Episodi

  • Reinvention at 84: Margie Seaman on Writing

    Reinvention at 84: Margie Seaman on Writing
    May 7 2026
    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write about the Texas Hill Country. Host Tom Fox welcomes author Margie Seaman to discuss reinvention, resilience, and her writing career that began at age 84 after a 40-year marketing and training career at Foley’s Department Stores, starting in 1968. Margie discusses her romance novel series, including Someday Belongs to Us and Someday Is Our Horizon, a “book within a book” featuring a 72-year-old writer protagonist and an 18th-century pirate storyline, set against a Panama Canal cruise narrative, emphasizing researched historical facts and humor while keeping the content family-appropriate. She describes overcoming fear through age-based confidence, her nocturnal, movie-like writing process, and her commitment to continuous learning and technology, including AI as a tool without emotion or “soul.” She reflects on Foley’s cultural and civic impact in Houston, retail changes after mergers, and her collaboration with publisher Loren Steffy at Stoney Creek Publishing. Margie also previews a forthcoming AI-themed novel and shares where to find her work online. Key highlights: Starting to Write at 84 Reinvention and Learning with AI AI as a Tool, Not Soul Writing Process and Style Seniors and Tech Adoption Next Book AI Love Story Resources: Margie Seaman on Stoney Creek Publishing Someday is Our Horizon Someday Belongs To Us Social Media Margie Seaman Website Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Amazon Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
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    29 min
  • Teddy Jones on Borger’s Boomtown Corruption and the Origins of Far from Uncertain

    Teddy Jones on Borger’s Boomtown Corruption and the Origins of Far from Uncertain
    Apr 16 2026
    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write about the Texas Hill Country. Host Tom Fox welcomes back Teddy Jones to talk about her new book, Far from Uncertain: One Woman’s Life of Crime and Other Righteous Deeds. Teddy’s book is inspired by a woman found near death in a ditch in Jones’s prior book, A Family of Good Women. She explains Borger’s 1926 oil boom, which led to lawlessness (gambling, illegal liquor, prostitution), entrenched corruption, and the governor’s declaration of martial law after the district attorney was killed, with Texas Rangers and the military restoring order; Borger then faced the Dust Bowl and the Depression. Teddy describes using a dual timeline to connect historical events to contemporary relevance without being heavy-handed, developing complex characters through observation informed by her nursing background, and weaving research (including local theses and books) into the narrative. She previews her next novel, Rise to the Occasion, set in the fictional town of Jackson Pond, Texas, and shares her website and social media accounts. Key highlights: Origin of Frankie Borger Boomtown Chaos Martial Law and Aftermath Dual Timeline Structure Building Real Characters Resources: Teddy Jones on Stoney Creek Publishing Far from Uncertain: One Woman’s Life of Crime and Other Righteous Deeds Stoney Creek Publishing Social Media Instagram Facebook Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
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    29 min
  • Dark Texas: A Worst-Case Look at the Texas Power Grid - Through Fiction

    Dark Texas: A Worst-Case Look at the Texas Power Grid - Through Fiction
    Apr 2 2026
    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, host Tom Fox interviews fellow UT grad Charles J. Petrie about his novel Dark Texas, inspired by his frustration with articles claiming the Texas power grid failure during the ‘Snowpocolips’ “could have been worse.” Petrie, a PhD in computer science with research experience, explains he dug into grid resilience and found deeper risks, including reliance on gas-fired generation even though gas pipeline pressure depends on electricity via compressors, and the vulnerability of black start capability: he says 82% of Texas black start generators were inoperable during the event, with some unable to run without electricity or stored fuel oil, and others not maintained in a competitive market. Petrie chose fiction because a technical treatment became too complex and a novel could make people care; he describes characters taking over the writing, cites influences and craft lessons from various authors, shares he’s drafted a sequel prompted by a dark epilogue, and recounts publishing with Stoney Creek Publishing after 50 agent rejections. Key highlights: Why Write Dark Texas Texas Grid Risks Explained Black Start Breakdown Turning Research Into Fiction Characters Take Over Authors and Writing Lessons Finding a Publisher Resources: Dark Texas on Stoney Creek Publishing Connect with Charles on Facebook Learn more about ⁠Stoney Creek Publishing Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
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    Non ancora noto
  • Paul McGrath on “Left is Right”: Satire, Darker Threats, and Current-Events Inspiration

    Paul McGrath on “Left is Right”: Satire, Darker Threats, and Current-Events Inspiration
    Mar 19 2026
    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write about the Texas Hill Country. Host Tom Fox opens a new season of the Texas Hill Country Authors Podcast with returning guest Paul McGrath to discuss McGrath’s novel Left is Right, a sequel to the PEN Craft award-winning Left. McGrath recounts a 37-year career at Texas newspapers, primarily the Houston Chronicle, plus teaching at Texas A&M and Clear Lake, and his A&M roots with The Battalion. He explains expanding Anton’s story into a multi-book series (with five planned), driven by character attachment and news-inspired plots. McGrath describes layered “Left” titles, using Ellie to express progressive viewpoints, and empathy as a motivating force for Anton and Ellie, including Ezra’s lingering influence. He notes a darker tone influenced by right-wing militias, human trafficking, and a Texas motorcycle gang, balanced by humor, wordplay, and pop-culture references like a Jon Hamm dream sequence. He outlines the FBI’s and alien authorities’ ongoing pursuit, then a return to alien supervision, credits Stoney Creek Publishing’s support, shares on social platforms, and previews future themes involving Russians and cryptocurrency. Key highlights: Why Continue with Anton Series Titles and ‘Left’ Empathy Driving the Plot Darker Satire and Villains Humor Wordplay and Names Pop Culture Cameos Where the Series Goes Resources: Paul McGrath on Stoney Creek Publishing Left is Right on Texas A&M University Press Social Media Instagram X Threads Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
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    20 min
  • From the Canal Zone to the Llano Estacado: A Conversation with Author Max Knightdo: A Conversation with Author Max Knight

    From the Canal Zone to the Llano Estacado: A Conversation with Author Max Knightdo: A Conversation with Author Max Knight
    Dec 18 2025
    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write in and about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits with author Max Knight about his latest book, ‘Llano Estacado'. Max shares his unique upbringing in the Canal Zone, his extensive military career, and his writing journey. He delves into the themes and characters of his book, set in the Staked Plains of Texas, which explores vengeance, redemption, and human resilience. Max also offers insights into his writing process, research methods, and experiences with Stoney Creek Publishing. Finally, he discusses the potential for a sequel and provides information on how listeners can learn more about his work. Key highlights: Max Knight’s Background and Career Life in the Canal Zone Discussing ‘Llano Estacado’ Themes of Vengeance and Redemption Writing Process and Research Experience with Stoney Creek Publishing Resources: Max Knight on Stoney Creek Publishing Llano Estacado on Amazon.com Stoney Creek Publishing Website Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
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    26 min
  • Exploring ‘Bullets in the Water’ with Author Conor McAnally

    Exploring ‘Bullets in the Water’ with Author Conor McAnally
    Dec 11 2025
    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write in and about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits with author Conor McAnally about his latest book, 'Bullets in the Water.' Conor shares his journey from Ireland to Texas, his stint as one of Ireland's first VJs, and his intriguing background as an investigative journalist. He delves into the real-world inspirations behind his book, the creative process, and his character Mike Carson. Conor also discusses the complexities and dynamics of small-town life, his publishing experience with Stony Creek Publishing, and hints at a sequel. This episode provides a compelling look into the life and mind of a multi-talented storyteller. Key highlights: Inspiration Behind ‘Bullets in the Water’ The Craft of Writing Character Development: Mike Carson Small Town Dynamics Working with Stony Creek Publishing Resources: Conor McAnally on Stoney Creek Publishing Bullets in the Water on Texas A&M University Press Stoney Creek Publishing Website Conor McAnally Website Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
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    24 min
  • Exploring Texas Tales: Cynthia Leal Massey’s Journey, Writing Process, and Historic Inspirations

    Exploring Texas Tales: Cynthia Leal Massey’s Journey, Writing Process, and Historic Inspirations
    Sep 18 2025
    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and writes up the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom Fox interviews Cynthia Leal Massey, a well-known author of both fiction and non-fiction. Cynthia shares her journey of becoming a writer, beginning with her childhood fascination with reading biographies and continuing through her studies in creative writing in college. She discusses her deep-seated passion for Texas history and how it influences her work, particularly her latest book, ‘Well of Deception.’ Cynthia elaborates on her unconventional writing process, how she engages readers emotionally, and her transition from non-fiction to fiction. The conversation also touches on the intriguing real-life murder case that inspired ‘Well of Deception,’ her methods in capturing authentic dialogue and dialect, and her experience working with Stony Creek Publishing. Additionally, Cynthia previews her upcoming project about the Van Riper family, further delving into Texas’s rich history. Key highlights: Cynthia’s Journey to Becoming a Writer Passion for Texas History The Story Behind ‘Well of Deception’ Writing Process and Techniques Publishing Experience with Stoney Creek Publishing Blog and Research Insights Resources: Pre-Order Well of Deception on: TamuPress Amazon Stoney Creek Publishing Follow Cynthia Leal Massey on: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Stoney Creek Publishing Profile Website: www.cynthialealmassey.com Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
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    24 min
  • Aviation Therapy: From the Air Force to Southwest Airlines with David Dale

    Aviation Therapy: From the Air Force to Southwest Airlines with David Dale
    Sep 11 2025
    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and writes up the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom Fox interviews David Dale, a retired Air Force officer and current Southwest Airlines pilot. Dale shares his fascinating journey from his 20-year tenure in the Air Force to his 21-year career as a pilot at Southwest Airlines. He discusses his new book 'Aviation Therapy - Stories of Perseverance and Personal Growth,' for October release, which started as a collection of flying stories and evolved into a memoir encompassing his military career, personal experiences, and family life. Dale recounts significant moments in his aviation journey, including missions during the Mogadishu operation, Desert Storm, and being airborne on September 11, 2001. Dale also explores his passion for flying from a young age, the impact of aviation on his personal growth, and his dedication to inspiring the next generation of pilots. The interview concludes with Dale sharing insights into his writing process and his collaboration with Stoney Creek Publishing on the release of his book. Key highlights: David Dale’s Journey in Aviation The Story Behind Aviation Therapy The Impact of 9/11 Lessons from the Skies Inspiring the Next Generation Resources: Pre-Order Aviation Therapy - Stories of Perseverance and Personal Growth on: TamuPress Amazon Google Books Stoney Creek Publishing Follow David Dale on: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Stoney Creek Publishing Profile Website: PilotDavidDale.com Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
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    22 min