Authors After Action: Real Life Stories Behind the Books

From Crisis Communications to Award-Winning Thriller: John David on Writing The Bystander - Creators at Work: The Stories Behind What We Make

What does it take to pivot from crisis communications expert to award-winning thriller novelist? In this episode of Creators at Work, Donald Dunn sits down with John David, author of the breakout thriller The Bystander, named one of the best thrillers of twenty twenty five. Inspired by real-world headlines and the psychology of fear, John shares how a mall shooting incident sparked the premise for his debut novel — and how he transformed that idea into a commercially successful mystery series. They dive deep into: • The real-life event that inspired The Bystander • Writing fiction after a career in journalism and public relations • Plotter vs pantser writing styles • The realities of publishing and working with editors • Why mystery readers expect structure — and how to deliver it • Building tension through realism instead of fantasy • How pop culture, sports, and politics influence storytelling John also shares insights into his upcoming sequel, The Pawn, and the release of the audiobook edition. If you're an aspiring author, entrepreneur, or creative professional looking to understand the craft and business of storytelling, this episode delivers practical insights and real-world experience from inside the publishing industry. 🔗 Learn more about John David: https://byjohndavid.com 📚 The Bystander available wherever books are sold. If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe, leave a review, and share with another creator. Links referenced in this episode: 1. byjohndavid.com [https://byjohndavid.com] 2. bookshop.org [https://bookshop.org] 3. barnesandnoble.com [https://barnesandnoble.com] 4. amazon.com [https://amazon.com] Companies mentioned in this episode: 1. Authors After Action 2. Tooley Tuli Publishing 3. Barnes and Noble 4. Amazon 5. bookshop.org

What Does Healing From Sexual Assault Really Look Like? One Woman’s 10-Year Story

How do you truly heal after sexual assault? In this powerful episode of Authors After Action, Amy McKiernan shares her deeply personal journey of surviving sexual assault and the ten-year process it took to write her healing-centered book. This conversation explores trauma, PTSD, reclaiming your voice, and the courage it takes to share a vulnerable story publicly. Amy discusses what healing actually looks like, why recovery isn’t linear, the importance of support systems, and how writing became part of her transformation. The episode also dives into the realities of self-publishing, navigating difficult memories, and why telling your story can help others feel less alone. If you or someone you love is navigating trauma, this episode offers hope, perspective, and practical insight into the healing process. Links referenced in this episode: 1. amymckiernan.com [https://amymckiernan.com] Companies mentioned in this episode: 1. BookBaby 2. Draft2Digital

How to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone and Become a Better Leader | Leadership Lessons from Skydiving - Spirits and Stories With Donald Dunn

What does skydiving have to do with leadership? In this powerful episode of Spirits and Stories, Donald Dunn sits down with leadership coach and engineering executive Joe to explore how stepping outside your comfort zone transforms the way you lead, think, and grow. With over 650 skydives and years of experience building high-performance teams in mission-critical environments, Joe shares practical leadership lessons on: 1. How to overcome fear and take calculated risks 2. Why growth mindset beats achievement mindset 3. How to reduce risk without becoming paralyzed 4. The importance of defining your “why” in leadership 5. How young leaders today are reshaping the future 6. Why awareness and perspective matter more than ever Whether you're a business owner, executive, veteran transitioning to civilian life, or someone feeling stuck in your professional growth, this episode offers actionable insights you can apply immediately. Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about courage, clarity, and consistency. If you’re ready to level up your leadership skills, navigate uncertainty with confidence, and push beyond self-imposed limits, this conversation is for you. If you like podcasts that help improve peoples lives and filled with story telling, Check out https://barracksmedia.com/network [https://barracksmedia.com/network] Links referenced in this episode: 1. wyserwithjoe.com [https://wyserwithjoe.com] 2. linkedin.com/in/wyserwithjoe [https://linkedin.com/in/wyserwithjoe] 3. instagram.com/wyserwithjoe [https://instagram.com/wyserwithjoe] 4. https://barracksmedia.com [https://barracksmedia.com] 5. https://barracksmedia.com/network [https://barracksmedia.com/network]

Writing Chaos: J.F. Monroe on the Joys and Struggles of Storytelling

Today's podcast dives into the magical realm of storytelling with the incredible J.F. Munroe, the mastermind behind the Legacy of the Four trilogy. We chat about how ancient powers collide with the human heart, and trust me, it's not just epic battles and mythical creatures; it’s about courage, sacrifice, and characters that’ll stick with you long after you turn the last page. J.F.'s journey from maternity leave to author is a wild ride filled with inspiration from fantasy giants like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. We’ll also explore the nitty-gritty of the writing process, from the chaos of creating a trilogy to the highs and lows of marketing your book. So grab a comfy seat, maybe a cup of coffee, and let’s uncover the secrets behind crafting stories that resonate! Companies mentioned in this episode: 1. Amazon 2. Fiverr Links referenced in this episode: 1. JFMonroeBookshelf.com [https://JFMonroeBookshelf.com]

How Does Self-Publishing Really Work? The Truth About Hybrid Publishers, Royalties, and Book Marketing

THINKING ABOUT SELF-PUBLISHING A BOOK BUT NOT SURE WHERE TO START? In this episode, Donald Dunn speaks with Michelle DeFilippo, founder of 1106 Design, about what self-publishing really means today — and how authors can avoid expensive publishing traps. They break down: 1. The difference between self-publishing, traditional publishing, and hybrid publishers 2. How some publishing companies charge authors thousands while still taking royalties 3. What professional book editing and cover design actually cost 4. Why authors must hire experts instead of doing everything themselves 5. How Amazon royalties really work (and what percentage you actually keep) 6. Why most authors never recoup their investment 7. How speakers and consultants can use books to build authority and generate income 8. The truth about becoming an Amazon bestseller 9. Common mistakes new authors make If you are a veteran, entrepreneur, speaker, or aspiring author, this episode will help you understand the real costs, risks, and opportunities in modern publishing. Before you invest thousands into editing, design, or a hybrid publishing package, listen to this conversation. LINKS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: 1. 1106design.com [https://1106design.com] 2. barracksmedia.com [https://barracksmedia.com] COMPANIES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 1. 1106 Design 2. Amazon 3. IngramSpark