What happens when you mix real-world environmental science, historic landmarks, and chilling native folklore? You get the spine-tingling world of author Benjamin A Coward!

In this episode of In the Writer's Chair, host Lana McAra sits down with Ben to discuss his journey from environmental scientist to fiction author. They dive deep into his latest supernatural horror thriller, Wendigo Knights, exploring the real-life history and North American cryptid lore that inspired it. From the eerie cave systems of Hannibal, Missouri to the challenges of writing authentic modern teenagers, Ben shares how he weaves snippets of nonfiction into captivating fiction.

Plus, Lana and Ben exchange creative strategies for selling books in unexpected places (like gun shows and nature festivals!) and how to craft the perfect 30-second elevator pitch to hook readers instantly.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The Lore Behind the Monster: How Algonquin and Ojibwe tribal beliefs inspired the supernatural elements of Wendigo Knights.
• Setting the Scene: Why a real-life cave system in Mark Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, Missouri provided the perfect, creepy backdrop.
• Writing 3D Worlds: How Ben uses his environmental science background to organically seed environmental and cultural themes into his books without overtaking the plot.
• Thinking Outside the Box: Creative marketing tips for authors, including how to connect with readers at craft shows, nature events, and local festivals.
• Bouncing Between Genres: How Ben manages writing two completely different series—the fantasy world of The Dragon's Tooth and his monster-hunting supernatural thriller series—to keep his passion for writing alive.

About the Guest:

Benjamin A Coward lives in Florida with his family, where he works in environmental science. He is the author of the young adult fantasy novel The Dragon's Tooth and the supernatural thriller Wendigo Knights. You can connect with Ben on Facebook or Instagram, and find his books available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Connect with the Show:

• Host: Lana McAra
• Podcast: In the Writer’s Chair
• Sponsor: Vella Publishing

Pull up a chair, and let's talk about the writing life!

In this gripping episode of In the Writer's Chair, host Lana McAra welcomes Rand R. Timmerman, a retired attorney and Marine combat veteran who began his prolific second act as an author at age 70. Rand shares the fascinating inspiration behind his latest book, The Syracuse Hit Man Versus a Shoe Repairman, a story of violence, redemption, and spiritual transformation based on a real-life genius "hit man" he met in recovery.

Rand dives into his "movie-like" writing process and how decades of experience as a litigator prepared him to craft compelling courtroom dramas. He also recounts a harrowing real-life encounter with a client that nearly cost him his life—a story that serves as the basis for his next high-stakes novel.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Attorney-to-Author Pipeline: How writing legal briefs and affidavits for decades translates into powerful fiction.
• Real-Life Inspiration: The incredible true story of "Ronnie," a Mensa-level genius and former hit man whose life transformation inspired Rand's latest book.
• The Atmosphere of Syracuse: Exploring the unique, historical ethnic enclaves of Syracuse, New York, and how they shape the setting of Rand's work.
• Writing as a "Movie": Rand’s unique process of visualizing his stories in vivid color and letting the plot unfold organically as he writes.
• Themes of Redemption: Why spiritual recovery and transformation are central motifs in both of Rand's books.
• Combat Instincts in the Courtroom: A chilling account of how Rand’s Marine Corps training saved his life during a confrontation with a dangerous former client.

About Our Guest:

Rand R. Timmerman is a retired attorney and a Marine combat veteran of the Vietnam War. Based in Syracuse, New York, he turned to writing later in life, publishing his first memoir about hiking the Appalachian Trail and transitioning into crime fiction. Rand is a dedicated advocate for recovery and uses his writing to promote messages of hope and redemption.

Connect with Rand:

• Website: randtimmerman.com

Featured in this Episode:

• The Syracuse Hit Man Versus a Shoe Repairman: Rand’s newest novel.
• A Spiritual Passage: Rand’s memoir about his journey on the Appalachian Trail.
• Vella Publishing: Today’s sponsor, a traditional publisher with an untraditional model that empowers authors to keep their rights and royalties.

Looking for more? Subscribe to In the Writer's Chair for more candid conversations about the writing life. Visit VellaPublishing.com to learn how you can grow your presence as a career author.

What happens when you combine the high-stakes adventure of Dungeons & Dragons with the emotional power of Broadway? You get The Reality Shaper, a groundbreaking musical podcast. In this episode of In the Writer’s Chair, host Lana McAra sits down with New York City-based musical theater writer and performer Sair Kaufman to discuss the "different beast" of writing for the ear rather than the stage.

Sair reveals the six-year journey of transforming a novel into an 11-episode audio drama, featuring over 40 original songs. Whether you're a TTRPG fan, a theater nerd, or a writer looking to pivot between mediums, Sair’s insights on collaboration, "perfect rhymes," and creative marketing are pure gold.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The Musical Pivot: How Sair transitioned from theater performance to writing music, lyrics, and "books" for musicals.
• Podcast vs. Stage: The unique challenges of creating an episodic arc where the protagonist must change every 30–50 minutes.
• The "Musical Truth" Rule: Why characters in musicals are trusted implicitly and why it’s harder to write a "lying" character in song than in a play.
• Comprehension & Rhyme: Why theater writers stick to "perfect rhymes" to ensure the audience understands the story on the first listen.
• Roll for Promo: Sair’s viral TikTok marketing strategy using D&D dice to decide daily tasks—including a high-stakes roll for a tattoo!

About Our Guest:

Sair Kaufman is an award-winning musical theater writer and the creator of The Reality Shaper. Based in New York City, Sair is an alum of the prestigious BMI Musical Theater Writers Workshop and the founder of Theater Writers Digest.

Connect with Sair Kaufman:

• Website: therealityshaper.com — Get tickets for live NYC/Manhattan concert events on June 8th and August 24th!
• Theater Writers Digest: theaterwritersdigest.com — A monthly resource for grants, residencies, and mentorship opportunities.
• Social Media: Follow @SairKaufman on Instagram and TikTok.

About the Show: In the Writer's Chair features candid conversations about the writing life, hosted by novelist Lana McAra and brought to you by Vandella Publishing.

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