Authors By Us

In this engaging interview, young author J.A. Watson shares her inspiring journey from childhood reading obsession to publishing her own fantasy series at a remarkably young age. Discover how her passions for dragons, archaeology, and engineering intertwine to shape her creative process and future ambitions.KeywordsYoung author, fantasy series, world building, creativity, engineering, archaeology, writing process, female characters, inspiration, self-developmentKey topicsJourney from childhood to published authorInfluence of fantasy and archaeology on writingBalancing engineering studies with creative pursuitsWorld building and series planning in fantasyRepresentation of female characters and femininityGuest NameJ.A. WatsonChapters:00:00 Introduction01:05 The Journey Of A 20 Year Old Author05:36 What Caused This Deep Seated Creative Itch From Such A Young Age10:41 Some Of The Series J.A Couldn't Put Down12:49 The Writing Process and Challenges14:59 Does Understanding Engineering Help With Creativity20:33 How J.A Incorporated Her Essence Into A Race Against Shadows24:57 The Average Age For A Published Book vs J.A27:12 How She Was Capable Of  Infusing Her Story With Feminine Rage32:01 World Building & Organization35:58 J.A's Self Discovery Between Reading & Writing37:44 J.A's Love For Archaeology & Paleontology42:41 Rediscovering Curiosity in a Fast-Paced World47:24 The Impact of Community and Book Events50:57 Future Aspirations & Goals For J.A55:28 Where J.A's Deep Seated Love For Nature Comes From57:23 How 4th Grade J.A Would Feel About Current J.A58:10 One Thing People Can Takeaway From This Conversation About J.A01:00:08 How J.A Tapped Into The Feelings Of Her Characters01:02:32 Has A Race Against Shadows Cost Her Emotionally01:07:04 What People Should Feel After They Close J.A's Book For The Last Time01:10:25 Closing Thoughts Section

Uncovering Justice: Kevin Laws on Child Exploitation, Personal Resilience, and AdvocacyIn this candid conversation, Kevin Laws shares his profound journey working undercover to track down online child predators, the emotional toll of his work, and his motivation behind writing a raw, graphic memoir to raise awareness. His story reveals the dark realities of law enforcement and the importance of community, mental health, and advocacy in healing and prevention.Key Topics:Kevin's background in law enforcement, military service, and international relocationsThe genesis and evolution of his career, including undercover work targeting child predatorsThe psychological and emotional impacts of confronting internet-based child exploitationInsights into Kevin’s book: motivation, content, and targeted audienceThe significance of honesty and graphic detail in raising awarenessHow TikTok became a platform for outreach, storytelling, and community buildingPersonal resilience, coping mechanisms, and the importance of community supportFuture goals, ongoing advocacy, and the mission to educate parents and policymakersThe importance of storytelling as a tool for empathy, awareness, and changeKevins's reflections on his upbringing and lessons learned about overcoming circumstancesTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and Kevin's background in law enforcement and military 00:42 - Reasons behind Kevin’s frequent relocations across the US and abroad 01:36 - Transition from military to law enforcement and Homeland Security 02:20 - Motivation to pursue child predator investigations 03:14 - The grueling environment of Internet child exploitation cases 04:20 - Kevin’s emotional toll and PTSD from his undercover work 05:37 - How his career led to authoring a graphic memoir 06:30 - The importance of honesty and raw storytelling in raising awareness 07:59 - Target audiences: parents, lawmakers, law enforcement 09:01 - The devastating reality of online predators and Kevin’s undercover experiences 10:49 - Daily routines in undercover investigations and the emotional drain 12:56 - Personal impact: coping with PTSD and vicarious trauma 13:26 - The motivation behind and contents of Kevin’s book 14:36 - How his book aims to inform and shock to foster awareness 16:44 - The role of graphic and unfiltered storytelling to illuminate the truth 17:49 - The challenge and emotional cost of reliving experiences through writing 22:48 - The importance of community, peer support, and outreach 29:14 - TikTok as a vital tool for awareness, community, and mental health 36:39 - Longevity in law enforcement work: coping strategies and personal routines 38:57 - The toll of relentless investigation and the importance of self-care 42:42 - Path to healing post-retirement and ongoing outreach 47:20 - The role of TikTok in building community and promoting his book 50:34 - Responses from listeners and readers, personal stories of impact 55:19 - Kevin’s personal background and overcoming childhood trauma 58:46 - Advice for those battling internal struggles and the importance of outlets 61:13 - Future vision: awareness, education, and mission-driven advocacy 62:27 - Reflecting on his journey: satisfaction and staying true to his mission 63:19 - Closing remarks and appreciation

SummaryIn this episode, Corina shares her heartfelt story of overcoming trauma through poetry and writing, transforming pain into powerful art that resonates with many. We explore her creative process, the significance of community, and her ambitious plans to inspire and connect through her upcoming book tour.Key Topics:Corina's background as a rescue dog mom and nature loverHow ADHD influences her writing habits and routineThe deep connection between poetry, healing, and personal growthHer journey of writing Marred Mask over ten years as a testament of resilienceThe significance of waterfalls as symbols of strength and renewalNavigating vulnerability, trauma, and community support in publishingDetails about her upcoming Reassemble series and novel RevivalThe importance of advocating for arts in a fast-moving, digital worldHer national book tour across 20 states and upcoming signingsBalancing wedding plans with a hectic promotional scheduleThe impact of audience reactions on her motivation and purposeChapters List00:00 Introduction01:05 Who Is Corina?04:51 ADHD & Writing, Interesting Combination08:13 A Little About Marred Mask10:27 Poetry Being A Part Of Corina's Life14:34 The Irony Of Others Pointing Out Something About Us17:17 The Symbolism of Waterfalls21:09 Corina's Psychological Debate On Releasing Marred Mask24:23 The Effect Of Reaching Out & Community On Trauma30:21 Her Initial Thought To Help 1 Person With Marred Mask34:31 Which Of Corina's Poems Hit The Hardest38:19 What Corina Wants You To Get Out Of Marred Mask41:03 Corina's New "Cowboy" Series...44:14 This Re-Series Will Mirror The Healing Process & It's Different Forms46:20 What's Happening In Corina's Near Future?55:30 Corina's Mission To Accomplish On This National Tour58:43 The Emotional Impact Of Corina's Poetry Effecting Others Lives01:03:25 Corina's Thoughts On The Arts Becoming Obsolete01:08:06 How Can Someone Find Their Way Into The Arts?01:14:03 Authors Are Real People Too...01:19:04 One Thing Corina Want's You To Know About Her01:22:03 Where You Can Find Her...01:23:23 Where She'll Be In The Next 2 Months01:25:19 Closing Thoughts

Summary:Discover how Michael Moore transformed a love for football and wrestling into a prolific writing career, blending diverse influences into compelling stories. This episode explores the power of storytelling, the role of inspiration, and the importance of authenticity and kindness in life and craft.Main Topics:Michael Moore’s journey from football and wrestling fan to authorHow diverse influences (music, sports, media) shape storytellingNavigating creativity, risks, and avoiding common writing tropesThe significance of character depth and villain designBalancing solitary writing with social exploration and learningImpact of AI on the future of writing and originalityPractical advice: reading, networking, and self-beliefIn this episode:Michael shares his background growing up in Miami and early struggles with schoolThe story behind how a childhood love for poetry and wrestling inspired his storiesHis process of blending different genres and ideas into unique novelsLessons learned from decades of writing, including Brandon Sanderson’s influenceStrategies to stand out in a saturated market by breaking tropesThe importance of character motivations in crafting compelling villainsPractical tips for aspiring writers: reading widely, networking, and trusting your voiceThoughts on AI’s role and ethical considerations in publishingMichael’s future goals: inspiring others, building a community, and continuous storytellingTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:05 - Michael Before He Wrote Books 03:19 - How Wrestling Turned Him Into A Storyteller 04:26 - How Michael Obtained The Courage To Pursue Writing Further 05:46 - The Types Of Articles That Michael Wrote About 08:33 - Balancing Life & Writing More Novels 10:02 - A Dance In Time & Other Novels Coming Out 11:59 - How Wrestling Led To These Unique Stories 14:32 - Getting Over Generic Writing & Tropes To Create Something Amazing 18:16 - Speaking Of Podcasts... 18:51 - What Books Have That Movies Don't Or Vice Versa 20:58 - What It Takes To Learn From Other Authors 23:35 - The Importance of Reading 23:52 - What Writing Has Taught Michael About Himself 25:51 - What Would You Tell Yourself If You Talked To Young Michael 27:05 - What'll Happen To Reading As We Move Forward In Society 28:50 - One Thing People Should Takeaway From Your Book 29:46 - A Character Michael Hated To Write About 31:33 - The Essence of a Great Villain 32:25 - Is Lord Voldemort A "Well Written Villain?" 34:13 - Was Michael's Personality Always About Exploring Everything 36:03 - Something Michael Could Talk About Forever 39:12 - How Michael Is Helping His Children Obtain That Explorative Attitude 41:24 - The Role of AI in Writing and Creativity 45:32 - Goals and Aspirations as an Author 48:23 - Finding Your Voice in a Noisy World 51:04 - How Michael Is Using His TikTok Now vs In The Future 53:03 - Three Major Pieces Of Advice Anyone Can Apply 55:43 - A Story That Defines Who Michael Is Today 57:54 - One More Thing To Learn About Michael You Won't Find In His Books 01:01:48 - The Biggest Authors Have A Machine Behind Them... 01:03:09 - Check Out His Books & Stories

SummaryIn this in-depth interview, Tim Facciola shares his journey from athletic pursuits to becoming an award-winning author. He discusses the importance of understanding foundational principles, the value of adaptability, and the creative process behind his trilogy 'Vengeful Realm.' Discover how his diverse experiences and philosophical insights can inspire your own path to growth and creativity. In this insightful interview, Tim Facciola shares his journey as an author, the importance of grit and process, and how immersive research and cultural understanding can elevate storytelling. Discover practical advice for writers, the significance of challenging beliefs, and the power of community and connection. KeywordsCreativity, Storytelling, Personal Growth, Writing Process, Adaptability, Inspiration, Fiction, Mental Models, Life Lessons writing process, author journey, storytelling, research, cultural understanding, grit, publishing, book awards, community, creative successKey TopicsThe importance of foundational principles in storytelling and lifeBalancing surgical precision with adaptabilityThe creative process behind the 'Vengeful Realm' trilogyLessons learned from diverse career paths and failuresThe role of self-reflection and community in growth Writing process and disciplineImmersive research and cultural understandingChallenging beliefs and growth as a writerChapters:00:00 Introduction01:05 Who Is Tim Facciola02:42 The Connection Between Artistry & Fitness05:14 The Philosophy Of Failing Forward10:30 Balancing Surgical vs Birds-Eye View16:33 A Story That Represents This Child-Like Wonder From Tims Life23:46 Going From Activities That Require People To No One27:14 The Journey Of Writing A Vengeful Realm31:29 How The Vengeful Realm Trilogy Appeals To Readers36:29 Writing Yourself Into Your Story Is A Tendency40:30 The Decade Long Journey Writing A Vengeful Realm Explained53:16 Defining A Great Book: Perspective & Subjectivity58:30 Transitioning To New Worlds: The Forsaken Forge01:03:40 Exploring Cultural Depths through Martial Arts01:07:07 The Importance Of Immersive Research As Authors01:14:07 The Surrealness Chanticleer International Book Award01:18:49 How Tim Defines Creative Success01:22:31 Challenging Beliefs: The Core Message Of A Vengeful Realm01:27:01 One Thing Readers Can Take Away From This Show01:33:25 Closing Thoughts

In this engaging conversation, Ember Rose, a 911 dispatcher turned author, shares her journey of writing the 'Crime of Passion' series. She discusses the challenges of balancing her demanding job with her passion for writing, the importance of representation in literature, and the emotional impact of her personal experiences on her work. Ember emphasizes the significance of support systems, the role of reading in her life, and her aspirations as an author. The conversation also touches on the future of reading in a digital age and the implications of AI in writing.