Shows
Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 69: Everyone Has Opinions, But Mine Are Always RightCreativity changes with media, and some media tells the story better than others. Do you have a favorite media for storytelling? Join Jared and Chris as they share their opinions and dive into the comparison between CGI and practical effects.
2025-11-2033 minCreator's Guild PodcastEpisode 68: Learning With Liz - Creating False TensionThere are literary methods for creating tension in your writing. Not all methods are the same but they all do the same thing: build the tension that make your readers turn the next page. But what happens when the tension falls off or doesn't end with the expected bang? Join Jared and Chris for another lesson with Liz as they discuss creating false tension.
2025-11-1350 minCreator's Guild PodcastEpisode 67: Learning With Liz - Character Driven vs Plot DrivenWhen you tell stories, are they character driven or plot driven? Do you know the difference? It might surpris you what the differences actually are. Join Jared and Chris as they sit down, once again, with the amazing Liz Verity to compare and contrast these plot movement types.
2025-11-061h 08Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 66: It's Sneak Peak Time!!As conflict rages, Captain Ethran's normally fawless strategy is not working, and House Umari is paying the price. But what, or who, is causing his plans to fail? Join Jared and Chris as they offer a sneak peak into To Bind With Blood; book 2 of the Chronicles of Duradim.
2025-10-2947 minCreator's Guild PodcastEpisode 65: A Trip Down Movie Nostalgia RoadIt's 1986. What movie are you watching? So many classics in a single year. How does it stack up to today? Join Jared and Chris as they walk down memory lane.
2025-10-231h 05Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 64: Yes, AndIt's time for some improve! Join Jared and Chris as they take a prompt and generate the backbone of a story. Can you do the same? Come along for the ride, then see what you can come up with.
2025-10-1548 minCreator's Guild PodcastEpisode 63: Learning With Liz - An Author's FeedbackHow do you give feedback? What about receiving feedback? Can we simply avoid giving or receiving feedback because we're just that excellent at everything? Join Jared and Chris as they sit down with Liz to talk about what it's like to be on the receiving end and how both writers and readers can learn from each other.
2025-10-081h 21Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 62: Time For ExtremiconSo much time, so little to do. Strike that. Reverse it. From authors to 3D printers; from crocheting to acting...it's all at Tremendicon. Join Jared and Chris as they sit down with awesome creators. Then go check them out: https://www.richardwgoldsmith.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwiTMwuaY2SPVE3ShxZ8aMQ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Yl-BJYWE9tsdjltOlXBnQ https://www.facebook.com/p/Nocturnal-Nerd-Creations-61553000686284/ https://www.facebook.com/RichardBeauchampOfficial/about https://www.knotengineering.com/ https://wolfaeworks.com/ htt...
2025-10-031h 12Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 61: Voo Doo and Portal FantasiesIt's another visit with authors at the Farmers Market. This time Jared and Chris dive in with Ed Lee and A. M. Aurelia to explore worlds filled with Voo Doo magic, and escape with characters through a portal into alternat universes. Never mind the rain. The mail man ain't got nothing on us!
2025-09-2549 minCreator's Guild PodcastEpisode 60: It's All Fun and GamesHave you ever played any of the versions of Munchkin? If not, you better take a chance on the fun. That's what Jared and his son tried, and they had to learn how to lose...to Chris. Join Jared and Chris as they go on a rambling walk discussing the fun and inspiration that comes with game play.
2025-09-1859 minCreator's Guild PodcastEpisode 57: Learning With Liz - Last Lines - How To Hit The EndingFirst lines are important and all, but what about your last line? How do you leave your readers aching for more? Join Jared and Chris as they sit down for another great discussion with the amazing Liz Verity.
2025-09-181h 30Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 59: Talking AI With Miller ThomasEver wondered how a simple chat about AI can turn into a wild ride through creativity, tech, and the future? This week, Jared and Chris go down the rabbit hole with Miller Thomas to explore the crazy potential of AI, from revolutionizing storytelling to sparking bold new ideas.
2025-09-111h 06Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 58: A Trip To The Farmers Market - Round 2Back at the farmers' market with more great authors. Some farmers need to come on here and talk about how creativity works with plants and animals, or maybe creatively repairing a tractor. And that's not being facetious... necessity is the mother of invention and there are some really inventive people who come up with great solutions. Anywho, join Jared and Chris as they sit down with more great authors sharing their stories at the Greater Springfield Farmers' Market.
2025-08-211h 06Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 56: Learning With Liz - Timing And TensionTo everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. In storytelling, that includes time for tension. So how do you figure out when tension should arise, when it should increase, or when new tension should be introduced to help carry your story. Join Jared and Chris as they sit down with the amazing Liz Verity for another round of learning.
2025-07-311h 14Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 55: A Trip To The Farmers MarketThere are great people at farmers markets, and this market includes local authors. Join Jared and Chris as they sit down and have a conversation with some great writers from the Springfield Writers' Guild. C.A. Simonson writes inspirational family fiction about children in distress. Coming of age, dysfunctional families, abandonment, and abuse, combined with drama, romance, mystery, and adventure, wrapped up with an inspirational bow. https://casimonson.com Teresa Wilson is a Romance and Poetry author with her new book coming out soon. David C. Reed is a veteran and retired criminal...
2025-07-251h 41Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 54: Cozy Murders - A Visit With Susan KeeneHave you ever thought about murdering someone, but in a friendly sort of way so people find it entertaining or amusing? Well, Susan Keene has books that will be right up your alley. Join Jared and Chris as they sit down and talk all things murder, mystery, mayhem, and baking with a prolific Cozy Mystery author as she shares her writing journey and gives us insights into what she has planned for her future endeavors.
2025-07-171h 24Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 53: Toothpaste Engineers And Metal DetectorsHow does a conversation jump from metal detecting to toothpaste to strawberry flavoring? Well, you're about to find out. Jared is out this week, so jump into a crazy conversation as Chris is joined, once again, by Caleb, but this time there's no supervision!
2025-07-031h 22Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 52: Learning With Liz - Plot Twists vs Plot RevealsBro! Do you even plot? Do you know a plot twist when you see one? One about a plot reveal? Hey, those sound like the same thing, right? Well, they are actually different aspects of plot creation. "But how do they differ?" one might ask, and we're so very glad you did. Join Jared and Chris as they sit down, once again, with the talented Liz Verity to discuss these important plot devices and how you can be a better writer if you understand the difference.
2025-06-261h 07Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 51: Know The Rules Before You Break ThemIs wrestling real? Maybe. But one thing's for sure: wresters are incredible athletes and have to be masters at their craft to pull off the feats they do in the ring. If you want to create great things, you have to work on becoming great and honing your skills, you also have to learn all the rules that make what you're doing good. Once you understand the rules and you've mastered them, then you can figure out how to break them to create masterpieces that are uniquely yours. Join Jared and Chris as they discuss with Caleb what it...
2025-05-1552 minCreator's Guild PodcastEpisode 50: Learning With Liz - Diversity Of CharactersDo you know how to make your characters jump off the page with their own unique personalities? The world you create needs characters, and those characters must have...character! Join Jared and Chris as they chat with Liz about the importance of giving your characters the diverse personalities that will make them each unique and make your readers fall in love.
2025-05-081h 14Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 49: A Chat With LynnMore stories after Duncan the Dragon? Absolutely! Author Lynn Combs is back and she is going strong. Join Jared and Chris as they talk about new children stories in the works, progress on on Avalina's tale, and upcoming events with Lynn. And, as always, travel with them down the warrens and ways that twist and turn in unimaginable directions.
2025-04-301h 15Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 48: Preaching and Monologues and Diatribes, Oh my!We all have things we're passionate about. Ideas. Moral quandries. Philosophical perspectives. When it comes to story telling, remember: It's about the story. Join Jared and Chris as they talk about the pitfalls of monologuing and embedding your world views into the stories you tell. What does that do to readers? How can you avoid falling into the trap? Good writers will invite everyone to read, regardless of the perspectives the author wants to share.
2025-04-241h 07Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 47: Caleb's Turn To WriteHave you tried wring and just can't get the story out of your brain fast enough? Caleb has been there, tried that, and that was enough. For now, he won't be a writer. Join Jared and Chris as they have another discussion with Caleb and dive into his thoughts and challenges around writing a story.
2025-04-1759 minCreator's Guild PodcastEpisode 46: Learning With Liz - Story StakesSteaks... no, stakes! What kind of stakes does your story have? Steaks or stakes? Or, maybe a little bit of both? Stories need stakes, and if your story already has stakes, maybe it needs higher stakes. Join Jared and Chris in another episode with Liz Verity as they talk about the importance of story stakes.
2025-04-101h 19Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 45: Extras!!Sometimes things don't make it into a book, and sometimes those things are still fun to hear, read, or discover. There are plenty of parts that got cut from A Flight From Shadows, and there will be cuts from future books, too. But sometimes readers get a glimpse at those parts that didn't make the final cut. Join Jared and Chris as they share a lost piece of book 1 that sheds some additional light on characters who show their faces to the world of Duradim.
2025-04-0351 minCreator's Guild PodcastEpisode 44: Children's Lit and NostalgiaDr. Seuss Else Holmelund Minarik Gary Paulsen Roald Dahl Lynn Combs Children's books really can reach from the past and pull in memories. What were the stories that you grew up on that forever shaped you and still inspire you today? Join Jared and Chris as they discuss children's literature, some of the challenges you'll face if you want to get published, and stories Chris hopes to turn into children's books of his own.
2025-03-271h 04Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 43: Learning With Liz - Hypnotizing ReadersNo pocket watches. No couches. No therapists. (Especially not the ones Sean Connery refers to on Celebrity Jeopardy) Just you, and the elements you need to pull your readers in and immerse them in your world. So how do you do it? Join Jared and Chris for another awesome discussion with Liz Verity as they dive into the strategies that can make your readers think they are chickens....that is, fall in love with your world.
2025-03-201h 07Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 42: Web Comics, Lemons, Cannibalism...I lost my train of thoughtThere are so many interesting ideas to pursue in the creative world, especially if you study art, which is just what Anja (Jared's daughter) has done. Join Jared and Chris as they talk about a degree in fine arts emphasizing entertainment with Anja. The discussion goes off the rails in so many directions - from lemons, to cannibalism, mayhem laws, and murder, all while trying to explore education in art and entertainment!
2025-03-131h 38Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 41: Analyzing TethIt's time for another personality test. This time it's Teth under the microscope. Join Jared and Chris as they do a deep dive on the personality of a crazy, torturous killer. Spoiler: it doesn't go as expected.
2025-03-051h 08Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 40: Crafting Worlds That SingChris had the privilege of presenting to the Springfield Writers' Guild on the topic of Worldbuilding. It was a fun experience with lots of participation by attendees. In fact, it was so fun, he wanted to share it with everyone! Join Jared and Chris as they discuss principles of worldbuilding and offer insights to help you create worlds that sing!
2025-02-261h 16Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 39: Learning With Liz - Log Lines and Tag LinesLog lines and tag lines and bears, oh my! If the Wicked Witch of Writer's Block is keeping you from following the Yellow Brick Road of storytelling, then perhaps a log line is the Good Witch you need to help you reach the Emerald City. Join Jared and Chris in another deep dive with Liz as they discuss the difference between tag lines and log lines and explore how they can help you improve your storytelling.
2025-02-121h 14Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 38: A Personality Test For To'AraWell...if you wondered how taking a personality test on behalf of one of your characters, wonder no longer. Join Jared and Chris as they explore To'Ara's character traits and determine just how accurate they are in their assessment of who she is.
2025-02-061h 04Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 37: Are Your Characters Really Just You?Have you ever thought about writing an autobiography? If you have, would it include dragons, or magic, or maybe even murder? If you're writing a story, whether it be high fantasy, or cozy mystery, perhaps your autobiography is being written through the eyes and experiences of your characters. Join Jared and Chris as they discuss how much we, as writers, interject pieces of ourselves into the stories we tell.
2025-01-3157 minCreator's Guild PodcastEpisode 36: Lynn Combs - Duncan the DragonHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYY KIIIIIDS!!!!! If you love dragons, and you love picture books, and you love fire, then author Lynn Combs has a book coming out that is right up your alley. Lynn Combs is a fantasy author who wants to share her love of dragons and all things fantasy with up-and-coming readers. Join Jared and Chris as they discuss the new children's book "Duncan the Dragon finds his Fire" coming out on February 13th.
2025-01-221h 25Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 35: Learning With Liz - Creating Engaging CharactersWhat does it take to create engaging characters? Are there any methods or metrics you can measure against to determine just how engaging your characters really are? The answer is: yes! And Liz Verity is here to tell us how to use some helpful devices to create characters that readers will love, or love to hate! Join Jared and Chris as they take some of their characters through Liz's exercise to determine whether their characters measure up!
2025-01-151h 25Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 34: All The ThingsAdam and Jackie are back in town! Actually, Jared and Chris are out of town and recording from a hotel. Whatever! It's another episode with Adam and Jackie reviewing all the things in book one. Dive in for another discussion with Jared and Chris as they discuss book one and look ahead to book two and many more to come.
2025-01-081h 11Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 33: Merry Christmas and Happy Epilogue!We have reached the end! Not of the story, but of book one and 2024. Join Jared and Chris for the last episode of the year as they wrap up A Flight From Shadows and look forward to plans in 2025. Thank you for riding along thus far. Have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!
2024-12-2658 minCreator's Guild PodcastEpisode 32: Do you like herbs in your stew?What flavor stories do you like? What seasonings do you prefer? Do you like subtle hints of things to come? Or do you prefer to be overwhelmed by wave after wave of new and exotic flavors? Do you fall in the savory or sweet camp, enjoying rich undertones, or is your pallet more attuned to honeyed, sugary treats? Yes, we're still talking about writing. But authors dabble in different flavors, telling tales as varied as there are recipes. So where do you fall, and what is it that you enjoy most-what...
2024-12-191h 20Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 31: Learning With Liz - Character ArcsWere all the animals on Noah's Arc real characters? If so, would that be considered the biggest character arc ever? Food for thought... Liz Verity has some insights into how to make a good character arc and the challenges in writing them. Join Jared and Chris as they sit down for another episode of Learning with Liz and do a deep dive into the creative process of making good characters.
2024-12-121h 22Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 30: That Really Grinds My GearsCaleb is back and he agrees with Jared and Chris: there are some things in stories that just grind my gears! Annoying characters. Frustrating tropes. Unrealistic processes. Just some things that creators could avoid to make story telling better, right? Well, maybe they don't grind your gears, but for some people, the little annoyances really impact the story. Join Jared and Chris as they hash it out with Caleb on this all-over-the-place episode.
2024-12-041h 16Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 29: Food Glorious Food!Food is the best!! Unless it's garbage food. Then it's debatable. What about when it comes to writing about food? Do you like hearing about food in stories? Does it enhance the tale if you get to experience new dishes, or some of your favorite foods, through the eyes of a character? Join Jared and Chris as they dive into a discussion about getting creative with food and creative with writing about food.
2024-11-271h 09Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 28: Take out the papers and the rehash!Don't you love it when you get told the same thing over and over and over and over and over and over..... No? Didn't think so. Join Jared and Chris as they discuss storytelling and some of the things they like and dislike that authors do. They will share their thoughts on character perspective, keeping in a character's view, and why NOT to rehash the same information you've already shared with your readers.
2024-11-201h 06Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 27: Learning With Liz - Story Structure vs PlotDo you know what a plot is? What bout story structure? Do you know the difference? How do you know which is which and where to focus in your writing? Liz Verity is here with all the answers to your writing questions. Join Jared and Chris as they do another deep dive with Liz into the writing process and the areas of focus that will improve your writing skills.
2024-11-151h 13Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 26: A Roundtable Discussion With Friends"That's so hilarious!" is not typically a response you'll hear from someone who just watched Schindler's List. But why is that the case? Does humor belong in serious stories? How far can the boundaries be pushed before it becomes inappropriate? And would making it more inappropriate increase your desire to read or watch? Join Jared and Chris as they sit down with Lynn Combs and Miller Thomas to discuss the idea of where humor does and doesn't belong, and why.
2024-11-061h 39Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 25: Fantasies, Dragons and a Chat With Lynn CombsFrom cozy mysteries, to children's stories; dragons to detectives, author Lymm Combs spins tales across genres, bringing worlds and characters to life. Lynn is part of the Springfield writers' guild and is part of multiple writing groups, dipping her quill into various inkwells. Her mystery short story can be found in the sleuth story anthology "A Pathway To Mystery". Her modern fantasy "The Forgotten Series" is well underway, and just around the corner is the "Knight-N-Gale Mysteries". Her newest project is a children's book about a delightful dragon who finally finds his fire!
2024-10-301h 13Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 24: Updates and Characters with Miller ThomasDo creators love their own stories and characters? How can you tell? Over the years are there stories you've loved in the beginning only to find that the depth changed when it became popular? Are there characters you felt that the author betrayed? Join Jared and Chris as they converse with Miller Thomas. Find out what he's up to these days and hear his thoughts on where story tellers go wrong and how modern story telling might be slipping a bit in meeting our expectations.
2024-10-231h 11Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 23: Learning With Liz - Try/Fail CyclesNever try, never fail! No, that's not what we are talking about. What does it mean, then, you ask? Well, when a mommy try loves a daddy fail, they get together and... Oh, wait, that's not how that works at all. If you're a writer, you need to understand try/fail cycles. While this may, indeed, relate to the romance novel you're writing, the try/fail cycle is a concept that applies to nearly any genre. Join Jared and Chris as they sit down with Liz Verity for another...
2024-10-161h 22Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 22: A Conversation with Malcolm TannerMURDER! DECEPTION! SINISTER GOINGS ON! Detectives Hayes and Braxton are on the case. Malcolm Tanner is an award-winning thriller author. He has written multiple series and even branched out into the horror genre. Join Jared and Chris as they discuss thriller series with Malcolm and his newest books coming out later this year.
2024-10-091h 06Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 21: ExtremiconExtremicon, where CosPlay is the name of the game. Jared and Chris are at another con, and they made some new friends. From new readers who are excited to discover their world, to other creators who write, paint, and make lots of other cool stuff. Even kids like hanging out with them. (For real. There's an actual kid who spent most of the con hanging out at their booth and eating their candy.) Join the authors as they return, once again, to a world of creativity in St. Robert, Missouri.
2024-10-021h 06Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 20: How Deep Should You Build A World?Jared and Chris are back again, this time to talk about world building. From "The Big Oyster" to "The Wheel of Time" the question arises: How deep should you go in world building? It's a common question that nearly all authors must ask themselves...and then come up with an answer that will please everyone, because everyone has a freakin opinion about world building... Just do what you want...the world is your oyster! Join Jared and Chris as they discuss their own world building experience and share their insights and...
2024-09-281h 04Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 19: Push Pull Twist Blow! (We're talking about glass)Eleven-Hundred-degree glass is the same color as room temperature glass, and that can be dangerous! Glassblower, creator, and owner of the Laughing Dragon, Trent Mall talks about his past in creative endeavors and how he got into glass blowing. He shares some of his techniques and why glass blowing has become an integral part of his life. Join Jared and Chris as they dive into the world of glass blowing and experience the magic of shaping glass into creative works of art.
2024-09-181h 30Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 18: Learning with Liz - Character EmotionsDo you ever feel sad? Do you ever feel angry? What about suspicious? Awkward? Adrontis? We all feel emotions at times, but how do you show those emotions in your writing without being cliche or over explaining (telling rather than showing)? Today, Liz Verity returns to share her insights with Jared and Chris on how to do this, and why it can be so dang hard sometimes. If you're a writer, you won't want to miss this lesson on character emotions. If you're a reader, you'll get a glimpse b...
2024-09-111h 14Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 17: A Talk with Glub GlubHe's back again to share his insights and wisdom with adoring fans! Jared and Chris return to have another discussion with Caleb...or as he will henceforth be known...Glub Glub. Thoughts run deep into the realm of moral relativism in stories. How do writers and creators determine the morals of the worlds they create? Do the morals and traditions of fantasy reflect some portion of the creator's psyche? Also...WoT the tv series is garbage!! Join in the fun as all things creative are on the table in this new e...
2024-09-041h 11Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 16: The Power of ProcrastinationDo you put things off till the last minute? Believe it or not, so did some very famous creative geniuses. You're not distracted, or lazy, or unmotivated, you're just a super creative person. Maybe even a savant. It just takes the pressure of the last minute for your genius to express itself. At least, that's what we're going with... Join Jared and Chris as they dive into some of the psychology behind procrastination and consider whether those tasks that are put off till the last minute just might be some of the best...
2024-08-281h 08Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 15: Liz Verity and Epic FantasyWhat is your favorite epic fantasy? (Hopefully the answer is the Chronicles of Duradim...) On this episode Jared and Chris sit down with content editor and epic fantasy writer, Liz Verity. The genre is not for the faint of heart. Thousands of pages, hundreds of thousands of words...in the words of the grandpa from The Princess Bride: "Are you kidding? Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles..." Who wouldn't love all that, right? Now, imagine the work that goes into creating, writing, editing, and producing the...
2024-08-211h 12Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 14: The Creator's Catch-22Have you worked to perfect your creativity, only to feel like it isn't where you want it to be? We've all been there. It's a dilemma we all face, that fight between perfection and good enough. So, how do you face it? Join Jared and Chris as they discuss this conundrum and how they've reconciled the fact that they're still learning, with the desire to put the best work they can out in front of the world. Oh, and they also talk about cartoons! From Disney to Batman to Sponge Bob...
2024-08-141h 07Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 13: Go for the GuildWith the summer Olympics in full swing, Jared and Chris decided that going for the Guild was the right move…The Springfield Writers' Guild that is… There are lots of creative people out there and it's a rewarding experience to rub elbows with them and share in the creative works they produce. The Guild members come from varied backgrounds and ages and enjoy different styles and genres of both reading and writing. On this episode some of those authors are introduced along with the works they've created. Dive in with Jared and Chris as t...
2024-08-0756 minCreator's Guild PodcastEpisode 12: Supersonic Blowgun? What?You've heard the phrase "Hold my beer", right? Sometimes you have to put your crazy ideas into action and see what your creative skills can accomplish. In this episode Jared and Chris talk about some crazy experiments they've done just for fun. You never know when something fun or cool will happen, even if it borders on dangerous or ridiculous. You'll get to hear some singing, too! But don't worry, no one puts a lampshade on their head. It's all good, clean fun in this episode as the discussion travels down s...
2024-07-3156 minCreator's Guild PodcastEpisode 11: How Do We Riff?How do you come up with your stories and creative projects? Does it strike you like lightning with all the details suddenly embedded in your brain and your only task is to get everything on paper before the inspiration is gone? Or do you get little flashes of light, like the short burst of electricity in an electric fence, and you have to piece them together to build your creation over time? Today Jared and Chris dive into a short story submitted for a writing competition and share how the idea came about. Dive in with them...
2024-07-241h 00Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 10: Dark Fantasy and HorrorWhat do you think of Dark Fantasy and Horror? Art Breach is a Dark Fantasy and Horror reader and author. He joins Jared and Chris to talk about the differences in Fantasy and Dark Fantasy and why some authors delve into the darker side of story telling. He has written some of his own stories and is in the process of creating more. So why does he write and read this darker side? And what is it in these sub-genres that might tickle your fancy and entice you to delve into new, and sometimes uncomfortable...
2024-07-171h 19Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 9: Guest Timothy McGowen This is a special episode with guest author Timothy McGowen! Timothy is a prolific writer with 4 series and 21 published books under his belt. Creating mostly in the world of LitRPG he builds worlds with magical systems that center around character development and adventuring. In this episode Timothy shares the newest release, and the last book in his Order and Chaos series: Arcane Knight book 6. Available in early August, Arcane Knight book 6 will conclude the adventure of Caldor. He has grown in power and has had the reponsibility of the world's fate thrust upon h...
2024-07-101h 08Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 8: Tremendicon TREMENDICON! After attending their first Con, Jared and Chris are here to talk about the experience. Tremendicon is a creative Con focussed on Education, Inspiration, Encouragement, Collaboration, and Charity. Creators from all around the region met in Springfield, MO to connect and share their talents with the world. This was a new experience for both Jared and Chris as neither had attended a Con before; neither as a vendor or a visitor. But new experiences are part of life, so they dove in and had a great time connecting with amazing creators.
2024-07-101h 02Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 7: Nepotism and World Names Jared and Chris are back again, this time with Jared's brother and sister-in-law. Adam and Jackie have been involved in the creation of Duradim, the characters, and the plot from the very beginning. They've spent hours listening and reporting back as the story line progressed. They drive up for a visit occasionally, and they've spent many of the seven-hour trips in deep discussion with the authors asking them questions and helping them work through issues. While they like spoilers, you may not, so there aren't any spoilers in this episode. But Adam and Jac...
2024-07-031h 08Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 6: Creativity Runs In The FamilyJared Lovelady and Chris Howald return for another discussion, this time joined by Chris's brother, Caleb. The writer's have gotten a lot of feedback on the book from Caleb, so if there are mistakes, they're likely Caleb's fault! They discuss likes and dislikes and get into some of the skills Caleb has developed over the years, including his leatherwork. For those who have seen them, Caleb is the designer and creator of the leather and wood bookmarks that go along with the Chronicles of Duradim series. He's also working on leather book covers and perfecting t...
2024-06-261h 17Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 5: Sometimes Life Gets In The Way of Creating A WorldWelcome back to the Creator's Guild featuring Christopher Howald and Jared Lovelady! In this episode Chris and Jared discuss what they enjoy and struggle with when reading other authors and how they're learning to avoid some of those pitfalls in their own story telling. Even the most well-belove story tellers have ideas or tropes that some people don't enjoy. To each their own. But the good thing about creating your own story: you get to do what you want... As creators, there are also the every day challenges that come along. If you're going to...
2024-06-1959 minCreator's Guild PodcastEpisode 4: Inside the Writing Process of A TrilogyEmbark on a captivating exploration of the creative process with Christopher Howald and Jared Lovelady in this illuminating podcast episode. Delve into the genesis of their remarkable journey, from the inception of their first book to its evolution into a captivating trilogy. Through candid conversation, Howald and Lovelady unveil the pivotal role of financial support in transforming creative aspirations into tangible realities, offering indispensable advice for aspiring authors and creatives alike. Join them as they peel back the layers of their writing process, revealing the unconventional tactics they employ to overcome creative hurdles. From retreating to t...
2024-06-1254 minCreator's Guild PodcastEpisode 2: What Storytelling Techniques Work Best To Create A Character-Driven Story? Featuring Miller Thomas! What storytelling techniques are the best if you want to create a character driven story? Welcome to our podcast featuring Christopher Howald, Jared Lovelady, and their special guest, Miller Thomas! Welcome to our podcast featuring Christopher Howald, Jared Lovelady, and their special guest, Miller Thomas! In this gripping discussion, Miller Thomas takes us behind the scenes of his dark fantasy books, "Wolf Hunter Inquisition: The Freeing of Chiropteran" and "What Lies Beneath Peaceful Valley." Delving into his unique writing process, Miller shares insights into his use of character perspectives and first-person narrative to create impactful storytelling experiences...
2024-06-101h 14Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 3: How To Write A Book With A Co-AuthorHave you ever wondered about how to write a book with a co-author? Welcome to our podcast featuring Christopher Howald and Jared Lovelady! In this episode, Christopher and Jared offer a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of their collaborative writing process for their fantasy trilogy. They provide insights into the meticulous mapping of chapters and ensure the seamless integration of their individual contributions into the overarching narrative. Delving deeper, they discuss the evolution of their writing dynamic, recounting how they initially divided chapters when writing but transitioned to a more integrated approach, writing together in a s...
2024-06-101h 03Creator's Guild PodcastEpisode 1: Turning A Star Wars Fan Fiction Book Idea Into Our Own Epic World How did Chris and Jared turn a Star Wars fan fiction book idea into their own epic fantasy world? Welcome to our podcast featuring Christopher Howald and Jared Lovelady! Join us as we embark on a fascinating journey into the creation of their debut book and the evolution of its storyline. In this enlightening conversation, Christopher and Jared share insights into the genesis of their fantasy book trilogy, tracing its roots back to a Star Wars fan fiction project that took on a life of its own. Delving into the intricacies of character development, they discuss the selection process...
2024-06-0849 min