Sheldon Collins is a distinguished storyteller whose career began in Hollywood as a screenwriter and director. His films, known for their compelling narratives and rich character development, have been featured on premium television and showcased in numerous film festivals, earning critical acclaim and a host of awards. Lee Holden is an internationally recognized master Qi Gong instructor and an expert in making ancient wisdom applicable to modern life. He is also a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and successful author.

In this episode, host Becky Parker Geist sits down with Sheldon Collins (author of The Legend of Valentine), and Lee Holden (author of Ready, Set, Slow), to explore their unique collaboration and shared passion for storytelling and healing. Discover how Sheldon transformed Lee’s initial screenplay idea into a sweeping historical novel, blending ancient healing practices like Qi Gong with the epic tale of Saint Valentine. Learn how Lee’s expertise in Chinese medicine and Qi Gong influenced the story’s authenticity and how Sheldon’s meticulous research brought the Roman Empire to life.

Together, they discuss the themes of love, faith, and overcoming adversity, drawing parallels to Sheldon’s recent experience with the LA fires and how it deepened his connection to the story’s protagonist. They also share insights into the creation of the full-cast audiobook, set to release on Valentine’s Day 2025, and their hopes for bringing The Legend of Valentine to the big screen.

Tune in to hear how these two creative minds came together to craft a story that bridges ancient wisdom with modern life, offering inspiration and a timeless message of love and resilience. Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction, interested in ancient healing practices, or simply love a great story, this conversation is not to be missed!

Get the Legend of Valentine today!

Host Becky Parker Geist interviews author Allynn Riggs, the creative mind behind the Stone´s Blade series, an epic science fiction-fantasy saga. She delves into her creative process, the experience of selecting narrators for the audiobook, and the challenges of preserving character voices across the series. Allynn also shares how her love of music influenced her storytelling and why this project is so personally meaningful. Whether you're a fan of space operas, writing, or audiobook production, this episode provides a compelling behind-the-scenes look at the creation of an ambitious and imaginative series.

In this powerful episode, Becky sits down with Dawna to explore the inspiration behind her deeply personal memoir, Wounded No More. Dawna shares her journey from surviving childhood abuse to reclaiming her dignity and voice through writing. She discusses how the encouragement of a filmmaker led her to transform her painful past into a message of hope, focusing not just on the trauma, but on the possibility of healing and empowerment for women everywhere.

Though initially hesitant about the format, Dawna ultimately embraces the intimacy of audiobooks as a way to connect with listeners on a deeper level. Together, Becky and Dawna delve into the challenges and rewards of creative collaboration, including how music from Dawna’s 40-year relationship with her partner, Andy, plays a pivotal role in the healing journey.

Tune in for a heartfelt discussion about overcoming limitations, embracing possibilities, and guiding others toward a life of wonder and fulfillment.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation—subscribe now and learn more at DawnaMarkova.com!

Join Sheldon Collins, author, screenwriter, and director, as he takes us on a journey through his creative evolution—from writing unproduced novels to directing indie films, and eventually crafting his historical fiction masterpiece, The Legend of Valentine. In this episode, Sheldon and Becky dive deep into the art of storytelling, exploring the challenges of writing historical fiction, balancing accuracy with entertainment, and the rewarding process of transforming a manuscript into an audiobook.

Discover the behind-the-scenes magic of audiobook production, as Sheldon shares his experience with multi-cast recordings, collaboration with voice actors, and the cutting-edge technology that brought The Legend of Valentine to life. Plus, hear about Sheldon's dream of a film adaptation, the importance of listener feedback, and the exciting possibilities for future projects.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the intersection of storytelling, history, and creativity, and learn more about Sheldon's work at sheldoncollins.com.

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In the dark days of winter await time for reflection. Reconnecting with your passion and purpose, with your unique gifts, is a great way to live and to know what’s next for you in your journey. Why write a book? Why create an audiobook? Something inside you, whether conscious or not, moves you to take these steps. There is power in knowing what impact you are here to make. Join Becky for this powerful message and reconnect with the fire in your belly.

The making of The Special Guest, A Christmas Story by Lee Allen, has truly been a family affair and blessing. Lee first published the book 30 years ago, illustrated by his wife Donna Campbell Allen.

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Sally A.K.A Detective Writer is a self-published author, blogger, and podcaster who released her first book in 2021 and is currently working on a second book and the audio version of The Doctor. She first gained her inspiration to begin writing as a young child learning English. Join host Becky Parker Geist and Sally, author/podcaster, who is just starting her journey of recording her own audiobook, to hear about some of the challenges authors may face when narrating their own fiction. Check out her podcast for when the tables are flipped and she interviews Becky.

Learn more about Sally Barrilla at detectivewriter.com.

In this episode, Dr. Paul Corona joins Becky Parker Geist to discuss his latest book, The Corona Protocol. Through 30 short stories, Dr. Corona explores the complexities of mental health, covering conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and schizophrenia. He shares insights into his writing journey, his passion for psychiatry, and how his personal experiences have influenced his work. The conversation also highlights the role of audiobooks in reaching wider audiences and underscores the importance of storytelling in addressing complex topics.