This week, we’re exploring what happens when creativity meets critique. My guest is Ashlyn Harmon — a talented romance author and a professional editor. Two roles that sound like natural allies, but sometimes end up in a quiet tug-of-war.

We’ll talk about how Ashlyn balances those sides of her brain — the writer who wants to let the story flow, and the editor who’s always ready with the red pen. How do those perspectives help or hinder each other? And when do you know which hat to wear?

Follow Ashlyn on her website (https://ashlynharmon.com) or instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ashwritesromance/)

Follow Unwritten Paths here: https://linktr.ee/unwrittenpaths

Music/podcast theme song by Yurii Semchyshyn

Welcome to the new and improved Unwritten Paths, where today we’re deploying some serious storytelling strategy. My guest is author Nick Nethery, who brings his military background into fiction with precision, honesty, and a healthy respect for what’s still classified. We’ll talk about building believable teams, writing from real relationships, and why research doesn’t stop just because you already know the terrain. Consider this your briefing on authentic military storytelling—no clearance required.

Follow Nick Nethery on his website: https://www.nicknethery.com/ or his substack: https://nicknethery.substack.com/

Follow Unwritten Paths here: https://linktr.ee/unwrittenpaths

Music/podcast theme song by Yurii Semchyshyn

Today’s guest is Maria Shield, a romance author from Omaha who’s bringing Greek mythology into the modern age. She blends timeless myths with heartfelt romance, creating stories that feel both ancient and new. We’re talking about what makes mythology retellings so compelling—why they matter, how they connect with readers today, and what draws her personally to these legendary tales.

Maria talks about the draw of Greek mythology retelling; combating and rewriting the misogynist aspect of Greek mythology; choosing the right character to focus on; adding happy endings to what is normally a tragedy; and her answers to some reader habits including one dicey item she admits to researching for one of her books.

Find Maria online at her website: https://www.mariashieldauthor.com/ or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariashield.author.

Find ALL the ways to follow Unwritten Paths in my linktree: https://linktr.ee/unwrittenpaths

Music/podcast theme song by Yurii Semchyshyn

#independentauthor #romanceauthor #greekmythology #bookpodcast #combatingmisogyny #authorpodcast #meettheauthor

This week, I sit down with Damien Thompson, whose 20-year journey to writing his memoir …And Then I Would Fly is nothing short of extraordinary.

We dive into: Growing up in a dysfunctional family and breaking the creative cycle started by his father; the messy, beautiful process of “vomiting words” and shaping them into story; the legal & emotional hurdles of publishing a memoir (including family green lights); the cathartic release of finally sharing his truth; his grassroots marketing hustle and a teaser about a new project as well as a new poetry release available now.

Later, check out Damien's website (https://damienthompsonauthor.com/) as well as his Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/damienthompson_author) and BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/damien-author.bsky.social) to follow him and learn more.

Follow Unwritten Paths here: https://linktr.ee/unwrittenpaths

Music/podcast theme song by Yurii Semchyshyn

Fantasy author J. Kenton Pierce joins me for this week's episode of Unwritten Paths. Pierce hypes up his novel, "A Kiss For Damacles", how his character creation drives his writing, and what's next for him.

Follow J. Kenton Pierce on his Substack at https://jkentonpierce.substack.com/

Follow Unwritten Paths here: https://linktr.ee/unwrittenpaths

Music/podcast theme song by Yurii Semchyshyn

This week, I’m joined by Bert from Bert’s Books out of Swindon, UK. He talks over the history of the store and the experience of shopping and attending events at Bert’s Books. We discuss his social media strategy and Bert tells us about a particular viral moment, and tells us what author he’d really like to have come to the shop. Tune in and find out more about Bert’s Books.

If you want to find out more about Bert's Books, check out their website (https://bertsbooks.co.uk/), Facebook & Instagram pages.

This week, fantasy author Wally Waltner talks about his path to being an author. He provides a great overview of his debut novel: “Muses War: Overture of Shadow”, talks how he gets inspiration from the arts, offers advice about how to get involved with writers’ support groups, his transition from short stories to novels, and what’s to come.

Find out more about Wally by checking out his Substack: wallbangercreative.substack.com.

Follow Unwritten Paths here: https://linktr.ee/unwrittenpaths

Music/podcast theme song by Yurii Semchyshyn

This week, I talk with an author who works outside of traditional book publishing. Meet Artisticallyy, she's working on a new Web Comic called "All For One." She talks about this large undertaking and how she got started, as well as where she wants "All For One" to go.

You can follow Artisticallyy's progress on her Tumblr or Instagram page, where you can also find links for how to help support her project.

Follow Unwritten Paths here: https://linktr.ee/unwrittenpaths

Music/podcast theme song by Yurii Semchyshyn