Welcome to the Story Impact Podcast! What happens when a terrifying real-life encounter in the mountains of Mexico becomes the catalyst for a celebrated thriller series?

Today, host Lisa Towles welcomes back her second-ever guest, crime thriller author, editor, and writing instructor Ana Manwaring. In this milestone 50th episode, we go behind the scenes of Ana’s 2024 release, Mortal Revenge, and explore the "irrefutable promise of light and dark" that defines her work and the Mexican landscape.

Ana’s storytelling is born from bone-chilling experience—including being held at gunpoint by narcos in a VW bus. This conversation is a profound exploration of how authors can transform trauma, corruption, and systemic impunity into narratives of justice and human resilience.

In this episode, we explore:

• Collaborative Crime Fiction:The unique process of working with Fernando Leon Torrens to turn a true medical conspiracy and family tragedy into the gripping plot of Mortal Revenge.
• The Birth of JadeAnne Stone:The harrowing moment in Michoacán when a near-death experience birthed the voice of Ana's iconic series protagonist.
• Intrepid Intermediaries:Why Ana focuses on the ordinary people who step into the crosshairs to find balance within corrupt systems of power.
• Overcoming the "Squelchers":A candid look at the discouragement authors face and how to push past the critics to find your true calling as a writer.
• The Visionary’s "Bucket":How teaching and editing provide a vital sense of purpose by lifting other authors up and helping them find their unique voices.

Whether you are a fan of high-stakes international thrillers or a writer seeking the courage to tell your most authentic stories, this episode reveals the strategic thinking and deep purpose required to make a lasting story impact.

Listen & Connect:

• Buy Mortal Revenge by Ana Manwaring:https://a.co/d/08NxxQKT
• Learn more about Ana Manwaring:anamanwaring.com
• Watch the full video interview on YouTube:https://youtu.be/pAhbAqzkAtc?si=0SBzC81HIubr25YS
• Explore Story Impact Consulting:Build a memorable, authentic author brand at storyimpactconsulting.com
• Read Story Impact Magazine:Explore the April "Travel Issue" at storyimpactconsulting.com/magazine

About Your Host: The Story Impact Podcast is hosted by Lisa Towles—Communications Director, award-winning crime novelist, and Book Coach. This series highlights the visionaries who bring narratives to life, providing a platform for authors to connect their unique purpose directly with readers.

Follow & Subscribe: Follow Story Impact on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio. Subscribe on YouTube for full-length video interviews with today’s most compelling authors and creative voices.

Stories...hold the world together.