Melissa Gramling Interview: MM Romance Reviews, Narrators & Community

From Danish Dad to Dragon Master: Lars Machmüller on LitRPG Success

In this episode, we sit down with Lars Machmüller — Danish author, family man, and one of LitRPG’s most creative voices. From writing quirky bards who solve problems with music and wits to reincarnated dragons conquering the world and high-stakes card-deck battles, Lars has carved out a unique space in the genre with humor, heart, and smart game systems. We dive into his journey from part-time writer to full-time author, the challenges and joys of the World of Chains series (The Wayward Bard), the epic conclusion of the Dragon Core Chronicles, and his newest series Theft of Decks. Lars shares what it takes to build memorable characters, fresh mechanics, and stories that stand out in a crowded genre, plus practical advice for aspiring writers and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories. Whether you’re a longtime LitRPG fan or new to the genre, this conversation is packed with insight, laughs, and inspiration. Go check out his website here: https://larsm-writes.com [https://larsm-writes.com] His Patreon is here: https://www.patreon.com/Moulder666 [https://www.patreon.com/Moulder666] Also join his Discord server here: https://discord.gg/z6S8RbKmT [https://discord.gg/z6S8RbKmT] You can also join my Discord server here: https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc [https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc] #LitRPG #GameLit #LarsMachmuller #DragonCore #TheWaywardBard #TheftOfDecks #LitRPGAuthor #FantasyBooks #Isekai #ProgressionFantasy #Audiobooks #IndieAuthor #podcast #idiosyncraticfables #wildernessfireproductions

From Circuit Boards to Character Voices: Gary Bennett

What happens when a successful electrical engineer walks away from circuit boards and business ownership to chase a passion for storytelling? You get one of the most versatile and compelling voices in audiobooks today. In this episode, I sit down with award-winning, SOVAS-nominated SAG-AFTRA narrator Gary Bennett. With over 270 audiobooks narrated for major publishers including Blackstone, Macmillan, Penguin Random House, and more, Gary has brought to life spies, wizards, vampires, trolls, conflicted heroes, and villains across thrillers, fantasy, sci-fi, mysteries, and historical fiction. Gary shares his remarkable career pivot, the meticulous craft of professional narration — from prepping a book and building distinct character voices (including British, Scottish, Italian, and Eastern European accents) to protecting vocal health during marathon recording sessions. We also explore the booming audiobook industry, the impact of AI, advice for aspiring narrators, and what it really takes to succeed behind the mic. Whether you’re an audiobook lover, aspiring voice actor, or someone who appreciates inspiring second-act stories, this conversation is packed with insight, warmth, and plenty of “how does he do that?” moments. Tune in to discover how Gary Bennett went from engineering to voicing entire worlds — one character at a time. Check out his website here: https://www.garybennettreads.com [https://www.garybennettreads.com] Are you an aspiring narrator? Click here: https://www.narratorsroadmap.com [https://www.narratorsroadmap.com] Join my Discord community here: https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc [https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc]   #GaryBennett #AudiobookNarrator #VoiceActor #Audiobooks #BehindTheMic #NarrationCraft #SecondAct #CareerPivot #SOVAS #SAGAFTRA #AudiobookLovers #VoiceActing #Bookstagram #FantasyNarrator #ThrillerNarrator #PodcastInterview #Storytelling #AccentsAndVoices #AudiobookCommunity #ListenNow

Always Rolls a One: From Tabletop to LitRPG Legion Life

Join us for an epic deep dive with Erick Thiemke, better known as AlwaysRollsAOne, the author of the hit military LitRPG series A Soldier’s Life! In this episode, Erick shares how his lifelong experience as a Dungeon Master shaped his writing, the story behind his memorable pen name, and the gritty realities of legion life in a brutal fantasy empire. We explore Eryk’s hard-earned progression, balancing LitRPG mechanics with raw character drama, worldbuilding secrets, writing speed, handling mature themes, and what it takes to succeed as an indie author in the progression fantasy space. Whether you love military isekai, realistic system stories, or just great storytelling, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration. Check out A Soldier’s Life and the World Sphere series on Amazon, Royal Road, and Patreon! If you enjoy LitRPG and progression fantasy, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with your party. Follow him on Royal Road here: https://www.royalroad.com/profile/120381 [https://www.royalroad.com/profile/120381] Subscribe to his Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/alwaysrollsaone [https://www.patreon.com/cw/alwaysrollsaone] Join my Discord Community here: https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc [https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc] #LitRPG #ProgressionFantasy #ASoldiersLife #AlwaysRollsAOne #Isekai #MilitaryLitRPG #FantasyBooks #IndieAuthor #LitRPGPodcast #WorldSphere #BookInterview #ProgressionFantasyBooks #RoyalRoad #FantasyLiterature

The Fatherly Voice Behind 70+ Audiobooks: John Hopkinson

Join us for a warm and insightful conversation with veteran audiobook narrator John Hopkinson. With over 70 titles narrated, John is beloved for his rich, resonant voice that listeners describe as a “fatherly embrace of wisdom.” A devoted dad of eight and grandpa of seven, he brings heart, depth, and authenticity to every project. In this episode, John shares his journey into narration, his preparation process inside the booth, and how he builds suspense in thrillers while delivering clarity and impact in non-fiction, biographies, and faith-based works. We explore character development, industry trends, the future of human narration in the age of AI, and what aspiring narrators and authors need to know to succeed. Whether you’re an audiobook enthusiast, writer, or someone curious about the craft behind the voices you love, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, personal stories, and a genuine love for storytelling. Tune in now and discover what it really takes to bring books to life through the power of voice. Check out John's work on his website! https://www.johnhopkinson.com [https://www.johnhopkinson.com] Be sure to join my Discord server here: https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc [https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc] #AudiobookNarrator #Audiobooks #Podcast #Narration #VoiceActor #AudiobookProduction #Storytelling #MysteryThriller #NonFiction #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #BehindTheMic #Fatherhood #BookLovers

From Apiary to Audible: Steve Campbell on Becoming a Top Audiobook Narrator

Join us for an inspiring conversation with award-winning SAG-AFTRA audiobook narrator Steve Campbell! With over 140 titles and 1,000+ finished hours under his belt, Steve specializes in LitRPG, Fantasy, and YA fiction. From high school performer and construction company owner to full-time narrator in just 1.5 years, Steve shares his remarkable journey, home studio secrets, character voice techniques, industry insights, and tips for aspiring narrators and authors. Whether you’re a book lover, audiobook enthusiast, or curious about the craft behind the mic, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and actionable advice. Listen now and discover the human voice behind your favorite adventures! Where to find Steve: https://www.stevecampbellsvoice.com [https://www.stevecampbellsvoice.com] https://www.facebook.com/steve.campbell.1694059 [https://www.facebook.com/steve.campbell.1694059] https://www.instagram.com/stevecampbellvo/ [https://www.instagram.com/stevecampbellvo/] https://discord.com/invite/uvkHtaNPra [https://discord.com/invite/uvkHtaNPra]   Where you can find me: https://www.narratorjames.com [https://www.narratorjames.com] https://www.instagram.com/narrator_james/ [https://www.instagram.com/narrator_james/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/narratorjames/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/narratorjames/] https://discord.com/invite/6JKxwNQQJc [https://discord.com/invite/6JKxwNQQJc]   #AudiobookNarrator #LitRPG #FantasyBooks #VoiceActor #Audiobooks #Podcast #Narration #SteveCampbell #BookTok #IndieAuthors #HomeStudio #VoiceOver #SAGAFRTA