Podcasts about Goodreads

Jeff and Rebecca talk about Emily Wilson's pan of Nolan's The Odyssey, before checking in on the Booker longlist, Obama's summer reading picks, and the most troubling AI/publishing story yet. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Join The Book Riot Podcast Patreon for bonus content and ad-free listening. Subscribe to The Book Riot Newsletter for regular updates to get the most out of your reading life. The Book Riot Podcast is a proud member of the Airwave Podcast Network. Discussed in this episode: Emily Wilson hated The Odyssey, actually, and her unedited remarks to the AP Joyce Carol Oates has entered the chat And everybody wants to learn Greek Booker Prize longlist Obama summer reading list The most read books on Goodreads this year A viral BookTok hit might be largely AI-generated This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Go to quince.com/bookriot for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I blame Clint Hall for me singing Roger Millers "Two Worlds Collide" for the last couple of months.  No, his sci-fi Worlds Collide has nothing to do with that song, but... I'm DYING to read it.  Listen in and see why. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Space wars? Prophecy?  EEEP!!! I found Worlds Collide while writing one of my books and was eager to get a copy of it. Thanks to Clint for the lovely copy sitting on my shelf right next to me.  Time to start! Worlds Collide by Clint Hall Five worlds at war. Only one can survive. Ten thousand years ago, five cosmic beings—a dragon, a phoenix, a serpent, a lion, and a wolf—set their worlds on an inevitable collision course. Each civilization was given one command: destroy the rival worlds, or crash into them and die. As the planets draw near to each other, the moment of final reckoning is at hand. In a galaxy filled with starfighters and superweapons, magic and manipulation, planet-killing devices and mechanized legions, five heroes must defend their homeworlds against overwhelming odds. But when prophecy and destiny collide, a far greater power begins to stir—one that challenges everything they've been told. Oaths will be broken. Chains will be shattered. Champions will rise. The fate of the universe hangs in the balance as these heroes discover whether any world deserves to survive. The War of the Creators has begun. Perfect for fans of Red Rising, The Expanse, and mythic sci-fi epics, Worlds Collide blends high-stakes interplanetary war with a legendary, fate-driven mystery—where the final battle may not be what it seems. Learn more on Clint's WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads. The Experience podcast starts up in September. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon YouTube and more!

Could Ready or Not really have a sequel?After the ending of the first movie, I honestly didn't think there was much story left to tell. So when Ready or Not 2: Here I Come was announced, I was skeptical.I'm happy to report... I was wrong.In this spoiler-lite review, I share why this horror-comedy sequel won me over, what makes it different from the original, who will enjoy it most, and whether it's worth your time. I'll also cover the cast, performances, action, humor, practical effects, and why Samara Weaving once again proves she's one of the most entertaining stars in modern horror.In this review you'll find:• Movie details and behind-the-scenes trivia• Why I was so excited (and nervous) about this sequel• A spoiler-lite plot summary• 9 reasons to watch• 3 reasons you may want to pass• My final verdict on whether Ready or Not 2 lives up to the originalHave you seen Ready or Not 2: Here I Come? Did it exceed your expectations, or do you still prefer the original? Let me know in the comments—I always enjoy hearing your thoughts!If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, and horror reviews, rankings, discussions, and book and movie recommendations, be sure to subscribe to Fantasy for the Ages so you don't miss future videos.

The Blasters & Blades PodcastReclaiming the Lost Space Age: Inside John E. Siers' Lunar Free State SeriesWhat if humanity never gave up on the dream of the Moon? Inspired by the legacy of Apollo 11 and classic hard science fiction giants like Robert A. Heinlein, author John E. Siers crafted a massive, 12+ book reality where humanity didn't stop in 1972. In this episode, we sit down with Siers to discuss his expansive Lunar Free State universe. We're tracking the journey from the first secret lunar base in The Moon and Beyond to a massive interstellar playground filled with political tension, deep space exploration, and human grit. Tune in as we discuss his 25+ year journey as a writer, how his military background shapes his tactical space combat, and why a self-sustaining lunar civilization remains the ultimate sci-fi frontier. This was a fun interview, so go check out this episode. Join us for a fun show! We're just a couple of nerdy Army veterans geeking out on things that go "abracadabra," "pew," "zoom," "boop-beep" and rhyme with Science Fiction & Fantasy. Co-Hosts: JR Handley (Author) (Grunt)Nick Garber (Comic Book Artist) (Super Grunt)Madam Stabby Stab (Uber Fan) (Horror Nerd)Jana S Brown (Author) (Chief Shenanigator)We work for free, so if you wanna throw a few pennies our way there is a linked Buy Me A Coffee site where you can do so. Just mention the podcast in the comments when you donate, and I'll keep the sacred bean water boiling!Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AuthorJRHandley Our LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/blastersandbladespodcast Today's SponsorSupercarrier by Scott Bartlett: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DKGB6GQ2/ The Lunar Free State Series by John E. Siers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097R12215 Follow John E. Siers on social mediaJohn's Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/John-E.-Siers/author/B00J9YV6LU John's Website: https://lunarfreestate.com/ John's Twitter: https://x.com/JohnSiers7987 John's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/John.Siers/ John's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=48552283John's GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6591389.John_E_Siers John's Store: https://lunarfreestate.com/shop-the-lfs-store The Lunar Free State Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SF.Worlds.of.John.E.Siers#scifishenanigans #scifishenaniganspodcast #bbp #blastersandblades #blastersandbladespodcast #podcast #scifipodcast #fantasypodcast #scifi #fantasy #books #rpg #comics #fandom #literature #comedy #veteran #army #armyranger #ranger #scififan #redshirts #scifiworld #sciencefiction #scifidaily #scificoncept #podcastersofinstagram #scificons #podcastlife #podcastsofinstagram #scifibooks #awardwinningscifi #newepisode #podcastersofinstagram #podcastaddict #podcast #scifigeek #scifibook #sfv #scifivisionaries #firesidechat #chat #panel #fireside #religionquestion #coffee #tea #coffeeortea #CoffeeBrandCoffee #JRHandley #NickGarber #MadamStabby #JenaRey #JanaSBrown #OpalKingdomPress #JohnESiers #TheLunarFreeStateSeries #LunarFreeState #starwars #jedi #georgelucas #lucasfilms #startrek #trekkie #firefly #serenity #browncoat #wheeloftime #wot #robertjordan #brandonsanderson #gameofthrones #got #grrm #georgerrmartin #ChroniclesofNarnia #CSLewis #Trex #TyrannosaurusRex #ChrisKennedy #TheMoonIsAHarshMistress #FlashGordon #TheShipWhoSang #AnneMcCaffery #Existentialism #ExistentialLiterature #kafkaesque #FranzKafka #Heinlein #RobertAHeinlein #IsaacAsimov #Asimov #ArthurCClarke #LunarFreeState #JohnESiers #LunarColony #MoonBase #ColonizeTheMoon #SpaceExploration #HardSciFi #HardScienceFiction #SpaceOpera #PoliticalSciFi #LibertarianSciFi #FreeState #ClassicSciFiVibes #HeinleinFans #VeteranAuthor #AirForceVeteran #Worldbuilding #SciFiAuthor #AuthorInterview #BookTok #Bookstagram #SciFiReads #HardSciFiBooks #IndieSciFi

A quiet bedtime story about four unlikely companions who build a home together by learning to lean on each other. Follow a horse, a goat, a goose, and a fox as an early winter carries them out of a familiar valley, over a swollen river, and into an abandoned mill that slowly becomes home. You can get my new book, Awaken Your Myth, at https://awakenyourmyth.com/book/. Please leave a review on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Your-Myth-Discover-Purpose/dp/1797235257/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0#averageCustomerReviewsAnchor To leave a review on GoodReads, click here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/238747993-awaken-your-myth#CommunityReviewsYour support is the cornerstone that allows me to continue crafting tranquil stories and meditations for you. For less than the price of a cup of coffee, you'll unlock an oasis of over 500 ad-free Listen To Sleep episodes, including 8 subscriber-only full length sleepy audiobook classics like Winnie the Pooh and Alice in Wonderland. To pledge your support, visit⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://listentosleep.com/support⁠⁠ or subscribe right in Apple Podcasts and get a 7 day free trial. Want to change your story? Take the free Path Assessment at https://jointhecabin.org. In two minutes, you'll see your personalized journey and know exactly where to start. To join my email group and get a bunch of goodies, go to ⁠⁠https://erikireland.com Sleep well, friends.

In Chapter 24, Derrick's Army is going ahead with full steam, but a mysterious new member causes a stir in the meeting. Good thing there was punch and pie!Hey! I'm all over the internet doing dumb stuff that I think is cool.Go find me somewhere!!!▶️ Youtube Channel: ⁠youtube.com/radiomike⁠✍️ Read my Blog: ⁠radiomike.substack.com⁠

Love a fast-paced suspense novel?  Listen in as I chat with Taylor Newport about her newest release! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Don't know about you but this series sounds AWESOME. Overdrive by Taylor S. Newport The mission looked simple. But the enemy is closer, faster, and deadlier than they imagined. Tyler Reid needs a break, but trouble finds him first. A call from London pulls him into a missing-person case linked to a powerful surveillance project that's suddenly worth killing for. The deeper he digs, the more bodies he finds—and the more obvious it becomes that someone wants the entire system for themselves. Alexandra "Alex" Romanova is looking for an escape from Veritek and the weight waiting for her back home. A trip with Tyler should've been the break they both needed. But when the case escalates and puts her company in the crosshairs, she goes with him—trying to keep him grounded even as the danger forces him to speed up. The investigation spirals into a breakneck pursuit, ambushes snapping at their heels as their unknown enemy stays one move ahead. Someone is erasing anyone tied to the project, leaving bodies instead of answers. With the elusive threat closing fast, Tyler and Alex are fighting to get ahead long enough to expose who's hunting them. Learn more about Taylor on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Don't miss the first episode HERE. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon YouTube and more!

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the first episode of ALIEN AUGUST for this month's special I'm covering an alien that's older than us but never too old for our heart. I've had a lot of hype over this film and I hope everyone enjoys it. :)Part 1: Intro to ALIEN AUGUSTPart 2: The Origin Story Part 3: Bringing E.T. To Life. Part 4: More Lore Part 5: Star WarsPart 6: Ghandi vs. E.T.Part 7: E.T.'s FeetiesPart 8: To The President Part 9: A DREAM SEQUENCEPart 10: Suburban Commentary Part 11: The Girls of 82'Part 12: The Mac and Me RipoffPart 13: Michael's Song Among OthersPart 14: A SEQUEL?Support the showMy Inglorious Ink series! - https://www.amazon.com/stores/Samantha-Parrish/author/B0BNQ2D7D1?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=trueI'm on Goodreads! - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20042112.Samantha_ParrishHow To Support The Show! - https://ko-fi.com/queenofthescreen#linkModalArticles I've written - https://vocal.media/authors/samantha-parrishMy Linktree https://linktr.ee/themysticalspacewitch Cover art by Emily Whitacre (https://teenytinycoffeebean.carrd.co/) S 1-2Miriam J - S2

#1 New York Times Bestseller en lezersfavoriet op Goodreads: ontroerende roman over een gepensioneerde advocate die brieven schrijft over haar leven, haar liefdes, een zwaar verlies. Uitgegeven door Atlas Contact Sprekers: Wolke Kluppell, Hylke van Sprundel, Sander de Heer, Margo Dames, Irma Hartog, Lotte Horlings, Jip van den Dool, Caro Derkx, Bart Jeroen Kiers, Pieter-Jan De Smet, Lot van Lunteren, Nienke Brinkhuis, Ad Knippels, Ottolien Boeschoten, Karin Douma, Frank Rigter, Mathijs Deen, Hymke de Vries, Marijke Beversluis, Miryanna van Reeden, Anne Lichthart, Daniël Meppelink, Wilbert Gieske, Ronald Top, Chris Kijne, Inge Ipenburg, Louis van Beek

Christine Riccio & Natasha Polis talk all things nerdy in the book, tv, movie, pop culture, fandoms, and how they integrate into their adult lives. Today they're talking all things COMIC-CON 2026! Plus they chat Obsession, the Odyssey, the latest updates from Taylor swifts, Marvel, the Children of Blood and Bone trailer, and more!The Main discussion start at : 59:00Teatime starts at: 2:23:00Today in Fangirl Tea Time : Join Christine and Natasha for more stories about their recent life escapades. Support the pod by joining the Forking Fangirls Patreon community: http://patreon.com/thoseforkingfangirls TEAM EDWARD: The first five Heated Rivalry episode commentaries are up now! Follow the visual show on our Youtube: http://youtube.com/@thoseforkingfangirls  Get Christine's new book THIRTY, FLIRTY, & FOREVER ALONE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1662532156Add Thirty Flirty & Forever Alone on Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230393104-thirty-flirty-and-forever-aloneCheck out Natasha's sewing classes: https://www.natashapolis.com/Join our patron to get 10 dollars off the classes!Website: https://thoseforkingfangirls.com/ Email us feedback: thoseforkingfangirls@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoseforkingfangirls/Twitter: https://twitter.com/forkfangirlspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thoseforkingfangirlsGet Christine's novel Attached at the Hip: https://a.co/d/grmPeVy Check out the Selkie Collection and get 10% off your order with code TASHAPOLIS https://selkiecollection.com/collections/all

The vampire apocalypse is spreading... and somehow The Fall is even better than The Strain.In this spoiler-lite review, I dive into Book 2 of The Strain Trilogy by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, exploring why this sequel raises the stakes in every possible way. From ancient vampire conspiracies and unforgettable character arcs to relentless pacing and cinematic storytelling, this was everything I hoped for—and more.If you enjoyed The Strain, are curious about the trilogy, or are looking for one of the best modern horror series featuring vampires, this review is for you.In this episode:

Il Podcast Ufficiale della Pizza Liquida

The Blasters & Blades PodcastWhat lies beneath the surface when humanity pushes the boundaries of exploration? In this episode, we sit down with author David Deane Haskell to dive into his captivating science fiction novel, The Solarian Deep. Blending deep-space mystery with high-stakes tension and rich atmospheric detail, Haskell's work takes readers on an unforgettable journey into the dark corners of the watery deep. We'll discuss the inspiration behind his vivid worldbuilding, how he crafts complex characters facing the pressures of the unknown, and his process for keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Whether you are a die-hard sci-fi fan or just love a gripping, claustrophobic mystery, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. This was a fun interview, so go check it out. Lend us your eyes and ears, you won't be sorry!! Join us for a fun show! We're just a couple of nerdy Army veterans geeking out on things that go "abracadabra," "pew," "zoom," "boop-beep" and rhyme with Science Fiction & Fantasy. Co-Hosts: JR Handley (Author) (Grunt)Nick Garber (Comic Book Artist) (Super Grunt)Madam Stabby Stab (Uber Fan) (Horror Nerd)Jana S Brown (Author) (Chief Shenanigator)We work for free, so if you wanna throw a few pennies our way there is a linked Buy Me A Coffee site where you can do so. Just mention the podcast in the comments when you donate, and I'll keep the sacred bean water boiling!Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AuthorJRHandley Our LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/blastersandbladespodcast Today's SponsorFrom the Ashes Anthology by Bayonet Books: https://a.co/d/04JX91Yw The Solarian Deep by David Deane Haskell: https://a.co/d/04mVR6MA Follow David Deane Haskell on social mediaDavid's Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/David-Haskell/author/B00DVBCZ5S David's Website: https://daviddeanehaskell.com/ David's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dave.haskell.4 David's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daviddeanehaskell/ David's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidDeaneHaskell David's Second YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innerchildjournal David's Substack: https://daviddeanehaskellstories.substack.com/ David's GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/daviddeanehaskell David's Tip Jar: https://buy.stripe.com/14A3cv1QD0SKg3scuQd7q00 Jurassic Park Feathered Raptors in the Kitchen Scene: https://youtu.be/WbCQxBTcyRk?si=fcUmwIGkMpyCKXpc #scifishenanigans #scifishenaniganspodcast #bbp #blastersandblades #blastersandbladespodcast #podcast #scifipodcast #fantasypodcast #scifi #fantasy #books #rpg #comics #fandom #literature #comedy #veteran #army #armyranger #ranger #scififan #redshirts #scifiworld #sciencefiction #scifidaily #scificoncept #podcastersofinstagram #scificons #podcastlife #podcastsofinstagram #scifibooks #awardwinningscifi #newepisode #podcastersofinstagram #podcastaddict #podcast #scifigeek #scifibook #sfv #scifivisionaries #firesidechat #chat #panel #fireside #religionquestion #coffee #tea #coffeeortea #CoffeeBrandCoffee #JRHandley #NickGarber #MadamStabby #JenaRey #JanaSBrown #OpalKingdomPress #TheSolarianDeep #DavidDeaneHaskell #starwars #jedi #georgelucas #lucasfilms #startrek #trekkie #firefly #serenity #browncoat #wheeloftime #wot #robertjordan #brandonsanderson #gameofthrones #got #grrm #georgerrmartin #ChroniclesofNarnia #CSLewis #Trex #TyrannosaurusRex #MichaelCreichton #JurassicPark #IsaacAsimov #ClassicSciFi #TheAndromedaStrain #TheLastQuestionbyIsaacAsimov

Y. M. Nelson talks with romance author Joi Jackson about her book Catfish in Paradise, book 2 of the Love, Lies, and Catfish series. This is episode 2 of my Black Women Deserve Love mini-series.Topics Discussed:The story behind the Love, Lies, and Catfish seriesBarbados, Bajans, and "Cheese and Bread!"Del and Black men as life coachesThe Love, Lies, and Catfish SeriesThe tech geek angle (Nerds!)The "Maxine Shaw effect"The masters of our own worlds -Fiction writersThe best side character: grandma NezzieBlack women living the soft lifeThe mystery side of Joi's books, aka who's the catfish? and other Joi signaturesThe nerdy and the geeky (and I drop a mini movie review)Heat Level of Joi's booksWhy showcase Black women deserving and receiving love?Rapid Fire QuestionsJoi's next book and signing eventsWhere we can find Joi's booksShow us some love with a text!Support the show#booktube #movietube⚠ *Note: some links to book recommendations are affiliate links. This means I receive a small commission when you buy. This does not affect the price you pay.

Luxury yachting is often seen from the outside as glamour, freedom, celebrities, billionaires, royals, and floating palaces. But behind that image is a very different world of service, sacrifice, pressure, extraordinary human moments, and stories most people never hear.In this episode of Captain's Chat, Captain Liam Devlin speaks with Timmo Elliott and Gemma Masferrer, authors of Sailing Through the Excess, a book that pulls back the curtain on life inside the luxury yachting world.Timmo shares how years in hospitality, travel, and yachting led to a memoir filled with remarkable encounters, unforgettable guests, and the realities behind elite service. Gemma explains how she helped bring those stories together, shaping Timmo's experiences into a book with wider context around climate change, gender equality at sea, the MeToo movement, language, identity, and the sacrifices behind maritime life.This is a conversation about luxury yachting, but also about storytelling, human connection, nature, resilience, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone.Guests: Timmo Elliott & Gemma Masferrer Book: Sailing Through the Excess

How can building an audience in advance help your stories reach the people who make movies? And how can you prove there's demand for your book or screenplay before you've written it? Brooks Elms shares his advice after more than 20 years as a WGA screenwriter. In the intro, what doesn't work for book marketing and what does [Amy Chan SubStack; Unsingle; Rephonic]; Goodreads giveaway for Bones of the Deep; FutureVision XPrize. This podcast is sponsored by Kobo Writing Life, which helps authors self-publish and reach readers in global markets through the Kobo eco-system. You can also subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast for interviews with successful indie authors. This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Brooks Elms is a WGA screenwriter with over 45 scripts, over a dozen sales, and he has directed two indie features. He is the creator of the Answer the Call system and has trained over 1,000 writers. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Show Notes How to see the opportunity in AI when others only see the threat How to test a story with samples, and what a 16-second movie can do Building the trailer before you write the screenplay Letting your audience finance the film once they have validated the idea Why Hollywood still wants existing IP, and what makes them pay attention Feeling safe enough to write the truth, and finding a concrete path forward You can find Brooks on LinkedIn or email him at brooks@brookselms.com. Transcript of the interview with Brooks Elms Jo: Brooks Elms is a WGA screenwriter with over 45 scripts, over a dozen sales, and he has directed two indie features. He is the creator of the Answer the Call system and has trained over 1,000 writers. So welcome to the show, Brooks. Brooks: Thank you. It's awesome to be here. Jo: Fantastic. So first up— Tell us a bit more about you and how you got into screenwriting. Brooks: I started filmmaking first. A buddy came up to me in high school and said, “Hey, we're making a karate movie, do you want to help us?” I was like, “Oh my God, yes, that sounds amazing.” So next thing I know, I had this karate outfit on, and we were just making this completely ridiculous and totally fun movie, and it was amazing. It was so fun. Then it went to a whole other level when we shared it with a friend, this guy Jay Sharon, and he watched the movie and he laughed so hard he literally fell out of his chair. I was like, “Oh my God,” the fun I had making it could actually transfer to somebody else. I was hooked. So from there I went to NYU film school, and then made a few independent feature films which were good but not great in terms of how they were received. They were great for me in terms of enjoyment, but I knew I needed to iterate faster at that point. So then I was like, “Well, it's expensive and it takes a long time to make a movie,” at least back then. So I pivoted to screenwriting, and pumped out two, three scripts a year, got signed at UTA, got writing assignments, and basically launched a screenwriting career. Then I still tried to get some stuff going, but it's hard when movies are so expensive. It's not hard, it's just that it takes a lot of precision in the marketing, and a lot of conversations to find the right matches to finance something, and you're either interested in doing that or you're not. I just was like, “Well, I'll just mostly write screenplays.” Then I started teaching at UCLA Extension and then coaching after that, along with writing. Then all the way up to the future. What's great about moving forward is that with AI, shot-making is becoming very close to cinematic quality. You can actually match cinematic quality in moments in some genres, but probably by next year. Right now you could actually do a really good horror movie all AI for 10, 20,000 bucks, depending on how much you're doing yourself or getting other people to do. So the economics are going to absolutely explode. So I'm sitting on dozens of scripts that didn't get through the Hollywood packaging bottleneck because they're too expensive, and I now have this giant slate that's ready to go, and I'm just absolutely thrilled. It's been a lifelong dream for me. Jo: Oh, so much to come back on there. Where to start? I do want to talk about what you just said there, sitting on dozens of scripts and now seeing the opportunity. I actually wrote down in my journal about a year ago, I see what's coming with AI, and I think that the best thing I can do is create as much original IP as possible, so that I can make the most of the opportunity ahead. So let's just get into the AI, because a lot of people feel it's a super bad thing. Talk about the opportunities and the attitude that you've got [around AI], and that you've seen others have around this, for what is ahead in a positive way. Brooks: It's fascinating to see how people respond to AI. I wonder, when the printing press rolled around, if there was some sort of backlash. Books must be handwritten. They can't be mass-produced. Here's one of my theories. At a deep psychological level, it's so profoundly powerful that I think the default setting is, “Oh, crap.” When I was a kid, some things were hard, and that power imbalance, when something big, new and powerful comes along: I'm going to get screwed, and so this is somehow a bad thing. I think that's the base psychological thing going on with most of the noise. Obviously there are some legit problems, in terms of copyright infringement from learning models, or from some of the environmental situation. So I'm not saying it's all rainbows and butterflies, but I think 90% of the noise around it comes from a fear of change. Here's the other one—a fear of, “Oh, yikes, I'm going to get taken advantage of somehow by either robots, or the corporations are going to use the robots against me,” or something like that. I have real empathy for me when I feel that way a little bit, but I don't feel it much, and for other people that do feel it. The other thing is, you know what it is? I think they fear their own empowerment even more. I had a therapist who was really good. He said, people aren't so much afraid of failing as they are afraid of succeeding. Because if we fail, we're stuck in act one and we don't go anywhere. The fear is answering the call and going to act two, when everything effing changes in the new world. So I think people are afraid of how goddamn powerful they're going to be when they can have a team of AI agents helping them do everything they want in business or life or whatever. I think it's the same thing with the internet. People are like, “Oh, I don't like social media, blah, blah, blah.” And I get it. There's a lot of noise and a lot of crap. Yet we have access to billions of people, and the algorithms in social media right now I think are level three out of 10. They're just going to get better and better. Even as it is now, if I do a post about something and it gets ignored, that's on me. The algorithms are trying to match me to my people. So if I'm not unique enough and authentic enough and aware enough of how virality works, that's on me, and it's a learnable skill that I can embrace and then change and then get better at. So I think people then resist that change. They resist the empowerment of learning the art of virality, or learning the art of some sort of social media stuff or whatever. The last thing I'll say about this rant is, I don't want to act like I'm the guru on the hill that has all the answers. I refuse calls all the time. I'm scared about all sorts of things. I'm certainly not perfect. I feel frustrated when I'm trying to put my big ideas into action and I can't get this technology thing to work or that one, and I throw tantrums. I'm trying to come at it from a real human perspective, but by and large, I've got stars in my eyes. I'm like, “This is amazing. This is going to be so powerful.” For so many people, you just have to be ready to embrace it and just go along for the ride, because there's going to be some big-ass changes. There already are, and that's going to accelerate. Jo: You mentioned there learning the art of whatever it is. One of the things is, I've spent 20 years, and so have you, learning our craft and our art, and now it can be done very easily. I'm generating video, as you mentioned, which is a craft I haven't spent 20 years on, but now I can generate. So things have definitely changed in that way. Just coming to the screenwriting side. Probably about a decade ago now, I did my first screenwriting course. I've written screenplays. Then I looked at the game you have to play and, like you said, the conversations you have to have, the events you have to go and network at, all the things that you have to do to put a screenplay in front of the right person at the right time. I was like, “I cannot do that. It's just not going to happen. I can't do that along with everything else.” So I put it aside, but now I feel maybe it's time to bring it back because things are changing. So can you maybe talk about, if someone has a screenplay now that they've written, or some IP like a book that they have now— What would you recommend people do in terms of wanting to get that [IP] in front of somebody, or doing something with it themselves? Brooks: It's such a good question. By the way, not even a screenplay—you could do the same things with a novel. Let me try to be succinct here, which is a good challenge for me. A simple way to look at it is, you're giving samples. Let's say it's a lemonade stand, and you give out a little shot of your… maybe you have cayenne pepper lemonade, some sort of fun lemonade. If you give out a sample and people are into it, they're going to come back and they're going to tell friends. If you give a sample of the lemonade and they're not into it, then you go back to the kitchen and you mix up a different flavour. So that's some basic business, but the internet allows us to do that at scale. So what I like to encourage people to do when I coach them is come up with the minimum viable material. It can be a 10-second clip. There's a writer in my community who made a really beautiful 16-second movie. It's one shot. I love it so much. It's two wine glasses. There's a lipstick smudge on one of the wine glasses. They're half full, and it's just that shot. It's sitting there, and all of a sudden you hear this thundering, thumping down these stairs, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun. Then you see out of the corner of the frame one person runs by, and then the other person behind her runs by and goes, “Wait.” That's it. That's the whole movie. It's 16 seconds. He did that with his phone. So there's so much going on. There's a couple of basic elements, but he just did it with his phone, and you can evoke enormous emotional impact on people through social media, whether it's just words. You guys have a big advantage as novelists because you're so good with words. Whether it's a little bit longer, like sudden fiction, that's a couple of pages or whatever. Even just copywriters are really in a good position for the future because they're super potent with two words or three words or 10 words. Then novelists are probably really advantageous because it doesn't cost anything to just put some words out on the internet. The point is, if you put something out, it's a signal, and you're talking about billions of people who could find that signal. If you do it and then you look at the response, and then you try again, you look at the response, we can do this iteration infinitely for free. So you can do it already. You've been able to do it for 10, 15, 20 years, just with words. But now you're going to basically be able to do that with movies or clips or trailers. So the thing that I'm leading in my community of writers is having people build trailers in advance, or clips. When a book or a movie is done, how the heck do we get people to see it? One way is a trailer or some sort of behind-the-scenes material. You can just do that stuff now before even writing the screenplay. I saw that you were doing this project, a trailer for this competition. And then you mentioned, “Oh, I've got to write the screenplay.” Not really. You have to develop the story enough to know what you're referring to, and then it's about studying the craft of either trailer construction, or whatever the clips are, or viral clips. They all have a structure, and then you just test it. If you enjoy that testing process, which I find absolutely thrilling, it feels like the filmmaking version of a stand-up comedian. If I did stand-up, I say a joke, they laugh or they don't laugh. It's really beautiful feedback from the universe. Nerve-wracking, right? But we can do that now as storytellers. We put a story out there in any format, and the audience responds. Just like you have to read any room, you have to learn how to read the engagement on social media. What do likes mean? What do shares mean? What do comments mean? How do you deal with trolls? All that is just part of the new art. Once you get good at it, holy smokes, that's the key to the kingdom. You can build audiences in advance, and for movies you could even have them finance your movie in advance, if you've built an email list of 20,000, 30,000, 40,000 people because you kept putting out all these viral clips around your story, novel, or screenplay. Then you go, “Okay, now 30,000 people are on my email list and I tell them about me and my perspective and my world. We're going to make this darn thing with AI for 20,000 bucks. You guys have got to pony up some money. Put in a dollar, five, 10, or you get the VIP $500 experience.” It's like crowdfunding, but much more sophisticated, because most crowdfunding was like begging friends and family to donate to your crazy dream. What I'm talking about is going to the audience directly, developing enough of the story, then going to the audience second, and then only when they validate the idea, to the extent that you're happy with. You could do a crazy idea that's going to have a small audience, and you don't have to have a blockbuster audience. You get to pick the audience size that you want, and then put the samples out there and see if you have a relevant audience size for this next project. Once the audience tells you, “Yes, we want this,” then you go make it. So you're ultimately reducing risk to almost zero. It takes time and you have to learn how to do this stuff, but it's thrilling to me because we just have the capacity to test the material and listen to the audience upfront. The last thing I'll say, and I've rambled a lot, I'm sorry. When I made a movie in 1994, a feature film right out of NYU, it took me three years to find out what the audience thought about that movie. I had to make the damn thing, and then I ran out of money, and that took me years to edit it, and I finally got it, blah, blah, blah. And again, I loved it. I loved every facet of it, and it was fine, but it was super inefficient. Today, I could take those same elements, create an AI trailer this weekend, put it in front of hundreds of thousands of people, and they could tell me right away, “This sucks,” or, “This is interesting,” or, “Holy smokes, this is amazing. I want this.” If it's not, “Holy smokes, this is amazing, I want it,” I can go ahead and re-edit the whole damn trailer, and just keep reiterating at almost no cost. Then once the demand is there, I can take that demand and that audience and go to Hollywood, and that's when they're going to want to work with me. Then it doesn't take a million conversations and finding the needle in the haystack, because Hollywood sees the numbers and they go, “Oh, you're the people we do want to do business with. You've proven demand. We want to do business with you.” Jo: Yes, it's so interesting. I can hear people listening and they're like, “Easier said than done, getting an email list of 40,000 people.” And in fact— It's exactly the same as building up a career as an independent author. This is as a filmmaker, as a visual person, and the industry is visual, so doing a visual trailer is the obvious thing. And as you say, the tools I use just to do this one, I use Midjourney, and I've used Seedance as the main video model. It does take a while, but it is pretty fast now, if you have a visual image of what you want in your head, which obviously you're a visual person as well. But is it… Brooks: Hold on. I want to push back on that a little bit, because I think it's really important. So yes, that's true, but underneath that, my friend, it's a relationship. It's the relationship, and the media is secondary. You have been prolific in connecting with your audience, and that's why I think a lot of people like you, because you share and they get to know you in that sort of cadence. I saw you in another podcast, you mentioned Seth Godin, who just said, “Hey, I want to be the type of person that has this relationship with my audience. I'm going to share some of my thoughts every day.” He happened to do it with words, with his background in marketing, but you could do the same thing with still images. You could do the same thing with a five-second movie clip once a week. It's the relationship you want with your fans. I'm not saying you snap your fingers and you have 50,000 people on your email list. What I'm saying is, what else are you doing? If we're artists and our impulse is to create and share, and if you do it in this way, if I can create and share and inspire trust in this relationship with a stranger because they like my genre thing and they like the way they felt when they experienced my media, words, images, movies, it doesn't matter. They just like the feeling, and they go, “Ooh, I want more of that feeling. How do I get more of that? Oh, this person has this email list or community.” If I can do it with one, then I can scale it out. So getting the first one, or the first 5 or 10 samples, that is a whole process. But then once you do that, scaling up is more of a mechanical thing. It's not even that hard, especially when you can do paid ads. So you can scale up very quickly if you have the sauce. If you don't have the sauce, it doesn't matter who you're related to, you've got to get the sauce right. Jo: Yes, and again, it's so parallel to the indie author community. I've just got to ask you, in the olden days, an author might write a screenplay, or a screenwriter write a screenplay, and then they would send it. They'd find an agent. They'd pitch an agent, and I guess then they'd hope that someone would turn that into a movie. So is that just dead now? Is it realistically that you need to get yourself out there, build the audience in the same way that it often is for authors? Brooks: So, no. I've got two screenplay deals going right now. So here's how it's going to work. Think about Broadway, or the theatre district in Britain. It's like West End or East End or whatever… Jo: The West End. Brooks: Sorry for my American ignorance. West End, okay. So every town on the planet has a stage, but there's only one Broadway, there's only one West End, right? And every town has its own festival, but there are a few significant tastemakers. There's Cannes, there's Sundance, there's Toronto. Hollywood is always going to be a tastemaker in our lifetime, for sure. What they don't have anymore, what they enjoyed for the first 100 years of the industry, is that they had a stranglehold on basically the equipment, the financing, and the audience, and that's all going away. Do you want to hear a fun story about the birth of cinema? Do you know why Hollywood started in Hollywood? Jo: No. Brooks: So Thomas Edison invented the camera, or the type of model camera that they were using in, I don't know, 1910 or something around there. They didn't want to pay his patent. They didn't want to pay the patent to make these movies, so they went all the way across the country, a bunch of outlaws, and they set up shop in California because he couldn't enforce his patent that they were basically stealing. And reason number two, LA enjoys amazing weather almost all year round. The weather here is either nice or really nice. You have mountains, you have beach, you have desert, you have all these different locales. So when it was really important to be on location, LA was the perfect place. Anyway, that is all going away. For many decades, more people could make movies. In the early '90s, Robert Rodriguez made a movie for 9,000 bucks. There was a book in the '80s that I bought that I loved, it was Feature Filmmaking at Used-Car Prices. This guy, Rick Schmidt, I think his name was. There were the independent filmmakers really in the '60s and the '70s. So the cost has been going down and down and down, and now it's less than ever. Once social media came along, now you have access to the audience, so why do you even need Hollywood? That being said, there are tons of people. There are 400,000 people already working in the movie and the TV industry here. And they're voracious. We have a voracious demand. Humans need stories. We need big stories, long stories. We need stories, and Hollywood is so good at giving them stories. And so they have a need for these things, and they're still spending a lot of money on those budgets. So yes, there's still a demand for turning books and optioning them and turning them into movies. Books are great. Any sort of existing IP is great because there are marketing efficiencies there. People already know that stuff, know the vibe of it, and so it's easier to market than something that's totally creative and new. When you're spending that much money, you want those marketing efficiencies. They're really important. So the point being, the power is shifting away from Hollywood. Hollywood will still be a tastemaker, but you and me can reach anybody on the planet now. Almost. Billions of people. If it's making a movie, right now you could make a movie that most people wouldn't realise is an AI movie. If it was a horror film, I know a handful of people that could make a feature-length horror film right now with AI and 99% of the audience couldn't tell, if it was professionally written. Jo: I think the point here though is, I'm an author, the people listening are authors, and we don't want to make movies. We want to license our IP to people who want to make movies. Brooks: Yes. Great. Okay, good. So then you could, if you wanted, build an audience. Hollywood loves when something's already proven, so that's that IP thing, right? So if you just have a great book, then it's all about the sales. You guys have Dragons' Den, we have Shark Tank here. And what's amazing about that show is these are people or entrepreneurs pitching an idea, and there's an amazing rhythm that happens. They say, “We've got this great idea. It's this sort of company.” And the sharks, or the dragons, will listen. And there's a huge turning point when they reveal sales. They're either really excited about the idea and then they go, “Well, how are the sales?” And the person goes, “Well, we don't have any sales yet.” And they go, “Uh,” and they're not interested. Or they might even be like, “Eh, it doesn't seem like a good idea.” And they're like, “Well, how are the sales?” And they're like, “Oh, well, we've sold through the roof.” And then all of a sudden they perk up. So it's all about the sales. So step one is writing something that you want. Step two is making sure other people in your target audience are also loving it as much as you do. Step three is proving in some way at scale that there's real demand for it. So you could do that with trailers, you could do that with clips, you can do that as an indie publisher. There's all sorts of things that you can do. Humans are much more persuaded by concrete data than they are by just vibes. So if you can bring Hollywood concrete data of any type, like viral videos, like audience, like obviously bestsellers. Awards mean something, but not quite as much as sales. Then you're going to get Hollywood's attention because that reduces risk for them. So even now, when Hollywood's definitely shrinking and contracting, there's still very significant money being spent because it's a huge demand. If you ever walk around a studio lot, those things are opulent places. It's stunning. Like, how are they paying for all this stuff? These lots are enormous. It's because humanity is voracious for stories, and movies are one premium type of storytelling. The demand for stories is steady if not going up. It's just that we have a wider variety of types of stories that we can do, whether we're an indie author. So anyway, did I answer the question? You get me too excited with these questions, Jo. It's a problem. Jo: Yes. I think there's a lot of opportunity and a lot of ways in, but the parallels with being an indie author I think are quite clear. One of the things I found interesting about your profile and what you do is that you help clients who are already accomplished but not quite breaking through, and that sounds like a lot of mid-list indie authors, probably a lot of mid-list screenwriters, mid-list filmmakers. This is a hard place to be because, on the one hand, we are grateful for what we have achieved and what we can do, and yet wanting more, wanting that big Hollywood deal or the Netflix deal, or wanting the massive bestseller or whatever. So if someone wants to get to that next level, what are some of the ways that they can perhaps try and get there? Brooks: It's a great question. Coaching is a really wonderful way to learn anything of this sort of complexity and challenge, especially if it's a hyper-competitive business. We need two things, I think, to write a great novel or screenplay or both. A, we need to feel profoundly safe in our space. If we can't really feel deeply authentic about the things that are embarrassing, or that we feel shame about, or just our shadows, or anything that we don't feel completely comfortable saying and sharing in public usually. We need to be able to touch those things, and be articulate about those things, and that's one part of it. Then we need a concrete path forward. Maybe you're thinking about some tragedy that you had in childhood, and how you dealt with it and how difficult that was. So you need to be able to be real precise in those observations about what it felt like, and how you tried to compensate for it, and that didn't work and it made it worse. Whatever your observations are about your life journey, you need to be really specific and really deeply felt. A good coaching relationship allows you to be in that space, to be really honest with yourself and authentic. g Aood coach will push you back and say, “You know what? That sounds interesting, but maybe not quite as true to you deeply.” So that's one piece of it. Then there's a concrete path forward. You need to have the emotional access to that truth, and then you need to know what to do with that truth in a step-by-step way. Because most people, the ones that you're talking about, they're accomplished in something else. What happens is when we first start writing, and maybe this happens with novelists, but for sure it happens to screenwriters, you just start typing words. But you haven't really thought through the theme, the concept, the structure, the character, all the deeper questions that really matter. The milestones, like a North Star: winning a major award, or getting a publisher. That's the direction that we're heading towards, and then you set it and forget it, but you want to keep checking it every week, every month or whatever. But you want it very specific. “I would like to sell a book, or sell a book to Hollywood, or write a screenplay, or get a producer attached to a screenplay.” Whatever the milestone is, make it really specific, really concrete, and then reverse engineer. This is what I do on the concrete path. I reverse engineer every step to get there, starting with a really tiny one we can do today, and I make sure they feel really safe, and then we just walk through. Then what happens is, if you do that, if you feel safe, if you're showing up authentically and you have a process that's repeatable, not just willy-nilly, it's got to be something that's proven to work. It wasn't an accident I wrote 45 scripts. I've got a whole system. But by the way, the first five scripts took me forever. The last movie that I made took me three years to write that script. I can write a better script with those same elements in three months now, because I know I have a concrete path. So if you want to do something new, whether it's playing the piano or getting six-pack abs or writing a screenplay, work with somebody who's got a system that's already proven, and make sure you relate to them, and then just follow the system. Then when the doubts come up, and they will, that's where the feeling safe is really important. Because, oh, I want the six-pack abs, but I don't feel like going to the gym. I want the extra donut. If I'm working with a really good trainer, they go, “Dude, do you want the six-pack abs or not?” And then you go back and forth, and I go, “Okay, now I can make peace with myself and say I can take one tiny bite of the donut and then still do my workout,” and then I'm moving towards that North Star. Does that make sense? Jo: Yes. I think, like many independents, I resist anything that is systematised. I'm a discovery writer, and I follow the muse, and all of that kind of thing. I think I would say something in a similar vein, which is sustainable creativity for the long term, because your 45 scripts are also years of work, and my books are years of work, and we get better at what we do. So my system, I do have a system really, because— My system is that I do the work, and I write my stories, and I get them out there, and I do the marketing. So even if it's not as systematised as such, it's still a process that I have repeated over and over again. Brooks: That's fascinating to me. Would you consider yourself a pantser? You're like, “I've got an idea,” and you just start writing? Jo: I don't use the word pantser. I guess I call it discovery writing, which is… Brooks: That's a better term. Jo: Yes. What I'm writing for this prize, for example, I know the characters, I know now what's happening. When I had the idea, it was very much a vision and a theme, and the competition has a theme: a positive future with AI and technology. But the things that came around that, I then started playing with ideas around the treatment. I haven't written the screenplay yet. I don't do a plot, or I don't follow Save the Cat or any of that kind of thing. When I write a novel, I just explore and I never write in order. Then at some point I stop and then I have to think about the structure and putting it all together, so the edits are quite big. But my fun is in that discovery, really. Brooks: Oh, that's awesome. Okay, so let me ask, that's really fascinating. And by the way, that doesn't, to me, negate the system that I use. The one that I use is ultimately… the thing is, these questions, the audience is wanting your unique answers to. You don't necessarily need to do it in a certain order. I think that's actually really cool that you write out of order and you have a few elements in mind. All that stuff sounds awesome. The only thing that then makes me curious is, how's your pace? Are you actually completing novels at a pace that feels good, or do you feel like you go too fast, too slow? Jo: I do one or two a year at the moment. Well, two a year, really. But I would say I'm not as successful as I'd like to be, so I'm not saying that my system is the best. I'm saying I want to be better. It's just that my fun is this sort of creative chaos, which I then try and control later. One of the things I really like about screenplays and treatments and doing this kind of thing for film is that it is much more structured, I think, than a 70,000-word novel. You can go in all kinds of directions, whereas with screenwriting you do have to be more disciplined really. Brooks: Yes, so this is going to be fun probably, to hear my view for your audience, and the differences as I see them. For starters, you're talking about what, 10, 20, 30 hours reading a novel sometimes, or maybe less, whereas a movie's a 90-minute experience, right? So that's different. Or if it's a TV series, you might see an hour and then an hour. So that's a very different experience. What happens is when it's condensed like that, you're loading up layers. So every scene is stacked with exposition beneath the drama, and done in a certain way. So specifically, movies are only what you can see and only what you hear. Whereas novels, if you can think it, you can write it, it can be in there. So you don't need to have a plot, but if you want to sell your book to Hollywood, it helps. So I was very resistant about structure. I went to NYU film school, where we really just made short films. It was funny, I had friends that were in the dramatic writing department, and I was like, “You guys are wasting your money. You're just learning to write scripts. We learn to write the scripts and make the movies.” What I hadn't realised is it's a different skill set to hold somebody's attention across an hour-long play, or a 90-minute movie, than it is to make a movie that holds their attention for two minutes or five minutes. I found out years later when I made a feature that was like a lot of shorts patched together, and people were not… They liked it, but they didn't love it. I was like, “Well, what's going on?” And so then I learned to really love Save the Cat in particular. It completely changed me. What happened was, I got a big old slice of humble pie. I had made my second feature, and I put everything I had into it, and it had loose structural beginning, middle, end, blah, blah, blah. But I was still, “Eh, Hollywood BS. What do they know? It's all fake.” So I was very anti-Hollywood structure. Then I was like, now I've got two independent films out there, people saw them, liked them, whatever, but it wasn't getting me consistent work. It wasn't really advancing my career in the way that I wanted. And I was like, “Well, maybe there is something to the Save the Cat.” So I went to the Save the Cat workshop with Blake when he was still alive, and he was delightful, a really awesome guy. He's got this kind of cutesy style, for people that don't know. For context, Blake Snyder was a working Hollywood screenwriter, and he had this system called Save the Cat, which actually has some really interesting ideas. He's got this very light, breezy sort of style. A lot of people don't like him and some people really love him, and everything in between. But I took his weekend seminar, and it completely changed me, because at that point, like I said, I took three years to write a script. Then once he had a process and he had a way of thinking about craft that was just much more screenwriter-friendly, I was like, “Oh my God.” It was so much easier, because I was just focused on the right thing at the right time. So it just sped everything up. After that, I was banging out two to three scripts a year, and better and better quality. So for me, because I went from winging it and wrote five scripts in 13 years, and then wrote two to three scripts every year, I became a huge proponent of system and process. Then my own system really came from that, but it's modular. I have a nine-step system, but you don't necessarily have to go in that order, other than the last three steps, but I won't get into the details. Sometimes you kind of jump from two to three and then back to two and then back and forth. So I love that you get the feel for those elements, and then you just felt your way through. But writing screenplay pages doesn't make sense until you really understand concept, you get a deep sense of beginning, middle, end, character arcs, and these other threads. There are just way better tools for those jobs than screenplay format, because it's a really weird format. It's got these weird slug lines at the top that are all in caps, because a screenplay is a blueprint for somebody else to make the movie. It's not an end-user document like a novel. I don't let my clients even go to that format because it just gets them focused on the wrong things. What they really need to know is, what is your perspective about this theme? What happened in your life that you're fascinated with, that you'd even want to write about this? And tell me what your real life lessons are. So we go into… again, I go back to relationship. What's your relationship to the universe? And what's your relationship to your best friends, or where you got your heart broken, or whatever you want to write about. And then we get that clarity, and then I show you how to express it in terms of developing a screenplay. It's really long-form storytelling, and then the structure just makes it build on itself. But with the structure, because you're talking about so much money and people involved to make it, at least traditionally, what ended up happening was narrative structure that was not so much rigid. Because here's the thing, you can look at 50, 100 years of European cinema and you can look at Hollywood cinema, and Hollywood laps them. When I taught at UCLA Extension, I had lots of foreign students. Let's say there'd be two or three students… if there were 12 people in the class, two or three people would be from America, and everybody else would be from other countries. I would go around, I'd be like, “What movies and TV shows have you been watching?” Almost in every single country, they watch half from their own country, half from Hollywood. So Hollywood storytelling works, that's just the data, and they're dominant. The reason it works is what Aristotle was saying thousands of years ago.. There's a way of thinking about beginning, middle, end that just deeply speaks to the psyche, and you can ignore it if you want. I think Godard said, “You need beginning, middle, and end, but not necessarily in that order,” right? Which is great. Just the way we experience life, there's a beginning, a middle, an end to this podcast interview. There's a beginning, middle, end to the day, a beginning, middle, end to me eating lunch. So if you don't lean into the beginning, middle, end psychological aspect of your story, you're going to bore your reader. But to your point, you don't necessarily have to sort that out in the beginning. It's more efficient probably if you do, but you don't have to. Go into it wherever the muse tells you to go, and then at some point, like you do, then you go, “Okay, now I go back and I edit.” If you're saying there's another level, you have another gear in you, then yes, I'd be curious to slowly go through how you're making those decisions. Because what's happening probably is there are ways you're holding back a little bit. There's maybe something you're afraid of being vulnerable about. That's usually where me or other writers are holding themselves back, and we can take a look at that. There are different ways I show writers to do it. Then you can go, “Oh, I was doing it here, and now I can do it there.” And it could be with process, or just a certain creative choice. With story, it's clear and compelling. Those are the simple things. So, is this clear enough? Is it compelling enough? And there are almost always ways to up-level on any facet, whether it's one sentence, or a sentence that describes the whole concept of the book, or a chapter. Each one of those can be looked at with that lens and we can just say, “Hey, this is 70%, 80%,” whatever, and then we say, “Well, how do we get a little bit more?” And then when you do that enough, it piles up. Then especially if you bring in an audience and people are flipping out for your work, they'll tell you. Jo: Yes, I love a challenge, so thank you for everything you've shared today. So where can people find you and everything you do online? Brooks: Well, one way you can find me—if anything I said seemed helpful for you, if you have questions about Hollywood or you have a screenplay in your heart—you can just email me, brooks@brookselms.com. You could look me up on LinkedIn. I'm at Brooks Elms. I also have a Skool community called Screenwriter Marketing, but it's really for any sort of storyteller, and it talks about my favourite way to engage an audience and get through it. So anybody can jump into that if you like my vibe. If you really think anything I've said, or the way I said it, seems like it could be helpful for you, just reach out. Let me know what you're up to, and maybe there's a way I can help you. Jo: Fantastic. Well, thanks so much for your time, Brooks. That was great. Brooks: You're welcome. It was a total pleasure. It was lots of fun, and I really appreciate you.The post How To Prove The Demand For Your Stories And Get The Attention Of Hollywood With Brooks Elms first appeared on The Creative Penn.

How much can you talk about a novel where the reading advice is “Go in cold without knowing anything”? Luke tells Juliane about There Is No Antimemetics Division by qntm, first half no spoilers, second half a deep dive. See every book/episode of the SFBRP here: https://www.sfbrp.com/episode-lists-3 See the SFBRP Must-Read List here: https://www.sfbrp.com/must-read Support Luke and Juliane financially via Patreon.com/lukeburrage Luke on Bluesky: @lukeburrage.bsky.social Discuss this book at Goodreads.com Luke writes his own novels, like “Minding Tomorrow”, “Combat”, “Get that rat off my face!” and “The Monster Story Conference”, so download them for free at: https://www.lukeburrage.com/fiction.html

Marlon and Jake tackle the writers they have no interest in revisiting, asking when it's worth giving a beloved (or notorious) author another chance and when it's perfectly fine to walk away for good. Tune in as they debate literary canon, books that simply aren't for them, the difference between a difficult author and a difficult book, and why sometimes the most honest review is, "Nobody needs to go back to that" Subscribe to our River-herd digital newsletter and our print newspaper, The Eddy, for sneak peeks of our upcoming books, free giveaways, and exclusive content: https://sites.prh.com/the-eddy-newspaper. The Executioner series by Don Pendleton Hotel by Arthur Hailey Airport by Arthur Hailey Wheels by Arthur Hailey The Moneychangers by Arthur Hailey Advise and Consent by Allen Drury Shōgun by James Clavell Tai-Pan by James Clavell King Rat by James Clavell Whirlwind by James Clavell Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson The Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson Light in August by William Faulkner Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner Pylon by William Faulkner In Cold Blood by Truman Capote Music for Chameleons by Truman Capote Answered Prayers by Truman Capote “Where Is the Voice Coming from?” by Eudora Welty The Ballad of the Sad Café by Carson McCullers The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy The Return of a Native by Thomas Hardy The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing The Summer Before the Dark by Doris Lessing Children of Violence series by Doris Lessing Pentimento by Lillian Hellman Scoundrel Time by Lillian Hellman An Unfinished Woman by Lillian Hellman The Blithedale Romance by Nathaniel Hawthorne The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne Appointment in Samarra by John O'Hara Butterfield 8 by John O'Hara A Rage to Live by John O'Hara Sophie's Choice by William Styron Grendel by John Gardner October Light by John Gardner The Art of Fiction by John Gardner On Moral Fiction by John Gardner The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett Giant by Edna Ferber Soul on Ice by Eldridge Cleaver A Distant Mirror by Barbara W. Tuchman Once Is Not Enough by Jacqueline Susann Burr by Gore Vidal The Godfather by Mario Puzo In the Hand of Dante by Nick Tosches Delina Delaney by Amanda McKittrick Ros Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl Stuart Little by E. B. White The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews Jaws by Peter Benchley

Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black conduct a close-watch of National Treasure scenes featuring Riley Poole's van to glean new backstory about Justin Bartha's fan-favorite character. Their analysis reveals a treasure hunt lead Ben and Riley pursued prior to the timeline of National Treasure and suggests that Riley was conducting research for his book, "The Templar Treasure and Other Myths That Are True," long before National Treasure: Book of Secrets. • Join National Treasure Hunt for the first-ever NATIONAL TREASURE WEEKEND in Philadelphia from August 20-22, 2026. Here's what's in store and where you can get tickets... • LIVE recording of the National Treasure Hunt podcast featuring National Treasure director Jon Turteltaub: Friday, August 21; 6:00-7:30 PM; The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center. Limited capacity; get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-treasure-hunt-live-a-conversation-with-director-jon-turteltaub-tickets-1994606658208?aff=ebdsoporgprofile • Two opportunities to participate in National Treasure Hunt's HEIST NIGHT event: Thursday, August 20, 6:00-9:00 PM, OR Saturday, August 22, 5:00-8:00 PM; Carpenter's Hall. Limited capacity; get tickets here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/vpbqfa/event/heistnight/ • Special summer installment of our Philadelphia National Treasure Hunt Tour: Saturday, August 22; 10:00 AM-3:30 PM; tour route available at https://nthuntpodcast.com/tour. Limited capacity; get tickets here: https://forms.gle/TcAMm1KQsm4FQBfU7 • FREE screenings of the National Treasure movies including special introductions by Jon Turteltaub: Friday, August 21, 8:00 PM for National Treasure; Saturday, August 22, 8:00 PM for National Treasure: Book of Secrets; Independence Mall. Walk-ups welcome. ~~ • Sign-ups are OPEN for the fall 2026 National Treasure Hunt Tour in Philadelphia happening on Saturday, September 19th. Register here before all spots are filled: https://forms.gle/FmRjbHwbUU73r7rd7 • Order our new book, "Riley Poole's Book of Secrets: History for National Treasure Hunters," from Tucker DS Press or on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Riley-Pooles-Secrets-Aubrey-Paris/dp/1959748394/, and leave a rating and review on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/246259636-riley-poole-s-book-of-secrets). • Order our first book, "National Treasure Hunt: One Step Short of Crazy," from Tucker DS Press or on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/National-Treasure-Hunt-Short-Crazy/dp/1959748009. • National Treasure Hunt is now available as a video podcast! To watch video versions of this and future episodes, plus supplementary short- and long-form video content, subscribe at www.youtube.com/@NTHuntPodcast. • Join the hunt on X and Instagram using @NTHuntPodcast, and find new episodes of National Treasure Hunt every-other Wednesday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. More information about the National Treasure Hunt podcast, walking tour, books, and events can be found at www.nthuntpodcast.com. • To support our show and access even more exclusive National Treasure Hunt content, including bonus episodes, watch parties, and a book club, subscribe to our Patreon at www.patreon.com/NTHuntPodcast, and visit our merch store to find designs that celebrate your love of National Treasure: http://tee.pub/lic/nthuntpodcast.

What could your life look like if you truly had blind faith? What if the greatest challenges in your life were actually invitations to experience deeper joy and purpose? On today's episode of Flourish-Meant, host Tina Yeager sits down with pastor, author, and Bible teacher Chad Roberts, whose life was turned upside down when sudden blindness radically changed his world at age 38. Despite losing his sight, Chad Roberts continues to inspire thousands through his ministry, Awakened to Grace, and his new book, Blind Faith. Join us as Chad Roberts shares his remarkable journey through suffering, tackling the difficult questions we all face—Why does a good God allow pain? How do we cling to hope when life feels impossibly dark? You'll hear powerful, practical insights about choosing joy in hard seasons, discovering purpose in the midst of affliction, and learning to trust a God you cannot see. If you're searching for encouragement and real strategies to move from merely surviving to flourishing—no matter what you're facing—this unforgettable conversation will give you the strength and hope you need to keep moving forward. Spotlight: Chad Roberts on Embracing Suffering with Joy When sudden blindness upended Chad's world, he found himself wrestling with God and all the questions suffering brings. Yet through Scripture and the sustaining grace of God, Chad discovered that: God has great purpose in our afflictions, never wasting our pain. Suffering is not a sign of God's anger or punishment, but an invitation to experience His grace more deeply. Joy is a choice, not a fleeting emotion—we must choose it before we feel it, and let God's Word anchor our mornings. Suffering, when surrendered to God, can polish us rather than grind us down. True hope is both for eternity and for now—sometimes God "makes us lie down in green pastures" so we discover blessings we would have missed otherwise. Practical Tips for Finding Joy in Tough Seasons Start each day by declaring God's truth over your life: "This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it." Don't wait to feel joy—choose it, trust that God is at work, and let Scripture become your anchor. Shift your focus from what you see (or don't see) to what God promises. Ready for More Inspiration? Download Chad Roberts' free gift, For Your Joy, or order Blind Faith for yourself or a friend at chadroberts.org. Listen to this unforgettable episode for the full story and practical encouragement to flourish, even in seasons of darkness. Let's Grow Together Whether you're facing challenges in parenting, your career, health, or your spiritual journey, remember: God's grace is enough to help you go from surviving to truly thriving. We're thrilled to accompany you on this journey of faith, growth, and transformation. As always, we appreciate your support! Please subscribe and share this episode. We can't wait for you to join us for future episodes of Flourish-Meant. To book Tina as a speaker, connect with her life coaching services, and more, visit her website: https://tinayeager.com/ Optimize your mind and body with my new favorite, all-inclusive supplement, Cardio Miracle! I love the energy and focus this health-boosting drink mix provides without toxins, caffeine, or sugar! Get a discount on your purchase with my link: http://www.cardiomiracle.com/tinayeager Live your healthiest life with Sustainable Healthy Weight Loss! Tina Yeager's unprecedented whole-person program is bundled with profound insights and tools to help you embrace the revitalized, slimmer you that you might never have dreamed possible! OR Manage stress and anxiety in 10 minutes a day with the course presented by 15 experts, Subdue Stress and Anxiety https://divineencouragement.onlinecoursehost.com/courses Connect with Tina at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tyeagerwriting/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinayeager/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tina.yeager.9/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TinaYeager Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tyeagerwrites/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3865622.Tina_Yeager

What do you get when you combine a horror movie, a dark comedy, a survival thriller, and one of the most memorable final acts in modern horror?Ready or Not.In this spoiler-lite review, I dive into why this 2019 horror hit completely won me over. From Samara Weaving's outstanding lead performance to the film's brilliantly twisted premise, relentless pacing, outrageous practical effects, and perfectly balanced humor, Ready or Not delivers one wildly entertaining ride from beginning to end.If you're wondering whether this modern horror favorite is worth your time—or you're simply looking for your next great horror movie—this review is for you.In this episode:• Spoiler-lite review of Ready or Not• Why Samara Weaving is the perfect lead• What makes this horror-comedy work so well• The film's biggest strengths (and a few reasons it might not be for everyone)• My final rating and recommendationQuestion of the Day:Have you seen Ready or Not? What did you think of it? And if you haven't, what's your favorite horror-comedy or survival horror film? Let me know down in the comments!If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, and horror reviews, rankings, discussions, and recommendations, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and ring the notification bell so you never miss an episode from Fantasy for the Ages!Want to help support the channel and get some great perks? Check out our Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges⸻#ReadyOrNot #Horror #HorrorMovies #MovieReview #SamaraWeaving #DarkComedy #Thriller #HorrorComedy #FantasyForTheAges #HorrorReview #MovieRecommendationsWays to connect with us:Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim's Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim's Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening1:28 - Show Details3:18 - Why Jim Watched This4:41 - Spoiler-Lite Summary5:39 - Eight Reasons You May Enjoy This Film8:32 - Three Reasons to Skip It9:31 - Jim's Final Thoughts10:57 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

What thoughts are running through your mind on repeat? In this episode, I'm sharing five powerful soundtracks that will help you build bravery in your life. You'll discover why nobody is for everybody (vegan restaurants don't care about BBQ fans), how to beat imposter syndrome by being better today than you were yesterday, and why some beats none when perfectionism tries to stop you. I'll also reveal the four words that get me through every hard run in January ("I'll feel awesome after") and the most powerful question you can ask to rediscover your purpose: Who am I doing this very difficult job for? From hospital CEOs doing it for the donor walk to teachers showing up for the person they used to be, this question clarifies everything. Thoughts turn into actions. Actions turn into results. Let's make sure you're playing the right soundtracks.In This Episode:Order Procrastination Proof!You can grab a copy of my new book Procrastination Proof from your favorite bookstore or at my website!Make sure to follow me on Instagram and share with your friends!Sign up for my newsletter, Try This!Book me to speak at your event or to your team!Sign up for the Remarkable You Community today!Keep up with my book list on GoodReads!Have me speak at your next event! Have me speak at your next event!

If you love fantasy and allegory as much as I do, The Chosen One might just be the book for you. Listen in as I chat with Sheri Bradley about her novel and all that went into it. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. I had a lovely time chatting about the world Sheri has created. I haven't read the book yet but that will be rectified posthaste. The Chosen One by Sheri Bradley Before Bara was born, a royal decree sealed her destiny: she would one day marry the prince and reign as queen. But as years pass without a word from the palace, doubt creeps in. When betrayal strikes and Bara is torn from her home in a violent abduction, her world spirals into chaos. Amid shadowed forests, whispered secrets, and a priceless sapphire that holds the promise of a future, Bara faces the ultimate question-does she truly have a choice, or has her path been written all along? The Chosen One is a sweeping allegory of love, sacrifice, and redemption, inviting readers to wrestle with the tension between free will and destiny. Will Bara embrace the role she was created for, or forge her own way in defiance of the king's plan? Learn more on Sheri's WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon YouTube and more!

Ever stick with a science fiction series because you're invested… only to feel like it's starting to lose a little momentum?That was exactly where I found myself after Zoe's Tale. Then I picked up The Human Division by John Scalzi—and it completely reignited my enthusiasm for the Old Man's War series.In this spoiler-lite review, I discuss why this fresh perspective, new cast of characters, larger galactic scope, and Scalzi's trademark humor made this not only a return to form, but quite possibly my favorite book in the series so far.If you've been reading Old Man's War alongside me—or you're wondering whether the series is worth continuing after Book 4—this review is for you.In this episode, we'll cover:* Why The Human Division feels like a fresh start for the series* A spoiler-lite overview of the story* Nine reasons you may love this book* Three reasons it might not be for everyone* Why I think this novel may have saved the series from ending with a whimperHave you read The Human Division? Do you think it's the strongest entry in the Old Man's War series, or do you still prefer one of the earlier books? Let me know your thoughts in the comments—just keep things spoiler-free for those who haven't read it yet!

The Blasters & Blades Podcast“Born of storms. Forged in shadows. Doomed to love.” This week, we are thrilled to sit down with rising literary talent Ella Jezdikova to celebrate her highly anticipated debut fantasy romance novel, The Thorned Prince by Roundfire Books, a part of the Collective Ink umbrella. We journey into a world of gilded cages, dangerous Twilight Markets, and desperate deals made in the dark. Ella joins us to share the inspiration behind Cassie Stormriven and the mysterious Sorin Nightshade, how she crafted her intense enemies-to-lovers dynamics, and what it's like launching her very first book. If you love sweeping romantic fantasy with high stakes and rich worldbuilding, you won't want to miss this conversation! This was a fun interview, so go check it out. Co-Hosts: JR Handley (Author) (Grunt)Nick Garber (Comic Book Artist) (Super Grunt)Madam Stabby Stab (Uber Fan) (Horror Nerd)Jana S Brown (Author) (Chief Shenanigator)We work for free, so if you wanna throw a few pennies our way there is a linked Buy Me A Coffee site where you can do so. Just mention the podcast in the comments when you donate, and I'll keep the sacred bean water boiling!Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AuthorJRHandley Our LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/blastersandbladespodcast Today's SponsorLayla! by A.M. Stevens: https://www.amazon.com/Layla-M-Stevens-ebook/dp/B0FQX5XVKT The Thorned Prince by Ella Jezdikova: https://www.amazon.com/Thorned-Prince-Novel-Ella-Jezdikova/dp/1917704798 The Thorned Prince by Ella Jezdikova: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Thorned-Prince/Ella-Jezdikova/9781917704793 Follow Ella Jezdikova on social mediaElla's Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ella-Jezdikova/author/B0H5C75JJM Ella's Simon & Schuster: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Ella-Jezdikova/263440260 Ella's Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/BookLoverElla Ella's BookPage: https://ejezdikova.lovable.app/ Ella's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Ella-Jezdikova-61578447661415/ Ella's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellanutella.recovers/ Ella's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellajezdikova/ Ella's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ellanutella.recovers Ella's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellanutella.recovers Ella's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellajezdikova Ella's GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/165533385-ella-jezdikova Ella's Publisher: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/ Ella's Author Profile: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/roundfire-books/authors/ella-jezdikova Ella's Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/ellajezdikova/ Ella's Merch Store: https://ellanutella.dashery.com/ Ella's LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/ellanutella.recovers Ella's LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/ellajezdikova Ella's Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4MdUAfITvtjIVs2ALs2ZUe?si=u1e0W3oaQT6U8a5P-BfEQQ #scifishenanigans #scifishenaniganspodcast #bbp #blastersandblades #blastersandbladespodcast #podcast #scifipodcast #fantasypodcast #scifi #fantasy #books #rpg #comics #fandom #literature #comedy #veteran #army #armyranger #ranger #scififan #redshirts #scifiworld #sciencefiction #scifidaily #scificoncept #podcastersofinstagram #scificons #podcastlife #podcastsofinstagram #scifibooks #awardwinningscifi #newepisode #podcastersofinstagram #podcastaddict #podcast #scifigeek #scifibook #sfv #scifivisionaries #firesidechat #chat #panel #fireside #religionquestion #coffee #tea #coffeeortea #CoffeeBrandCoffee #JRHandley #NickGarber #MadamStabby #JenaRey #JanaSBrown #OpalKingdomPress #EllaJezdikova #starwars #jedi #georgelucas #lucasfilms #startrek #trekkie #firefly #serenity #browncoat #wheeloftime #wot #robertjordan #brandonsanderson #gameofthrones #got #grrm #georgerrmartin #ChroniclesofNarnia #CSLewis #Pterodactyl #JurassicPark #MichaelCreighton #LandOfTheLost #LandBeforeTime #Dinotopia #ACOTR #SarahJMass #ACourtofThornsandRoses #900th

Books being published in July, August, and September that I'm excited about and I'll get around to... someday!

In Chapter 23, Voldemort and Mr. Charger have a fourth wall breaking fight involving you, the listener, when Voldemort re-animates his second* servant.Hey! I'm all over the internet doing dumb stuff that I think is cool.Go find me somewhere!!!▶️ Youtube Channel: ⁠youtube.com/radiomike⁠✍️ Read my Blog: ⁠radiomike.substack.com⁠

What is the greatest superhero movie of all time?In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim counts down his Top 20 superhero movies ever made—from groundbreaking classics to animated masterpieces and generation-defining blockbusters.Marvel, DC, Pixar, the X-Men and more are all competing for the top spot. Each movie is ranked according to its filmmaking quality, characters, emotional impact, cultural influence, historical importance and staying power.Before Avengers: Doomsday potentially disrupts the entire order, find out which movie claims number one!Then join the debate in the comments:Which placements did we get right?Which movie is ranked far too high—or much too low?What essential superhero movie was completely disrespected by being left out?Subscribe to Fantasy for the Ages for more conversations about fantasy, science fiction, superheroes, books, movies and the stories that fire the imagination.Huge thanks to our incredible Patreon supporters for keeping this channel possible. If you'd also like to support the channel and join our Patreon community: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#SuperheroMovies #Marvel #DC #MCU #Batman #SpiderMan #TheDarkKnight #Avengers #MovieRanking #Top20 #FantasyForTheAges⸻Ways to connect with us:Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim's Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim's Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening1:19 - Episode Explanation2:04 - 11-20: Just Below the Best12:35 - The Top 1023:53 - How Jim Ranked the Movies35:38 - Wrap-up & Conclusion————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

I always love a "What if?" story, and when I chatted with Stephanie Mack about her Twenty Something Else, I knew this would be an amazing one. Listen in and see what it's all about. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Stephanie Mack sure seems to have a fun, unique voice, and I can't wait to read all the books! Twenty Something Else by Stephanie Mack Sutton Layne is almost-forty and fabulous, with a happy marriage, three beautiful children, and a successful interior design business. But there's plenty of chaos behind the scenes of early midlife. Her preteen son is going off the rails, her husband is bailing on the party he was supposed to throw her, and that thriving business? If she can't land her next big client, it might all come crashing down. Then a surprise DM from someone in her past sends her spiraling into what-ifs. What if she settled down too young? Walked away from her big break? Never had her great adventure? Despite her simmering mini-crisis, Sutton can't wait for the birthday luncheon and pickleball tournament her friends have planned in her honor. But when an accident on the court knocks her out cold, she wakes up somewhere else . . . and is offered the chance to do it all over again. She can revisit her twenties―out of order and on her own terms. And this time around, anything goes: cities, careers, friendships. Even love. Learn more on Stephanie's WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon YouTube and more!

A gentle bedtime story about growing, letting go, and finding the way home again. Follow Fenn, a young rainbow trout born in a quiet Northern California creek, as instinct and season carry them from the gravel where they hatched, out through a shifting estuary, and into the vastness of the open Pacific. You can get my new book, Awaken Your Myth, at https://awakenyourmyth.com/book/. Please leave a review on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Your-Myth-Discover-Purpose/dp/1797235257/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0#averageCustomerReviewsAnchor To leave a review on GoodReads, click here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/238747993-awaken-your-myth#CommunityReviewsYour support is the cornerstone that allows me to continue crafting tranquil stories and meditations for you. For less than the price of a cup of coffee, you'll unlock an oasis of over 500 ad-free Listen To Sleep episodes, including 8 subscriber-only full length sleepy audiobook classics like Winnie the Pooh and Alice in Wonderland. To pledge your support, visit⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://listentosleep.com/support⁠⁠ or subscribe right in Apple Podcasts and get a 7 day free trial. Want to change your story? Take the free Path Assessment at https://jointhecabin.org. In two minutes, you'll see your personalized journey and know exactly where to start. To join my email group and get a bunch of goodies, go to ⁠⁠https://erikireland.com Sleep well, friends.

Christine Riccio & Natasha Polis talk all things nerdy in the book, tv, movie, pop culture, fandoms, and how they integrate into their adult lives. Today they have special guest Chloe Laverson andthey're talking the books and characters that were like therapy for them. Plus they chat the latest updates from Taylor swifts wedding, the new Rebecca Yarros book threshing day, severance season 3 and more! The Main discussion start at : 41:30Find chloe on the internet:  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloelaverson/roll with her! https://www.youtube.com/@RollWithHerrToday in Fangirl Tea Time : Join Christine and Natasha for more stories about their recent life escapades. Support the pod by joining the Forking Fangirls Patreon community: http://patreon.com/thoseforkingfangirls TEAM EDWARD: The first five Heated Rivalry episode commentaries are up now! Follow the visual show on our Youtube: http://youtube.com/@thoseforkingfangirls  Get Christine's new book THIRTY, FLIRTY, & FOREVER ALONE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1662532156Add Thirty Flirty & Forever Alone on Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230393104-thirty-flirty-and-forever-aloneCheck out Natasha's sewing classes: https://www.natashapolis.com/Join our patron to get 10 dollars off the classes!Website: https://thoseforkingfangirls.com/ Email us feedback: thoseforkingfangirls@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoseforkingfangirls/Twitter: https://twitter.com/forkfangirlspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thoseforkingfangirlsGet Christine's novel Attached at the Hip: https://a.co/d/grmPeVy Check out the Selkie Collection and get 10% off your order with code TASHAPOLIS https://selkiecollection.com/collections/all

The Future of GPUs: How iFrame.ai is Redefining Cost and Performance iframe.ai About the Guest(s): Vlad Panit is the CEO of iFrame.ai, a company specializing in deploying GPUs and building data centers for better compute resources, primarily targeting Neocloud providers, hyperscalers, and AI labs. Vlad’s journey in entrepreneurship began at 18, with a pivot towards IT and engineering endeavors from 2008. His significant work includes e-health projects in Europe and AI applications in medical coding automation. Originally from Ukraine, Vlad has expanded his endeavors to the United States over the past seven years, using his expertise to spearhead innovation in AI-related technologies. Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss dives into the world of AI with guest Vlad Panit, the CEO of iFrame.ai. The conversation explores the backbone of AI infrastructure focusing on the deployment of GPUs in data centers. Vlad shares how iFrame.ai provides bare metal GPU services, offering significant cost savings over conventional cloud providers like Amazon AWS. This episode sheds light on AI’s evolving landscape and the technological advancements driving it, making it particularly relevant for business professionals and tech enthusiasts interested in AI advancements. Chris and Vlad delve into the differences between AI infrastructure services provided by iFrame.ai and traditional offerings by big players like AWS and Google. Vlad explains the company’s unique position in providing bare metal services that enhance cost and operational efficiency for customers, especially in AI training and inference. Highlighting the broader implications of AI’s rapid development, Vlad also reflects on the challenges and opportunities that come with deploying large-scale GPU networks, touching on both technological and environmental impacts. Key Takeaways: iFrame.ai offers bare metal GPU services which can be three to four times more affordable compared to AWS and Google Cloud offerings. The company’s infrastructure supports significant cost savings in AI operations, making it an attractive option for companies looking to optimize AI workloads. Vlad Panit emphasizes the importance of deploying GPUs efficiently to enhance the availability and reliability of compute resources for AI applications. The discussion highlights the evolving market landscape as tech giants like OpenAI and Anthropic move towards public offerings, with AI infrastructure playing a pivotal role. The conversation also touches on the environmental impact of AI data centers and the importance of sustainable energy practices in powering such facilities. Notable Quotes: “We deploy GPUs. We build data centers, put a lot of compute there, and then sell it to near clouds, hyperscalers, AI labs—some of which you probably use in daily life.” “We’re able to sell our services three to four times cheaper than AWS.” “The difference with AI’s GPU use versus gaming is it requires uploading and storing entire models, which is more complex and costly.” “AI data centers should have their own energy supply to be better for everyone, from local communities to the data center operations.” “It’s a huge overestimation to say there’s a bubble in AI; the infrastructure costs alone are massive to support large-scale AI operations.” Resources: iFrame.ai – Discover more about the company’s GPU deployment services. Connect with Vlad or explore further through LinkedIn and Goodreads. Tune in to the full episode of The Chris Voss Show to gain a deeper understanding of AI infrastructure and the intricacies of deploying GPUs for cutting-edge technology applications. Stay connected for more intriguing discussions with thought leaders shaping the future.

An unstoppable killer. A missing body. A teenage survivor who thought she had ended the nightmare.In this spoiler-lite review, Jim takes a look at an advance copy of He Always Comes Back, the debut horror novel from Elle Engel. With the familiar DNA of classic slasher franchises—and a premise reminiscent of the unstoppable evil found in Halloween—does this upcoming release carve out an identity of its own?We'll discuss its central mystery, intense action, handling of trauma, LGBTQIA+ themes, and the reasons this promising premise didn't completely land for me.He Always Comes Back is currently anticipated for publication in February 2027. This review is based on an advance review copy provided through NetGalley, so some elements may change before release. All opinions are my own.Have you added this one to your reading list? If you read it after release, come back and let me know what you thought—I'm always interested in hearing about your reading experiences!If you enjoyed the review, please like the video, subscribe to Fantasy for the Ages, and ring the notification bell so you don't miss what's coming next.A huge thank-you to our Patreon supporters for helping make the channel possible!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#HeAlwaysComesBack #ElleEngel #BookReview #HorrorBooks #HorrorNovel #SlasherHorror #ARCReview #NetGalley #BookTube #FantasyForTheAgesWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?He Always Comes Back: t.ly/l4p10 The Indian Lake Trilogy: https://t.ly/yfbo2Killing the Boogeyman: https://t.ly/ySGgyWays to connect with us:Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim's Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim's Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening1:27 - Book Details2:00 - Why Jim Read This3:40 - Spoiler-Lite Summary 6:07 - Seven Reasons You Might Want to Read This10:55 - Three Reasons You Might Want to Pass13:53 - Jim's Final Thoughts17:11 - Closing & Wrap-Up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

Marlon and Jake explore why we're so eager to revisit the worlds of our favorite stories, asking whether great characters are better left where their authors left them—or if there's value in imagining what came before or after. Tune in as they unpack the appeal of sequels, the pitfalls of origin stories, and why some fictional worlds are more powerful when they remain a mystery. Subscribe to our River-herd newsletter for sneak peeks of our upcoming books, free giveaways, and exclusive content. https://sites.prh.com/riverhead-reader-newsletter A High Wind in Jamaica by Richard Hughes Lord of the Flies by William Golding Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë The Life and Loves of a She-Devil by Fay Weldon Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis Flashman series by George MacDonald Fraser Mansfield Park by Jane Austen To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding The Merry Wives of Windsor by William Shakespeare Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë Lost Horizon by James Hilton Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Little Men by Louisa May Alcott David Copperfield by Charles Dickens The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett Catch-22 by Joseph Heller Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens Bleak House by Charles Dickens Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson Big Blonde by Dorothy Parker The Tempest by William Shakespeare

I can't be the only person who cut her reading teeth on mysteries, and author Becca Wierwille has a great series for young readers with THREE new books coming out.  Listen in and learn all about the new Scout & Barnaby books AND how you can get them early! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Don't miss Becca's Kickstarter! You only have a couple of days left!  Find that HERE! Also, don't miss the first interview about this series HERE. Scout & Barnaby Series by Becca Wierwille The Scout and Barnaby Mysteries are funny, heartwarming Christian chapter books for kids ages 6-10 by award-winning children's author Becca Wierwille. These lightly illustrated mysteries star a girl named Scout and her unusually perceptive dog, Barnaby. They team up to solve mysteries at a Christian wilderness camp using her love of big words and his super sniffer. The series begins when Barnaby eats Scout's dictionary—and after that, he can understand words! Written as a bridge between chapter books and longer middle grade works, these books combine fun whodunit mystery elements with faith and humor. Books feature a larger font for emerging readers, stay short at approximately 15,000 words, and include illustrations by award-winning illustrator Brad Smith. This campaign is not just for one book, but for the next THREE books in the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries (books 4-6)! Learn more about Becca on her  WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. And listen to her PODCAST HERE. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon YouTube and more!

Can you train for a novel? Entrepreneur Callie Murray first asked this question when she had the story idea for her debut novel The Brunswick and after many drafts, her training paid off! The Brunswick explores a unique WW2 storyline set in the American South. Join us as we chat about the writing and publishing process, relatable characters, and intriguing histories in this week's episode!Grab ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Brunswick⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Callie: Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ https://www.calliemurray.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calliemurrayConnect with Meagan:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/faithandfables/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://facebook.com/faithandfablespodcast⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Goodreads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8953622-meagan⁠

What happens when you blend a classic noir detective mystery with an alien world filled with deadly wilderness, two moons — and a monster lurking in the lake?You get The Dead Don't Lie by Stephen Aryan, book two of The Blackstone Files!After the events of New York Minute, private investigator Cole Blackstone and his longtime friend Bracken Hart must leave New York City behind. Their destination is the isolated lakeside town of Byron, where three young people have vanished and the local authorities have run out of answers.In this spoiler-lite review, Jim explores nine reasons this science-fiction noir mystery may be perfect for you — including its satisfying detective work, compelling characters, excellent pacing, mounting tension, and the friendship at the heart of the series. He also covers three reasons it might not suit every reader and explains why the ending has him hungry for book three.The Dead Don't Lie releases July 22, 2026.Thank you to Stephen Aryan for providing an advance review copy. All opinions expressed in this episode are Jim's own.Have you read New York Minute? Does the combination of noir mystery and science fiction appeal to you? Let us know in the comments!

What if the thoughts running through your head on repeat could be the difference between staying stuck and moving forward? In this episode, I'm sharing five powerful soundtracks that help me choose bravery when fear gets loud. You'll discover why "It's just a puddle" changed how I parent and handle everyday stress, how to shift from "Woe is me" to "Wow is me" (one letter that changes everything), and why being the CEO of yourself isn't enough if you're still a terrible boss to yourself. I'll also show you how to focus on the fix instead of the fear, and why feeling uncomfortable is actually a sign your old comfort zone is having a hard time keeping up with you. These aren't just catchy phrases. They're the thoughts that turn into actions, and actions that turn into results. This is episode 5 of our Bravest Summer Ever series, but you don't need to have heard the others to get massive value from these five soundtracks.In This Episode:Order Procrastination Proof!You can grab a copy of my new book Procrastination Proof from your favorite bookstore or at my website!Make sure to follow me on Instagram and share with your friends!Sign up for my newsletter, Try This!Book me to speak at your event or to your team!Sign up for the Remarkable You Community today!Keep up with my book list on GoodReads!Have me speak at your next event! Have me speak at your next event!

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE Laura Thomas' work, especially her Bite of Betrayal series.  Ribbons of Guilt takes the suspense to almost thriller level. Listen in and see why I can't wait to find out what's coming next! (I mean, I've already read this so... note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. My review (from my advance reader copy from the publisher). With more twists and turns than a pirouette, Laura Thomas sets the stage for a heart racing story that begins in beauty and builds to a crescendo you pray won't come. In her signature style, Laura layers secrets and sinister situations into one impossible-to-put-down novel. Romantic suspense rises to the next level as Leo and Harriet wrestle not only with the strange events taking their lives hostage but also the possible death of a marriage neither is ready to give up on. Or are they? Stock up on snacks and drinks before you sit down to read, because once you pick up this book, you'll be the next hostage--to the next page! Ribbons of Guilt by Laura Thomas A marriage in crisis. A betrayer in the wings. A life at stake. Harriet Duval has it all—a handsome French husband, a delightful young daughter, a successful career as a professional ballerina behind her, and a beautiful future in a charming village in the English countryside. Even her beloved sisters can't see the painful truth she hides beneath her perfect mask… Successful businessman Leo Duval is at a breaking point physically, emotionally, and spiritually as he is forced to harbor secrets in Paris while his marriage in England dissolves before his very eyes. The magnetic pull of Harriet's old dancing life and the shocking murder of a Swan Lake ballerina causes her to question everything: faith, future, family. When the killer begins targeting the Duval family, Leo and Harriet's vulnerable marriage is tested by an unimaginable traumatic event. Will the guilt they carry divide them when they need each other most? Learn more about Laura on her  WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. To learn about Captured in Frame, the first book in the series, listen HERE. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon YouTube and more!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I'm joined by Isaac Hill — occultist, astrologer, musician, gardener, and co-host of the always-fascinating Plant Cunning Podcast. Isaac lives on an herb farm in Central New York State with his wife, AC, and together they have interviewed some of the most important herbalists, occultists, astrologers, and permaculturists working today. He is also the author of The Heathen Golden Dawn and his new book, The Zodiac Garden Guide, which we discuss in this episode.In our conversation, we talk about what it means to create a zodiac garden - not simply as a list of plant correspondences, but as an intersection of astrology, plants, place, magic, and the intelligence of the garden itself. (A garden as an astrological talisman, in a sense.) Isaac shares how he came to astrology through tarot, music, astrological magic, and permaculture, and we explore tropical and sidereal astrology, plant correspondences, and the balance between magical perception and practical gardening knowledge.This year's Plant Cunning Conference will be happening July 24–26, 2026, on AC and Isaac's land in Central New York State. Sadly I won't be there this year because I'll be traveling, but I was grateful to present and attend in previous years, and I highly recommend checking it out if you can make it — or visiting the Plant Cunning website and podcast either way, to learn more.--Find Isaac Hill online -Buy the Zodiac Garden Guide: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GW7F2KRPPlant Cunning Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantcunning/ The Plant Cunning Conference: https://plantcunningconference.com/The Plant Cunning Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@plantcunning---Upcoming Events with JoAnna:July 28, 2026:Workshop at The Atlantis Bookshop in LondonAtlantis events and booking information:https://theatlantisbookshop.com/atlantis-events/Aug. 15, 2026: The Diviner's Path Book Event at The Serpent's Key in Hanover, PA  - The Serpent's Key Shoppe and SanctuarySeptember 4–7, 2026:TempleFest at Prindle Pond Conference Center in Charlton, MassachusettsRegistration closes July 24:https://templefest.templeofwitchcraft.org/Support Coffee and DivinationMy new book, The Diviner's Path: A Nature-Led Approach to Divination with Tarot, Runes & Pendulums, is now available:https://amzn.to/4e6EXH9Thank you so much for the support the book has already received. If you've read and enjoyed it, even a brief, honest review on Amazon, Goodreads, or the site where you purchased it can make an enormous difference in helping other readers discover the work.Coffee and Divination:https://www.coffeeanddivination.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/coffeeanddivination/Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/coffeeanddivinationAnd Watch Episodes on YouTube: The Garden as Talisman: Astrology, Plants & The Zodiac Garden Guide with Isaac Hill Thank you for listening, and, as always, see you between the worlds...

Would you rather command a starship with a questionable AI — or ride a dragon with serious trust issues?In this episode of FFTA, Zach and Jim challenge each other with a series of fantasy “Would You Rather” dilemmas (with science fiction elements creeping in). From magical powers with inconvenient side effects to impossible choices involving time travel, alien worlds, legendary weapons, and apocalyptic survival, they debate every option, exploit every loophole, and occasionally question each other's judgment.Play along and share your answers in the comments! Which choice was the toughest — and what SFF “Would You Rather” question should Zach and Jim tackle next?Subscribe for more conversations about science fiction, fantasy, storytelling, and all things wonderfully nerdy.A huge thank-you to our wonderful Patreon supporters for helping us make these videos. If you'd like to support the channel and join our Patreon community: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#FFTA #WouldYouRather #ScienceFiction #Fantasy #SFF #SciFi #FantasyBooks #GeekCulture #NerdCulture #SpeculativeFiction#FantasyForTheAges⸻Ways to connect with us:Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim's Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim's Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening1:19 - Episode Explanation2:24 - Would You Rather Scenarios31:26 - Wrap-up & Conclusion————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

Michael and Ethan discuss The Seven Strings of the Lyre, by George Sand (also known as A Woman's Version of the Faust Legend), while drinking Craigellachie 13yo Speyside Single Malt..In this episode:The title of this play is annoying, not George Sand's faultA lot about fan fictionGK Chesteron's “A Defense of Penny Dreadfuls”Madame de Stael, by Maria FairweatherThe point is not to win the argument, the point is to have the argumentWhat's a polite way of saying “knocked around like a hockey puck”?Narrowcasting: when we engage specifically with the “Half-Blood Prince” who marked up Michael's copyThat said, the notes are potentially extremely bad (or at least highly debateable)The ur-text Ethan is thinking of is the Nag Hammadi Library, whose original English translation was published in 1978 (so Ethan was at least 12 years wrong)MagnetismNext time Michael and Ethan will continue to discuss The Seven Strings of the Lyre, by George Sand! Join the discussion! Go to the Contact page and put "Scotch Talk" in the Subject line. We'd love to hear from you! And submit your homework at the Michael & Ethan in a Room with Scotch page. Join us on GoodReads!Get on our Substack!Donate to our Patreon! MUSIC & SFX: "Kessy Swings Endless - (ID 349)" by Lobo Loco. Used by permission. "The Grim Reaper - II Presto" by Aitua. Used under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License. "Thinking It Over" by Lee Rosevere. Used under an Attribution License.(Links to books & products are affiliate links.)

Einar walks a stretch of coastline with his lifelong friend to scatter his father's ashes in the cove where he first taught them to swim. Along the way, cherished memories surface and a quiet fireside goodbye becomes the heart of an unhurried journey toward rest. You can get my new book, Awaken Your Myth, at https://awakenyourmyth.com/book/. Please leave a review on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Your-Myth-Discover-Purpose/dp/1797235257/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0#averageCustomerReviewsAnchor To leave a review on GoodReads, click here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/238747993-awaken-your-myth#CommunityReviewsYour support is the cornerstone that allows me to continue crafting tranquil stories and meditations for you. For less than the price of a cup of coffee, you'll unlock an oasis of over 500 ad-free Listen To Sleep episodes, including 8 subscriber-only full length sleepy audiobook classics like Winnie the Pooh and Alice in Wonderland. To pledge your support, visit⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://listentosleep.com/support⁠⁠ or subscribe right in Apple Podcasts and get a 7 day free trial. Want to change your story? Take the free Path Assessment at https://jointhecabin.org. In two minutes, you'll see your personalized journey and know exactly where to start. To join my email group and get a bunch of goodies, go to ⁠⁠https://erikireland.com Sleep well, friends.

Have you been longing for a return to classic fantasy—where the hero isn't morally gray, but genuinely strives to do what's right?In this spoiler-lite review, I finally dive into Sheepfarmer's Daughter by Elizabeth Moon, the opening novel in The Deed of Paksenarrion trilogy. This has been one of the biggest gaps in my fantasy reading for years, and after Glenn (The Geeky Hippie) strongly encouraged me to move it to the top of my TBR, I finally gave it a shot.Was he right?Absolutely.Join me as I discuss what makes Paksenarrion such a compelling protagonist, why the military fantasy elements work so well, the classic fantasy atmosphere that made me fall in love with the genre in the first place, and a few reasons why this beloved novel might not be for everyone.In this review:⚔️ Book details and publication history⚔️ Why I finally picked up Elizabeth Moon⚔️ A spoiler-lite plot summary⚔️ Six reasons you may love this novel⚔️ Five reasons it may not be for you⚔️ My final thoughts and whether I'll continue the trilogy.Have you read Sheepfarmer's Daughter? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments—but please keep them spoiler free for those who haven't experienced Paks's journey yet!If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, and horror book reviews, rankings, discussions, and recommendations, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you don't miss future episodes!Thank you to our amazing Patreon supporters for helping make Fantasy for the Ages possible!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#Fantasy #EpicFantasy #ElizabethMoon #SheepfarmersDaughter #TheDeedOfPaksenarrion #BookReview #FantasyBooks #MilitaryFantasy #ClassicFantasy #FantasyForTheAgesWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?Sheepfarmer's Daughter: t.ly/F5f35Ways to connect with us:Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim's Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim's Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening2:02 - Book Details3:15 - Why Jim Read This4:40 - Spoiler-Lite Summary & Commentary5:56 - Six Reasons You May Love This Novel8:53 - Five Reasons to Avoid This Novel11:38 - Jim's Final Thoughts13:33 - Closing & Wrap-Up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

Send us Fan MailRecently I've noticed a trend on nighttime videos about trivia or theories to help people fall asleep. As someone who watches media to go to sleep, this was a change in trends that I wanted to hop onto and experiment with. Since this is an experiment to work with there are some parts that stick out for how it was edited to be fixed. It just means next time will be a smoother process but nonetheless I'm proud of how this turned out. VIDEO VERSION - https://youtu.be/9g6uWFuhAiM?is=6otgSqcAEN8MMUGiIf you want to see more types of episodes like this, def let me know @thequeenofthescreen.And for now. THAT'S ALL FOLKS.Support the showMy Inglorious Ink series! - https://www.amazon.com/stores/Samantha-Parrish/author/B0BNQ2D7D1?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=trueI'm on Goodreads! - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20042112.Samantha_ParrishHow To Support The Show! - https://ko-fi.com/queenofthescreen#linkModalArticles I've written - https://vocal.media/authors/samantha-parrishMy Linktree https://linktr.ee/themysticalspacewitch Cover art by Emily Whitacre (https://teenytinycoffeebean.carrd.co/) S 1-2Miriam J - S2

Chatting with Laura Frantz is always a delight, and considering America's 250th celebration, it's apropos that she has a new release. Listen in as we discuss this latest story! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Make reading The Belle of Chatham part of your celebration this summer... even if you're not American. We love celebrating with everyone over here.  If you're British... um... sorry?  (not sorry).  But um... maybe you can see it as an escape from those crazy Yanks? ;) The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz A  tale of courtship & marriage, duty versus desire, faith & forgiveness.  * In 1777, caught in the crossroads of the American Revolution, sisters Maebel and Coralie Bohannon's quaint New Jersey village becomes a battleground as they house American officers in their home. Rebellion ripples through their family as members take opposing sides--Patriots and Loyalists--causing a deep chasm that fractures their once-unbreakable bond. As Mae's friendship grows with the American general Rhys Harlow, Coralie continues her liaison with her childhood sweetheart, a British officer stationed in New York. Torn between her growing love for the general and suspicion that her sister is a British spy, Mae leaves the only home she's ever known for the New York frontier. When betrayal strikes in the heart of the wilderness, she's forced to take a perilous journey that tests her very survival and those she loves, all in the name of liberty. * Proclaimed wordsmith extraordinaire by Library Journal, Laura Frantz delivers a stirring tale of divided loyalties, sisterhood, and love. Don't miss out on Bakerbookhouse.com 's 30% off with free US shipping. You can find that HERE. Learn more about Laura on her  WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

The Page One Podcast, produced and hosted by author Holly Lynn Payne, celebrates the craft that goes into writing the first sentence, first paragraph and first page of your favorite books. The first page is often the most rewritten page of any book because it has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. We interview master storytellers on the struggles and stories behind the first page of their books. About the guest author: Julie Carrick Dalton is a New England journalist and farmer. Her debut novel WAITING FOR THE NIGHT SONG launched in January, 2021 as a CNN, USA Today, Newsweek, Parade, and Buzzfeed Most Anticipated 2021 Book, and was an Amazon Editor's Pick for Best Books of the Month. Her writing has appeared in The Boston Globe, BusinessWeek, The Hollywood Reporter, Electric Literature, The Chicago Review of Books, Orion Magazine, Lit Hub, and other publications. She contributes to DeadDarlings, The Writer Unboxed, and GrubStreet's writer's blogs. Her second novel, THE LAST BEEKEEPER, was released in 2023. Mom to four kids and two dogs, Julie also owns and operates a 100-acre farm. When she isn't writing or digging in the dirt, you can probably find her kayaking in New Hampshire or walking in the woods hunting for mushrooms. About the host: Holly Lynn Payne is an award-winning novelist and writing coach, and the former CEO and founder of Booxby, a startup that built an AI book discovery platform with a grant from the National Science Foundation. She is an internationally published author of four historical fiction novels. Her debut, The Virgin's Knot, was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers book. Her latest book, Rose Girl: A Story of Resilience and Rumi, a medieval, mystical thriller was awarded a Kirkus (starred) review and named Editors Choice from the Historical Novel Society. Holly lives on a houseboat near the Golden Gate Bridge with her daughter and Labrador retriever, and enjoys mountain biking, hiking, swimming and pretending to surf. To learn more about her books and writing coaching services, please visit her at hollylynnpayne.com  and subscribe to her FREE weekly mini-masterclass, Power of Page One, a FREE newsletter on Substack, offering insights on becoming a better storyteller and tips on hooking readers from page one! (And bonus: discover some great new books!) Tune in and reach out: If you're an aspiring writer or a book lover, this episode of Page One offers a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice. I offer these conversations as a testament to the magic that happens when master storytellers share their secrets and experiences. We hope you are inspired to tune into the full episode for more insights. Keep writing, keep reading, and remember—the world needs your stories.  If I can help you tell your own story, or help improve your first page, please reach out @hollylynnpayne or visithollylynnpayne.com.  You can listen to Page One on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher and all your favorite podcast players. Hear past episodes. If you're interested in getting writing tips and the latest podcast episode updates with the world's beloved master storytellers, please sign up for my very short monthly newsletter at hollylynnpayne.com and follow me @hollylynnpayne on Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook. Your email address is always private and you can always unsubscribe anytime.  The Page One Podcast is created on a houseboat in Sausalito, California, is a labor of love in service to writers and book lovers. My intention is to inspire, educate and celebrate. Thank you for being a part of my creative community!  Be well and keep reading, Holly @hollylynnpayne on IG Thank you for listening to the Page One Podcast! I hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I loved hosting, producing, and editing it. If you liked it too, here are three ways to share the love:Please share it on social and tag @hollylynnpayne.Leave a review on your favorite podcast players. Tell your friends. Please keep in touch by signing up to receive my Substack newsletter with the latest episodes each month. Delivered to your inbox with a smile. You can contact me at @hollylynnpayne on IG or send me a message on my website, hollylynnpayne.com.For the love of books and writers,Holly Lynn Payne@hollylynnpaynehost, author, writing coachwww.hollylynnpayne.com

Welcome to Season 13 of National Treasure Hunt! On the six-year anniversary of their show, co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black refresh their recap and commentary on National Treasure (2004), revisiting the best revelations from their research, pointing out nuances they've somehow never clocked before, and identifying their remaining plot-related questions. Have you ever noticed how little Riley seems to know about Ben's plan at the National Archives gala, or how patient the villains are with Patrick when he's being particularly petulant at Trinity Church? • Sign-ups are OPEN for a special summer installment of the Philadelphia National Treasure Hunt Tour happening on Saturday, August 22nd. Register here before all spots are filled: https://forms.gle/TcAMm1KQsm4FQBfU7 • Order our new book, "Riley Poole's Book of Secrets: History for National Treasure Hunters," from Tucker DS Press or on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Riley-Pooles-Secrets-Aubrey-Paris/dp/1959748394/, and leave a rating and review on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/246259636-riley-poole-s-book-of-secrets). • Order our first book, "National Treasure Hunt: One Step Short of Crazy," from Tucker DS Press or on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/National-Treasure-Hunt-Short-Crazy/dp/1959748009. • National Treasure Hunt is now available as a video podcast! To watch video versions of this and future episodes, plus supplementary short- and long-form video content, subscribe at www.youtube.com/@NTHuntPodcast. • Join the hunt on X and Instagram using @NTHuntPodcast, and find new episodes of National Treasure Hunt every-other Wednesday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. More information about the National Treasure Hunt podcast, walking tour, books, and events can be found at www.nthuntpodcast.com. • To support our show and access even more exclusive National Treasure Hunt content, including bonus episodes, watch parties, and a book club, subscribe to our Patreon at www.patreon.com/NTHuntPodcast, and visit our merch store to find designs that celebrate your love of National Treasure: http://tee.pub/lic/nthuntpodcast.

You're either practicing bravery or you're practicing fear. There's no neutral when it comes to mindset. In this fourth episode of the Bravest Summer Ever series, I'm breaking down the third key to bravery: practice. Research shows that just 5 minutes of negative news makes people more depressed, less likely to help others, and convinced the world is a negative place. When you binge the news, scroll political tweets, or read angry Facebook posts, you're practicing fear. So how do you practice bravery instead? Simple. Look at your calendar for the next 7 days and ask: where do I want to be brave this week? Whether it's a big podcast interview, giving tough feedback, or posting about your work, find 1 to 3 practice moments and figure out your plan. The key to mindset is spending more time talking to yourself than listening to yourself. You get better at anything you practice, so let's practice bravery.In This Episode:Order Procrastination Proof!You can grab a copy of my new book Procrastination Proof from your favorite bookstore or at my website!Make sure to follow me on Instagram and share with your friends!Sign up for my newsletter, Try This!Book me to speak at your event or to your team!Sign up for the Remarkable You Community today!Keep up with my book list on GoodReads!Have me speak at your next event! Have me speak at your next event!

A gentle story about a girl and her grandfather on a day-long river journey, and the quiet lessons that pass between them without ever being said aloud. It follows them from a foggy morning launch to a firelit camp under the stars, where Etta learns to notice more by doing less. You can get my new book, Awaken Your Myth, at https://awakenyourmyth.com/book/. Please leave a review on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Your-Myth-Discover-Purpose/dp/1797235257/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0#averageCustomerReviewsAnchor To leave a review on GoodReads, click here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/238747993-awaken-your-myth#CommunityReviewsYour support is the cornerstone that allows me to continue crafting tranquil stories and meditations for you. For less than the price of a cup of coffee, you'll unlock an oasis of over 500 ad-free Listen To Sleep episodes, including 8 subscriber-only full length sleepy audiobook classics like Winnie the Pooh and Alice in Wonderland. To pledge your support, visit⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://listentosleep.com/support⁠⁠ or subscribe right in Apple Podcasts and get a 7 day free trial. Want to change your story? Take the free Path Assessment at https://jointhecabin.org. In two minutes, you'll see your personalized journey and know exactly where to start. To join my email group and get a bunch of goodies, go to ⁠⁠https://erikireland.com Sleep well, friends.