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Living The Next Chapter: Candid Conversations with Authors and Writers for Readers Searching for a New Read — Books
Living The Next Chapter: Candid Conversations with Authors and Writers for Readers Searching for a New Read

Living The Next Chapter: Inspiring Conversations with Amazing Authors and Writers – Better Questions, Better Conversations, Better Connections

Are you an avid reader or an aspiring writer seeking inspiration to embark on your own literary journey? Look no further! Welcome to “Living The Next Chapter,” the podcast that celebrates the world of books and writing. Join us as we connect you with captivating authors who have mastered the art of storytelling.

Living The Next Chapter is more than just a podcast. It is a platform built for meaningful conversations, authentic storytelling, and real connection within the literary world. Each episode highlights inspiring authors who openly share their journeys, including the struggles they have overcome, the triumphs they have achieved, and the lessons they have learned along the way.

This is a space where better questions lead to better conversations, and ultimately, stronger connections. Whether you are an experienced author or continuing to grow your voice, this platform offers a unique opportunity to expand your reach, elevate your message, and connect with a global audience that is passionate about books and writing.

This show is always ad free, if you love what you hear, please refill our coffee cup here! https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

https://livingthenextchapter.com/

Author Podcast, Podcast for Authors, Book Podcast, Authors, Writing, Books, Literature, Storytelling, Creative Writing, Bestselling Authors, Interviews with Authors, Writing Tips, Publishing Insights, Book Recommendations, Author Experiences, Literary Discussions, Writing Process, Inspiring Conversations with Authors, How to Write a Book, Tips for Aspiring Writers, Behind the Scenes of Writing, Exploring Author Journeys

Latest Episodes:

E663 - Tad Crawford - A Woman in the Wild, a woman boldly facing her demons in pursuit of a meaningful life Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

EPISODE 663 - Tad Crawford - A Woman in the Wild - A revealing and memorable portrait of a woman boldly facing her demons in pursuit of a meaningful life
Tad Crawford is an author, attorney, and publisher.
He grew up in the artists’ colony of Woodstock, New York. Interested in writing both fiction and nonfiction, he majored in economics at Tufts College and graduated from Columbia Law School. After clerking for a judge on New York State’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, Crawford worked for a small general law firm in New York City while writing and teaching writing and literature at the School of Visual Arts.
Finding few resources to help artists deal with legal matters such as copyrights, the sale and licensing of art, gallery and publishing contracts, income taxes, moral rights, and estate planning, Crawford initiated a “Law and the Visual Artist” course at the School of Visual Arts and wrote Legal Guide for the Visual Artist. Legal Guide now has well over one hundred thousand copies in print and is in its sixth edition (co-authored with M.J. Bogatin).
Crawford followed Legal Guide with numerous other books to help professionals in the creative disciplines. The Legal Affairs editor and a regular columnist for Communication Arts magazine, he also wrote for journals such as American Artist, Art in America, Confrontation, Family Circle, Glamour, Guernica, Harper’s Bazaar, The Nation, and Writer’s Digest.
He served as general counsel for the Graphic Artists Guild, lobbied as legislative counsel for the Copyright Justice Coalition (which had many artists’ groups as members), and volunteered as Chairman of the Board for the Foundation for the Community of Artists. In addition to testifying before the Senate subcommittee on behalf of artists’ rights, he drafted a package of state laws which he presented to the National Conference of State Legislatures. This presentation led to the enactment of laws favorable to artists in a number of states, including New York and California.
The National Endowment for the Arts selected Crawford as a grant recipient to write on the topic of artists’ rights. He also received the Graphic Artists Guild’s Walter Hortens Distinguished Service Award.
In 1989 Crawford founded Allworth Press to offer the practical information needed by creative professionals such as artists, photographers, designers, and authors. He knew firsthand the issues such creative people face each day and envisioned a spectrum of books to help them survive and grow professionally. Beyond these efforts for creative professionals, he also wrote The Secret Life of Money: Enduring Tales of Debt, Wealth, Happiness, Greed, and Charity; A Floating Life: A Novel; and On Wine-Dark Seas: A Novel of Odysseus and his Fatherless Son Telemachus.
Allworth Press, which today has hundreds of titles in print, became an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing in 2011. Crawford is a partner in Skyhorse Publishing and remains the publisher for Allworth Press.
https://tadcrawford.com/

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E662 - JMD Reid - Ghost Writer and Fantasy Indie Author - What Masks Hide, The Storm Below Series and more Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

EPISODE 662 - JMD Reid - Ghost Writer and Fantasy Indie Author - What Masks Hide, The Storm Below Series and more
Hi, I’m JMD Reid, a fantasy indie author working on my third fantasy series, What Masks Hide. I have published the widely praised The Storm Below Series and a releasing my second series, Secret of the Jewels.
For my day job, I’m a ghostwriter. It gives me great deal of freedom to work on my fantasy. It’s my passion, and I hope that will shine through.
I have a lot of stories in my head and I’m looking forward to sharing them with you.
https://www.jmd-reid.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/
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E661 - Leah Polworth - The heartbreaking news of a terminal diagnosis and the aftermath of sorrow, longing, confusion, and the heartache after loss Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

EPISODE 661 - Leah Polworth - The heartbreaking news of a terminal diagnosis and the aftermath of sorrow, longing, confusion, and the heartache after loss
Welcome to “Letters to Billy.” This memoir is my legacy. Journaling has always been a means for me to track my most heartfelt thoughts, deepest emotions, epiphanies, and reckonings. I am so pleased I persevered and published this memoir, which was initially intended to be something I could pass down to my son, Billy, when he becomes old enough to read and understand it.
As I delved deeper into writing about my husband Steve’s cancer journey—the knowledge we gained, the decisions we had to make, and the trials and tribulations along the way—it became apparent that my story might resonate with and provide comfort to others whose lives have taken a similar path.
This book explores many themes: finding your soul mate, the wonderful man my husband was, the fleeting yet precious time we were blessed to have as a family, and the heartbreak of a terminal diagnosis. It captures hope, doubt, fear, tenacious love, and the short but intense journey through treatment, followed by the aftermath of sorrow, longing, confusion, and heartache after loss. Suddenly, I found myself a single parent needing to raise a young baby amid crushing grief, to the moments of peace, clarity, and reflection as the grief tide slowly ebbs and joy returns once again.
I hope you find comfort, solace, and perhaps some inspiration from our story. Thank you for joining me on this path of self-discovery and healing.
Book: Letters to Billy: A story of love, loss, lessons and self-discovery
Leah and Steve Polwarth seemed destined for a lifetime of joy. They married in 2017, and by 2019, their hearts swelled with the arrival of their son, Billy. But it wasn't long before their perfect world fell apart - Steve was delivered a life shattering diagnosis.
Despite their unwavering hope and desperate fight, Leah was forced to say a heartbreaking goodbye to the love of her life, leaving her to navigate the suffocating grief of widowhood while raising their son in the midst of the global chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Letters to Billy is a raw and emotional journey through unimaginable loss, yet it is also a celebration of a mother's unbreakable love, fierce resilience and the powerful bond between a mother and her son.
In the face of devastating grief, Leah finds a way forward, discovering moments of grace and uncovering the beauty that can still bloom, even in the darkest of times.
https://letterstobilly.com.au/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/
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E660 - Gary Lippman - Author of immense vision, caustic wit, and wry compassion for the human experience Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

EPISODE 660 - Gary Lippman - Author of immense vision, caustic wit, and wry compassion for the human experience
About Gary Lippman
Born and raised in New Jersey, Gary Lippman received a law degree from Northwestern University and has worked with New York’s Innocence Project.
Lippman’s play Paradox Lust ran off-off-Broadway for a month in 2001 and his writing has been published in The New York Times, The Paris Review, VICE, Fodors, Upstate Diary, Open City, Sex And Design, and 8 By 8, while his visual art can be seen at apocalippy.com.
Having lived in Illinois, Florida, California, and France, Lippman can now be found in what used to be called “Fun City” with his Hungarian wife Vera and his whenever-he’s-inclined-to-visit adult son Gabriel.
https://garylippmanofficial.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/
Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
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E659 - Leokadia George - Meet Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup From The Wolf Conservation Center in New York Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

EPISODE 659 - Leokadia George - Meet Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup From The Wolf Conservation Center in New York
Leokadia George started volunteering at the Wolf Conservation Center in 2016 where she was introduced to the world of wolf conservation. She also became inspired by one particular Mexican Gray Wolf nicknamed Trumpet, and is honored to be able to share her story.
At the Wolf Conservation Center, while the workers are worried about the endangered species of Mexican Gray Wolves, two wolves who live there just want a pup of their own. Sadly, there are no puppies yet, and everyone has begun to give up hope.
Based on true events surrounding the miraculous birth of one wolf pup at the Wolf Conservation Center, “Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup” will fill your whole family with hope, while starting a conversation with your kids about the importance of saving endangered species.
REVIEWS
“Especially and unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library Wildlife themed picture book collections for children.” – Midwest Book Review
“Beautifully illustrated throughout with the artwork of Maddy Moore, ‘Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup: Trumpet Becomes a Mom’ from author and storyteller Leokadia George is an informative and fun read from cover to cover.” – Midwest Book Review
“Parents will love Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup by Leokadia George, which is not only adorable and heart-warming, but also a touching story that educates children about the importance of protecting endangered species. It is sure to become animal lovers’ go to children’s book!” – Stacy Padula, award-winning and best-selling author of On the Right Path, Gripped, and Montgomery Lake High
“I bought this book for myself, a supporter of reintroducing wolves back into the wilderness. It is a delightful story about an alpha pair of wolves at the wolf center in New York. The center was trying to breed them. No spoiler here. The illustrations are soft and sweet, and the story is uplifting . I recommend this book. It’s a neat story, and proceeds support the wolf center in New York.” – Abby S., Amazon Reviewer
“I just love this children’s book. Finally not the big bad wolf story generations have grown up with. You will fall in love with Trumpet and her family. Beautifully illustrated, easy for children to read. I want to read more beautiful Trumpet and her family.” – Marlene B., Amazon Reviewer
“A beautiful book written about a very special Mexican Gray Wolf by the name of Trumpet! Based on a real Mexican Gray Wolf living at the Wolf Conservation Center, this tells the amazing story of conservation work behind the scenes! Written by someone who works behind the scenes and has first hand experience, I found the book to be very educational (for myself!) and a wonderful introduction for children to the modern world of conservation science. Would highly recommend!” – K. Weeks, Amazon Reviewer
https://brileybaxterbooks.com/author-leokadia-george/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/
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E658 - Jennifer Elwell Comeau - Four Specific Images, One Story, Ireland in 1820 and Untold Family Tales Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

EPISODE 658 - Jennifer Elwell Comeau - Four Specific Images, One Story, Ireland in 1820 and Untold Family Tales
What happens when a high-powered engineer walks away from corporate life to follow a dream rooted in ancestral wisdom, music, and the magic of nature?
Follow my journey of transformation, where I’ve aligned my gifts - storytelling, songwriting, speaking, and mindful walks in nature - with the needs of the world.
Stepping back in time, I grew up one of eight children just outside Buffalo, New York. Following the dictates of family and societal programming, I jumped into the world of engineering, earning a Masters of Engineering from University at Buffalo, and a Bachelors of Industrial Engineering at General Motors Institute, now Kettering University.
After decades working as an executive for manufacturers in the auto industry and then in information systems, I returned to my early love for how words, music, nature, and beautiful places can enliven the whole landscape of a life. I began to write songs, and stories — speaking and performing them throughout the country, and soon, narrowed my focus to align with my reverence for Earth.
https://www.jennifercomeau.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/
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E657 - Sue William Silverman - Selected Misdemeanors - Essays at the Mercy of the Reader Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

EPISODE 657 - Sue William Silverman - Selected Misdemeanors - Essays at the Mercy of the Reader
Sue is the author of four memoirs: How to Survive Death and Other Inconveniences, forthcoming, March 2020, the Unversity of Nebraska Press, American Lives Series; The Pat Boone Fan Club: My Life as a White Anglo-Saxon Jew, the University of Nebraska Press, American Lives Series; Because I Remember Terror, Father, I Remember You, winner of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs Award Series in Creative Nonfiction.
Her memoir Love Sick: One Woman's Journey through Sexual Addiction was also made into a Lifetime TV Original Movie. Her craft book is Fearless Confessions: A Writer's Guide to Memoir, and her poetry collections are If the Girl Never Learns and Hieroglyphics in Neon.
As a professional speaker and writer, Sue has appeared on many nationally syndicated radio and TV programs including The View, Anderson Cooper 360 on CNN; a John Stossel Special on ABC-TV; CNN-Headline News; the Montel Williams Show; the Ricki Lake Show; and the Morning Show with Mike and Juliet. She was also featured in an episode of "The Secret Lives of Women" on WE-TV. Sue was also interviewed by Rich Fahle for PBS Books.
https://www.suewilliamsilverman.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/
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E656 - Diana Harmon Asher - Author of Sidetracked, Upstaged, and Trouble Finds Evie Lefkowitz Jan 02, 2026

Show notes

Episode 656 - Diana Harmon Asher - Author of Sidetracked, Upstaged, and Trouble Finds Evie Lefkowitz

I’m Diana Harmon Asher, the author of Sidetracked, Upstaged, and the upcoming Trouble Finds Evie Lefkowitz.
It took me a long time to get a book published. A really long time.
There were a lot of “no’s” before I got to “yes.” But I kept writing and I kept learning. Finally, I wrote Sidetracked, and the answer was “yes!”
One of my teachers used to say that every character you create contains a piece of yourself. I definitely share a lot of worries with Joseph, and I’d like to think I’m a good friend like Heather. I’m an opera fan like Grandpa and I love Inishbofin sheep and Dickens, like Mrs. Fishbein. I hope I have some of Cassie’s goofiness in me, and like Paul, I’ll never fit in with the cool kids. I share Shira’s shyness, some of her stage experience (see photo) and a lot of her stage fright.
Like my newest character, Evie, my father was a cantor at our synagogue (something you’ll find out more about in the book), and he passed away when I was young. But also like Evie, I was surrounded by love and good friends. I never really did get into a lot of trouble…but maybe I should have! I hope I share Evie’s resilience, her optimism, and most of all, her sense of humor.
Writing itself makes me happy. But knowing that readers are enjoying my books is even better. I love when kids identify with Heather, or when a student proudly announces that they have ADD just like Joseph. I love the thought that some of you might be encouraged to strive for your own personal record, audition for a show, try out for a team, stick up for an old friend, and be open to new ones.
And I hope all of my stories give you a few chuckles along the way.
I look forward to meeting and hearing from more of you in the months and years to come!
https://dianaharmonasher.com/

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E655 - David Boop - Speculative fiction author of sci-fi noir, historical, dark fantasy & the Weird Westerns Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

EPISODE 655 - David Boop - Speculative fiction author of sci-fi noir, historical, dark fantasy & the Weird Westerns
David Boop is a Denver-based speculative fiction author & editor. He’s also an award-winning essayist, and screenwriter. Before turning to fiction, David worked as a DJ, film critic, journalist, and actor.
David’s novels run the gambit, such as the sci-fi/noir She Murdered Me with Science; The Soul Changers, a historical, dark fantasy tie-in to Rippers Resurrected; and the Weird Western mosaic novel, The Drowned Horse Chronicle. He co-authored, with NYT Bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson, a near-future graphic novel series called Travailiant Rising.
David edited the bestselling and award-nominated Weird Western anthology series, Straight Outta Tombstone, Straight Outta Deadwood and Straight Outta Dodge City. He’s currently working on a trio of Space Western anthologies starting with Gunfight on Europa Station. He’s editor on the forthcoming Jack L. Chalker Well World tribute anthology.
David is prolific in short fiction with many short stories including media tie-ins for Predator (nominated for the 2018 Scribe Award), Deadlands, Kolchak the Night Stalker, The Green Hornet, and Veronica Mars.
He’s a summa cum laude Graduate from UC-Denver in the Creative Writing program. He temps, collects Funko Pops, and is a believer. His hobbies include film noir, anime, the Blues and the Old West.
https://wolfpackpublishing.com/pages/about-david-boop
https://www.longshot-productions.net/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/
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E654 - Linda Ambrus Broenniman - The astonishing story of eight generations of her Jewish ancestors Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

EPISODE 654 - Linda Ambrus Broenniman - The astonishing story of eight generations of her Jewish ancestors
Linda grew up in Buffalo, New York. She is the middle child of seven born to Hungarian physicians who survived World War II and started their new life in the U.S. in 1949.
Linda graduated from Swarthmore College with a BA in psychology and went on to get an MBA from Carnegie Mellon. Several years after graduation, she left mainstream corporate America to follow her path as an entrepreneur. She let her passion for uncovering hidden potential in unexpected places guide her.
And she allowed this passion to fuel the search for her hidden family.
A Wilbur Award recipient, Linda is a GenerationsForward speaker for the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center.
Linda lives in Great Falls, Virginia with her husband, Ed, of 30 years and their dog, Juno.
Book: The Politzer Saga
In this rich narrative, Linda Ambrus Broenniman’s search for truth becomes a remarkable epic – part memoir, part biography, part history – that illuminates the Hungarian Jewish experience over the last 300 years.
Linda finds her family: doctors, lawyers, bankers, entrepreneurs, writers, musicians, art collectors, and philanthropists. And learns of the ir resilience in surviving religious persecution, wars, epidemics, and economic upheavals.
By telling their stories, Linda could honor the memories of her lost family. And she learns how finding your roots helps anchor your own place in the world.
https://politzersaga.com/

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