Tag: fiction

Author Nancy Jasin Ensley – Hospice, Sci-Fi & Life’s Enduring Mysteries

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast, Social Media
Nancy Jasin Ensley

In this compelling episode of The Billy Dees Podcast, Billy sits down with author, legal nurse, and hospice specialist Nancy Jasin Ensley for a conversation that moves seamlessly between humor, humanity, and the profound realities of life and death. From the very beginning, Nancy’s warmth and authenticity shine through, as she shares stories from her upbringing in New Jersey, her early love of reading and writing, and the formative experiences that shaped her voice as both a caregiver and storyteller.

A central theme of the discussion is Nancy’s work in hospice care—an area that brings a unique and often unfiltered perspective on the human experience. Drawing from years of bedside moments, she describes the emotional and even mysterious aspects of end-of-life transitions. Her reflections echo a recurring idea: when life becomes most serious, people no longer need performance—they need honesty, presence, and connection. These experiences not only define her approach to caregiving but deeply influence her writing, giving it a grounded sense of realism and emotional depth.

Nancy’s literary work spans multiple genres, from memoir and mystery to science fiction and children’s books. Rather than confining herself to a single style, she embraces storytelling as a vehicle for meaning—exploring resilience, forgiveness, faith, and personal transformation. Her memoir The Tire Swing emerges as a cornerstone of her work, offering a deeply personal look at adversity and healing. Meanwhile, her foray into science fiction reveals her curiosity and willingness to stretch creatively, blending real scientific concepts with imaginative storytelling.

Throughout the episode, Billy and Nancy also explore the creative process itself—how inspiration can strike from the smallest moments, and how discipline plays a crucial role in bringing ideas to life. Nancy’s perspective is both practical and philosophical: writing isn’t just about craft, but about listening—to yourself, to others, and to the world around you. Whether she’s discussing journaling, forgiveness, or the importance of human connection, her insights resonate far beyond the page.

This episode is more than an author interview—it’s a thoughtful exploration of life’s complexities and the stories we tell to make sense of them. Listeners will come away not only with a deeper understanding of Nancy Jasin Ensley’s work, but with a renewed appreciation for the power of storytelling rooted in real experience.

Exploring Big Ideas Through Speculative Fiction – A Conversation with Diana Colleen

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast, Social Media
Diana Colleen

In this thought-provoking episode of The Billy Dees Podcast, Billy welcomes speculative fiction author Diana Colleen for a wide-ranging discussion that blends storytelling, philosophy, and current social issues. At the heart of the conversation is Colleen’s debut novel, They Could Be Saviors, a book built on a bold and provocative premise: what if saving the planet required confronting the immense power of billionaires? From the outset, the episode sets the tone for an open dialogue—one where differing viewpoints are not only acknowledged but explored with curiosity and respect.

A central theme of the discussion is the role of speculative fiction as more than just entertainment. Colleen explains that the genre—encompassing science fiction, dystopian narratives, and climate fiction (“cli-fi”)—is rooted in “what if” questions that challenge readers to reimagine the future. Rather than focusing solely on bleak, dystopian outcomes, she advocates for stories that offer hope and agency. In her view, the narratives we consume shape how we perceive what’s possible, and by presenting more optimistic futures, authors can inspire readers to believe that meaningful change is still within reach.

The conversation also dives into deeper societal debates, particularly around wealth inequality, innovation, and the influence of billionaires. While Colleen critiques the concentration of power and wealth as a systemic issue, Billy provides a counterbalance by highlighting the role of innovation and risk-taking in driving societal progress. What emerges is not a debate with winners and losers, but a nuanced exploration of how modern economies function—and where they may be falling short. The discussion touches on morality, incentives, and whether current systems encourage progress at the expense of broader human well-being.

Beyond economics and politics, the episode takes a philosophical turn, examining themes of human connection, empathy, and the growing sense of disconnection in modern life. From the impact of social media to the decline of community institutions, both Billy and Colleen reflect on how society has shifted—and what might be needed to restore a sense of shared humanity. Colleen introduces the idea of a “revolution of consciousness,” suggesting that meaningful change begins with how individuals see themselves and others, while Billy emphasizes the importance of empathy as a foundational human skill.

Ultimately, this episode is less about arriving at definitive answers and more about asking better questions. It invites listeners to grapple with complex issues—from climate change and technological influence to wealth and morality—through the lens of storytelling and dialogue. By the end, what stands out most is the willingness of both host and guest to engage thoughtfully across differences, offering a model for the kind of conversations that are increasingly rare, but deeply needed.

Danielle M. Orsino Talks Cosplay, Martial Arts, and Writing Fantasy

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast
Danielle M. Orsino

This episode of the podcast features a lively and wide-ranging conversation between Billy Dees and fantasy author, martial artist, and cosplayer Danielle M. Orsino. The discussion begins with Orsino’s unconventional journey into writing, sparked by storytelling sessions with a patient undergoing medical treatment. From those humble beginnings, she developed her Legacies of Light and Dark series, building a creative career that blends instinctive storytelling with immersive character development. Her path highlights a recurring theme throughout the episode: creativity doesn’t always follow a traditional or “trained” route, and sometimes the most compelling stories emerge organically.

As the conversation unfolds, Orsino shares how her background in martial arts and cosplay deeply influences her writing process. She describes storytelling as a physical and emotional experience—often acting out scenes, embodying characters, and even using cosplay to better understand their personalities. This multidisciplinary approach sets her apart, especially in a genre often dominated by conventional methods. The discussion also offers practical insight for aspiring writers, touching on discipline, overcoming writer’s block, navigating the publishing industry, and learning when to trust—or question—editorial feedback.

The episode also explores broader themes in fantasy, fandom, and entertainment culture. Orsino speaks candidly about the challenges of being a female author in the fantasy space, where audience expectations can sometimes clash with her more traditional, non-romance-driven storytelling style. The conversation expands into commentary on Hollywood, the evolution of superhero media, and the growing influence of AI in creative industries. Throughout, the dialogue remains thoughtful and grounded, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at both the creative process and the shifting landscape of modern storytelling.

Find Danielle M. Orsino on Instagram

You can find the Billy Dees Podcast on all podcast platforms. Listen below on Spotify and YouTube.

Exploring Grief, Memory, and the Stories We Tell: A Conversation with Laura Buchwald

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Podcast
Laura Buchwald

On this episode of The Billy D’s Podcast, Billy sits down with author Laura Buchwald for a thoughtful and emotionally resonant conversation about grief, storytelling, and her novel The Book of Reservations. The discussion opens with a universal question: What if you could have just one more meal with someone you’ve lost? That longing—especially powerful around holidays, anniversaries, and meaningful traditions—sits at the core of Buchwald’s work. Her novel introduces a protagonist who can communicate with the dead, setting the stage for a story that blends love, loss, and the enduring human desire for connection beyond death.

Laura shares how her lifelong passion for writing eventually led her to novels, and how real-life experiences with grief—particularly the loss of her father—deeply shaped her creative process. Rather than treating grief as a linear journey, she describes it as personal, unpredictable, and cumulative. The conversation explores themes of belief versus skepticism, hospice experiences, and the possibility that death may not be the end. Billy and Laura thoughtfully examine how people process loss differently, and how storytelling can offer comfort, meaning, and even gratitude in the face of sorrow.

The interview also dives into the craft and discipline of writing in today’s changing landscape. Laura offers candid advice for aspiring writers about embracing messy first drafts, persevering through rejection, and writing from a place of genuine love rather than chasing trends. They also touch on the role of AI in creative work, the pressures of publishing, and the importance of preserving local culture—particularly neighborhood restaurants, which inspire the novel’s setting. Described as a cross between The Bear and Ghosts, The Book of Reservations weaves together restaurant life, spiritual connection, and human relationships, making this conversation a rich listen for readers, writers, and anyone navigating grief while searching for meaning.

Unearthing the Ninth Century: A Conversation with Author D.H. Morris

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast

On this episode of The Billy D’s Podcast, Billy sits down with historical novelist D.H. Morris for a fascinating deep dive into one of the most overlooked yet pivotal periods in European history—the ninth century. Morris, author of The Girl of Many Crowns, brings to life the true story of Judith, the first princess of France, and Baldwin Iron Arm, a knight whose courage and defiance helped shape the future of Europe. Drawing from meticulous research and personal genealogical discovery, Morris explains how this era—often mislabeled as the “Dark Ages”—was actually a time of political upheaval, cultural renaissance, and the very formation of the nations we recognize today.

D.H. Morris

Throughout the conversation, Morris paints a vivid picture of a volatile world marked by Viking invasions, civil wars among Charlemagne’s descendants, and high-stakes political marriages involving children barely into their teens. Judith’s life alone reads like epic fiction: married at twelve for political alliance, widowed twice by sixteen, imprisoned by her own father, and ultimately escaping across Europe in a daring act of love and defiance. Billy and Morris explore how these real historical events rival any modern drama, and how power, ambition, propaganda, and personal courage in the ninth century mirror many of the struggles we still see today.

The interview also offers insight into Morris’s creative and research process. Working from Latin chronicles, royal correspondence, and church records, she explains how she stayed faithful to historical truth while dramatizing events to make them come alive for modern readers. Morris reflects on how human nature—greed, love, loyalty, fear, and resilience—transcends time, making history endlessly relevant. The Girl of Many Crowns emerges not just as a historical novel, but as a reminder that the choices made over a thousand years ago still echo through our world today.

J Herman Kleiger Author – “Tears Are Only Water”

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast

On this episode, I speak with Jim Kleiger, an author and mental health professional with extensive experience in psychology and psychoanalysis.

We discuss Jim’s new book, “Tears Are Only Water,” and how his professional interests influenced his creative writing. Jim shares his background growing up in Denver and his journey into psychology. We also talk about the stigma surrounding mental health, noting that it has improved but still persists.

Jim delves into his foray into creative writing, which began in 2019 and gained momentum during the pandemic. Jim’s novels explore themes of trauma, madness, psychological intrigue, healing, and transformation. “Tears Are Only Water” is described as a psychologically textured suspense and mystery with a hopeful ending.

J. Herman Kleiger

Jim shares a fair amount of light on his background, writing process, and the themes he explores in his books.

J Herman Kleiger, the author’s name otherwise going by Jim, discusses the plot of the book “Tears Are Only Water,” during the episode. The story revolves around characters coping with trauma and a crime investigation. Jim distinguishes his book as a psychological mystery and suspense rather than a typical thriller.

Jim mentions where readers can find his book and his upcoming audiobook release, which will feature multiple narrators and different character perspectives.

You can find the episode on your favorite podcast platform.

-Billy Dees

Peter King Author – “Gold Among the Trees”

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast

In this podcast episode, author Peter King joins hosts Billy Dees and Kristy Mickelsen to discuss his career, travels, and writing.

Peter has written several books including, “Gold Among The Trees” and “Life’s but a Poem,” and has traveled extensively due to his career and involvement in sports. He shares that his writing process involves postulating a problem and solving it, often with unpredictable endings. Peter draws inspiration from current events and historical occurrences. He also mentions his publisher, Lizzy Campbell from Elite Lizard Publishing Company, and expresses his satisfaction with her assistance.

Peter King

The conversation delves into Peter’s experience of self-publishing his books after facing rejections from agents and publishers. The hosts and Peter discuss his reluctance to do in-person events like book signings and his self-doubt as an author. They touch on topics such as imposter syndrome, the importance of discipline in writing, and the impact of feedback from beta readers.

The podcast was recorded December 6th 2023 and they mention celebrating Christmas in Holland. The conversation is light-hearted and entertaining, showcasing Peter’s wit and humor. This podcast is important as it provides insights into the challenges and experiences of a self-published author, exploring themes of self-doubt and the creative process.

You can find the video version on X (Twitter) Billy Dees Podcast and on Billy Dees Podcasts on Facebook.

Thanks to Elite Lizard Publishing.