Episodes

  • Be Willing To Write Poorly: Author Faulkner Hunt on the Journey to Fiction

    Be Willing To Write Poorly: Author Faulkner Hunt on the Journey to Fiction
    Mar 13 2026
    Be Willing To Write Poorly: Author Faulkner Hunt on the Journey to Fiction: Screenwriter turned novelist Faulkner Hunt joins Thomas J. Bellezza to talk about outlining, overexplaining, trusting readers to discover the story, and why great writing is rewriting. This is an honest conversation about the real craft journey that every fiction writer needs to hear.

    ▶ Faulkner Hunt's Books: https://amzn.to/4rG8cWd
    NOVEL: The Ballad of Innes of Skara Skaill
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Do Writers Have to Read? A Conversation With Poet Jeff Rimland

    Do Writers Have to Read? A Conversation With Poet Jeff Rimland
    Mar 9 2026
    Do Writers Have to Read? A Conversation With Poet Jeff Rimland: Do you have to read to be a great writer? Thomas J. Bellezza sits down with published poet Jeff Rimland for an honest conversation about reading as a writer and a deep dive into the craft of poetry, essential listening for any serious writer. ▶ Jeff Rimland's Books: https://amzn.to/46mrqrU
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    57 mins
  • Author Interview: Stefanie Nici on Likable Characters, Voice, And More...

    Author Interview: Stefanie Nici on Likable Characters, Voice, And More...
    Feb 13 2026
    Author Interview: Stefanie Nici on Likable Characters, Voice, And More... Join me for a conversation with author Stefanie Nici about the unique depth writers bring to dialogue, the power of writing from personal interest, and the craft of creating likable characters. We explore how mentors shaped our approaches, why writing what fascinates you connects with readers, and the difference between everyday conversations and the deeper connections writers share. Real talk about craft and authenticity.
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Edo van Belkom: Author of Lord Soth Dragonlance & Death Drives A Semi

    Edo van Belkom: Author of Lord Soth Dragonlance & Death Drives A Semi
    Jan 30 2026
    I had the pleasure of spending time with one of my childhood heroes, Edo van Belkom, the author of Lord Soth Dragonlance and Death Drives A Semi. Learning about his journey as an author, insight on writing, and the ins and outs of the publishing industry.

    Edo van Belkom's Books: https://amzn.to/4t2kXMk

    ▶ The 27 Plot Point Outline: When Plot meets Story https://amzn.to/4r2H1EO
    ▶ The Foundation For Longevity [Book 1 of The Breaking Down Success Series] https://amzn.to/4mbh97n
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • J.D. Barker Interview: From The Fourth Monkey to Collaborating With James Patterson

    J.D. Barker Interview: From The Fourth Monkey to Collaborating With James Patterson
    Jan 17 2026
    Join Thomas J. Bellezza in conversation with bestselling author J.D. Barker (Dracul, The Fourth Monkey, Something I Keep Upstairs) about his writing process, collaborating with James Patterson, hybrid publishing strategies, and how autism profoundly influenced his creative work. Discover practical advice on author branding, coauthoring, and decades of experience building a successful writing career.

    J.D. BARKER BOOKS: https://amzn.to/3Nh1GGR
    WEBSITE: https://jdbarker.com/
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    43 mins
  • Kitchen Witch Cookbook Author on Writing Nonfiction and Cooking With Intention

    Kitchen Witch Cookbook Author on Writing Nonfiction and Cooking With Intention
    Jan 2 2026
    Kitchen Witch Cookbook Author on Writing Nonfiction and Cooking With Intention. Join Thomas J. Bellezza in conversation with published author Dawn Aurora Hunt about writing cookbooks, the differences between nonfiction and fiction writing, and how food influences personal energy. Discover what it takes to become a published cookbook author, cooking with intention as a kitchen witch, and the unique craft challenges of writing about food versus storytelling.

    Dawn Aurora Hunt
    BOOKS: https://amzn.to/4sibgJj
    WEBSITE: https://cucinaaurora.com/

    ▶ The Foundation For Longevity [Book 1 of The Breaking Down Success Series] https://amzn.to/4mbh97n

    ▶ Master Your Story: Join the writing workshop today: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfO_Ux-cFzZ1JNDgu5rA7NdZmKNRaB-GiLWNEKH_mmxfplYYA/viewform

    ▶ Book a Call With Me | Want to work with me? https://makearightlefthere.com/Contact.html

    ▶ PATREON PAGE: https://www.patreon.com/TheWriteMindset ~ May our efforts help the community work, grow, and rise together and keep developing "The Write Mindset."
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    55 mins
  • Wendy Dale on Dodging Bombs, Guerrilla Soldiers, and Writing Memoirs

    Wendy Dale on Dodging Bombs, Guerrilla Soldiers, and Writing Memoirs
    Dec 19 2025
    Wendy Dale on Dodging Bombs, Guerrilla Soldiers, and Writing Memoirs. In this unforgettable interview, author Wendy Dale joins Thomas J. Bellezza on The Write Mindset to share her incredible journey: from traveling the world and dodging bombs and bullets to partying with guerrilla soldiers and eventually becoming a celebrated memoirist.

    We dive into her latest release, The Memoir Engineering System, a practical and transformative guide to writing memoirs with structure and soul. Wendy opens up about how her wild past shaped her approach to storytelling—and why your life doesn’t need to be extreme to be worth writing about.

    If you're a writer looking for memoir guidance, creative inspiration, or just a great story, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Let’s work, grow, and rise together as we develop The Write Mindset.

    Wendy Dale Books: https://amzn.to/4mai5sr
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • How It Feels to Be a New Author with J.K. Lambo

    How It Feels to Be a New Author with J.K. Lambo
    Dec 5 2025
    How It Feels to Be a New Author with J.K. Lambo. In this special episode of The Write Mindset, I sit down with J.K. Lambo, a debut author on the rise, to talk about her journey writing her new novel and stepping into the world of authorship.

    We dive into her creative process, the story she's working on, and what it’s like to navigate the publishing path for the first time. I'm honored to be the one hosting her very first interview, and it’s one you don’t want to miss.

    Whether you’re a new writer or simply love hearing how authors bring their stories to life, this conversation is filled with insight, inspiration, and genuine moments of discovery. Let’s work, grow, and rise together as we develop The Write Mindset!

    J.K. Lambo books: https://amzn.to/3VFtwgI
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    43 mins