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

Dave Campbell,
  • 5.0 (13)
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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. 1d ago

    E735 - Alison McBain - Do something creative every day, The New Empire - A journey of self-discovery has a steep price

    EPISODE 735 - Alison McBain - Do something creative every day, The New Empire - A  journey of self-discovery has a steep price In this episode of Living The Next Chapter, host Dave welcomes Alison McBain, a prolific Canadian author based near Edmonton, Alberta. With a dual American-Canadian heritage, Alison shares her journey from growing up in the States to returning home three years ago, embracing the region's chilly winters now softened by a rare heat wave. She dives into the golden age of publishing, where endless options overwhelm new authors, urging them to ignore the noise, write their stories relentlessly, and persevere through rejections—since that's the true divide between published and unpublished writers. Alison reveals how she discovered her versatile voice by writing prolifically across genres, embracing failures publicly for accountability, and drawing from life's odd jobs and family chaos, like raising three kids. Writing is her passion, akin to breathing; she gets lost in it for hours, reads voraciously from history to fantasy, and rejects "write what you know" for "write what you love," crafting relatable characters in wild scenarios—from spaceships to dragons. She champions individual human experiences over AI's generic output, confident creativity remains our domain. Highlights include her award-winning alternate history The New Empire, inspired by speculative Chinese voyages to 14th-century Americas, exploring a slave boy's coming-of-age amid empire-building. Other gems: a romance born from her nightmare house renovation (now a streaming e-book), the collaborative fantasy anthology Enchantress of Books, and a gender-flipped Beauty and the Beast YA tale challenging power dynamics and beauty standards. In 2024's bold "Author vs. AI" challenge, she penned 34 first drafts across genres like Western and horror—now polishing for release—proving genre-hopping builds loyal readers if stories resonate. Media buzz from CBC and City News followed, fueled by her human-centric ethos. Alison battles imposter syndrome healthily, cherishes reader connections over unnoticed details, and crafts complex villains for narrative drive. Her motto: Do something creative daily, from writing to music. Key Takeaway: Everyone has a story worth telling—shut out distractions, write with passion and perseverance, and let relatable characters connect you to readers who'll cherish your unique voice. https://www.alisonmcbain.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

    43 min

  2. 4d ago

    E734 - Jordan Gray - The Infinite Night Book 1 - The Happy Marauder Perfect Bound

    EPISODE 734 - Jordan Gray - The Infinite Night Book 1 - The Happy Marauder Perfect Bound In this episode of Living The Next Chapter, author Jordan Gray shares his unconventional path to publishing hard science fiction novels, born from boredom during long shifts in the Air Force, industrial jobs, and escorting oversize loads as a pilot car operator. Starting as a middle school detention escape—scribbling paragraphs to pass time—his writing evolved into a sanity-preservation tool amid monotonous tasks like fueling planes or waiting on remote job sites. Dyslexic and self-admittedly "built wrong," Jordan rejects rigid structures like Save the Cat, favoring chaotic "insane ramblings" and adventure logs that let unpredictable characters drive the story. His debut manuscript ballooned from one book into four, as he refused to truncate lives unjustly, hitting the 80,000-120,000 word sweet spot intuitively before declaring, "That's a break." Drawing from blue-collar grit—balancing cargo, risks, and frustrations in hazardous space settings—Jordan crafts relatable "idiots" facing daily struggles like bad public transit or food scarcity, even in a far-future universe where Earth is myth. He obsesses over authentic tech and personalities, hating some characters yet probing their "why," while infusing blue-collar humor that's twisted enough to warn off kids. Promotion means donning DIY spacesuits from motorcycle gear and paintball pads, thrilling fans at conventions who crave his competent, survivalist crews. Editing relies on pros to fix dyslexia hiccups (he accepts 98% of changes), and covers came alive via Canadian artist Jeff Brown, who sketched live on Zoom using Jordan's padlock-inspired alien weapon—forged from scrap metal, duct tape prototypes, and a welder friend's beer-fueled lessons. Inspired by Craig Alanson's Expeditionary Force, he aims for annual October releases, prioritizing audiobooks amid fan demands, while building a website with glossaries, signed stores, and event schedules. Community support—from deployment buddies to bookstore cold-calls—fuels him, turning survival scribbles into full-circle joy. Key Takeaway: Follow your dreams as a survival strategy—whether in boredom or chaos—by embracing your unique process, building community, and making time for fun amid responsibilities https://theinfinitenightbooks.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

    42 min

  3. 6d ago

    E733 - Joel Steele - Life Switch - How to Experience the Power of Living ON by Discovering Your Potential, Passion, and Purpose

    EPISODE 733 - Joel Steele - Life Switch - How to Experience the Power of Living ON by Discovering Your Potential, Passion, and Purpose Joel Steele joins the conversation to explore the journey behind his book Life Switch—a project rooted in the idea that anyone can learn to “flip the switch” from living an ordinary life to an extraordinary one. Speaking from his home in southern New Jersey, Joel blends real-life stories, raw honesty, and practical lessons that challenge listeners to rethink how they approach success, failure, and personal growth. Joel’s message begins with a simple but crucial insight for aspiring authors: a great book alone isn’t enough. Without an audience or a network, even a life-changing message risks being unheard. He reflects on his own experience of releasing a well-received book without first building a following, encouraging new writers to spend just as much time creating relationships as they do crafting their manuscripts. From there, Joel dives deep into the personal transformation that birthed Life Switch. Once describing himself as “average to below average in everything,” he shares the moment he decided to redefine his limitations. Asking the question “Why can’t I?” became the catalyst for achieving one goal after another. He calls this awakening the moment he turned his life switch “on.” By visualizing his goals, writing them down, and pursuing them with commitment, he proved that seeing is believing—and believing is achieving. At the heart of his philosophy are the “Three P’s”: Potential, Passion, and Purpose. Potential reminds us that our capability is limitless, expanding each time we push past old boundaries. Passion fuels that drive, offering the excitement and energy that makes hard work feel meaningful. And Purpose serves as our personal GPS—without it, Joel says, we’re simply driving in circles. Together, these principles form the backbone of the Life Switch mindset. Joel shares compelling personal stories, including the cautionary lessons from a risky real estate partnership that turned into a test of responsibility and resilience. He reflects on how taking ownership—rather than placing blame—was the difference between financial ruin and recovery. These lessons reinforce his core belief that setbacks are not dead ends but raw material for future success. Throughout the discussion, Joel speaks directly to anyone at a crossroads: graduates, career changers, or those rebuilding after loss. He invites listeners to visualize their lives like a puzzle—every piece is already within reach; it just needs to be arranged with clarity and persistence. And he reminds us that fulfillment doesn’t come from perfection but from progress and self-honesty. Joel’s Life Switch mission extends beyond personal empowerment. With a pledge to donate one million dollars to charity when the book reaches one million sales, he demonstrates his belief that success means more when it serves others. Each purchase, he notes, becomes part of that larger purpose. Key Takeaway: Life doesn’t change by accident—it changes when you decide to live “on.” By embracing your potential, fueling it with passion, defining your purpose, and acting with accountability, you can turn every struggle into a stepping stone toward the extraordinary life you were meant to live. https://bookjoelsteele.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

    47 min

  4. Jun 30

    BONUS - Share Your Story, Poem and Writings Here on Living The Next Chapter

    BONUS - Share Your Story, Poem and Writings Here on Living The Next Chapter Thanks for supporting this podcast!  I am putting in place a new way to support authors, writers and poets in their writing journey! I want to feature your writings here on Living The Next Chapter.  Share your poem, a portion of your chapter, something that you are working on - and do so right here on the podcast.  The opportunity to share your work in progress with the world!  Go to my website, click on the "Speak Pipe" link right there on the website and record up to 5 minutes of audio (use it multiple times if need be) and read us your poem, snipit or portion of your work in progress for listeners of this show to hear. If you want to avoid recording audio, then siimply email me what you want to have read and shared on a podcast episode featuring your work and don't forget to include how a fellow listener can connect with you - social media link, website, email - you never know who might hear your work in progress, your poem etc. I will make an episode just about you, sharing your writings right here! Looking forward to putting the spotlight on you! https://poets.org/anthology/poems-your-poetry-project-public-domain Original Date: Tuesday, December 10, 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

    15 min

  5. Jun 30

    E592 - Joe McClean - Screenwriter, Author and Director - Putting Yourself Out There and Into Your Story, That is Where the Opportunity Lies

    Episode 592 - Joe McClean - Screenwriter, Author and Director - Putting Yourself Out There and Into Your Story, That is Where the Opportunity Lies Joe made a bunch of short films and one feature length movie with friends and no money. To this day, I enjoy watching those early attempts to craft a story, but essentially this era of on-the-job-training was my film school. Now it was time to take my first big swing.  I wrote a script I felt I could raise enough money to shoot myself, a found-footage film, and I spent a year begging for cash and favors. The star of a hit TV show, who had gone to the same high school as me, graciously agreed to act in it. An NBA player made a small investment. Actor, comedian, and Late Show with David Letterman regular, Jay Thomas agreed to make a cameo. The snowball was growing and eventually I scraped together enough cash to direct Life Tracker. The movie played over 20 science fiction conventions and got a digital distribution deal with Charter Communications (now Spectrum) and streamed into millions of American homes. Life Tracker  Great! Now I needed a follow up to prove that my work ethic couldn't be mistaken for beginner's luck.​ Taking advantage of a group of talented actor friends and another who owned property outside of Fresno, I wrote and directed a super-low-budget homage to The Big Chill called The Drama Club which can currently be seen on Tubi. The Drama Club  Looking back from that point, I could see the years of work I'd put in. Meeting people. Working with casts and crews. Going on adventures together. taking risks and building trust. Jobs started to fall into place. I signed my first manager. I joined the Writers Guild of America. I pitched big shot producers at legacy studios and powerhouse production companies. Always searching for that next opportunity. That's when I met Blair Underwood. A business lunch turned into an attachment (and a friendship), and soon I was hitting up everyone I'd ever done business with to see who wanted to join the team. Viral was written and produced by me, it's directed by and stars Blair, and he shares the screen with Sarah Silverman, Jeanine Mason, and the incomparable Alfre Woodard! The movie is finished and we're actively working with our sales team to bring it to audiences. In the mean time, I’m working with Amistad (an imprint of HarperCollins Publishing) on a two-book deal titled Sins of Survivors about the plight of a family who lived in the once vital African American neighborhood of Black Bottom in 1930s and 40s Detroit. The first book is currently available everywhere books are sold, and the second hits shelves in the summer of 2026... So, go to your local bookstore's website get your copy! Why "Ginger Beard," you ask? My wife's maiden name is "Beard," and when our son was born he had a reddish tint to his hair. So, my company is named after my son, my "Ginger Beard"... It's only a bonus that I have red facial hair. https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-mcclean-6668b018 https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0565697/ https://www.gingerbeardfilms.com/ Wednesday, September 17, 2025 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

    47 min

  6. Jun 30

    E525 - Richard DeVeau - Light's Out - We Paint a Picture of a special forces veteran, CIA officer, and leader of Boston's Homeland Security team

    Episode 525 - Richard DeVeau - Light's Out - We Paint a Picture of a special forces veteran, CIA officer, and leader of Boston's Homeland Security team About the author After majoring in marketing at Bentley University, Richard spent a career as a copywriter and creative director serving such clients as Red Lobster, Ducati Motorcycles, Marriott Hotels, and Clorox. He also brought his writing skills to bear for communications agencies that serve nonprofit organizations, including American Red Cross, Wounded Warrior Project, Toys for Tots, CARE, Special Olympics and many others. And he was a frequent editorial contributor to Fundraising Success Magazine. In 2000, he helped launch acclaimed author Stephen King’s internet publishing debut and the world’s first mass- marketed e-book, Riding the Bullet. Richard wrote the online ad campaign that prompted more than 400,000 people to purchase and download the novella. His screenplay, Graven Image, placed in the top twenty percent of the Academy of Motion Pictures’ Nicholl Fellowships international screenwriting competition in 2014. Richard is also an accomplished fine art painter. Over the past thirty years, he has exhibited work in numerous solo and group shows. His work was represented by two commercial art galleries in his native Boston and is now represented by a gallery in Chicago, where he currently resides. Richard and his wife have four adult children and two grandchildren. Book: Light's Out A retired couple are murdered in their Wisconsin home - art and other valuables are stolen. A Lake Michigan oil tanker explodes and sinks that same night. Eve Taunt - special forces veteran, CIA officer, and leader of Boston's Homeland Security team - believes there is a connection between these two events. She and her team quickly find themselves in pursuit of a domestic terrorist - an M.I.T. educated, military trained missile genius with Ted Bundy-like psychopathy - to stop him before he carries out his next devastating attack. This one is even more lethal than the overhwelming inferno he just unleashed on Boston. As Eve closes in, she discovers these attacks are orchestrated by a US senator and a powerful cabal of highly placed leaders and lawmakers with a hidden agenda. https://a.co/d/2yD92bj Episode Date - Monday, April 14, 2025 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

    47 min

  7. Jun 30

    E494 - Donny Young - The 4MIDABLES, Inspector Gadget, The Cannonball Run Movie and Putting Yourself Out There

    EPISODE 494 - Donny Young - The 4MIDABLES, Inspector Gadget, The Cannonball Run Movie and Putting Yourself Out There Author and screenwriter Donny Young shares an inspiring journey through a creative career built on persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace opportunity. From writing episodes of Inspector Gadget on a Smith Corona typewriter to developing his newest young adult adventure series, The 4MIDABLES, Donny reflects on the experiences that shaped both his storytelling and his outlook on success. Listeners are taken behind the scenes of the entertainment industry as Donny recounts how one opportunity naturally led to another. He shares stories from writing for one of television's most beloved animated series, appearing alongside legendary Hollywood stars in The Cannonball Run, and learning valuable career lessons through unexpected encounters with industry icons. Throughout the conversation, a common theme emerges. Creative careers are rarely built through a single breakthrough, but through consistently showing up, saying yes to new experiences, and remaining open to where those experiences may lead. Donny also introduces The 4MIDABLES, a project that has evolved over many years from an animated television concept into an ambitious young adult novel series. Designed around teamwork, empathy, problem solving, and family friendly storytelling, the series reflects his belief that exciting adventures can inspire young readers without relying on violence or sensationalism. For aspiring writers, Donny offers thoughtful advice drawn from decades of experience. He discusses the value of studying acting to better understand character, reading widely within your chosen genre, embracing rejection as part of the creative process, and continually improving your craft. Above all, he encourages writers to remain patient with themselves and to remember that every experience adds depth to the stories they will eventually tell. This conversation is both a celebration of storytelling and a reminder that success often comes from perseverance, preparation, and the courage to keep creating, even when the next opportunity is still out of sight. Key Takeaway Creative success is rarely the result of one defining moment. By continuing to learn, putting yourself in places where opportunity can find you, and refusing to let setbacks define your journey, you give your work the best chance to reach the audience it was meant for. Writer for the iconic “INSPECTOR GADGET” cartoon series. Inspector Gadget: Volcano Island (Gadget Goes Hawaiian) Season 1, Episode 15 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlb-BKVhS3g Extra in Cannonball Run The Cannonball Run Final Scene and End Credits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUOaxwA5Wic Excited to introduce 4 amazing Teens who solve major crimes anonymously! https://www.instagram.com/the4midables/ Original Publish date: Friday, January 31, 2025 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

    1h 3m

  8. Jun 30

    E142 - Laura Cayouette - Actor, Writer, Producer, Blogger - Character Development and Author Tools

    E142 - Laura Cayouette - Actor, Writer, Producer, Blogger - Character Development and Author Tools A professional actor for over 25 years; Django Unchained, Now You See Me, Kill Bill, Enemy of the State, True Detective, Friends & more. Endorsements from actor/filmmakers Richard Dreyfuss, Kevin Costner, Lou Diamond Phillips, Reginald Hudlin, Adam Rifkin & more. Private coach available through Zoom, Skype and FaceTime for actors/writers/filmmakers, UNO Adjunct teaching directors how to work with actors​​. Guest teacher. Speaker. LEARN HOW LAURA WENT FROM WRITING 1 BOOK IN 20 YEARS TO 5 BOOKS IN 4 YEARS! Go from an idea to a completed book – no matter your writing skill level. Avoid writer's block. Feel stimulated and creative – while moving at a pace you never thought possible.   Let Laura help you tell your stories in less time and with less stress. https://lauracayouette.com/ Original Publish Date: Feb. 23, 2023 @ 6AM 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

    1h 3m
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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

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