Page Chewing

Steve

Page Chewing is where books, comics, and conversations collide. From in-depth chats with authors and artists to lively discussions with fellow readers, we explore the craft of storytelling, the worlds we love, and the ideas that stay with us long after the last page.

  1. 6 hr ago

    A Rough Week for Comics, an Amazing Week for Lone Wolf & Cub | Panel Chewing #142

    This week on Panel Chewing, Steve and Jarrod are back with two weeks' worth of comics and unfortunately, the stack isn't exactly overflowing with winners. They dig into Absolute Green Lantern, Absolute Superman, Kingdom of Earth, Endeavour, Savage Sword of Conan, Queen in Black, Foundations, Red Roots, Powers 25, Terabytes, American Caper, The Dirt Beneath the Devil, Ezra Cain: Mysteries of the Peril Brutal Dark, City of Demons, and more. There are plenty of disappointments, a few books headed straight off the pull list, and thankfully some standouts that make the rough week worthwhile. For their Picks of the Week, Jarrod celebrates Patrick Zircher's return to Solomon Kane with The Lion Errant #1, while Steve finds an unexpected favorite in Mad Cave Studios' The Omega Book #1, a strange science fiction mystery involving an estranged father and son, hidden dimensions, and a device capable of revealing what lies behind the reality we see. Then it's time to continue the Lone Wolf and Cub readalong with Volume 10, and this may be the best volume yet. The conflict between Ogami Itto and the Yagyu reaches a new level, Ogami and Daigoro are pushed into unfamiliar territory, and some of the series' most impressive action and visual storytelling takes center stage. Steve and Jarrod discuss the emotional weight of Daigoro's journey, the incredible artwork, and why this decades old manga still feels timeless. Which comics survived the week, and is Volume 10 really the best Lone Wolf and Cub volume so far? Join us and find your Pick of the Week. Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe

    A Rough Week for Comics, an Amazing Week for Lone Wolf & Cub | Panel Chewing #142
  2. 1 day ago

    Beyond the Page 15: From Hollywood to Novelist with Kay A. Oliver

    What happens when someone who spent decades behind the scenes in Hollywood decides to become a novelist? In Episode 15 of Beyond the Page, I sit down with award-winning author Kay A. Oliver to talk about her journey from a nearly 30-year career in the entertainment industry to writing fiction and building an impressive catalog of 18 novels. Kay shares how her experiences in Hollywood influenced her storytelling, why she gravitates toward writing strong and intelligent female protagonists, and what she's learned about finding—and trusting—her own creative voice. We also discuss the realities of the entertainment industry, her writing process, working with editors, resilience, artificial intelligence and creativity, and the importance of continuing to pursue the work that matters to you. Kay also talks about her Kutter Murder Mystery series, including Fear Struck, and what continues to motivate her after publishing so many books. It's a conversation about writing, reinvention, persistence, and following your own path—even when that path takes you somewhere you never expected. Find Kay: https://kayaoliver.com/ Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Join Captivate.fm Join PodMatch Want to be a guest on Page Chewing? Send Steve a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17812034246205083f1bfa4f1 Send a message via SpeakPipe Podcast equipment used (Amazon Affiliate links): Rodecaster Duo Rode PSA1+ Professional Studio Arm Rode Procaster Microphone

    Beyond the Page 15: From Hollywood to Novelist with Kay A. Oliver
  3. 4 days ago

    The Darkness That Comes Before Part V: The Holy War – Prophecy, Politics & the Gathering Storm

    Our reread of The Darkness That Comes Before concludes with Part V: The Holy War, where years of prophecy, politics, and preparation finally converge as the march toward Shimeh begins. In this spoiler-filled discussion, we explore Kellhus' growing influence within the Holy War, Cnaiür's remarkable ability to navigate an unfamiliar culture, and Achaamian's continuing struggle with prophecy, dreams, and the weight of the Mandate. We also discuss the many factions that gather for the campaign, whether Bakker's sprawling world-building enhances the story or becomes overwhelming, and how seemingly minor moments take on new meaning after completing the entire series. Along the way, we dive into the Dûnyain, Kellhus' flashbacks and philosophy, the Consult's hidden influence, Esmenet's emotional journey, and several reader theories that continue to spark debate years after publication. As always, we share our favorite moments, unanswered questions, and the details that make The Second Apocalypse one of fantasy's richest rereading experiences. ⚠️ Warning: This episode contains major spoilers for the entire Second Apocalypse series, including The Aspect-Emperor novels. Join us as we wrap up The Darkness That Comes Before before continuing our journey into The Warrior Prophet in two weeks. Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Join Captivate.fm Join PodMatch Want to be a guest on Page Chewing? Send Steve a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17812034246205083f1bfa4f1 Send a message via SpeakPipe Podcast equipment used (Amazon Affiliate links): Rodecaster Duo Rode PSA1+ Professional Studio Arm Rode Procaster Microphone

    The Darkness That Comes Before Part V: The Holy War – Prophecy, Politics & the Gathering Storm
  4. 5 days ago

    Beyond the Page 14 | Zack James on StarScript & the Future of Independent Publishing

    In this episode of Beyond the Page, I'm joined by Zack James, founder of StarScript, a new self-publishing and entertainment platform built to help authors, podcasters, musicians, filmmakers, and other creators grow sustainable businesses around their work. We discuss why publishing is only the beginning, the challenges of audience discovery, social media algorithms, community building, creator ownership, and how StarScript hopes to bring publishing, marketing, monetization, and fan engagement together under one roof. If you're an indie author—or you're considering self-publishing—this conversation offers an interesting look at one possible future for creator-owned platforms. In this episode we discuss:Why Zack created StarScriptThe biggest struggles facing self-published authorsAudience ownership vs. social media algorithmsBuilding community around creative workMonetization and subscription modelsChapter-by-chapter publishingWhy discovery is still the hardest part of publishingZack's own science fiction and comic book projectsThe future of independent publishing StarScript: https://starscript.com/ Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Join Captivate.fm Join PodMatch Want to be a guest on Page Chewing? Send Steve a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17812034246205083f1bfa4f1 Send a message via SpeakPipe Podcast equipment used (Amazon Affiliate links): Rodecaster Duo Rode PSA1+ Professional Studio Arm Rode Procaster Microphone

    Beyond the Page 14 | Zack James on StarScript & the Future of Independent Publishing
  5. 6 days ago

    Beyond the Page 13 | From TEDx to Death's Intern - Paul Pape on Creativity, Horror & Building a Creative Career

    What does it take to build a life around creativity? In Episode 13 of Beyond the Page, Steve sits down with entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, designer, and author Paul Pape for a fascinating conversation about writing, business, imagination, and the challenges of publishing. Paul shares how years of helping creative entrepreneurs eventually led him to fiction, including his supernatural horror novel Death's Intern, a coming-of-age story about a boy chosen to become Death's apprentice. Along the way, they discuss traditional publishing versus self-publishing, marketing books, horror fiction, storytelling, TEDx speaking, and why creativity can become both a career and a calling. Topics include: Writing Death's InternTraditional publishing vs. self-publishingQuerying literary agentsHorror and supernatural fictionBuilding authority through TEDxEntrepreneurship and creativityGamifying businessMarketing booksThe importance of imaginationWhy the 1980s remain such a compelling setting for fiction If you're an author, entrepreneur, or simply love hearing the stories behind great books, this episode is packed with practical insights and plenty of laughs. Page Chewing Blog Become a Page Chewing Member Page Chewing Forum Join Captivate.fm Join PodMatch Want to be a guest on Page Chewing? Send Steve a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17812034246205083f1bfa4f1 Send a message via SpeakPipe Podcast equipment used (Amazon Affiliate links): Rodecaster Duo Rode PSA1+ Professional Studio Arm Rode Procaster Microphone

    Beyond the Page 13 | From TEDx to Death's Intern - Paul Pape on Creativity, Horror & Building a Creative Career
  6. 4 Aug

    Beyond the Page 12 | Nancy Jasin Ensley on Healing Through Storytelling

    Some stories are written to entertain. Others are written because they need to be told. In Episode 12 of Beyond the Page, Steve welcomes author, artist, educator, and former nurse Nancy Jasin Ensley to discuss her deeply personal memoir, The Tire Swing: A Memoir About Survival. Nancy shares the experiences that inspired her book, the challenges of writing about trauma, and how storytelling became an important part of her healing journey. She also reflects on careers in nursing and education, raising a family, embracing creativity later in life, and encouraging others to find hope through writing. Together they discuss: The inspiration behind The Tire SwingWriting memoir with honesty and compassionHealing through storytellingBalancing truth with vulnerabilityNursing, teaching, and caring for othersCreativity after life's hardest momentsPublishing a deeply personal storyAdvice for aspiring memoir writersFinding hope after adversity Whether you're a reader, writer, or someone who believes stories can change lives, this conversation is a powerful reminder that sharing our experiences can help both ourselves and others. Guest: Nancy Ensley https://nancyjasinensley.com/ Page Chewing Blog Become a Page Chewing Member Page Chewing Forum Join Captivate.fm Join PodMatch Want to be a guest on Page Chewing? Send Steve a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17812034246205083f1bfa4f1 Send a message via SpeakPipe Podcast equipment used (Amazon Affiliate links): Rodecaster Duo Rode PSA1+ Professional Studio Arm Rode Procaster Microphone

    Beyond the Page 12 | Nancy Jasin Ensley on Healing Through Storytelling

About

Page Chewing is where books, comics, and conversations collide. From in-depth chats with authors and artists to lively discussions with fellow readers, we explore the craft of storytelling, the worlds we love, and the ideas that stay with us long after the last page.