Continuing Conversations: Sci-Fi Storytelling & Star Trek Adventures

In this episode of Continuing Conversations, we sit down with acclaimed cartoonist and animation director Derek Kirk Kim to explore a creative journey that moves seamlessly between indie comics and major animated series. From his Eisner and Harvey Award-winning work on Same Difference and Other Stories to his time directing on Amphibia, Derek shares how his approach to storytelling has evolved while staying rooted in deeply human moments.

We dive into his early childhood memories—including a surprise reunion with host Michael Dismuke from their 4th-grade days—and discuss how his experience as an immigrant influenced his connection to characters like Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation. Whether you are an aspiring artist or a fan of visual storytelling, this conversation uncovers what it really means to grow as a creator without losing your voice.

GET YOUR DEREK KIRK KIM BOOKS FROM ADVENTURE INK!
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Chapters/Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Continuing Conversations
01:13 – Meet Derek Kirk Kim: Cartoonist, Animator, and Director
02:14 – A 4th Grade Reunion: Michael and Derek’s Shared History
03:38 – Coming to America: Early Memories and Language Barriers
06:50 – Star Trek Resonance: Why Data Matters to Derek
08:43 – Host Favorites: Seven of Nine and Benjamin Sisko
10:55 – Exploring Deep Space Nine and the Growth of the Franchise

CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS:

Michael Dismuke: Freelance writer for Star Trek Adventures RPG. Visit him at MichaelDismuke.com.

Jim Johnson: Project manager for Star Trek Adventures and Fallout RPGs at Modiphius.

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF STAR TREK TIMELINES TODAY https://adventureink.xyz/item/hB2UM6Mk2YEpRS8_RBqmkg

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Unlock the Secrets of Global Storytelling with Author Nova McBee! 

How do you turn real-world adventures into an international bestselling series? In this episode of Continuing Conversations, we sit down with Nova McBee, the powerhouse author and screenwriter behind the hit young adult thriller series, Calculated.

Drawing from over 20 years of living in China, Asia, and the Middle East, Nova reveals how her cross-cultural life shaped her "oak tree" stories—books designed to last for generations. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a Star Trek fan, or curious about the future of media, this interview is packed with actionable insights on the publishing industry and the creative process.
In this episode, we dive into:
    • The "Calculated" Journey: Nova shares the 13-year path of bringing her math-prodigy thriller to life and the news about the upcoming film adaptation.
    • The Future of Entertainment: As the CCO of Y Plus X Entertainment, Nova explains the $15 billion vertical film industry and why storytelling for mobile phones is the next big frontier.
    • Writing for Crossover Audiences: How she intentionally crafts stories that resonate with everyone from 12-year-olds to 80-year-old book clubs and a massive male demographic.
    • The "Contender" Mindset: Why Nova spent years perfecting her craft and studying the publishing business before ever trying to get published.
    • Star Trek Inspiration: How the partnership of Kirk and Spock influenced her views on cross-cultural collaboration and massive adventure.

ABOUT OUR GUEST
Nova McBee is a multi-talented author, screenwriter, and Chief Creative Officer. Her Calculated series is described as The Count of Monte Cristo meets Mission Impossible, featuring math prodigies, international smugglers, and high-stakes redemption.

ORDER NOVA MCBEE'S BOOKS FROM ADVENTURE INK https://adventureink.xyz/browse/filter/t/%20Nova%20McBee/k/keyword

CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS:
    • Michael Dismuke: Freelance writer for Star Trek Adventures RPG. Visit him at MichaelDismuke.com.
    • Jim Johnson: Project manager for Star Trek Adventures and Fallout RPGs at Modiphius.

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF STAR TREK TIMELINES TODAY
https://adventureink.xyz/item/hB2UM6Mk2YEpRS8_RBqmkg

FIND MORE FROM STUDIO TEMBO
https://linktr.ee/StudioTembo

CHAPTERS
00:00 – Intro: Infinite Stories and Infinite Combinations   
02:00 – Star Trek Roots: Kirk, Spock, and the Pioneer Spirit   
04:30 – Behind the Scenes: Chief Creative Officer at Y Plus X Entertainment   
05:55 – The Rise of Vertical Film: A $15 Billion Industry   
08:50 – Writing "Oak Tree" Stories vs. "Flower" Stories   
09:40 – The Calculated Series: Mission Impossible meets Count of Monte Cristo   
11:50 – International Living as a Foundation for Authentic YA   
13:30 – Becoming a "Contender": Perfecting the Craft and the Business

#NovaMcBee #CalculatedSeries #WritingCommunity #VerticalFilm #AuthorInterview #StarTrekFans #YAFiction #PublishingTips #Screenwriting #ContinuingConversations

The definitive Star Trek history is finally here! Join the "Trekstorians"—Derek Tyler Attico, Kelli Fitzpatrick, Jim Johnson, and Michael Dismuke—for an exclusive look at the groundbreaking new release from DK Books: Star Trek Timelines. Launching November 3, 2026, for the Star Trek 60th Anniversary, this 336-page hardcover masterwork charts the entire franchise history from the Big Bang to the end of the universe. We’re diving into the Prime Universe, the Mirror Universe, the Kelvin Timeline, and even the "Year of Hell." Plus, we show you exactly how to use this book to level up your Star Trek Adventures RPG campaigns!

In this episode, we explore:

The Breadth of Trek: Covering everything from The Original Series to Strange New Worlds and Starfleet Academy.

Character Evolutions: Deep dives into Michael Burnham, Jean-Luc Picard, and more.

Alternate Realities: Navigating the complex timelines of the Multiverse.

RPG Integration: How to use these 336 pages of lore for worldbuilding in Star Trek Adventures.

Pre-order Star Trek Timelines here: Shop Adventure Ink

Studio Tembo

0:00 The Big Announcement: Star Trek Timelines
02:30 Meet the Trekstorians: Writing the Lore
05:45 Inside the 336-Page Hardcover from DK Books
10:20 From TOS to Starfleet Academy: What’s Included?
15:10 The Mirror Universe & Kelvin Timelines
20:45 Level Up Your Star Trek Adventures RPG Games
25:30 Release Date & Pre-Order Details

Dr. Una McCormack is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling science fiction author known for bringing depth, politics, and humanity to some of the genre’s most beloved universes. With more than twenty novels, she has written acclaimed stories for Star Trek, Doctor Who, and Firefly, including Star Trek: Picard – The Last Best Hope and the autobiographies of Spock and Kathryn Janeway. 

An academic with a PhD in sociology and a longtime lecturer in creative writing, Una blends rigorous thought with compelling storytelling, exploring themes of identity, power, and culture within science fiction worlds. 

Her work has earned numerous award nominations and widespread praise from fans and critics alike, making her one of the most respected voices writing in modern science fiction tie-in fiction today. 

On this episode, we talk with Una about the craft of writing in iconic universes, what makes Star Trek such fertile ground for storytelling, and how great science fiction can illuminate the world we live in.

https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Two writers. Two vantage points. One honest conversation about breaking into science fiction. In this episode, Jim and I sit down with Candace Kade, an experienced voice in the field, and Kyra Walters, a new writer navigating the path to publication. Together, we dig into flash sci-fi, storytelling craft, and the real questions every writer asks when starting out—cutting through the noise with candid insights, practical advice, and a few Star Trek detours along the way.