Core Points:

* The podcast discusses Chapter 5 of “Malcolm Karma, Cold Turkey” with author Ben Schenkman, focusing on his insights and critique.

* Schenkman shares details about his urban fantasy series, emphasizing the blend of humor and serious themes.

* Key elements of writing, including character descriptions and dialogue tags, are explored, highlighting the importance of reader engagement and clarity.

* The discussion touches on cultural representation, particularly in the context of Jewish identity and magic, relevant to Schenkman’s upcoming work.

* The importance of proofreading and reader feedback in the writing process is underscored, especially concerning dialogue and physical descriptions.

🔍 Summary

Chapter Review and Author InsightsIn the podcast episode, host Neil interviews author Ben Schenkman about Chapter 5 of “Malcolm Karma, Cold Turkey.” Schenkman provides a critical analysis of the chapter while sharing insights from his writing experience. He discusses his urban fantasy series, “The Devil You Know,” which combines dark humor with larger themes, capturing readers’ attention through relatable characters.

Writing TechniquesA significant portion of the conversation revolves around writing techniques, specifically the importance of character descriptions and dialogue. Schenkman critiques the tendency of some authors to over-describe characters, suggesting that allowing readers to fill in details fosters a stronger connection. He emphasizes that dialogue tags should enhance clarity without overwhelming the narrative, noting the effectiveness of reading work aloud to ensure a natural flow.

Cultural Representation and Upcoming WorkSchenkman also highlights his cultural background, particularly his Jewish identity, and its influence on his upcoming book, “My Brother’s Keeper.” This novel is set to explore Jewish magic and mysticism, reflecting a broader theme of representation in literature. The discussion illustrates how personal experiences can shape narrative choices, reinforcing the idea that cultural context enriches storytelling.

Proofreading and Reader EngagementLastly, the podcast emphasizes the role of proofreading and feedback in the writing process. Schenkman and Neil discuss common pitfalls in writing, such as inaccuracies in dialogue and action descriptions. The conversation serves as a reminder of the importance of meticulous editing and the value of diverse reader perspectives, which ultimately contribute to a more polished and engaging final product.

Ben’s Links:

Website: https://benschenkman.com

Social media: https://benschenkman.com/links

Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ben-Schenkman/author/B0CRC2J8CJ

In today’s post-chapter conversation, I sit down with speculative sci-fi writer Josh Paulabicke to dig into Chapter 4 of Malcolm Karma: Cold Turkey. Though short, this chapter marks a turning point — and Josh brings a sharp editorial eye to what’s working, what raises questions, and how subtle choices shift tension and tone.

We talk about:

• Why Chapter 4 is where “the story really begins”

• Opportunities to deepen Elle’s role

• Word choice: “carnage,” “impossibly white,” and the power of connotation

• Malcolm’s surprising comfort around law enforcement

• Behind the scenes: the original version of the opening line

• Using mystery-style withholding inside a thriller structure

• What the envelope of cash might imply (no spoilers!)

• Josh’s upcoming debut and his work with Writing Heights Writers Association

If you love story craft, writing process, and character dissection, you’ll enjoy this deep dive.

About Josh Palubicki

• Speculative science-fiction writer

• Currently finishing edits on his debut novel

• Leadership team — Writing Heights Writers Association

Follow Josh:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joshpalubicki14

Writing Heights Writers Association: https://www.writingheights.com/

👉 Join my BookTube Writer’s Group - https://discord.gg/b3BQ7HYe

👉 Read DARK WHITE - https://amzn.to/3PYXfyw

👉 Read MALCOLM KARMA - https://bit.ly/49Ek4k5

👉 Read VIRAL YOUNGBLOOD: INADVISABLE ROMANCE as it’s being written by subscribing to my Substack

👉 Read MALCOLM KARMA - https://bit.ly/49Ek4k5

👉 Read VIRAL YOUNGBLOOD: INADVISABLE ROMANCE as it’s being written by subscribing to my Substack

In this episode of the Malcolm Karma: Cold Turkey Audiobook Podcast, author Melissa Bonczak joins Neil to unpack Chapter 3, dive deep into storytelling craft, and talk about everything from cozy mysteries to portal fantasy, serial fiction, and the struggles (and joys!) of being a modern writer.

Melissa shares her creative process, her love of serial storytelling, and how she builds worlds using dice-rolled prompts. She also gives heartfelt writing insights—how to handle “story block,” why she avoids over-description, and the importance of letting readers build characters in their own imagination.

This conversation also explores the early origins of Malcolm Karma, Twitter fiction, character creation through names, and how both authors approach writing short fiction versus sprawling narratives.

👉 If you love mystery, cozy adventure, world-building, serial fiction, or indie author life, this episode is packed with inspiration.

⭐ About Melissa Bonczak

Melissa Bonczak is a multi-genre author who writes:

* Cozy mystery featuring a reluctant adventurer, a sexy arch-nemesis, and a greyhound obsessed with bad guys

* Portal fantasy told in short, punchy serial-style episodes

* Urban fantasy

* Nonfiction for writers, including her newest release:World Building With Dice, a unique system where you roll dice to generate creative prompts and construct entire worlds.

She’s also the co-host of the Book S Cube Podcast, where authors join her live to roll prompts and create stories on the spot. Her passion is helping writers overcome creative blocks and rediscover the joy of spontaneous storytelling.

📚 Check Out Melissa’s Books, Prompts, & Podcast

Website & Store

🔗 MelissaBonczak.com – Books, prompts, newsletter, Payhip store, audiobook bundles, and more.(Leads to her Payhip store—find ebooks, audiobooks, and prompt books.)

TikTok

🔗 tiktok.com/@melissabonczakauthorDaily writing talk, book updates, prompt demos, and cozy mystery content.

Prompt Book Mailing List

Get 10 free prompts + a new free prompt every month, plus first access to ARCs and beta reads.🔗 Insert link from Melissa’s site

🎧 About Malcolm Karma: Cold Turkey

Malcolm Karma: Cold Turkey is a gritty noir thriller originally written tweet-by-tweet on old-school Twitter. In this audiobook podcast, author Neil Christiansen reads each chapter and brings on fellow writers to talk craft, character, tension, and storytelling technique. If you enjoy noir, mystery, psychological tension, and character-driven crime fiction, you’ll feel right at home.

🔔 Subscribe for More

Don’t miss:✔ New audiobook chapters✔ Author interviews✔ Writing craft talk✔ Behind-the-scenes commentary✔ Updates on Neil’s upcoming legal thriller + spicy romance project

Buy Malcolm Karma: Cold Turkey

Buy Dark White

Follow Neil on YouTube

Jordan Fitch on Goodreads

Name Town, by Jordan Fitch

The Cardinal Line, by Jordan Fitch

Seven Stories interview with Jordan Fitch

Buy Malcolm Karma: Cold Turkey

Buy Dark White

Follow Neil on YouTube

Buy the Write Drunk Edit Sober T-Shirt I’m wearing in the video.

Ben Durham is on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Writers Association and writes for their blog.

Read Ben’s thoughts on writing on his Substack.