This week on The Story Blender, I spoke with award-winning, bestselling author Joe Hart about what drives a story forward—especially if it tapes into mystery or suspense. What are the dynamics that shape those two things? How are they related to each other? We explored the dark corners of psychological suspense and how to craft twists that truly land as we chatted about his latest novel, I BECOME HER.

If you enjoy stories that challenge your assumptions and keep you guessing, you won’t want to miss this one.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts—and let us know: what’s a twist that genuinely surprised you?

This week I had the chance to chat with author Kerry Nietz—yes, the mind behind the novel Amish Vampires in Space. We talked about where the idea came from, what it means to write organically, and why the slow-and-steady approach can be just as powerful as writing in bursts of inspiration.

We also explored a few creatures we wish were real, and the joy of discovering a story as it unfolds. Kerry’s creative journey is unique, thoughtful, and a reminder that there’s no one “right” way to tell a great story.

Listen in wherever you get your podcasts. I think you’ll enjoy this one.

This week on The Story Blender, I’m joined by literary agent and bestselling author Donald Maass, recorded live at the Advanced Fiction Intensive in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Donald co-hosted the event with me, and we captured a special Q&A with questions from the writers in attendance.

We talked about how to build powerful stories without getting in your own way, how to write with authority, why tension drives everything, and what it takes to create fiction that truly resonates.

If you’ve ever wanted to sit in on a candid conversation with one of the most insightful voices in publishing, this is your chance.

Tune in wherever you get your podcasts, and let us know—what’s one thing that helps you stay out of your own way when you write?