Episodes

  • The Legacy and Literature of Phil Oakley: A Life of Stories from Texas

    The Legacy and Literature of Phil Oakley: A Life of Stories from Texas
    Jun 26 2025
    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits author Phil Oakley, discussing his intriguing professional background and his novels, which are based on his family’s history in Texas. Oakley shares stories from his childhood, professional encounters, and inspirations drawn from his grandparents’ lives. They delve into his book series, starting with ‘Little Hatchet’ and ‘Runners,’ exploring the ways he incorporates Texas history and personal heritage into his work. Oakley also reflects on the impacts of weather, railroads, and prohibition on his family and the state. Towards the end, he discusses his transition from biography to fiction and the potential for his books to be adapted into a streaming series. The session concludes with insights on working with Stony Creek Publishing and resources for readers to find his books. Key highlights: Phil Oakley’s Professional Background Remembering Ronnie Dugger Phil Oakley’s Books and Inspirations Writing Craft and Historical Context Prohibition and Family Stories Current Projects and Future Directions Resources: Little Hatchet | Book 1 of The Oakley Series Runners | Book 2 of The Oakley Series Little Hatchet and Runners on Texas A&M University Press Stoney Creek Publishing Website Little Hatchet Book Trailer on YouTube Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Exploring Writing, Literature, and Texas Coastal Culture with Skip Rhudy

    Exploring Writing, Literature, and Texas Coastal Culture with Skip Rhudy
    Jun 19 2025
    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write up the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits Skip Rhudy, a writer with deep ties to the Texas Gulf Coast. Rhudy shares his experiences growing up in Port Aransas and delves into the contrasts of living in a tourist spot. They discuss Rhudy's two novels, 'Under the Gulf Coast Sun' and 'One Punk Summer,' touching on themes of setting as character, the punk music scene in Austin, and preserving Texas culture through fiction. Rhudy also discusses his writing process, inspirations from Ernest Hemingway, and future projects, including a novel interwoven with Greek mythology and a nonfiction account of building a kit plane. Key highlights: Life in Port Aransas Port Aransas Culture and Community Holiday Vibes and Seasonal Contrasts Setting as a Character in Literature Writing Process and Inspirations Texas History and Cultural Preservation Comparing Two Novels Punk Music and Austin's Scene Publishing Journey and Editorial Insights Resources: • Skip Rhudy on Stoney Creek Publishing • 'Under the Gulf Coast Sun on Texas A&M University Press Stoney Creek Publishing Website Podcast Cover Art • Nancy Huffman Fine Art
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Unveiling Camptown: Charles Swenson’s Journey Through Forgotten Texas History

    Unveiling Camptown: Charles Swenson’s Journey Through Forgotten Texas History
    Jun 12 2025
    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and writes up the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom Fox visits Charles Swenson, a passionate historian and author of Voices of Camptown.’ Swenson delves into the rich history of Camptown, a freedmen’s colony established in Brenham, Texas, following the Civil War. He explains his involvement in uncovering this lost community’s legacy, spurred by the discovery of the overgrown Camptown Cemetery. Swenson shares insights into the lives of the African American families who once resided there, their struggles during Reconstruction, and their achievements despite the adversities of Jim Crow. He also emphasizes the crucial role of education and the significant contributions of military veterans to these communities. Swenson’s research methods and collaboration with the Brenham Heritage Museum, along with local individuals like Eddie Harrison, highlight a neglected chapter of Texas history that he is dedicated to preserving. The episode closes with information on how listeners can learn more about Swenson’s work and his upcoming book. Key highlights: Discovering Camptown: A Historical Overview Uncovering Camptown Cemetery Research and Stories from the Past The Importance of Historical Designation Educational and Community Impact Writing Process and Publication Journey Resources: Charles Swenson’s on Stoney Creek Publishing Voices of Camptown on Texas A&M University Press Stoney Creek Publishing Website Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • A Journey from Journalism to Fiction with Paul McGrath

    A Journey from Journalism to Fiction with Paul McGrath
    Jun 5 2025
    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits with Paul McGrath, whose journalism career spanned decades at newspapers like the Houston Chronicle. They delve into Paul’s roots in Texas, his transition from journalism to authorship, and the inspiration behind his debut novel ‘Left,’ which draws from the tragic Uvalde school shooting. Paul discusses his writing process, his relationship with Stoney Creek Publishing, and the importance of student newspapers in the journalistic landscape. The episode also teases future books, planned as part of a trilogy, with coffee as a surprising central theme. Key highlights: Paul McGrath’s Early Life and Career Transition from Journalism to Writing The Spark Behind the Book ‘Left’ Writing Process and Routine Setting and Themes of ‘Left’ The Role of Student Newspapers Resources: Paul McGrath on Stoney Creek Publishing Left at Texas A&M University Press Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Exploring Galveston and Medicine Through Island Intern with Dr. Paul Remmers

    Exploring Galveston and Medicine Through Island Intern with Dr. Paul Remmers
    May 27 2025
    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits with author Paul Remmers, a physician with over forty years of experience in internal medicine. He was born and raised in Galveston, Texas, where he attended the University of Texas Medical Branch and later returned as a faculty member. He has also served on the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. They discuss the medical landscape of Galveston, the historical significance of the 1900 hurricane, and Dr. Remmer’s personal experiences that influenced his novel. Dr. Remmer elaborates on the challenges and emotional highs and lows that medical interns experience, both in contemporary settings and throughout history. He also reflects on Galveston’s diverse cultural backdrop and its impact on his upbringing. The episode wraps up with Dr. Remmer’s experiences with publication and his recent participation in a book festival. Key highlights: Inspiration Behind 'Island Intern' Writing Process and Challenges Galveston's Melting Pot History Medical Practice in the Early 20th Century Legacy of the 1900 Hurricane Resources: Paul Remmers on Stoney Creek Publishing Island Intern at Texas A&M University Press Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • A Journey Through West Texas and a Life of Adventure with Ben English

    A Journey Through West Texas and a Life of Adventure with Ben English
    May 22 2025
    Welcome to a new season of award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write up the Texas Hill Country. In this episode Tom visits with author Ben English, who shares his remarkable life story and how it has influenced his writing. Ben talks about his upbringing in Texas, military service in the Marine Corps, career with the Texas Highway Patrol, and eventual retirement that led him to become a successful author. He discusses his works, both historical and fictional, and the profound connection he has with West Texas, the region he calls home. Ben also delves into his latest book ¡Cristeros! and talks about upcoming book signings in the Hill Country. The episode encapsulates his deep love for history, storytelling, and the unique spirit of West Texas. Key Highlights · Military Service and Career · Writing Journey and Inspirations · Living in West Texas · Latest Book Release: ¡Cristeros! Resources Website Ben H. English on Facebook Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Exploring the Intersection of Texas Literature and Publicity with Marika Flatt

    Exploring the Intersection of Texas Literature and Publicity with Marika Flatt
    May 8 2025
    Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits Marika Flatt, owner of PR by the Book and publisher of Texas Lifestyle Magazine, to discuss her multifaceted career in book publicity and journalism. Marika shares insights about her venture, PR by the Book, which specializes in book launches and publicity for authors and publishers. Additionally, she reflects on her passion project, Texas Lifestyle Magazine, and its focus on highlighting the diverse lifestyles within Texas. Marika also delves into the history and revival of Texas Writers Month, emphasizing its importance in promoting and supporting literary talents within the state. Tune in to discover the nuances of book publicity, the significance of timely marketing strategies, and the unique blend of faith and science explored in Texas literature. Key highlights: Texas Lifestyle Magazine Texas Writers’ Month PR by the Book Promoting Books in Rural Areas Growing Up in the Hill Country Advice for Aspiring Authors Resources: Marika Flatt on Facebook Marika Flatt on Instagram Marika Flatt on YouTube Marika Flatt on X Marika Flatt on LinkedIn PR by the Book Texas Lifestyle Magazine Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Unveiling Historical Fiction: Jann Alexander on 'Unspoken' and the Dust Bowl

    Unveiling Historical Fiction: Jann Alexander on 'Unspoken' and the Dust Bowl
    May 1 2025
    Welcome to a new season of award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write up the Texas Hill Country. In this episode Tom visits with Jann Alexander, an art director turned professional writer. Jann shares insights into her journey from a 30-year career in commercial design to becoming a full-time author. She discusses her extensive research on Texas history, which inspired her new historical novel 'Unspoken', set around the 1935 Black Sunday dust storm. Jan delves into her creative process, the environmental and emotional impacts of the Dust Bowl, and how these elements shape her characters and narrative. She provides a glimpse into her book launch and how audiences can engage with her work through her blog and upcoming events. Key Highlights · Jann's Academic and Professional Background · Research and Writing Process · The Dust Bowl and Black Sunday · Impact on Farmers and Communities · Resources Jann Alexander on LinkedIn Jann Alexander website Pre-order Unspoken Podcast Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins