Hill Country Authors Podcast

Tom Fox
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Welcome to the Hill Country Authors podcast. In addition to being the most beautiful and unique part of Texas, Hill Country has some of the top authors from this state. This podcast will feature the authors from and stories about the Texas Hill Country.

  1. Dark Texas: A Worst-Case Look at the Texas Power Grid - Through Fiction

    3D AGO

    Dark Texas: A Worst-Case Look at the Texas Power Grid - Through Fiction

    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, host Tom Fox interviews fellow UT grad Charles J. Petrie about his novel Dark Texas, inspired by his frustration with articles claiming the Texas power grid failure during the ‘Snowpocolips’ “could have been worse.” Petrie, a PhD in computer science with research experience, explains he dug into grid resilience and found deeper risks, including reliance on gas-fired generation even though gas pipeline pressure depends on electricity via compressors, and the vulnerability of black start capability: he says 82% of Texas black start generators were inoperable during the event, with some unable to run without electricity or stored fuel oil, and others not maintained in a competitive market. Petrie chose fiction because a technical treatment became too complex and a novel could make people care; he describes characters taking over the writing, cites influences and craft lessons from various authors, shares he’s drafted a sequel prompted by a dark epilogue, and recounts publishing with Stoney Creek Publishing after 50 agent rejections. Key highlights: Why Write Dark Texas Texas Grid Risks Explained Black Start Breakdown Turning Research Into Fiction Characters Take Over Authors and Writing Lessons Finding a Publisher Resources: Dark Texas on Stoney Creek Publishing Connect with Charles on Facebook Learn more about ⁠Stoney Creek Publishing Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn

    24 min
  2. Paul McGrath on “Left is Right”: Satire, Darker Threats, and Current-Events Inspiration

    MAR 19

    Paul McGrath on “Left is Right”: Satire, Darker Threats, and Current-Events Inspiration

    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write about the Texas Hill Country.  Host Tom Fox opens a new season of the Texas Hill Country Authors Podcast with returning guest Paul McGrath to discuss McGrath’s novel Left is Right, a sequel to the PEN Craft award-winning Left. McGrath recounts a 37-year career at Texas newspapers, primarily the Houston Chronicle, plus teaching at Texas A&M and Clear Lake, and his A&M roots with The Battalion. He explains expanding Anton’s story into a multi-book series (with five planned), driven by character attachment and news-inspired plots. McGrath describes layered “Left” titles, using Ellie to express progressive viewpoints, and empathy as a motivating force for Anton and Ellie, including Ezra’s lingering influence. He notes a darker tone influenced by right-wing militias, human trafficking, and a Texas motorcycle gang, balanced by humor, wordplay, and pop-culture references like a Jon Hamm dream sequence. He outlines the FBI’s and alien authorities’ ongoing pursuit, then a return to alien supervision, credits Stoney Creek Publishing’s support, shares on social platforms, and previews future themes involving Russians and cryptocurrency. Key highlights: Why Continue with Anton Series Titles and ‘Left’ Empathy Driving the Plot Darker Satire and Villains Humor Wordplay and Names Pop Culture Cameos Where the Series Goes Resources: Paul McGrath on Stoney Creek Publishing Left is Right on Texas A&M University Press Social Media  Instagram X Threads  Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn

    20 min
  3. From the Canal Zone to the Llano Estacado: A Conversation with Author Max Knightdo: A Conversation with Author Max Knight

    12/18/2025

    From the Canal Zone to the Llano Estacado: A Conversation with Author Max Knightdo: A Conversation with Author Max Knight

    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write in and about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits with author Max Knight about his latest book, ‘Llano Estacado'. Max shares his unique upbringing in the Canal Zone, his extensive military career, and his writing journey. He delves into the themes and characters of his book, set in the Staked Plains of Texas, which explores vengeance, redemption, and human resilience. Max also offers insights into his writing process, research methods, and experiences with Stoney Creek Publishing. Finally, he discusses the potential for a sequel and provides information on how listeners can learn more about his work. Key highlights: Max Knight’s Background and Career Life in the Canal Zone Discussing ‘Llano Estacado’ Themes of Vengeance and Redemption Writing Process and Research Experience with Stoney Creek Publishing Resources: Max Knight on Stoney Creek Publishing Llano Estacado on Amazon.com Stoney Creek Publishing Website Podcast Cover Art  Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn

    26 min
  4. Exploring ‘Bullets in the Water’ with Author Conor McAnally

    12/11/2025

    Exploring ‘Bullets in the Water’ with Author Conor McAnally

    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write in and about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits with author Conor McAnally about his latest book, 'Bullets in the Water.' Conor shares his journey from Ireland to Texas, his stint as one of Ireland's first VJs, and his intriguing background as an investigative journalist. He delves into the real-world inspirations behind his book, the creative process, and his character Mike Carson. Conor also discusses the complexities and dynamics of small-town life, his publishing experience with Stony Creek Publishing, and hints at a sequel. This episode provides a compelling look into the life and mind of a multi-talented storyteller. Key highlights: Inspiration Behind ‘Bullets in the Water’ The Craft of Writing Character Development: Mike Carson Small Town Dynamics Working with Stony Creek Publishing Resources: Conor McAnally on Stoney Creek Publishing Bullets in the Water on Texas A&M University Press Stoney Creek Publishing Website Conor McAnally Website  Podcast Cover Art  Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn

    24 min
  5. Exploring Texas Tales: Cynthia Leal Massey’s Journey, Writing Process, and Historic Inspirations

    09/18/2025

    Exploring Texas Tales: Cynthia Leal Massey’s Journey, Writing Process, and Historic Inspirations

    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and writes up the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom Fox interviews Cynthia Leal Massey, a well-known author of both fiction and non-fiction. Cynthia shares her journey of becoming a writer, beginning with her childhood fascination with reading biographies and continuing through her studies in creative writing in college. She discusses her deep-seated passion for Texas history and how it influences her work, particularly her latest book, ‘Well of Deception.’ Cynthia elaborates on her unconventional writing process, how she engages readers emotionally, and her transition from non-fiction to fiction. The conversation also touches on the intriguing real-life murder case that inspired ‘Well of Deception,’ her methods in capturing authentic dialogue and dialect, and her experience working with Stony Creek Publishing. Additionally, Cynthia previews her upcoming project about the Van Riper family, further delving into Texas’s rich history. Key highlights:  Cynthia’s Journey to Becoming a Writer Passion for Texas History The Story Behind ‘Well of Deception’ Writing Process and Techniques Publishing Experience with Stoney Creek Publishing Blog and Research Insights Resources: Pre-Order Well of Deception on: TamuPress Amazon Stoney Creek Publishing Follow Cynthia Leal Massey on: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Stoney Creek Publishing Profile Website: www.cynthialealmassey.com Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn

    24 min
  6. Aviation Therapy: From the Air Force to Southwest Airlines with David Dale

    09/11/2025

    Aviation Therapy: From the Air Force to Southwest Airlines with David Dale

    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and writes up the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom Fox interviews David Dale, a retired Air Force officer and current Southwest Airlines pilot. Dale shares his fascinating journey from his 20-year tenure in the Air Force to his 21-year career as a pilot at Southwest Airlines. He discusses his new book 'Aviation Therapy - Stories of Perseverance and Personal Growth,' for October release, which started as a collection of flying stories and evolved into a memoir encompassing his military career, personal experiences, and family life. Dale recounts significant moments in his aviation journey, including missions during the Mogadishu operation, Desert Storm, and being airborne on September 11, 2001. Dale also explores his passion for flying from a young age, the impact of aviation on his personal growth, and his dedication to inspiring the next generation of pilots. The interview concludes with Dale sharing insights into his writing process and his collaboration with Stoney Creek Publishing on the release of his book. Key highlights: David Dale’s Journey in Aviation The Story Behind Aviation Therapy The Impact of 9/11 Lessons from the Skies Inspiring the Next Generation Resources: Pre-Order Aviation Therapy - Stories of Perseverance and Personal Growth on: TamuPress Amazon Google Books Stoney Creek Publishing Follow David Dale on: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Stoney Creek Publishing Profile Website: PilotDavidDale.com  Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn

    22 min
  7. From Nursing to Novel Writing: The Journey of Teddy Jones

    09/04/2025

    From Nursing to Novel Writing: The Journey of Teddy Jones

    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and writes up the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom Fox interviews Teddy Jones, exploring her fascinating journey from a career in nursing and academia to becoming a full-time fiction writer. Teddy shares her love for education, her various roles in the nursing field, and her transition into writing. She discusses the inspiration and process behind her novel, ‘A Family of Good Women,’ which is based on historical events. Additionally, Teddy discusses her writing habits, the importance of setting in her stories, and her experiences working with Stoney Creek Publishing. The episode also touches on her upcoming projects and where listeners can connect with her work. Key highlights: Teddy’s Journey from Nursing to Academia Transition to Full-Time Fiction Writing The Genesis of ‘A Family of Good Women’ Teddy’s Writing Process Professional Journey with Stoney Creek Publishing Resources: A Family of Good Women on: TamuPress Amazon Stoney Creek Publishing Follow Teddy Jones on: Facebook Instagram Stoney Creek Publishing Website Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn

    29 min
  8. Exploring the Challenges of a Green Transition with Tom Ortiz

    08/07/2025

    Exploring the Challenges of a Green Transition with Tom Ortiz

    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write in and about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits with Tom Ortiz, who discusses his diverse professional background, ranging from thermodynamic experiments to oil and gas industry work, and his critical views on the green energy transition. Ortiz elaborates on his new book, ‘Why We Struggle to Go Green,’ aiming to bridge the gap between casual readers and academic audiences with accessible yet detailed insights into energy systems like hydrogen and carbon capture. He addresses the harsh realities of shifting to renewable sources, emphasizing the need for reduced energy consumption and greater resilience to climate change. Ortiz also reflects on the evolving role of academia and its challenges in fostering unbiased technological advancement. The discussion concludes with Ortiz’s future aspirations and a brief about his collaboration with Stony Creek Publishing. Key highlights: The Genesis of the Book Harsh Realities of the Green Transition Managing the Costs of Clean Energy The Role of Academia Sustainable Solutions for Population Growth Resources: Tom Ortiz on LinkedIn Tom Ortiz Substack Tom Ortiz on Stoney Creek Publishing Why We Struggle to Go Green on Texas A&M University Press Stoney Creek Publishing Website Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn

    35 min
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Welcome to the Hill Country Authors podcast. In addition to being the most beautiful and unique part of Texas, Hill Country has some of the top authors from this state. This podcast will feature the authors from and stories about the Texas Hill Country.

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