Welcome to The Brick Cave Podcast! In this episode, Sharon and Bruce dive into recent reads and personal writing journeys. They discuss the intriguing history of psychiatry and thoughts on a recommended book, share their enthusiasm for T. Kingfisher's Nine Goblins, and swap recommendations for future reads. The conversation shifts to their own works-in-progress, the challenges and rewards of writing sequels, and the creative possibilities of graphic novels. Whether you’re here for thoughtful book discussions or a peek behind the curtain at the writing process, this episode is packed with insight, laughter, and inspiration for readers and writers alike.

About Sharon Skinner

Sharon Skinner is the author of numerous books and a number of short stories, including the Tavara Tinker Series. Her most recent title, The Exile's Gift, is available now from Brick Cave Media. She is online at https://sharonskinner.com or https://bookcoachingbysharon.com

About Bruce Davis

Bruce Davis is the author of many books and several short pieces of fiction. He writes science fiction, fantasy and non fiction. His most recent title, Silver Magic, is currently available from Brick Cave Media. He is online at https://brucecdavis.com

About Brick Cave Media®

Brick Cave Media is a 21st century book publisher blending traditional publishing acumen with tried and true relationship building to create books that are professionally crafted, fun to read, and impactful to our communities. Books and stories are available online at https://brickcave.media The Brick Cave Membership Community is called the BC Book Club, and you can join at http://bcbookclub.com.

Promotional Links

Links to books referenced in the Podcast may provide commissions to Brick Cave Media. So if you hear about a book, and want to support the podcast, buy it via the enclosed links.

Welcome back to The Brick Cave Podcast! In this episode, "History Doesn't Repeat, But It Sure Does Rhyme, Part 2 of 3," Bruce and Sharon dive deep into how historical events echo into our present, beginning with reflections on the parallels between the fall of the Roman Empire and current events. The conversation soon shifts to recent books they've been reading, ranging from witty urban fantasy and magical realism to powerful memoirs about surviving the Holocaust.

Our hosts then fulfill their agreement from a previous episode: each reads a book recommended by the other. They discuss Kate Moore's The Woman Who Would Not Be Silenced, unraveling the true story of Elizabeth Parsons, a woman wrongfully imprisoned in a mental institution by her husband in pre-Civil War America. The conversation uncovers the injustice women faced at the time, explores the nuances of Moore's writing style, and examines how the story's personal and historical impact still resonates today.

Tune in as Bruce and Sharon debate historical context, literary style, and the enduring power of those who dare to speak out.

About Sharon Skinner

Sharon Skinner is the author of numerous books and a number of short stories, including the Tavara Tinker Series. Her most recent title, The Exile's Gift, is available now from Brick Cave Media. She is online at https://sharonskinner.com or https://bookcoachingbysharon.com

About Bruce Davis

Bruce Davis is the author of many books and several short pieces of fiction. He writes science fiction, fantasy and non fiction. His most recent title, Silver Magic, is currently available from Brick Cave Media. He is online at https://brucecdavis.com

About Brick Cave Media®

Brick Cave Media is a 21st century book publisher blending traditional publishing acumen with tried and true relationship building to create books that are professionally crafted, fun to read, and impactful to our communities. Books and stories are available online at https://brickcave.media The Brick Cave Membership Community is called the BC Book Club, and you can join at http://bcbookclub.com.

Promotional Links

Links to books referenced in the Podcast may provide commissions to Brick Cave Media. So if you hear about a book, and want to support the podcast, buy it via the enclosed links.

Welcome to The Brick Cave Podcast! In this episode, Sharon Skinner, author of Blood from a Rose, is joined by Bruce Davis, author of Illumina Magic, for a lively discussion from the Brick Cave studio in Mesa. Fresh from her whirlwind trip to New York, Sharon Skinner shares stories about navigating winter weather, exploring the historic New York Public Library, and attending the SCBWI conference, featuring insights from acclaimed authors and panels on book banning.

The conversation shifts to upcoming literary events, with Bruce Davis preparing for a workshop on point of view and both speakers discussing their participation in the Tucson Festival of Books and the Arizona Renaissance Festival. Alongside event previews, the episode delves into their recent reading adventures—from the joys and pitfalls of detective fiction to a deep dive into Roman history and the impact of silver on the rise and fall of empires.

Join Sharon Skinner and Bruce Davis as they blend personal anecdotes, bookish wisdom, and a glimpse into life as Brick Cave authors.

About Sharon Skinner

Sharon Skinner is the author of numerous books and a number of short stories, including the Tavara Tinker Series. Her most recent title, The Exile's Gift, is available now from Brick Cave Media. She is online at https://sharonskinner.com or https://bookcoachingbysharon.com

About Bruce Davis

Bruce Davis is the author of many books and several short pieces of fiction. He writes science fiction, fantasy and non fiction. His most recent title, Silver Magic, is currently available from Brick Cave Media. He is online at https://brucecdavis.com

About Brick Cave Media®

Brick Cave Media is a 21st century book publisher blending traditional publishing acumen with tried and true relationship building to create books that are professionally crafted, fun to read, and impactful to our communities. Books and stories are available online at https://brickcave.media The Brick Cave Membership Community is called the BC Book Club, and you can join at http://bcbookclub.com.

Promotional Links

Links to books referenced in the Podcast may provide commissions to Brick Cave Media. So if you hear about a book, and want to support the podcast, buy it via the enclosed links.

The final installment of the interview sees host Bob Nelson and Bruce Davis dive deep into the creative process, discussing everything from spiritual rehabilitation centers that inspire future novels, to the tension between technology and a return to simpler ways of living. This episode is packed with exciting updates on upcoming Brick Cave book releases, including new works from Bruce Davis, Joe Giunta, Kristi Bledsoe, Matt Klein, and Louise Robertson.

You'll hear Bob Nelson and Bruce Davis reflect on the challenges (and joys) of writing short stories versus novels, the editorial hustle behind the scenes, and some candid stories about their longtime collaborations and the vibrant Brick Cave community. Plus, they're gearing up for the Tucson Science Fiction Con and inviting readers to connect with them in person. Whether you're here for writing insights, book recommendations, or a peek behind the curtain at Brick Cave, this episode is full of the camaraderie and passion that make this creative family shine. Pull up a chair and join the conversation!

About Bruce Davis

Bruce Davis is the author of many books and several short pieces of fiction. He writes science fiction, fantasy and non fiction. His most recent title, Silver Magic, is currently available from Brick Cave Media. He is online at https://brucecdavis.com

Purchasing the Magic Law Series

The complete series, including the latest release, Aluminum Magic is available wherever books are sold:

Platinum Magic, book 1 Gold Magic, book 2 Silver Magic, book 3 Aluminum Magic, book 4

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org

#BrickCaveAuthors

#SpeculativeFiction

#BookLaunch2024

#WritingCommunity

#IndiePublishing

Bob journeys BACK from the abyss for this episode. Truth in advertising, this was mean to be a simultaneous audio/video recording, but the video croaked, so it is a vlog episode masquerading as a podcast.

But wait, there's more (mentioned in this episode):

The April 2026 Kindle giveaway for copies of The Strange Account of Charlie Wendigo by Matthew E Kline. Enter here before April 30, 2026:

https://brickcaveclick.com/ife0l1

It's National Poetry Month. Get the books Bob Mentions!

Black Night is Falling by Scott Woods:

https://brickcaveclick.com/99i8lul

Body. Voice. Mind. Mouth. by Louise Robertson:

https://brickcaveclick.com/6vv1kyv

Corporate Boiler Plate Vinegar by Patrick Hare:

https://brickcaveclick.com/6hkm8g

In Case You Didn't Hear Me The First Time by Sharon Skinner:

https://brickcaveclick.com/8gw8oz7

Find Brick Cave out and about: https://brickcave.media/index.php/events

About Brick Cave Media®

Brick Cave Media is a 21st century book publisher blending traditional publishing acumen with tried and true relationship building to create books that are professionally crafted, fun to read, and impactful to our communities. Books and stories are available online at https://brickcave.media The Brick Cave Membership Community is called the BC Book Club, and you can join at http://bcbookclub.com.

Promotional Links

Links to books referenced in the Podcast may provide commissions to Brick Cave Media. So if you hear about a book, and want to support the podcast, buy it via the enclosed links.

Host Bob Nelson sits down with author Bruce Davis for the latest installment of their thought-provoking sci-fi conversation. Together, they dive into the intrigue and philosophical dilemmas at the heart of Bruce's book, "The Quality of Mercy."

Get ready for a journey through a world where replica assassins carry the memories and burdens of their originals, and the line between man and machine is pushed to its breaking point. Bruce Davis unpacks the political pandemonium sparked by a dying king, a child heir, and a battle for power that will keep you guessing. Plus, religion, conscience, and what it means to have a soul take center stage, all set against a backdrop that's as much Elizabethan drama as it is futuristic adventure.

And if that’s not enough, Bob Nelson and Bruce Davis take a detour into new storytelling territory—generational ships, forgotten colonists, and a history-rich analogy to the Hawaiian Islands. If you love stories that blend action, philosophy, and layers of history, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Settle in as we unravel secrets, explore the consequences of memory, and take a look at the complex worldbuilding behind Bruce’s imaginative tales.

About Bruce Davis

Bruce Davis is the author of many books and several short pieces of fiction. He writes science fiction, fantasy and non fiction. His most recent title, Silver Magic, is currently available from Brick Cave Media. He is online at https://brucecdavis.com

Purchasing the Magic Law Series

The complete series, including the latest release, Aluminum Magic is available wherever books are sold:

Platinum Magic, book 1 Gold Magic, book 2 Silver Magic, book 3 Aluminum Magic, book 4

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org

#AIandIdentity

#PoliticalIntrigue

#SciFiEthics

#GenerationalShips

#HistoricalAnalogies

Bruce Davis, interviewed by Bob Nelson, dive into the world of fantasy mysteries with a special focus on the new book "Aluminum Magic." The conversation kicks off with discussing the evolving layers of conspiracy and the depth of plot twists in the series, especially as they relate to royal intrigue and assassination attempts.

Shifting gears, Bruce explores the fusion of fantasy with classic police procedurals, drawing parallels to influences like The Wire and Michael Connelly's Bosch novels. They discuss how these mysteries unravel through clues, sources, and evolving leads, all within a richly imagined fantasy universe—where magic is treated almost like alternate physics.

They also chat about the book's characters, sharing insights into fan favorites like Sylvie and Hal, and discuss reader feedback that’s helped shape the latest installment of "Magic Law." On the business side, they unpack the world of book distribution, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved with selling paperback, hardbound, and ebook formats across various "walled garden" platforms like Amazon, Kobo, Apple, and Google.

Whether you're a fan of intricate mysteries, hard magic systems, or the nuts and bolts of indie publishing, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the storytelling and business choices that bring the "Magic Law" series to life.

About Bruce Davis

Bruce Davis is the author of many books and several short pieces of fiction. He writes science fiction, fantasy and non fiction. His most recent title, Silver Magic, is currently available from Brick Cave Media. He is online at https://brucecdavis.com

Purchasing the Magic Law Series

The complete series, including the latest release, Aluminum Magic is available wherever books are sold:

Platinum Magic, book 1 Gold Magic, book 2 Silver Magic, book 3 Aluminum Magic, book 4

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org

#FantasyMystery

#HardMagicSystem

#IndieAuthors

#BookRecommendations

#StrongFemaleLeads

This portion of the interview takes a decided turn away from Aluminum Magic. Host Bob Nelson sits down with author Bruce Davis to dive into the world of independent publishing and the realities of book formatting, distribution, and live events. The conversation kicks off with Bruce Davis shedding light on the challenges of digital book formatting and why ordering direct from the publisher—or catching him at events—is still the best way to snag a signed copy of his work.

Throughout the episode, Bob Nelson and Bruce Davis share candid stories from the road: from the hustle of festival appearances and the value of dedicated readers, to behind-the-scenes glimpses at promoting local literature and community events like the Mesa Book Festival. They also tease upcoming appearances, Halloween-themed library fundraisers, and connect listeners to the vibrant Arizona literary scene.

But it’s not all about logistics—fans of Bruce Davis’s fiction will love the discussion about his writing process, inspiration behind his series, and an enticing sneak peek into his latest sci-fi concepts—think androids, personality downloads, and specialty clones with self-destruct missions.

Tune in for an engaging mix of practical advice for indie authors, festival tales, and a sneak preview of mind-bending stories still to come!

About Bruce Davis

Bruce Davis is the author of many books and several short pieces of fiction. He writes science fiction, fantasy and non fiction. His most recent title, Silver Magic, is currently available from Brick Cave Media. He is online at https://brucecdavis.com

Purchasing the Magic Law Series

The complete series, including the latest release, Aluminum Magic is available wherever books are sold:

Platinum Magic, book 1 Gold Magic, book 2 Silver Magic, book 3 Aluminum Magic, book 4

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org

#SupportLocalAuthors

#BookFestivalLife

#IndiePublishing

#MeetTheAuthor

#SpeculativeFiction