Shadows and Storylines

Pelham Pugh
  • 5.0 (1)
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  • Updated Weekly

Shadows & Storylines is a voice-only series about place, memory, and the quiet moments that shape a life and the stories that come from it. Each episode explores the people, landscapes, and experiences behind the writing — from the Wiregrass of southeast Alabama to backroads, historical sites, family history, and the imperfect search for meaning in forgotten places. This isn’t a how-to podcast or a highlight reel. It’s reflection. Observation. And the long shadows that follow us into the work we do. New episodes every Monday.

  1. Aug 10

    Shadows and Storylines 20: Season 2 Finale - New Shows, New Books & What's Ahead

    Season 2 comes to a close as I reflect on where this podcast has been, where it's headed, and what's coming next across the Pelham Pugh channel. In this episode I talk about: The future of Shadows & StorylinesThe upcoming hiatus for American ShadowsContinuing adventures on The Wandering WriterMy progress on Come Our WayThe new genealogy series Bloodlines & BackroadsPlans for a new Disney podcastWhy I keep creating, even when the audience is still growingI also share updates on my writing, thoughts on preserving history through storytelling, and what's planned for Season 3. If you've been listening since the beginning, thank you for being part of this journey. Your views, downloads, comments, and encouragement mean more than you know. 📚 Read my novels:Perfidious TidesLast Castle in the SkyLive the Last Day If you enjoy history, Southern fiction, travel, and storytelling, consider subscribing so you won't miss what's coming next. #ShadowsAndStorylines #Podcast #WritingLife #Author #AmericanShadows #TheWanderingWriter #ComeOurWay #History #Storytelling #PelhamPugh

    Shadows and Storylines 20: Season 2 Finale - New Shows, New Books & What's Ahead

  2. Aug 3

    Shadows and Storylines 19: Why Every Like, Share, and Subscribe Matters

    Have you ever wondered if clicking Like, Share, or Subscribe really makes a difference? In this episode, I pull back the curtain on what it's really like to be an independent author and content creator. From writing novels like Perfidious Tides to producing American Shadows, The Wandering Writer, and this podcast, I share how every book, video, and story comes together—and why your support is far more important than you may realize. We'll talk about: Why likes, comments, and shares help creators reach new audiences How YouTube and Facebook algorithms work My long-term goals as an independent author The future of the channel and some new series currently in development Why I'm passionate about telling overlooked stories and preserving local history Whether you've followed the channel for years or just discovered it today, thank you for being part of this journey. Every view, comment, share, and subscription helps me continue creating new stories, exploring forgotten history, and bringing more books to readers. If you enjoy the content, please consider: 👍 Like the video 💬 Leave a comment 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss a new episode 📤 Share it with someone who loves books, history, or independent creators. Visit PelhamPugh.com to learn more about my books, join my newsletter, and stay up to date on future projects. Thank you for watching—and thank you for supporting independent creators. #IndependentAuthor #WritingCommunity #BookTube #YouTubeCreator #AmericanShadows #TheWanderingWriter #Storytelling #History #SelfPublishing #PelhamPugh

    Shadows and Storylines 19: Why Every Like, Share, and Subscribe Matters

  3. Jul 27

    Shadows and Storylines 18: How Heavy Metal Helped Me Write a Novel

    What does heavy metal have to do with writing fiction? More than you might think. In this episode of Shadows & Storylines, I discuss the unexpected inspiration behind my novel Live the Last Day. From the emotional storytelling of Metallica and Alice in Chains to biographies, documentaries, and memories of Panama City Beach in the 1980s, I explain how music helped shape some of the book's darkest and most emotional scenes. This isn't about glorifying addiction—it's about portraying it honestly through the eyes of characters struggling to survive. I also share why I chose to leave certain scenes to the reader's imagination and how heavy metal has influenced my writing for more than three decades. If you've ever wondered where novel ideas come from, this episode takes you behind the scenes of my creative process. 📚 Discover my books: https://pelhampugh.com 📬 Join the Pelham Pugh Readers Club on the homepage at PelhamPugh.com for exclusive updates, giveaways, behind-the-scenes content, and early news about upcoming books and videos. 👍 If you enjoy conversations about writing, history, books, and the stories behind the stories, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share. Topics Covered The inspiration behind Live the Last Day How heavy metal influenced my writingWriting believable addiction without firsthand experienceMusic as a storytelling toolPanama City Beach in the 1980sMy creative process as a novelist#ShadowsAndStorylines #AuthorTube #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #WritingLife #Storytelling #HeavyMetal #Metallica #AliceInChains #NovelWriting #Books #CreativeWriting #LiveTheLastDay #PelhamPugh #AmWriting

    Shadows and Storylines 18: How Heavy Metal Helped Me Write a Novel

  4. Jul 20

    Shadows and Storylines 17: History Attacked

    What happens when a historic site receives death threats simply because of the history it preserves? After visiting the Jefferson Davis Historic Site near Fitzgerald, Georgia, I had a conversation with the museum director that left me thinking long after I drove home. The threats he described raise a bigger question: What happens when we stop preserving history and start trying to erase it? In this episode of Shadows & Storylines, I share what I experienced at the Jefferson Davis capture site and the Blue and Gray Museum, and discuss why preserving historical places—even difficult ones—is essential to understanding our past. This isn't about defending historical figures. It's about defending history itself. Join me as we explore:• The threats made against a Georgia historic site• Why recording inside the museum is prohibited• The capture of Jefferson Davis and the myths surrounding it• The Blue and Gray Museum and its message of reconciliation• Why history should be studied, not sanitized• The importance of primary sources and critical thinking History isn't always comfortable—but if we ignore it, we lose the opportunity to learn from it. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please keep the discussion respectful and focused on history. 👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of Shadows & Storylines. #HistoryAttacked #History #CivilWar #JeffersonDavis #FitzgeraldGeorgia #ShadowsAndStorylines #AmericanHistory #HistoricPreservation #PrimarySources #HistoryMatters #LearnHistory #PelhamPugh

    Shadows and Storylines 17: History Attacked

  5. Jul 13

    Shadows and Storylines 16: "A Cure for Insomnia?" Responding to a Harsh Book Review

    A recent Goodreads review of Last Castle in the Sky stopped me in my tracks.As independent authors, we expect criticism. Not every reader is going to enjoy every book, and that's perfectly fine. But sometimes a review hits differently. In this episode of Shadows & Storylines, I discuss a recent three-star review that described Last Castle in the Sky as "A Cure for Insomnia" and explore what it's really like to receive criticism as a self-published author.We'll talk about:The difference between criticism and insultsThe challenges independent authors face with editing and publishingWhether some of the criticism was fairWhy readers and authors don't always connect with the same storiesHow I plan to improve moving forwardWhether you're a reader, writer, or fellow independent author, I hope this honest discussion provides some insight into the emotional side of publishing.Books by Pelham Pugh📚 Perfidious Tides📚 Last Castle in the Sky📚 Live the Last DayVisit: PelhamPugh.com#WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #BookReview #Goodreads #WritingLife #AuthorTube #PelhamPugh #LastCastleInTheSky #ShadowsAndStorylines

    Shadows and Storylines 16: "A Cure for Insomnia?" Responding to a Harsh Book Review

  6. Jul 6

    Shadows and Storylines 15: How a Forgotten Protest Inspired Perfidious Tides

    What happened when armed troops entered a Florida State University campus during the Vietnam War era? In this episode of Shadows & Storylines, I explore the little-known story of The Night of the Bayonets, a dramatic confrontation that unfolded at Florida State University in 1969. I also discuss how this forgotten moment in Southern history became a key inspiration for scenes and themes in my novel Perfidious Tides. We'll examine: The events leading up to the Night of the BayonetsWhy the confrontation occurred at Florida StateThe atmosphere of protest and unrest during the Vietnam eraHow the event influenced the character of Vern Bruce in Perfidious TidesThe connection between history and fictionSome stories fade from public memory. Others leave echoes that continue for generations. If you enjoy Southern history, forgotten events, historical mysteries, and the stories behind my novels, be sure to like, subscribe, and share. #NightOfTheBayonets #FloridaState #FSU #VietnamWar #VietnamProtests #AmericanHistory #SouthernHistory #PerfidiousTides #PelhamPugh #ShadowsAndStorylines #HistoryPodcast #ForgottenHistory #1969 #BookTube #HistoricalFiction

    Shadows and Storylines 15: How a Forgotten Protest Inspired Perfidious Tides

  7. Jun 29

    Shadows and Storylines 14: AI, Writing, and Self-Publishing: My Honest Approach

    In Episode 14 of Shadows & Storylines, author Pelham Pugh discusses one of the most controversial topics in modern publishing: artificial intelligence. How much AI is too much? Does using AI make someone less of a writer? Can independent authors realistically compete without it? In this episode, I explain exactly how I use tools like ChatGPT, Adobe AI features, and other software in my writing, editing, cover design, and YouTube production process—and where I draw the line. The stories, characters, and imagination are still mine. AI simply helps me polish and present them. I also discuss:• My drafting and editing process• The realities of self-publishing on a budget• Book cover creation• AI in historical YouTube content• Why reviews and ratings matter so much for independent authors If you've read Perfidious Tides or Last Castle in the Sky, please consider leaving a rating or review. It helps more than you know. 📚 Books by Pelham Pugh🎙️ Shadows & Storylines Podcast📺 American Shadows • Iron Echoes • Classic Tractors #PelhamPugh #ShadowsAndStorylines #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #ChatGPT #ArtificialIntelligence #WritingLife #AuthorPodcast #PerfidiousTides #BookTube #WritingTips #IndependentAuthor #CreativeWriting #Storytelling

    Shadows and Storylines 14: AI, Writing, and Self-Publishing: My Honest Approach

  8. Jun 22

    Shadows and Storylines 13: The Book That Changed My Life as a Reader

    In this episode of Shadows & Storylines, I talk about the books that influenced my love of reading and eventually led me to become a writer.From the library at Clio Elementary School to discovering "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls, this is the story of the book that hooked me on reading and has remained my favorite for more than forty years.I also discuss:• Growing up in southeast Alabama• The librarians and teachers who encouraged reading• The Hardy Boys series• John Grisham's influence on my reading life• How books helped shape my writing journey• Why Where the Red Fern Grows still resonates todayWhether you're a lifelong reader, a writer, or someone looking for your next great book, I hope you'll enjoy this look back at the stories that stayed with me.📚 Books Mentioned:Where the Red Fern Grows — Wilson RawlsSummer of the Monkeys — Wilson RawlsA Time to Kill — John GrishamThe Rainmaker — John GrishamThe Boys from Biloxi — John GrishamThe Hardy Boys Series📖 Books by Pelham Pugh:Perfidious TidesLast Castle in the SkyLive the Last Day🌐 Website:www.pelhampugh.com#ShadowsAndStorylines #WhereTheRedFernGrows #WilsonRawls #Reading #Books #BookTube #WritingLife #AuthorLife #PelhamPugh #SouthernWriter #BookDiscussion #ReadersOfYouTube #Storytelling #Literature #BookLovers

    Shadows and Storylines 13: The Book That Changed My Life as a Reader
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About

Shadows & Storylines is a voice-only series about place, memory, and the quiet moments that shape a life and the stories that come from it. Each episode explores the people, landscapes, and experiences behind the writing — from the Wiregrass of southeast Alabama to backroads, historical sites, family history, and the imperfect search for meaning in forgotten places. This isn’t a how-to podcast or a highlight reel. It’s reflection. Observation. And the long shadows that follow us into the work we do. New episodes every Monday.

Information

  • Creator
    Pelham Pugh
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Pelham Pugh
  • Show Website
    Shadows and Storylines