In this episode of StoryCentric, author Andy Peloquin shares his journey from an adventurous childhood spent reading Sherlock Holmes in Japan and exploring myths, history, and fantasy, to becoming one of indie publishing's most prolific dark fantasy authors. Along the way, he transformed a love of storytelling into a thriving career built on compelling characters and a deep understanding of audience connection.

Our conversation explores the influences that shaped his writing, and why flawed, morally complex characters resonate so strongly with readers. We also dive into the business side of publishing. Andy discusses his approach to cover design, managing a catalog of more than 45 books, balancing writing with family life, and using social media and content marketing to build genuine relationships with readers.

Whether you're an aspiring author, a fantasy fan, or an entrepreneur looking to build a personal brand, Andy offers practical insights into creating a sustainable creative career. His story is a reminder that success comes from consistency and authenticity, and a relentless commitment to improving your craft.

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Sci-fi author Jeremy Szal joins the Story Centric Podcast to talk about building a writing career when the odds aren’t exactly friendly (like debuting during COVID). He shares the unconventional strategies that helped him stand out, from leaning into community over competition to focusing on long-term platforms like podcasting instead of chasing short-term trends.

We dig into his high-octane storytelling style, shaped by influences like Red Rising and Mass Effect, and explore how cross-genre mashups and anime-style chaos can still deliver real emotional depth. Jeremy also offers a grounded take on the divide between literary and genre fiction, and why they’re both so important.

If you’re trying to cut through the noise, build meaningful connections, and stay creatively authentic in this ever-shifting industry, this episode offers a bit of wisdom wrapped in practical perspective.

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This week, Andrew sits down with comic book writer and filmmaker George Michail (90’s horror kid, cinematic obsessive, and co-writer of the Knight Terror script) to trace the origin story behind the storyteller. George shares how a steady diet of slasher films, comics, and late-night movie marathons shaped his creative instincts, and why growing up in the shadow of practical effects and VHS-era horror left a permanent mark on his imagination.

The conversation dives into the evolution of Knight Terror, from concept to screenplay to feature film. George pulls back the curtain on adapting a dark, stylized idea into a cinematic narrative, including the creative and financial risks, the structural challenges, and the practical realities of moving from page to production. It’s an honest look at what it actually takes to shepherd a genre project forward in today’s film landscape.

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