What do you get when you mix a talking cat, a reluctant “cat lady,” small-town Texas, and a million free books? A wildly entertaining conversation with author D.C. Gomez.

In this episode, Zoey Michaels chats with D.C. about her quirky characters, urban fantasy worlds, and the hilarious inspiration behind her Cat Lady series. They swap stories about moving around, finding your voice, and how real life (even the weird parts) sneaks into fiction.

D.C. also opens up about her writing journey, managing multiple book series, and learning to celebrate small wins—plus the truth behind that unforgettable million-book giveaway.

Expect laughs, writing insights, and a whole lot of personality in this fun and honest episode.

Why We Ignore What We Know Is Right (And How Sci-Fi Exposes It)

Award-winning sci-fi writer Lance Robinson joins the show to talk about the uncomfortable truth at the heart of his stories: humans often know what to do—but don’t do it. Through fascinating concepts like nomadic planets and environmental collapse, this episode blends storytelling, psychology, and creativity into a conversation that’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

The conversation covers the Writers of the Future workshop in Los Angeles and the supportive community of writers that the program fosters. It also highlights the exchange of feedback and critique among writers.

Takeaways

• Writers of the Future workshop in Los Angeles
• Supportive community of writers

Chapters

• 00:00 Writers of the Future Workshop in Los Angeles

The conversation delves into the concept of tidally locked planets in science fiction and the challenges of living on such planets. It explores the premise of a tidally locked planet, the revelation about the planet's rotation, and the challenges faced by the characters living on the planet. Additionally, it discusses the possibilities of new world building in the context of such planets.

Takeaways

• Tidally locked planets in science fiction
• Challenges of living on a tidally locked planet

Chapters

• 00:00 Tidally Locked Planets in Science Fiction

The conversation delves into the challenges of decision-making and the use of science fiction as a tool to address real-world problems. It also explores the inspiration behind the author's work and the process of illustration for his stories.

Takeaways

• Challenges in decision-making
• Science fiction as a tool for addressing real-world problems

Chapters

• 00:00 Challenges in Decision-Making

The conversation delves into the challenges of human decision-making and the role of science fiction in addressing real-world problems through metaphor and analogy.

Takeaways

• Understanding human behavior
• The role of science fiction in addressing real-world problems

Chapters

• 00:00 Understanding Human Behavior and Decision-Making

The art of storytelling goes beyond plot twists, focusing on character depth and reader engagement.

Takeaways

• Character depth is essential for reader engagement
• Storytelling is not solely reliant on plot twists

Chapters

• 00:00 The Art of Storytelling

Lance Robinson discusses the influence of Africa on his writing, highlighting his professional background in Kenya, the impact of living in Africa, and his love for the place. He also shares his experiences with African wildlife and culture, particularly in East Africa and The Gambia. Additionally, he talks about the impact of apartheid on his work and shares a story set in an alternate world where apartheid did not fall.

Takeaways

• Africa's influence on writing
• African wildlife and culture
• Impact of apartheid on storytelling

Chapters

• 00:00 Influence of Africa on Writing