Episode Details

Once upon a time, more literary heroes pursued virtue, or at least knew that they should.[1. Photo by visuals on Unsplash.] But in more modern stories, main characters aren’t motivated by being good, but by being right. They exchange the truth and Law of God for the lie of “personal liberation.” In a world of abuse and tyrants, this can feel appealing. Yet how does this exchange ultimately make stories worse?

Episode sponsors

1. Oasis Audio: “1232” epic audio podcast
2. The Culling Begins by Anthony DeGroot
3. I. W.R.I.T.E.: How to Write a Novel course

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Reintroducing guest Thomas Umstattd Jr.

Thomas Umstattd Jr. built his first website at age thirteen and taught his first web design class at only age 16. Since 2009, his websites and resources have helped support authors. In 2014, Thomas has been marketing director for Enclave Publishing, and in 2015 Thomas became an author himself, publishing the nonfiction book Courtship in Crisis. As a podcaster, he hosts the Novel Marketing Podcast, and the Christian Publishing Show. Thomas still serves as the CEO of Castle Media Group, parent company of Author Media. He lives in Austin, Texas with his beautiful wife and children.

• ThomasUmstattd.com
• NovelMarketing.com
• ChristianPublishingShow.com

Concession stand

• We may speak of broader cultural terms to add context to the topic.
• But many readers resonate with these themes because of backstory.
• For more background, check into our Fantastical Foes series last year.
• Definitely see our episodes about church trauma and

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