Join Paul Delos Santos as he speaks with author Bill McCormick, whose diverse life experiences shaped his award-winning thrillers and mysteries. Discover his fascinating journey from childhood ghost stories to crafting suspenseful narratives across global settings.

Episode Notes:

• The Genesis of a Storyteller: How early interests in the unknown and spooky led Bill to become a thriller and mystery writer.
• Crafting the Perfect Mystery: Bill explains the importance of keeping readers engaged, "playing fair" with clues, and the unique "how-catch-them" subgenre.
• Global Settings, Authentic Stories: Discover how his extensive travels and residencies in Eastern Europe (Latvia, Ukraine, Russia, Estonia) provide rich, realistic backdrops for his fictional worlds and why using an "outsider" protagonist can be a powerful narrative device.
• The Pantser's Approach: Bill details his writing method of knowing the beginning and end, then allowing his characters to drive the plot organically.
• Overcoming Procrastination: Practical advice on establishing a daily writing routine and finding a dedicated space to write.
• The Power of Short Stories: Why writing short fiction is an excellent way to hone your craft, gain early successes, and improve your novel-writing skills.
• The Value of Feedback: Bill emphasizes the crucial role of writer's groups and constructive criticism for tightening your writing and staying motivated.

Whether you're struggling to start your first short story or looking to add more thrills to your novel, Bill McCormick offers invaluable insights.

Join Paul Delos Santos as he speaks with author Barbara Wheeler, whose unique path led to the creation of her semi-autobiographical spiritual book, "God's Brew." Discover her inspiring journey of self-reflection, persistence, and the power of writing.

Episode Notes:

• Barbara discusses her entry into writing, driven by a deep love for books and words, starting later in life with personal research.
• The inspiration for her book's title, "Coffee with God" (later "God's Brew"), came from her morning routine of spiritual conversation.
• Her writing process for the book spanned 11 years, involving extensive research, spiritual classes, and observing life around her.
• Barbara recounts the initial rejection of her first book, which led to a discouraging year-long break, but she ultimately persevered with encouragement from her publisher.
• She highlights the deeply therapeutic nature of writing, explaining how it helped her process personal feelings, practice self-forgiveness, and foster a more open heart.
• "God's Brew" aims to appeal to a broad spiritual audience by focusing on universal themes like love, kindness, joy, and forgiveness, drawing from her personal experiences rather than pinpointing a specific religion.
• Barbara offers advice for aspiring authors, stressing the importance of reading extensively, conducting thorough research, utilizing free classes, and recognizing that writing requires significant work and perseverance through rejection.
• She is currently working on her second book, which has been an ongoing project for 12-13 years, and is in the process of revamping her website, barbarascoffeecups.com, to include a new blogging page.

Host Paul Delos Santos interviews author Jen McGee about her background in academic writing and her transition to publishing a book on professional wrestling.

Episode Notes:

• Jen discusses how her research skills were crucial in documenting the long, unfolding history of wrestling characters.
• The conversation highlights the unique storytelling challenges of pro wrestling, including its real-time, evolving narratives and the role of audience and performer input.
• Jen shares insights into balancing descriptive detail with avoiding jargon for a broader audience.
• She recounts the process of working with her publisher and gaining access to primary sources, including a special anecdote about Kevin Owens.
• The episode touches on the "luck" involved in getting published and the importance of putting your work out there.
• A discussion about the distinct storytelling styles of American, Japanese, and Mexican wrestling, and the balance between reality and myth in the sport.

Paul Delos Santos interviews Monica Macansantos about her writing and the themes in her essay collection.

• Monica discusses the impact of her father, a poet, and her experiences growing up as a Filipino.

• The essays explore themes of grief, loss, the search for home, and navigating cultural identity.

• Monica shares her insights on the challenges and rewards of writing creative nonfiction.

• The importance of community and support for writers is highlighted.

• Monica's writing process involves a balance of planning and allowing the story to unfold organically.

• Her book, "Return to Your Father's Kitchen," is discussed.

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In this episode of the Delos Diaries, host Paul Delos Santos speaks with Rella B. Books, a children's book author who delves into her inspirations, creative processes, and the intricate details of writing engaging stories for young audiences. Rella discusses how her books tackle essential themes such as fear, jealousy, and social-emotional learning, and shares insights from her experiences as an educator. The conversation explores her methods for crafting relatable characters, collaborating with illustrators, and using diverse media formats to captivate and educate children. Also highlighted are her initiatives engaging children via podcasts and YouTube, emphasizing the importance of interactive and varied media consumption. The episode provides valuable advice for aspiring children's book authors and underscores the vital role of authenticity in storytelling.

00:00 Introduction to The Delos Diaries

00:31 Meet the Guest: Rella B. Books

00:40 The Inspiration Behind Writing

01:51 Writing Children's Books: Challenges and Techniques

04:00 Collaborating with Illustrators

05:47 Vetting and Working with Illustrators

12:24 Character Design and Diversity

18:59 Handling Criticism and Sensitive Topics

24:27 Teaching Life Lessons Through Fiction

24:56 Engaging Kids with Social Emotional Learning

25:46 Interactive Presentations and Demonstrations

26:53 The Importance of Diverse Media Consumption

28:12 Creating Relatable Characters with Shapes

30:00 The Ecosystem of Rella B Books

31:45 Incorporating Multiple Forms of Media

35:30 The Role of an Educator in Media Literacy

42:38 Advice for Aspiring Children's Book Authors

45:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What's the balance between planning and "making it up" in writing? In this episode, author Ben Parris joins the podcast to discuss his evolving approach to the craft. Ben shares insights on developing ideas, creating compelling characters, and structuring stories, drawing from his experiences in various writing forms. Ben's advice on overcoming obstacles and finding what works for you is invaluable for writers like Sarah, who are looking to refine their process and gain practical tools.

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In this episode, we sit down with author Robin Landry to explore the writer's journey, from early inspirations to navigating the challenges of the publishing world. Robin shares her personal experiences and offers advice for aspiring authors, like how to overcome self-doubt, structure your stories effectively, and balance creativity with the discipline it takes to finish a book. If you're struggling to get your own project off the ground, Robin's insights will provide the motivation and practical tips you need to keep writing and achieve your goals.

This episode of the Delos Diaries celebrates the belief that it's never too late to become a writer. We interview author Mike Befeler, who shares his experiences starting his writing career later in life and finding success in the mystery genre. Mike discusses his "geezer lit" series, his forays into paranormal mysteries, and even writing for children, proving that creativity and new passions can be pursued at any age.

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Mike Befeler Website: https://www.mikebefeler.com/index.html