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On Writing

Rob Witzel

Rob, creator of Super Penguin, interviews other authors. On the show they'll talk about their books, the writing process, dealing with imposter syndrome, festivals, conventions, and anything else that comes up in the life of being an author. Rob will interview authors of all genres and experience levels.

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  • 20 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 35 min
  • English
  • September 14 · 24 min

    Tania Pettet On Writing Historical Fiction

    On this episode of On Writing, Rob chats with Tania Pettet. Tania lives in the United Kingdom and her debut novel 11 Warten Way. You can find the book's description below. Follow Tania on Instagram! Check out Rob's new Children's Book FLY LIKE A PENGUIN ! Get 15% OFF Your Order at SuperPenguinBook.com/store with coupon code PODCAST 11 Warten Way In 1940s Italy, Ottie’s life is defined by family loyalty and the demands of her domineering father. Sent to work in a British munitions factory near Positano, she finds herself drawn to Hal, a soldier grappling with the horrors of war. As their forbidden love grows, Ottie is forced to confront the expectations of her family and the brutal realities of a country at war. Decades later, Fi’s life feels unmoored after losing her beloved grandmother. Drawn to Italy under the guise of returning a family keepsake, she retraces Ottie’s wartime journey, searching for answers and a sense of belonging. What happens when the echoes of one life guide the steps of another? 11 Warten Way is a sweeping historical family saga about the sacrifices we make, the stories we inherit, and the courage it takes to find our way home. Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

  • August 31 · 39 min

    Trish Springsteen On Writing Inspirational and Motivational Works

    Welcome back to the podcast! This episode we welcome our FIRST international guest with Trish Springsteen from Queensland, Australia! Trish has written a variety of books, including books to help YOU tell YOUR story, For more information about her books, head over to trishspringsteen.com/books/ Check out Rob's newest book FLY LIKE A PENGUIN out now at SuperPenguinBook.com/store Use Code PODCAST for 15% off your order. Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

  • S2 · E14
    August 10 · 38 min

    Dalton Halls On Writing Music

    Welcome back to the show! This week we are talking with Dalton Halls, a musician from Danville, Illinois. We'll be analyzing the similarities and differences that occur when writing music and writing literature. Tap here to check out Dalton's music! Head over to SuperPenguinBook.com for Rob's new release Fly Like a Penguin! Use code PODCAST for 15% off your order! Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

  • July 27 · 32 min

    Gretchen A. Carlson On Writing Christian Historical Fiction

    Welcome back to On Writing! On this episode we chat with Gretchen A. Carlson who has written two middle grade historical fiction novels that take place during The Great Depression and World War II. For more infomation about her and her books, go to gretchen-carlson.com There's just a few days left for the Christmas in July Superhero Book Drive! CLICK HERE if you'd like to donate. Use code PODCAST for 15% OFF your order at SuperPenguinBook.com/store Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

  • July 13 · 1 hr

    Ekta R. Garg On Writing Reimagined Fairy Tales

    Welcome to On Writing! This episode we hosted Ekta R. Garg who shared her journey with us. Topics include information on Hybrid Publishing, Reimagining Public Domain Fairy Tales and Novel Book Camp. For more information about Ekta and her books, check our EktaRGarg.com Click here for more information about Novel Book Camp Join the Christmas in July Superhero Book Drive! Use code PODCAST for 15% off at online Super Penguin Book Store. Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

  • July 6 · 34 min

    J.D. Barker On Writing Prequels

    Welcome back to On Writing! In this episode, New York Times Bestseller JD Barker returns to talk about his experience writing The First Scarlet Door, the prequel to his best selling 4MK Trilogy. JD shares best bets valuable to any writer looking to go back in time with their characters. Check out JDBarker.com to learn more! Join the Christmas in July Superhero Book Drive! Donate a book to a child in need! Use code PODCAST for 15% OFF your order at SuperPenguinBook.com/store Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

  • June 22 · 52 min

    Brian K. Morris On Writing New Pulp Fiction, Public Domain Characters & Anthologies

    Welcome back to the show! This week Rob interviews Brian K. Morris, a writer of "New Pulp" (among other things). The conversation also includes tapping into the public domain and getting involved with anthologies. Check out Brian's work at RisingTide.Pub Check out Rob's new picture book, Fly Like a Penguin available for perorder and shipping out this month! Use code PODCAST for 15% off your order! Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

  • June 15 · 30 min

    On Writing Fan Fiction with Serena a.k.a Hafling_Gummy_Bear

    On this week's episode, Serena (also know by her Fan Fiction handle Halfling_Gummy_Bear) shines a light on the world of Fan Fiction and shares info about her Lord of the Rings inspired story, If you'd like to read Serena's work, you can do so HERE Rob's new picture book Fly Like a Penguin releases this month! CLICK HERE to preorder yours now! Use Coupon Code PODCAST for 15% off the Super Penguin Shop! Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

  • May 18 · 24 min

    Rachael Salten On Writing Middle Grade Fantasy

    On this episode of On Writing, Rachael Salten joins the conversation and shares her middle-grade novel, Faylinn: The Cup of the Sidhe. Raechel shares how she blends Celtic folklore with modern storytelling to create her world as well as details from her 17 year journey to complete her dream of writing her first book. Check out Rachael's LinkTree for more information about her and Faylinn: The Cup of the Sidhe Use Coupon Code PODCAST for 15% off the Super Penguin Shop! Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

  • May 4 · 28 min

    Jean Davis On Writing Speculative Fiction

    Thanks for checking out our podcast! This week's guest is Jean Davis, writer of Spec-Fic (horror, sci-fi, and fantasy). Jean writes multiple genres and for all age groups. She also travels to book events with LIVE CHICKENS and shares how that all started! Go to JeanDavisAuthor.com to check out Jean's latest book Siphon and more! For more information about Rob and Super Penguin, head over to SuperPenguinBook.com Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

  • S2 · E6
    April 20 · 33 min

    Cindy Lynn Sawyer On Writing STEM & SEL Children's Books

    On this episode, Rob chats with author Cindy Lynn Sawyer on her books Remy's Sticky Situation and The Wonder of Under. Cindy shares her story behind becoming an author and the importance of teaching STEM and SEL in her books. For more information about Cindy and her work, head over to designed2glow.com For more information about Rob and Super Penguin, check out SuperPenguinBook.com Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

  • S2 · E5
    April 6 · 29 min

    Meg Hamand On Writing Historical Fiction

    On this episode of On Writing, Meg Hamand returns to the show to take a deeper dive into her book Diamonds in Auschwitz. She shares her process of balancing history and fiction, the struggles between getting an agent and landing a book deal, and more! For more information on Meg and to purchase her book, head over to MegHamandAuthor.com and make sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram! The 2026 Super Penguin Tour is underway! Check out all the stops HERE! Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

  • S2 · E4
    March 30 · 29 min

    Michael Kasper On Writing Non-Fiction

    On this episode of On Writing, Rob talks with Danville's own, Michael Kasper and his book, At the Heart of Danville: The History of Bresee Tower. We'll discuss the ins and outs of the non-fiction genre, why this building is so significant and how Michael's love of running led to the creation of this book. For more information about Michael and his book, check out RunDanville.com For more information about Rob and Super Penguin, check out SuperPenguinBook.com Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

  • S2 · E3
    March 23 · 48 min

    Aaron Mizell On Writing Psychological Horror, Fantasy and DnD Expansions

    On this episode of On Writing, Rob chats with Aaron Mizell (also known by his pen-name C.R. Guardian) and his book Guild of Four, a psychological horror involving an underground society of assassins . Aaron shares his experience writing the book as well as writing retreats, indie publishing, and how he accidentally caught the eye of the FBI whie creating his book. For more information about Aaron and Guild of Four, head over to GuildOfFour.com For more information about Rob and Super Penguin, check out SuperPenguinBook.com Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

  • S2 · E2
    March 9 · 39 min

    Camille Starkey On Writing A Children's Book

    Today we talk to Camille Starkey, a longtime friend of Rob's who co-wrote a children's book as a tribute to her Grandpa Al. In Ponder Lake, Camille uses fish characters to tell the story of Molly the Minnow and her friend Al, who is struggling with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Camille talks about why and how the book was made, and how she is helping others through the book. You can purchase your copy of Ponder Lake HERE For more information about Rob and Super Penguin, check out SuperPenguinBook.com Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

  • S2 · E5
    March 2 · 40 min

    Shawn Lamb: On Writing Christian Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and 80s Cartoons

    We are BACK for Season 2 of On Writing with a very special guest, Shawn Lamb. Shawn's writing journey began as a freelance TV writer for BraveStarr. Years later, she wrote her first fantasy novel at her daughter's request...and it grew into a 10-book series PLUS prequels, spinoffs and more! We discuss all these things and more in our Season 2 Premiere! For more information about Shawn and her books, head over to AllonBooks.com For more information about Super Penguin, check out SuperPenguinBook.com Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

  • Dec 22, 2025 · 34 min

    Episode 29: E.S.Fein, Sci-Fci, Fantasy and Writer of the Weird

    It's the final show of 2025 and Season 1 of the show! Thanks for going on this ride with us! If this is your first time listening, welcome to the On Writing! Each episode is a different interview with a writer including authors, TV & Movie writers, comic books, fiction, non-fiction and so much more. Today's guest is E.S. Fein, an indie author of multiple sci-fi and fantasy novels. In this episode we discuss his books, how we create new ideas in a world with so much content, and more in the sci-fi/fantasy spaces. Be sure to check out his work at officialesfein.com For more information about Rob and Super Penguin, you can find that at SuperPenguinBook.com Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

  • Dec 8, 2025 · 40 min

    Episode 28: Jaz Green a.k.a Sonesta Wilde, Poetry & Prose

    Welcome to On Writing! A podcast that interviews authors from all over the country to talk about their books and their journeys in becoming authors. Each episode will have a different guest. We will be interviewing authors of both fiction and non fiction, and all genres will be explored throughout the show's run. This episode's guest is Jaz Green, also known as Sonesta Wilde. She is a fellow Danville High School alum and a writer of poetry and prose. This episode we talk about writing with ADD, differences in writing poems vs prose, and the impact English teachers have on our journeys. Check out sonestawilde.com for her book and apparel line. Join in on the 2025 Super Penguin Book Drive. We are collecting donations of Super Penguin books, stuffies and coloring books that will go to the League of Enchantment Chicago. These cosplayers dress as superheroes, Disney Princesses, Star Wars characters and other beloved characters and then visit with hospitalized kids. Your donation will be a part of their care packages delivered during a visit. if you'd like to donate, you can do so HERE Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

  • Nov 24, 2025 · 38 min

    Episode 27: Emily Chappell, Children's Book Author

    Welcome to On Writing! A podcast that interviews authors from all over the country to talk about their books and their journeys in becoming authors. Each episode will have a different guest. We will be interviewing authors of both fiction and non fiction, and all genres will be explored throughout the show's run. This episode's guest is Emily Chappell, a children's book author who penned The Incredible Adventures of Lady Emu, a true story of an escaped Emu who travelled around East Central Illinois for TWO YEARS!!! Emily tells the story through an ABC format with rhymes, illustrations and actual photos of Lady Emu. CLICK HERE to order your copy of The Incredible Adventures of Lady Emu Join in on the 2025 Super Penguin Book Drive. We are collecting donations of Super Penguin books, stuffies and coloring books that will go to the League of Enchantment Chicago. These cosplayers dress as superheroes, Disney Princesses, Star Wars characters and other beloved characters and then visit with hospitalized kids. Your donation will be a part of their care packages delivered during a visit. if you'd like to donate, you can do so HERE Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

  • Oct 27, 2025 · 19 min

    Episode 26: Dr Paracosm

    Welcome to On Writing! A podcast that interviews authors from all over the country to talk about their books and their journeys in becoming authors. Each episode will have a different guest. We will be interviewing authors of both fiction and non fiction, and all genres will be explored throughout the show's run. This episode's guest is Dr. Paracosm, a middle grade author who writes in multiple genres. CLICK HERE for information about Dr. Paracosm Check out Rob Witzel's Super Penguin series at SuperPenguinBook.com Check out Dubby Energy Drinks at dubby.gg ! Use code SUPERPENGUIN for 10% off your purchase! Music from Uppbeat "Hometown" by Northwestern License code: IRZBZOVAIWHHCUXO

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