The Future Lab with Lee Schneider

Building a Literary Community with Sofía Aguilar

Join host Lee Schneider for an insightful discussion with poet, author, and library professional Sofía Aguilar as she she shares her journey through both indie and traditional publishing. She offers a candid look at the barriers in publishing and the importance of creating accessible literary communities. Whether you're interested in publishing pathways, library advocacy, or building inclusive literary spaces, this conversation offers valuable insights from someone working at the intersection of writing, community organizing, and information science. Topics include: indie vs. traditional publishing, library resources, book challenges, literary festivals, the writing process, and the current state of publishing. Creators & Guests * Lee Schneider [https://thefuturelab.xyz/people/lee-schneider] - Host * Sofía Aguilar [https://thefuturelab.xyz/people/sofia-aguilar] - Guest

Writing Hope into Climate Fiction with Julie Carrick Dalton

In this conversation, host Lee Schneider explores the intersection of nature, storytelling, and climate change with Julie Carrick Dalton, author of The Last Beekeeper, and the upcoming novel The Forest Becomes Her. Our discussion digs into how nature functions as a character in her work, the delicate balance between hope and realism when writing about catastrophic futures, and why she believes storytelling can inspire environmental action. Dalton shares her perspective on the importance of reconnecting with survival skills and food sources, while exploring how communities might adapt to a climate-changed world ten years after a major ecological collapse. We also examine the role of government misinformation in environmental issues, the power of novels as "laboratories for climate futures," and how each person can find their sphere of influence in addressing climate challenges. Dalton also reflects on the current state of publishing today. Join Julie's mailing list on Substack [https://juliesplottwist.substack.com/]. Creators & Guests * Lee Schneider [https://thefuturelab.xyz/people/lee-schneider] - Host * Julie Carrick Dalton [https://thefuturelab.xyz/people/julie-carrick-dalton] - Guest

Falling in Love with Books, featuring Pat Walker of Vroman's Bookstore

In this conversation with Lee Schneider, Pat Walker discusses the importance of bookstores as community hubs and places of cultural culture. Drawing from his experiences as a bookseller in Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena, CA, Pat believes that the genre of science fiction/fantasy is more popular than it has been in the past. He's also a big fan of the classics. Patrick has been at Vroman's long enough to witness a remarkable transformation: teenagers who first wandered through the bookstore doors years ago now return as adults, bringing their own children with them. These customers have grown to trust him with their storytelling journeys and literary adventures-a responsibility that holds deep meaning for him. Bookshops discussed in this episode include Vromans [https://vromansbookstore.com], Book Soup [https://booksoup.com], Diesel [https://dieselbookstore.com], Skylight [https://www.skylightbooks.com], and Iliad Books [https://www.iliadbooks.com]. Creators & Guests * Lee Schneider [https://thefuturelab.xyz/people/lee-schneider] - Host * Pat Walker [https://thefuturelab.xyz/people/pat-walker] - Guest

The Literary Courage and Writing Community of Richie Billing

Richie Billing made a bold leap from a legal career to become an acclaimed fantasy writer and teacher. What makes his story inspiring? His unwavering commitment to empowering fellow writers. Richie is the author of Pariah’s Lament. His latest book is Together We Rise. Lee Schneider and Richie discuss the structure of Together We Rise, why the fight scenes were so realistic, and Richie’s deeper motivations for writing it. Richie gives excellent writing tips for anyone who wants to get started on their fantasy novel. As the host of The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed podcast and author of A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook, Richie helps writers find their voice and build confidence in their work.  Learn more about Richie, his work, teaching, books, and Patreon, at his website [https://richiebilling.com]. Creators & Guests * Richie Billing [https://thefuturelab.xyz/people/richie-billing] - Guest * Lee Schneider [https://thefuturelab.xyz/people/lee-schneider] - Host

The First Rule of Climate Club: A Conversation with Carrie Firestone

As a kid, Carrie Firestone worried about poverty, environmental destruction, and war. But rather than letting that anxiety overwhelm her, she transformed it into something powerful action through teaching, storytelling, and civic engagement. Now, as a writer and community leader in Connecticut, she’s channeling that same energy into inspiring the next generation.        Her novel The First Rule of Climate Club tackles the environmental challenges that young people face. Issues like food waste at school, idling cars in pickup lanes, fast fashion consumption, social exclusion, and leaders who won’t listen to fresh ideas. But Carrie’s story isn’t about the problems-it’s about the solutions that happen when young people step up to lead.        Because sometimes, as Carrie shows us, the future belongs to those brave enough to demand it.