A childhood pen grab, a plagiarism accusation, and a one-cent bank balance eventually led Zena Shapter to one important truth: the best career move is the one that keeps you closest to your real voice. The award-winning author joins StoryCentric to trace her winding journey from poetry-obsessed kid to trademark lawyer, copywriter, and novelist, including the moment she realized she’d “sold her soul” to the wrong profession. We dig into finding your authentic writing voice, writing for story rather than genre, building immersive science-fantasy worlds, and how adapting novels for the screen can make you a sharper writer. Zena also talks candidly about money, persistence, creative fulfillment, and the long game of becoming the writer you’re actually meant to be.

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TJ Klune (The House in the Cerulean Sea) is one of today's most beloved and acclaimed fantasy authors, however his path to success was anything but straightforward. In this episode of StoryCentric, TJ shares his remarkable journey from growing up in rural Oregon to becoming a New York Times bestselling author, revealing how perseverance and a refusal to compromise his voice shaped a career that has inspired millions of readers. We explore the realities of indie and traditional publishing, the importance of finding the right literary agent, and why luck only matters if you're ready when it arrives.

Our conversation also dives into the deeply personal stories behind books like the Cerulean Chronicles and Under the Whispering Door, examining how grief, hope, and a turbulent political climate influenced his work. TJ reflects on writing as both a form of healing and an act of advocacy, creating stories that celebrate belonging and identity. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to build a writing career without losing yourself along the way, this conversation is worth your time.

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In this episode of StoryCentric, Osric Chau (Supernatural, The Flash) shares his journey from martial arts prodigy in Vancouver to international actor, producer, and industry innovator. From training obsessively in Wu Shu as a kid to landing roles in Hollywood and China, he reveals how he built a career on his own terms, and why he's now focused on changing the entertainment industry from the inside out.

We discuss how his martial arts background opened doors to acting opportunities, and how he navigated both the Hollywood and Chinese film industries, working alongside industry legends, overcoming cultural barriers, and learning how to thrive in two very different entertainment worlds.

The conversation explores the realities of fandom and public attention and how, today, Osric is focused on producing and developing new systems that give creators more freedom, sustainability, and control over their work.

Whether you're an actor, filmmaker, entrepreneur, or creative professional, Osric's story offers valuable insights on resilience and reinvention, providing a compelling vision for empowering the next generation of creators.

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