Author Affairs Podcast

What happens when a private journal becomes a life-changing devotional for people around the world? In this episode, we speak with Brazilian author Stefania Leão, whose debut devotional, The Prayer: Rise with Jesus, began as a private journal during one of the hardest seasons of her life and became a #1 Amazon bestseller in the English, Portuguese, and Italian categories, earning three international book awards in 2025. Stefania shares the story behind The Prayer and how its purpose grew beyond the book. In this episode, you’ll learn:-How a personal journal became a published devotional-How difficult seasons can shape creative work-How social media helped The Prayer reach readers around the world-How a book can grow into something bigger than its sales-The humanitarian work connected to The Prayer in San Francisco, Malawi and globally Memorable Line from the Episode“Don’t wait for the right time… you need to trust what you have, and do it, go for it, it’s never too late.” Mentions & ReferencesThe Prayer: Rise with Jesus — readtheprayer.comStefania Leão — stefanialeao.com Connect with StefaniaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stefanialeaoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanialeaoofficialAbout the PodcastAuthor Affairs explores storytelling, the craft of writing, and the business of being an author. Through solo reflections and occasional guest conversations, we uncover the ideas, decisions, and challenges behind the stories we tell. Connect with meFollow the podcast and subscribe to the Author Affairs newsletter on Substack to receive new episodes and insights into storytelling and writing:https://dumoxaba.substack.com Official Website: https://dumoxaba.co.za Follow for updates:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dumoxabaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DumoXaba.AuthorTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dumoxabaLinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/dumo-xabaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DumoXaba This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dumoxaba.substack.com

Every story begins with a spark. That spark could be a picture, a character, a conversation, or a question.It may sometimes take a while to identify exactly what the spark was because, as is often the case, stories are built from all the experiences, conversations and interactions you have had in your life.Before the Body Falls came from characters, and it was built on conversations, current affairs, and the conflict between past and present day. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dumoxaba.substack.com

Throughout history, every generation of writers has had to adapt to new technology. The typewriter didn't replace storytellers. Neither did the word processor. AI won't replace storytellers either—but it is certainly challenging the way we see the world. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dumoxaba.substack.com

What makes two writers tell the same story… but only one of them stays with you? In this episode of Author Affairs, we explore voice — the element that gives your writing personality, rhythm, and identity. From the way you tell a story to how your characters speak and think, voice is what transforms a story from something readable… into something unforgettable. In this episode, we discuss:-What voice really is-Why voice is the difference between a forgettable story and a memorable one-How voice strengthens conflict and tension-Why readers connect more to how a story is told than just what happens Memorable Line from the Episode“Conflict pulls readers in, but your voice is what makes the story unforgettable.” Practical Tips:-Write in your natural voice — authenticity resonates-Read your dialogue out loud to test flow and realism-Experiment with point of view, tone, and sentence structure-Give each character a unique way of speaking and thinking Try This Exercise:Take two characters from your story and write the same scene from each of their perspectives.Notice how their voices differ — or where they sound too similar. Mentions & ReferencesCourt Affairs: Lies & AlliesBenny Griessel seriesThe Dark KnightCrazy Rich Asians About the PodcastAuthor Affairs explores storytelling, the craft of writing, and the business of being an author. Through solo reflections and occasional guest conversations, we uncover the ideas, decisions, and challenges behind the stories we tell. Connect with meFollow the podcast and subscribe to the Author Affairs newsletter on Substack to receive new episodes and insights into storytelling and writing:https://dumoxaba.substack.com Official Website: https://dumoxaba.co.za Follow for updates:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dumoxabaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DumoXaba.AuthorTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dumoxabaLinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/dumo-xabaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DumoXaba This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dumoxaba.substack.com

What makes readers abandon a book after just a few chapters? In this episode of Author Affairs, we explore why conflict is the driving force of storytelling and why even slow-burn stories need an early spark of tension. In this episode, we discuss:-The debate between characters first or plot first-Why conflict is the engine that moves every story forward-The difference between a slow burn that builds tension and a story that hasn’t ignited yet-Lessons from films like The Matrix and books like The Hunger Games Memorable Line from the Episode“A good slow burn should feel like a gas stove slowly heating up. You can see the flame. You know the heat is building up. And you know something is happening. But a weak opening sometimes feels more like a candle. It’s burning, but very, very slowly.” Mentions & ReferencesThe MatrixThe Dark KnightThe Hunger Games About the PodcastAuthor Affairs explores storytelling, the craft of writing, and the business of being an author. Through solo reflections and occasional guest conversations, we uncover the ideas, decisions, and challenges behind the stories we tell. Connect with meFollow the podcast and subscribe to the Author Affairs newsletter on Substack to receive new episodes and insights into storytelling and writing:https://dumoxaba.substack.com Official Website: https://dumoxaba.co.za Follow for updates:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dumoxabaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DumoXaba.AuthorTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dumoxabaLinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/dumo-xabaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DumoXaba This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dumoxaba.substack.com

Where do story ideas come from? In this episode, we explore how simple questions — often inspired by real-life events — can evolve into powerful story concepts. From legal dilemmas to real-world crimes, storytelling often begins with a single question: What if? In this episode, you’ll learn:-How “what if” questions spark story ideas-A legal thriller concept built around a defence lawyer facing an impossible case-How real-life events can inspire fictional narratives-Why not every idea becomes a full story Memorable Line from the Episode“Even though not every idea becomes a story… every idea still teaches you something.” Mentions & ReferencesCourt Affairs: Lies & Allies - https://dumoxaba.co.za/the-books/court-affairs/ About the PodcastAuthor Affairs explores storytelling, the craft of writing, and the business of being an author. Through solo reflections and occasional guest conversations, we uncover the ideas, decisions, and challenges behind the stories we tell. Connect with meFollow the podcast and subscribe to the Author Affairs newsletter on Substack to receive new episodes and insights into storytelling and writing:https://dumoxaba.substack.com Official Website: https://dumoxaba.co.za Follow for updates:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dumoxabaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DumoXaba.AuthorTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dumoxabaLinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/dumo-xabaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DumoXaba This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dumoxaba.substack.com

Stories shape how we understand people, choices, justice, and consequences. In this opening episode of Author Affairs, we explore why stories matter and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful ways to explore the human condition. In this episode, you’ll learn:-Why stories help us understand human choices and consequences-The intersection of storytelling, writing craft, and the business of writing-What listeners can expect from future episodes of Author Affairs Memorable Line from the Episode“While the law deals with truth, stories often explore motives, and motives are where things become interesting.” About the PodcastAuthor Affairs explores storytelling, the craft of writing, and the business of being an author. Through solo reflections and occasional guest conversations, we uncover the ideas, decisions, and challenges behind the stories we tell.Connect with meFollow the podcast and subscribe to the Author Affairs newsletter on Substack to receive new episodes and insights into storytelling and writing:https://dumoxaba.substack.com Official Website: https://dumoxaba.co.zaFollow for updates:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dumoxabaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DumoXaba.AuthorTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dumoxabaLinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/dumo-xabaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DumoXaba This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dumoxaba.substack.com