PODCAST

The Story Blender

WHERE GREAT STORYTELLERS SHARE THE SECRETS TO GREAT STORYTELLING. Hosted by Steven James.

arts books

All Episodes

00:46:49

Ep. 29-2025: Joe Hart

The Story Blender ·

2025/07/31

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

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00:43:50

Ep. 28-2025: Kerry Nietz

The Story Blender ·

2025/07/24

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

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00:56:31

Ep. 27-2025: Donald Maass

The Story Blender ·

2025/07/17

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

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00:51:41

Ep. 26-2025: Katia Lief

The Story Blender ·

2025/07/10

This week I was thrilled to welcome Katia Lief—acclaimed author and fiction instructor at The New School in Manhattan—onto The Story Blender. We discuss the strengths of the upcoming generation of storytellers (it might surprise you), the power of imagination, telling (and writing) authentic stories, writing activities that will help you improve your writing today, and her latest book WOMEN LIKE US. Ever wondered how to blend heart, suspense, and authenticity into a single storyline? Don’t miss this

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00:43:28

Ep. 25-2025: Julie Clark

The Story Blender ·

2025/07/03

On this week’s episode of The Story Blender, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Julie Clark, New York Times bestselling author of The Ones We Choose and The Ghostwriter. We talked about the importance of perseverance and resilience as you pursue your storytelling dreams, weaving secrets and reveals into your fiction, and her writing journey.If you’re a fan of thrillers with heart, or you’re curious about how Julie creates such compelling characters and impossible-to-put-down plots, this is one

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00:52:00

Ep. 24-2025: Catalina Margulis

The Story Blender ·

2025/06/26

This week I caught up with Catalina Margulis, a speaker, author, story coach, and journalist from Toronto, Canada. We discuss how much truth memoirs can (or should) contain, how to create believable characters, and why it’s important to get out of the way when you tell a story. We also examine the intersection of truth and storytelling, explore the craft of narrative nonfiction, and uncover what drives compelling stories.Give it a listen!

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00:48:16

Ep. 23-2025: Ewan Morrison

The Story Blender ·

2025/06/19

This week I caught up with one of Scotland’s premier authors and cultural commentators, Ewan Morrison. We explore the areas where technology and narrative meet and how they can help us examine what it means to be human. Why do we tell stories? Why are we even here? And, of course, is there such a thing as the Loch Ness Monster? (Yes, we even go there.) We also talk about Morrison’s latest thriller FOR EMMA. Check it out.

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00:44:42

Ep. 22-2025: Rob Hart

The Story Blender ·

2025/06/12

I sat down with Rob Hart, the critically acclaimed author of The Warehouse and The Medusa Protocol for a fast-paced and thought-provoking conversation about villains, twists, and how to create characters who are both deeply flawed and utterly compelling. We also discuss whether or not you can benefit from reading your reviews (both good and bad) and what kung fu movies and musicals have in common—and what storytellers can learn from them.Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

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00:46:55

Ep. 21 -2025: SA Barnes

The Story Blender ·

2025/06/05

S.A. BARNES works in a high school library by day, recommending reads, talking with students, and removing the occasional forgotten cheese-stick-as-bookmark. The author has published numerous novels across different genres, but Dead Silence is the first published as S. A. Barnes. Barnes lives in Illinois with more dogs and books than is advisable and a very patient spouse.

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00:42:39

Ep. 20-2025: Sandra J. Paul

The Story Blender ·

2025/05/29

This week, Belgium author and screenwriter Sandra J. Paul joins me to talk about crafting suspense, plot twists, and the art of keeping readers guessing. Known as “the queen of twists,” Sandra has written more than 30 novels, including several innovative flip books. Her novels are available all over the world. Tune in for an insightful and inspiring conversation. Listen now:

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00:42:39

Ep. 19-2025: Robert Walker

The Story Blender ·

2025/05/22

This week on The Story Blender, we’re diving into myth, adventure, and the power of storytelling with Robert A. Walker, author of the Seven Gods series. We explore his process of listening to characters—and what that even means—and responding to the story as it unfolds, providing an intimate look at their struggles and journeys. He also shares inside info about his latest book Two Crowns, Three Blades and a word of advice he would give to his younger self that might be good for all of us to listen

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00:43:09

Ep. 18 - 2025: Susan Walter

The Story Blender ·

2025/05/15

This week’s guest, Susan Walter, moved to Los Angeles after flubbing an interview to be a newscaster, hoping to work in film and television production. Upon realizing writers were having all the fun, Susan became a screenwriter, then a director. She made her directorial debut on "All I Wish" starring Sharon Stone, which she also wrote. Susan transitioned to writing novels during the pandemic so she could murder people without consequences. She has a new book called LETTERS FROM STRANGERS

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00:42:45

Ep. 16 -2025: Meg Serino

The Story Blender ·

2025/05/08

This week I talk with novelist Meg Serino about her new novel, ANNAPURNA. We explore the issues that fiction allows us to evaluate, the crossroads that we face, and the new insights that stories can bring us. We chat about the importance of forgiveness and grace, extending them toward yourself, and shaping stories that really enrich people on an emotional level. Check it out!

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00:44:56

Ep. 16 -2025:Friends and Fiction

The Story Blender ·

2025/05/01

This week I chat with the bestselling authors from the popular podcast, Friends & Fiction. We dive into their advice on what writers should focus and what to avoid, the advantages and drawbacks of stepping out on a limb, and lessons learned from unexpected places. We also talk about their books, their podcast, and how to connect with a community of 250,000 committed readers and writers. Check it out!

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00:50:24

Ep. 15 -2025:Samuel Marquis

The Story Blender ·

2025/04/24

Have you ever heard of the infamous pirates Captain Kidd and Blackbeard? Have you ever been interested in the golden age of pirates, privateers, and the truth behind the legends? This week, I interview Samuel Marquis, the author of the new book “Captain Kidd: A True Story of Treasure and Betrayal.” Marquis shares fascinating insights on pirates, storytelling, the way fiction wears with truth in legendary stories, and what it means to be “a villain all nations.” Check it out.

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00:53:59

Ep. 14 -2025: Michael Carson

The Story Blender ·

2025/04/17

This week I catch up with Michael Carson, the president of the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee—the site of the contemporary storytelling revival. We discuss the power of stories to bring joy, to bring healing, and to bring people together. We talk about the dance of audience and teller, how important it is to respond to your listeners even as you tell your story, and why there is no one right way to tell a story. Check it out and learn more about the International

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00:44:57

Ep. 13 -2025: Jaclyn Goldis

The Story Blender ·

2025/04/10

This week I chat with suspense author Jaclyn Goldis about her writing process, the importance of curiosity, plunging into reality through fiction, writing advice you’ve heard but should never follow, whether or not to write every day, what success as an author truly looks like (it might surprise you) and more. We also discuss her latest book, The Safari. Check it out!

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00:42:03

Ep. 12 -2025: Paulette Kennedy

The Story Blender ·

2025/04/03

Don’t miss this week’s episode of The Story Blender as I interview gothic novelist Paulette Kennedy. We talk about everything from cemetery rubbings to creating a sense of dread, to how much we love it when characters question their own sanity and travel on a journey of self-awareness through the narrative. What is it that makes a story gothic? How does isolation and self-questioning fit into that genre? You’ll also love her advice on what to do in regard to chasing your dreams.

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00:42:00

Ep. 11 -2025: David Newton

The Story Blender ·

2025/03/27

This week on The Story Blender I sit down with award-winning sports journalist David Newton to talk about when the rubber meets the fans at a NASCAR race, his work at ESPN, writing about Tiger Woods’ early career, and even Cam Newton’s outlandish style choices. From his decades of experience, David shares the importance of tapping into the human drama—including struggles and obstacles—no matter what type of story you might be writing or telling. Listen in for his unique advice on finding the story

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00:56:46

Ep. 10- 2025: Zack Davisson

The Story Blender ·

2025/03/13

My guest this week is an award-winning translator author and folklorist who's written extensively on Japanese ghost stories and supernatural stories from and has translated many tales from Japanese into English for the first time. He has also lectured on folklore and manga throughout the United States and Europe.

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