Living The Next Chapter: Candid Conversations with Authors and Writers for Readers Searching for a New Read

Dave Campbell,
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

Living The Next Chapter: Inspiring Conversations with Amazing Authors and Writers - Better Questions, Better Conversations, Better Connections Are you an avid reader or an aspiring writer seeking inspiration to embark on your own literary journey? Look no further! Welcome to "Living The Next Chapter," the podcast that celebrates the world of books and writing. Join us as we connect you with captivating authors who have mastered the art of storytelling. Living The Next Chapter is more than just a podcast. It is a platform built for meaningful conversations, authentic storytelling, and real connection within the literary world. Each episode highlights inspiring authors who openly share their journeys, including the struggles they have overcome, the triumphs they have achieved, and the lessons they have learned along the way. This is a space where better questions lead to better conversations, and ultimately, stronger connections. Whether you are an experienced author or continuing to grow your voice, this platform offers a unique opportunity to expand your reach, elevate your message, and connect with a global audience that is passionate about books and writing. This show is always ad free, if you love what you hear, please refill our coffee cup here!   https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediacahttps://livingthenextchapter.com/ Author Podcast, Podcast for Authors, Book Podcast, Authors, Writing, Books, Literature, Storytelling, Creative Writing, Bestselling Authors, Interviews with Authors, Writing Tips, Publishing Insights, Book Recommendations, Author Experiences, Literary Discussions, Writing Process, Inspiring Conversations with Authors, How to Write a Book, Tips for Aspiring Writers, Behind the Scenes of Writing, Exploring Author Journeys

  1. 8h ago

    E773 - Erin Blechman - My Unexpected Journey Reflections After Losing My Son to Suicide, grief support to bereaved parents

    EPISODE 773 - Erin Blechman - My Unexpected Journey Reflections After Losing My Son to Suicide, grief support to bereaved parents Erin Blechman is an author, speaker, and certified Grief Educator whose mission is to elevate the conversation around grief and loss, mental illness, and suicide. Her book, My Unexpected Journey: Reflections After Losing My Son to Suicide, chronicles the eighteen months following the devastating loss of her own beloved son, Max to suicide after his long battle with mental illness. On June 3, 2020, we lost our firstborn son, Max, to suicide, after a long and difficult battle with depression. My Unexpected Journey is a collection of my journal entries from the first eighteen months following his death. She offers grief support to bereaved parents through online groups and community talks that seek to build greater understanding of mental illness, suicide, and loss and grief. Erin lives part-time in both Pittsburgh, PA and Naples, FL with her husband, Bill and Max’s former dog, Emmylou. Their son, Sam, and his wife, Julia, reside in Pittsburgh. My Unexpected Journey is her first book. https://erinblechman.com/ Support the show ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks! https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

  2. 2d ago

    E772 - William Loving - Fells Point, The Soul of a The City Baltimore through the eyes of Daniel Doyle Jr

    EPISODE 772 - William Loving - Fells Point, The Soul of a The City Baltimore through the eyes of Daniel Doyle Jr In this episode, author William Loving joins the conversation to share the journey behind his evolution from longtime newspaper journalist to published novelist. Speaking from Pasadena, California, Loving reflects on a career that spanned nearly three decades in journalism, including time at the Los Angeles Times, before returning to a dream he first had at eighteen years old: becoming a novelist. Loving explains how life experience ultimately gave him the depth and perspective he needed to begin writing fiction, leading to the release of three novels over the past decade. His latest book, set in his hometown of Baltimore, serves as both a personal tribute and a layered work that blends psychological mystery, dark humor, and a deeper exploration of storytelling itself. A central theme in the conversation is the contrast between journalism and fiction. Loving highlights the challenge of unlearning the habit of overexplaining, which is essential in reporting but detrimental to storytelling. Instead, fiction thrives on mystery, nuance, and allowing readers to engage by filling in the gaps. He also emphasizes the importance of creating flawed, human characters who reflect real life rather than idealized heroes. The discussion dives into his writing process, which is driven more by bursts of creative energy than rigid daily discipline. Loving describes how ideas emerge organically, often demanding to be written, and how each book becomes an immersive world he steps into while writing. His approach favors standalone novels, giving him the freedom to explore new settings, voices, and themes rather than building a recurring series. Baltimore plays a significant role in his latest work, not just as a setting but as a character in itself. Through vivid details and personal connection, Loving aims to present a more nuanced view of the city beyond common portrayals, capturing both its beauty and complexity. Throughout the episode, Loving also reflects on growth as a writer, striving to make each book better than the last while staying true to his journalistic roots of clear, direct prose. His passion for storytelling is grounded in a desire to create compelling, page turning narratives that also leave readers with something meaningful to think about long after the final page. Key takeaway: Great storytelling is not about explaining everything but about trusting the audience, embracing mystery, and creating authentic human experiences that stay with the reader beyond the story itself. "William Loving has crafted a maze of identity and irony that leads to a climax that will stay with the reader long after the last page." -- David Bolton, author of Whispering Pines and Love Thief “As thought-provoking as it is hilarious, Fells Point is a page-turning masterpiece of existential wit and suspense.” -- J. Paul Rieger, author of A Most Unlikely Man and Sunscreen Shower William Loving is a former newspaper reporter and editor at the Los Angeles Times and Minneapolis Star Tribune. Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, he lives in Pasadena, California, with his wife Rhonda Hillbery. His new novel, Fells Point, is published by Rare Bird Books/Simon & Schuster. His previous novel, Blue Earth River, was published by Running Wild Press in May 2025. His debut, City of Angles, was published by Heliotrope Books in 2020. https://www.williamloving-author.com/ Support the show ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks! https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

  3. 4d ago

    E771 - Corinne Hoebers - Tethered Spirits - A Historical novel set in 18th-century Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia)

    EPISODE 771 - Corinne Hoebers - Tethered Spirits - A Historical novel set in 18th-century Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia) In this episode, author Corinne Hoebers shares the deeply personal and historical roots behind her writing, tracing her journey from an interest in genealogy to crafting richly layered historical fiction. Living in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, Corinne reflects on how her curiosity about her German ancestors, who arrived in Lunenburg in the 1700s, sparked her first book and eventually led to a much larger creative path. Corinne describes herself as a lifelong reader whose tastes evolved from nonfiction to historical fiction, inspired in part by powerful storytelling and her parents’ own tradition of sharing family stories. That foundation shaped both her imagination and her desire to explore identity, history, and human connection through writing. She speaks candidly about her creative process, including the challenge of managing an active imagination and the intensity of inhabiting her characters and time periods. Her featured novel is set during the French and Indian War and follows two siblings navigating complex relationships between their German settler family and the Mi’kmaq people. Through alternating perspectives, Corinne explores themes of loyalty, cultural conflict, and empathy. A central goal of her work is to encourage greater cultural awareness and understanding, emphasizing that fear of those who are different is not new, but remains relevant today. To ensure authenticity and respect, Corinne worked closely with historians, linguists, and Mi’kmaq elders, incorporating feedback from sensitivity readers throughout the writing and editing process. She shares how this collaboration shaped the final manuscript and strengthened its message. Corinne also reflects on the realities of publishing as an unknown author, the importance of persistence, and the value of taking time with the creative process. She is currently beginning a new project inspired by her own childhood in the 1960s, blending personal experience with historical context. Key takeaway: Meaningful storytelling comes from patience, curiosity, and a willingness to understand different perspectives, and when writers focus on authenticity rather than expectation, their work can foster empathy and important conversations. “As moving and profound as the people at the core of her story, Corinne Hoebers’s Tethered Spirits brings to vivid life the dual histories of Nova Scotia in the mid-1700s: that of the Mi’kmaq who were here since time immemorial and that of the new arrivals, especially German settlers attracted by land grants and failing to question whose land was being granted. Hoebers sensitively and realistically portrays women and men from both of those intersecting histories and the violent brutality of ensuing conflicts. She weaves a complicated cast of three-dimensional characters, including Europeans who embraced the Mi’kmaq and their teachings and in the rarest cases resisted and struggled against European encroachment and violence. The result is an engaging work of historical fiction, engrossing and enlightening.” Chris Benjamin, author of Indian School Road – Legacies of the Shubenacadie Residential School “Tethered Spirits is a deeply moving historical novel set in 18th-century Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia), tracing the story of Bear Cub—a young German settler who is taken in by a Mi’kmaw family and gradually comes to see their land, language, and ways as his own. As someone who values stories of reconciliation and belonging, I found Bear Cub’s inner struggle between two identities—colonial and Indigenous—both heartbreaking and profoundly resonant. The novel doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of displacement, violence, and cultural loss, but it also celebrates kinship, resilience, and the enduring wisdom of the land and its first peoples. Tethered Spirits is not just a historical account—it’s a spiritual journey that lingers long after the final page.” Honourable Leah Martin, member of Millbrook First Nation, Nova Scotia Minister of L’nu Affairs “The most important work of historical fiction is to bring to life the parts of our history that are not often taught or told. In imagining the lives of and connections between German settlers and Mi’kmaq people in 18th century Nova Scotia, Tethered Spirits vividly illuminates this little-known aspect of Atlantic Canadian history and offers a powerful and necessary reminder of whose land we live on. Hoebers’ deep knowledge of and care for this history is evident on every page.” Trudy Morgan Cole, author of The Cupids trilogy; A Roll of Bones, Such Miracles and Mischiefs, A Company of Rogues https://corinnehoebers.mywriting.network/ Support the show ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks! https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

  4. 5d ago

    E393 - Adam Nimoy - The Most Human, Reconciling with My Father, Leonard Nimoy

    Episode 393 - Adam Nimoy - The Most Human, Reconciling with My Father, Leonard Nimoy Adam was born during the Eisenhower administration to Leonard and Sandra Zoberblatt Nimoy. He attended the University Elementary School, a “lab school” run by UCLA, where he was subjected to numerous psychological experiments. The experimentation continued at UC Berkeley in the form of mind-altering substances from which he may, or may not, have fully recovered. In a state of absolute certainty, Adam attended Loyola Law School. He was wrong.  After seven years of practicing entertainment law and one moment of clarity, Adam left his life as an attorney to follow his passion of making films. After directing forty-five hours of network television, some of it sublime, some of it eminently unwatchable, Adam’s career plummeted due in large part to drug and alcohol addiction. On January 1, 2004, Adam entered 12-Step recovery hoping to achieve an attitude adjustment. This was a New Year’s resolution he knew he had to keep. For 8 years, he taught writing, directing and acting at the New York Film Academy and taught filmmaking at Beit T’Shuvah, an addiction treatment center where the residents kept him on the straight and narrow. Book: The Most Human: Reconciling with My Father, Leonard Nimoy "Engaging and immensely relatable, while at the same time offering deeply profound insights into Adam Nimoy's personal relationships, particularly with his famous father." — Eugene Roddenberry Jr., CEO Roddenberry Entertainment  Living with Dad was like living with a stranger— as a kid I often had trouble connecting and relating to him. But I was always proud of him. Even before Star Trek I'd see him popping up in bit roles on some of my favorite TV shows like Get Smart, Sea Hunt, and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. And then one night he brought home Polaroids of himself in makeup and wardrobe for a pilot he was working on. It was December 1964 and nobody had heard of Star Trek. Still, the eight-year-old me had watched enough Outer Limits and My Favorite Martian to understand exactly what I was looking at. Spock's popularity happened quickly, and soon the fan magazines were writing about dad's personal life, characterizing us as a "close family." But the awkwardness that defined our early relationship blossomed into conflict, sometimes smoldering, sometimes open and intense. There were occasional flashes of warmth between the arguments and hurt feelings— even something akin to love— especially when we were celebrating my father's many successes. The rest of the time, things between us were often strained. My resentment towards my father kept building through the years. I wasn't blameless, I know that now, but my bitterness blinded me to any thought of my own contribution to the problem. I wanted things to be different for my children. I wanted to be the father I never had, so I coached Maddy's soccer, drove Jonah to music lessons, helped them with their homework— all the things dads are supposed to do. All the things I wanted to do. So what if my Dad and I had been estranged for years? I was living one day at a time. And then I got his letter. Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3KvTi1s https://adamnimoy.com/ original pub date - Wednesday, July 17, 2024 Support the show ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks! https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

  5. Sep 25

    E770 - Joshua James Owens - Heartfelt Poems that share wisdom of life, vulnerability, and the art of unconditional connection

    EPISODE 770 - Joshua James Owens - Heartfelt Poems that share wisdom of life, vulnerability, and the art of unconditional connection This episode features author Joshua James Owens in a thoughtful conversation centered on time, creativity, and the value of human connection. Joshua opens by reflecting on the importance of shared moments, emphasizing that when someone gives you their time, it is one of the greatest gifts they can offer. That perspective shapes both his life and his work. Rooted in Western New York, Joshua shares how his upbringing, faith background, and early exposure to religious study influenced his writing voice. From a young age, he developed the habit of honoring meaningful thoughts by writing them down, a practice that became the foundation of his creative journey. Early recognition through poetry sparked his confidence, while later life experiences expanded his themes into justice, love, and personal growth. Joshua discusses his evolution as a writer, from journaling and poetry to developing larger narrative works. He explains how reading, philosophy, and structured thinking helped refine his voice, highlighting the importance of asking better questions to arrive at deeper insights. His approach blends visual storytelling with emotional depth, often imagining scenes as living moments shaped by time and experience. A major focus of the conversation is his current book series, Grace Wars, a creative exploration of spiritual themes inspired by the idea of an unseen world influencing everyday life. Drawing parallels to familiar storytelling frameworks, Joshua brings biblical concepts to life through character driven narratives, aiming to make complex ideas more accessible and engaging. He also shares his poetry collections, including Destined to Fail at Love, which reflects decades of personal writing. These works, along with companion workbooks, guide readers through the evolution of love from early infatuation to deeper, selfless connection. His message is clear that love is not transactional but something cultivated through intention, sacrifice, and authenticity. Throughout the episode, Joshua encourages creators to trust their voice, document their ideas, and embrace the process of growth. Whether through writing, music, or storytelling, he يرى creativity as a way to capture moments and give them lasting meaning. Key takeaway: Honor your thoughts and your time. When you commit to expressing what matters, you not only preserve your own journey but create something that can genuinely impact others. https://joshuajamesowensbooks.com/ Support the show ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks! https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

  6. Sep 25

    E237 - Stewart Lee - Me and My Addiction - one man’s battle to break free from a life heavily impacted by alcoholism

    EPISODE 237 - Stewart Lee - Me and My Addiction - one man’s battle to break free from a life heavily impacted by alcoholism About our Guest - I grew up in Exeter, Devon and lived with my parents and 2 older sisters. I didn't really have a troubled life but from a young age I discovered alcohol and my journey into addiction began. Drugs and alcohol consumed my life from that point on. It got so bad that I thought I would either end up in prison, a psychiatric unit or dead. Either by someone else killing me or succeeding in killing myself. I managed to find a way to recover and now live a clean sober life. You could say the complete opposite of how I lived before. I'm hoping now that if I share my experience through writing books I can help to inspire anyone that change is possible. The Book: Me and My Addiction tells the intense, but overall positive, account of one man’s battle to break free from a life heavily impacted by alcoholism. This thought-provoking book gives the reader a no holds barred, insight into addictions, and their power to change people’s lives, often without the victim realizing until it’s too late. Stewart’s reflection of the problems around addiction, along with his real, raw and (brutally!) honest stories will open your mind to see life through the eyes of an addict. If you think you, or maybe someone you know, may have an issue with alcohol it provides answers to the questions that many are afraid to ask, a deeper understanding of how addiction works, along with hope that it’s possible to break the cycle of destruction and to turn your life around. https://www.stewartleeauthor.co.uk/ ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Published: Aug. 31, 2023 Support the show ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks! https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

  7. Sep 23

    E769 - Colin Belcourt - The Blue Hour Gospel is about the fear of living the wrong life, and the slow erasure of the self

    EPISODE 769 - Colin Belcourt - The Blue Hour Gospel is about the fear of living the wrong life, and the slow erasure of the self Colin Belcourt joins the podcast to reflect on the curious alchemy between place, identity, and the quiet work of writing. Based outside Ottawa after moving from Toronto, Colin describes the unexpected ease of life beyond big-city rush hour and how his new role leading a municipal data team sits beside his creative life, where he acts as a translator between technical systems and everyday people. That juxtaposition—structured meetings by day, vulnerable page-by-page exploration by night—frames much of the conversation. Colin explains how writing became a therapeutic practice at the suggestion of a therapist and how that gentle nudge eventually unfolded into a book that processes anxiety, self-erasure, and the small, stubborn moments that shape us. He describes writing as armor that allows honesty to surface: once words are on the page, patterns emerge and hidden pressures—imposter syndrome, perfectionism, the urge to diminish one’s work—start to lose their power. Colin emphasizes the slow-burn rewards of creative work, valuing one intimate reader’s note over broad acclaim and learning to celebrate those quiet confirmations. A key thread is representation and the particular pressures of growing up gay in the nineties. Colin situates his experience—privileged but still othered—within broader community dynamics where image and assimilation often mask unresolved grief and unprocessed trauma. His book intentionally preserves ambiguity and invites readers to find themselves in the margins: characters named as variations of him embody interactions across family, strangers, lovers, and institutions. The narrative experiments with form—QR codes, recipe-like chapters, songs—to offer multiple entry points and to honor different ways readers engage with story. Colin also reflects honestly on publishing and promotion: the surprising warmth of the writing community, the raw impact of a single meaningful review, and the awkwardness of sharing work with family. He rejects easy triumphalism about social progress, noting improvements alongside persistent microaggressions and new complexities that come with greater visibility. Looking forward, Colin is already drafting a second book that expands from the self to community, exploring the liminal places where identity, expectation, and belonging blur. Key takeaway: Writing can be both a tool of self-revelation and communal repair—start small, value intimate responses, and let the slow work of reflection widen into connection. https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-p-belcourt/ Support the show ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks! https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

  8. Sep 21

    E768 - Maria Giesbrecht - A Little Feral, a collection of poems written several years after leaving a conservative Mennonite family

    EPISODE 768 - Maria Giesbrecht - A Little Feral, a collection of poems written several years after leaving a conservative Mennonite family In this episode, author guest Maria Giesbrecht opens up about the deeply personal journey behind her poetry collection and the complicated path that led her toward becoming a writer. She reflects on the surreal experience of stepping into a live radio interview with little time to prepare, sharing the vulnerability that comes with putting creative work into the world and wondering how it will be received. What emerges throughout the conversation is an honest look at fear, courage, and the emotional weight of telling the truth through art. Maria traces her love of writing back to high school, where an encouraging creative writing teacher helped her realize that writing could exist beyond assignments and grades. Although she later pursued accounting, poetry stayed beside her through difficult seasons of life and eventually became the foundation for publication. She speaks candidly about rejection in the literary world, explaining that persistence matters more than perfection and that rejection is often proof that a writer is actively pursuing their calling. The conversation also explores Maria’s upbringing in a Mennonite community after immigrating from Mexico to Canada as a child. She shares the tension of growing up between cultures, trying to fit in while carrying traditions and experiences that felt different from those around her. Reading became a refuge during those years, and books helped her discover the power stories have to comfort, connect, and heal. Maria speaks thoughtfully about faith, rebellion, identity, and the complicated process of finding her own voice outside the structures she grew up in. Rather than rejecting her past entirely, she reflects on learning to hold both beauty and pain together. That same philosophy shapes her writing, where she aims to portray family, spirituality, and relationships with honesty and generosity instead of reducing people to heroes or villains. Throughout the episode, Maria encourages listeners to trust their inner desires and give themselves permission to pursue a more honest version of life. She reminds aspiring writers and creatives that consistency matters, community matters, and that finding people who truly understand your journey can make all the difference. Key takeaway: The path toward creativity, identity, and personal freedom is rarely straightforward, but growth begins when we stop silencing ourselves and start trusting the deeper truths we carry within. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/elmira-poet-s-new-book-inspired-by-her-journey-leaving-mennonite-community-9.7175804 https://mariagiesbrecht.com/ In A Little Feral, Maria Giesbrecht delivers a debut collection that navigates faith, family, and personal resurrection through a voice at once wild, intimate, and quietly rebellious. Written in the aftermath of leaving a conservative Mennonite upbringing, these poems chart a parallel journey of breaking away— from father, from God, from the confines of obedience. Giesbrecht’ s language is lyrical and unflinching, a cadence that moves between tenderness and defiance. ___ Support the show ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks! https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

See All (798)

Trailer

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Living The Next Chapter: Inspiring Conversations with Amazing Authors and Writers - Better Questions, Better Conversations, Better Connections Are you an avid reader or an aspiring writer seeking inspiration to embark on your own literary journey? Look no further! Welcome to "Living The Next Chapter," the podcast that celebrates the world of books and writing. Join us as we connect you with captivating authors who have mastered the art of storytelling. Living The Next Chapter is more than just a podcast. It is a platform built for meaningful conversations, authentic storytelling, and real connection within the literary world. Each episode highlights inspiring authors who openly share their journeys, including the struggles they have overcome, the triumphs they have achieved, and the lessons they have learned along the way. This is a space where better questions lead to better conversations, and ultimately, stronger connections. Whether you are an experienced author or continuing to grow your voice, this platform offers a unique opportunity to expand your reach, elevate your message, and connect with a global audience that is passionate about books and writing. This show is always ad free, if you love what you hear, please refill our coffee cup here!   https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediacahttps://livingthenextchapter.com/ Author Podcast, Podcast for Authors, Book Podcast, Authors, Writing, Books, Literature, Storytelling, Creative Writing, Bestselling Authors, Interviews with Authors, Writing Tips, Publishing Insights, Book Recommendations, Author Experiences, Literary Discussions, Writing Process, Inspiring Conversations with Authors, How to Write a Book, Tips for Aspiring Writers, Behind the Scenes of Writing, Exploring Author Journeys

Information