The Writer's Backstory with Travis Davis

Travis Davis
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The Writer's Backstory is where authors step beyond the pages of their books to reveal the experiences, people, places, struggles, discoveries, and unexpected moments that shaped their stories. Hosted by author Travis Davis, each conversation goes deeper than the book jacket—exploring where the idea began, what happened along the way, and why the story ultimately had to be told. The book is what you read. The backstory is what you remember.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    The Writer's Backstory - Ed Klekowski

    In this episode, Ed Klekowski shares his passion for World War One history, his experiences researching and filming documentaries in France, and insights into the war's impact and lesser-known stories.

  2. Nov 3

    The Writer's Backstory - Mark Grenside

    Mark Grenside has a diverse background in insurance and film. He transitioned to writing thrillers set in the film industry. His experiences in over 125 countries inform his writing. Grenside's first book was released during COVID, which impacted its marketing. He wrote five books in two and a half years to establish a series. The film industry serves as a backdrop for deeper stories in his novels. He emphasizes the importance of having multiple books ready for readers. Grenside uses historical facts as a basis for his fictional stories. He prefers a pantser approach to writing rather than strict outlines. The MacGuffin concept is central to his storytelling technique. Historical accuracy is crucial in writing to avoid backlash. Research can enhance the writing experience and narrative depth. Understanding your writing style is essential for effective storytelling. Character development is as important as action in a story. Strong female characters add depth to narratives. Writing should engage readers and immerse them in the story. A good writer must be a skilled liar to blend fact and fiction. Writing in a cinematic style can captivate readers. Attention to detail in research can lead to more believable stories. Creative influences from film can shape a writer's approach.

  3. Oct 28

    Writer's Backstory - Patrick Larsimont

    Patrick’s passion for historical fiction began years ago, with his first series focusing on the RAF during the Battle of Britain. He introduced us to his latest work, a new series titled The Devil's Brigade, launching on October 21st. This series chronicles the story of a unique military unit formed during World War II, comprised of both Canadian and American soldiers. Patrick emphasizes the importance of storytelling from a time when these nations united for a common cause.

  4. Oct 20

    James Dawson - They Took in Inland

    In this episode, author James Dawson shares his journey from stand-up comedy to writing thrillers, the challenges of self-publishing, and tips for authors on building their brand and engaging with readers.

  5. Oct 13

    Anastasia Fainberg - How I Died at Age 36 But Will Live Forever

    Anastasia Feinberg shares her journey from a Soviet Union immigrant to a Colorado lawyer and author, exploring the intersection of spirituality, practical estate planning, and scientific insights. Discover how her experiences shaped her approach to living a spiritually aware life while managing daily responsibilities.

  6. Oct 6

    Writer's Backstory - Steve Stratton

    Steve Stratton brings real-world experience to his fiction—and it shows. In Dances with Arrows, military insight, deep research, and memorable characters come together to make a story feel strikingly real. What makes a thriller feel believable to you: the details, the characters, or the stakes? 👇Watch the full conversation on The Author’s Backstory.#AuthorsBackstory #SteveStratton #MilitaryThriller #Bookstagram #WritersOfInstagram

  7. Oct 1

    Alex Dekker - Desert Heist

    Exploring History and Adventure in Desert Heist Alex Dekker shares his journey from Green Beret to author. Welcome to this week’s edition, where we dive into the fascinating world of Alex Dekker, a retired Green Beret whose debut novel, *Desert Heist*, combines military prowess with historical intrigue. A Unique Perspective on Storytelling Alex's military background provides a rich foundation for his writing. He reveals that his experiences in special operations and his passion for history are woven throughout the narrative of *Desert Heist*. "I wanted everything to be grounded in reality so that if you do go Google something... it’s gonna pull back to a realistic thread." — Alex Dekker This commitment to accuracy is crucial in today’s literary landscape, where readers are more informed than ever. The Inspiration Behind *Desert Heist* Surprisingly, Alex never set out to become an author. His journey began during a lull in his deployments, where he sought a creative outlet. "I had this idea for kind of a high adventure Indiana Jones style story... I thought, wouldn’t it be cool if that story was grounded in reality and in historical fact as much as possible?" — Alex Dekker

  8. Sep 22

    Writer's Backstory - Sam Whitfield

    Behind the Words: Sam Whitfield's Writing Journey Exploring the path of an indie author and the role of AI in creativity. In this inaugural episode of *Writer's Backstory*, Travis Davis welcomes Sam Whitfield, a talented indie author known for his engaging storytelling and unique approach to writing. Their conversation dives deep into Sam's journey into authorship, the challenges he faced, and how modern tools like AI are reshaping the writing landscape. The Spark of Creativity Sam's journey began with short stories in junior high and high school, influenced heavily by his love for comic books. He candidly shares that while he lacked the artistic skills to illustrate his ideas, he found solace in writing.

  • 8 Episodes

About

The Writer's Backstory is where authors step beyond the pages of their books to reveal the experiences, people, places, struggles, discoveries, and unexpected moments that shaped their stories. Hosted by author Travis Davis, each conversation goes deeper than the book jacket—exploring where the idea began, what happened along the way, and why the story ultimately had to be told. The book is what you read. The backstory is what you remember.

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