Continuing Conversations: Sci-Fi Storytelling & Star Trek Adventures

In this episode, we dive deep into the creative process behind Star Trek Adventures Mission Briefs with writers Cory Belote and Marco Rafala. We explore how to craft compelling narratives for JAG-style legal dramas and expansive Five Year Missions. Cory and Marco share their tips for balancing Federation ideals with high-stakes conflict, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the storytelling techniques used to bring these mission briefs to life for GMs and players alike.

This week on Continuing Conversations: We’re joined by Larry “Dr. Trek” Nemecek — legendary Star Trek authority, bestselling author of Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion, archivist, host of The Trek Files podcast, and creator of the deep-dive fan experience Portal 47. With decades of insider knowledge from behind-the-scenes archival interviews, convention stages, and documentary work, Larry breaks down Trek lore like no one else. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the galaxy, this conversation will take you boldly where few podcasts go.

Want a tour of famous Star Trek shooting locations? Check out geeknationtours.com.

Ever wondered how a video game writer handles the "Kobayashi Maru" of storytelling? Dan Martin (Writer, Star Trek: Resurgence) joins us to reveal how Telltale-style branching narratives are built and why Riker makes the perfect Captain.

In this episode of Continuing Conversations, Michael and Jim sit down with Dan Martin to discuss the challenges of writing for a beloved IP like Star Trek. Dan breaks down the "Ludo-narrative dissonance" in game design, shares stories from the Resurgence writer's room, and explains why Spock, Kirk, and McCoy are the ultimate model for video game choices.

[Key Topics]
00:00 - Intro: Writing for the 24th Century
04:15 - Why Riker should have been a Commodore hunting the Borg
08:30 - The secret to Spock’s voice: It’s an East Boston accent?
13:45 - How "Beany" tools manage thousands of script pages
23:10 - Ludo-Narrative Dissonance: When story fights gameplay
26:00 - AI in creative writing: Why Dan isn’t worried

[Links & Resources]
Dan Martin: DanMartinMedia.com
Michael Dismuke: MichaelDismuke.com

#StarTrek #StarTrekResurgence #GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #StarTrekAdventures #SciFiWriting

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Jim and Michael are joined by the writers behind the Star Trek Adventures: Species Sourcebook to talk deep Trek lore, game design, and how to bring the galaxy’s many cultures to life at your table.

Al Spader, Nathan Dowdell, Rachael Cruz, and Stephen Near gather to discuss designing iconic species, expanding player options, and giving GMs new tools to add depth, flavor, and IDIC to their campaigns.

If you’ve ever wanted your Star Trek Adventures game to feel richer, stranger, and more authentically Trek — this episode is for you.

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Jim Johnson is back in the co-pilot seat this week alongside Michael Dismuke to interview best-selling romance author Alys Murray.

Alys has made a name for herself writing "sweet" romance novels that capture the cozy, heartwarming feel of a Hallmark movie—but with her latest work, she is adding a magical twist. In this episode, the trio discusses the enduring appeal of the "small town" trope, why readers crave happy endings in chaotic times, and Alys's shift into the paranormal rom-com genre with her new book, Small Town, Big Magic.

They also dive into her writing process, her roots in fanfiction, and the specific "beats" that make a romance novel work.

Topics Discussed:
The definition of "Sweet Romance" vs. other sub-genres.
The Magnolia Sisters series and building fictional flower shop empires.
Transitioning to "Witchy" Rom-Coms with Small Town, Big Magic.
The "Hallmark Movie" formula and why it works.
Pantsing vs. Plotting: How Alys writes three books a year.
The influence of fanfiction on modern publishing.

Guest Info: Alys Murray is an author of romantic comedies and sweet romance novels, known for The Magnolia Sisters series and Small Town, Big Magic. She combines her love for food, travel, and happy endings into stories that feel like a warm hug.

Time Chapters
00:00 - Intro: Jim & Michael are back together 
01:45 - Meet Author Alys Murray 
04:15 - What is "Sweet Romance"? 
07:30 - The Appeal of the "Small Town" Trope 
1:20 - Discussing "The Magnolia Sisters" 
15:40 - "Small Town, Big Magic": A Witchy Pivot 
20:10 - The Writing Process: Beating the Block 
24:50 - Fanfiction Roots & Community 
29:00 - Upcoming Projects & Outro

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