In this episode, I'm joined by Tim Cummings—award-winning author, actor, and creative powerhouse—whose work bridges storytelling, performance, and imagination in extraordinary ways. Tim is the author of the newly released young adult novel The Lightning People Play (Black Rose Writing), as well as Alice the Cat (Fitzroy Books), which was named an American Book Awards Finalist and received multiple national literary honors.
With an MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University Los Angeles and a BFA from NYU/Tisch School of the Arts, Tim brings decades of experience across theater, film, television, voice-over, and writing. His work has appeared in numerous literary journals, and his award-winning essay, You Have Changed Me Forever, highlights his gift for weaving vulnerability with creativity.
Beyond the page and stage, Tim is a self-proclaimed octopus and spider enthusiast, a collector of rare treasures like first-edition novels and vintage vinyl, and a master in the kitchen known for his unforgettable chili and lasagna. He also teaches writing at the UCLA Extension Writers' Program, where he inspires the next generation of storytellers.
Join us as Tim shares his journey as a writer, his love for storytelling, and the passions that fuel his creative life.
Episode Highlights
Tim Cummings author interview
The Lightning People Play book
Alice the Cat novel awards
Young adult fiction 2025
American Book Awards finalist authors
Feathered Quill Book Awards winners
National Indie Excellence Awards YA fiction
Independent Author Network Book of the Year finalist
Creative writing tips for young adults
YA fiction podcast interviews
NYU Tisch alumni authors
UCLA Extension Writers' Program teachers
Octopus and spider enthusiasts in literature
Best YA books 2025
Storytelling and creativity in writing
The Rise of Young Adult Fantasy & Speculative Fiction
Multi-Hyphenate Creatives
Award-Winning Indie Authors
The Role of MFA Programs in Shaping Writers
Literature and Mental Health
Author Lifestyle Content
Young Adult Books in 2025
Teaching Writing in the Digital Age
Creativity Beyond Boundaries
Celebrating Quirky Passions in Art
Know Tim Cummings
Website
https://www.timcummings.ink/copy-of-the-lightning-people-play
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