Navy SEAL to Big Ten Linebacker: Tom Hruby & James Pomerantz | Inside The Breacher's Playbook.

This week, the writing community chat show hosted former Navy Seal, MMA fighter, and American football player, Tom Hruby & seasoned author James Promerantz.The authors of the explosive thriller, The Breacher’s Playbook: A Deklan Novak Novel.If you are looking for an inspiring story of determination, or simply want the secrets behind writing high-stakes, authentic action, you cannot miss this episode.Tom Hruby’s life reads like a blockbuster movie: a decorated Navy SEAL Breacher who served four combat deployments, an undefeated MMA fighter, and a walk-on Northwestern Wildcats Linebacker in the Big Ten—all before becoming a successful author.Co-author James Pomerantz brings the literary precision, leveraging his own wild background from writing biographies to navigating the world of Chicago nightlife (including a memorable business partnership with action-star Steven Seagal!).In This Episode, We Breached the Playbook:Here are just a few of the high-impact stories and writing secrets the authors shared:* From SEAL to Student: The unbelievable transition Tom made from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan to walking onto a Division I football team at the age of 34, and how that relentless drive fuels his writing.* The “Breacher’s” Philosophy: What the term “Breacher” means both tactically and psychologically, and how Tom’s philosophy of breaking through barriers shapes the protagonist, Deklan Novak.* The Art of Collaboration: How two men with such wildly different life experiences successfully merge authenticity and narrative craft to create a seamless, high-velocity story.* Endorsement by a Champion: We discuss the amazing testimonial from former Chicago Bear Jim Morrissey(World Champion 1985), who called The Breacher’s Playbook a book he “simply could not put down.”Praise for Tom Hruby and the Book:“A true warrior in every sense... The book is all about determination at the highest level and the inspirational message that anything is possible.” — SEAL TEAMMATE OF TOM HRUBY“The Breacher’s Playbook: A Deklan Novak Novel”Deklan fought his demons in the combat zones of Iraq and Afghanistan as a Navy SEAL breacher and now in Chicago as a special agent for the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children squad.That grit will be what he leans on in his new role as a tough FBI agent tasked with unraveling the disappearance of two children from a daycare center owned by his mother in this first installment.This debut narrative, the first in a planned three-book series, is a fictional account based on Hruby’s real-life story.The mystery thriller lays the groundwork for what the authors describe as a recurring character who is hard, fast, and mean as a razor wire. Deklan’s life path is one of determination and sacrifice in the face of defeat. That grit will be what he leans on in his new role as a tough FBI agent tasked with unraveling the disappearance of two children from a daycare center owned by his mother in this first installment.“The Breacher’s Playbook showcases a modern warrior’s real-life experiences,” said Chris Schafer, CEO at Tactical 16 Publishing. “Tom and James’ story shows that not all battles are in war zones, and not all war zones are sanctioned by governments.”“After serving more than a decade as a Navy SEAL and retired with a decorated combat career, Deklan Novak realized his days of making life and death decisions were not behind him. The Breacher’s Playbook is a book I simply could not put down!” -Jim Morrissey, a former Chicago Bears linebacker, 1985 Super Bowl ChampionBuy The Breachers Playbook here!Watch it here:Listen on the Go:Prefer to listen on your run or commute? You can find the writing community chat show on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Search for our channel name or the episode title: Navy SEAL to Big Ten Linebacker: Tom Hruby & James Pomerantz.Pick up a copy of The Breacher’s Playbook: A Deklan Novak Novel today!Support Our Non-Profit CICAs many of you know, The Writing Community Chat Show is now officially a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). Our mission is to support authors and creatives through interviews, workshops, competitions, and community projects.Running the show takes time, effort, and resources — from live streaming and editing, to event hosting and outreach. If you enjoy what we do and want to help us continue providing a platform for authors, please consider donating directly to our PayPal. Every contribution goes right back into growing the show and supporting the writing community.Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCSEven the price of a coffee makes a difference in helping us keep the lights on, the mics live, and the conversations flowing.Featured on these blog posts as one of the best writing podcasts:Number 7 in the top 11 writing podcasts of 2025 by Million Podcasts. com https://millionpodcasts.com/author-interview-podcasts/…Number 3 in the top 10 best writing UK podcasts of 2025. https://podcast.feedspot.com/uk_writing_podcasts/The 10 best writing podcasts of 2024, No1 The Writing Community Chat Show - 10 Best UK Writing Podcasts You Must Follow in 2024 (feedspot.com) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

Join us for an electrifying interview with Alexis L. Menard, author of the hit Romantasy novel, House of Bane and Blood!Alexis dives deep into how she blended the dark grit of Peaky Blinders with a unique magic system to create her “Rivals to Lovers” story, where a woman enters a marriage of convenience to save her family’s business, only to be plunged into a world of serial killers and inescapable attraction.In this interview, Alexis shares invaluable advice for authors, including:* The Author’s Journey: Her path from working as a nurse to becoming a published author after the birth of her child.* Publishing Secrets: The key differences and benefits of transitioning from a successful self-published author on Amazon to securing a traditional deal with Second Sky and Forever.* Crafting Tension: How to create palpable chemistry and tension in a dual POV romance and the inspiration behind her male main character, Nico (inspired by Tommy Shelby).* Writing Spicy Romance: Using “spice” as a powerful tool to serve the character’s emotional arc and progression, rather than just for shock value.* Actionable Tips: Practical advice on securing a good agent, the importance of a professional cover and editor, and why new writers need to build a readership on social platforms like TikTok.This episode of The Writing Community Chat Show continues our streak of over 360 interviews. We are proud to have recently been ranked Number 3 in the Top 10 Writing Podcasts in the UK 2025!But Alexis L. Menard’s book, House of Bane and Blood, today!Interview: Other podcast platforms, just search: The Writing Community Chat Show.Support Our Non-Profit CIC.As many of you know, The Writing Community Chat Show is now officially a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). Our mission is to support authors and creatives through interviews, workshops, competitions, and community projects.Running the show takes time, effort, and resources — from live streaming and editing, to event hosting and outreach. If you enjoy what we do and want to help us continue providing a platform for authors, please consider donating directly to our PayPal. Every contribution goes right back into growing the show and supporting the writing community.Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCSEven the price of a coffee makes a difference in helping us keep the lights on, the mics live, and the conversations flowing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

It has been three years since our friend and long-time community member, S.P. O’Farrell, last sat down with us at The Writing Community Chat Show. As one of the original supporters of the podcast, which is now proudly ranked as a top UK writing podcast, we always love checking in with familiar faces.We are thrilled to announce that the full conversation with Steve is now available!This episode is essential viewing (or listening!) for anyone curious about taking their series to the next level, changing genres, and navigating the exciting business of getting noticed. In this incredible discussion, we celebrated what happens when dedication meets dazzling success. We Covered:* Award-Winning Validation: Steve shared the inspiring story behind Simone LaFray and the Bishop of Mumbai being named a Distinguished Favorite Winner (Middle Grade) for the Big NYC Book Awards and receiving a stellar Starred Review from the Independent Book Review.* The Hollywood Hype: We dove into what it truly means for a series to be “shopped” for a TV/Film Production Deal—the process, the hope, and the reality for authors.* A Pivot to YA: S.P. O’Farrell revealed why he made the exciting jump to Young Adult Fiction with a new Duology and how he manages to maintain consistency while plotting the highly-anticipated Simone 5!* The Business of Writing: How he balanced his biggest year ever—including a graduation speech and a novel conversion project—with promoting his success and maintaining momentum.Watch or Listen to the Full Interview!This is your chance to hear directly from an author navigating the very top tiers of traditional publishing success.The video is available now on our YouTube channel, and you can also listen to the audio wherever you get your podcasts.▶️ Watch The Full Episode Now:🎧 Listen Here:The audio version of this episode is available on all major podcast platforms (and will appear right here on Substack)P.S. If you want to see how far Steve has come, you can view our previous interview with him from three years ago, where he discusses the start of his journey, right here:Support Our Non-Profit CIC.As many of you know, The Writing Community Chat Show is now officially a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). Our mission is to support authors and creatives through interviews, workshops, competitions, and community projects.Running the show takes time, effort, and resources — from live streaming and editing, to event hosting and outreach. If you enjoy what we do and want to help us continue providing a platform for authors, please consider donating directly to our PayPal. Every contribution goes right back into growing the show and supporting the writing community.Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCSEven the price of a coffee makes a difference in helping us keep the lights on, the mics live, and the conversations flowing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

In the world of writing, the path to becoming a published author is often shrouded in mystery. For many, it's a journey filled with rejection, self-doubt, and the tireless pursuit of a story. But what happens when that journey not only leads to publication, but to a place on the prestigious Sunday Times Bestseller list?This is the story of B.P. Walter, a master of psychological thrillers and horror. In a fascinating interview on The Writing Community Chat Show podcast, Walter shares his insights on crafting compelling fiction, the power of persistence, and how a surprising change of plans turned his dream into a full-time career.The Turning Point: When a Pandemic Helped Launch a Bestseller.One of the most compelling parts of the interview is the behind-the-scenes look at how Walter’s third book, The Dinner Guest, became a game-changer. Despite having two previous novels published, it was this book that captured the attention of readers and the industry.He reveals a stroke of good timing: the book was released in April 2021, just as UK retail shops were reopening after lockdown. People poured into bookshops, and The Dinner Guest was ready and waiting to be discovered. This momentum, combined with an "incredible promotion," propelled the book to number one on the Times chart, changing his life and allowing him to commit to writing full-time.Demystifying the Writing Process.For aspiring authors, B.P. Walter offers invaluable, practical advice. He candidly discusses how his writing process has evolved over 10 books. Initially, he didn't focus on word count, but a tight deadline forced him to adopt a more disciplined approach. Now, he aims for 3,000 words a day when actively drafting a manuscript.Perhaps his most surprising tip came from the Faber Academy, where he learned the power of planning. He now meticulously plans his novels chapter by chapter with a short summary for each, a method he now considers essential. Walter believes that knowing where the story is going allows for a more structured and efficient creative flow.Crafting Fear: Tips for Thriller, Horror & Gothic WritersB.P. Walter is a true genre-jumper, and he shared his best advice for writers tackling psychological thrillers, horror, and Gothic fiction.* For Horror: He suggests writers consider what genuinely scares them personally. While not every detail has to be autobiographical, drawing on personal fears can help conjure a more authentic sense of dread for the reader.* For Psychological Thrillers: Walter emphasizes the importance of rhythm. He advises writers to pay close attention to the pacing of the plot, ensuring twists and climaxes happen at the right moments to keep readers hooked.* For Gothic Fiction: He describes this genre as being all about atmosphere and feeling. He recommends that aspiring writers read extensively within the genre to understand how to create that unsettling vibe.A New Mystery on the Horizon.In the interview, Walter offers an exciting pitch for his new book, The Winter Visitor. He describes it as his "most Agatha Christie-ish book" yet—a murder mystery set in a Scottish castle during a storm. When a mysterious stranger is found dead with a Christmas ornament in his heart, everyone in the locked-down castle becomes a suspect.Connect with B.P. Walter:* Instagram: @BPWalterAuthor* Twitter: @BarnabyWalter* Buy his books: Available on Amazon, Waterstones, and Audible.This conversation with B.P. Walter is a masterclass for anyone interested in the art of writing and publishing. It’s a powerful reminder that success often comes from a combination of hard work, adaptability, and the courage to keep going.To watch the full interview and learn more from B.P. Walter, you can find the episode on our YouTube channel.Or, watch it right here: About the Show.The Writing Community Chat Show is a live streaming YouTube podcast that brings you the stories of authors, screenwriters, and more. From the best NYT best-sellers to celebrities and indie authors, this show is for the community. Recently ranked number 3 in the top 10 writing podcasts in the UK 2025.Support Our Non-Profit CIC.As many of you know, The Writing Community Chat Show is now officially a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). Our mission is to support authors and creatives through interviews, workshops, competitions, and community projects.Running the show takes time, effort, and resources — from live streaming and editing, to event hosting and outreach. If you enjoy what we do and want to help us continue providing a platform for authors, please consider donating directly to our PayPal. Every contribution goes right back into growing the show and supporting the writing community.Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCSEven the price of a coffee makes a difference in helping us keep the lights on, the mics live, and the conversations flowing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

As a podcast that's had the honour of interviewing everyone from New York Times best-sellers to indie authors and celebrities — and recently ranked number 3 in the UK's top writing podcasts — we always aim to bring you the very best. This episode was no exception.We were beyond thrilled and honoured to welcome a true British icon to the show: the one and only Sir Tony Robinson.A New Chapter for a National TreasureKnown worldwide for his unforgettable role as the cunning Baldrick in Blackadder and as the beloved host of the long-running archaeology series Time Team, Sir Tony Robinson has entertained generations. Now, at the age of 79, he has embarked on a bold new journey: the publication of his debut adult fiction novel, The House of Wolf.In this exclusive interview, we sat down with Sir Tony to discuss his extraordinary career, which spans stage, screen, and page. He shared insights on the transition from writing his award-winning children’s books to crafting a sweeping historical novel for adults. We also explored how writing has always been at the very heart of his storytelling, a constant thread throughout his diverse and celebrated career.The House of WolfThe House of Wolf — described as “earthy, entertaining, and gloriously inventive” — is set against the tumultuous backdrop of the French Revolution. The novel masterfully blends themes of passion, survival, and gripping drama, promising a rich and immersive experience for readers.This book marks the beginning of an exciting new historical fiction series from one of Britain’s most loved cultural figures.Inspiration for Every WriterWhether you're a long-time fan of British comedy, a history enthusiast, a lover of archaeology, or simply a writer looking for excellent advice and motivation, this conversation is an absolute must-watch.Sir Tony Robinson’s journey is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to start a new creative endeavour, and that the best stories are often born from a lifetime of experience.Watch or ListenYou can now watch the full interview on YouTube:👉 Watch hereOr listen on your favourite podcast platform by searching The Writing Community Chat Show.Support the ShowThe Writing Community Chat Show is now a registered CIC (non-profit) dedicated to supporting authors, readers, and creatives. If you’d like to help us keep the show running — and growing — you can support us here:👉 Support us on PayPalEvery contribution, big or small, helps cover our running costs and allows us to continue bringing you interviews with the writers and cultural icons you love.💬 What did you think of The House of Wolf launch and Tony’s reflections on his career? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. And if you enjoyed this interview, please share it with a friend and subscribe so more people can discover the show. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

This week on The Writing Community Chat Show, we were honoured to welcome back one of the UK’s most beloved authors — Adele Parks MBE. With over five million copies sold, novels translated into 31 languages, and a career spanning a quarter of a century, Adele is a true literary powerhouse.Her brand-new book, Our Beautiful Mess, has just been released, marking an astonishing 25th novel in 25 years. It’s an extraordinary milestone, and one we couldn’t wait to celebrate with her.Our Beautiful Mess.In her latest novel, Adele brings back Connie, the heroine from her very first book Playing Away. But now, 25 years later, Connie’s life looks very different. She’s still with her husband, preparing for Christmas with her daughters home — until one new arrival stirs old ghosts.When her daughter Fran introduces her new boyfriend Zac, Connie is instantly unsettled. He reminds her of the one man who nearly destroyed her marriage decades earlier. As family secrets begin to unravel, Adele delivers another of her trademark gut-punch twists in a story that is as much emotional family drama as it is gripping thriller.This is Adele at her finest — exploring love, motherhood, secrets, and the terrifying lengths a parent will go to in order to protect their family.The Interview.In our conversation, Adele shared:* What it feels like to look back over 25 years of writing.* The challenges and joys of sustaining such a long and successful career.* Why she chose to revisit Connie and how the character has evolved.* How themes of motherhood, family dynamics, and secrets shape her work.* Her advice to writers on discipline, longevity, and embracing change.It’s a warm, insightful, and inspiring chat with an author who has become a cornerstone of contemporary British fiction.👉 Watch the full interview here:And if you’d like to revisit our first interview with Adele, where we talked about her journey into writing and the beginnings of her career, you can watch it here:❤️ Support The Writing Community Chat ShowAs many of you know, The Writing Community Chat Show is now a Community Interest Company (CIC) – a non-profit dedicated to supporting authors and creatives through interviews, workshops, competitions, and community projects.If you enjoy what we do and would like to help us continue growing, please consider supporting us:👉 Donate via PayPal.Every contribution goes directly back into keeping the show alive and helping us build opportunities for writers everywhere.Thank You.Whether you’re tuning in live, watching back on YouTube, or listening on the podcast, thank you for being part of our community. By sharing, commenting, and subscribing, you’re helping other like-minded readers and writers find the show and join us in celebrating voices like Adele Parks.Our Beautiful Mess is out now — and Adele Parks shows us once again why she’s one of the UK’s most treasured storytellers.THE WRITING COMMUNITY CHAT SHOW - TOGETHER AS ONE WE GET IT DONE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

This week on The Writing Community Chat Show, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting Katherine “Kat” Kingsley— on one of the most exciting days of her career: the launch of her brand-new novel, The Serpent’s Bride.Dark, romantic, and deliciously dangerous, this novel takes readers deep into a world of vampire clans, mafia power struggles, and forbidden love. But Kat’s journey to release day is just as compelling as the story she’s put on the page.From Fanfiction to Fantasy Worlds.Like many authors, Kat started out writing fanfiction — a space where creativity thrives and stories can be shared freely with passionate readers. But instead of staying there, she built on that experience to create her own original worlds and characters.Her move into fantasy and romance wasn’t just a change of genre — it was a bold step into telling stories that are wholly her own, and The Serpent’s Bride is the thrilling proof of how far she’s come.The Allure of Villain Romance.One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation was Kat’s take on the villain romance trend. Unlike straightforward good vs. evil tales, her stories blur the line between right and wrong, exploring morally grey characters who challenge our expectations of love, loyalty, and desire.Kat shared how she balances dark themes with emotional truth — and how one unforgettable moment of receiving hate mail actually deepened her understanding of how readers interpret the line between fantasy and reality.Writing Without a Map.Not every author outlines their books. Some prefer to “pants” — writing by the seat of their pants and letting the story unfold as it comes. Kat proudly claims her place in the pantser camp, and in our interview she offered thoughtful advice for writers who embrace spontaneity in their process.Her personal definition of success? It’s not about sales charts or reviews. It’s about finishing the work, putting it into the world, and connecting with readers who find themselves changed by the story.Watch the Full Interview.Our chat with Kat is full of insights, inspiration, and a lot of fun. If you’re curious about writing dark romance, navigating fan reactions, or launching a book on release day, you won’t want to miss it.👉 Watch the interview on YouTube❤️ Support The Writing Community Chat ShowThe Writing Community Chat Show is now a Community Interest Company (CIC) – a non-profit dedicated to supporting authors and the wider writing community.If you’d like to help us continue interviewing incredible writers like Kat Kingsley, hosting workshops, and creating opportunities for authors, please consider supporting us:👉 Donate via PayPal.Every contribution keeps the show alive and helps us build a stronger community for writers everywhere.✨ Kat Kingsley’s The Serpent’s Bride isn’t just a book — it’s proof that stories born from passion, perseverance, and imagination can transform into something unforgettable.Buy it here.Thank You for Your Support.Whether you’re tuning in live, catching up on YouTube, or listening on the podcast, we’re so grateful to have you with us. Your support means the world. By sharing the episode, leaving a comment, and subscribing, you’re not just helping us — you’re helping other like-minded writers and readers discover the show and join this amazing community. Together, we can keep growing and supporting authors everywhere. 💙 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

This week on The Writing Community Chat Show, we sat down with someone whose life’s work is all about courage, compassion, and transformation. Renee Zukin is an author, educator, coach, and mental health advocate with more than 20 years of experience helping others do the inner work that sparks outer change.Her book, Every Day I’m Brave: Cultivating Resilience to Gain Freedom from Fear (Wonderwell Press, Aug 8, 2025), is a powerful exploration of what it means to face fear, lean into resilience, and live more consciously in today’s complex world.Why Renee Zukin Writes About Bravery.Renee’s background is as rich as it is inspiring. She’s worked in education, studied multiple psychological and healing modalities, and created workshops and programs designed to help others harness the written word as a tool for empowerment.What makes Renee unique is her belief that writing isn’t just about storytelling, it’s about healing. Through writing, she says, we can process fear, rediscover resilience, and move toward freedom.Every Day I’m Brave.In Every Day I’m Brave, Renee doesn’t shy away from the difficult truths. Fear is real. Life is messy. But she argues that we all have the tools to meet that fear with courage, to practice bravery in small, daily acts that ultimately transform our lives.The book is part memoir, part guide, and entirely rooted in Renee’s mission: to cultivate resilience and create a ripple effect of compassion in the world.What We Talked About on the Show.During our conversation, Renee opened up about:* How she overcame her own fears and learned to live bravely.* Why writing is one of the most powerful tools for self-healing.* The role of mindfulness and restorative justice in her work.* The challenge of writing a deeply personal book.* What she hopes readers will take away from Every Day I’m Brave.It’s a conversation filled with honesty, warmth, and practical wisdom, and one that left me feeling inspired to face our own fears with just a little more courage.Watch the Full Interview.You can catch the full episode with Renee Zukin here, or on our YouTube channel:👉 Watch the interview❤️ Support The Writing Community Chat Show.The Writing Community Chat Show is now a registered CIC (Community Interest Company) a non-profit dedicated to supporting authors and the wider writing community.If you enjoy what we do and want to help us keep growing, please consider supporting us:👉 Donate via PayPalEvery contribution goes directly into keeping the show alive, supporting authors, and building opportunities for creatives everywhere. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

When life feels overwhelming, we often reach for stories that make the world feel lighter, warmer, and a little more magical. That’s exactly what bestselling author Ciara Blume offers her readers and why she’s become one of the most talked-about voices in cozy fantasy today.Her Natural Magic Series didn’t just land well with readers, it exploded. In less than six months, her debut racked up over 2 million page reads and more than 1,000 glowing reviews, quickly climbing Amazon bestseller charts in multiple categories. That’s the kind of success many authors dream of… but Ciara did it while starting her author career at midlife.And that’s what makes her story so powerful.Midlife Magic: Reinvention & Creativity.While many people see midlife as a point of slowing down, Ciara saw it as the perfect moment to dive in. As her son left for college, she set out to build the author career she’d long imagined. With her background as a copywriter and a Creative Writing degree from Johns Hopkins, she brought a rare mix of storytelling skill and business savvy.But she also brought perspective. Instead of rushing to secure a traditional publishing deal, Ciara chose indie publishing as her first choice, a decision that gave her creative control, flexibility, and the ability to build her author business on her own terms.Why Cozy Fantasy Matters Right Now.Ciara’s books are uplifting, humorous, and occasionally magical — the very definition of cozy fantasy. But this isn’t just escapism. History shows that whimsical, enchanting fiction often thrives during times of division and stress. Alice in Wonderland and The Narnia Chronicles appeared during turbulent eras, offering readers something restorative.Ciara’s stories pick up that mantle. They feature themes of found family, second chances, and women reclaiming their inherent magic at any age. In a world where many of us feel disconnected, her novels remind us of the healing power of wonder.Watch Our Interview with Ciara Blume.This Friday on The Writing Community Chat Show, we’ll sit down with Ciara to talk about:* Why cozy fantasy is more radical than it looks.* How fiction can serve as self-care and reduce stress.* The challenges and triumphs of building a book business at midlife.* Why natural magic resonates so deeply with modern readers.Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a lover of fantasy, or someone who just needs a little spark of enchantment, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.💡 Support Authors, Support CreativityThe Writing Community Chat Show is now a registered CIC (Community Interest Company). That means we’re not-for-profit, and our mission is to support authors, creatives, and community projects. If you’d like to help us continue bringing you inspiring conversations like this one, you can donate here:👉 https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCSAnd don’t forget — the Amazon Kindle Storyteller Award is open! If you’re an author, this is your chance to enter one of the most exciting competitions in publishing and win £20,000!:👉 http://amazon.co.uk/Storyteller This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

Georgina Moore is an author and seasoned book publicist with a long-standing career in the publishing industry. She worked behind the scenes managing publicity for major authors such as Patrick Gale, Penny Vincenzi, and Maggie O'Farrell before writing her own debut novel, The Garnett Girls. This novel is a family drama set on the Isle of Wight that has received praise from authors like Lucy Foley and Jill Mansell.✍️ The Insider's Journey: From Publicist to Bestselling AuthorIn a recent live stream, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Georgina Moore, a name well-known to industry insiders and now celebrated by readers worldwide. Having spent years as a top-tier publicist, she's expertly managed campaigns for literary giants, yet it was during the quiet of lockdown that she penned her own story, stepping from the wings into the spotlight as a debut novelist.A New Chapter: Stepping Into the SpotlightGeorgina's transition from promoting other people’s work to creating her own wasn't without its challenges. As she shared in our interview, despite her extensive experience, she initially battled imposter syndrome. She notes, however, that her colleagues and friends were quick to remind her that a publisher's significant investment in The Garnett Girls was proof of its worth. This insightful conversation sheds light on the anxieties and demands that come with the publishing journey, even for those who have navigated it for years.From the Isle of Wight to Eel Pie IslandShe also delves into her latest novel, River of Stars, which is a dual-timeline story. Inspired by her own life on a houseboat, the novel features a 1960s timeline with a young woman's romance with a rock star and a modern-day narrative with her and her granddaughter on Eel Pie Island.Visit her website here.Moore's passion for creating authentic, relatable characters shines through, particularly her commitment to featuring strong female characters over 40 to combat the misrepresentation of this age group in fiction.Advice for Aspiring AuthorsFor all the aspiring writers in our community, Georgina's advice is clear and encouraging: get your words down on paper and write with passion. She suggests ignoring current trends and focusing on the story you are driven to tell. She also stresses the importance of community, emphasising that networking at events and connecting with other writers is crucial for sharing ideas and receiving feedback in an otherwise isolating field.Watch the interview here! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.