Author Affairs Podcast

Dumo Xaba

Step behind the pages of my novels to with Author Affairs and explore the craft, the twists, and the choices that shaped them, while gaining insight into the business of writing. Join a community of readers, writers, and storytellers — with occasional guest authors sharing their expertise — as we uncover what makes stories come alive. dumoxaba.substack.com

Episodes

  1. Jul 14

    AI, Copyright & and Future of Writing

    Throughout history, every generation of writers has had to adapt to new technology. The typewriter didn't replace storytellers. Neither did the word processor. AI won't replace storytellers either—but it is certainly challenging the way we see the world. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dumoxaba.substack.com

    AI, Copyright & and Future of Writing

  2. Apr 14

    Voice - How Stories Come Alive

    What makes two writers tell the same story… but only one of them stays with you?   In this episode of Author Affairs, we explore voice — the element that gives your writing personality, rhythm, and identity. From the way you tell a story to how your characters speak and think, voice is what transforms a story from something readable… into something unforgettable.   In this episode, we discuss: -What voice really is -Why voice is the difference between a forgettable story and a memorable one -How voice strengthens conflict and tension -Why readers connect more to how a story is told than just what happens   Memorable Line from the Episode “Conflict pulls readers in, but your voice is what makes the story unforgettable.”   Practical Tips: -Write in your natural voice — authenticity resonates -Read your dialogue out loud to test flow and realism -Experiment with point of view, tone, and sentence structure -Give each character a unique way of speaking and thinking   Try This Exercise: Take two characters from your story and write the same scene from each of their perspectives. Notice how their voices differ — or where they sound too similar.   Mentions & References Court Affairs: Lies & Allies Benny Griessel series The Dark Knight Crazy Rich Asians   About the Podcast Author Affairs explores storytelling, the craft of writing, and the business of being an author. Through solo reflections and occasional guest conversations, we uncover the ideas, decisions, and challenges behind the stories we tell.   Connect with me Follow the podcast and subscribe to the Author Affairs newsletter on Substack to receive new episodes and insights into storytelling and writing: https://dumoxaba.substack.com   Official Website: https://dumoxaba.co.za   Follow for updates: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dumoxaba Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DumoXaba.Author TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dumoxaba LinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/dumo-xaba YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DumoXaba This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dumoxaba.substack.com

    Voice - How Stories Come Alive

  3. Mar 12

    Characters, Conflict, & Why Early Tension Matters

    What makes readers abandon a book after just a few chapters? In this episode of Author Affairs, we explore why conflict is the driving force of storytelling and why even slow-burn stories need an early spark of tension.   In this episode, we discuss: -The debate between characters first or plot first -Why conflict is the engine that moves every story forward -The difference between a slow burn that builds tension and a story that hasn’t ignited yet -Lessons from films like The Matrix and books like The Hunger Games   Memorable Line from the Episode “A good slow burn should feel like a gas stove slowly heating up. You can see the flame. You know the heat is building up. And you know something is happening. But a weak opening sometimes feels more like a candle. It’s burning, but very, very slowly.”   Mentions & References The Matrix The Dark Knight The Hunger Games   About the Podcast Author Affairs explores storytelling, the craft of writing, and the business of being an author. Through solo reflections and occasional guest conversations, we uncover the ideas, decisions, and challenges behind the stories we tell.   Connect with me Follow the podcast and subscribe to the Author Affairs newsletter on Substack to receive new episodes and insights into storytelling and writing: https://dumoxaba.substack.com   Official Website: https://dumoxaba.co.za   Follow for updates: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dumoxaba Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DumoXaba.Author TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dumoxaba LinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/dumo-xaba YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DumoXaba This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dumoxaba.substack.com

    Characters, Conflict, & Why Early Tension Matters

  4. Mar 11

    Where Story Ideas Really Come From

    Where do story ideas come from? In this episode, we explore how simple questions — often inspired by real-life events — can evolve into powerful story concepts. From legal dilemmas to real-world crimes, storytelling often begins with a single question: What if?   In this episode, you’ll learn: -How “what if” questions spark story ideas -A legal thriller concept built around a defence lawyer facing an impossible case -How real-life events can inspire fictional narratives -Why not every idea becomes a full story   Memorable Line from the Episode “Even though not every idea becomes a story… every idea still teaches you something.”   Mentions & References Court Affairs: Lies & Allies - https://dumoxaba.co.za/the-books/court-affairs/   About the Podcast Author Affairs explores storytelling, the craft of writing, and the business of being an author. Through solo reflections and occasional guest conversations, we uncover the ideas, decisions, and challenges behind the stories we tell.   Connect with me Follow the podcast and subscribe to the Author Affairs newsletter on Substack to receive new episodes and insights into storytelling and writing: https://dumoxaba.substack.com   Official Website: https://dumoxaba.co.za   Follow for updates: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dumoxaba Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DumoXaba.Author TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dumoxaba LinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/dumo-xaba YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DumoXaba This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dumoxaba.substack.com

    Where Story Ideas Really Come From

  5. Mar 10

    Why Stories Matter — And Why I Write Them

    Stories shape how we understand people, choices, justice, and consequences. In this opening episode of Author Affairs, we explore why stories matter and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful ways to explore the human condition.   In this episode, you’ll learn: -Why stories help us understand human choices and consequences -The intersection of storytelling, writing craft, and the business of writing -What listeners can expect from future episodes of Author Affairs   Memorable Line from the Episode “While the law deals with truth, stories often explore motives, and motives are where things become interesting.”   About the Podcast Author Affairs explores storytelling, the craft of writing, and the business of being an author. Through solo reflections and occasional guest conversations, we uncover the ideas, decisions, and challenges behind the stories we tell. Connect with me Follow the podcast and subscribe to the Author Affairs newsletter on Substack to receive new episodes and insights into storytelling and writing: https://dumoxaba.substack.com   Official Website: https://dumoxaba.co.za Follow for updates: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dumoxaba Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DumoXaba.Author TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dumoxaba LinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/dumo-xaba YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DumoXaba This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dumoxaba.substack.com

    Why Stories Matter — And Why I Write Them
  • 5 Episodes

About

Step behind the pages of my novels to with Author Affairs and explore the craft, the twists, and the choices that shaped them, while gaining insight into the business of writing. Join a community of readers, writers, and storytellers — with occasional guest authors sharing their expertise — as we uncover what makes stories come alive. dumoxaba.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Dumo Xaba
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dumo Xaba
  • Show Website
    Author Affairs Podcast