Locale - Amazon

Lafayette Square Tour of Scandal, Assassination & Intrigue

Ed Moser - LinkedIn

HOST RESOURCES

Website

LinkedIn 

Tiktok 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Twitter (X) 

Substack 

Threads 

LinkTree 

BIO:

Ed Moser is a former writer for Jay Leno's "Tonight Show"; operator of a history tours group; speechwriter for the President of the United States; a former editor for Time-Life Books; tech/science writer/editor/manager; and biotech writer.

What makes a gripping thriller impossible to put down? Is it the twisty plot, the flawed hero, or the chilling consequences of one wrong move?

Welcome! Today, I'm thrilled to introduce a guest whose stories leap off the page with intensity and imagination—Armand Rosamilia. A prolific writer with an impressive body of work spanning crime novels, thrillers, supernatural horror, zombies, contemporary fiction, and nonfiction, Armand is the kind of storyteller who begins with one intriguing question: What if? And from there, a gripping tale unfolds. In today’s conversation, we’ll be diving into his novel Shake Down, and you’ll also hear a powerful excerpt capturing the chilling moment when Walt, a low-level crew member, realizes his final mistake may have cost him everything—including his life.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (02:39) Armand discusses the different genres he writes, with crime/thrillers being the most profitable
• (03:40) The “business” of writing—how Armand turned his passion into a full-time profession
• (09:33) Armand explains character development and the role of Patreon in his creative process
• (17:04) The evolution of Clayton Conway, a central figure in his fiction
• (22:41) A gripping read-aloud from Shake Down that describes the fatal price of a botched job

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Armand Rosamilia has been a full-time writer for 13 years, which he attributes to a strategic blend of writing in high-performing genres like crime thrillers (which earn him significantly more than horror) and maintaining a business mindset. He writes what sells while still occasionally indulging in passion projects.
• Armand uses short stories as marketing tools, “reader magnets,” and experiments in character development. These stories—often published in anthologies or released to his Patreon and newsletter—introduce readers to characters from his longer works, helping build engagement and anticipation for his full-length novels.
• Armand follows a hybrid publishing model—self-publishing under his imprint (Rimfire Books) while also working with small and large presses. This approach broadens his audience, shares production costs, and provides him with access to the built-in fan bases of other publishers, thereby increasing discoverability and long-term earnings.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free, or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode. You will also be eligible for other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction, and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora 

FICTION CREDITS:

Excerpt written and ready by: Armand Rosamilia

GUEST RESOURCES:

Armand Rosamilia - Website

Armand Rosamilia - Horror Author - LinkedIn

Armand Rosamilia - Facebook

Author Armand Rosamilia - Facebook Business

Armand Rosamilia (@ArmandAuthor) - X

Armand Rosamilia (@armand_rosamilia) • Instagram Photos and Videos

Shake Down (First Coast Thriller Series): 9798401775757: Rosamilia, Amazon Armand: Books

HOST RESOURCES

Website

LinkedIn 

Tiktok 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Twitter (X) 

Substack 

Threads 

LinkTree 

BIO:

Armand Rosamilia is a New Jersey boy currently living in sunny Florida, where he writes when he's not sleeping. He's happily married to a woman who helps his career and is supportive, which is all he ever wanted in life. He has written over 200 stories that are currently available, including crime thrillers, supernatural thrillers, horror, zombie fiction, contemporary fiction, nonfiction, and more. His goal is to write a good story and not worry about genre labels. He also loves to talk in third person… because he's really that cool. Maybe.

I’m excited to sit down with a very talented writer, entrepreneur, and academic researcher, Rhonda Parker Taylor. Her debut novel, Crossroads, is rooted in personal tragedy—the loss of her adopted son—and shaped by her journey through professional setbacks. We explore how fiction can be a spiritual mirror, and how her story caught the attention of Mariel Hemingway, granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway. You’ll also hear a gripping excerpt from Crossroads, capturing the haunting aftermath of a life-altering choice that will change a young man's life. Tune in for a robust conversation about how storytelling can heal, reveal, and predict real life. 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• (03:35) Rhonda shares how entrepreneurship and academics came together to write crime fiction 
• (07:27) Discussion of writing a novel and how life can mirror fiction 
• (09:12) How Mariel Hemingway, granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, came to endorse Crossroads 
• (12:56) Rhonda shares a moment from the book where a young man makes the wrong choice 
• (15:01) Rhonda reads a passage from Crossroads describing the aftermath of a murder the night before, and Billy did not know what to do 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Professional setbacks and personal tragedy drove Rhonda’s journey from business professional to academic researcher and fiction writer. A humiliating experience with a business proposal motivated her to improve her writing, eventually leading her to publish Crossroads. The tragic loss of her adopted son profoundly influenced her emotional perspective, paralleling elements of her novel’s plot and reinforcing her belief in the transformative power of storytelling. 
• Writing can reflect or even predict real life, making storytelling a powerful form of personal and spiritual expression. This perspective underscores storytelling as more than mere entertainment; it's portrayed as a deeply personal and sometimes prophetic expression of the inner self. 
• The endorsement of Crossroads by Mariel Hemingway—actress and granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway—was not just a stroke of luck, but a meaningful alignment. Hemingway resonated with the novel’s central character and themes of emotional struggle and personal reinvention. Her support underscores how powerful fiction can reflect universal life experiences and invite deeper introspection. 

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free, or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode. You will also be eligible for other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction, and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora  

FICTION CREDITS: 

Written and read by: Rhonda Parker Taylor 

GUEST RESOURCES: 

Rhonda Parker Taylor - Facebook 

Rhonda Parker Taylor - Instagram 

Rhonda Parker Taylor - Twitter 

Rhonda Parker Taylor - LinkedIn 

Rhonda Parker Taylor - TikTok 

Suspense Thriller Crossroads by Rhonda Parker Taylor - Website  

Crossroads - Amazon 

Crossroads - Barnes and Noble  

HOST RESOURCES 

Website 

LinkedIn  

Tiktok  

Instagram  

Facebook  

Twitter (X)  

Substack  

Threads  

LinkTree  

BIO: 

Rhonda Parker Taylor is an American writer, entrepreneur, and academic researcher. Rhonda’s diverse writing spans from educational works to fiction, and she is well-known for her research on emotional intelligence. Her academic achievements extend to being a prominent leader, having presented at the United Nations Global Compact Committee. Her debut novel, “Crossroads,” a suspenseful masterpiece, was released in February 2023. Endorsed by bestselling author J.J. Hebert and Golden Globe-nominated actress Mariel Hemingway, the novel has been hailed as a captivating crime thriller that keeps readers intrigued from start to finish. 

Hi everyone! I am so excited to bring you Vicky McGrath on this week’s episode of the True Fiction Project to discuss her graphic novel The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact - Tails from the Clinic. Victoria was inspired by her daughter’s desire to become a veterinarian, and she uses her childhood hometown to bring the setting of The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tails from the Clinic to life. Listen in as Victoria reads an excerpt from her book about two excited middle-grade friends on their way to the veterinary clinic after school.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (02:10) Vicky shares how she developed the foundation for the series of novels 
• (06:59) Vicky tells why she chose to write a graphic novel for middle grade
• (08:41) How did Victoria find an illustrator
• (13:36) Vicky reads a passage from The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact describing how her characters met due to their moms owning a veterinary clinic together

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Vicky's journey into writing her middle-grade fantasy graphic novel series, Tails from the Clinic, began during the COVID-19 lockdowns. As an in-person, service-based business owner in Ontario, she had to pivot her work life drastically. Writing became a source of stress relief and a way to combat isolation and anxiety—what started as a creative outlet eventually blossomed into a full-fledged book series.
• The inspiration behind the series stems from her daughter’s lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. The main characters’ mothers are vets who co-own a clinic, and the story is rooted in Vicky's childhood hometown. 
• Vicky gravitated toward the graphic novel format because of her childhood love for comics like Tintin. Though she isn’t an illustrator, she collaborated closely with her publisher and artist to bring her detailed vision to life, making her books accessible and appealing—especially to reluctant readers and those who thrive on visual storytelling.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free, or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode. You will also be eligible for other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction, and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora 

FICTION CREDITS:

Written by Vicky McGrath

Read by Vicky McGrath

GUEST RESOURCES:

Vicky McGrath - Facebook

The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact - Amazon

The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact - Barnes and Noble

The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact - Indigo Chapters

Vicky McGrath - Website

Vicky McGrath - Instagram

HOST RESOURCES

Website

LinkedIn 

Tiktok 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Twitter (X) 

Substack 

Threads 

LinkTree 

BIO:

Vicky McGrath is the author of a middle-grade children’s graphic novel series, Tails From the Clinic. Vicky began writing the novel series during the COVID-19 lockdown as a creative outlet, inspired by her daughter's desire to become a veterinarian and their shared love for Harry Potter. Before becoming an author, Vicky owned and ran a senior care business for eight years. Vicky enjoys writing fantasy and incorporating fun, humor and adventure with the main themes of friendship, love and bravery.

Hello, everyone! I am thrilled to visit with Mark Steven Porro, who has led a fascinating life, taking him from Hollywood to caring for his mother, the inspiration that led him to write A Cup of Tea on the Commode. This heartfelt memoir captures the raw, authentic, and humorous moments of caring for a loved one. Stay tuned as Mark reads an excerpt from his book, detailing an unusual conversation between mother and son during their seemingly normal morning routine. Tune in to hear more!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (02:10) Mark speaks about his current home in France and his childhood
• (04:54) Mark began his acting career with stars like Chuck Norris and Tom Hanks
• (08:26) An award-winning short film called SUV: Sport Utility Vehicle 
• (12:08) Mark moves from Hollywood back to his childhood home to care for his mother
• (16:32) Mark reads a conversation he and his mother had that inspired A Cup of Tea on the Commode
• (20:46) Mark reads an excerpt from A Cup of Tea on the Commode

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Mark’s journey showcases his strong entrepreneurial drive, from launching multiple businesses to creating a unique snack food company in honor of his father. His ability to balance creative pursuits with business ventures serves as an inspiration to all of us.
• Mark has explored various artistic avenues, including acting, directing, writing, and industrial design. His work in Hollywood includes roles in Hill Street Blues and Castaway, along with his award-winning short film. 
• Now residing in a historic village in southwest France, Mark immerses himself in a creative environment rich in theater, history, and artistic inspiration. His move emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with a stimulating atmosphere to fuel creativity.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free, or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode. You will also be eligible for other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction, and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora 

FICTION CREDITS:

Written by Mark Steven Porro

Read by Mark Steven Porro

GUEST RESOURCES:

A Cup of Tea on the Commode - Website

A Cup of Tea on the Commode - Facebook

A Cup of Tea on the Commode - YouTube

A Cup of Tea on the Commond - Twitter (X)

A Cup of Tea on the Commode - Instagram

Mark Steven Porro - LinkedIn

A Cup of Tea on the Commode - Pinterest

A Cup of Tea on the Commode - TikTok

SUV Sport Utility Vehicle - YouTube

HOST RESOURCES

Website

LinkedIn 

Tiktok 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Twitter (X) 

Substack 

Threads 

LinkTree 

BIO:

Mark Steven Porro, a New Jersey native (Exit 163), earned an Industrial Design degree from Ohio State University. After years in agency work, his passion for acting took him to Hollywood, where he appeared in numerous TV, film, and stage productions. Along the way, Mark launched five non-profit companies, none of which were planned for applause. Now living in the South of France, he enjoys life in wine country, where the locals assure him his French isn’t so bad—at least, that’s what he believes they’re saying. An award-winning designer, writer, director, and best-selling author, Mark's debut memoir, A Cup of Tea on the Commode, chronicles the bittersweet and humorous journey of caring for his mother in her final years. Though his efforts weren't always perfect, he came pretty close.