Inside the Mind of a Fantasy Author | J.M. Shaw (Ep. 301)

In tonight’s episode, I’m joined by fantasy author J.M. Shaw for a lively, funny, and deeply honest conversation about what truly separates writers from people who just talk about writing. JM shares how late-life diagnoses of autism and ADHD helped her reframe perceived limitations into creative strengths—fueling her character-first approach and emotionally grounded fantasy worlds.

We dig into craft, including how to create characters with genuine depth, why struggle can sharpen creativity, and why she avoids gratuitous scenes in favor of classic, adventurous storytelling. J.M. also gives us a look at her ongoing series featuring Callum Walker, a young man born with magic who straddles two worlds, and teases a new project that blends dystopia with Robin Hood and Romeo & Juliet vibes.

Along the way, we swap stories about family, routines, and the realities of carving out writing time, plus practical encouragement for aspiring authors to stop hiding their work and just start sharing it.

If you’re into character-driven fantasy with heart, real stakes, and zero fluff, you’ll love J.M.’s approach. We close with a reminder to act before the window closes—because confidence follows action, not the other way around.

Guest: J.M. Shaw
www.jmshawauthor.com 

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Special thanks to:

Executive Producer Wayne Rankin
Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin
Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez
Executive Producer Marisa Lee
Executive Producer Angela Wetuski

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(01:48) Live from Texas: Show intro and mission

(02:52) Housekeeping, contact info, and platform notes

(05:25) Show schedule: live times, crypto Saturday, and Bible study

(08:19) Creative Edge mention and guest introduction

(09:59) Meet JM Shaw: author background and diagnoses

(10:10) Icebreakers: imperfection, doomscrolling, and dead trends

(16:22) Switching gears: why storytelling and tonight’s focus

(16:45) Life in Alberta: family, homeschooling, and daily rhythm

(22:02) How motherhood reshaped creativity and legacy

(24:55) Nature, roots, and how place shapes fantasy worlds

(29:45) Ideas vs. finished books: what makes writers finish

(31:14) Turning autism and ADHD into creative strengths

(34:18) Character depth: emotion, villains, and lived nuance

(36:40) Current projects: book five and a dystopian twist

(38:44) Series overview: veils, magic, and belonging

(41:23) Themes that endure: identity, consequence, and trust

(43:12) Why choose these books: adventure without spice

(47:52) Old-school storytelling tastes and media chat

(47:55) Mentoring young writers: sharing the ladder

(49:31) Bad advice to ignore: ‘write what you know’

(51:11) Is struggle required for art? Growth and grit

(52:21) Legacy and what readers should remember

(53:41) Creative control: respecting the creator’s vision

(53:54) Where to find JM Shaw and what’s next

(55:01) Host wrap-up: support model and producer shout-outs

(57:19) Final thoughts: stop waiting and start creating

(58:32) Sign-off and tomorrow’s live show reminder

- Joe "Rooz" Russiello

- Marisa Lee

- Wayne Rankin

- Rosanna Rankin

- Angela Wetuski

- Carolina Jimenez

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