Hollywood is built to say no, and Thomas Dean Donnelly has spent 30 years figuring out how to keep going regardless. The screenwriter whose credits include Sahara and Doctor Strange joins StoryCentric to trace his journey from movie-obsessed kid to USC Film School, selling his first screenplay in his mid-20s, and surviving the highs, lows, and occasional chaos of a career in Hollywood. Tom gets candid about imposter syndrome, endless rewrites, networking without “networking,” working with Christopher Vogler, and why writers need to separate creative drafting from critical editing. We also dig into his pivot from screenwriting to indie publishing, his bestselling spy thriller series, and why reinvention might be one of the most important skills a working writer can have.

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Kindrie Grove builds worlds across books, paintings, illustrations, and bronze sculpture. The multidisciplinary artist and author joins StoryCentric to trace her journey from growing up on a horse farm outside Calgary to creating the expanding Stone Guardian universe. Kindrie shares her unconventional discovery-writing process, why paintings and sculptures often appear before the scenes they inspire, and how she balances fine art, commissions, self-publishing, and a growing readership. We also dig into Kickstarter, print-on-demand, the fantasy authors who shaped her work, and why she sees her books and artwork not as separate careers, but as pieces of one interconnected creative world.

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Developmental editor and longtime publishing insider Tiffany Yates Martin joins StoryCentric to unpack what writers need to know about editors, contracts, publishing paths, AI, and the expensive hype authors should avoid. Drawing on a career that began in acting before taking an unexpected turn into editing, Tiffany shares how publishing has changed, what hasn’t, and why authors need to develop their own editorial instincts. We dig into traditional, indie, and hybrid publishing, how to evaluate an editor before spending a dime, and why building a sustainable writing career starts with making informed choices rather than waiting for permission.

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A childhood pen grab, a plagiarism accusation, and a one-cent bank balance eventually led Zena Shapter to one important truth: the best career move is the one that keeps you closest to your real voice. The award-winning author joins StoryCentric to trace her winding journey from poetry-obsessed kid to trademark lawyer, copywriter, and novelist, including the moment she realized she’d “sold her soul” to the wrong profession. We dig into finding your authentic writing voice, writing for story rather than genre, building immersive science-fantasy worlds, and how adapting novels for the screen can make you a sharper writer. Zena also talks candidly about money, persistence, creative fulfillment, and the long game of becoming the writer you’re actually meant to be.

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TJ Klune (The House in the Cerulean Sea) is one of today's most beloved and acclaimed fantasy authors, however his path to success was anything but straightforward. In this episode of StoryCentric, TJ shares his remarkable journey from growing up in rural Oregon to becoming a New York Times bestselling author, revealing how perseverance and a refusal to compromise his voice shaped a career that has inspired millions of readers. We explore the realities of indie and traditional publishing, the importance of finding the right literary agent, and why luck only matters if you're ready when it arrives.

Our conversation also dives into the deeply personal stories behind books like the Cerulean Chronicles and Under the Whispering Door, examining how grief, hope, and a turbulent political climate influenced his work. TJ reflects on writing as both a form of healing and an act of advocacy, creating stories that celebrate belonging and identity. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to build a writing career without losing yourself along the way, this conversation is worth your time.

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In this episode of StoryCentric, Osric Chau (Supernatural, The Flash) shares his journey from martial arts prodigy in Vancouver to international actor, producer, and industry innovator. From training obsessively in Wu Shu as a kid to landing roles in Hollywood and China, he reveals how he built a career on his own terms, and why he's now focused on changing the entertainment industry from the inside out.

We discuss how his martial arts background opened doors to acting opportunities, and how he navigated both the Hollywood and Chinese film industries, working alongside industry legends, overcoming cultural barriers, and learning how to thrive in two very different entertainment worlds.

The conversation explores the realities of fandom and public attention and how, today, Osric is focused on producing and developing new systems that give creators more freedom, sustainability, and control over their work.

Whether you're an actor, filmmaker, entrepreneur, or creative professional, Osric's story offers valuable insights on resilience and reinvention, providing a compelling vision for empowering the next generation of creators.

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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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