The Amphibian Press Podcast

In this amazing two-part interview, V. S. Holmes spoke with fantasy author Sebastien de Castell about the different ways we connect with readers, how we picture ourselves in others' shoes, and how existentialism impacts our careers and sense of self. Tune in next week for Part Two! https://www.decastell.com @decastell https://Facebook.com/SebastienDeCastell

V speaks with some of the incredible people behind the SNARC comic: Dr. Bruce Olav Solhiem and Gary and Laura Dumm. The team discusses their history in comics, the process behind creating SNARC and what drew each of them to the naive alien who comes to Earth as a vanguard of an invasion. https://www.bruceolavsolheim.com/snarc.html https://www.dummart.com/ https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=fTFKsFSuNfE

V jumps back on the podcast with Olivia and Nonir, the two halves of O. E. Tearmann to chat about what it's like to write dystopian fiction while living in one, the amount of research that goes into creating a near-future world. They also share what's next for the Ace High Jokers Wild series and how they tackle such a diverse array of characters! https://www.oetearmann.com/ https://books2read.com/handsweregiven

V sits down with famed musician Melanie--of global Met and Woodstock fame--to talk about how creative industries have changed in the face of capitalism and the horrifying realization about her rights and royalties that came with her husband's death. https://www.melaniesafka.com/ https://twitter.com/melaniesafka https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRk3uJG-FRzn-sasozxx0kA https://www.facebook.com/melanie.safka.5

V and Urban Fantasy author Kieva Mclaughlin explore the alternate afterlives in her book TORPOR, how the pandemic inspired her to take the writing plunge, and how to balance marketing strategies. www.kievamclaughlin.com @kievamclaughlin

V and horror author Jennifer Anne Gordon explore the honestly of self we experience while grieving, and how she showcases this altered reality through the language in her novels. Plus, they touch on the dichotomy of being cheerfully death-obsessed and how she showcases mistakes on her own podcast. http://www.JenniferAnneGordon.com Facebook Author Page - https://www.facebook.com/JenniferAnneGordonAuthor/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifergenevievegordon/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/JenniferAnneGo5 Book Bub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jennifer-anne-gordon Goodreads -https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20063036.Jennifer_Gordon

Urban fantasy and horror author Mark Leslie joins V on the podcast to discuss how he turns the alpha wolf trope on its head, the science behind his pack dynamics, and the bone-chilling story that made a horror writer sleep with the lights on! www.markleslie.ca

Historic fantasy author Marie Powell joins V to discuss how fiction can provide new theories on historic peoples' lives and explore the early colonization of the Welsh--and how a question about her own ancestor began the adventure of a lifetime! Website: www.mariepowell.ca Twitter @mepowell https://twitter.com/mepowell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariepowellauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariepowellauthor/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/mariepowell Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00E62LD5E

V and Liz Butcher discuss why so many are gravitating toward horror during fearful times, some fears we face as creatives, and the ghosts many face during social isolation. Plus, Liz shares why her newest novel, LaRoux Manor, encapsulates these times. Website: https://lizbutcherauthor.com.au Twitter: https://twitter.com/lunaloveliz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunaloveliz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Liz-Butcher-1394868604152823/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13845425.Liz_Butcher

V and speculative fiction author Marc Watson discuss the conversations that shape worlds--both our own, and the fictional ones to which we escape. Plus, they dive into the reality of being a modern author and what to do with those pesky day jobs. www.marcwatson.ca www.Twitter.com/writewatson www.facebook.com/marcwroteabook

V gets technical about different creative media with Dr. Bruce Olav Solheim during his second appearance on the podcast, and they discuss the parallels between the Wild West of the United States and the final frontier of space, plus what the introspection of 2020 brings to the evolutionary table. www.bruceolavsolheim.com https://www.facebook.com/LockdownTheatre/

V and Edward Willet tackle worlds that bend genres and how to straddle independent versus traditional publishing--plus the secret to being a successful freelance creator. http://www.edwardwillett.com http://www.theworldshapers.com http://www.shadowpawpress.com http://www.twitter.com/ewillett http://www.facebook.com/edward.willett

V speaks with Sahara Foley, who transformed her late husband's creative work into a wonderful blend of Arthurian legends, science-fantasy, and paranormal plots. https://saharafoley.com/ https://www.facebook.com/booksbysaharafoley

V dives into the churning political waters of near-future speculative fiction with 2/3 of the team who created the anthology AND THE LAST TRUMP SHALL SOUND. Cat Rambo discusses their focus on found family and the impact on the marginalized, lower class community, while James Morrow shares his satirical if outlandish take on dismantling a Pence pseudo-monarchy. CAT RAMBO: http://www.kittywumpus.net/blog/ JAMES MORROW: http://www.jamesmorrow.info/ HARRY TURTLEDOVE: https://www.sfsite.com/~silverag/turtledove.html

V chats with former 911 operator and thriller author Rachael Tamayo, about the incredible keynote that inspired her first book, and how living with no closure changed her writing. CW: school shooting, domestic violence www.rachaeltamayowrites.com

V and Celeste Harte discuss the impact our mother-tongue has on our thought process as writers, different creative outlets, and how she decolonized fantasy as a way to explore her own erased heritage. https://celesteharte.wordpress.com/

YA fantasy author and podcaster Jenna Greene returns to the show to discuss what it's like writing dystopia when our world increasingly looks like one, and how she got started with podcasting! Plus an update on the sequels to REBORN. www.jennagreene.ca www.facebook.com/jennabutrenchukgreene @jgreenewrites

V discusses real-life guardian angels, the daunting reality of co-authoring, and wrinkles in researching real-world places with urban fantasy author K. C. Freeman. https://www.facebook.com/KCFreemanAuthor/ https://kcfreemanauthor.com/ https://twitter.com/KCFreeman5 https://www.instagram.com/kvcfreeman5/

V talks creative process, sci-fi technology, and why young adults ARE more likely to save the world with author and musician Jackiem Joyner--plus a glimpse as his debut science fiction novel, ZARYA! Facbook: www.facebook.com/jackiemjoyner Instagram: @author.jackiem Website: jackiemjoyner.com

In honor of Blood and Mercy's release, V joined Toadstool Books to bring you this incredible virtual signing, which premiered on YouTube on July 11th at 4 pm! They rad an excerpt, answer fans' questions--including what's next for Blood of Titans and where to find good resources on disability--and you can order exclusive Toadstool Signed Paperbacks! Don't forget to drop your comments or questions in the video's comment section--V will answer all of those not covered in the video. SIGNED PAPERBACKS: https://www.toadbooks.com EBOOKS: https://books2read.com/bloodandmercy DIGITAL BOX SET: https://books2read.com/cataclysm MUSIC CREDITS: "100 Seconds" by Punch Deck https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

V. chats with romantic suspense author Angela Breen about her new series, researching serial killers, and all the nuances of portraying abuse, law enforcement, and trafficking. https://angelabreen.club https://books2read.com/name-now https://bookHip.com/PWBNXS dl.bookfunnel.com

V dives into elemental magic mechanics, the process of discovery a story with "what ifs" and the parallels between creativity and computer programming with Brittani Avery. They also discuss various personality types and how studying them impacted Avery's incredible world of Element Unknown. Website: https://www.brittanisavery.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittanisavery/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BrittaniSAvery/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittanisavery/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/brittanisavery/ Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/brittani-s-avery

V dives into the complexity of writing true historic figures and how technology shapes politics with Hugo and Nebula award-winner Robert J. Sawyer. He also shares the inspiration behind his newest novel, The Oppenheimer Alternative. Website: https://sfwriter.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/robertjsawyer Facebook: https://facebook.com/robertjsawyer Twitter: https://twitter.com/robertjsawyer

Fellow podcaster Summer Brooks joined V to talk about the history of indie films, the changing scopes of SFF and horror writing, and the incredible community of fandom. They also touched on the background of Slice of Sci-fi, Writers After Dark, and all of Summer's other amazing projects. sliceofscifi.com writersafterdark.com

On her third visit to the podcast, Kathrin Hutson and V dive into using writing as a helpful soapbox, navigating contentious topics as an author, and the uncanny parallels between her world of the Blue Helix series and our own. kathrinhutsonfiction.com facebook.com/kathrinhutsonfiction instagram.com/kathrinhutsonfiction twitter.com/exquisitelydark

V chats with Linn and Jørn, the two halves of L. J Rivers, about when to twist myths, how to make co-writing work, and releasing a book about a virus during a pandemic. Plus, hear all about the upcoming fourth book in their urban fantasy series. www.ljrivers.com https://www.facebook.com/authorljrivers/

V talked about the parallels between coming of age and aging and how we hold onto hopeful trajectories with Steve Parolini and how he wove both into BEAUTIFUL SKY, BEAUTIFUL SKY www.steveparolini.com www.noveldoctor.com @noveldoctor (twitter)

V. S. Holmes speaks with USA Today Bestseller Ann Charles about small town lore and archaeology fun, plus details on her on-going Deadwood series. Website: www.AnnCharles.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnCharlesAuthorPage Twitter: https://twitter.com/annwcharles Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ann_charles Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/annwcharles Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/AnnWCharles Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ann-charles Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4605878.Ann_Charles Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ann-Charles/e/B004JLYPFW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AnnCharlesAuthor/featured

V discusses the complexities of finding your roots, how family impacts writing, and creating high vs low fantasy magic systems with YA fantasy author R. A. Lewis, plus they dive into the fun of audiobook production! authorralewis.wordpress.com Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/RALewis Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorralewis/ Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/r-a-lewis Amazon: author.to/RALewis Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RALewis

V chats with P. K. Reeves about how writing fanfiction helps hone her creative craft, how her process changes when writing original work, and how she incorporates her Filipino culture with her urban fantasy series, Lineage. https://www.instagram.com/pkreevesauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/pkreevesauthorpro

V and romance author Kristine Raymond discussed the similarities between the wild west of the U. S. and the modern community of the internet, the importance of found families, and what it's like to find out your character actually exists! https://www.kristineraymond.com/ https://www.facebook.com/kristine.raymond.79

V chats with YA Fantasy author Jenna Greene about the power of Young Adult books--even for adult readers--and how she and her characters pull motivation from the people depending on them, plus what's next for her REBORN series! www.jennagreene.ca www.facebook.com/jennabutrenchukgreene @jgreenewrites

V discusses fantasy with tall ships, gunpowder, and the deep dive into research with fantasy author A. F. Stewart, our April author features from the Fantasy and Science Fiction Readers Lounge! https://afstewart.ca/ https://afstewart.ca/social-media-sites/

V. S. Holmes speaks with fantasy author J. M. Landels about the intersection of RPGs and writing, and common mistakes in fiction with horsemanship. They also discuss the impact of being a doula and swordfighter on Allaigna's Song: Overture and Allaigna's Song: Aria. jmlandels.stiffbunnies.com https://www.facebook.com/jm.landels https://twitter.com/jmlandels https://www.facebook.com/AllaignaSong/ https://pulpliterature.com

I had the privilege of speaking with activist Alexa Blyan on her activism for her indigenous community, her future, and the divide between community-based and global change. Be sure to follow her amazing journey and start your own path of allyship!

V discusses cultures that withstand changing borders, and how warfare has developed with the advent of the internet and remote missiles with thriller author and BBC Foreign Correspondent Humphrey Hawksley. https://www.humphreyhawksley.com/

V chats with epic fantasy author B. K. Boes about rebellion, writing on a massive scale, and pantsing vs. plotting! www.bkboes.com facebook.com/bkboes twitter.com/bkboes Instagram.com/bkboes

V. S. Holmes (formerly Sara) kicks off Season Two with thriller, sci-fi, and horror author M. J. Preston. They discuss the benefits of isolation for writing, how to avoid apathy in an increasingly dark world, and his thrilling Highwayman series WEBSITE: http://mjpreston.net https://wildbluepress.com/mj-preston-author-bio/ BUY: https://amzn.to/32NKBss

Jeffrey A. Carver details the massive scope of his Chaos Chronicles, explains the pitfalls of writing from a TV show, and shares the research that went into his work--including scuba diving! Website: www.starrigger.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffrey.a.carver

Liz Butcher discusses how her psychology degree helps her create characters, how horror relies on the reader, and how she weaves horror and the paranormal into her writing in FATE'S FURY and AFTER DARK Website: https://lizbutcherauthor.wixsite.com/lizbutcher

Sara and Tosca Lee discuss the creepy science behind THE LINE BETWEEN, her character's OCD, and what it's like to have your work optioned for film! Website: www.ToscaLee.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorToscaLee Twitter: www.twitter.com/ToscaLee Instagram: www.instagram.com/ToscaLee Pinterest: www.Pinterest.com/ToscaLee

Sara and crime fiction author Dwayne Clayden discuss the thin line between fact and fiction, and he shares the terrifying experience that helped inspire Brad Coulter's encounters. Stay through to the end to learn how you can win a signed paperback of CRISIS POINT! Website: http://www.dwayneclayden.com PREORDER: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YYQ5M2Y Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DwayneClaydenAuthor/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/dwayneclayden

On the 50th episode I spoke with Dr. Bruce Solheim about his comic Snarc, how time doesn't exist on a quantum level, and the power of community and immigration. Website: http://snarccomic.com Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/snarc/snarc-the-coolest-comic-in-the-universe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SnarcComic/

I discuss the closing of Less than Three Publishing, how to navigate indie publishing as a newly orphan author, and the amazing Empty Vessels book with paranormal author Meredith Katz Website: http://www.softcryptid.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/meredithakatz

Playwrite and novelist Alanna McFall chats with guest interviewer Marissa of Raven's Quill Publishing about her paranormal and fantasy work, including her upcoming novel, The Traveling Triple-C Incorporeal Circus! https://alannamcfall.com/about/

I talk with spec-fic author Jennifer Lee Rossman about playful sci-fi, using dictation to write, and we get some hints at all the musical Easter eggs in Jack Jetstark’s Intergalactic Freakshow, Space Opera Libretti! Website: http://jenniferleerossman.blogspot.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenlrossman

Sara got to interview JA Pitts, urban fantasy author of Black Blade Blues and other books featuring the heroine Sarah Jane Beauhal. They chat about dragons, how he created his blacksmith MC, and the wonders of the urban fantasy genre! For more from J.A. Pitts visit his website: https://www.japitts.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JA-Pitts-Urb... Twitter: https://twitter.com/JAPittsWriter To support the show please, like, share, and check us out on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AmphibianPress

I nerded out with fellow sci-fi author Derek Borne about genetics, superheroes, and his Ultimate Agent series. Plus, I shared my most controversial confession ever! Website: www.derekborne.weebly.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Derek.Borne.Author/ Instagram: @derekborne.author Twitter: @dborneauthor https://www.amphibianpressbooks.com

Tune in as Sara chats with Alexander c. Eberhart, author of some great queer YA titles such as THERE GOES SUNDAY SCHOOL and LOCKE AND WEST! Learn more about Alex at his site: https://www.alexanderceberhart.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexanderce... Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexunfiltered Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexanderceb... To support the show please, like, share, and check us out on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AmphibianPress for more about Amphibian Press check out: https://amphibianpressbooks.com

I discussed nightmares, fear of death (and zombies!), and good vs evil with H. M. Gooden, author of the amazing urban fantasy series Rise of the Light! Website: https://www.hmgoodenauthor.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HMGoodenAuthor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hmgoodenauthor/