Page Chewing

In this episode, Steve and Mike dive deep into the complexities of creativity, the impact of social media, and the challenges of the publishing industry. Mike, a seasoned writer, shares his journey through the creative process, offering insights into the highs and lows of being an artist in today’s digital age. Together, they explore the delicate balance between leveraging social media for career growth and protecting mental well-being, while also discussing the changing dynamics of fame and success.

The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as they touch on the often-overlooked importance of grief, the taboo around death, and the need for compassion in difficult times. Mike and Steve also reflect on societal beauty standards, the value of family recipes, and the lessons learned from early jobs. Whether you’re a creative professional, a writer navigating the publishing world, or someone interested in the deeper themes of life, this episode offers a rich blend of practical advice, personal reflections, and philosophical musings.

Tune in for an engaging discussion that will leave you with fresh perspectives on creativity, society, and the human experience.
Find Mike: http://mikeyopp.com
Sound Bites

• "No amount of success is ever going to feel like the end or like success."
• "Social media has made it worse, not better for me as far as my self-esteem, but it's also made it better for my career."
• "I'm not an entrepreneur. I'm just a creative type, and that's what it is."
• "I think it's harder for people to be pushed back on. And they think they want to be surrounded by an echo chamber and not by people who don't agree with them."
• "The internet appears to be public yet you're allowed to metaphorically sweatpants your way in and F-bomb. But I don't think that should have transferred into actual airports, actual restaurants."
• "I think the younger kids are now kind of shying away from social media and coming back to a quieter, more private life."
• "It's a common accepted notion among most people. Well, war is a thing that always happens. It can't be avoided."
• "I am not attacking capitalism and I'm not promoting communism. I am simply reflecting on the fact that within this current iteration of capitalism, you're expected to grow infinitely and that's actually ludicrous and impossible."

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In this episode, the hosts delve into the intricate themes of the Malazan series, particularly focusing on 'Dead house Gates.' They discuss the significance of Coltain's death, the concept of ascendancy tied to belief, and the moral dilemmas faced by Malazan soldiers. The conversation also touches on betrayal, the nature of power, and the mysterious laughing God, culminating in Felisin's choice to retreat, highlighting her fear of confrontation. In this conversation, the participants delve into the intricate themes of identity, control, and the nature of possession as explored through the characters Felisin and Apsalar. They discuss the parallel journeys of these characters, the impact of memory on identity, and the tragic elements of Icarium's story. The conversation also touches on the complexities of relationships, the interplay of fate and free will, and the significance of Kalam's confrontation with power dynamics. The discussion culminates in the exploration of the rebirth of a god and the cyclical nature of souls within the narrative.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to the Malazan Series

05:17
Coltain's Death and Ascendancy

12:47
The Role of Belief in Ascendancy

16:01
The Consequences of Leadership Decisions

22:29
Moral Dilemmas in Warfare

30:12
Character Complexity and Historical Narratives

35:53
Engaging with the Audience

38:14
Character Analysis: Malik Rao

45:11
The Fate of Duiker

56:24
Divine Influences and Character Motivations

58:01
Exploring Control and Identity in Characters

01:00:58
Parallel Journeys: Felicin and Apsalar

01:04:01
Memories and Identity: The Case of Icarium

01:10:02
The Tragic Friendship of Mapo and Icarium

01:12:11
Secrets and Connections: Heberic's Role

01:20:20
Exploring Narrative Connections in the Series

01:22:39
Thematic Organization and Character Arcs

01:23:05
Kalam's Journey and Confrontation with Lecine

01:28:10
Revelations and Misunderstandings in the Plot

01:30:06
Character Depth and Motivations

01:32:41
Romantic Elements and Character Dynamics

01:34:01
The Epilogue and Rebirth of a God

01:36:43
Predestination vs. Free Will in the Narrative

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Join us as we dissect the intricacies of McCarthy's writing style, from its absence of punctuation to its biblical undertones, and uncover how these elements shape the narrative's profound impact.

In our discussion, we unravel the complexities of the characters, particularly the enigmatic figure of the judge, and explore how violence intertwines with their development. From the haunting deserts of the American Southwest to the depths of the human psyche, we delve into the book's exploration of the thin line between civilization and chaos.

With each page, Blood Meridian forces us to confront the darker aspects of humanity, raising questions about the nature of evil and the blurred boundaries between the natural and supernatural. Our conversation navigates through the cyclical nature of violence, the impact of repetition, and the haunting beauty of McCarthy's prose.

Join us as we reflect on the lasting legacy of Blood Meridian and compare its reception to other works in the literary landscape. Whether you're a seasoned fan or discovering McCarthy's world for the first time, this episode offers fresh insights and perspectives that will leave you questioning the very essence of humanity.

Tune in to explore the depths of violence, humanity, and the supernatural in Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian.
Find Carl D. Albert: https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Crowns-Book-One-Eternal-ebook/dp/B0BY5T8Z9N
Find Chris: https://www.youtube.com/@chrismohan
Find Varsha: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingByTheRainyMountain

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Miles Hurt (and the free prequel novella) can be found on his website: http://www.mileshurt.com
Or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mileshurt
Raul Reads: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ck...
Chapters: 00:00 Introduction, Congratulations 00:44 How long did it take to write Red Harvest Moon? 1:20 Is the series planned out? 2:22 Has reaction changed your plans? 4:08 Environments 5:08 Describing Red Harvest Moon 7:33 Feeling pressure writing the sequel 10:17 Characters 11:29 Page count 13:25 Humor 14:54 Accessibility 17:02 Villains (minor spoilers) 21:14 When did you decide to write a novel? 27:00 What books do you enjoy reading? 30:40 Predictability 31:44 Do plot or characters come first? 33:22 Did any characters almost not make the cut? 37:24 Tips for writing action scenes? 41:13 SPOILERS 57:17 Finishing Up, connect with Miles

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I sat down to chat with author Sienna Frost (Faye) about her book Obsidian: Awakening. We discussed the physical book, the themes, characters and even what's to come in book two!
Watch on YouTube
Find Obsidian: Awakening
Find Sienna Frost
Connect with me:

• Steve Talks Books YouTube Channel
• Vero
• Event Calendar
• Discussion Forum
• Twitter
• Podcast
• My Mountain Biking Channel

Send us a message

Support the show

Film Chewing Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/follow
Lens Chewing on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lenschewing
Speculative Speculations: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculations
Support the podcast: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9E
Join Riverside.fm: https://riverside.fm/?via=steve-l