In this episode of Created to Write, author Jeff Maxim shares how a real-world discovery of a Cold War facility sparked a debut novel and a writing life he never saw coming.

His middle-grade novel Smoke and Mirrors is the kind of story only a curious mind could conjure, but Jeff is refreshingly honest about what it took to get there. He underestimated the technical discipline of Christian writing early on, and he's candid about the gap between being a passionate reader and becoming a skilled author. That honesty alone is worth the listen for any aspiring author and beginner writer at the start of their journey.

His advice is practical and consistent - join writing communities, attend conferences, seek feedback, and never mistake enthusiasm for craft. For anyone new to writing, his framework treats the creative journey as a long-term marathon demanding patience, education and constant refinement.

He also makes a strong case for embracing the business side of publishing because writing with purpose means getting your story into the world, and that requires more than a great manuscript.

Jeff Maxim writes for readers who are imaginative, a little silly, and always ready for adventure. A lifelong book lover, he believes the best stories are more than words on a page - they're friends you keep forever. Jeff lives with his wife and family in a southern U.S. town his GPS refused to pronounce correctly, and takes frequent trips to Middle-Earth and worlds beyond. Author Website - https://jeff-maxim.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jeffmaxim5/https://www.amazon.com/Smoke-Mirrors-Jeff-Maxim/dp/1637972709/Publisher Website (End Game Press) - https://www.endgamepress.com/store/p/smokeandmirrors