Welcome to the Story Impact Author Interview Podcast. High-octane fiction meets radical authenticity when a lifetime of philanthropy fuels a gripping search for justice.

Today, host Lisa Towles welcomes award-winning novelist and philanthropist Karen E. Osborne. In this episode, we go behind the scenes of her riveting murder mystery, Justice for Emerson, and explore how a passion for storytelling—sparked at age 12—evolved into a powerful platform for social advocacy and deep human connection.

Karen’s work is grounded in her decades of real-world experience in nonprofit leadership and service. This conversation is a profound exploration of how authors can weave personal history, national grief, and a commitment to the vulnerable into narratives of redemption.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Multi-Generational Search for Truth: A look at Justice for Emerson and how it bridges the fracture of 1968 with a present-day investigation, proving that the past is never truly behind us.
• Chasing the Muse: The "destabilizing" yet wonderful flow of being a channel for stories, and why Karen believes it is never too late to answer the persistent call of your creative spirit.
• Writing for the Hidden: The emotional weight and responsibility of giving a voice to those living in the margins—the hungry and the unhoused—and the power of fiction to make the invisible, seen.
• Historical Grief as a Catalyst: How the pivotal day of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination served as the emotional anchor for a story of personal and national redemption.
• Writing with Authenticity: A candid look at the courage required to infuse high-stakes thriller plotting with deep-seated human values and resonant psychological layers.

Whether you are a fan of intricate murder mysteries or a writer seeking the courage to align your vocation with your creative voice, this episode reveals the strategic thinking and deep purpose that can create a memorable experience for readers.

Listen & Connect:

• Buy Justice for Emerson by Karen E. Osborne: https://a.co/d/0bCyeuql
• Learn more about Karen E. Osborne and her books: https://www.kareneosborne.com/
• Watch the full video interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E3NMuStlEQk

About Your Host: Hosted by Lisa Towles—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. Learn more about host Lisa Towles' 20-year journey at lisatowles.com.

Resources for Authors:

• Book Coaching: Move past the overwhelm of the digital world and launch your work with a strong, informed, and empowered presence. Access expert guidance to bridge the gaps in your process, refine your unique voice, and connect with the readers who will become your biggest fans. Discover how to stand out at storyimpactconsulting.com.
• Story Impact Magazine: A digital publication dedicated to the intersection of storytelling and professional strategy. Explore the April "Travel Issue," featuring insights on author visibility and the global literary landscape, at storyimpactconsulting.com/magazine.

Follow & Subscribe: Follow the show 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.

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.

Welcome to the Story Impact Podcast! How does the mind of a school principal—someone charged with leading a community and shaping its vision—approach the creation of an entirely new world?

Today, host Lisa Towles connects with Steve Guglich, a veteran educator, school principal, and the author of the expansive epic fantasy saga, Piercing the Veil. This conversation is a deep dive into creative discipline, author branding, and the entrepreneurial journey of launching an independent publishing house.

Steve’s work is grounded in "noble-bright" fantasy fiction, exploring a world where magic has been hidden for 4,000 years. He offers a refreshing, hopeful alternative to modern dark fantasy, proving that "clean fiction" can deliver high stakes and deep emotional resonance.

In this episode, we explore:

• The "Santa Claus" Gene: How Steve’s connection with his students inspired the "mysterious gift" possessed by his protagonist.

• Executive Discipline: Strategic advice on finding "quiet hours" to write a 600-page novel while leading a school as a full-time principal.

• The Business of Publishing: Why Steve chose the entrepreneurial route, founding his own publishing company to maintain creative control and brand integrity.

• Global World-Building: The research and vision required to ground a magical narrative across locations like New York City and Tokyo.

• Noble-Bright Fiction: Why the market is hungry for hopeful, clean storytelling that addresses contemporary themes like loss and wonder.

Whether you are a reader looking for your next epic escape or an aspiring author seeking market intelligence on platform building and visibility, this episode provides the roadmap for turning a creative vision into a published reality.

Listen & Connect:

• Learn more about Steve Guglich and The Veil Saga: https://stevenguglich.com/

• Watch the full video interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uliovexMKl8?si=5zJO0KsZ-lX7Uxrv

• Explore Story Impact Consulting for book coaching and brand strategy: https://storyimpactconsulting.com

• Read Story Impact Magazine: Discover our quarterly digital publication at https://storyimpactconsulting.com

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.