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

    E781 - Paul Hlabse Jr. - Violent Disturbance - Wrestling with faith, justice, and morality when a trumatic event changes your story

    EPISODE 781 - Paul Hlabse Jr. - Violent Disturbance - Wrestling with faith, justice, and morality when a traumatic event changes your story Author Paul Hlabse joins the podcast for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, perseverance, storytelling, and the deeply personal experiences that shaped his debut novel, Violent Disturbance. What begins as a discussion about woodworking and craftsmanship quickly expands into an exploration of writing as both a creative pursuit and a way to process life's most difficult moments. Paul shares the twenty year journey behind his first novel, explaining how an unfinished manuscript from his early twenties eventually became a completed work after years of personal growth, career challenges, and becoming a father. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of simply starting, writing consistently, and allowing a story to evolve naturally rather than forcing it to follow a rigid outline. The discussion also offers practical encouragement for aspiring authors. Paul talks about developing a writing routine, accepting constructive criticism, building genuine relationships with readers, and promoting a book authentically without losing sight of why it was written in the first place. He explains why he believes readers connect with authors before they connect with their books, making authenticity one of the most valuable tools a writer has. The heart of the conversation focuses on Violent Disturbance itself. Paul explores the novel's central themes of grief, faith, revenge, forgiveness, personal responsibility, and the ripple effects that every decision can have on the lives of others. Rather than presenting simple answers, the story invites readers to wrestle with difficult questions about justice, loss, and the consequences of choosing one path over another. As the conversation unfolds, Paul reflects on how writing unexpectedly helped him connect with experiences from his own life, including family tragedy, personal struggles with depression, and the lessons learned through hardship. He explains how these influences became woven into the emotional foundation of the novel while remaining a work of fiction. The episode concludes with a look ahead at Paul's next writing project, his commitment to creating original work without relying on artificial intelligence for creative writing, and his belief that meaningful stories are created through honesty, discipline, and a willingness to keep learning. Creative work often becomes more than the project itself. Whether writing a novel, building something with your hands, or pursuing any passion, consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to embrace life's experiences can lead to work that not only reflects who you are but also resonates deeply with others. New Book: Violent Disturbance https://www.instagram.com/paulhlabseofficial/ 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. 3d ago

    E780 - T. R. Monroe - We Still Rise is a Workbook of Loss, Betrayal, and Becoming

    Episode 780 - T. R. Monroe - We Still Rise is a Workbook of Loss, Betrayal, and Becoming Healing, Grief, and Becoming Yourself T. R. Monroe shares how journaling, faith, community, and professional support helped her move through loss, betrayal, and years of trying to be the strong one for everyone else. Her book, We Still Rise, is a workbook of grief, loss, betrayal, and becoming, drawn from her personal testimony and journals. The Many Forms of Grief Monroe explains that grief extends beyond death. People can grieve a relationship, a job, a home, an identity, or the version of themselves they lost while trying to meet other people’s expectations. She describes growing up as the oldest child of a single mother, often expected to stay strong, help everyone, and avoid showing pain. That pressure led her to hide abandonment, housing insecurity, betrayal, and emotional pain. Eventually, she learned that asking for help was not weakness. Writing as Self-Care Journaling became Monroe’s mental relief and the foundation for her books. She encourages writers to keep writing, revisit their work later, seek honest feedback, and research the people, places, histories, and experiences they write about. Her advice to aspiring authors is direct: share your work. Whether through social media, a website, local events, or writing communities, your story can reach people walking a similar path. She also highlights the value of author groups, mentors, and events that connect writers with readers. Her Healing and Freedom Series We Still Rise focuses on grief, loss, and learning to sit with difficult feelings while continuing to live. Beyond the Good examines people pleasing, conditioning, and the exhaustion that comes from always saying yes. Monroe compares self-care to putting on your own oxygen mask first. Her third book, Faith, Feelings, and Freedom, is a 52-week prayer journal. Each week pairs a scripture with an unfiltered prayer prompt, reflection space, and a related song. The book is organized around seasons of life and includes a Spotify playlist.  Healing does not follow a schedule, require perfection, or mean you must stop hurting. You are allowed to feel, cry, ask for support, and stop carrying everyone else’s needs before your own.  We Still Rise is a Workbook of Loss, Betrayal, and Becoming is a sacred companion for those navigating heartbreak, trauma, and transformation. Through guided reflection, scripture- based inspiration, and hands-on exercises, this workbook helps you rebuild faith, rediscover self-worth, and rise again... https://trmonroebooks.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. 6d ago

    E779 - Mandie Dufour - Sci-fi, fantasy, and horror writer's new book Devour

    EPISODE 779 - Mandie Dufour - Sci-fi, fantasy, and horror writer's new book Devour In this episode, Mandie Dufour shares her lifelong journey as a writer, shaped by early exposure to books and a deep love of storytelling. Growing up in Atlantic Canada, she found inspiration in both literature and pop culture, from Margaret Atwood to superhero stories and anime, which influenced her early creative voice. What began as unstructured, imaginative writing evolved into a more intentional craft rooted in character development and emotional depth. Mandie emphasizes that storytelling is deeply personal. She encourages writers to trust their instincts and tell the stories that matter to them, rather than chasing trends or perfection. For her, the biggest hurdle many writers face is finishing a first draft. She highlights that imperfect beginnings are essential, because editing cannot happen without something on the page. Letting go of perfectionism is part of embracing the full creative process. A strong advocate for individuality in storytelling, Mandie speaks about balancing genre expectations with creative freedom. While understanding audience expectations is important, she believes writers should not be afraid to challenge conventions and explore new directions. Her own process is character-driven, often starting with a concept and evolving as the characters begin to take on lives of their own, sometimes resisting the original plan. Her novel Devour reflects this philosophy. Set in a distant galaxy thousands of years in the future, the story blends sci-fi, horror, Norse-inspired mythology, and romance. At its core is a young mechanic faced with a choice between safety and purpose, as her world struggles with a water crisis. Themes of fate, courage, and the ripple effects of choice run throughout the narrative, alongside deeper questions about mortality and meaning. Mandie also highlights the importance of community in what is often a solitary craft. From local writing groups in Saint John to online platforms like Wattpad, she credits connection and shared experience as key drivers of growth. She openly discusses stepping outside of her comfort zone, embracing her authentic self, and doing the hard things that move both her writing and personal development forward. Ultimately, this conversation is a reminder that creativity is both a personal and communal journey. Writing is not just about producing stories, but about discovering voice, perspective, and purpose along the way. Key takeaway: Your story matters because it is uniquely yours, and the most important step is to write it, finish it, and allow it to evolve through both courage and community. https://www.instagram.com/mandiewritesfiction/ 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. Oct 14

    E778 - Patrick d'Entremont - Acadian Shorelines, the Acadian expulsion of 1755

    EPISODE 778 - Patrick d'Entremont - Acadian Shorelines, the Acadian expulsion of 1755 A former columnist with the Chronicle Herald newspaper and belong to the Writers’ Council of the Writers Federation of Nova Scotia. Acadian Shorelines is my debut novel. I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where I spent the bulk of my professional life as an IT entrepreneur and business writer. Having lived to this grizzled old age means I have perspective on life, which I put to good use in narrating the thrills and misfortunes of Tommy Breau, a teenage Acadian boy who just wants to get out and see the world. But I know now what he didn’t know then, and there’s the story. I grew up in West Pubnico, Nova Scotia, a fishing community founded by returning exiles following the Acadian expulsion of 1755. I write stories that depict growing up in such a milieu and how it shaped who I became as an adult. I have found that this coming-of-age reminiscing resonates with many people, whether or not of Acadian descent. A brief excerpt from my novel was shared and thumbs-upped over three thousand times on Facebook. Acadian Shorelines is being published by OC Publishing in the summer of 2026. I am also working on a sequel to this novel as well as a prequel. Acadian Shorelines relays the hijinks and heartaches of teenager Tommy Breau growing up in the late 1960s in a small Acadian fishing village in Nova Scotia, where American radio broadcasts of pop music, world news, and baseball come in more clearly on his transistor radio than the Habs games from Montreal. Hilarious and heart-breaking in equal measure and featuring a rich cast of smart but clueless friends, wished-for girlfriends, and a loving if strict family, Acadian Shorelines has the adult Tommy looking back and wondering whether the French, Catholic upbringing he was so eager to escape may have been the best years of his life. As a child of the Sixties and of rural Acadian descent, this story is deeply personal to me and I believe I offer a unique cultural and historical perspective. Readers who enjoy energy, wit, and a touch of darkness will find Acadian Shorelines appealing, as will anyone who seeks temporary escape to simpler times. Or anyone who wants to drop in on a realistic, vivid setting they might previously have known nothing about. This episode features a reflective and deeply personal conversation with an author from Halifax, Nova Scotia, who shares the long and patient journey behind writing his first novel, Acadian Shorelines. Growing up in a small fishing village, his story is rooted in lived experience, cultural identity, and a desire to capture a way of life that shaped him. He speaks candidly about the realities of writing, emphasizing that storytelling is not about perfection but about persistence, curiosity, and a genuine love for the craft. At the heart of the discussion is the history of the Acadian people, including the forced expulsion in the 1700s and the lasting impact it had on generations. He explores how this history was often left unspoken within families, only to be rediscovered later through research and reflection. His novel brings this context to life through fiction, blending personal memory with cultural heritage. By setting the story in the 1960s, he highlights a period of transition where traditional French Acadian life began intersecting with broader English-speaking influences, creating identity challenges for young people coming of age during that time. The conversation also dives into the creative process behind the book. What began as a simple coming of age story evolved into something richer when he embraced his own cultural background. Through workshops, writing groups, and feedback, he learned that setting is more than location. It includes culture, history, and global influences that shape characters and their worldview. He shares how collaboration with family and revisiting memories helped bring authenticity and depth to the story. Listeners also get a glimpse into the characters, particularly the contrast between a naive protagonist and his confident best friend, which adds humor and relatability. The episode closes with updates on upcoming book launches, future writing projects including a sequel and prequel, and an open invitation for readers to connect and engage. Key takeaway: meaningful storytelling comes from patience, embracing your roots, and doing the hard work to bring authenticity and depth to your voice. https://patrickdentremont.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

  5. Oct 12

    E777 - Ben Berwick - drawing inspiration from classic sci-fi like Star Trek and Doctor Who

    EPISODE 777 - Ben Berwick - drawing inspiration from classic sci-fi like Star Trek and Doctor Who In this episode, the conversation explores the mindset, craft, and persistence required to bring stories to life, through the lens of a sci fi author shaped by curiosity, imagination, and real world responsibility. From the outset, the importance of perseverance stands out as a foundational trait for any writer. The guest shares the reality of sitting down to write and being met with doubt, hesitation, and creative resistance. The breakthrough is not waiting for perfect inspiration, but choosing to move forward anyway. Writing becomes both a discipline and an escape, a way to process life while building something meaningful from nothing. Sci fi plays a central role in shaping both the author’s identity and storytelling approach. Influenced by worlds like Star Trek, Star Wars, and Doctor Who, the genre is reframed not as spectacle, but as a vehicle for exploring the human condition. At its core, sci fi is about wonder, belonging, and the question of who we are and who we aspire to be. Even the most fantastical settings become relatable when grounded in human emotion, conflict, and connection. The discussion also dives into the author’s creative process, including character development, world building, and the evolution of storytelling skills. A key lesson learned is the shift from telling a story to showing it, allowing characters to live and breathe on the page. Characters are not static. They evolve, surprise the writer, and sometimes even reshape the direction of the story itself. Balancing creativity with real life responsibilities is another honest thread throughout the episode. Writing books over the course of years while managing a full time job and family life highlights the long game behind creative success. Publication is not just about sales, but about the deeply personal milestone of seeing one’s work out in the world. The conversation also touches on the growing presence of AI in writing, acknowledging both its efficiency and the concern that it may dilute attention from deeply crafted human stories. Despite this, there is optimism that readers will continue to value authenticity and effort. Listeners are also introduced to the author’s current works and future ambitions, including a developing trilogy and an expansive multiverse of interconnected stories filled with complex characters, moral tension, and imaginative worlds. Key takeaway: Progress in creative work does not come from waiting for confidence or perfect conditions. It comes from showing up consistently, trusting your voice, and building something real one step at a time, even when doubt is part of the process. https://www.facebook.com/BenBerwickAuthorPage/ 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. Oct 9

    E776 - Alisa Goodwin Snell - Lasting Love Academy - Are you tired of being single or struggling in a relationship

    EPISODE 776 - Alisa Goodwin Snell - Lasting Love Academy - Are you tired of being single or struggling in a relationship What happens when a marriage and family therapist experiences the very heartbreak she spent her career helping others navigate? In this episode, Alisa Goodwin Snell shares her deeply personal journey through divorce, single parenthood, remarriage, and the lessons that ultimately shaped her life's work helping people build healthier relationships. Growing up in a family marked by both love and turmoil, Alisa believed that if she learned all the right things and made all the right choices, she could avoid the pain of divorce. Life had other plans. After becoming a marriage and family therapist at a young age, she found herself facing a traumatic divorce and the reality that expertise alone cannot protect us from life's challenges. Drawing from decades of counseling experience, Alisa explains the three qualities she believes are essential to lasting relationships: empathy, self-control, and personal responsibility. These principles became the foundation of her coaching practice and the inspiration behind her books focused on helping singles navigate dating with confidence and clarity. The conversation explores the emotional challenges many singles face, particularly the belief that repeated rejection means something is wrong with them. Alisa argues that success in dating is often less about who you are and more about the techniques and behaviors you use to connect with others. She shares practical insights on handling rejection, building chemistry, recognizing red flags, and making thoughtful decisions during the critical first weeks of dating. Beyond relationships, Alisa offers valuable advice for authors and creators. She discusses her publishing journey, the realities of traditional publishing versus self-publishing, and how modern tools, including AI, have transformed the writing, editing, and content creation process. Her experiences provide an honest look at the business side of bringing a message to a larger audience. The discussion also highlights the importance of moving away from fear-based thinking and toward a mindset grounded in faith, growth, and possibility. Whether navigating relationships, writing a book, or entering a new chapter of life, Alisa encourages listeners to focus on what they truly want rather than what they fear. As she launches updated editions of her work and expands the reach of the Lasting Love Academy, Alisa's mission remains clear: helping people create meaningful connections, make better relationship decisions, and believe that lasting love is possible. Key Takeaway Lasting relationships are built not on perfection, but on connection. By focusing on empathy, personal responsibility, self-control, and a willingness to grow, people can approach dating and relationships with greater confidence, healthier expectations, and a stronger belief in their own worth. https://www.lastingloveacademy.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

  7. Oct 7

    E775 - Dr. Christopher Choukalas - Even the Darkest Night, A father's harrowing journey through paternal depression

    EPISODE 775 - Dr. Christopher Choukalas - Even the Darkest Night, A father's harrowing journey through paternal depression Christopher G. Choukalas, MD, MS spent twelve years on faculty at the University of California San Francisco as an anesthesiologist, intensive care physician, researcher, academic author, and teacher to hundreds of students, residents, and fellows. He is most proud of his mission-driven work with veterans. Originally from Minnesota, Chris now lives with his wife Lindsey, their twin girls, and their poodle mutt, Couscous, in Marin County, California. Even the Darkest Night started out as a journal to help Chris cope with the unthinkable tragedies he saw nearly every day in the ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic. By the time his twins were born in August 2020, this journal became his lifeline to help him process the overwhelming darkness that came with fatherhood. He ultimately decided to turn his journal entries into a book in an effort to humanize the suffering behind paternal depression, which impacts an estimated 10–15% of new fathers in the United States. A raw, unflinching look at the hidden cost of silence, and the quiet courage it takes to ask for help. — Jon Gustin, author of The Tired Dad After a traumatic birth nearly claimed his wife's life, anesthesiologist and intensive care physician Christopher Choukalas should have felt grateful. His twin daughters were healthy, his wife had survived, and they had started a family. But instead of joy, Choukalas found himself spiraling, spending long evenings in the garage, unable to face the chaos and emotional strain inside his home. Caught between caring for his wife, deciphering the needs of his newborns, and confronting painful childhood memories, his world began to unravel. Despite clear signs, racing thoughts, anxiety, sleeplessness, panic attacks, and emotional distance from his children, Choukalas failed to recognize he was suffering from a serious condition. Like many men, he internalized his pain, hoping it was just the "baby blues" and would fade with time. His turning point came when his wife, exhausted with his behavior and "checked-outness," urged him to seek help. Even though he's a doctor, he had missed the fact that he ticked off every symptom of paternal depression. Through intensive therapy, medication, and the support of a fathers' group, Choukalas began to understand his need for control and the lingering hurt from his own father's absence. Slowly, he rebuilt his connection with his wife and children and found healing. Even the Darkest Night, Choukalas's powerful memoir, sheds light on the hidden struggles of fatherhood. With raw honesty and emotional insight, it challenges the silence and stigma surrounding men's mental health, especially in the early years of parenting. A much-needed voice and new understanding for fathers navigating love, identity, and healing in the shadows of expectation. https://www.christopherchoukalas.com/ Wednesday, October 07, 2026 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. Oct 5

    E774 - Molly Best Tinsley - Air Force Brat to US Naval Academy literature and creative writing teacher

    EPISODE 774 - Molly Best Tinsley - Air Force Brat to US Naval Academy literature and creative writing teacher In this thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation, author and educator Molly Tinsley reflects on a lifetime shaped by storytelling, teaching, military culture, and the creative process. From her early love of theater to a distinguished career teaching literature and creative writing, Molly shares the experiences that ultimately led her to fiction and her latest novel, *A Modest Trumpet Fanfare*. Drawing on decades of experience as both a writer and teacher, Molly discusses the challenges many aspiring authors face when confronting self-doubt, perfectionism, and the pressure to follow prescribed writing rules. Rather than encouraging strict discipline, she advocates for embracing uncertainty, imagination, and what she describes as the productive chaos that often fuels creativity. For Molly, original writing begins when authors allow themselves the freedom to explore ideas without immediately worrying about structure, expectations, or external validation. The conversation explores the tension between craft and creativity, highlighting the importance of listening to the work itself as it evolves. Molly explains how stories often reveal their own direction, surprising even the writer along the way. She reflects on the value of observation, curiosity, and paying close attention to people, conversations, and everyday life, qualities she believes are essential for creating authentic characters and compelling narratives. A significant portion of the discussion centers on Molly's upbringing as a military brat and the inspiration behind her novel. Through multiple generations of one family, *A Modest Trumpet Fanfare* examines how military life, war, hierarchy, and displacement can shape relationships long after conflicts have ended. Rather than focusing on combat itself, the novel explores the quieter, often overlooked effects that military culture can have on families, identities, and personal histories. Molly shares her perspective on the lasting impact of war, not only on those who serve but also on the families who live within its influence. She reflects on the realities of constant relocation, adapting to new environments, and navigating a culture built around structure, duty, and rank. These experiences became the foundation for a story that seeks to explore the human consequences of conflict across generations. Throughout the episode, Molly's passion for teaching remains evident. Whether discussing creative writing workshops, storytelling techniques, or the joys of discovering the perfect word, she encourages writers to trust their instincts, embrace uncertainty, and remain open to where the creative process may lead. Great writing often begins where certainty ends. By embracing curiosity, accepting self-doubt as part of the process, and remaining open to life's complexities, writers can create stories that are both deeply personal and universally meaningful. https://shop.sibyllinepress.com/pages/author/molly-best-tinsley https://shop.sibyllinepress.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

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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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