311 - Don's Away Mission with Author Elliot Blake

In this episode of No Win Scenario Presents: Don’s Away Mission, Don Schechter and surprise co-host Trevor Chamberlain sits down with author and media creator Elliot Blake to talk about making the leap from helping tell other people’s stories to creating a science-fiction world of his own. Elliot discusses the creation of his new novella, Into the Great, and how living through a period of extraordinary technological and social change influenced the story. The conversation explores why science fiction remains such a powerful way to process the world around us, the challenge of imagining the future when technology is evolving so quickly, and how creators can turn uncertainty into compelling storytelling.Don and Elliot also dig into the creative decisions behind Into the Great, including why Elliot chose the novella format, the book’s visual influences, and the writers and films that helped shape his approach—including William Gibson and Blade Runner.They also look beyond the book to possible adaptations, including audiobooks, animation, and film, while discussing the current state of the entertainment industry and the realities of staying creatively active when the business itself is undergoing enormous change.Highlights include:Elliot Blake’s career in media and storytellingMaking the transition from helping create other people’s stories to writing his ownThe inspiration behind Into the GreatHow rapid technological and societal change shapes modern science fictionUsing science fiction to process uncertainty about the present and futureWhy Elliot chose to tell the story as a novellaThe visual thinking behind the book’s cover and designInfluences including William Gibson and Blade RunnerHow creators decide what the future should look and feel likePlans for audiobook, film, animation, and other possible adaptationsThe changing state of the entertainment industryBalancing professional work with personal creative projectsWhy today’s tools can mean “fewer excuses, more stories to tell”Sound Bites:“Fewer excuses, more stories to tell.”“Choosing the life you want in a destabilized world.”“Science fiction as a way to process current times.”Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest01:19 Elliot Blake's background in media and storytelling02:20 The inspiration behind Into the Great04:39 The influence of current global changes on the story06:30 Storytelling as a reflection of societal fears09:35 The impact of the current era on creative work13:38 Media adaptation plans for Into the Great16:32 Why a novella? Length and publishing choices20:18 Cover art and design influences22:26 Literary influences and sci-fi inspirations26:23 Living in a time of rapid change and storytelling30:03 The state of the entertainment industry and future projects36:06 Balancing creative work with industry realitiesGuest Links:Elliot Blake: https://elliotblake.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/elliotblakePodcast: No Win Scenario Presents: Don’s Away MissionEpisode Number: S03E11Release Date: August 15, 2026Duration: 40:12Host: Don SchechterWebsite: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.comEmail: [email protected] No Win Scenario on X (Formerly Twitter): @nowinscenarioFollow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867TikTok: @NoWinScenarioPodcastDon says: Order the Ascendants novel: https://www.ascendantsbook.comTrevor says: Watch Front Row Reactions: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontRowReactionsSubscribe on your favorite platformMental Health Crisis ResourcesIn the US: Call or text 988Online: https://988lifeline.org©2026 Charles River Mediahttps://www.CharlesRiverMedia.com