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Hill Country Authors

Hill Country Authors – From Nursing to Novel Writing: The Journey of Teddy Jones

Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and writes up the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom Fox interviews Teddy Jones, exploring her fascinating journey from a career in nursing and academia to becoming a full-time fiction writer.

Teddy shares her love for education, her various roles in the nursing field, and her transition into writing. She discusses the inspiration and process behind her novel, ‘A Family of Good Women,’ which is based on historical events. Additionally, Teddy discusses her writing habits, the importance of setting in her stories, and her experiences working with Stoney Creek Publishing. The episode also touches on her upcoming projects and where listeners can connect with her work.

Key highlights:

  • Teddy’s Journey from Nursing to Academia
  • Transition to Full-Time Fiction Writing
  • The Genesis of ‘A Family of Good Women’
  • Teddy’s Writing Process
  • Professional Journey with Stoney Creek Publishing

Resources:

A Family of Good Women on:

TamuPress

Amazon

Stoney Creek Publishing

Follow Teddy Jones on:

Facebook

Instagram

Stoney Creek Publishing Website

Podcast Cover Art

Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Tom Fox

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Hill Country Authors

Hill Country Authors – Exploring Mental Health and Community-Based Practices with Claudette Fette

Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write in and about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits Claudette Fette, an academic from Texas Woman’s University, to talk about her professional background and her work in mental health and community-based practices.

Fette shares the journey that led her to occupational therapy and advocacy, influenced by her son’s struggles with mental illness and addiction. They discuss the development and principles of authentic wraparound services, the importance of multidisciplinary staffing, and the effectiveness of early intervention and preventative mental health support. Fette also touches on the failures of the criminal justice system in dealing with mental health and substance abuse, advocating for restorative justice practices. Additionally, she provides insights into her writing and publishing process for her book, ‘No Saints Here,’ and the ongoing resources she provides through her blog and website.

Key highlights:

  • Claudette Fette’s Professional and Academic Journey
  • The Story Behind ‘No Saints Here’
  • Community-Based Alternatives to Institutionalization
  • The Importance of Multidisciplinary Staffing
  • Early Intervention and Preventative Mental Health Support
  • Educational Interventions and Support Systems
  • Criminal Justice System and Mental Health
  • Authentic Wraparound and Recovery
  • Writing and Publishing Journey

Resources

Claudette Fette on Stoney Creek Publishing

No Saints Here on Texas A&M University Press

Stoney Creek Publishing Website

Podcast Cover Art 

Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Tom Fox

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Hill Country Authors

Hill Country Authors – Exploring the Melody of Words with Author Rob Espenscheid, Jr.

Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write up the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits Rob Espenscheid, Jr., about his newly released book, ‘The Rise of Mad March.’

Rob shares his extensive background as a piano technician and how his love for music influenced his writing. He details the inspiration and writing process behind his fifth novel, a tribute to small-town rock bands of the early 70s. Rob also discusses his journey as an author, beginning in his sixties, and shares his experiences with self-publishing, as well as his collaboration with Stoney Creek Publishing to bring his latest story to life. The discussion offers insights into the importance of adhering to proper timelines in historical fiction and Rob’s passion for the writing process.

Key highlights:

  • Rob’s Professional Background
  • The Rise of the Mad March: Inspiration and Plot
  • Themes and Messages in the Book
  • Writing Process and Challenges
  • Previous Works and Writing Journey
  • Experience with Stony Creek Publishing
  • Where to Find Rob’s Books

Resources:

 Rob Espenscheid, Jr.on Stoney Creek Publishing

The Rise of the Mad March on Texas A&M University Press

Stoney Creek Publishing Website

Rob Espenscheid, Jr. Website

Rob Espenscheid, Jr on Facebook

Rob Espenscheid, Jr on Instagram

 Podcast Cover Art

 Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Tom Fox

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Hill Country Authors

Hill Country Authors – Exploring Texas History and Writing with Jack Woodville London

Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits author Jack Woodville London, discussing his intriguing career and novels focused on Texas history.

London, a seasoned courtroom lawyer with a background in aviation accidents, delves into his journey from practicing law to writing creatively. They explore his experiences at Oxford University and his fascination with historical research. London shares insights into his books, particularly the ‘French Letters Series’ and ‘Dangerous Latitudes,’ highlighting lesser-known events in Texas history. The discussion also touches on public education, historical figures, and the Mexico-Texas conflicts, providing a rich tapestry of historical and literary insights.

Key highlights:

  • Jack’s Professional Background
  • Oxford Experience and Writing Journey
  • Books and Writing Process
  • Texas History and Dangerous Latitudes
  • Lamar and Texas Politics
  • Research and Publishing

Resources:

Dangerous Latitudes on Stone Creek Publishing

Dangerous Latitudes on Texas A&M University Press

Stoney Creek Publishing Website

Jack Woodville London Website

Podcast Cover Art

Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Tom Fox

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Hill Country Authors

Hill Country Authors – The Legacy and Literature of Phil Oakley: A Life of Stories from Texas

Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits author Phil Oakley, discussing his intriguing professional background and his novels, which are based on his family’s history in Texas.

Oakley shares stories from his childhood, professional encounters, and inspirations drawn from his grandparents’ lives. They delve into his book series, starting with ‘Little Hatchet’ and ‘Runners,’ exploring the ways he incorporates Texas history and personal heritage into his work. Oakley also reflects on the impacts of weather, railroads, and prohibition on his family and the state. Towards the end, he discusses his transition from biography to fiction and the potential for his books to be adapted into a streaming series. The session concludes with insights on working with Stony Creek Publishing and resources for readers to find his books.

Key highlights:

  • Phil Oakley’s Professional Background
  • Remembering Ronnie Dugger
  • Phil Oakley’s Books and Inspirations
  • Writing Craft and Historical Context
  • Prohibition and Family Stories
  • Current Projects and Future Directions

Resources:

Little Hatchet | Book 1 of The Oakley Series

Runners | Book 2 of The Oakley Series

Little Hatchet and Runners on Texas A&M University Press

Stoney Creek Publishing Website

Little Hatchet Book Trailer on YouTube

Podcast Cover Art

Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Tom Fox

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Hill Country Authors

Hill Country Authors Podcast – Exploring Writing, Literature, and Texas Coastal Culture with Skip Rhudy

Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write up the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom Fox visits Skip Rhudy, a writer with deep ties to the Texas Gulf Coast.

Rhudy shares his experiences growing up in Port Aransas and delves into the contrasts of living in a tourist spot. They discuss Rhudy’s two novels, ‘Under the Gulf Coast Sun’ and ‘One Punk Summer,’ touching on themes of setting as character, the punk music scene in Austin, and preserving Texas culture through fiction. Rhudy also discusses his writing process, inspirations from Ernest Hemingway, and future projects, including a novel interwoven with Greek mythology and a nonfiction account of building a kit plane.

Key highlights:

  • Life in Port Aransas
  • Port Aransas Culture and Community
  • Holiday Vibes and Seasonal Contrasts
  • Setting as a Character in Literature
  • Writing Process and Inspirations
  • Texas History and Cultural Preservation
  • Comparing Two Novels
  • Punk Music and Austin’s Scene
  • Publishing Journey and Editorial Insights

Resources:

Skip Rhudy on Stoney Creek Publishing

‘Under the Gulf Coast Sun on Texas A&M University Press

Stoney Creek Publishing Website

 Podcast Cover Art

 Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Tom Fox

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Hill Country Authors

Hill Country Authors Podcast – Unveiling Camptown: Charles Swenson’s Journey Through Forgotten Texas History

Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and writes up the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom Fox visits Charles Swenson, a passionate historian and author of Voices of Camptown.’

Swenson delves into the rich history of Camptown, a freedmen’s colony established in Brenham, Texas, following the Civil War. He explains his involvement in uncovering this lost community’s legacy, spurred by the discovery of the overgrown Camptown Cemetery. Swenson shares insights into the lives of the African American families who once resided there, their struggles during Reconstruction, and their achievements despite the adversities of Jim Crow. He also emphasizes the crucial role of education and the significant contributions of military veterans to these communities. Swenson’s research methods and collaboration with the Brenham Heritage Museum, along with local individuals like Eddie Harrison, highlight a neglected chapter of Texas history that he is dedicated to preserving. The episode closes with information on how listeners can learn more about Swenson’s work and his upcoming book.

Key highlights:

  • Discovering Camptown: A Historical Overview
  • Uncovering Camptown Cemetery
  • Research and Stories from the Past
  • The Importance of Historical Designation
  • Educational and Community Impact
  • Writing Process and Publication Journey

Resources:

Charles Swenson’s on Stoney Creek Publishing

Voices of Camptown on Texas A&M University Press

Stoney Creek Publishing Website

Podcast Cover Art

Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Tom Fox

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Facebook

YouTube

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Hill Country Authors

Hill Country Authors – A Journey from Journalism to Fiction with Paul McGrath

Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits with Paul McGrath, whose journalism career spanned decades at newspapers like the Houston Chronicle.

They delve into Paul’s roots in Texas, his transition from journalism to authorship, and the inspiration behind his debut novel ‘Left,’ which draws from the tragic Uvalde school shooting. Paul discusses his writing process, his relationship with Stoney Creek Publishing, and the importance of student newspapers in the journalistic landscape. The episode also teases future books, planned as part of a trilogy, with coffee as a surprising central theme.

Key highlights:

  • Paul McGrath’s Early Life and Career
  • Transition from Journalism to Writing
  • The Spark Behind the Book ‘Left’
  • Writing Process and Routine
  • Setting and Themes of ‘Left’
  • The Role of Student Newspapers

Resources:

Paul McGrath on Stoney Creek Publishing

Left at Texas A&M University Press

 Podcast Cover Art

Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Tom Fox

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Hill Country Authors

Hill Country Authors – Exploring Galveston and Medicine Through Island Intern with Dr. Paul Remmers

Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits with author Paul Remmers, a physician with over forty years of experience in internal medicine. He was born and raised in Galveston, Texas, where he attended the University of Texas Medical Branch and later returned as a faculty member. He has also served on the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

They discuss the medical landscape of Galveston, the historical significance of the 1900 hurricane, and Dr. Remmer’s personal experiences that influenced his novel. Dr. Remmer elaborates on the challenges and emotional highs and lows that medical interns experience, both in contemporary settings and throughout history. He also reflects on Galveston’s diverse cultural backdrop and its impact on his upbringing. The episode wraps up with Dr. Remmer’s experiences with publication and his recent participation in a book festival.

Key highlights:

  • Inspiration Behind ‘Island Intern’
  • Writing Process and Challenges
  • Galveston’s Melting Pot History
  • Medical Practice in the Early 20th Century
  • Legacy of the 1900 Hurricane

Resources:

Paul Remmers on Stoney Creek Publishing

Island Intern at Texas A&M University Press

Podcast Cover Art

Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Tom Fox

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Hill Country Authors

Hill Country Authors Podcast – TD Motley on Combing Art and Fiction

Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write up the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits TD Motley about his book, The Art of Farming—Sketches on Life in the Country.

Dr. Thomas Motley is a devoted illustrator and cartoonist whose artistic journey began at the tender age of three, fueled by his fascination with the funny papers and Sunday funnies. Inspired by early heroes like Pogo and Mort Drucker, his passion for illustration was further cultivated at 14 through mentorship with his favorite editorial cartoonist, Bob Taylor. Despite facing discouragement from his high school counselor and principal, Thomas pursued art in college, championing the idea of staying true to oneself and following one’s dreams. Today, he draws upon his childhood influences and admiration for illustrators like Tom Lee to encourage aspiring artists to carve out their unique styles and tackle personal challenges with creativity and perseverance.

 

Key highlights:

  • Visual Artist’s Evolution into Storytelling Author
  • Illustrative Inspiration: Tom Lee’s Influence
  • Engaging Sequel Expanding Farming’s Artistry
  • Embracing Dreams: Fueling Artistic Journeys

Resources:

TD Motley on LinkedIn

TD Motley on Instagram

Art Spiel Contemporary Art and Culture

Eutopia

Dallas Biennial (DB)

Bookmark interview with Christine Brown, KAMU/PBS, Sept, 2024

Interview with Etty Yaniv, publisher, Art Spiel, posted Monday, Feb 10, 2025

The Art of Farming: Sketches on Life in the Country on Texas A&M University Press

Stoney Creek Publishing

Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Tom Fox

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Twitter

LinkedIn