The Company Podcast with Brad Pauquette

It’s time to tear some stories up, for your benefit. Four writers have graciously laid their stories on the butcher block. Brad Pauquette and Alli Prince critique these stories, so that we can all learn to identify common writing issues. A lot of writing advice says to not bog down the action of a story with description. Just say “they walked up the stairs”–we’ve all seen stairs before! No need to describe them, right? Wrong. In this episode, we’ll see lots of examples of how description (or a lack of it) impacts our connection to a story and its characters. We’ll see how it applies in a short story setting and how it applies to novel chapters. Brad and Alli critique these four stories, with the author’s permission: “The Left Turn,” a short story by Shirley Hartnett“We Don’t Talk Anymore,” a short story by Tina Chen“Shtetl Girl, Chapter 1,” by Judi Jacob-Hamedl“From Embers to Seeds, Chapters 1&2,” by Sandra Terra“The Incurable, Chapter 1,” by Jennaya S. Chou Before you begin, take the time to download the stories we’ll be discussing. Do your own critique first and see if you identify similar issues as Brad and Alli. Download all four stories here: https://writers.company/september-22nd-procritique-materials-now-available/ Brad Pauquette is an experienced editor and the director of The Company. With more than 15 years in the publishing industry, specializing in new author development, Brad has worked with hundreds of authors to help them improve their work and publish their best. Brad’s bestselling book, The Novel Matrix, is available from all major retailers. Brad will be joined by author Alli Prince, a graduate of The Company’s full-time apprenticeship program. Earlier this year, Alli released a full-length novel, Call It Consequences, with over 80 Amazon reviews. She was also the managing editor for Lawless: An anthology of short stories inspired by the biblical book of Judges. The post Don’t Lose Your Story to the Vacuum: September 22nd ProCritique Recording (Episode 172) appeared first on The Company.

Do you trust God? Would you trust Him if you were in a magical RV hurtling toward the California wildfires? I don’t know about you, but I’d be a little freaked out. Today, Vella Karman releases her debut novel Beyond the Mirage to the world–a magical road trip about lost rings, teleportation, and trusting God to come through. In this episode, Vella shares how it wasn’t just the characters who had to trust God; and that testimony is beautiful. In this episode, Brad Pauquette talks with Vella Karman about: What “magical realism” even is How God can overcome eating disorders What it looks like to trust yourself in a way that’s actually healthy and God-honoring Vella Karman is a graduate of The Company’s in-person apprenticeship program. She’s wrangled anthologies together, published numerous short stories, and has a vibrant Instagram page. Her novel, Beyond the Mirage, is available wherever books are sold. Vella blogs about filling your life with God’s light. Learn more about Vella and her books at https://vellakarman.com/. Are you interested in becoming an apprentice at The Company and writing awesome books like Vella? Now is the time to apply. We’re looking for people who are all-in for Jesus and who are serious about becoming professional writers. Learn more and apply here: https://writers.company/training/full-time-apprenticeship/ Make sure that you’re subscribed to The Company’s newsletter so that you never miss an event or update: https://writers.company/subscribe The post Beyond the Mirage Interview with Vella Karman (Episode 171) appeared first on The Company.

Are you too old for The Company apprenticeship? What about too young? Is your fourteen-year-old old enough to join the Spring Writing Challenge or The Company classes? Over the years, The Company has attracted people of all ages–from teenagers to retirees. Why is that? As it turns out, there’s a good reason behind it, and we wish more writing programs would start doing it. Spoiler: it has something to do with our mission. Prefer a text version of this message? Find it here: https://writers.company/does-the-company-have-an-age-limit/ The post Does The Company have an age limit? (Episode 170) appeared first on The Company.

It’s spring again, and that means one thing–The Company’s Spring Writing Challenge is about to begin! Starting April 20th, you’ll embark on a five-week adventure, writing a thousand-word short story each week based on a unique prompt. You’ll grow as a writer, find new writing friends and (if you complete the challenge), you’ll win an EPIC little snail sticker for your laptop or water bottle! Sign up today–we’ll see you April 20th. 😉 Prefer a text version of this message? Find it here: https://writers.company/2026-spring-writing-challenge-starts-april-20/ The post Spring into the Spring Writing Challenge! (Episode 169) appeared first on The Company.

What’s in store for The Company in 2026? As we pursue Jesus and the ministry he’s given us, “onward and upward” might not be an inappropriate phrase. We don’t want to spoil anything but just know that a lot of prayer has gone into this! The Company is expanding; and not because it’s “the next thing to do.” Every piece is part of the greater mission that God has given us. And it’s a mission that you’re a part of. Prefer a text version of this message? Find it here: https://writers.company/bigger-vision-for-2026/ The post 2026 Will Be a Big Year (Episode 168) appeared first on The Company.

Shannon Dunn-Downing is an Olympic medalist, a Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame initiate, and—as it turns out—an Arche Year graduate! Today, we’re celebrating Shannon’s debut memoir: Snowboard Girl, a rollicking tale of her adventures through the ’90s, carving a path for women in the cutthroat sport of snowboarding. Check out Shannon’s book Snowboard Girl on Amazon: https://amzn.to/447I6lX As a professional athlete, Shannon understands the value of great coaching. Do you have a book you’d like to write? Learn more about Arche Year and get the coaching you deserve: https://writers.company/training/arche-year/ Prefer a text version of this message? Find it here: https://writers.company/celebrating-the-snowboard-girl-shannon-dunn-downing/ The post The Olympic Medalist Who Wrote a Book with Us (Episode 167) appeared first on The Company.

It’s Christmas-time again in Cambridge, Ohio, and the apprentices of The Company have a new radio show for you! Have a listen and brighten your holiday with six hilarious Christmas-themed audio dramas. Hosted by Brad Pauquette, these fun stories feature all of our apprentices and a few of our graduates. An Elven Family Christmas Written by Sarah Sax What happens when Christmas elves meet up with their European tree-elf cousins? Performed by: Lucy Grecu as WinterberryBrad Pauquette as Lavendil Soldiers and Snowflakes Written by Lucy Grecu A naive but forward-thinking Christmas ornament must sort out her prejudices before being deployed on the tree. Performed by: Lucy Grecu as BeaNoah J. Matthews as PopsBrad Pauquette as Meltyhead All Quiet on the Front Written by Brad Pauquette A writer long-away at the coffee shop sends wartime letters home to his wife. Performed by: Brad Pauquette as StephenLucy Grecu as Beatrice Anti-tree Farm Written by J Hulse White When all of the trees are accidentally burned, the tree lot employees find a new way to make sales. Performed by: Brad Pauquette as DavidJ Hulse White as MegLucy Grecu as FranSarah Sax as Reporter A Cambridge Mixup Written by Emily Gwaltney There’s more than one Cambridge in the world. What if you ended up in Ohio instead of England? Performed by: Brad Pauquette as GeraldAlli Prince as Margaret Mannequin Mayhem Written by Alli Prince The strange Dickens Mannequins on the main street come to life to challenge a young boy. Performed by: Noah J. Matthews as CharlieEmily Gwaltney as MomBrad Pauquette as Dickens Mannequin Looking for more? Check out last year’s here: writers.company/a-cambridge-christmas-2024-holiday-radio-show/ Even more? Check out 2023 here: writers.company/a-cambridge-christmas-holiday-radio-show/ The post A Cambridge Christmas – 2025 Holiday Radio Show appeared first on The Company.

Probably the first thing that comes to mind when I say “safe” is a fortress made of stone, or maybe your grandma’s cozy living room with the fireplace going. You probably don’t imagine a tiny boat pummeled by a storm in the middle of a lake. But according to Matthew 8, the sinking boat in the Sea of Galilee was the absolute safest place in the world for the disciples to be. Prefer a text version of this message? Find it here: https://writers.company/did-jesus-really-save-his-disciples-from-that-storm/ The post What’s the safest place on Earth? (Episode 165) appeared first on The Company.

Do you think you have what it takes to run a short story anthology? Gather all the submissions, sort through them without batting an eye, and produce a book that’ll resonate with readers? Earlier this year, Vella Karman completed her master project: Fantastical Summer, a beach read anthology for the Christian girls, where each story contains a magical twist. Vella had what it took to run an anthology start to finish. Do you? In this episode, Brad Pauquette talks with Vella Karman about: The deeper meaning behind their stories in Fantastical Summer What “magical realism” even is and why more Christians should write it What it’s like rejecting your friends’ stories from the anthology Vella Karman is a graduate of The Company’s in-person apprenticeship program. Before she started the program, she couldn’t have done any of this. With guidance and support, she’s grown through the process and has Fantastical Summer under her belt. Vella blogs about filling your life with God’s light and joy. Learn more about Vella at https://vellakarman.com/. Are you interested in becoming an apprentice at The Company and creating cool stuff like Vella? Now is the time to apply. We’re looking for people who are all-in for Jesus and who are serious about becoming a professional writer. Learn more and apply here: https://writers.company/training/full-time-apprenticeship/ Make sure that you’re subscribed to The Company’s newsletter so that you never miss an event or update: https://writers.company/subscribe The post Fantastical Summer Interview with Vella Karman (Episode 164) appeared first on The Company.

The living dead, torture devices, monsters… These aren’t 21st century inventions. The Christian Church has been talking about them for centuries. Join five storytellers as they tell true stories of the church’s history. All of these stories are presented “live,” with no breaks. If you prefer to listen to audio, use the player at the bottom of this article or search “The Company Podcast with Brad Pauquette” on your favorite app. Every story is based on real historical documents. However, the storytellers have taken the liberty of filling in inconsequential details to tell a great story. Chloe Leonard tells the story of “St. Catherine and the Breaking Wheel” Sarah Sax tells the story of “St. Columba and the Loch Ness Monster” Lucy Grecu tells the story of “St. Stanislaus the Undead Piotr” Emily Gwaltney tells the story of “Brother Andrew and the Blind Blessing” Jenna Hulse White tells the story of “St. Scholastica and the Last Visit” Spirit Stories is hosted by Brad Pauquette. All five storytellers are writing apprentices at The Company in Cambridge, Ohio, training to become professional Christian novelists. Learn more about The Company at https://writers.company Other helpful links: Brad Pauquette – https://bradpauquette.com Lucy Grecu – https://lucygrecu.com Like things like this? Join the free newsletter to stay in the loop! .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_6 .et_bloom_form_content { background-color: #ededed !important; } .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_6 .et_bloom_form_container .et_bloom_form_header { background-color: #ffffff !important; } .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_6 .et_bloom_form_content button { background-color: #a153e0 !important; } .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_6 .et_bloom_form_content .et_bloom_fields i { color: #a153e0 !important; } .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_6 .et_bloom_form_content .et_bloom_custom_field_radio i:before { background: #a153e0 !important; } .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_6 .et_bloom_form_content button { background-color: #a153e0 !important; } .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_6 .et_bloom_form_container h2, .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_6 .et_bloom_form_container h2 span, .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_6 .et_bloom_form_container h2 strong { font-family: "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif; }.et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_6 .et_bloom_form_container p, .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_6 .et_bloom_form_container p span, .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_6 .et_bloom_form_container p strong, .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_6 .et_bloom_form_container form input, .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_6 .et_bloom_form_container form button span { font-family: "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif; } SUBSCRIBE! You have Successfully Subscribed! The post Spirit Stories 2025: True Stories of Christianity’s Supernatural History appeared first on The Company.