In this episode of Geek Freaks, Frank chats with Braxton Cosby, the prolific author behind Broken and the Young Hellions series. Braxton shares the inspiration behind his dystopian world, where nuclear fallout reshapes humanity, slavery resurfaces as a currency, and a teenage girl fights to protect her younger brother. He also dives into his hybrid publishing approach, blending novels, comics, and graphic novels to create immersive storytelling experiences. Plus, hear about his passion for science fiction, resilience in storytelling, and world-building techniques.
If you love sci-fi, dystopian adventures, and dynamic storytelling, this episode is for you!
- 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Braxton Cosby and his literary universe
- 00:01 – The world of Broken: A dystopian survival story
- 00:04 – Why choose novels over comics? The evolution of storytelling
- 00:06 – Building a hybrid publisher: Mixing books, comics, and graphic novels
- 00:10 – Mental health, survival, and identity in young adult fiction
- 00:12 – The impact of removing technology in dystopian settings
- 00:14 – Braxton’s term “Sci-fans”: The fusion of sci-fi and romance
- 00:17 – The challenge of writing comics vs. novels
- 00:19 – World-building first or character first? Braxton’s creative approach
- 00:21 – Where does Broken go next? Novella plans and future storytelling
- 00:23 – Braxton’s background in STEM, health, and education and its influence on writing
- 00:25 – Rapid-fire questions: Favorite superheroes, books, and dream team-ups
- 00:26 – Where to find Braxton Cosby online
- The world of Broken: A post-apocalyptic society where nuclear fallout creates new threats, including enslaved survivors, monstrous mutations, and ESP-enhanced “Alphas.”
- Hybrid publishing: Braxton merges novels, comics, and graphic novels to offer layered storytelling.
- Mental health & resilience: His protagonist, Keisha, faces immense struggles, reflecting real-world challenges for young adults.
- Sci-Fi and Romance blend seamlessly: Braxton coins the term "Sci-fans" to describe his blend of science fiction and romance.
- Writing comics vs. novels: Comics require tight scripting, while novels allow deep exploration of emotions and world-building.
- World-building matters: Braxton builds worlds first, then develops characters to fit within them.
- STEM influence: His background in science and education sharpens his storytelling, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.
📖 "My goal is always to make my next book my favorite. You have to write from the heart, from the soul." – Braxton Cosby
💡 "Every page counts. In comics, you’re the director, producer, and cinematographer all in one." – Braxton Cosby
🔥 "Justice League all the way! I grew up on DC, and I’d love to see Keisha mentored by Wonder Woman." – Braxton Cosby
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🛍️ Grab a copy of Broken and explore Braxton’s other works at Cosby Media Productions
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Science Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Young Adult Books, Comics, Hybrid Publishing, Mental Health in YA, World-Building, Writing Comics, Geek Culture, Superheroes, Sci-Fi Romance