Page Chewing

What makes stories so powerful?

In Episode 11 of Beyond the Page, Steve sits down with author, artist, educator, and award-winning poet Darlene Franklin Campbell for a thoughtful conversation about fantasy, mythology, identity, and the enduring importance of storytelling.

Darlene discusses how her love of Southern fiction eventually led her back to the science fantasy series she'd been developing for nearly three decades, explores Carl Jung's ideas about identity and the shadow self, and explains why mythology continues to resonate with readers across generations.

They also talk about worldbuilding, poetry, teaching, creativity in the...

In Episode 10 of Beyond the Page, Steve sits down with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jon Land to explore the craft of storytelling, pacing, and keeping readers hooked from the very first page.

Jon shares lessons learned from writing more than 70 novels, why he believes stories should begin "in the middle," the importance of writing with confidence, and why the best writers trust their characters instead of rigid outlines.

The conversation also dives into his newest sci-fi thriller Icefall, collaboration in publishing, marketing in today's crowded book industry, and what aspiring authors...

This week on Panel Chewing, Steve and Jarrod tackle another packed week of comics, discussing everything from superhero slugfests and creator-owned horror to indie standouts and long-awaited returns. Along the way they share their thoughts on Absolute Superman, Assorted Crisis Events, White Boat, Fury of the Firestorm, King Spawn, Odin, Fear of Death, Star Crossed, American Caper, and more as they reveal their Picks of the Week. They also kick off the episode with a conversation about the current state of the comic industry, Marvel's sales expectations, and why smaller publishers continue to produce some of the medium's most...

In this episode, Steve sits down with Seth Panitch, author, playwright, actor, director, and educator to discuss his debut novel, Antique, and the lifelong creative journey that led him to writing fiction.

Drawing on decades of experience in theater, performance, and teaching, Seth shares how storytelling has shaped every stage of his life. The conversation explores the lasting influence of Shakespeare, the importance of mentors, and why art continues to matter in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.

Together they discuss:

Our spoiler-filled reread of The Second Apocalypse continues with Part III: The Harlot from The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker.

This section places Esmenet at the center of the story, revealing both the cruelty of Earwa and the remarkable resilience that makes her one of the series' most compelling characters. Looking back with the knowledge of all seven books, these chapters are filled with moments that carry far more weight than they did on a first read.

In this episode, we discuss Esmenet's difficult journey, Achamian's growing doubts, the introduction of Xinemus...

In this episode of Page Burners, we continue our journey through The Bonehunters with a full discussion of Chapters 8–10, where Steven Erikson expands the series' mythology while setting major events into motion.

This week we dive into Paran's evolving role as Master of the Deck and explore what these chapters reveal about ascendants, gods, and the nature of power in the Malazan world. We also examine one of the novel's most frustrating new characters, unpack the emotional fallout surrounding Icarium and Mappo, and discuss why these chapters inspire such strong reactions from longtime readers.

Elsewhere, we...

What does it take to build an epic fantasy world that feels real?

On this episode of Beyond the Page, Steve sits down with fantasy author Robert Riley, whose debut novel Blood of Tomorrow launches a sweeping new series years in the making.

Robert discusses creating believable worlds without overwhelming readers, why history and leadership shape every aspect of his storytelling, and how his career leading businesses around the world influenced the difficult choices his characters face.

The conversation also explores the realities of self-publishing, marketing as a new author, building a loyal...

In this episode, Steve sits down with Richard Spegal, author of the Eternal Knights series, to discuss writing mature dark fantasy, creating believable characters, and why the best stories are driven by people, not plot.

Richard shares how his military service, personal experiences, and lifelong love of speculative fiction have shaped his writing. Rather than following familiar genre formulas, he strives to create stories that unfold organically, allowing characters to make choices that feel authentic, even when they lead into uncomfortable territory.

Together they discuss:

This week on Panel Chewing, we kick things off by discussing one of the biggest stories in comics: Marvel Comics' decision to relocate its publishing division from New York to Burbank, California. Is this simply a cost-cutting move, or does it signal a major shift in the future of comic publishing? We share our thoughts on what it could mean for creators, comic shops, and the industry as a whole.

Then it's time for another week of comic reviews! We dive into books including Absolute Green Arrow, The City Beneath Her Feet #3, Babs: The Long Road South, 100...

In this episode, Steve sits down with Fernando Alessandri, author, psychologist, filmmaker, comedian, and creative thinker whose work blends humor with surprising insight into human nature.

The conversation begins with Fernando's novel Agent Bigglesby: Not Dead Yet, a comedy imagining what happens when an aging super spy refuses to retire, but quickly expands into an engaging discussion about creativity, screenwriting, mental health, publishing, and finding humor in life's unexpected places.

Together they discuss:

This week on the Weekly Update, I share some exciting milestones for Page Chewing. The podcast has officially reached Captivate's monetization threshold, memberships are now available, and I've been booked with author interviews all the way into October.

I also talk about why I'm restarting Carpentry and the Elven Forest, the next stage of our The Second Apocalypse spoiler-filled reread, upcoming Panel Chewing episodes, and my plans for future community readalongs, including a chapter-by-chapter return to Blood Meridian.

Plus, I share some behind-the-scenes stories from interviewing authors, why genuine conversations matter, and what I've learned...

The spoiler-filled reread of The Second Apocalypse continues as we tackle Part II: The Emperor from The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker.

This section shifts the focus from Achamian to the political chaos surrounding Emperor Xerius III, introducing one of fantasy's most entertainingly paranoid rulers while laying even more pieces on Bakker's enormous chessboard. On a reread, it's remarkable how much is happening beneath the surface.

We discuss Xerius' blend of brilliance and delusion, the Consult's subtle manipulation of the Nansur court, early clues surrounding the Skin Spies, and the political maneuvering...

Welcome back to Beyond the Page, the Page Chewing interview series where we explore the stories behind the storytellers.

In this episode, Steve sits down with horror author Alex Grass, whose latest collection, Infernal Tramps: Tales of Weird Terror, embraces cosmic horror, body horror, and the wonderfully strange corners of speculative fiction.

The conversation begins with horror but quickly expands into a thoughtful discussion about creativity, publishing, addiction and recovery, classic literature, and the experiences that shape both writers and their stories.

Together they discuss:

Welcome back to Beyond the Page, the Page Chewing interview series where we go beyond the stories and explore the people who create them.

In this episode, Steve sits down with John David, author of the award winning thriller The Bystander, longtime public relations and crisis communication consultant, nonfiction author, and corporate ghostwriter.

Drawing on decades of experience in communications, John shares his fascinating journey from writing nonfiction business books to crafting suspense novels that tackle timely and thought-provoking issues.

Together they discuss:

Writing the award-winning thriller The Bystander

...

In this episode, Steve sits down with Angela Page, author, playwright, screenwriter, filmmaker, and president of the South Florida chapter of the Women's National Book Association.

Angela shares the remarkable true story that inspired her latest novel, Enrico G., based on her great-grandfather's extraordinary life in Italy and New York during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The conversation explores the challenges of transforming family history into compelling fiction while preserving the spirit of the people who inspired it.

Together they discuss:

Warning: This discussion contains major spoilers for all seven books of The Second Apocalypse, including events from The Unholy Consult. If this is your first journey through the series, we strongly recommend reading the novels before listening.

In this episode, Sean and I dive into Part I: The Sorcerer, revisiting the opening chapters with the benefit of knowing where the story ultimately leads. What once seemed like simple worldbuilding now reveals itself as an astonishing web of foreshadowing, hidden clues, and philosophical foundations that shape the entire seven-book series.

We discuss Achamian's role as the...

In this episode of Page Burners, we tackle one of the most celebrated chapters in The Bonehunters, Chapter 7, and explore why so many readers consider it one of Steven Erikson's finest achievements.

Our discussion dives into the harrowing events at Y'Ghatan, where survival depends as much on courage and compassion as it does on strength. We examine the chapter's unforgettable character moments, from acts of sacrifice and unlikely heroism to the quiet scenes that make the tragedy feel intensely personal. Along the way, we explore Corabb's remarkable transformation, Bottle's ingenuity, the emotional weight carried by...

In the second episode of Beyond the Page, Steve sits down with author Jared Maxwell to discuss his crime noir novel, Code of Vengeance, and the real-world experiences that helped shape its story.

Drawing from a career in the military and law enforcement, Jared shares how those experiences influenced his writing while explaining why he believes the best stories are built on complex characters rather than simple heroes and villains.

Together they discuss:

This week on Panel Chewing, Steve and Jarrod review another stack of new comics, discussing standout releases, surprising disappointments, and the books that earned a spot on this week's Pick of the Week.

The conversation includes thoughts on Absolute Martian Manhunter, Absolute Superman, The Hab, Powers 25, Odin, Ezra Cain: Mysteries of the Peril Brutal Dark, American Caper, The Punisher, and more.

In the second half of the episode, they continue their Lone Wolf and Cub readalong with Volume 7, exploring how Ogami's growing reputation changes the world around him while Daigoro begins to emerge as a...

Welcome to the very first episode of Beyond the Page, the Page Chewing interview series where we sit down with authors, creators, and storytellers to explore the ideas and passions behind their work.

For our inaugural episode, Steve is joined by fantasy author T.J. Cooper, author of A Shadows Vendetta: A Bond of Silver Book One.

Together they discuss:

This week on the Page Chewing Weekly Update, I share what I've been reading, what I've been watching, and what's happening behind the scenes at the podcast.

We talk about our ongoing reread of The Darkness That Comes Before, why revisiting The Second Apocalypse has been more challenging than I expected, and why I've learned to embrace reading at my own pace instead of racing through books. I also share an update on our postponed Malazan discussion and what to expect from this week's Page Burners episode.

On the podcast front, Beyond the Page officially...

In this spoiler-filled reread episode, we return to the prologue of The Darkness That Comes Before and discover just how much of The Second Apocalypse is hidden in plain sight. We unpack the founding of the Dûnyain, Kellhus's first steps beyond Ishuäl, the mystery of Moënghus, the shadow of the First Apocalypse, and the early hints of the Consult, the No-God, and the Nonmen. Along the way we debate whether Kellhus is already the villain, what the Logos really means, and why Bakker opens the series with the Dûnyain instead of Achamian. If you've finished the...

Apologies for the muddled audio in this episode, hardware issue.

This week on Panel Chewing, Steve and Jarrod work through a mixed stack of new comics, from standout indie releases to a few disappointing superhero books. Along the way they discuss Absolute Superman, Absolute Green Arrow, Tarzan Beyond, King Spawn, Firestorm, Gru: The Prophecy, American Caper (Pick of the Week), Astral Quantum, The Eye Collector, and more, sharing what worked, what didn't, and which books are worth adding to your pull list.

In the second half of the episode, the conversation turns to Lone Wolf...

This week on the Page Chewing Weekly Update, I share one of my biggest surprises of the year as The Bonehunters delivers what may be my favorite chapter in the series so far, without diving into spoilers. I also talk about revisiting The Darkness That Comes Before, why rereading continues to reveal new layers, and my thoughts on Lone Wolf and Cub and Carpentry in the Elven Forest.

Beyond the books, I reveal some exciting changes coming to the podcast schedule, including the launch of Beyond the Page, a new interview series featuring authors, publishers, and other...

This week on Panel Chewing's Pick of the Week, Steve and Jarrod dive into the latest comics they've been reading and tackle some of the biggest headlines in comic book news.

We discuss Marvel's newly announced Midnight Universe, debate the future of the Ultimate line, question whether the world really needs more Spawn books, and share our thoughts on DC's expanding Next Level initiative.

Then it's time for our weekly stack of comics, featuring:

Our...

This week on Page Chewing, I'm talking about the books currently on my nightstand and a question every reader eventually faces: why do we reread books we've already finished?

I share my ongoing rereads of The Bonehunters and The Darkness That Comes Before, discuss why some stories become comfort reads while others are one-and-done experiences, and explore how our relationship with books changes as we grow older. Are rereads a waste of time, or do great books reveal something new every time we return to them?

Along the way, I chat about The Prophet, Lone...

The march continues as Page Burners dives into Chapters 5 and 6 of The Bonehunters, and Steven Erikson wastes no time raising new questions while deepening old mysteries.

This week we discuss the ever-enigmatic Adjunct Tavore and what her soldiers do—and don’t—know about her plans. We explore themes of civilization, slavery, and torture, unpack the unsettling philosophy of truth at any cost, and debate whether progress is worth the dangers it unleashes.

Elsewhere, Karsa Orlong and Samar Dev continue their uneasy journey, Bottle encounters a mysterious figure whose future could reshape the world, and Paran...

In this week's update, I talk about everything that's been occupying my reading life lately—from continuing my journey through The Bonehunters with the Page Burners group to revisiting The Darkness That Comes Before in a full-spoiler reread of The Second Apocalypse. I share some thoughts on balancing multiple projects, the surprising impact of Lone Wolf and Cub, and ideas for future reads outside of fantasy.

I also spend some time reflecting on something that's been on my mind lately: our relationship with technology. From nostalgia for the 1990s to the growing desire for an "analog life," I...

This week on Panel Chewing Pick of the Week #134, Steve and Jarrod dive into a lighter comic week packed with interesting discussions and unexpected surprises. Before getting into the week's books, they take a look at DC's Absolute Universe and discuss whether the experiment has been a success, which titles have stood out, and why Absolute Superman continues to exceed expectations.

The comics discussion includes thoughts on Astral Quantum #5, Absolute Green Arrow #1, Only the Savage Are Left #1, American Caper #7, Rook: Exodus #10, Elric: The Sleeping Sorceress #2, Powers 25, and Viking Moon #3. Along the way, they talk about dark humor...

After a long break, the weekly update returns.

This week I talk about getting back into a regular reading and podcasting routine, catching up on projects, and what’s currently on my reading list. We discuss finishing Night of Knives and continuing the Malazan journey with The Bonehunters, revisiting The Darkness That Comes Before for a full-spoiler reread series, and reading Lone Wolf and Cub alongside Jarrod on Panel Chewing.

I also share updates on upcoming podcast projects, including the new Second Apocalypse reread, plans for more community discussions, a new daily short-form show called Th...

In this episode of Page Burners, the crew continues their journey through The Bonehunters by Steven Erikson, covering Chapters 3 and 4. The discussion explores one of the biggest questions surrounding the Malazan series: what exactly makes its storytelling feel so different from other fantasy epics? The panel dives into the series’ sprawling structure, massive cast, thematic throughlines, and whether Malazan even has a true “main character.”

The conversation also examines Apsalar’s complicated relationship with Cotillion, the emotional fallout of possession and identity, and the tangled connections between Apsalar, Cotillion, and Cutter. Along the way, the group discusses the ever...

This week on Panel Chewing Pick of the Week, Steve and Jarrod dive into another packed week of comics, graphic novels, and manga. They discuss the disappointing return of Capes #7, the intriguing mystery behind The Fury of Firestorm #2, and whether Honor and Curse Eternal #3 continues to build momentum. Jarrod shares his thoughts on Megalith: The Olympus Saga #1 and revisits Ender's Game through its graphic novel adaptation, while Steve explores the latest issues of The Peril of the Brutal Dark, King Spawn, Pretty Hate Machine, and Red Roots.

For their Picks of the Week, Jarrod highlights Gareth Hinds...

After a short break, Panel Chewing is back—and we’ve got a stacked episode to make up for lost time. This week, we’re diving into a massive haul of comics, breaking down everything we’ve been reading lately, from standout hits to a few disappointing misses.

We kick things off with Absolute Superman #19, discussing its balance of spectacle and character development, before moving into the surreal and visually stunning Absolute Martian Manhunter #11. From there, we hit some mixed territory with Absolute Batman #20 and a few titles that didn’t quite stick the landing.

On the fli...

In this episode, we dive into the opening chapters of The Bonehunters, the sixth installment in Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson. Covering the prologue through Chapter 2, we unpack a dense and chaotic start that reminds us just how wild this series can get.

From the eerie, spider-infested streets of Kartool to the unsettling rituals of the Nameless Ones, the episode explores the darker tone and shifting stakes that define this point in the series. We break down the chilling release of Dejim Nebrahl, speculate on the motives of the Nameless Ones, and question whether...

In this episode of Page Burners, we wrap up our discussion of Night of Knives by Ian C. Esslemont, covering Chapters 4, 5, and the epilogue—and there’s a lot to unpack.

From the mysterious Stormriders to the shadowy aftermath of Kellenved and Dancer’s ascension, we dive into what wasn’t shown just as much as what was. Does the book’s decision to keep major events off-page strengthen its mythic tone, or leave the story feeling incomplete?

We spend time breaking down Kiska and Temper as our POV characters—whether their arcs land emotionally, and how they...

This week on Page Burners, the group continues their journey through Night of Knives with a deep dive into Chapters 3–5. The discussion explores the book’s slower, more atmospheric middle section, the confusion and chaos of Malaz Island during Shadow Moon, and the increasingly tangled loyalties surrounding Dancer, Kellanved, Surly, and the Claw.

The crew debates whether Chapter 3 drags or intentionally leans into disorientation and tension, while also unpacking personal reading pet peeves, confusing timelines, and Esslemont’s descriptive style. Things heat up once the flashbacks begin, giving us our first real look at Dasem Ultor during the fa...

This week on Panel Chewing, Steve and Jarrod dive into another round of weekly comic reads—with a candid conversation to kick things off about something most podcasts don’t always say out loud: we pay for every book we review.

No review copies, no publisher influence—just honest takes from readers spending their own money each week. That reality shapes what we stick with, what we drop, and why our pull list leans heavily into indie books that actually earn their place.

From there, it’s business as usual—breaking down this week’s comics, deba...

We’re back in the world of Malazan—this time stepping into new territory with Night of Knives by Ian C. Esslemont.

In this episode, the crew begins their first-ever discussion of Esslemont’s work, breaking down the prologue and first two chapters of this gothic, atmospheric entry into the Malazan universe. While we planned to go further, there’s already plenty to unpack—from eerie tone-setting to early character impressions and the shifting political landscape of Malaz City.

We dig into:

This week on Panel Chewing: Pick of the Week, we’re back with another stacked lineup of comics—from indie standouts to big publisher swings—as we break down everything we read this week and crown our top pick.

We kick things off with a preview of our upcoming group read, diving into the legendary Lone Wolf and Cub—a classic manga rooted in Edo-period Japan, blending historical drama, political intrigue, and brutal samurai storytelling. If you’ve ever been curious about the series, now’s the perfect time to jump in with us.

From there, we ru...

In this episode, we dive into The Healthy Dead, the second Bauchelain and Korbal Broach novella in the Malazan universe — and one of the most sharply satirical entries in the series.

What starts as a darkly comedic side story quickly reveals itself as something more pointed: a critique of extremism disguised as virtue.

We break down the novella’s central ideas, including: