True Fiction Project

Hello, everyone! I'm thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented Laila Khan Furniturewalla to the show. Laila comes from a renowned and multitalented family, led by her father, the legendary Indian filmmaker, actor, and writer, Feroz Khan. While her roots are in film, Laila has carved her path in mixed media art, drawing inspiration from Ganesha—the beloved elephant god honored across and revered amongst various cultures. Listen as Laila recounts fond memories of her father and his dedication to perfecting his craft. As a special treat at the end of the episode, we’ll hear a song dedicated to Laila by her father, Feroz Khan from the film Qurbani. 

See below for more information on Laila's upcoming art show!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (02:24) Laila shares the type of art she creates 
• (05:32) Laila discusses her father and his contributions to the film industry in India
• (10:16) Why wasn’t Laila encouraged to pursue acting
• (12:09) Laila explains how the song Laila O Laila was inspired 
• (16:11) Discussion of the actresses' careers launched because of the film Qurbani
• (21:00) Listen to the song Laila O Laila from the film Qurbani

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Laila Furniturewalla’s artwork is deeply inspired by spirituality and Indian culture, especially the elephant-headed deity Ganesh. She explores themes of divinity, abstraction, and formlessness, using mixed media and textures to create almost sculptural canvases that invite the viewer to complete the interpretation.
• Laila is the daughter of legendary Indian filmmaker and artist Feroz Khan. Growing up in a creative, intellectual household filled with art, sculpture, and film, she was influenced by her father’s aesthetic sensibilities. She chose to follow her artistic path, embracing the self-expression of visual art.
• The beloved Hindi film song Laila O Laila was named after and inspired by Laila Furniturewalla herself. The song became a generation's anthem. She pridefully recalls how her father predicted its success and how the original version remains unmatched in its emotional impact and artistry.

ART SHOW

“UNTAMED HEART “ is a celebration of raw emotion.”

Born in the quiet storm of the COVID-19 crisis, these works respond to the fragility of life — interweaving survival, loss, and resilience.

Ganesh appears not as an idol, but as an evolving force , a symbol of Shakti through Gauri, the feminine energy within.

This exhibition marks a breaking free — from boundaries, from expectations and expresses how I feel about life, and the soul of things.

We look forward to having you with us at Gallery Art & Soul - Worli, Mumbai from 16th -22nd April.

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 

MUSICAL CREDITS:

Inspired by Laila Furniturewalla and written by Feroz Khan

GUEST RESOURCES:

Laila Khan - Website

Laila Khan Art - Instagram

HOST RESOURCES

Website

LinkedIn 

Tiktok 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Twitter (X) 

Substack 

Threads 

LinkTree 

BIO:

An Artist since childhood, Laila Khan Furniturewalla has trained in fine art from the Slade School of Fine Art & the Central Saint Martins School of Fine Art in London, UK. She has held numerous shows & her artworks are held in many esteemed private collections. Her work has been included in auctions and fundraisers & she has donated her work to many charitable causes in India & Internationally. She is also the creative head of Furniturewalla, one of India’s largest & most renowned furniture & decor brands.

Welcome everyone! Today, I am joined by guest Brian Gotta, a talented author and entrepreneur based in San Diego. Brian has written four youth sports novels and has recently ventured into adult fiction with his touching new book, Him, a story about a dog that will capture the hearts of all dog lovers. In this episode, we’ll dive into Brian’s journey as an author, the inspiration behind Him, and what it’s like to navigate the world of self-publishing and marketing. At the conclusion of the episode, you'll hear an excerpt from Him, following a dog who is determined to reunite with his former owner but is faced with an obstacle they didn’t expect.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Teaser and opening
• (01:50) Brian shares his writing journey and talks about his first book, Congratulations, You're a Millionaire
• (04:20) How Brian began writing the non-fiction genre and then moved into writing fiction inspired by sports books he read in his youth 
• (06:40) Brian discusses self-publishing and the rebranding opportunities on Amazon
• (10:31) Brian shares the inspiration behind Him
• [14:23 Brian reads an excerpt from his newest book, Him

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Brian Gotta started his writing career with nonfiction, documenting sales techniques, which led to his first published book, Congratulations, You’re a Millionaire. His transition to fiction began with middle-grade sports novels, inspired by his children’s interests and the need for updated, modern storytelling.
• Whether traditionally published or self-published, authors must actively market their books. Brian learned that even with a publisher, the responsibility of promotion largely falls on the author. This realization led him to self-publish his youth sports novels and rebrand and re-release them for new audiences.
• As a natural entrepreneur, Brian approaches writing as a business, leveraging his sales and marketing background to promote his books. His experience highlights the importance of perseverance in the publishing world, from rebranding older works to embracing new platforms like Amazon KDP.

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 to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora 

Fiction Credits:

Written by Brian Gotta

Read by Brian Gotta 

GUEST RESOURCES:

Brian Gotta - LinkedIn

Brian Gotta - Facebook Business

Brian Gotta - X

Brian Gotta - Instagram

Brian Gotta - Website

Brian Gotta Author Page - Amazon

Congratulations, You're a Millionaire - Book

Him - Book

HOST RESOURCES

Website

LinkedIn 

Tiktok 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Twitter (X) 

Substack 

Threads 

LinkTree 

BIO:

Brian Gotta is an author and entrepreneur who lives in San Diego, CA. After graduating from Indiana University with a B.A. in English Literature, he began a sales and sales management career, which inspired his first book, Congratulations! You're a Millionaire! Raising his four children and coaching them in sports inspired him to write a book on coaching baseball, Winning Secrets, and four youth sports novels. His recently-published novel, Him, is his first work of adult fiction.

I’m thrilled to introduce the imaginative world of children's author and illustrator Erika Silverman. Through engaging storytelling, Erika explores meaningful themes like self-esteem, perseverance, and inclusivity, helping young readers navigate bullying and self-doubt. We discuss how writing serves as both a creative escape and a powerful mission for her, leading to recognition from The New York Times and a Pulitzer Prize nomination. In this episode, Erika shares her inspiration, the impact of her work, and the heartfelt message behind Leave Your Mark on the World—a charming story about a washable marker determined to become permanent by making a difference. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Teaser
• (02:04) Erika shares why she writes children's fiction, her recognition by The New York Times, and a Pulitzer Prize nomination.
• (04:25) Erika writes about a range of topics kids may be struggling with
• (07:10) Writing is an escape for Erika from her day job
• (08:57) Erika explains where she gets her inspiration and tells about the book she will read
• (12:06) Erika’s books are at Amazon, Walmart, Barnes and Noble and online stores 
• (12:43) Erika shares the premise of her work Leave Your Mark on The World 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Inspired by a deep desire to uplift young minds, these stories explore self-esteem, perseverance, and overcoming obstacles. They address real-world issues like bullying, self-doubt, and inclusivity in a way that resonates with children, transforming personal passion into a meaningful creative outlet.
• These books cover various inspirational topics, including overcoming self-doubt, turning challenges into opportunities, and navigating issues like bullying, discrimination, and self-esteem.
• Encouraging Young Readers – Inspired by the struggles of young readers who find books challenging, these stories are designed to engage children while reinforcing positive messages and a love for reading.

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 to receive other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora 

Fiction Credits:

Written by Erika Silverman

Read by Erika Silverman

GUEST RESOURCES:

Erika Silverman - Website

Erika Silverman - Facebook

How To Be Human - Book

How To Become a Super Hero -Book

Lemonade - Book

Raining Lemons - Book

Enzos Treasure Hunt - Book

HOST RESOURCES

Website

LinkedIn 

Tiktok 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Twitter (X) 

Substack 

Threads 

LinkTree 

BIO:

I’m a wife, mother, estate planning attorney, author, and illustrator who wears many hats. With 12—soon to be 14—published children's books, I combine my love for writing, art, and design to inspire young minds. My greatest inspiration comes from my two children, and I also design empowering clothes and accessories for kids. Resting for me is working because I love what I do. I believe in making a difference—otherwise, why are we here? I was honored when The New York Times featured my first book, How to Become a Superhero: Unlock Your Superpowers, and I haven’t stopped writing since!

Hi everyone! I’m thrilled to welcome multi-award-winning children’s book author Renée Greene Murphy to the show this week. Renée is the author of Your Heart's Voice,  one of the first children’s picture books on intuition, which she lovingly dedicated to her younger brother, who tragically passed away in 2022. In this heartfelt episode, Renée shares the inspiration behind her book, how grief shaped its development and the spiritual symbolism woven throughout its pages. We’ll also hear an excerpt from this beautifully written story designed to help children embrace self-awareness and intuition. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:48] Renée shares why she wrote the book
• [4:23] There were no accessible resources for children on the topic of intuition
• [7:01] How the book was restructured after the death of her brother
• [10:13] Where you can get your copy of Your Heart's Voice, 
• [11:54] We hear an excerpt from Your Heart's Voice 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• In 2018, a New York State-certified school counselor and mother of two noticed a lack of children's picture books on intuition, a vital life tool. With three master’s degrees and 10 years of experience, she was inspired to fill this gap.
• The tragic loss of Renée’s younger brother in 2022 deeply impacted her, with writing serving as a therapeutic outlet to cope with the shock, anger, and depression of grief.
• The book incorporates numerous spiritual elements, including angel numbers, symbolic animals like a cardinal, dragonfly, and turtle, and settings like the beach, where the author feels most connected to her intuition—all reflecting themes of guidance, resilience, and celebrating her brother.

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

Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita

Fiction Credits:

Written by: Renée Greene Murphy 

Read by: Renée Greene Murphy

GUEST RESOURCES:

Renée Greene Murphy - Website

Renée Greene Murphy - LinkedIn

Renée Greene Murphy - Business Facebook

Renée Greene Murphy - Instagram

Renée Greene Murphy - Facebook

Your Heart's Voice - Audio

Your Heart's Voice - Barnes and Noble

HOST RESOURCES

Website

LinkedIn 

Tiktok 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Twitter (X) 

Substack 

Threads 

LinkTree 

BIOGRAPHY: Renée Greene Murphy

Multi-award-winning children’s book, author of Your Heart's Voice, one of the first children’s picture books on intuition. Your Heart's Voice is dedicated to my little brother, who tragically passed in a car accident in 2022. Writing was therapeutic for me during the initial stages of grief, so I ended up dedicating my book to him and adding him as a main character. Jade learns three life lessons throughout the story, and by listening to our heart's voice, she makes the right choice and feels good about herself. Robert, my brother in the story, teaches her that her heart voice is indeed her intuition. Your heart voice is an excellent supplemental tool in any classroom for students ages five and up to help increase self-awareness, self-esteem, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Welcome to season 6 of the True Fiction Project Podcast! I’m thrilled to start this season off with my dear friend Rachana Devidayal. Rachana is a graphic design artist with a profound connection to her craft and the stories she tells through her work. In this episode, she opens up about her journey—why she chose a path different from her mother’s, how her struggles are reflected in her art and the barriers she’s had to overcome along the way. We also dive into the deep inspiration she draws from the sacred Narmada River, the rituals of Maheshwar, and her ongoing artistic projects. Join us for an insightful conversation about creativity, resilience, and the interplay between art and spirituality.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [2:01] Rachana shares her background as a graphic design artist and why she felt she needed to follow a different path than her mother
• [6:49] How her struggles are reflected in her work
• [13:08] Rachana describes the dams she erects in her heart
• [15:43] Rachana describes this huge puja, this huge religious ceremony
• [17:13] Rachana describes a ritual in the town called Maheshwar and her last project, which is still a work in progress
• [19:28] The inspiration behind Rachana’s focus on the river

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Flowing uniquely east to west, the Narmada River is revered as one of India’s most sacred, believed to cleanse sins with a mere glance. Its deep spiritual significance inspires artistic exploration, with layered mediums reflecting the river’s essence and timeless story.
• The Narmada River exudes unstoppable feminine energy, defying control despite controversies and environmental impacts. A holy man’s prediction of her resistance was affirmed by early dam failures, symbolizing her enduring vitality and inspiring awe and resilience.
• Artists often face self-imposed barriers, but awareness enables reinvention and progress. Each success breaks old limitations, though new challenges arise, reflecting growth, persistence, and artistic fulfillment.

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

Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita

GUEST RESOURCES:

Rachana Devidayal - Website

Rachana Devidayal Design - LinkedIn

Rachana Devidayal - Facebook

Rachana Devidayal - Instagram

HOST RESOURCES

Website

LinkedIn 

Tiktok 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Twitter (X) 

Substack 

Threads 

LinkTree 

BIOGRAPHY: Rachana Devidayal

I completed my education at the Cathedral School, Bombay, and earned honors in Graphic Design from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1994. With a passion for print media, I’ve worked on diverse projects for publishing houses, museums, and private clients. I taught art to ISDI School of Design & Innovation students and co-founded Flying Tricycle Workshops in 2016, curating creative programs for children. Reconnecting with fine arts during the pandemic led to my 2023 solo exhibition, Palash & Baadal, inspired by the light and architecture of Mandu. My paper and watercolor works blend structured design, artistic freedom, and vibrant color.

In this revisited episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast, we are looking back at a True Fiction Fan Favorite episode with actor, writer, and stand up comedian Shenuque Tissera.  

He shares his story of how he went from a Doctor of Geography to a Stand Up Comedian. He talks about the expectations his parents had of him after immigrating to the US, and his fear of disappointing them as he faked his graduation and dropped out of graduate school. We hear all about the Art of Killin' It and the other projects he is currently working on. The episode ends with the short story titled, Faking the Grade by Michael Kobzik. In this story we follow an aspiring stand up comedian who officially drops out from becoming a Doctor of Geography but still shows up at his graduation to receive a fake diploma to appease his unaware parents. 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [1:57] What is Shenuque’s primary career? 
• [2:50] Shenuque walks through his college education path. 
• [11:38] How did Shenuque fake his graduation? 
• [13:10] Shenuque talks about his start as a stand up comedian. 
• [14:53] We hear about the Art of Killin' It. 
• [16:43] How is Quidditch (quadball) actually played? 
• [22:37] What do Shenuque’s parents think of the decisions he has made with his career? 
• [23:50] Shenuque tells us about the Twenty Sided Podcast and his character. 
• [26:36] A short story Faking the Grade by Michael Kobzik. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Follow your heart. Shenuque knew that he wasn’t destined for the graduate school path. Once he followed his heart he was able to find a career that he absolutely loves and is wildly successful at.  
• Quidditch is a real game that was played at the college level! 
• You can be more than one thing in life! You don’t have to silo yourself into one career, follow your passions and see where you end up.  

Fiction Credits: 

Excerpt written by: Michael Kobsik 

BIO: 

Shenuque is an actor, writer, and stand-up comedian. He portrays 'Jaylen' in the theatrical production of the Art of Killin' It. He's been featured on HBO Max's Human By Orientation. He is also the voice of Yaksha Rah on the Twenty Sided Podcast. You can find him @shenuque on Instagram or @fakeshenuque on TikTok. 

Shenuque Tissera Website  

The Twenty Sided Podcast  

Shenuque Tissera's Twitter  

Shenuque Tissera's Instagram  

Shenuque Tissera's TikTok  

Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast! During this special episode, we are mashing up three spooky authors: one a fiction author, another a paranormal writer and the third a writer of witch fantasy from Season 5. These episodes include The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper, The Pied Piper’s Prince and Whisper’s Most Foul.  All three stories have unique plots and will make your spine tingle. Tune in today for interview snippets and stories, and find the link to the full episodes in the notes below.  

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [1:48] Interview snippet of Mary Savarese sharing how her life experiences inspire her storytelling 
• [3:08] Short story The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper by Mary Savarese 
• [6:28] Interview snippet of Gina Schaeffer sharing how her work as a paranormal investigator has framed her writing 
• [7:25] Short story The Pied Piper’s Prince by Gina Schaeffer 
• [11:41] Interview snippet of Emma MacDonald and where she finds her inspiration to write about witches 
• [12:54] Short story Whisper’s Most Foul by Emma MacDonald 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Mary Savarese builds suspense and emotional depth by immersing readers in a vivid and magical prologue. 
• Gina Schaefer incorporates chilling, tangible elements that encourage readers to reflect and explore further, heightening their emotional investment. 
• Emma McDonald leverages atmospheric storytelling and relatable characters to evoke fear and intrigue, leaving readers captivated by the unfolding mystery. 

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

Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita 

FICTION CREDITS: 

The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper  

A short story written and ready by Mary Savarese 

Mary Savarese - Facebook  

Mary Savarese - Instagram 

The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper - Audiobook 

The Pied Piper’s Prince 

A short story written and read by Gina Schaeffer 

The Pied Piper's Prince - Barnes and Noble 

Gina Schaeffer - Instagram 

Gina Schaeffer - Facebook 

Whisper’s Most Foul 

A short story written and read by Emma MacDonald 

Emma MacDonald - Instagram 

Emma MacDonald - Website 

Whisper's Most Foul - Barnes and Noble 

RESOURCES 

Season 5 Episode 2 - The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper 

Season 5 Episode 11 - The Pied Piper's Prince 

Season 5 Episode 9 - Whisper's Most Foul 

HOST RESOURCES 

Website 

LinkedIn  

Tiktok  

Instagram  

Facebook  

Twitter (X)  

Substack  

Threads  

LinkTree  

Welcome to this revisited episode of the True Fiction Project. Traci DeForge, CEO and Founder of Produce Your Podcast, interviews Lynn Moon (CEO) and Shannon Peason (CFO), Co-Founders of the publisher, Indignor House, about Reenita’s new book she launched back in July of 2024! Lynn and Shannon share a bit about the type of authors they typically work with, and how they became connected to Reenita. Lynn shares a lot of the history in India from when this book was written and the impact that it can have on future generations of those who read this book. At the end, you will hear an excerpt from Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh written and read by Reenita herself about the forbidden love between an Anglo-Indian school teacher and a Muslim student activist against General Dyer’s impending tragedy.  

Get your copy of Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh here! 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [2:42] How did Lynn and Shannon get started on creating Indignor House?  
• [4:12] What type of authors were they looking for when they started Indignor House? 
• [5:53] How did they get connected to Reenita?  
• [12:21] What type of genre do they typically work with? 
• [15:27] What is the history of the time that Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh was written about?  
• [21:35] What is it like to publish a non U.S. historical fiction book in the United States?  
• [25:06] How did the experience of publishing this book impact Shannon (editor)? 
• [27:01] What are Lynn’s expectations for this book?  
• [30:14] Is there a screenplay version in development?  
• [31:02] How can people get their hands on the book? 
• [32:21] We hear an excerpt from Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh written and read by Reenita Hora.  

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• If you are an aspiring author, take your time and wait for the right publishing company and editor. The wait is worth it to ensure that you are able to send your message out to the world in a beautiful way. 
• We need to take care of each other, we need to respect each other. Power is not everything. Disagreement is important, but being able to have a conversation without getting emotional is crucial.  
• The story Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh is a story that everyone needs to get their hands on. It is a tragic historical fiction story, but the lessons show why we must support others to avoid history continuing to repeat itself.  

Fiction Credits: 

Written and read by Reenita Hora 

RESOURCES: 

Where to buy Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh: 

• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953278523 
• Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vermilion-harvest-reenita-m-hora/1145699636?ean=9781953278524 
• Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Reenita-Malhotra-Hora/author/B001KHTMSS 
• Walmart 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Vermilion-Harvest-Playtime-at-the-Bagh-Hardcover-9781953278517/5976849351?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0 

• Thriftbooks 

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/vermilion-harvest-playtime-at-the-bagh_reenita-m-hora/53127072/#edition=71488527&idiq=64643525 

• Booktopia (Australia) 

https://www.booktopia.com.au/vermilion-harvest-reenita-m-hora/book/9781953278517.html 

• Hatchards (UK) 

https://www.hatchards.co.uk/book/vermilion-harvest/reenita-m-hora/9781953278524 

Indignor House Website   

Indignor House Facebook 

Indignor House Twitter  

Indignor House Instagram 

BIO: 

Bio for Lynn Moon: CEO & Co-Founder of the publisher, Indignor House 

Lynn is the award-winning author of the Agency Series that follows a government with unlimited power and money. She has worked for state and federal government agencies and uses her long reaching personal experiences to captivate her audience with realistic stories of political corruption. Her novels have won awards including the Moonbeam Children's Book Award, IPPY award, and the Dante Rossetti Book award. Lynn holds an MPA in Public Administration from Troy State University and an MFA in Literature from Lindenwood University. She’s the CEO of Indignor House, working to change the publishing environment one book at a time. 

Bio for Shannon Pearson: CEO & Co-Founder of the publisher, Indignor House  

 Shannon comes to Indignor House with a treasure trove of over 10 years of experience in accounting and administrative services. For the last five years, Shannon has worked in the editorial fields of all genres. With her talent, she gives the numbers and letters a refined breath of fresh air. 

Hi everyone! This week, I am thrilled to introduce Doyle Glass, a former criminal prosecutor, an American historical novelist, and a sculptor who brings us the powerful story of the young men who fought in Vietnam. Doyle's journey is one of passion, perseverance, and the desire to preserve the untold stories of those who served. His book, Swift Sword, is a tribute to the Vietnam War veterans whose real experiences were often overlooked or forgotten. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation about history, healing, and the importance of telling the truth. 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [1:31 Doyle’s background is shared, and he discusses the story of Swift Sword 
• [3:24] Doyle gave up his role as prosecutor and his passion for these veterans 
• [6:02] Why weren’t these stories documented  
• [8:17] How did Doyle find the subjects for his book 
• [10:01] Doyle’s life experiences at the time of the writing of the first edition 
• [12:40] Doyle shares the backstory of what we are about to hear 
• [18:21] We hear an excerpt from Swift Sword 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• The Vietnam War left deep pain and division, causing many to avoid documenting veterans' true stories. Unlike WWII, Vietnam was marked by controversy and a desire to forget. As veterans pass, their stories risk being lost, a gap the writer seeks to fill with his books. 
• The writer faced a tough journey creating his book, as many veterans were reluctant to share painful memories. After years of interviews and personal hardships, including caring for his terminally ill wife, he rediscovered the transcripts a decade later and completed the book after two decades. 
• Doyle's book on the Vietnam War appeals to the Americans who fought in the Vietnam War and their families, as well as to lovers of history. Many readers, including the children, grandchildren, and relatives of veterans, seek a deeper understanding of what their loved ones experienced. The book serves as a way to preserve and uncover the "real truths" of those who fought, capturing a legacy that might otherwise be lost. 

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

Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita 

Fiction Credits: 

Written by Doyle Glass 

Read by Doyle Glass 

GUEST RESOURCES: 

Doyle Glass - Website 

Doyle Glass - Facebook 

Doyle Glass - Instagram 

Doyle Glass - LinkedIn 

Swift Sword 

Lions of Medina 

HOST RESOURCES 

Website 

LinkedIn  

Tiktok  

Instagram  

Facebook  

Twitter (X)  

Substack  

Threads  

LinkTree  

BIO: 

Doyle Glass (born January 22, 1962) is an American historical novelist and sculptor known for his bestselling books Lions of Medina (2007) and Swift Sword (2023), as well as his sculptures of the Texas and Kentucky Medal of Honor Memorials. A former criminal prosecutor, Glass began writing and sculpting after his legal career. Lions of Medina details the sacrifices of Charlie Company Marines in Vietnam, while Swift Sword recounts a harrowing firefight in the Queson Valley. His upcoming book, Unthrottled: The Story of Robert Benoist (2025), will tell the story of a French Grand Prix champion turned British secret agent during WWII. 

Hi everyone! This week, I am excited to introduce Melody Fowler, a passionate creative who brings a story to us ranging over several decades. The inspiration for this historical fiction novel comes from her husband’s grandmother, Loucindia. She died at the age of 97 but left behind a life-long trail of stories. Melody reads an excerpt from her book How We Healed which tells of Loucindia facing the Great Appalachian Storm of 1950 and waiting for her alcoholic husband to come home. Tune in for a story of a powerful woman, ahead of her time.      

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [1:35] How did Melody go from wanting to be a journalist to a full time writer?  
• [3:46] What does Melody feel is her primary creative skill? 
• [5:16] How did the storyline for How We Healed come to Melody? 
• [8:47] Is this story more like a memoir or a fictional structure with a plot? 
• [9:57] Melody shares the backstory of what she will read today. 
• [10:42] Why was it important to bring Loucindia's story to the reading public? 
• [13:30] We hear an excerpt from How We Healed . 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Maintaining authentic vernacular in writing, whether for fiction or nonfiction, is essential. It brings the storyline to life, making it feel more genuine and relatable. 
• Our guest spent hours on end visiting with her husband’s grandmother to capture her biographical story and then share it with us taking creative license to create How We Healed . 
• The importance of sharing her husband's grandmother's story lies in the universal themes of relationships, personal growth, and perspective. Her connections with family and friends and the lessons she learned are experiences we can all relate to. Often, we view others through the lens of our own perspective, sometimes missing a more holistic understanding of them. As we mature, we start to recognize that it's not all about us; other viewpoints come into focus, and we see people differently.  

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Fiction Credits: 

Written by Melody Fowler 

Read by Melody Fowler 

GUEST RESOURCES: 

Melody Fowler - Website 

How We Healed - The Book 

Melody Fowler - LinkedIn 

Melody Fowler - Facebook Personal Page 

Melody Fowler - Facebook Business Page 

Melody Fowler - Twitter Personal Account 

Melody Fowler - Instagram 

HOST RESOURCES 

Website 

LinkedIn  

Tiktok  

Instagram  

Facebook  

Twitter (X)  

Substack  

Threads  

LinkTree  

BIO: 

Melody is from Vancouver, BC, Canada. Three years ago, Melody retired after decades of working for the government. The artist in her was now completely free to pursue her passions. She is a recognized painter and a poet. Her art has been showcased in local galleries. Her first book was Life Lyrics: Love, Sex & Other Deviances, a book of poetry, and her latest work is How We Healed a novel she has co-written with her husband, Arric. She now lives outside Vancouver with her husband, where their backyard, affectionately known as the "Fowler Vineyard," continues to produce amazing mustard, wines, jams and jellies.