Blending Science, Romance, and Fantasy with Mary Shotwell

From TOPGUN to Thriller Writer: How Jack Stewart’s Military Experience Shaped His Story in Rough Country

From Top Gun graduate to bestselling thriller author, retired Navy fighter pilot Jack Stewart shares the stories behind the stories. In this conversation, Jack dives into his military career, the reality of Top Gun training, and his contribution to the upcoming anthology Rough Country — a gripping historical fiction tale set in the golden age of aviation, where an air mail pilot flying through the Rockies stumbles onto a dangerous bootlegging operation. He also opens up about writing espionage thrillers, honoring military families through storytelling, and why supporting Rough Country was a “no-brainer” in support of the US Marshals. A must-watch for aviation fans, military history lovers, and thriller readers alike.

Anthony Wood: WWII Cattle Rustling, Little-Known History, and the Ghosts of History

Award-winning author Anthony Wood discusses the inspiration behind his modern western short story, The Last Hanging Tree, featured in the Rough Country anthology. Set in 1940s Round Rock, Texas during World War II, the story follows a newly elected sheriff investigating cattle rustling, only to uncover a devastating connection much closer to home.In this episode of West of the Page, Wood explores the historical research that shaped the story, including wartime meat shortages, cattle theft across the American South and West, and little-known accounts of Nazi efforts to disrupt beef shipments to U.S. soldiers overseas. He also reflects on the spiritual and emotional connection he feels when visiting historical locations, his instinctive “pantser” writing process, and the honor of appearing alongside acclaimed authors such as Craig Johnson in Rough Country, an anthology supporting the U.S. Marshals.Fans of western fiction, historical fiction, Texas history, Southern storytelling, and behind-the-scenes author conversations will enjoy this compelling discussion with one of today’s most prolific independent writers.

The Ecology of Story: James Wade on Place, Character, and Conflict

In this episode of West of the Page, award-winning Western and Southern fiction author James Wade joins us for a deep conversation on craft, character, and the power of place. From his latest short story “The Harvest” in the anthology Rough Country—written in support of the U.S. Marshals—to his broader body of work, Wade unpacks how setting becomes a living force, how moral lines blur under pressure, and why writing can serve as a form of self-therapy. Drawing from works like Narrow the Road, All Things Left Wild, and Beasts of the Earth, he humbly reflects on a career marked by major recognition, including multiple Spur Awards and the 2026 Western Heritage Award. The conversation moves through the influence of East Texas on his Southern Gothic tone, the idea that “criminals” and “cops” are often shaped more by circumstance than character, and why he believes reading is a kind of sacred collaboration between writer and reader. He also shares the early influences and mentors that shaped his path—and why the writing community remains one of the most supportive creative spaces. This is a conversation about storytelling—but also about humanity, imagination, and the choices that define us.

How Craig Johnson Created Walt Longmire : Writing Secrets, Rough Country & New Book

Bestselling author Craig Johnson, the mind behind the iconic Walt Longmire series, sits down for an in-depth interview exploring his latest work in the Rough Country anthology. Discover the fascinating true story behind “The Perfect A,” inspired by a 1930s Wyoming sheep herder’s unexpected connection to the New York Philharmonic, and get a rare look into Johnson’s creative process, storytelling techniques, and writing rituals. From his 22-year Christmas tradition of gifting free short stories to fans to behind-the-scenes insights as a creative consultant on the hit TV adaptation Longmire, Johnson shares humor, wisdom, and hard-earned experience. Hear how Wyoming’s vast landscapes shape his themes, why technology often takes a backseat to nature in his stories, and how music—from jazz to film scores—fuels his writing sessions. This is a must-watch for fans of mystery, Western fiction, and aspiring writers looking for inspiration from one of today’s most beloved storytellers.

From Regency Era to Ice Age: Lysandra James Talks Truthtaker

Lysandra James talks about her fantasy novel Truthtaker—a genre-bending story that blends historical fiction, time displacement, and magic. In this episode, we explore the world of Truthtaker, where characters from the Regency era are mysteriously transported to the Ice Age and form a powerful matriarchal society known as “New London.” With magic that shifts the balance of power, the story dives into survival, control, and the growing divide between those who want to return home and those determined to build a new future. Along the way, a slow-burn romance unfolds, adding emotional depth to an already high-stakes world. Lysandra James also shares insight into her writing process, including how the idea came to her during the pandemic and how she blends structured plotting with intuitive storytelling. She discusses the tools and frameworks that shape her work, as well as the creative instincts that bring her characters to life. The conversation also highlights her personal journey as a breast cancer survivor and how that experience has influenced her storytelling, particularly in her upcoming project, Freeing the Muse. She also reveals plans for a larger “displaced universe,” with multiple books spanning different time periods, from ancient civilizations to more modern eras.