In this compelling episode of In the Writer’s Chair, host Lana McAra sits down with retired Army officer turned author Darrell Berry. Darrell shares his journey from a 22-year military career to writing his gripping mystery novel, Early This Morning, which explores the complexities of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" era.

Darrell discusses how he transitioned from an avid reader to a published novelist, his process for weaving real-world military intelligence experience into fiction, and his current adventures adapting his work for the screen and researching a new mystery while driving for Lyft.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Transition from Soldier to Storyteller: How Darrell turned decades of service into a compelling narrative.
• The "Seed" of a Story: How the discrepancies and injustices of military policy during the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" era inspired a high-stakes mystery.
• Inside Early This Morning: A look at the plot involving secret missions, biological agents, and a group of soldiers deemed "expendable" by the Pentagon.
• Writing Craft & Process: Darrell’s advice on why you should "just sit down and do it," even if you only have a rudimentary outline.
• New Horizons: The challenges of adapting a novel into a screenplay and why Darrell is considering the world of audiobooks.
• Character Research from the Driver’s Seat: How Darrell uses his time as a Lyft driver to develop a fascinating "character base" for his next project.

About Our Guest:

Darrell Berry is a retired Army officer with over 22 years of service in both the enlisted and officer ranks. Drawing on his background in medical intelligence, Darrell writes mysteries that are both technically accurate and emotionally resonant. His debut novel, Early This Morning, is available now.

Connect with Darrell:

• Website: dberrybooks.com

What happens when you mix real-world environmental science, historic landmarks, and chilling native folklore? You get the spine-tingling world of author Benjamin A Coward!

In this episode of In the Writer's Chair, host Lana McAra sits down with Ben to discuss his journey from environmental scientist to fiction author. They dive deep into his latest supernatural horror thriller, Wendigo Knights, exploring the real-life history and North American cryptid lore that inspired it. From the eerie cave systems of Hannibal, Missouri to the challenges of writing authentic modern teenagers, Ben shares how he weaves snippets of nonfiction into captivating fiction.

Plus, Lana and Ben exchange creative strategies for selling books in unexpected places (like gun shows and nature festivals!) and how to craft the perfect 30-second elevator pitch to hook readers instantly.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The Lore Behind the Monster: How Algonquin and Ojibwe tribal beliefs inspired the supernatural elements of Wendigo Knights.
• Setting the Scene: Why a real-life cave system in Mark Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, Missouri provided the perfect, creepy backdrop.
• Writing 3D Worlds: How Ben uses his environmental science background to organically seed environmental and cultural themes into his books without overtaking the plot.
• Thinking Outside the Box: Creative marketing tips for authors, including how to connect with readers at craft shows, nature events, and local festivals.
• Bouncing Between Genres: How Ben manages writing two completely different series—the fantasy world of The Dragon's Tooth and his monster-hunting supernatural thriller series—to keep his passion for writing alive.

About the Guest:

Benjamin A Coward lives in Florida with his family, where he works in environmental science. He is the author of the young adult fantasy novel The Dragon's Tooth and the supernatural thriller Wendigo Knights. You can connect with Ben on Facebook or Instagram, and find his books available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Connect with the Show:

• Host: Lana McAra
• Podcast: In the Writer’s Chair
• Sponsor: Vella Publishing

Pull up a chair, and let's talk about the writing life!

In this gripping episode of In the Writer's Chair, host Lana McAra welcomes Rand R. Timmerman, a retired attorney and Marine combat veteran who began his prolific second act as an author at age 70. Rand shares the fascinating inspiration behind his latest book, The Syracuse Hit Man Versus a Shoe Repairman, a story of violence, redemption, and spiritual transformation based on a real-life genius "hit man" he met in recovery.

Rand dives into his "movie-like" writing process and how decades of experience as a litigator prepared him to craft compelling courtroom dramas. He also recounts a harrowing real-life encounter with a client that nearly cost him his life—a story that serves as the basis for his next high-stakes novel.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Attorney-to-Author Pipeline: How writing legal briefs and affidavits for decades translates into powerful fiction.
• Real-Life Inspiration: The incredible true story of "Ronnie," a Mensa-level genius and former hit man whose life transformation inspired Rand's latest book.
• The Atmosphere of Syracuse: Exploring the unique, historical ethnic enclaves of Syracuse, New York, and how they shape the setting of Rand's work.
• Writing as a "Movie": Rand’s unique process of visualizing his stories in vivid color and letting the plot unfold organically as he writes.
• Themes of Redemption: Why spiritual recovery and transformation are central motifs in both of Rand's books.
• Combat Instincts in the Courtroom: A chilling account of how Rand’s Marine Corps training saved his life during a confrontation with a dangerous former client.

About Our Guest:

Rand R. Timmerman is a retired attorney and a Marine combat veteran of the Vietnam War. Based in Syracuse, New York, he turned to writing later in life, publishing his first memoir about hiking the Appalachian Trail and transitioning into crime fiction. Rand is a dedicated advocate for recovery and uses his writing to promote messages of hope and redemption.

Connect with Rand:

• Website: randtimmerman.com

Featured in this Episode:

• The Syracuse Hit Man Versus a Shoe Repairman: Rand’s newest novel.
• A Spiritual Passage: Rand’s memoir about his journey on the Appalachian Trail.
• Vella Publishing: Today’s sponsor, a traditional publisher with an untraditional model that empowers authors to keep their rights and royalties.

Looking for more? Subscribe to In the Writer's Chair for more candid conversations about the writing life. Visit VellaPublishing.com to learn how you can grow your presence as a career author.