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

Dave Campbell,
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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

    E717 - Hal Glatzer - Accidental Detectives, Friends With Benefits and How Music Influences Writing

    EPISODE 717 - Hal Glatzer - Accidental Detectives, Friends With Benefits and How Music Influences Writing Hal Glatzer is a novelist who blends mystery with a rich musical background, sharing insights about his creative journey, his fiction’s settings, and the people who populate his work. The interview unfolds in three main threads: the mysteries Glatzer writes, the music he performs, and the biography that informs his storytelling. Glatzer’s literary path begins in youth with classical training in violin and clarinet, moving through the folk revival and bluegrass, and finally embracing the Great American Songbook. This musical fluency informs his approach to dialogue and rhythm in fiction, where characters banter and move storylines forward through speech. His long-running Katy Green novels anchor his literary voice in historical-recovery and performance, while his current project centers on Herman and Teddy, an older couple who navigate an affair while solving murders. They are “accidental detectives” in a cozy mystery setting, chosen to explore grown-up themes with wit, warmth, and intellectual curiosity. Grand Lake City, Glatzer’s fictional setting, serves as a crafted backdrop that mirrors real Rust Belt towns gradually reviving their economies. The two primary protagonists—Herman, a late sixties retired magazine editor, and Teddy, a middle sixties former high school math teacher—live a “friendship with benefits” relationship. Their dynamic blends sharp banter, contrasting personalities, and complementary lives, which continually challenge and propel the mysteries they stumble into. The series follows this duo across three novels so far: The Nest, The Office Wife, and The Two Birds, with plans for future installments and possibly revisiting the Katie Green character from his earlier work. A central theme is how music—whether live performance or the memory of songs—deeply embeds itself in people’s brains and sustains memory, emotion, and identity. Glatzer describes performing for nursing homes and veterans as a powerful reminder that music often outlives other faculties, a belief that resonates with how he builds mood and atmosphere in his stories. He also explains that his storytelling relies on the tension between characters and situations: even a cozy mystery benefits from obstacles that threaten personal relationships and force protagonists to confront difficult choices. For readers, the appeal lies in dialog-rich, character-driven mysteries where adults face real-life complexities, including marriage, friendship, and moral dilemmas, while the plot unfurls through witty dialogue and engaging puzzles. Glatzer emphasizes that his ideal reader is an adult who appreciates a well-crafted whodunit with authentic relationships and no graphic sexuality, while acknowledging that his work may test readers’ comfort with adultery within a carefully controlled narrative. Key takeaway: Hal Glatzer’s mysteries thrive on character chemistry and dialogue as the engine of plot, pairing cozy, accessible puzzles with mature, nuanced relationships that keep readers thinking—and listening—for the next twist. https://halglatzer.com/ Send us Fan Mail 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

    52 min

  2. 4D AGO

    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 Send us Fan Mail 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

  3. 4D AGO

    E716 - Richard DeVeau - In Plain Sight - In Washington, nothing is what it seems

    EPISODE 716 - Richard DeVeau - In Plain Sight - In Washington, nothing is what it seems In this engaging return visit to the show, author Richard DeVeau discusses his new thriller In Plain Sight, the second installment in his Eve Tanzi series following the debut Lights Out. Living in Batavia, Illinois—a suburb along the Fox River west of Chicago—he shares how his brother's lighthouse refurbishment on Cape Cod sparked the idea for Lights Out. Intrigued by lighthouses as historic guides with foghorns offering comfort to sailors, DeVeau flipped the concept: what if someone weaponized them for evil? His antagonist launches missiles from real lighthouses in Boston and Maryland, subverting their heritage in a tale of domestic terrorism known as the Greater Boston Massacre. DeVeau explains how In Plain Sight stands alone while advancing the series. Picking up after the first book's tragedy, protagonist Eve Tanzi—a tough Special Forces operative, CIA agent, and artist—works directly with the president from a D.C. apartment to unmask remaining cabal members: a senator, judge, and presidential insider. She recruits a trusted Afghanistan comrade—described as Einstein in Arnold Schwarzenegger's body—for brains, brawn, and budding romance, amid fresh conspiracies threatening national control. Each book builds momentum for readers jumping in mid-series, with key backstory woven in naturally. Drawing from his New England roots, World War II comic fascination, and French Canadian heritage (echoed in Eve's Quebec ancestor), DeVeau revels in research via books like Modern War in Ancient Land and firsthand accounts. He compares writing to his 35-year fine art painting career: both involve dialoguing with the work, solving problems, and immersion. Sensory details, especially smell's memory power (burning tires in Kabul, his grandmother's tourtière pie), enrich scenes. Dialogue flows naturally from eavesdropping at gallery openings and ad copywriting experience, avoiding stiff "writing-speak"—a tip reinforced by reading screenplays like early drafts of Roxanne. DeVeau aims for a book-a-year rhythm, planning the third by summer. He credits early readers like his Harvard-educated pastor friend for developmental edits sharpening Eve's reactions, and highlights her warrior-artist balance as an ancient archetype adding depth. His early ebook involvement—crafting ads for Stephen King's 2000 novella Riding the Bullet, which crashed servers with 500,000 downloads—foreshadowed the digital revolution. Books are available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Ingram distributors; local signings continue at his nearby store. Visit richarddeveau.com for updates. Key takeaway: Lighthouses symbolize guidance, but DeVeau shows how flipping familiar icons fuels thrilling stories—write what you love, research deeply, and let process mirror your passions for authentic, immersive tales. https://richarddeveau.com/ Send us Fan Mail 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

    56 min

  4. 6D AGO

    E715 - Babs Walters - Facing The Jaguar - Telling is Healing

    EPISODE 715 - Babs Walters - Facing The Jaguar - Telling is Healing In this moving episode, author Babs Walters discusses her memoir Facing the Jaguar, a deeply personal story of trauma, healing, and transformation. Speaking from her home in sunny Florida, she reflects on the lifelong promise she made to write her story and how the process of sharing it became both a journey of self-discovery and a tool for helping others confront their own pain. Babs traces the origins of her memoir back to childhood, when she first dreamed of telling the truth about her family’s secrets. But it wasn’t until decades later—and after significant healing—that she could write from a place of grace instead of anger. Early writing attempts were too raw, she recalls, even her NYU professor once told her that “even War and Peace has peace in it.” Therapy and time allowed her to transform her painful experience into a message of hope, forgiveness, and empowerment. She also explains how she learned the craft of memoir writing—understanding that an autobiography tells a life story, while a memoir shares one story within a life. Through multiple writing courses, Babs mastered structure, pacing, and the importance of universal themes. Her editor encouraged her to shape her narrative around recurring imagery from her childhood, including a haunting dream about a jaguar that became both a metaphor for fear and a symbol of strength. This dream later inspired the book’s powerful title, Facing the Jaguar, signifying her confrontation with her father, the man who caused her deepest trauma. Beyond recounting abuse, Babs sought to make her book a story of survival and purpose. She hopes to inspire readers to break cycles of generational trauma, release shame, and find their voices. Facing the Jaguar speaks directly to survivors, especially women, people in recovery, and anyone ready to face painful truths. She cautions, however, that healing is a gradual process—“a journey, not a destination.” Her short, vignette-style chapters let readers pause and regroup as they process emotional material. Babs now uses her platform and website to continue helping others. She offers resources, writing workshops, and a checklist titled “How to Tell When You’re Ready to Tell.” She reminds listeners that not every story must be shared publicly—sometimes healing begins privately, even if it’s just writing something down and letting it go. Her site also invites visitors to leave anonymous postcards sharing secrets as a symbolic step toward release and honesty. Perhaps the most poignant part of the conversation is Babs’s reflection on love and recognition. Her daughter and husband have become her strongest champions, countering a lifetime of shame and silence. Their support proves that healing can restore not only inner peace but also connection. “The hardest part of keeping a secret,” she says, “is not having a witness.” Through her book and speaking engagements, she now serves as that witness for others, showing them they are not alone. Key takeaway: Facing the Jaguar reminds listeners that courage and compassion can coexist with pain. Healing begins when we stop hiding, find our voice, and face the “jaguars” in our own lives—because sharing our truth, in whatever form we choose, can save both ourselves and others. https://babswalters.com/ Send us Fan Mail 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

  5. MAY 18

    E714 - David Lomax - Trail of Thoughts - true story of survival, resilience, and self-discovery in the remote wilds of Alaska

    EPISODE 714 - David Lomax - Trail of Thoughts - true story of survival, resilience, and self-discovery in the remote wilds of Alaska In this heartfelt conversation, author David Lomax joins Dave to share the extraordinary story behind his deeply personal and historical memoir, Trails of Thoughts. Speaking from his serene home in Oregon, David reflects on his 25-year journey to complete a book rooted in his own lived experience and the remarkable legacy of his stepfather — a pioneering native Alaskan contractor, pilot, and visionary. David opens up about his lifelong struggle with dyslexia and the courage it took to tell his story authentically. He describes how the book began as handwritten notes, written at a time of uncertainty, and how a patient editor helped him shape the narrative from raw pages into a structured, meaningful chronicle spanning from childhood to the present. Through humility and persistence, David discovered how storytelling could help him reclaim both memory and identity. At its heart, Trails of Thoughts is a record of survival — not just in Alaska’s unforgiving wilderness but in the complex terrain of personal loss, family dynamics, and self-doubt. David shares how writing became a process of emotional endurance, one that forced him to balance truth with grace. He touches on the challenges of portraying loved ones honestly, especially when grief and memory intertwine. His reflections on losing his son, Robert, reveal a vulnerability that resonates deeply with anyone who’s had to process pain through creative expression. Beyond its emotional depth, the book captures a vivid portrait of life in the Arctic: the building of new villages, the ingenuity required to survive in extreme conditions, and a profound respect for the Indigenous communities whose traditions shaped David’s understanding of resilience and respect for nature. David also speaks with pride about the audiobook adaptation, a richly detailed production complete with authentic aircraft sounds from Alaska’s past. Hearing his own words brought to life moved him deeply — a reminder that his years of persistence have preserved a story worth remembering. Key Takeaway: David Lomax’s journey shows that storytelling is an act of endurance, humility, and healing. Even when the path is long and imperfect, sharing our truth — in our own words — can become both legacy and liberation. https://trailofthoughts.com/ Send us Fan Mail 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

    49 min

  6. MAY 15

    E713 - Scott Pearson - Simon & Schuster’s Star Trek Novel Editor and Author Taking Us To New Places and Beyond

    EPISODE 713 - Scott Pearson - Simon & Schuster’s Star Trek Novel Editor and Author Taking Us To New Places and Beyond This episode features author and editor Scott Pearson sharing his woodland life in Carlton, Minnesota, and his multifaceted career in science fiction, Star Trek, and publishing. From fan to professional, he reveals how persistence and adaptability built his path through a rapidly changing industry. Scott describes his detached office amid the trees, a quiet hub for editing and writing. Publishing has evolved dramatically since his early days mailing manuscripts; self-publishing, once taboo, is now viable. His key advice: keep writing, finish stories, and explore contests or networks to break in. A lifelong Star Trek fan since grade school, he started with derivative sci-fi, shifted to literary fiction in college—his first published story about a Minnesota farming couple—then returned to genre via the Strange New Worlds contest win. This led to Star Trek short stories, a novella, and an ebook, plus anthology work blending sci-fi, mystery, horror, and thriller. His latest, the self-published The Sad Rains of Mars, collects a dozen sci-fi tales. As Star Trek's copy and developmental editor, Scott ensures fiction aligns with canon, verifying quotes by rewatching clips. He balances fandom with professionalism, enjoying stories while catching continuity gaps for "retcons." Fan fiction hones skills but stays non-commercial; licensed work requires agent connections and multi-layer approvals from publishers and Paramount. Conventions like Shore Leave connect writers and editors. Freelance editing—Star Trek novels, Baen Books, IDW comics, self-publishers—fills his days, often crowding personal writing despite a Monday-Thursday schedule. He spotlights Tales of the Weird World War, co-written novellas with Bill Leisner mashing genres in an alternate history of shapeshifting monsters, from 1940s noir to 1950s saucers. Key takeaway: Persistence through industry shifts, from fan roots to pro editing and original work, turns passion into a sustainable creative life—finish stories, honor canon, and balance paid gigs with personal projects. https://scott-pearson.com/ Send us Fan Mail 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

    52 min

  7. MAY 13

    E712 - Valerie Taylor - A Romantic Comedy Series and A Cozy Series - Write From A Different Perspective

    EPISODE 712 - Valerie Taylor - A Romantic Comedy Series and A Cozy Series - Write From A Different Perspective This episode features novelist Valerie Taylor discussing her shift from corporate marketing to writing romantic comedies and cozy mysteries, sharing practical advice for aspiring authors on overcoming blocks, building series, and embracing new challenges. Valerie shares a recent encounter at a senior living center craft fair, where she stood out as the only author among crafters. When a woman confessed she was stuck 30 pages into her book, Valerie suggested rewriting a scene from another character's viewpoint. This technique, she explains, refreshes perspective and sparks new ideas, a method she uses in her multi-viewpoint novels to avoid getting bogged down. She warns aspiring writers against thinking they will produce just one book. Finishing and publishing the first creates an addictive high from reader feedback, often leading to more. Valerie's "What's Not" series follows mature protagonist Cassie O'Callahan through dysfunctional marriages, new romances, and travels to Venice, Paris, and Greece. A minor character, Venus Bixby, grew so compelling that she spun off into a cozy mystery series set earlier in a fictional New England whaling town, Chatham Crossing. In the cozies, like "Switched to Death," quirky sleuth Venus runs an oldies music store, cookie bakery, and cat daycare. When the mayor dies at the Christmas tree lighting, her business is implicated, pulling her into the investigation alongside someone she cares about. Valerie notes cozies keep romance "clean," stopping at the bedroom door, making them suitable for teens and adults. Drawing from her marketing background, she details crafting cohesive covers with symbolic motifs and alliterative signposts like "Cats, Cookies, Chaos." Travel research, from walking Venice scenes to emailing Greek wineries, ensures authentic settings. As an introvert, she has adapted to competitive book fairs but prefers intimate craft events. Looking ahead, Valerie eyes shorter forms like Substack essays, historical fiction, or screenplays, drawn by praise for her dialogue. Her newsletter "Behind and Ahead" spotlights global authors and personal updates. She stresses life experience as a superpower for writers of any age. Key takeaway: Writing thrives on fresh perspectives, persistence beyond one book, and new challenges; observe closely, let characters evolve, and treat every project as a chance to grow. https://valerietaylorauthor.com/ Send us Fan Mail 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

    49 min

  8. MAY 11

    E711 - Reyna Marder Gentin - Jessica Harmon Has Stepped Away, A Mother Daughter Story and a Book Tour

    EPISODE 711 - Reyna Marder Gentin - Jessica Harmon Has Stepped Away, A Mother Daughter Story and a Book Tour This episode explores how former criminal appellate attorney turned novelist Reyna Marder Gentin reinvented her life and writing, and how law, empathy, and complex family relationships shape her fiction. It offers an honest look at creative risk, persistence, and the emotional truths behind her stories. From Courtroom to Creative Writing Reyna begins by describing life in Westchester County, just north of Manhattan, and her long career as a criminal appellate attorney. For more than two decades she represented people convicted of serious crimes, trying to secure reduced sentences or second chances. Over time, though, she hit an emotional wall: she felt increasingly unable to understand the human backstories behind acts that appeared undeniably “evil,” especially because appeals work limits lawyers to the trial record rather than the full complexity of a person’s life. That disconnect pushed her to leave the law and follow an unexpected path into memoir and fiction writing. Learning to See Stories Differently Reyna explains that appellate work trained her to see every situation from multiple angles, always asking “what if” and searching for alternate interpretations. That habit now drives her fiction; when she reaches a pivotal scene, she challenges her first instincts and explores how events might unfold differently, always seeking the emotional hook that draws readers in. She talks about the importance of crafting empathy on the page, just as she once tried to do for judges, and how her sense of an “ideal reader” has evolved. Patience, Persistence, and the Reality of Publishing Reyna is candid about the gap between writing classes and real-world publishing. Not everyone will finish a book, and even completed manuscripts may never be published. Her Books, Characters, and Themes Reyna walks through her body of work and the life experiences that inspired it. Her debut, Unreasonable Doubts, draws on her public defender background and follows a young lawyer losing faith in her work who becomes emotionally entangled with a client. Her middle grade novel centers on an eighth-grade girl with undiagnosed dyslexia, a hardworking single mom, and a perceptive teacher who finally recognizes the girl’s strengths and learning challenges. Another novel, Both Are True, follows a new family court judge balancing the emotional demands of her courtroom with a complicated romantic relationship. Her newest book shifts away from law entirely and delves into the fraught, intimate territory of a mother-daughter relationship. Protagonist Jessica Harmon, a stalled thirty-year-old would-be writer, feels stuck in an unfulfilling editing job and blames her famous academic mother, Cynthia, for her inability to launch. When Cynthia wins a lifetime achievement award and invites Jessica on a book tour, buried secrets and a long-ago, life-changing episode from Cynthia’s college years come to light. Reyna explores themes of resentment, love, generational influence, and the search for identity, emphasizing that even when the ending isn’t conventionally “happy,” characters can still arrive where they need to be. Send us Fan Mail 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

    39 min
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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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