West of the Page

Bestselling author Craig Johnson, the mind behind the iconic Walt Longmire series, sits down for an in-depth interview exploring his latest work in the Rough Country anthology.

Discover the fascinating true story behind “The Perfect A,” inspired by a 1930s Wyoming sheep herder’s unexpected connection to the New York Philharmonic, and get a rare look into Johnson’s creative process, storytelling techniques, and writing rituals.

From his 22-year Christmas tradition of gifting free short stories to fans to behind-the-scenes insights as a creative consultant on the hit TV adaptation Longmire, Johnson shares humor, wisdom, and hard-earned experience. Hear how Wyoming’s vast landscapes shape his themes, why technology often takes a backseat to nature in his stories, and how music—from jazz to film scores—fuels his writing sessions.

This is a must-watch for fans of mystery, Western fiction, and aspiring writers looking for inspiration from one of today’s most beloved storytellers.

Lysandra James talks about her fantasy novel Truthtaker—a genre-bending story that blends historical fiction, time displacement, and magic.

In this episode, we explore the world of Truthtaker, where characters from the Regency era are mysteriously transported to the Ice Age and form a powerful matriarchal society known as “New London.” With magic that shifts the balance of power, the story dives into survival, control, and the growing divide between those who want to return home and those determined to build a new future. Along the way, a slow-burn romance unfolds, adding emotional depth to an already high-stakes world.

Lysandra James also shares insight into her writing process, including how the idea came to her during the pandemic and how she blends structured plotting with intuitive storytelling. She discusses the tools and frameworks that shape her work, as well as the creative instincts that bring her characters to life.

The conversation also highlights her personal journey as a breast cancer survivor and how that experience has influenced her storytelling, particularly in her upcoming project, Freeing the Muse. She also reveals plans for a larger “displaced universe,” with multiple books spanning different time periods, from ancient civilizations to more modern eras.

From comic books to cult classics—here’s how Joe R. Lansdale became one of the most original voices in modern storytelling.

Lansdale dives into his wild, genre-bending career, from crime and horror to westerns packed with grit and myth. He talks about his story “Under the Moon of Arizona” from the Rough Country anthology, where he reimagines real-life Black cowboy Nat Love and brings overlooked history back into the spotlight. The anthology also supports the U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund, adding a meaningful real-world impact to the work.

You’ll also hear about his “seat of the pants” writing style—no outlines, just instinct—why he writes for himself instead of chasing the market, how decades of martial arts experience shape his visceral fight scenes, and the discipline behind showing up to write every single day.

Whether you’re a writer, reader, or just love a good story—this is packed with insight and inspiration.

Dive into storytelling, science, and second chances in this episode of West of the Page!

Hosts Lindsay Flanagan and Staci sit down with author Mary Shotwell to explore her unique journey from biostatistics to bestselling fiction. From dolphin research to whale-watching rivals, Mary shares how her scientific background shapes her unforgettable stories.

We talk about her Maiden’s Bay romance series, her fantasy Soulquake world, and a brand-new sci-fi romcom you won’t want to miss !

Plus: Why “second chances” are at the heart of her books, her surprising favorite part of writing (hint: it’s editing!), the real-life inspiration behind Romancing Rivals, and the TV couple that influenced her romance style (fans of Brooklyn Nine-Nine will love this)!

New York Times bestselling author John Gilstrap joins us to talk about writing thrillers, his creative process, and how real-life experience shapes powerful storytelling.

Drawing from 16 years as a firefighter and EMT, Gilstrap explains how he translates real-world adrenaline into compelling fiction and why he chooses not to outline his stories. He shares insights into writing novels versus short stories and screenplays, along with the mindset needed to craft believable, high-stakes action.

We also explore the deeply personal inspiration behind “Distilled Crazy,” a story rooted in his family history and featured in the anthology Rough Country, published by Roan & Weatherford Publishing, and discuss his upcoming projects, including the Netflix adaptation of Six Minutes to Freedom.

In this episode, we sit down with author Annie Atkin to talk about her gripping Western romance Devil in the Daylight and the story behind the book. Set against the rugged backdrop of the Old West, the novel follows Maggie Bennett, a woman determined to see the outlaw who killed her father brought to justice. But the dangerous journey to return him to Bluff City forces Maggie to confront the possibility that the man she hates may not be the monster she believed.

Annie shares the inspiration behind the novel, the themes of vengeance and redemption that shape Maggie and Jedidiah’s story, and the music she imagines on the soundtrack if the book were adapted for screen. We also discuss her dream casting for a Netflix version of Devil in the Daylight, her writing process, and what readers can expect from her next project—a Viking-inspired fantasy.

If you enjoy Western fiction, romance, and behind-the-scenes conversations with authors about their creative process, you won’t want to miss this episode.

In this episode of West of the Page, New York Times bestselling author and five-time Bram Stoker Award winner Jonathan Maberry joins Roan Weatherford Publishing to talk about his contribution to the upcoming Hard Country anthology.

The conversation focuses on his iconic character Joe Ledger—a former Army Ranger, Baltimore detective, and now special ops operative—and his latest short story, Bad Times in the Bob, a modern western set in Montana’s remote Bob Marshall Wilderness. Stepping away from his usual high-tech thrillers, Maberry explores a stripped-down story centered on survival, raw action, and resilience.

The episode also highlights his admiration for the U.S. Marshals, beneficiaries of the anthology, and dives into themes of resilience that define his work, including Ledger’s ongoing struggle with trauma. Maberry reflects on his prolific career, his fan-favorite combat dog Ghost, and how he balances writing intense thrillers with a personal life grounded in meditation and poetry.

Bestselling author Reavis Wortham discusses the creation of Rough Country and Hard Country, two anthologies supporting the U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund.

From curating a wide range of stories to writing his own tale about life choices and destiny, Wortham shares the inspiration behind the project, his storytelling roots, and the impact of using fiction to give back.

Join us on West of the Page for an in-depth conversation with New York Times bestselling author Reavis Z. Wortham as he dives into the creation of his newest Western-horror novel, Comancheria. Wortham shares highlights from his decades-long writing career—over 2,000 columns, 20 novels, multiple Spur Awards and Will Rogers Medallions—and reveals how a vivid dream during lockdown sparked this dark, genre-bending tale. He discusses crafting a grittier, more cinematic vision of the 1870s, his “pantser” writing style, the cursed Texas Ranger Buck Dallas, and the blend of real history with supernatural twists. Wortham also teases what’s ahead in his upcoming trilogy, including The Sound of a Dead Man’s Laugh, What We Owe the Dead, and a future time-twisting installment. Tune in for craft insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and an exciting look at the future of this bold Western series.