Co-authoring and Cultural Awareness: A Conversation with Leanna Shields and David Solomon | Episode 230

Co-authoring and Cultural Awareness: A Conversation with Leanna Shields and David Solomon | Episode 230

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What happens when authors choose to tackle difficult social issues through fiction? Two talented writers reveal their philosophy on storytelling with purpose in this thought-provoking conversation.

Authors Leanna Shields and David Solomon return for the second part of their discussion, diving deeper into their writing processes and the social responsibility they feel as storytellers. The conversation begins with both authors sharing their extensive bibliographies – Leanna discussing her Mystic Ranch mystery series, steampunk novels, and other works available on Amazon, while David mentions his impressive output of 40 published books under his name and approximately 400 ghost-written titles.

The dialogue takes a nostalgic turn as both writers reveal how the Young Jedi Knights series from the Star Wars expanded universe profoundly influenced their writing styles. They share a preference for crafting accessible novels of moderate length (150-200 pages) rather than overwhelming readers with excessively long works. This discussion evolves into a candid critique of publishing trends, including books featuring extremely brief chapters and the controversial use of second-person perspective.

The most powerful segment emerges when Shields reveals how her publisher rejected content addressing missing and murdered Indigenous women from her cozy mystery series. This prompts Solomon, who has personal connections to Indigenous communities, to emphasize the life-saving potential of stories that raise awareness about marginalized groups. Both authors passionately discuss how fiction writers wield tremendous cultural influence, comparable to film and television, with the ability to shape public perception and potentially drive social change.

Throughout their conversation, these thoughtful writers demonstrate how contemporary storytellers can balance entertainment value with social commentary, addressing issues from human trafficking to mental health awareness. Their insights will resonate with writers, readers, and anyone who believes in the transformative power of stories.

Ready to discover how fiction can change the world? Listen now, then share your thoughts on how storytelling has influenced your perspective on important social issues.

Find Leanna's books on Amazon and visit her website at leannashieldsbooks.com. Look for David Solomon on Amazon, known for titles like Melonheads, Bathing New Mexico, and more.

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