Ep05 – Mike Grindrod: Dungeon Master, Journalist, Novelist

Ep05 – Mike Grindrod: Dungeon Master, Journalist, Novelist

What can Dungeons & Dragons teach us about storytelling? In this episode of Writer Therapy Sessions, Tim sits down with Mike Grindrod—journalist, Dungeon Master, and author of Hell Isn't Empty—to discuss the intersection of collaborative storytelling, fiction writing, and imagination. Mike shares how years of running tabletop roleplaying games helped shape his approach to character, worldbuilding, and narrative, as well as the journey of bringing his own novel to life. The conversation explores the creative lessons writers can learn from D&D, the value of play and escapism, balancing journalism with fiction, and why some of the best stories emerge when people create together. Whether you're a novelist, gamer, or simply fascinated by how stories work, this episode offers an engaging look at creativity from multiple angles. CONNECT WITH MIKE GRINDROD 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/three_kobalds_in_a_trenchcoat [https://www.instagram.com/three_kobalds_in_a_trenchcoat] 🌐 Website: https://www.grimmwrites.com [https://www.grimmwrites.com] 📧 Email: Michael.grindrod1234@gmail.com [Michael.grindrod1234@gmail.com] 🎓 Skool: @michael-grindrod-4130 ---------------------------------------- If you’re a writer looking for a focused, encouraging, and authentic creative community, join us at https://skool.com/writertherapy [https://skool.com/writertherapy]. Writer Therapy features focused critiques, personal interviews with writers, live writing sessions, and a curated community for serious authors who want meaningful conversations about the craft. Whether you’re outlining your first idea, deep into revisions, or somewhere in between, you are welcome here.

Ep04 - M.C. Terriche: Exploring Paradise Through Fiction

Author and engineer M.C. Terriche (Casey Marie) joins Writer Therapy Sessions to discuss her This Could Be Paradise novella trilogy, a story inspired by questions many people face: Is this really the life I wanted? and What happens if I change course? Casey shares her journey from technical writing and engineering into fiction, why she chose to release her story as a trilogy of novellas, how she balances writing with a demanding career, and what she has learned about self-publishing, audiobooks, and building a creative life in Nashville. A thoughtful conversation about identity, storytelling, and the realities of being an independent author. Follow M.C. Terriche: Website & Link Hub: https://linktr.ee/authormcterriche [https://linktr.ee/authormcterriche] Books: This Could Be Paradise Series by M.C. Terriche Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormcterriche [https://www.instagram.com/authormcterriche] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authormcterriche [https://www.tiktok.com/@authormcterriche] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormcterriche [https://www.facebook.com/authormcterriche] If you’re a writer looking for a focused, encouraging, and authentic creative community, join us at https://skool.com/writertherapy [https://skool.com/writertherapy]. Writer Therapy features focused critiques, personal interviews with writers, live writing sessions, and a curated community for serious authors who want meaningful conversations about the craft. Whether you're seeking feedback, sharing your journey, or learning from fellow authors, you'll find a place among writers who take the work seriously. Whether you’re outlining your first idea, deep into revisions, or somewhere in between, you are welcome here.

Ep03 – Daniel Andrews - Anxiety, Creativity, & Tears Behind the Smile

In this episode of Writer Therapy Sessions, we talk with author, musician, actor, and creative entrepreneur Daniel Andrews, author of the international bestseller Tears Behind the Smile. Daniel opens up about living with anxiety and panic attacks, turning deeply personal diary entries into a published book, and using creativity as a way to survive difficult moments. We discuss self-publishing, hybrid publishing, building a personal brand as a creator, music, acting, mental health, and the realities of trying to make a living through art. Daniel also shares his thoughts on honest storytelling, learning from experienced mentors, and why creators shouldn’t let fear, criticism, or perfectionism stop them from putting their work into the world. The conversation explores how pain can fuel creativity, the emotional side of writing, and the importance of authentic communities where writers and artists can support one another without judgment. Topics include: • Anxiety, panic attacks, and creative expression • Turning diary entries into a published book • Self-publishing vs. hybrid publishing • Building a personal brand through writing, music, and acting • Writer insecurity and perfectionism • Honest storytelling and emotional vulnerability • Creative mentorship and learning from experience • Music, songwriting, and artistic identity • The importance of positive creative communities Follow Daniel “Tierz” Andrews: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tierz_official_sttp [https://www.instagram.com/tierz_official_sttp] X: https://x.com/TierzOfficial [https://x.com/TierzOfficial] SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/officialtierz [https://soundcloud.com/officialtierz] Order Tears Behind the Smile on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0fnjJcfc [https://a.co/d/0fnjJcfc] Order Tears Behind the Smile for Kindle: https://a.co/d/0gbW3vmU [https://a.co/d/0gbW3vmU] If you’re a writer looking for a focused, encouraging, and authentic creative community, join us at skool.com/writertherapy [http://skool.com/writertherapy]. Writer Therapy features focused critiques, personal interviews with writers, live writing sessions, and a curated community for serious authors who want meaningful conversations about the craft. Whether you’re outlining your first idea, deep into revisions, or somewhere in between, you are welcome here.

Ep02 – Courtney Shawl: Songwriting for Healing & Human Expression Through AI

In this episode of Writer Therapy Sessions, we talk with author, music therapist, and entrepreneur Courtney Shawl about creativity, healing, songwriting, AI, and the deeper reasons people feel called to make art in the first place. Courtney shares her journey from music therapy and songwriting to self-publishing, mentorship, and building creative communities around expression and healing. We discuss writer’s block, artistic identity, belief, persistence, and how AI can be used as a powerful creative tool without replacing the human imagination behind the work. The conversation explores how songwriting can help people process emotions, why expressive arts matter for healing, the realities of self-publishing, and the tension between creating art for fulfillment versus fame, validation, or money. Courtney also breaks down how she uses AI in her workflow—from outlining books and organizing ideas to designing book covers and demo tracks for music. Topics include: • Writer isolation and creative community • Songwriting as therapy and self-expression • AI-assisted writing and music creation • Self-publishing and creative entrepreneurship • Mentorship, belief, and overcoming creative blocks • Book cover design, branding, and visual simplicity • Art for healing versus art for recognition Chapters: 00:00 – Writer Therapy and Isolation 07:31 – The Role of AI in Writing and Music Creation 14:18 – The Impact of Belief and Mentorship on Success 20:00 – The Ultimate AI Cheat Code 28:20 – AI in Book Cover Design 33:31 – Expressive Arts in Healing 41:40 – Art for the Sake of Art vs. Fame and Money Follow Courtney Shawl: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneyschawl/ [https://www.instagram.com/courtneyschawl/] Book. Brand. Business: http://skool.com/bookbrandbusiness [http://skool.com/bookbrandbusiness] One Day Songwriter: http://skool.com/onedaysongwriter [http://skool.com/onedaysongwriter] Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Courtney-Anne-Schawl/author/B0FPRNZPPX?shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=bf0dadb9-caa8-4d92-85f3-471b78793883 [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Courtney-Anne-Schawl/author/B0FPRNZPPX?shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=bf0dadb9-caa8-4d92-85f3-471b78793883] If you’re a writer looking for a focused, encouraging, and authentic creative community, join us at skool.com/writertherapy [http://skool.com/writertherapy]. Writer Therapy features focused critiques, personal interviews with writers, live writing sessions, and a curated community for serious authors who want meaningful conversations about the craft. Whether you’re outlining your first idea, deep into revisions, or somewhere in between, you are welcome here.

Ep01 – Claus Holm: Time, Romance, & Episodic Fiction

Writer Therapy Sessions is a conversation series exploring creativity, storytelling, discipline, and the realities of the writing life. In this episode, author Claus Holm joins us to discuss his journey as a writer, the experiences that shaped his storytelling, and the themes explored throughout his work. Claus shares insight into his writing process, including how personal experiences like divorce influenced his perspective and creative voice. We also dive into his approach to writing love stories and speculative fiction, the structure behind his series, and the creative decisions that go into presenting a book visually through cover art and design. This is an honest conversation about creativity, process, reinvention, and what it means to continue writing through life’s changes. CONNECT WITH CLAUS HOLM Website: https://www.clausholm.net [https://www.clausholm.net] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clausholmwriter [https://www.facebook.com/clausholmwriter] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clausholmwriter [https://www.instagram.com/clausholmwriter] Email: claus@clausholm.net [claus@clausholm.net] Skool: @claus-holm-7555 JOIN WRITER THERAPY Writer Therapy is a focused, encouraging, and authentic creative community for writers at every stage of the process. Whether you’re outlining your first idea, deep into revisions, or somewhere in between, you are welcome here. Join the community: https://www.skool.com/writertherapy [https://www.skool.com/writertherapy]