In this exciting episode of The Uncommon Place, hosts Stacey and J.R. Sparrow sit down with Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey, the dynamic duo behind the Enigma Series of techno-thrillers. What began as a career in technical writing has now evolved into an action-packed literary journey filled with cyber threats, high-stakes drama, and, yes, a touch of humor.

The conversation dives into how two tech professionals transitioned from creating manuals and reports to crafting page-turning thrillers. They share their creative process, the balance of writing as a team, and how they inject humor into the intense world of tech thrillers. Plus, they talk about real-world technology like AI and cryptocurrency—and how fiction can sometimes predict the future.

Whether you're a budding writer or simply a fan of gripping, tech-driven narratives, this episode offers unique insights into the intersection of technology and storytelling.

Key Topics:

 * The transition from tech writing to fiction: How they shifted from technical reports to crafting the Enigma Series.
 * The Enigma Series: The origins and themes of their books, including identity theft and cyber threats.
 * The creative process: How they divide characters, scenes, and plotlines.
 * Injecting humor into a techno-thriller: How a bit of comic relief adds depth to their otherwise high-tension stories.
 * Real-world tech and its impact on fiction: From AI to cryptocurrency, how Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey
 * incorporate real-life threats into their thrillers.
 * Resolving creative conflicts: How they handle disagreements in their writing process, with a surprising twist!

Resources Mentioned:

 * Enigma Series (available on Amazon and major retailers)
 * Charles and Roxburgh’s website: www.enigmaseries.com





Tech to Thrills: A Conversation with Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey on Writing Tech Thrillers

"Fantasy isn't just fiction—it’s transformation." In this deeply layered episode, J.R. steps inside the world of award-winning author Tricia Copeland, whose creative journey began with personal healing and grew into an epic fantasy universe. From her first YA series about battling anorexia to the magical depths of The Realm Chronicles, Tricia shares how writing became both refuge and revolution.

🚨 Episode Highlights:
🔹 How a classic like Rikki-Tikki-Tavi helped frame identity, trauma, and healing
🔹 The personal roots behind Tricia’s debut series Being Me
🔹 Inside the fantasy world of The Realm Chronicles—queens, crowns, and a fey realm beneath our feet
🔹 The real impact of reviews, rejection, and emotional recovery for authors
🔹 Tips for aspiring writers battling self-doubt, and how to use writing as transformation
🔹 Why Tricia’s fairies fly against tradition (literally and figuratively)

💬 “Writing isn’t just creation. It’s catharsis. And sometimes, it’s closure.”

Whether you’re a reader, writer, or simply navigating your own arc of self-worth, this episode reminds you that the stories we tell can shape the people we become.

🛒 Explore Tricia’s Worlds:
📚 Visit her website: https://triciacopeland.com
🎁 Grab 2 free short stories when you join her newsletter
📖 Available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, Paperback, and Audiobook
🔎 Look for The Realm Chronicles & Being Me series
🦋 Romance fans? Search her pen name: Maria Jane

📌 BONUS TIP:
Buy her books, then take the ISBN to your state capital library. Help immortalize her work in every county of your state—a legacy worth spreading.

🔗 Connect with Tricia:
YouTube | Amazon Author Page | Social Media (links in show notes)
🎤 And don’t forget: authors live for reviews. Leave one if her work moved you.

#AuthorInterview #FantasyBooks #WritingCommunity #TriciaCopeland #Podcast #BookLovers #SelfHealing #FeyRealm #WritingTips #WVUnCommonPlace #ArthurCircle #Audiobooks #KindleUnlimited



Into the Realm – Healing, Fantasy & Identity with Author Tricia Copeland

In this moving and insightful episode, J.R. sits down with author Tong Ge as part of the Author’s Circle series to explore her debut novel The House Fiddler. Born and raised in China, Tong shares the incredible true story that inspired her book—based on her grandmother’s harrowing and courageous life spanning war, political upheaval, and bound-foot oppression in early 20th-century China.

💡 What You’ll Hear:

 * Tong’s deeply personal immigration story, including persecution and systemic oppression in 1980s China

 * The challenges of transitioning from a degree in Agricultural Economics to writing historical fiction in English

 * Why she wrote The House Fiddler and how it became part of a larger trilogy capturing three generations of Chinese women

 * A rare perspective on the Second Sino-Japanese War and cultural dynamics rarely covered in Western historical fiction

 * The meaning behind the term “House Fiddler” and how Chinese women who married widowers were viewed

 * The freedoms we take for granted in the West—and how simple digital access can be revolutionary

 * Advice for authors navigating long creative journeys and writing across languages and cultures

📘 The House Fiddler is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indigo, Walmart, and more. Visit www.toge.ca [http://www.toge.ca/] for more about Tong Ge and her upcoming work.

📝 Show Notes Bonus: Want to support the book further? Request it at your state’s Capitol library using the ISBN. Get it into the hands of more readers.

🔗 Follow WV Uncommonplace on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, Tumblr, and LinkedIn. Check out our merch store and subscribe to our email list at wvuncommonplace.com [http://wvuncommonplace.com/].

Author’s Circle – Tong Ge and the Power of Resilience in The House Fiddler

🎙 Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt episode of WV Uncommonplace, JR and Stacey sit down with nurse, author, and advocate T.L. McCoy, whose new middle-grade novel Delilah Versus the Ghastly Grimm is already making waves on Amazon and beyond. What begins as a conversation about storytelling unfolds into an emotional and inspiring discussion about advocacy, inclusion, and legacy.

From her early experiences helping others as a fourth-grader to her journey as a nurse and now a published author, McCoy shares how her granddaughter's diagnosis of Dravet Syndrome shaped her mission to write stories that empower children with disabilities. We explore the emotional weight of writing for those you love, the challenges of authentic representation in publishing, and the immense pressure of launching a self-published book through her own imprint, Blue Round Book Group.

📚 Key Topics Covered:

 * The inspiration behind Delilah Versus the Ghastly Grimm

 * Why representation of disabled protagonists in children’s literature matters

 * The emotional and therapeutic process of writing a meaningful book

 * Creating authentic characters and balancing fantasy with real-world challenges

 * The pressures of indie publishing and the grind of book marketing

 * The role of depression and affirmation in a creative's daily life

 * What legacy truly means for an author and a grandmother

🧠 Notable Quotes:

“What others consider a weakness is actually Delilah’s strength.” – T.L. McCoy
“Being selfless isn’t about perfection—it’s about purpose.” – JR, WV Uncommonplace
“Kindness can change someone’s day, and sometimes… their whole world.” – T.L. McCoy

🎧 Where to Find the Guest:
📍 Website: https://www.blueroundbookgroup.com
📘 Book: Delilah Versus the Ghastly Grimm available on Amazon and IngramSpark
🎧 Audiobook coming soon!

✨ Final Thoughts:
This episode is a shining example of how personal experiences can fuel universal stories. Whether you're a caregiver, an aspiring author, or someone walking the fine line between advocacy and burnout, this conversation is a reminder that your story matters—and sharing it can be one of the most powerful things you’ll ever do.

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review WV Uncommonplace on your favorite podcast platform!
📲 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X @wvuncommonplace for behind-the-scenes content and more great guest stories.

#DelilahVersusTheGhastlyGrimm #DisabilityRepresentation #TLMcCoy #ChildrensBooksMatter #FantasyWithPurpose #AuthorSpotlight #SelfPublishingJourney #WVUncommonplace #Podcast #GoListen #ApplePodcast #Spotify



"Delilah’s Door: Advocacy, Fantasy, and the Legacy of T.L. McCoy"

In this episode of WV Uncommonplace Interviews and Sessions, host JR Sparrow sits down with the legendary Annie Korzen—an 86-year-old TikTok sensation, actress, writer, and storyteller. Best known for her role as Doris Klompus on Seinfeld, Annie has seamlessly transitioned into the digital age, captivating millions with her wit and wisdom.

💡 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

 * Annie’s incredible journey from Hollywood to becoming an accidental influenceron TikTok
 * Her book The Book of Annie: Humor, Heart, and Chutzpah from an Accidental Influencer and what inspired it
 * The secret to staying relevant and embracing new platforms at any age
 * Her experiences performing solo shows across three continents
 * What it was like being interviewed by Oprah Winfrey, Tavis Smiley, and Dr. Phil
 * Her storytelling journey with The Moth and why humor is a powerful tool in life

🔗 Listen Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms!

📢 Follow Annie Korzen:
🌎 Website: www.TheMoth.org [http://www.themoth.org/]
📱 TikTok: @AnnieKorzen

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode!

#AnnieKorzen #Seinfeld #TikTokSensation #Humor #TheMoth #Storytelling #WVUncommonplace #Podcast #Spotify #ApplePodcast #ReviewPodcast

Annie Korzen – From Seinfeld to TikTok Stardom

🔊 Episode Summary:

This isn’t your average microphone scratch and preach. In this solo episode, Jr gets real — raw, reflective, and honest — about turning 40 and what the past year has taught him about creativity, community, and content creation. From personal evolution to building with purpose, Jr unpacks why true engagement matters more than viral numbers, and how community—not strategy alone—is what drives influence and longevity in the digital space.



He also shares behind-the-scenes insights into how injury led to unexpected opportunity, why Reddit is a goldmine for connection, and how embracing his own lifestyle and identity — from projectors to Krusty Crocs — became part of his brand-building DNA.



If you’re a content creator, podcaster, or aspiring influencer drowning in courses, eBooks, and guru advice, this one’s for you.



⸻



💥 Topics Covered:

• What turning 40 taught Jr about patience, peace, and purpose

• The real value of engagement over vanity metrics

• Building your brand while staying invisible (and why that’s okay)

• How an injury led to a TikTok breakthrough

• The underrated power of Reddit for listener migration

• Why viral doesn’t equal sustainable

• Making room for your partner in content — even with anxiety

• Real questions to ask coaches and content “experts” before giving them your money

• Lifestyle influencing without the performance

• Encouraging podcast play on unexpected platforms (like PlayStation)

• What “finishing the story” really means in love and life



⸻



🔥 Key Quote:

“You can’t build anything without engagement. Not fake engagement. Real conversations, real people, real impact.”



⸻



🛠️ Resources & Mentions:

• Reddit: r/projectors, r/podcasting, etc.

• TikTok Growth Communities

• Stacey’s hit episode on Whitney Houston

• Bitmoji avatars used for Sparrow’s Under Review

• Listener migration tips available on Fridays

• Jr’s $20 audit sessions (DM to book)



What Did I Miss? Engagement Is the Currency: A 40-Year-Old Creative’s Truth

Episode Summary:

In this episode of WV Uncommonplace Interviews and Sessions, host JR Sparrow sits down with Helene Gidley, the mastermind behind The Art of Agile Living and founder of A2Agile Inc. With 40 years of experience in project management and coaching, Helene shares how she transformed IT industry methodologies into a powerful system for personal productivity and success.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, professional, or just looking for better ways to manage your daily tasks, Helene’s insights on Agile techniques will change the way you approach organization and efficiency.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How Agile project management techniques can help organize your life
✅ The Art of Agile Living and how it simplifies personal and professional tasks
✅ Practical strategies for tackling overwhelming to-do lists
✅ The connection between focus, order, and motivation
✅ How to implement Agile principles into your daily routine

Connect with Helene Gidley:

🌐 Website: A2Agile.com [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2371421/episodes#]
📖 Workshops & Speaking Engagements: Link [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2371421/episodes#]

Listen & Subscribe:



💬 Loved this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful interviews!

#WVUncommonplace #Podcast #Spotify #ApplePodcast #ReviewPodcast #ProductivityHacks #TimeManagement #AgileLiving #SuccessMindset

Mastering Productivity with Agile Living – Featuring Helene Gidley

In this eye-opening episode of WV Uncommonplace Interviews and Sessions, JR Sparrow sits down with Vic Lagina, the author of the brutally honest memoir Filthy! The Rise and (Pending) Death of Vic Lagina. Vic takes us on a raw, unfiltered journey through his 20-year career in the adult entertainment industry, where he worked for the world’s largest company (Mansef/Manwin/Mindgeek).

Vic opens up about why he left the industry, his decision to write his memoir, and the process of reflecting on his unconventional life. He shares the highs, lows, and the surprising irony that his memoir has been nominated for the 2025 AVN Mainstream Endeavor of the Year award.

Listen as Vic discusses the importance of being real, unfiltered, and unapologetically himself, both in his writing and his life. Whether you’re familiar with his past or hearing his story for the first time, this episode offers a unique perspective on redemption, truth-telling, and navigating one’s own narrative.

Key Discussion Points:

 * Vic's 20 years in the adult entertainment industry
 * The decision to "nuke" the bridge to his past and step away from the industry
 * Writing Filthy! and the 8.5-year journey it took to complete
 * The irony of his book being nominated for the 2025 AVN Mainstream Endeavor of the Year award
 * Being unfiltered: Why it’s important to share your truth
 * Insights from Vic’s appearances on various podcasts and media outlets

Subscribe and listen on:

 * Spotify
 * Apple Podcasts
 * [Other podcast platforms]

Social Media:

 * Follow Vic Lagina on [Instagram/Twitter/Other handles]
 * For more info about Vic and Filthy!, visit [Vic’s website or purchase the book]

Hashtags:
#VicLagina #FilthyBook #Memoir #AdultEntertainment #AuthorLife #UnfilteredTruth #WVUncommonplace #Podcast #Spotify #ApplePodcasts #ReviewPodcast

Behind the Pages of Filthy! with Vic Lagina

Episode Description:
In this empowering episode of WV Uncommonplace Interviews and Sessions, JR Sparrow is joined by Betsy Pepine, a best-selling author and serial entrepreneur in the real estate industry. Betsy is the powerhouse behind Pepine Realty, a brokerage that has been featured on Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. and consistently recognized by the Wall Street Journal as a top-producing real estate team.

Betsy opens up about her journey to success, discussing her best-selling book Breaking Boxes: Dismantling the Metaphorical Boxes that Bind Us, where she shares insights on breaking through the limitations we impose on ourselves. She also talks about the importance of mentorship, her mission to help families in need through Pepine Gives, and how she’s built a thriving business empire with a heart for giving back.

In addition to her real estate ventures, Betsy is passionate about supporting at-risk families, which led her to create Pepine Gives, a non-profit organization dedicated to housing stability for those in need.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

 * How Betsy’s book Breaking Boxes inspired a new way of thinking and living free of self-imposed limitations.
 * The keys to success in real estate and entrepreneurship and how Betsy built a national powerhouse.
 * Why mentorship has played a critical role in Betsy’s journey, and how she’s paying it forward.
 * The story behind Pepine Gives and Betsy’s commitment to helping families in crisis.
 * Insights on balancing career, family, and philanthropy in a demanding industry.

Where to Listen:
Don’t miss this incredible conversation! Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Follow Betsy Pepine:

 * Website: betsypepine.com [https://betsypepine.com/]
 * Instagram: @betsypepine [https://www.instagram.com/betsypepine]

Connect with WV Uncommonplace:
Follow the show for more inspiring conversations with remarkable guests.

#WVUncommonplace #BetsyPepine #BreakingBoxes #RealEstate #Entrepreneurship #Philanthropy #Podcast #Spotify #ApplePodcast #ReviewPodcast

"Breaking Boxes and Building Empires: A Conversation with Betsy Pepine"

This podcast is a variety podcast that houses numerous series to cover mental health, empowerment , podcast framework , and various intimate series to get to know the hosts . Along with occasional movies reviews and dives in pop culture with our Event podcast episodes ... The Uncommonplace digs into bringing guests on that stories don't fit the mold and are very different .. WV stands for the great state of WV and every quarter we cover something in WV ....

WV Uncommon Place