Episódios
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Historical fiction meets raw human resilience in this rich conversation with award-winning author Jennifer Wright on this episode of the True Fiction Project. Jennifer’s book, Last Light Over Galveston, centers on women's empowerment during the turn of the century, following a young woman who defies her wealthy family in search of purpose, only to find herself stranded in Galveston as a monster hurricane bears down. Jennifer reveals how writing fiction based on real historical events gives readers the empathy that dry textbooks simply cannot. From her journalism roots to her life as an Air Force wife abroad, Jennifer brings an outsider's curiosity and an insider's discipline to every story she tells. Tune in to hear an excerpt of the book to when the character Kathleen arrives in Galveston, contemplating a decision as she arrives at the ocean.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why historical fiction is one of the most powerful tools for helping readers connect emotionally with real historical events, and how award-winning author Jennifer Wright uses storytelling to bring the human side of history to life in ways that journalism and textbooks simply cannot.
How women's empowerment in the early 1900s was both revolutionary and dangerous, and what it cost a young woman to walk away from wealth and family in pursuit of purpose and passion during the turn of the century.
What the research process looks like for a fiction writing project rooted in a real natural disaster, including how firsthand newspaper accounts from 1900 shaped the world of The Last Light Over Galveston.
Why the period voice of historical fiction is one of the most challenging craft elements to master, and how collaboration with a skilled editor protects the authenticity of the story.
Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal
Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Jennifer Wright, award-winning author, introduces Kathleen, a wealthy woman craving purpose beyond marriage at the turn of the century
02:27 Jennifer shares her journey from journalism to marriage to historical fiction and explains why historical storytelling can reveal the human side of history
07:30 The plot of Last Light Over Galveston unfolds: women's empowerment, family conflict, and survival during the Galveston Hurricane
10:30 Jennifer discusses the different time periods she chooses to write about and how books are marketed
15:30 Jennifer and Reenita discuss the challenge of period voice and how editors protect the authenticity of historical fiction
18:34 Jennifer Wright reads a snippet of the prologue of Last Light Over Galveston, of character Kathleen's arrival in Galveston
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Historical fiction has a unique power to draw readers into events they might otherwise dismiss. Jennifer Wright's work proves that when you place a fully realized human being inside a natural disaster, readers stop seeing history as a subject and start feeling it as an experience.
Jennifer Wright's creative process begins with six months of deep research into a historical event before a single word of fiction is written. Her ability to compress that into three months under a publishing contract for Last Light Over Galveston speaks to both her discipline and her instincts as a fiction writing professional.
Labeling books by age category, such as young adult or new adult, can quietly shrink an award-winning author's readership. Wright argues that a compelling protagonist transcends age and that character development should be the draw, not a marketing bracket.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Jennifer Wright has been writing since middle school and eventually earned a master’s degree in journalism from Indiana University. However, it took only a few short months of covering the local news to realize that writing fiction is much better for the soul–and definitely way more fun. A born-and-bred Hoosier, she was swept off her feet by an Air Force pilot and has spent the past decade traveling the world and, every few years, attempting to fit old curtains into the windows of a new home. She currently resides in New Mexico with her husband and two children.
Her debut novel, 'If It Rains,' was nominated for a Kipp Award, and her second novel, 'Come Down Somewhere,' was a 2023 Carol Award finalist. She is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).
Jennifer Wright - Facebook
Jennifer Wright - Instagram
Jennifer Wright - Website
Last Light over Galveston: by Wright, Jennifer L. - Amazon
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Taylor Swift biography writing takes rare skill, and Caroline Sullivan has mastered it. On the True Fiction Project, host Reenita Hora sits down with UK-based music journalist Caroline Sullivan, author of Taylor Era by Era: The Unauthorized Biography, exploring Taylor Swift's remarkable rise. Caroline shares how deep research and dry wit shape her storytelling, revealing surprising details about Taylor's music activism, her fight to reclaim her album rights from Scooter Braun, and her extraordinary bond with her mother. Tune in to hear Caroline read from the afterword of Era by Era, capturing the final emotionally charged night of the Eras Tour in Vancouver and what comes next for Taylor Swift.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
What an unauthorized biography actually means legally, and how a skilled music journalist like Caroline Sullivan conducts deep research without ever meeting the subject, using published sources, industry contacts, and her own expert voice to tell a compelling story about a Taylor Swift biography.
How Taylor Swift's music activism led her to spend nearly five years fighting to buy back her first six albums from Scooter Braun, ultimately reclaiming her album rights and setting a powerful precedent for artists across the music industry.
How Caroline approached the tone of Era by Era differently from other Taylor Swift books by weaving in dry British humor and personal music journalism perspective, turning dense research into a reading experience worthy of a Sunday Times bestseller.
Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal
Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Reenita opens with a bold question about unauthorized biography writing and what permissions are actually required.
02:00 Caroline Sullivan discusses her six books, including pop star profiles of Madonna, Ed Sheeran, Adele, Dua Lipa, and Taylor Swift
04:10 Deep dive into music journalism research methods and why published sources form the backbone of a music biography
06:36 The origin story of Taylor Era by Era, how the publisher approached her after her Dua Lipa book, and how it sold 50,000 copies
12:20 Discussion of Taylor Swift's music activism, her long battle to reclaim her album rights, and her influence on the broader music industry
19:00 Caroline reads from the afterword of Taylor Era by Era, covering the final night of the Eras Tour in Vancouver and Taylor's appearance at the Grammy Awards
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Writing a Taylor Swift biography without the subject's cooperation is entirely legal and achievable through thorough research, industry sources, and a strong authorial voice. Caroline Sullivan proves that an unauthorized biography can outsell the competition when personality and craft drive the narrative.
Taylor Swift's relentless pursuit of her album rights against Scooter Braun is one of the most significant acts of music activism in modern industry history, and one that Caroline documents with admiration throughout Taylor Era by Era, showing how Taylor uses her platform to benefit all artists.
The Eras Tour was far more than a concert series. With 149 dates, a terrorist threat in Vienna, and fans paying just to listen from behind the stage, it became a cultural phenomenon that Caroline argues marks a turning point in pop star history and in Taylor's personal legacy.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
I'm a UK-based music journalist who writes for The Guardian and more, and have written seven books, most recently Taylor: Era by Era - an unofficial biography of Taylor Swift.
Caroline Sullivan - Facebook
Caroline Sullivan - Instagram
X: @TheCSullivan
Taylor Era by Era: The Unauthorized Biography
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What happens when Alfred Hitchcock, Manhattan ghost stories, and a family legend collide? In this episode, debut novelist John McDermott reveals how he crafted The Last Spirits of Manhattan from a true event where Hitchcock rented his ancestor's decaying house for a celebrity-studded party. McDermott shares insights into the fiction writing process, navigating permissions for historical fiction featuring real figures, and why he added actual family ghosts to crash Hitchcock's 1956 soiree. From his publishing journey with Simon and Schuster to teaching undergraduates at Stephen F. Austin State University, McDermott offers invaluable lessons on creative writing and perseverance. Tune in to hear the chilling opening of The Last Spirits of Manhattan where Snug, a ghost trapped in the coal room, stirs as a new venture begins.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How to balance historical fiction writing accuracy with poetic license when featuring real celebrities like Alfred Hitchcock, Henry Fonda, and Charles Addams as characters in your supernatural fiction.
The importance of literary research in crafting authentic period pieces, including navigating copyright permissions, advertising archives, and biographical sources when developing your novel.
Strategies for incorporating family history and personal anecdotes into creative writing, as demonstrated by McDermott's transformation of a Manhattan ghost story family legend into a publishable manuscript.
The reality of the publishing journey, including the persistence required through finding the right agent and working with major publishers like Simon and Schuster.
Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal.
Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 A story inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's 1956 party at John McDermott's great aunt's Manhattan house
02:30 Discussion of McDermott's family roots from Wisconsin to Texas and his role at Stephen F Austin State University's creative writing program
04:48 Exploring the marriage plot as an inciting incident and how poetic license shapes historical fiction writing
06:03 Navigating permissions and copyright issues when featuring deceased celebrities like Henry Fonda and Charles Addams in fiction
09:45 The addition of supernatural fiction elements, including family ghost stories and getting this novel published
15:32 An excerpt from The Last Spirits of Manhattan prologue introducing the blue girl ghost who hangs out in the coal room
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Historical fiction success requires extensive literary research to capture authentic voices and settings, but the magic happens when authors blend documented facts with imaginative storytelling through careful poetic license.
The publishing journey for a debut novel often spans decades with multiple manuscript attempts. McDermott's 20-year persistence and four complete manuscripts before finding success with Simon and Schuster demonstrate that timing, craft improvement, and presenting the right idea to the right people all matter.
Creative writing drawn from family history creates deeply personal and compelling narratives. By weaving real family members who died from the Spanish influenza into his Manhattan ghost stories, McDermott transforms historical research into emotionally resonant supernatural fiction.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
John A. McDermott was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. He now serves on the board of directors for the Writers’ League of Texas and teaches creative writing at Stephen F. Austin State University. Before teaching, he worked as an actor, bartender, house painter, and advertising copywriter. He lives in Nacogdoches with his wife and teenage daughter.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
John A McDermott - Website
John A McDermott - LinkedIn
John A McDermott - Facebook
The Last Spirits of Manhattan - Instagram
Book Shop - Website
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What does it look like when a woman refuses to be put in a box? On the True Fiction Project, host Reenita Hora sits down with the fearless Keldamuzik Diva, a singer, songwriter, actress, and fashion designer whose life is the ultimate blueprint for women's empowerment. Keldamuzik shares how she went from childhood auditions to starring in films, performing in live theater, launching her beret collection Tamz, and hosting her own fashion shows, all while building a fiercely independent brand. Her story is proof that creative entrepreneurship has no ceiling. Tune in to hear Keldamuzik Diva deliver a powerful verse from her song "Get Up and Get It," a bold declaration of independence and self-sufficiency for women everywhere. Listen here to stream her music
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why women's empowerment and financial independence go hand in hand, and how Keldamuzik Diva's music speaks directly to women who are building lives on their own terms as independent artists and entrepreneurs.
How a multifaceted artist can successfully manage a music career, an acting career, and a fashion line simultaneously without sacrificing quality or passion, even when industry insiders say otherwise.
What it truly takes to succeed in the entertainment industry as a creative entrepreneur, from navigating auditions and live theater to launching a product line and hosting your own fashion shows.
How personal branding in the entertainment industry requires more than one skill set, and why having your hands in multiple areas of performing arts can actually strengthen rather than dilute your brand.
Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal
Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Keldamuzik on why the entertainment industry demands a strong personal brand and multifaceted creative approach
01:56 Keldamuzik explains how she ignored industry advice to specialize and instead pursued creative entrepreneurship across multiple fields
04:34 Kelda discusses how acting came first, from childhood auditions to co-starring in the live stage play How Black Mothers Say I Love You
06:32 Living in California and having a song on The Housewives of Atlanta
08:05 Keldamuzik describes her beret collection, Tams, her inclusive fashion shows, and her upcoming glitter lipstick line
10:12 Keldamuzik shares the women empowerment message behind her song "Get Up and Get It" and performs a verse live
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
💎 The entertainment industry is crowded, and the most resilient creatives are those who build a distinct personal brand by developing skills across multiple disciplines rather than limiting themselves to one lane.
💎 True women's empowerment is not just a message in a song. For Keldamuzik Diva, it is a lived practice: she earns her own income, produces her own shows, creates her own fashion line, and answers to no one but herself.
💎 Launching a beret collection and hosting inclusive fashion shows that welcome customers of all heights, weights, and backgrounds is Keldamuzik's way of dismantling traditional gatekeeping in the fashion world and making space for every woman to shine.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Keldamuzik is a multifaceted artist known for her international touring, music placements on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and an acting role in the film "First Date," available for streaming on Hulu. In addition to her accomplishments in the entertainment industry, she has launched her own beret line, Tamz, and is involved in producing fashion shows.
Keldamuzik - Website
Get Up and Get It
Keldamuzik - Apple Music
https://weartamz.com/
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Memoir writing blurs the line between truth and imagination in this revealing conversation with Lily MacKenzie. We explore how creative writing techniques shape both fiction narrative and personal stories, as Lily explains her unique approach: "you lie in the service of the truth." The prolific author, with works published in over 170 venues, teaches writing dialogue, narrative structure, and storytelling techniques at the University of San Francisco's Fromm Institute for older adults. Discover why age matters, and doesn't matter, in the writing community, and what connects memoir to traditional storytelling. Hear an excerpt from Freefall: A Divine Comedy where Tilly, an installation artist approaching 60, confronts her anxieties about aging and finances in San Francisco.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How memoir writing employs storytelling techniques identical to fiction, including writing dialogue that reconstructs past conversations through imagination in writing and memory recreation.
Why traditional narrative structure rules can be broken in favor of fragmented, non-chronological approaches that create compelling conversations between different life stages.
The distinction, or lack thereof, between memoir writing and historical fiction, and how both genres recreate time periods through similar creative writing processes.
How the writing community serves older adults by providing audience, connection, and purpose while preserving family legacies through literary arts.
Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal
Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Memoir writing and the concept of lying in the service of truth with creative writing techniques
03:30 Does age affect readership and character development in novels featuring women over 60
05:51 Why writing community and memoir writing appeal to older demographics seeking legacy preservation
07:07 Exploring narrative structure and making a comparison to historical fiction
10:58 Inspiration behind the Freefall: A Divine Comedy novel about four women writers reuniting in Whistler and Venice
15:09 Reading excerpt from Freefall: A Divine Comedy featuring installation artist Tilly confronting aging and financial anxiety
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Memoir writing succeeds by "lying in the service of truth," using creative writing techniques like scene construction, imagery, and writing dialogue to recreate authentic experiences from imperfect memory recreation.
Narrative structure doesn't require chronological order or traditional story arcs; fragmented approaches can create powerful juxtapositions between life stages, allowing pieces to "talk to each other or clash."
Writing community for older adults serves multiple purposes beyond skill development, creating audiences for each other's stories and fostering connections through shared memoir writing experiences.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Lily Iona MacKenzie has published poetry, essays, and short stories in over 170 venues. She’s also published four novels: Fling!, Curva Peligrosa, Free Fall: A Divine Comedy, and The Ripening: A Canadian Girl Grows Up, a sequel to Free Fall and two poetry collections: All This and California Dreaming. Shanti Arts Publishing released her hybrid memoir Dreaming Myself into Old Age: One Woman’s Search for Meaning on 9/19/23. She blogs at http://lilyionamackenzie.com and teaches creative writing at the University of San Francisco's Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Lily MacKenzie - Website
Lily MacKenzie - LinkedIn
Lily MacKenzie - Facebook
Lily MacKenzie - Business Facebook
Lily MacKenzie - Twitter
Lily MacKenzie - Instagram
Free Fall - A Divine Comedy - Website
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Middle-grade historical fiction meets women in science in this inspiring episode! In this episode we welcome Michele Hollow, author of the novel Jurassic Girl, a biographical fiction about Mary Anning, the remarkable 12-year-old fossil hunter who discovered an ichthyosaur in 1811. Despite being poor, female, and self-educated, Mary triumphed over the dismissive men of the Geological Society. Michele shares her journey from animal writing and wildlife conservation journalism to crafting this middle-grade biography, discussing her research at the Lyme Regis museum and the challenges of writing historical research with authentic dialogue. Tune in to hear an excerpt from Jurassic Girl where young Mary visits Elizabeth Philpot's library for the first time.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How Michele Hollow discovered the story of Mary Anning, the pioneering fossil hunter who made groundbreaking discoveries in paleontology despite facing gender and class barriers in 1811
The process of transforming journalism skills into middle-grade historical fiction writing, including researching Lyme Regis and the Geological Society archives to create authentic biographical fiction
Why Mary Anning was dismissed by male scientists of her time and how she persisted in her fossil hunting work along the dangerous cliffs of England's Jurassic Coast
Michele's background in animal writing and wildlife conservation, from childhood classes at the Bronx Zoo to writing a middle-grade biography about the Grateful Dead
Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal
Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Michele Hollow shares her work: animal writing, wildlife conservation, and middle-grade historical fiction
02:19 - Michele's childhood passion for animals, from the Bronx Zoo zoology classes to volunteering at Central Park Zoo and learning about wildlife
05:03 Michele discusses her experiences writing about the Grateful Dead
07:42 - Discovering Mary Anning, the 12-year-old fossil hunter who found an ichthyosaur in Lyme Regis in 1811, despite being dismissed by the Geological Society
10:12 - Research process for Jurassic Girl, including connecting with the Lyme Regis museum and studying Mary Anning's life through biographical fiction sources
14:32 - Excerpt from Jurassic Girl where Mary Anning visits Elizabeth Philpot's library and discusses fossil hunting and paleontology discoveries
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Mary Anning overcame extraordinary obstacles as a poor, self-educated 12-year-old girl in 1811 to make groundbreaking fossil hunting discoveries that changed our understanding of prehistoric life, yet faced dismissal from the male-dominated Geological Society
Michele Hollow demonstrates how journalism skills translate powerfully to middle-grade historical fiction, using research abilities to uncover details about Lyme Regis, museum archives, and Mary Anning's life while creating authentic dialogue for biographical fiction
Jurassic Girl brings women in science history to young readers, showing how Mary Anning's persistence and passion for paleontology paved the way for future scientists despite the gender barriers of her time
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Michele C. Hollow writes about health, pets and wildlife, climate, and lifestyle. Her byline has appeared in The New York Times, Next Avenue, The Guardian, Parents, AARP, and The Costco Connection. She's the author of The Everything Guide to Working with Animals (Adams Media) and a middle-grade biography of the Grateful Dead (Enslow Publishing).
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Michele C. Hollow - LinkedIn
Michele C. Hollow - Facebook
Michele C. Hollow - Website
Jurassic Girl: The Adventures of Mary Anning, Paleontologist and the First Female Fossil Hunter (Dinosaur books for kids 8–12): Hollow, Michele C.
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What is a cozy mystery? Author Lori Pollard-Johnson joins host Reenita Hora to discuss her mystery book, Corpse in the Craftsman Cottage. This episode explores the cozy mystery genre and Lori discusses fiction writing, creative writing processes, and how contemporary mystery fiction blends genres. Her protagonists are divorced best friends running a house flipping business, discovering mystery and mayhem in unexpected places. Learn about cozy mystery authors, mystery novel writing, and the importance of sisterhood in mystery genre storytelling. Then, listen to the fiction read to hear how the protagonist discovers a waterlogged corpse hidden inside a closet aquarium while renovating a 1920s craftsman cottage.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Discover what defines a cozy mystery and how violence stays off the page while maintaining compelling mystery elements and engaging dead body scenarios in cozy crime fiction.
Learn the importance of crafting strong female friendships in women's fiction, including how divorced protagonists support each other through house flipping adventures and mystery solving.
Gain insights into the mystery novel writing process, from finding inspiration in real-world food critics and chefs to developing small-town mystery settings that keep readers engaged without graphic cozy mystery violence.
Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal
Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 The cozy mystery genre, violence occurs off the page in cozy crime fiction
02:15 Lori's fiction writing journey from periodicals to mystery books, including culinary mystery and women's fiction projects
03:28 Defining a cozy mystery and a culinary mystery inspired by working with chefs
06:32 The importance of female friendship and sisterhood themes in contemporary mystery fiction and cozy mystery storytelling
10:52 Reading from Corpse in the Craftsman Cottage featuring a shocking dead body discovery in a house flipping project
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Cozy mystery novels keep violence off the page, allowing readers to enjoy mystery solving without graphic content—the dead body exists. Still, readers don't witness the killing, making cozy crime fiction accessible and entertaining.
Culinary mystery books blend food industry knowledge with mystery writing, creating authentic chef characters and restaurant settings that add flavor to contemporary mystery fiction while exploring themes beyond traditional small town mysteries.
Strong female friendships elevate women's fiction within the cozy mystery genre—protagonists who support each other through divorce, house flipping businesses, and mystery adventures create compelling, relatable narratives for cozy mystery authors to explore.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Lori Pollard-Johnson writes from Washington and Arizona with two 2024 releases: Corpse in the Craftsman Cottage, featuring BFF amateur sleuths, and Toxic Torte, a culinary cozy about a critic's demise. She has 100+ publishing credits and holds an MA in writing from Seton Hill University. A former teacher and college professor, she's been a PNWA Literary Contest finalist and won awards for short fiction and poetry. When not writing, she enjoys her grandbabies, yoga, swimming, hiking, renovating fixer-uppers, and watching javelinas in her backyard.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Lori Pollard-Johnson - Facebook
Lori Pollard-Johnson - Business Facebook
Lori Pollard-Johnson - Twitter
Lori Pollard-Johnson -Instagram
Corpse in the Craftsman Cottage (A Flippin' Good Mystery Book 1) - Amazon
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Hi everyone! In this episode, we’re diving into the world of songwriting, screenwriting, and fiction writing with author Eva Moon. We explore her journey from musician to playwright to novelist, discovering how storytelling evolves across musical theater, one-woman shows, and her debut novel, Pinocchio's Guide to the End of the World. Eva shares how her genetic mutation diagnosis transformed her creative writing process, leading to the comedy show Mutant Diaries and ultimately inspiring her fantasy fiction novel about Pinocchio at midlife, grappling with body image and self-discovery. Tune in to hear an excerpt from the book as Pinocchio reflects on his transformation and feeling like an imposter in his human body.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How storytelling naturally evolves across different creative mediums—from songwriting to screenwriting to fiction writing—and how to let your story dictate its own format
The power of using fantasy fiction and character development to process personal trauma, as Eva transformed her genetic mutation experience into compelling creative writing
How Pinocchio becomes a metaphor for body image, imposter syndrome, and self-discovery when dealing with physical transformation and identity
Why authentic storytelling that explores internal versus external identity resonates with audiences dealing with their own transformative experiences
Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal
Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Eva Moon's multi-format creative writing career as songwriter, playwright, screenwriter, and novelist
03:20 How songwriting evolved into musical theater through patter and storytelling between songs at performance venues
05:00 Eva's genetic mutation diagnosis and creating Mutant Diaries, a woman's show, as creative writing therapy
08:00 Origin story of Pinocchio's Guide to the End of the World, exploring body image, transformation, and self-discovery
11:25 Eva reads an excerpt from Pinocchio's Guide to the End of the World, featuring Pinocchio at midlife reflecting on his transformation
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Let your creative writing take multiple forms throughout your career: Eva's evolution from musician to songwriter to playwright to novelist shows that storytelling mastery isn't about choosing one lane—it's about following where each story needs to go
Transform lived experience into universal themes through character development: Rather than writing another autobiographical piece after Mutant Diaries, Eva used Pinocchio to explore body image and identity crisis in ways that resonated beyond her personal genetic mutation story
The entertainment industry offers multiple entry points for independent creators: Eva's path included performing at clubs, attending screenwriting school, touring her musical theater show internationally, and self-distributing content—proving there's no single formula for author success
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Eva Moon is an author, songwriter, playwright, screenwriter, performer, and former Huffington Post blogger. Her plays and musicals have been staged across the US and UK, and her solo musical, “The Mutant Diaries: Unzipping My Genes,” is streaming on Amazon. “Pinocchio’s Guide to the End of the World” is her first novel.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Eva Moon - Website
Eva Moon - Author | LinkedIn
Eva Moon (@evamooon) • Facebook, Connect with friends
Eva Moon, Writer (@evamoonwriter) • Facebook
Eva Moon, storyteller, author (@evamoon) / Posts / X
Eva Moon - Instagram
Amazon.com: Pinocchio's Guide to the End of the World eBook
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Historical true crime, genealogical mysteries, and unsolved deaths await in this gripping episode of the True Fiction Project! I'm Reenita Hora, your host, diving into the mysterious world of true crime with author Michelle Graff and her book Hidden: The Unsolved Mystery of Sarah Mumford. We'll explore genealogical research, unsolved mysteries from 1899, and the dark reality of human trafficking and unwed mothers. Michelle uncovers parallels between her great-grandmother and 15-year-old Sarah Mumford through newspaper archives and primary source research. This blend of narrative nonfiction and historical fiction reveals the secrets of a Victorian-era death investigation. Then, hear an excerpt from the book as we witness Amelia giving birth to her daughter and, despite the shame of being unwed, courageously insisting that the baby's father be recorded in the doctor's records.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How genealogical research and newspaper archives can uncover historical true crime cases from the 1800s
How orphanage records reveal the dark history of human trafficking and exploitation of children in the Victorian era
The investigative techniques used in death investigations and forensic investigations during the 19th-century crime era
How narrative nonfiction and historical fiction blend to tell the stories of unwed mothers and hidden truths in family history
Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal
Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Michelle Graff explains how genealogical research on her great-grandmother led to discovering the 1899 historical true crime case of Sarah Mumford’s unsolved mystery
04:54 The death investigation reveals Sarah was dead before the train hit her, and the coroner uncovers that she was treated as an indentured servant
07:56 Michelle discusses using newspaper archives, primary source research, and orphanage records to piece together the narrative nonfiction story in Hidden
13:33 The themes of human trafficking, unwed mothers, hidden truths, and how children were exploited in the Victorian era
17:33 Michelle Graff reads an excerpt from Hidden: The Unsolved Mystery of Sarah Mumford
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Sarah Mumford's death investigation in 1899 revealed she was dead before being placed on train tracks, transforming the case from suicide to a covered-up murder involving child welfare exploitation
Michelle Graff combined genealogical research techniques with historical true crime investigation, using newspaper archives and orphanage records to uncover the parallel stories of Sarah and her great-grandmother Amelia
The book exposes how children from orphanages were exploited as indentured servants for profit, drawing connections to modern-day human trafficking issues
ABOUT THE GUESTS:
Michelle is drawn to mystery and true crime novels. Like so many true crime lovers, she longed to solve a real-life mystery. Fellow fans of history, genealogy, research, puzzles, true crime, mystery, social justice, and child advocacy can contact her at resiliencyonline.com.
Cultivating Human Resiliency - Website
Michelle Graff - LinkedIn
Hidden: The Unsolved Mystery of Sarah Mumford - Amazon
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Welcome to the True Fiction Project, your go-to podcast for exploring the journey of stories from their non-fiction roots to their fictional outcomes! I'm Reenita Hora, your host, and today we're doing something different and special. We have marketing strategy expert Saurabh Bajaj, Executive Vice President at Vodafone Idea and author of the fascinating book The Practical Marketer. We explore practical marketing strategies, brand positioning, consumer insights, and social media marketing. Saurabh reveals how category growth, market share, personal branding, and domain authority shape successful marketing campaigns and how those concepts can be applied to fiction writers and artists. He shares his digital marketing journey and the power of brand strategy. Tune in to hear his Cadbury Celebrations story—how a profound consumer insight about the Diwali holiday, "Iss Diwali Aap Kise Khush Karengay" (This Diwali, Who Will You Make Happy), inspired the iconic, successful campaign.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The fundamental brand strategy decision: pursue category growth or steal market share—this choice determines your entire marketing campaign approach.
✅ Build personal branding and domain authority through social media marketing with vulnerable, authentic content that resonates with audiences.
✅ How consumer insights and digital marketing evolved—why establishing context and authority matters more than keywords in modern practical marketing strategies.
✅ The story behind Cadbury's iconic Diwali campaign and how understanding genuine human connection created a timeless brand positioning success.
Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal
Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Saurabh Bajaj, author of The Practical Marketer and how the pandemic sparked his writing journey
03:56 The fundamental brand strategy question: grow the category growth or steal market share
08:03 Understanding your brand positioning task before executing any marketing campaigns
13:33 Storytelling techniques for authors and how practical marketing strategies apply to creative professionals
17:48 The evolution of social media marketing and building domain authority through authentic content
26:11 Creating vulnerable, authentic content that builds personal branding and consumer insights
32:00 Saurabh tells us an anecdote about the Cadbury Celebrations Diwali campaign story he spearheaded: discovering the power of genuine consumer connection
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
💎 Understanding whether your goal is category growth or stealing market share is the most fundamental brand strategy decision that shapes all marketing campaigns and determines success.
💎 Building domain authority through social media marketing requires authentic content creation and vulnerability—the posts that make you uncomfortable often perform best and create a genuine consumer connection.
💎 Great consumer insights come from profound observation—Saurabh's Cadbury Celebrations campaign succeeded by discovering that Diwali represents a genuine human connection rather than transactions, a timeless insight still relevant today.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Saurabh Bajaj has served as the Executive Vice President and Prepaid Marketing Head at Vodafone Idea since August 2022. An alumnus of Delhi College of Engineering and IIM Indore (2004), he brings over 21 years of sales and marketing expertise.
His career spans a decade at Mondelez, Innovation Head for Premium & Luxury Spirits at Diageo, and over 5 years as Head of Marketing for Dairy & International Business at Britannia before joining Vodafone Idea. He was recognized among the 50 Best Marketing & Communication Professionals by White Page International (2020) and as a DMA Trailblazer Rising Star CMO (2021).
The Practical Marketer
Saurabh Bajaj - LinkedIn
The Practical Marketer - Instagram
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Character-driven fiction, multi-perspective narrative, and historical fiction await in this episode of the True Fiction Project! I'm Reenita Hora, your host, sitting down with award-winning journalist and novelist Marshall Fine. We'll explore his new novel Hemlock Lane, releasing today, November 25, 2025! It’s a women's fiction masterpiece told through a multi-perspective narrative over four days. Marshall shares his creative writing process, narrative structure techniques, and how film criticism and writing shaped his character development approach. Set in 1967, this book club fiction tackles second-wave feminism through family drama.
Finally, Marshall reads an excerpt from Hemlock Lane which follows Nora Levitsky, a young woman on a quiet drive through upstate New York in the summer of 1967, at a roadside stop and with a handwritten note from her boyfriend which stirs unexpected emotions and the realization that she may be ready to imagine a future she once swore she’d never want.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How to structure character-driven fiction using a multi-perspective narrative approach that reveals secrets gradually over four days
✅ Narrative structure techniques for writing historical fiction set in 1960s America while making themes resonate with contemporary readers
✅ How film criticism and writing, biography writing, and documentary filmmaking experience can enhance your creative writing process and character development skills
✅ Methods for crafting compelling women's fiction and book club fiction that explores second-wave feminism and family dynamics through literary character study
✅ Hemlock Lane is releasing on November 25th and is available for pre-order here: https://www.amazon.com/Hemlock-Lane-Novel-Marshall-Fine-ebook/dp/B0F1Z37XX6
Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal
Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to Marshall Fine's character-driven fiction novel Hemlock Lane and his background in film criticism and writing, biography writing, and documentary filmmaking
01:49 Marshall's restless creativity philosophy and his approach to the creative writing process while working on multi-perspective narrative projects
08:33 Discussion of Hemlock Lane's narrative structure: four days told from different character perspectives, classified as women's fiction and book club fiction
11:06 Exploring the character development of domineering mother and daughter dynamics in historical fiction writing set in 1967 with second-wave feminism themes
16:59 Marshall reads an excerpt from Hemlock Lane, introducing Nora Levitsky, demonstrating literary character study and flashback narrative techniques in contemporary fiction
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
💎 Character-driven fiction works best when you challenge yourself with structure—Marshall crafted Hemlock Lane as a multi-perspective narrative unfolding over four days, with each character's perspective revealing new insights into previous events through flashback narrative techniques
💎 Writing historical fiction set in 1960s America requires balancing period-specific tensions with universal themes—while second wave feminism was shocking in 1967, the story's core about domineering parents and family members treading on eggshells resonates across generations in women's fiction
💎 Drawing from diverse creative experiences enhances your creative writing process—Marshall's background in film criticism and writing, biography writing, and documentary filmmaking about rebels who charted their own paths directly influenced his character development approach in book club fiction
ABOUT THE GUESTS:
Marshall Fine is an award-winning journalist, critic, and filmmaker with a 50-year career. Before his bestselling 2024 fiction debut, The Autumn of Ruth Winters, Fine wrote biographies of filmmakers John Cassavetes and Sam Peckinpah, directed documentaries about film critic Rex Reed and comedian Robert Klein, conducted the Playboy interview with Howard Stern, and chaired the New York Film Critics Circle four times. He currently lives in Ossining, New York.
Marshall Fine - Website
Hemlock Lane - Amazon
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A queer South Asian woman’s story takes center stage at the start of season 7 of the True Fiction Project! I'm Reenita Hora, your host, diving into the groundbreaking world of queer storytelling with writer, comedian, and filmmaker Aneri Shah. We'll explore her journey from pre-med student to documentary filmmaking, her Eyebrow Queens podcast, and her television comedy pilot she’s written called, Not Quite, which is about queer reinvention. Aneri discusses creating LGBTQ+ content that challenges cultural norms and the absence of South Asian women filmmakers creating authentic bisexual coming-out stories. This episode features a concept teaser called Not Quite, demonstrating emotional authenticity in creating authentic LGBTQ+ content about cultural identity and women's friendship dynamics.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How queer South Asian representation is breaking new ground in television through comedy writing and independent film production that centers around South Asian women filmmakers
The creative journey from documentary filmmaking about ER physicians during the pandemic to developing LGBTQ+ television pilots that explore bisexual coming-out stories and cultural identity exploration
The power of podcast creation as a tool for discovering your voice and building community around queer South Asian representation and non-conformist life paths
How creative reinvention happens gradually through embracing uncertainty, shedding labels, and creating LGBTQ+ content that explores women's friendship dynamics and self-actualization
Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal
Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Aneri Shah, a South Asian woman filmmaker creating LGBTQ+ content about flawed, funny women and her creative reinvention journey from pre-med student to documentary filmmaking
03:52 Creating I'm Doing My Job documentary about ER physicians during the COVID-19 lockdown
09:07 Discussion of Not Quite, LGBTQ+ comedy pilot exploring bisexual coming out stories, cultural identity exploration, and shedding labels in your thirties
18:30 The importance of emotional authenticity in queer storytelling and representing South Asian American experience beyond parental relationships
22:45 Listen to Aneri Shah's concept teaser called Not Quite.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Queer South Asian representation in media is virtually nonexistent for women—while there are examples with men like A Nice Indian Boy, there are no fully realized queer South Asian women characters on screen, making LGBTQ+ television shows.
Emotional authenticity is the true superpower in queer storytelling—it's not just about putting a South Asian woman on screen, but making audiences feel her emotions deeply
Creative reinvention and coming out isn't just about sexuality—it's about questioning all the labels and assumptions you've made about yourself, from career paths to life goals, and recognizing that South Asian Women filmmakers can tell stories beyond the lens of parental approval
Women's friendship dynamics shift dramatically when one friend stops performing and the other continues—exploring how South Asian American experience friendships evolve when someone begins self-actualizing is a universal theme that resonates across all women's relationships
ABOUT THE GUESTS:
Aneri Shah is a writer, comedian, and filmmaker obsessed with telling stories about flawed, funny women - because perfect is boring. She hosts Eyebrow Kweenz, a salon-style podcast where guests blurt out their truths, is developing Not Quite, a comedy pilot about her queer reinvention, and directed I’m Doing My Job, a feature documentary about women of color ER physicians during the pandemic. She's adept at transforming her trauma into comedy with heart.
Aneri Shah - Instagram
tiktok.com/@kweenaneri
Instagram.com/eyebrowkweenz
Eyebrow Kweenz - TikTok
Eyebrow Kweenz | Podcast on Spotify
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Female Indian artists shine in this powerful mash-up episode from Season Six of the True Fiction Project! I’m Reenita Hora, your host, honoring the voices of female Indian artists who use writing to explore identity, culture, and creativity. From the sacred symbolism of the Narmada River to the reflections of Indian mixed-media artists like Laila Khan Furniturewalla, these stories reveal how words become art. We’ll explore themes of Indian cultural identity, resilience in art, and the historical depth of the Vermilion Harvest novel, shaped by the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy. This collection of conversations of fiction and historical fiction highlights the brilliance of female Indian artists who write to empower and inspire.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How female Indian artists use storytelling to share culture, resilience, and creativity
The spiritual inspiration behind Narmada River rituals and its influence on artistic writing
Insights from Indian mixed media artists like Laila Khan Furniturewalla and her creative journey
How the Vermilion Harvest novel explores history through fiction, including the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy
Why celebrating Indian cultural identity through literature empowers communities and future generations
Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal
Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to the True Fiction Project, focusing on female Indian artists from Season Six
02:15 Rachana Devidayal explains the creativity that flowed from the sacred Narmada River and other elements of her heritage
06:45 Laila Khan Furniturewalla, daughter of Pharaoh Khan, is an Indian mixed media artist who focuses on heritage and art. Hear Laila O Laila
14:23 Traci DeForge interviews Reenita’s publisher about her novel Vermillion Harvest Playtime at the Bagh, discussing how real life can inspire historical fiction
17:00 Excerpt from Vermillion Harvest Playtime at the Bagh about forbidden love and the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, read by Reenita Hora
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The introduction to the True Fiction Project highlights female Indian artists, storytelling, and Indian cultural identity
Rachana Devidayal shares her journey as a female Indian artist, inspired by the sacred Narmada River, rituals and resilience in art
💎 Laila Khan Furniturewalla, an Indian mixed media artist, reflects on heritage, creativity, and the legacy of female Indian artists
💎 Exploration of the Vermilion Harvest novel, its connection to the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, and the power of female Indian artists in historical fiction
ABOUT THE GUESTS:
Rachana Devidayal - Website
Laila Khan Furniturewalla - Website
Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Reenita Malhotra Hora - Website
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Hope, loyalty, and love shine in this heartwarming mash-up from season six of the True Fiction Project! I’m Reenita Hora, your host, sharing uplifting stories that remind us of resilience, family bonds, and the power of kindness. We’ll hear from Mark Steven Porro and his touching memoir, A Cup of Tea on the Commode, capturing the humor and love in caregiving for his mother. Then, Brian Gotta brings us Him, a moving tale of a dog’s devotion and search for his best friend. Each story blends real-life inspiration with fiction that stirs the heart. Tune in today for interview highlights and unforgettable storytelling.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How inspirational stories of hope, loyalty, and love can strengthen family bonds and inspire resilience in everyday life
Why caregiving stories like Mark Steven Porro’s memoir highlight the humor, challenges, and rewards of showing kindness to loved ones
Brian Gotta captures themes of devotion, trust, and emotional storytelling in his dog fiction story, Him.
The way the True Fiction Project transforms real-life inspiration into fiction inspired by real life, creating uplifting and unforgettable narratives
Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal
Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to the True Fiction Project and how inspirational stories are born from real-life inspiration
02:00 Mark shares his journey on how he began to be the caregiver for his mom in his memoir, filled with love, humor, and family bonds, in A Cup of Tea on the Commode
03:17 A touching emotional storytelling scene highlights hope and resilience through children, bringing joy to Genevieve
05:02 Brian discusses his self-publishing journey and writing dog lover fiction rooted in loyalty and devotion
11:52 Reenita invites listeners to share great stories they would like to see featured on the True Fiction Project
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The opening of the True Fiction Project highlights how inspirational stories, real-life inspiration, and emotional storytelling connect to human experiences.
Mark Steven Porro’s memoir showcases caregiving stories, family bonds, and the power of love in difficult times.
Brian Gotta shares his self-publishing journey, creating dog lover fiction that blends loyalty, hope, and devotion.
Excerpt from Him delivers an uplifting story, trust, and kindness through the heartfelt eyes of a dog.
ABOUT THE GUESTS:
Mark Steven Porro - LinkedIn
Brian Gotta - LinkedIn
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
A Cup of Tea on the Commode - Website
Him - Book
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Crime thrillers, suspense, and twists await in this gripping crime thriller mash-up review of season six of the True Fiction Project! I’m Reenita Hora, your host, diving into the thrilling world of crime thrillers with excerpts from talented fiction authors. We’ll explore Crossroads by Rhonda Parker Taylor, a novel about a young man’s haunting choices after a life-altering tragedy. Then, Shakedown by Armand Rosamilia, where a crew member’s mistake risks everything. Finally, The Old Town Horror by Ed Moser uncovers a bloody investigation in historic Virginia. Each story weaves fiction inspired by real-life drama. Tune in today for interview snippets and stories.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How crime thrillers blend suspense and real-life inspiration
The power of twists in shaping gripping narratives
How authors use fiction to reflect personal and historical drama
Insights into the creative process behind storytelling
Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal
Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00: Reenita Hora introduces a blend of crime thriller, non-fiction interviews, and fiction stories that explore life experiences.
01:45: Rhonda shares how crime thrillers like Crossroads use suspense to highlight the impact of choices and drama in shaping lives.
07:15: Armand discusses the market for crime thrillers and their appeal to readers craving twists and thrillers.
15:15: Ed Moser reveals the scandalous history of Lafayette Square, tying crime thrillers to real secrets and drama.
20:39 Reenita invites listeners to share great stories they would like to see featured on True Fiction Project
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Crossroads by Rhonda Parker Taylor: Choices lead to irreversible drama and trauma, urging readers to reflect on life's pivotal decisions before they spiral into suspense and tragedy.
Shakedown by Armand Rosamilia: In the gritty world of crime thrillers, a single oversight can seal your fate, highlighting the deadly consequences of mistakes in high-stakes criminal operations.
The Old Town Horror by Ed Moser: Historic locales hide layers of secrets and violence, where investigating murder unearths the eerie persistence of the past in modern thrillers.
ABOUT THE GUESTS:
Rhonda Parker Taylor (@rhondaparkertaylor) • Instagram photos and videos
Armand Rosamilia (@armand_rosamilia) • Instagram photos and videos
Ed Moser - LinkedIn
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
THE OLD TOWN HORROR: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic Locale
Suspense Thriller Crossroads by Rhonda Parker Taylor
ShakeDown (First Coast Thriller Series): 9798401775757: Rosamilia, Armand: Books
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Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. We are in between seasons and in this special episode, we are mashing up three talented children’s book authors from Season 6, each bringing unique stories inspired by personal experiences. These episodes include Your Heart’s Voice, Leave Your Mark On The World, and The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic. All three stories touch on different heartstrings: handling grief, boosting self-esteem, and following your dreams. Tune in today for interview snippets and stories, and find the link to the full episodes in the notes below. Let’s jump right in!
Also, Reenita is giving away free copies of her children’s book, Sundri and Mundri’s Lohri Adventure! Email her at [email protected] or reach out on Instagram at @reenita_storyteller.
IN THIS EPISODE:
(00:30) Reenita shares information about her children’s book, titled Sundri and Mundri’s Lohri Adventure, and she is offering free copies! Email her at [email protected] or reach out on Instagram at @reenita_storyteller(01:32) Interview snippet with Renee Green Murphy. She shares how grief from her brother’s 2022 loss inspired Your Heart’s Voice(03:30) Excerpt from Your Heart’s Voice by Renee Green Murphy(08:53) Interview snippet with Erica Silverman discussing her daughter’s self-esteem issues, inspiring Leave Your Mark On The World(09:40) Excerpt from Leave Your Mark On The World (12:38) Interview snippet with Vicky McGrath. She shares how her daughter’s veterinary dreams inspired The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic(15:06) Excerpt from The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the ClinicKEY TAKEAWAYS:
Renee Green Murphy's Your Heart's Voice uses grief and intuition to craft a children's book that promotes self-awareness, helping young readers navigate emotions through a heartfelt story inspired by personal loss.Erica Silverman's Leave Your Mark On The World inspires self-esteem and perseverance in children's literature, showing a marker's journey to become permanent through kindness, resonating with young readers.Vicky McGrath's The Dragon And The Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic brings a veterinary clinic to life in a middle-grade graphic novel, using a hometown setting to engage readers with themes of friendship and aspiration.Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free! https://substack.com/@reenitahora
FICTION CREDITS:
Your Heart's Voice
A short story written and read by Renee Green Murphy
Your Heart's Voice - Website
Renee Greene Murphy - Website
Renee Greene Murphy - LinkedIn
Leave Your Mark on the World
A short story written and read by Erica Silverman
Erica Silverman - Website
Erica Silverman - LinkedIn
The Dragon And The Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic
A short story written and read by Vicky McGrath
Vicky McGrath - Website
Vicky McGrath - LinkedIn
The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tails from the Clinic: Book 1
RESOURCES:
S6 Ep 2 - Your Heart's Voice–True Fiction Project
S6 Ep 3 - Leave Your Mark on the World - True Fiction Project
S6 Ep 7 - The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic - True Fiction Project
HOST RESOURCES
Website
LinkedIn
Tiktok
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter (X)
Substack
Threads
LinkTree
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In this revisited episode, we have a very special show because we are celebrating the anniversary of Independent India, which fell on August 15th. Our special guest is Shukla Lal, a writer based in New Delhi, who has recently written a book detailing her personal experience from the partition that led to India’s Independence. We hear the amazing story of her father’s incredible escape in the midst of the violence and mayhem of the partition. Later in the episode, Shukla’s daughter, Sonia Kullar, reads an excerpt from Shukla’s book, Rano and Phulo.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[01:50] Shukla and her new book on the 75th Anniversary of the Partition of India are introduced. [05:39] We hear about Shukla’s family’s experience before the partition and how her father escaped. [11:45] We learn how her true events are interwoven into her short story. [14:30] We explore how Shukla’s story captures an India frozen in time. [18:50] Has India grown into the identity it desired after the partition? [21:16] We hear about the future of India and more about Shukla’s written work. [24:57] An excerpt from Rano & Phulo written by Shukla Lal, and read by Shukla’s daughter, Sonia KullarKEY TAKEAWAYS:
Shukla and her family left for Shimla on holiday, never believing that they would not return to their home due to rising political and religious tensions, now known as the partition of India. Her book is based on her family’s experience during this time. Following the partition, there was a renewed sense of nationalism and patriotism. It was also a time where women were leading out in entrepreneurship and contributing as business women. India continues to rise and be recognized for its culture and ethics. Since the 60s and 70s it has grown from being a developing and poor nation to being a globally recognized and self-respecting nation.Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free! You will also be eligible for other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction, and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora
Fiction Credits:
Excerpt taken from Rano & Phulo, a book written by Shukla Lal
Shukla Lal's website
Shukla Lal's Facebook
Link for further research
Excerpt read by: Sonia Kullar, Shukla Lal’s daughter
Sonia's email
BIO:
Shukla Lal was born in Amritsar. As a child, she imbibed the beauty and diversity of this beautiful land – India, as her family moved from Amritsar, Lahore, Shimla, to the Central and Southern cities of Madras (now Chennai), Nagpur and Hyderabad and eventually found their anchor in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in the early-1950s. Over 40 years later, she moved to New Delhi to retire.
Since catching the literary bug on her 80th birthday, Shukla has written two historical romance sagas, Floating Logs set in Kolkata (published by Notion Press in December 2019), and Rano and Phulo set in Undivided and then partitioned India (published by Goya Publishing in March, 2019), and a collection of poems, Meri Nazmon ka Ehsaas (soon to be published) all captured gamely on her iPad Notes App. She has finished the first draft of her third historical novel, Soul’s Rapture, a mystical romance set in Lahore and Mumbai. She has also written several short stories. She was invited to write for the Chandigarh Tribune, and has been interviewed for the Reader’s Digest, the Times of India, the Telegraph (Kolkata), and www.womensweb.com. Her deep spiritual practice and sense of wonder for the beauty of the world around her find expression in her storytelling. Her own lived experience adds luster and authenticity to her stories.
Joyful wit and multilingual expressiveness is a family trait she inherited from her parents and shares with her accomplished siblings. Her choice of stories and writing style could best be understood from her own words “I am a romantic and an idealist by nature and find true romance scattered everywhere irrespective of class, creed, religion, nationality or age”.
Shukla Lal Website
Shukla Lal on Facebook (personal)
Shukla Lal on Facebook (business)
Shukla Lal on Instagram
Good Reads - Shukla Lal
If you would like to purchase any of Shukla Lal’s books, follow these links::
Amazon India
Flipkart
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Are you ready to dive into a thrilling sci-fi world? Want to uncover the chilling secrets of an alien invasion? I’m excited to welcome Aaron Ryan, a passionate author and self-proclaimed Lord of the Rings geek, to today’s episode. Aaron’s vivid storytelling, inspired by cinematic masterpieces like Aliens, brings a unique musicality to his gripping narratives. We’ll explore his Dissonance series, a four-book series that began as a trilogy and expanded with a prequel, set in a post-apocalyptic 2042. Aaron shares insights into his creative process and the thematic depth of human conflict in his work. He reads an excerpt from his novel, Dissonance, where Cameron Shipley recalls the day the world was ravaged by telepathic gorgons during their devastating 2026 invasion.
IN THIS EPISODE:
(01:51) Explanation of tetralogy versus quadrilogy, with tetralogy being the correct term for four books, distinct from quadrilogy for movies (02:56) Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien and Aliens, crafts Sci-Fi thriller narratives driven by speculative, scientifically creative concepts (04:22) Discussion on authors crossing genres, explanation of Dissonance as a theme (08:40) Ryan describes incorporating musicality in writing, inspired by the Alien's soundtrack (13:53) Ryan reads an excerpt from Dissonance describing Cameron Shipley recalling the 2026 Alien invasion by GorgonsKEY TAKEAWAYS:
Aaron Ryan's Dissonance series, a gripping sci-fi thriller tetralogy, explores a post-apocalyptic world after a 2026 alien invasion by telepathic Gorgons, blending intense action with themes of human dissonance and survival. Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien and films like Aliens, Ryan crafts a vivid world-building narrative, using weaponized frequencies and a musicality in writing to enhance thrilling scenes, such as those in Dissonance. Dissonance is being adapted into a Screenplay for platforms like Netflix, with its telepathic paralytic Gorgons and weaponized frequencies, highlighting its pulse-pounding storytelling and terrifying alien encounters.Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free! You will also be eligible for other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction, and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora
FICTION CREDITS:
Written and read by Aaron Ryan
GUEST RESOURCES:
Aaron Ryan Author - Website
Dissonance Alien Invasion Saga - Website
Aaron Ryan - LinkedIn
Author & Speaker Aaron Ryan - Facebook Business Page
Author Aaron Ryan - Twitter
Author Aaron Ryan (@authoraaronryan) • Instagram photos and videos
Author Aaron Ryan - Pinterest
HOST RESOURCES
Website
LinkedIn
Tiktok
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter (X)
Substack
Threads
LinkTree
BIO:
Aaron Ryan, a Washington-based author, lives with his wife, two sons, a dog, a cat, and finches, and writes the Dissonance series, Forecast, The Superhero Anomaly, and business books. Inspired by a second-grade novella, his diverse experiences as a voiceover artist, musician, and more fuel his unique storytelling.
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Ever wonder how a medical thriller is born? Or what happens when a real-life experience sparks a pulse-pounding fiction excerpt? Today, I’m joined by Dr. John Bukowski, former veterinarian, epidemiologist, and now full-time novelist. John brings a fascinating journey from medicine to fiction, with a knack for turning scientific curiosity into gripping narratives. In this episode, we discuss how his background shaped his storytelling, how real moments become powerful “what if” plot points, and how an ordinary hotel stay inspired a high-stakes, suspenseful scene. John reads an excerpt from his latest novel, Checkout Time—a page-turner about a mysterious arsonist targeting hotels and the unlikely duo racing to stop him.
IN THIS EPISODE:
(02:10) Bukowski’s path from veterinarian and epidemiologist to fiction writer(05:06) Summary of Project Suicide, a thriller based on an Alzheimer’s drug turned weapon(06:49) Value of short fiction for building credibility before novel publishing, and how they differ(11:38) How a real hotel stay sparked the plot for the thriller Checkout Time(14:30) Paid subscribers will hear an excerpt from The Wheel of Fortune(15:50) Excerpt from Checkout Time, where an unassuming hotel room trap door erupts into an explosion
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Bukowski turned a science and medical background into a foundation for writing medical thrillers like Project Suicide.Publishing short fiction helped Bukowski refine his skills and establish himself as a novelist.A hotel trapdoor inspired Checkout Time, showing how everyday moments can lead to compelling fiction.Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free! https://substack.com/@reenitahora
GUEST RESOURCES:
thrillerjohnb.net
www.projectsuicidenovel.com
www.checkouttimenovel.com
John Bukowski - Facebook
https://X@jabukow2021
HOST RESOURCES
Website
LinkedIn
Tiktok
Instagram
Facebook
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BIO:
Dr. John Bukowski is a former veterinary practitioner, health researcher, and medical writer who now writes short fiction and fast-paced novels, including Project Suicide (www.projectsuicidenovel.com) and the recently published Checkout Time (www.checkouttimenovel.com). He has authored fourteen published short stories and a variety of consumer materials, including handbooks, website content, and radio scripts. He has extensive experience in public speaking, having appeared on the theatrical stage, radio, television, and podcasts, as well as in workshops and seminars. He’s a Detroit native who currently resides in Eastern Tennessee.
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Have you ever wondered how history’s dark secrets inspire modern fiction? Ready to uncover the violent past of America’s most iconic locales? I’m Reenita Hora, your host of the True Fiction Project, and today I’m thrilled to welcome Ed Moser—a former writer for Jay Leno’s Tonight Show, presidential speechwriter, history tour guide, and author with a knack for unearthing gripping tales. In this episode, Ed takes us through the scandal-filled history of Washington, D.C.’s Lafayette Square, as detailed in his nonfiction book, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood, which exposes 230 years of crime. Ed reads an excerpt from his novel, The Old Town Horror: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic Locale, which transports us to a bloody investigation taking place at The Carlisle Mansion, in Alexandria Virginia.
IN THIS EPISODE:
(01:32) Ed reflects on his professional journey and working on The Tonight Show(04:25) Ed shares that there have been violent events over 230 years around the White House(06:47) How the events of the past become fiction in the present day at the Carlisle Mansion(08:52) Paid subscribers will hear an excerpt from The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood(11:44) Excerpt from The Old Town Horror, set in modern Alexandria, Virginia, where a bloody investigation taking placeKEY TAKEAWAYS:
Moser’s novel The Old Town Horror draws from real historical events in Alexandria, blending past and present for a thrilling narrative.Moser’s research reveals a surprising history of violence, including murders and espionage, in iconic Washington, DC locales like Lafayette Square.Moser compares writing for The Tonight Show and the White House to making sausage, as both involve blending material from multiple writers.Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free, or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode. You will also be eligible for other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction, and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora
GUEST RESOURCES:
THE OLD TOWN HORROR: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic Locale
Lafayette Sq. Tours of Scandal, Assassination & Spies Meetup
THE OLD TOWN HORROR: Murder and Theft in America's Most Historic Locale - Amazon
Lafayette Square Tour of Scandal, Assassination & Intrigue
Ed Moser - LinkedIn
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BIO:
Ed Moser is a former writer for Jay Leno's "Tonight Show"; operator of a history tours group; speechwriter for the President of the United States; a former editor for Time-Life Books; tech/science writer/editor/manager; and biotech writer.
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