Author and literary agent Bethany Jett joins me for a lively discussion about what agents look for and what turns them off. She explains how to approach an agent, the different ways to pitch a novel and a nonfiction book, and secrets to getting discovered. Listen in for a rare glimpse into an agent’s mindset and perspective on publishing.
Season 10 - Episode 22: Carol Snow
Author Carol Snow joins me to chat about her process of writing, how to write in different genres, how much you should try to be cool when you write for teens, and how much planning is helpful before you start to write a book. We also talk about her latest thriller THE GIRL ON THE BEACH and the best and worst writing advice we’ve ever been given. Check it out!
Season 10 - Episode 21: Tori Eldridge
Author Tori Eldridge hops on this week to chat about her latest book HAWAI’I RAGE. We talk about writing ninja fight scenes, making pizzas on volcanos, the origin of Hawaiian ranchers, the importance of musicality in stories, and how to create authentic characters in your writing.
Season 10 - Episode 20: Donald Maass
On this episode of The Story Blender Podcast, I sit down with legendary literary agent Donald Maass during my time at ThrillerFest in New York City. With more than 40 years in the publishing industry, Donald shares invaluable insights on storytelling, publishing, and what truly makes fiction resonate with readers.
We discuss writing immersive point of view, creating emotional connections that stay with readers long after the final page, the changing landscape of publishing, and practical wisdom for storytellers at every level. Whether you’re pursuing traditional publishing or simply striving to tell better stories, this conversation is packed with inspiration and hard-earned advice from one of the industry’s most respected voices.
Season 10 - Episode 19: Josh Mancuso
This week, viral comedy sensation Josh Mancuso joins me to talk about football mascots, why you shouldn’t make ambition an idol, what makes something funny, insider secrets on emceeing, and two comedians you haven’t heard of that you need to check out.
Season 10 - Episode 18: Cleo Ballard
This week, multi-genre author Cleo Ballard joins me to talk about storytelling principles that apply to whatever story you might tell—whether it’s true or not. We dive into characterization and the importance of being able to pivot into new directions as your career develops rather than always writing in a predictable way. We also chat about her latest domestic suspense thriller, THIS IS A LIE. Don’t miss it.
Season 10 - Episode 17: Emily Carpenter
Emily Carpenter, who is known as the master of southern gothic suspense, joins me to chat about why we like scary stories, what a gothic story is, how setting and atmosphere contribute to her stories, and what motivated her to write her latest book, A SPELL FOR SAINTS AND SINNERS. (We somehow also talk about Bigfoot, voodoo, ghosts, the Loch Ness monster, and more.) Check it out.
Season 10 - Episode 16: Dr. John Paul Abner
This week, internationally known psychologist Dr. John-Paul Abner joins me to talk about the psychology of story, its power to draw people together, and how stories help us share our values and build bridges between people. If you’ve ever wondered about the impact of your stories on others or how to reframe the stories you tell to yourself, give it a listen. See the show notes for a free PDF of story sparks to ignite your memories and share stories of your own with the next generation.
FREE “A Month of Memories” PDF
https://stevenjames.net/resources
Season 10 - Episode 15: Clay Stafford
My guest this week is bestselling, award-winning author, poet, screenwriter, and playwright Clay Stafford. With millions of books sold, he’s also the founder of the annual Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference. We talk crime writing, how improv can help authors, and how I almost ended up a prisoner of the infamous Ministry of Tolerance. Check it out!
Season 10 - Episode 14: Nat Cassidy
This week, horror author, actor, and playwright Nat Cassidy joins me to talk all things horror. You may have seen him playing a villain on the TV shows Quantico, FBI, or Law & Order: SVU, or read one of his acclaimed novels. Listen as he shares insights into why people love scary stories, what draws us in (and what drives us out), how they honor the human experience, and what Shakespeare has to do with horror. We also chat about his forthcoming collection of short stories, I KNOW A PLACE. If you’re a fan of horror, don’t miss this episode.