Fully Booked: The Hidden Gems Author Podcast

Fully Booked EP199: Making the Impossible Plausible with Hard Sci-Fi

In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, we explore the fascinating frontier where science fact meets science fiction. Our guest is debut author Nicholas Keating Casbarro, whose background in medical devices and deep-dive research habits have fueled the creation of a richly detailed hard sci-fi series set 700 years in the future. From warp bubbles to quantum entanglement, Casbarro explains how he grounds speculative technologies in plausible science while keeping the narrative accessible and immersive.
He shares how world-building begins with asking the right questions about planetary ecology, authoritarian governments, and underground digital networks, and why anchoring every element in scientific theory lends authenticity. Because whether you're writing about the ethical implications of emerging tech or attempting to craft a believable future without losing the human thread, writing hard sci-fi requires a careful balance between rigorous science and storytelling craft.
 
Nicholas Keating Casbarrohttps://vitaleriumseries.com/
 
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Fully Booked EP198: The Art and Business of Short Stories

Although short fiction often gets overshadowed in today’s market-driven publishing landscape, for many writers it’s where the most vital work begins. That’s why, in this week’s episode of Fully Booked, we examine both the creative and commercial realities of writing short stories. Our guest is author Chris Kauzlarich, a hobbyist turned published writer who uses short fiction to build both his craft and his audience. From initial inspiration to final revision, Chris shares insights into the short story writing process, and why this form remains meaningful, even in a publishing world dominated by novels.
But this conversation doesn’t shy away from the hard truths, as Chris opens up about the challenges of making short stories viable. From limited publication outlets and shrinking markets to the frustrations of pricing, visibility, and discoverability. Still, the episode is filled with practical strategies for using short fiction to grow your readership, test novel-worthy ideas, and stay creatively sharp. For a grounded, honest look at what short stories can—and can’t—do for your career, this episode is a must-listen.
 
Chris Kauzlarichhttps://www.chriskauzlarich.com/
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP197: Building an Audience Through Consistent and Honest Storytelling

This week on Fully Booked, we’re joined by Aaron Calafato, creator of the acclaimed podcast "7 Minute Stories", which has reached over 30 million listeners. A master of short-form storytelling, Aaron shares how he builds powerful connections with his audience through a personal process he calls “story catching.” By drawing meaning from everyday experiences and telling them with clarity and heart, he has carved out a unique space in the storytelling landscape.
In this fascinating conversation, Aaron takes Craig and Roland through the principles that make a story truly resonate. He explores how trust, authenticity, and vulnerability play a vital role in shaping stories that stick with listeners. Whether you're an author, a podcaster, or a creative of any kind, this episode offers practical insight into telling stories that engage deeply and keep your audience coming back.
 
Aaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP196: A Scientist's Journey Into Storytelling

What does it take to go from decades in biopharmaceuticals to publishing a time-travel mystery novel? In today’s episode of Fully Booked, debut author Mark Wilson shares how he applied his scientific mindset to the unpredictable world of fiction writing. From mapping out timelines on graph paper to learning key storytelling principles through trial and error, Mark walks us through the unexpected but rewarding journey that led to his first published book.
While balancing a full-time job, Mark tackled the challenges of character development, world-building, and narrative pacing, only to be faced with how to get it all published. By staying open to feedback and taking a methodical approach to the entire writing process, he refined his novel and partnered with a hybrid publisher to bring it to market. This episode offers an inspiring look at how persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to take creative risks can launch a new author’s path.
 
Mark J. Wilsonhttps://www.markjwilson.com/
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP195: Writing Authentic Characters in a Divided World

In this week's episode of Fully Booked, we speak with a young adult dystopian author whose years of humanitarian work across conflict zones have given her fiction an uncommon depth. Drawing on firsthand experience in Afghanistan, Colombia, and Sierra Leone, CC Robinson explains how real-life crises shaped her understanding of survival, resilience, and human connection, and how these insights now fuel her gripping post-apocalyptic stories. From clean water to cross-cultural grief, the real priorities behind individual motivations can differ wildly depending on background, and weaving those motivations into a narrative can lead to richer, more realistic characters and interactions.
The discussion also highlights the challenges and responsibilities of writing outside one’s own experience, particularly when developing characters from diverse cultural, racial, and social backgrounds. CC shares her intensive research process, including in-depth interviews, primary-source reading, and collaboration with sensitivity readers, all aimed at ensuring each voice is distinct and grounded in truth. For writers exploring how shared human experiences can bridge cultural divides or looking to craft fiction that reflects today’s complex world, this conversation offers valuable insight into how to do so with care and authenticity.
 
CC Robinsonhttps://ccrobinsonauthor.com/hiddengems
 
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Fully Booked EP194: How a Bad Publicist Can Become an Expensive Lesson

When self-published authors invest in outside help, the goal is to amplify their work, not end up worse off than when they started. Yet that is sometimes the unfortunate reality, especially when authors don't do enough due diligence before handing over their hard-earned money. In this week's episode of Fully Booked, author Aspry Jones shares a candid account of how he fell victim to a publicist who overpromised, underdelivered, and ultimately left him without access to his own social media accounts to repair the damage. From losing money and control to seeing key book spoilers posted online, Aspry walks us through a cautionary tale that every author should hear before signing a contract.
While our recent podcast episodes have spotlighted experienced publicists who deliver real value, this conversation reveals what can happen when authors put their trust in the wrong hands. Aspry’s experience underscores the importance of referrals, clear expectations, and maintaining ownership of your author platform. By sharing the hard lessons he learned, and how he ultimately turned things around, he hopes to help fellow authors avoid the same costly mistakes.
 
Aspry Joneshttps://aspryjones.com/
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP193: The Truth About Book Publicity

Publicity is one of the most misunderstood parts of an author’s career, and in this episode of Fully Booked, we break down what it really involves. Publicist and author Terena Bell joins Craig and Roland to explain how writers can approach publicity with clear goals, whether the aim is to sell more copies, reach new readers, or secure recognition in libraries and the media.
From podcasts and library pushes to finding unexpected outlets beyond the book world, the discussion explores practical strategies authors can use to draw attention to their books. While Terena shares insight into how effective publicists can support authors, she also warns against common traps such as cookie-cutter campaigns and costly hourly billing models. Packed with tips and real-world examples, this episode offers a focused guide to making publicity serve your goals, whether by hiring an expert or putting the strategies into practice yourself.
 
Terena Bellhttps://terenabell.com/bookpr/
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP192: The Return of Pocket-Sized Adventure Fiction

When mass market publishing first started, short and sweet “dime novels” were all the rage. Over the decades, books have fattened up considerably, with some of the most popular modern fiction weighing in at nearly 800 pages (I’m looking at you, A Court of Silver Flames!)
In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland welcome returning guest Terrance Layhew back to the podcast to discuss whether it’s time to embrace a return to shorter fiction, such as his recent award-winning novella Unwanted Passenger.
In terms of printing costs, purchase price, and even just the time you have to invest reading shorter fiction, there’s a lot to like about the format of classic, pocket-sized paperbacks - and in this lively discussion, Terrance, Craig, and Roland ponder whether smaller books might be the next big thing in publishing.  
 
Terrance Layhewhttps://terrancelayhew.com/
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP191: Avoid These Common Self-Publishing Mistakes

For aspiring authors navigating the world of self-publishing, the path to success is lined with potential missteps. In this week's episode of Fully Booked, publishing consultant and seasoned author Michelle Hill joins Craig and Roland to break down the most common mistakes that can derail new writers. Drawing from her journey as a “recovering ghostwriter” and her extensive experience guiding nonfiction authors, Michelle shares practical insights for those looking to produce polished, professional books that stand out in today’s competitive market.
The discussion covers essential topics including professional editing, cover design, and how to avoid predatory publishing services, while also exploring the importance of creative vision, effective collaboration, and staying involved throughout the publishing process. For writers ready to take their craft seriously, Michelle’s advice offers a roadmap for avoiding costly errors and building a strong foundation for long-term success.
 
Michelle Hillhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCL4CN5V
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP190: Building Better Antiheroes in Romance

This week, Fully Booked turns the conversation to the complex and often misunderstood world of dark romance and the anti-heroes that readers obsess over. Actor, coach, and author M.C. Paas joins Craig and Roland to explore the emotional depth and psychological nuance behind stories of morally gray characters, dangerous obsessions, and high-stakes relationships. Drawing on her upbringing in post-Soviet Estonia, M.C. reveals how personal history and deep emotional awareness shape her writing, and why dark romance offers a safe space to explore the forbidden.
The discussion examines the ethics of writing taboo characters, the central role of consent in fiction, and the enduring appeal of protagonists who might be irredeemable in real life. M.C. explains how fantasy provides freedom rather than endorsement, and how these stories can bring catharsis, solidarity, and even healing. Whether you’re looking to craft your own unforgettable anti-heroes or curious about what makes them so irresistible to readers, this episode offers an unflinching look at why darkness can tell the most powerful love stories.
 
M.C. Paashttps://mcpaaswrites.com/
 
Hidden Gems
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