In this episode of Authors After Action, we deliver a storytelling podcast experience built on real life stories, inspiring interviews, and the creative side of the human experience. We sit down with John David—public relations professional, corporate ghostwriter, and award-winning novelist—to explore the personal journey behind his debut thriller, The Bystander, winner of the Two Thousand Twenty-Five Page Turner Award for mystery.

John shares how a simple backyard conversation about gun rights ignited the idea for a gripping story about an active shooter stopped by an armed bystander. Through deep conversations, we unpack the emotional highs and lows of writing a first novel, the leap from non-fiction to fiction, and the creative tension between “plotters” and “pantsers.” John opens up about trusting instinct, letting characters lead, and embracing uncertainty as part of the process.

This episode is about overcoming adversity on the page and in life—balancing a demanding career with creative ambition, finding joy in the work, and learning to tell stories that matter. These resilience stories offer meaningful life lessons for writers and readers alike: how lived experience shapes narrative, why fun fuels authenticity, and how fiction can confront real-world issues like fear, violence, and mental health.

Whether you’re an aspiring author or simply love the stories behind the stories, this conversation reveals how creativity becomes courage—and how a single idea can change everything.

Takeaways:

1. Life experience fuels authentic storytelling.
2. Plotters and pantsers approach writing differently, and both paths can succeed.
3. Joy in the process translates to the page.
4. Creativity often happens in stolen moments.
5. Strong characters are rooted in real people and emotion.
6. Fiction can confront real societal challenges.

Links Referenced in This Episode:

byjohndavid.com

bookshop.org