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True Fiction Project

Reenita Hora
True Fiction Project
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  • S6 Ep 10 - THE OLD TOWN HORROR: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic Locale
    Have you ever wondered how history’s dark secrets inspire modern fiction? Ready to uncover the violent past of America’s most iconic locales? I’m Reenita Hora, your host of the True Fiction Project, and today I’m thrilled to welcome Ed Moser—a former writer for Jay Leno’s Tonight Show, presidential speechwriter, history tour guide, and author with a knack for unearthing gripping tales. In this episode, Ed takes us through the scandal-filled history of Washington, D.C.’s Lafayette Square, as detailed in his nonfiction book, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood, which exposes 230 years of crime. Ed reads an excerpt from his novel, The Old Town Horror: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic Locale, which transports us to a bloody investigation taking place at The Carlisle Mansion, in Alexandria Virginia.IN THIS EPISODE:(01:32) Ed reflects on his professional journey and working on The Tonight Show(04:25) Ed shares that there have been violent events over 230 years around the White House(06:47) How the events of the past become fiction in the present day at the Carlisle Mansion(08:52) Paid subscribers will hear an excerpt from The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood(11:44) Excerpt from The Old Town Horror, set in modern Alexandria, Virginia, where a bloody investigation taking placeKEY TAKEAWAYS:Moser’s novel The Old Town Horror draws from real historical events in Alexandria, blending past and present for a thrilling narrative.Moser’s research reveals a surprising history of violence, including murders and espionage, in iconic Washington, DC locales like Lafayette Square.Moser compares writing for The Tonight Show and the White House to making sausage, as both involve blending material from multiple writers.Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free, or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode. You will also be eligible for other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction, and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora GUEST RESOURCES:THE OLD TOWN HORROR: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic LocaleLafayette Sq. Tours of Scandal, Assassination & Spies MeetupTHE OLD TOWN HORROR: Murder and Theft in America's Most Historic Locale - AmazonLafayette Square Tour of Scandal, Assassination & IntrigueEd Moser - LinkedInHOST RESOURCESWebsiteLinkedIn Tiktok Instagram Facebook Twitter (X) Substack Threads LinkTree BIO:Ed Moser is a former writer for Jay Leno's "Tonight Show"; operator of a history tours group; speechwriter for the President of the United States; a former editor for Time-Life Books; tech/science writer/editor/manager; and biotech writer.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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  • S6 Ep 9 - Shake Down: First Coast Thriller Series
    What makes a gripping thriller impossible to put down? Is it the twisty plot, the flawed hero, or the chilling consequences of one wrong move?Welcome! Today, I'm thrilled to introduce a guest whose stories leap off the page with intensity and imagination—Armand Rosamilia. A prolific writer with an impressive body of work spanning crime novels, thrillers, supernatural horror, zombies, contemporary fiction, and nonfiction, Armand is the kind of storyteller who begins with one intriguing question: What if? And from there, a gripping tale unfolds. In today’s conversation, we’ll be diving into his novel Shake Down, and you’ll also hear a powerful excerpt capturing the chilling moment when Walt, a low-level crew member, realizes his final mistake may have cost him everything—including his life.IN THIS EPISODE:(02:39) Armand discusses the different genres he writes, with crime/thrillers being the most profitable(03:40) The “business” of writing—how Armand turned his passion into a full-time profession(09:33) Armand explains character development and the role of Patreon in his creative process(17:04) The evolution of Clayton Conway, a central figure in his fiction(22:41) A gripping read-aloud from Shake Down that describes the fatal price of a botched jobKEY TAKEAWAYS:Armand Rosamilia has been a full-time writer for 13 years, which he attributes to a strategic blend of writing in high-performing genres like crime thrillers (which earn him significantly more than horror) and maintaining a business mindset. He writes what sells while still occasionally indulging in passion projects.Armand uses short stories as marketing tools, “reader magnets,” and experiments in character development. These stories—often published in anthologies or released to his Patreon and newsletter—introduce readers to characters from his longer works, helping build engagement and anticipation for his full-length novels.Armand follows a hybrid publishing model—self-publishing under his imprint (Rimfire Books) while also working with small and large presses. This approach broadens his audience, shares production costs, and provides him with access to the built-in fan bases of other publishers, thereby increasing discoverability and long-term earnings.Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free, or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode. You will also be eligible for other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction, and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora FICTION CREDITS:Excerpt written and ready by: Armand RosamiliaGUEST RESOURCES:Armand Rosamilia - WebsiteArmand Rosamilia - Horror Author - LinkedInArmand Rosamilia - FacebookAuthor Armand Rosamilia - Facebook BusinessArmand Rosamilia (@ArmandAuthor) - XArmand Rosamilia (@armand_rosamilia) • Instagram Photos and VideosShake Down (First Coast Thriller Series): 9798401775757: Rosamilia, Amazon Armand: BooksHOST RESOURCESWebsiteLinkedIn Tiktok Instagram Facebook Twitter (X) Substack Threads LinkTree BIO:Armand Rosamilia is a New Jersey boy currently living in sunny Florida, where he writes when he's not sleeping. He's happily married to a woman who helps his career and is supportive, which is all he ever wanted in life. He has written over 200 stories that are currently available, including crime thrillers, supernatural thrillers, horror, zombie fiction, contemporary fiction, nonfiction, and more. His goal is to write a good story and not worry about genre labels. He also loves to talk in third person… because he's really that cool. Maybe.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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  • S6 Ep 8 - Crossroads
    I’m excited to sit down with a very talented writer, entrepreneur, and academic researcher, Rhonda Parker Taylor. Her debut novel, Crossroads, is rooted in personal tragedy—the loss of her adopted son—and shaped by her journey through professional setbacks. We explore how fiction can be a spiritual mirror, and how her story caught the attention of Mariel Hemingway, granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway. You’ll also hear a gripping excerpt from Crossroads, capturing the haunting aftermath of a life-altering choice that will change a young man's life. Tune in for a robust conversation about how storytelling can heal, reveal, and predict real life. IN THIS EPISODE: (03:35) Rhonda shares how entrepreneurship and academics came together to write crime fiction (07:27) Discussion of writing a novel and how life can mirror fiction (09:12) How Mariel Hemingway, granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, came to endorse Crossroads (12:56) Rhonda shares a moment from the book where a young man makes the wrong choice (15:01) Rhonda reads a passage from Crossroads describing the aftermath of a murder the night before, and Billy did not know what to do KEY TAKEAWAYS: Professional setbacks and personal tragedy drove Rhonda’s journey from business professional to academic researcher and fiction writer. A humiliating experience with a business proposal motivated her to improve her writing, eventually leading her to publish Crossroads. The tragic loss of her adopted son profoundly influenced her emotional perspective, paralleling elements of her novel’s plot and reinforcing her belief in the transformative power of storytelling. Writing can reflect or even predict real life, making storytelling a powerful form of personal and spiritual expression. This perspective underscores storytelling as more than mere entertainment; it's portrayed as a deeply personal and sometimes prophetic expression of the inner self. The endorsement of Crossroads by Mariel Hemingway—actress and granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway—was not just a stroke of luck, but a meaningful alignment. Hemingway resonated with the novel’s central character and themes of emotional struggle and personal reinvention. Her support underscores how powerful fiction can reflect universal life experiences and invite deeper introspection. Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free, or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode. You will also be eligible for other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction, and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora   FICTION CREDITS: Written and read by: Rhonda Parker Taylor  GUEST RESOURCES: Rhonda Parker Taylor - Facebook Rhonda Parker Taylor - Instagram Rhonda Parker Taylor - Twitter Rhonda Parker Taylor - LinkedIn Rhonda Parker Taylor - TikTok Suspense Thriller Crossroads by Rhonda Parker Taylor - Website  Crossroads - Amazon Crossroads - Barnes and Noble   HOST RESOURCES Website LinkedIn  Tiktok  Instagram  Facebook  Twitter (X)  Substack  Threads  LinkTree   BIO: Rhonda Parker Taylor is an American writer, entrepreneur, and academic researcher. Rhonda’s diverse writing spans from educational works to fiction, and she is well-known for her research on emotional intelligence. Her academic achievements extend to being a prominent leader, having presented at the United Nations Global Compact Committee. Her debut novel, “Crossroads,” a suspenseful masterpiece, was released in February 2023. Endorsed by bestselling author J.J. Hebert and Golden Globe-nominated actress Mariel Hemingway, the novel has been hailed as a captivating crime thriller that keeps readers intrigued from start to finish. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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  • S6 Ep 7 - The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tales From the Clinic
    Hi everyone! I am so excited to bring you Vicky McGrath on this week’s episode of the True Fiction Project to discuss her graphic novel The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact - Tails from the Clinic. Victoria was inspired by her daughter’s desire to become a veterinarian, and she uses her childhood hometown to bring the setting of The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tails from the Clinic to life. Listen in as Victoria reads an excerpt from her book about two excited middle-grade friends on their way to the veterinary clinic after school.IN THIS EPISODE:(02:10) Vicky shares how she developed the foundation for the series of novels (06:59) Vicky tells why she chose to write a graphic novel for middle grade(08:41) How did Victoria find an illustrator(13:36) Vicky reads a passage from The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact describing how her characters met due to their moms owning a veterinary clinic togetherKEY TAKEAWAYS:Vicky's journey into writing her middle-grade fantasy graphic novel series, Tails from the Clinic, began during the COVID-19 lockdowns. As an in-person, service-based business owner in Ontario, she had to pivot her work life drastically. Writing became a source of stress relief and a way to combat isolation and anxiety—what started as a creative outlet eventually blossomed into a full-fledged book series.The inspiration behind the series stems from her daughter’s lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. The main characters’ mothers are vets who co-own a clinic, and the story is rooted in Vicky's childhood hometown. Vicky gravitated toward the graphic novel format because of her childhood love for comics like Tintin. Though she isn’t an illustrator, she collaborated closely with her publisher and artist to bring her detailed vision to life, making her books accessible and appealing—especially to reluctant readers and those who thrive on visual storytelling.Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free, or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode. You will also be eligible for other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction, and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora FICTION CREDITS:Written by Vicky McGrathRead by Vicky McGrathGUEST RESOURCES:Vicky McGrath - FacebookThe Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact - AmazonThe Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact - Barnes and NobleThe Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact - Indigo ChaptersVicky McGrath - WebsiteVicky McGrath - InstagramHOST RESOURCESWebsiteLinkedIn Tiktok Instagram Facebook Twitter (X) Substack Threads LinkTree BIO:Vicky McGrath is the author of a middle-grade children’s graphic novel series, Tails From the Clinic. Vicky began writing the novel series during the COVID-19 lockdown as a creative outlet, inspired by her daughter's desire to become a veterinarian and their shared love for Harry Potter. Before becoming an author, Vicky owned and ran a senior care business for eight years. Vicky enjoys writing fantasy and incorporating fun, humor and adventure with the main themes of friendship, love and bravery.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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  • S6 Ep 6 -  A Cup of Tea on the Commode
    Hello, everyone! I am thrilled to visit with Mark Steven Porro, who has led a fascinating life, taking him from Hollywood to caring for his mother, the inspiration that led him to write A Cup of Tea on the Commode. This heartfelt memoir captures the raw, authentic, and humorous moments of caring for a loved one. Stay tuned as Mark reads an excerpt from his book, detailing an unusual conversation between mother and son during their seemingly normal morning routine. Tune in to hear more!IN THIS EPISODE:(02:10) Mark speaks about his current home in France and his childhood(04:54) Mark began his acting career with stars like Chuck Norris and Tom Hanks(08:26) An award-winning short film called SUV: Sport Utility Vehicle (12:08) Mark moves from Hollywood back to his childhood home to care for his mother(16:32) Mark reads a conversation he and his mother had that inspired A Cup of Tea on the Commode(20:46) Mark reads an excerpt from A Cup of Tea on the CommodeKEY TAKEAWAYS:Mark’s journey showcases his strong entrepreneurial drive, from launching multiple businesses to creating a unique snack food company in honor of his father. His ability to balance creative pursuits with business ventures serves as an inspiration to all of us.Mark has explored various artistic avenues, including acting, directing, writing, and industrial design. His work in Hollywood includes roles in Hill Street Blues and Castaway, along with his award-winning short film. Now residing in a historic village in southwest France, Mark immerses himself in a creative environment rich in theater, history, and artistic inspiration. His move emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with a stimulating atmosphere to fuel creativity.Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free, or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode. You will also be eligible for other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction, and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora FICTION CREDITS:Written by Mark Steven PorroRead by Mark Steven PorroGUEST RESOURCES:A Cup of Tea on the Commode - WebsiteA Cup of Tea on the Commode - FacebookA Cup of Tea on the Commode - YouTubeA Cup of Tea on the Commond - Twitter (X)A Cup of Tea on the Commode - InstagramMark Steven Porro - LinkedInA Cup of Tea on the Commode - PinterestA Cup of Tea on the Commode - TikTokSUV Sport Utility Vehicle - YouTubeHOST RESOURCESWebsiteLinkedIn Tiktok Instagram Facebook Twitter (X) Substack Threads LinkTree BIO:Mark Steven Porro, a New Jersey native (Exit 163), earned an Industrial Design degree from Ohio State University. After years in agency work, his passion for acting took him to Hollywood, where he appeared in numerous TV, film, and stage productions. Along the way, Mark launched five non-profit companies, none of which were planned for applause. Now living in the South of France, he enjoys life in wine country, where the locals assure him his French isn’t so bad—at least, that’s what he believes they’re saying. An award-winning designer, writer, director, and best-selling author, Mark's debut memoir, A Cup of Tea on the Commode, chronicles the bittersweet and humorous journey of caring for his mother in her final years. Though his efforts weren't always perfect, he came pretty close.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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About True Fiction Project

The True Fiction Project is an unscripted-to-scripted podcast series that explores the journey of a story from non-fiction to fiction. It showcases the art of audio storytelling to explore how scripted fiction is inspired by our daily life, and it explores how audio storytelling can spark interesting IP that can be further developed for other media. Join our host Reenita Hora, as she conducts audio interviews with guests from all walks of life that have interesting stories. A fiction writer then listens to the interview, defines a main character inspired by it, and creates a piece of short audio fiction based on it. The episode pieces together the interview (non-fiction), the audio story + the print version (both fiction). Learn more at https://reenita.com/podcasts/true-fiction-project/
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