James Cameron--the college dropout who became the pre-eminent director of our day

Thomas Paine--the Father of the American Revolution

In this episode, you'll learn-- * the struggles Paine went through before he found "his voice" * the critical way Benjamin Franklin intervened to send Paine to America * how Paine's writings persuaded the common man to the ideas of liberty and freedom * how, despite Paine's tremendous influence on the Revolution, his life ended in absurdity and infamy Check out the backstories you never knew about the storytellers you love!

Isaac Asimov--a Father of Modern Science Fiction

In this episode, you'll learn * how Isaac as young man struggled to achieve in academics because of discrimination against Jews * how Isaac, while working in his parents' stores, devoured pulp science fiction magazines to learn his "trade" * how Asimov became one of the most prolific America writers, publishing and editing more 500 books * How Asimov won about every award given out for his genres * How Asimov, the person, was a direct contradiction of Asimov, the writer Check out the backstories you never knew about the storytellers you love!

Patricia Cornwell, the Author Who Popularized CSI

In this episode, you'll learn-- * how Patricia went from a BA in English to an award-winning journalist in two years * the remarkable learning journey Cornwell took to become schooled in forensics * the long string of awards her writing has amassed as well as the tremendous success of her books with readers * the surprising origin story of Patricia as a writer Check out the backstories you never knew about the storytellers you love!

Nevada Barr--the mystery writer who takes readers to national parks

In this 50th episode, you'll learn-- * how Nevada Barr began her working career as an actress of moderate success * the unusual way Nevada became interested in the outdoors and specifically the national parks * how Nevada remained committed to writing even though any success was slow in coming * how Nevada Barr broke new ground in the mystery writing genre by moving her sleuth, park ranger Anna Pigeon to a new park for each entry Check out the backstories you never knew about the storytellers you love!

Louise Penny--from Alcoholic to the 21st Century Agatha Christie

In thia episode, you'll learn-- * how Louise Penny battled loneliness, alcoholism and isolation and turned her experiences into creating great cozy mysteries * how Louise Penny struggled with her writing for years before producing her first novel Still Life\ * how Penny's Three Pines series have become one of the most successful and recognized cozy mystery series in the world Check out the backstories you never knew about the storytellers you love!