The Story Blender

Season 10 - Episode 17: Emily Carpenter

Emily Carpenter, who is known as the master of southern gothic suspense, joins me to chat about why we like scary stories, what a gothic story is, how setting and atmosphere contribute to her stories, and what motivated her to write her latest book, A SPELL FOR SAINTS AND SINNERS. (We somehow also talk about Bigfoot, voodoo, ghosts, the Loch Ness monster, and more.) Check it out.

Season 10 - Episode 16: Dr. John Paul Abner

This week, internationally known psychologist Dr. John-Paul Abner joins me to talk about the psychology of story, its power to draw people together, and how stories help us share our values and build bridges between people. If you’ve ever wondered about the impact of your stories on others or how to reframe the stories you tell to yourself, give it a listen. See the show notes for a free PDF of story sparks to ignite your memories and share stories of your own with the next generation. FREE “A Month of Memories” PDF https://stevenjames.net/resources [https://stevenjames.net/resources]

Season 10 - Episode 15: Clay Stafford

My guest this week is bestselling, award-winning author, poet, screenwriter, and playwright Clay Stafford. With millions of books sold, he’s also the founder of the annual Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference. We talk crime writing, how improv can help authors, and how I almost ended up a prisoner of the infamous Ministry of Tolerance. Check it out!

Season 10 - Episode 14: Nat Cassidy

This week, horror author, actor, and playwright Nat Cassidy joins me to talk all things horror. You may have seen him playing a villain on the TV shows Quantico, FBI, or Law & Order: SVU, or read one of his acclaimed novels. Listen as he shares insights into why people love scary stories, what draws us in (and what drives us out), how they honor the human experience, and what Shakespeare has to do with horror. We also chat about his forthcoming collection of short stories, I KNOW A PLACE. If you’re a fan of horror, don’t miss this episode.

Season 10 - Episode 13: Jon Lindstrom

This week, I catch up with veteran Hollywood actor Jon Lindstrom, who has appeared in thousands of hours of television over the last three decades. He’s also a bestselling author with a new book out, a Los Angeles crime novel, Hollywood Payback. Join us as we talk about what actors can teach writers, the difference between ambiguity and moral complexity, and why it’s easier to write villains than heroes. Also, you’ll learn Jon’s movie recommendations, which might surprise you.