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Brick Cave Media publishes and promotes sci-fi, fantasy and poetry. This is our story as told by some of our Authors.
Episodes
8 hours ago
8 hours ago
Part 4 concludes this special Brick Cave Media Podcast conversation with hosts Sharon Skinner and Bruce Davislooking ahead to future writing projects, author events, and community appearances.
Bruce shares updates on his current work-in-progress, Windfall Profit, discussing how darker noir influences have shaped the story and hinting at major developments for several familiar characters. He also talks about contributing short stories for Brick Cave Media's 20th Anniversary celebration and the challenge of balancing deadlines with new creative ideas.
Sharon discusses her own writing progress following a productive trip to Prescott Valley and reflects on the value of dedicated writing time for moving projects forward.
The hosts also preview several upcoming events, including:
- Books & Barbecue at Bookmaze
- The Mall Crawl Book Fair
- Worldcon 2026 in Anaheim, California
- Bruce's anticipated "Murder and Mayhem" presentation
- Library Writer-in-Residence opportunities
- Future educational workshops for writers and readers
A discussion of Bruce's popular crime, science, and investigative presentations highlights the value of real-world expertise in helping authors create believable stories. Sharon shares how lessons from one of Bruce's recent presentations directly helped her provide stronger editorial feedback to a writer she was coaching.
The episode wraps up with a look toward future creative projects, including possible new stories in the Magic Law universe, the challenges of writing magical children and twins, and the continued growth of Brick Cave Media's literary community.
Key Topics
- Windfall Profit
- Writing Process
- Short Story Writing
- Brick Cave 20th Anniversary
- Worldcon 2026
- Books & Barbecue
- Mall Crawl Book Fair
- Writer in Residence Programs
- Author Events
- Writing Workshops
- Crime and Forensics Research
- Independent Publishing
About Sharon Skinner
Sharon Skinner is the author of numerous books and a number of short stories, including the Tavara Tinker Series. Her most recent title, The Exile's Gift, is available now from Brick Cave Media. She is online at https://sharonskinner.com or https://bookcoachingbysharon.com
About Bruce Davis
Bruce Davis is the author of many books and several short pieces of fiction. He writes science fiction, fantasy and non fiction. His most recent title, Silver Magic, is currently available from Brick Cave Media. He is online at https://brucecdavis.com
About Brick Cave Media®
Brick Cave Media is a 21st century book publisher blending traditional publishing acumen with tried and true relationship building to create books that are professionally crafted, fun to read, and impactful to our communities.
Books and stories are available online at https://brickcave.media
The Brick Cave Membership Community is called the BC Book Club, and you can join at http://bcbookclub.com.
Promotional Links
Links to books referenced in the Podcast may provide commissions to Brick Cave Media. So if you hear about a book, and want to support the podcast, buy it via the enclosed links.
Tuesday Jun 09, 2026
Tuesday Jun 09, 2026
The Brick Cave Reading Challenge continues as hosts Sharon Skinner and Bruce Davis trade book recommendations and discuss what they've been reading lately.
Sharon reflects on several recent reads, including the middle-grade historical novel Where Only Storms Grow, which explores life during the Dust Bowl through the eyes of twins navigating both personal and environmental challenges. She also discusses Sisters in the Wind, a mystery steeped in Native culture that expands on characters and themes introduced in Firekeeper's Daughter.
The hosts then issue a new Reading Challenge:
- Bruce recommends Snake Eater, a contemporary fantasy rooted in Arizona landscapes, Native mythology, and personal growth.
- Sharon recommends Shallow Graves by Richard "Ray" Fysh, a nonfiction exploration of forensic investigations and major criminal cases in the United Kingdom.
Bruce also shares his experience reading The King's Pleasure, a deep dive into the court of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. The discussion explores Tudor politics, the evolution of state government, royal extravagance, and modern theories about Henry VIII's physical and psychological decline.
The episode concludes with a conversation about children's literature, including the wordless picture book trilogy Journey, Quest, and Return, as well as the humorous Bruce the Bear books, before turning toward summer reading plans and Hugo Award nominees.
Key Topics
- Brick Cave Reading Challenge
- T. Kingfisher
- Snake Eater
- Historical Nonfiction
- Forensic Science
- Tudor England
- Henry VIII
- Hugo Award Nominees
- Children's Literature
- Picture Books
- Summer Reading
- Book Recommendations
About Sharon Skinner
Sharon Skinner is the author of numerous books and a number of short stories, including the Tavara Tinker Series. Her most recent title, The Exile's Gift, is available now from Brick Cave Media. She is online at https://sharonskinner.com or https://bookcoachingbysharon.com
About Bruce Davis
Bruce Davis is the author of many books and several short pieces of fiction. He writes science fiction, fantasy and non fiction. His most recent title, Silver Magic, is currently available from Brick Cave Media. He is online at https://brucecdavis.com
About Brick Cave Media®
Brick Cave Media is a 21st century book publisher blending traditional publishing acumen with tried and true relationship building to create books that are professionally crafted, fun to read, and impactful to our communities.
Books and stories are available online at https://brickcave.media
The Brick Cave Membership Community is called the BC Book Club, and you can join at http://bcbookclub.com.
Promotional Links
Links to books referenced in the Podcast may provide commissions to Brick Cave Media. So if you hear about a book, and want to support the podcast, buy it via the enclosed links.
Tuesday Jun 02, 2026
Tuesday Jun 02, 2026
The Brick Cave Reading Challenge continues as hosts Sharon Skinner and Bruce Davis take a deeper look at several recent reads and award nominees.
The conversation begins with a return to The Wizard's Butler and its sequel, discussing why quiet, character-driven fantasy can be just as compelling as epic world-saving adventures. The hosts reflect on Nathan Lowell's storytelling style, relatable protagonists, and the appeal of personal-stakes narratives.
Bruce then reviews Shroud, a hard science fiction survival story set on a hostile moon where communication, biology, and intelligence function in radically different ways. The discussion covers corporate dystopias, extreme environments, alien hive minds, and the challenges of first contact.
Sharon shares her thoughts on The Dragonfly Gambit, examining complex characters whose motivations remain compelling even when they are not traditionally likable. She also discusses Where Only Storms Grow, a middle-grade historical novel set during the Dust Bowl that explores the experiences of families who chose to stay and endure one of America's most challenging eras.
Throughout the episode, the hosts compare reading experiences across fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction while continuing their journey through this year's award nominees and reading challenge selections.
Key Topics
- Brick Cave Reading Challenge
- Science Fiction Reviews
- Cozy Fantasy
- Hard Science Fiction
- Adrian Tchaikovsky
- Nathan Lowell
- Award-Nominated Books
- Alien First Contact Stories
- Historical Fiction
- Dust Bowl Literature
- Character-Driven Fiction
- Book Recommendations
About Sharon Skinner
Sharon Skinner is the author of numerous books and a number of short stories, including the Tavara Tinker Series. Her most recent title, The Exile's Gift, is available now from Brick Cave Media. She is online at https://sharonskinner.com or https://bookcoachingbysharon.com
About Bruce Davis
Bruce Davis is the author of many books and several short pieces of fiction. He writes science fiction, fantasy and non fiction. His most recent title, Silver Magic, is currently available from Brick Cave Media. He is online at https://brucecdavis.com
About Brick Cave Media®
Brick Cave Media is a 21st century book publisher blending traditional publishing acumen with tried and true relationship building to create books that are professionally crafted, fun to read, and impactful to our communities.
Books and stories are available online at https://brickcave.media
The Brick Cave Membership Community is called the BC Book Club, and you can join at http://bcbookclub.com.
Promotional Links
Links to books referenced in the Podcast may provide commissions to Brick Cave Media. So if you hear about a book, and want to support the podcast, buy it via the enclosed links.
Sunday May 31, 2026
Sunday May 31, 2026
In Part 1 of this four-part Brick Cave Media Podcast episode, hosts Sharon Skinner and Bruce Davis kick off a conversation about one of the biggest milestones in company history—Brick Cave Media's 20th anniversary.
Topics include:
- The upcoming Magic Law audiobook Kickstarter campaign
- Bringing narrator Nicholas Selker back for the remaining Magic Law novels
- The release of the long-awaited Call Me Creative interview series
- New hardback editions of Brick Cave books
- Welcoming poet Carol Edwards to the Brick Cave family
- Audiobook updates for The Last Incarnation and Blood From a Rose
- Anniversary celebrations and special events planned throughout the year
- The Brick Cave Reading Challenge
Sharon and Bruce also share their thoughts on two recent reading challenge selections:
- The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest
- The Wizard's Butler
Join the conversation as they explore character-driven storytelling, cozy fantasy, emotional stakes, and what makes these books memorable reads.
Key Topics
- Brick Cave Media 20th Anniversary
- Magic Law Audiobook Kickstarter
- Call Me Creative Series
- Audiobook Production
- Independent Publishing
- Reading Challenge
- Fantasy Books
- Cozy Fantasy
- Author Discussions
- Brick Cave Community
About Sharon Skinner
Sharon Skinner is the author of numerous books and a number of short stories, including the Tavara Tinker Series. Her most recent title, The Exile's Gift, is available now from Brick Cave Media. She is online at https://sharonskinner.com or https://bookcoachingbysharon.com
About Bruce Davis
Bruce Davis is the author of many books and several short pieces of fiction. He writes science fiction, fantasy and non fiction. His most recent title, Silver Magic, is currently available from Brick Cave Media. He is online at https://brucecdavis.com
About Brick Cave Media®
Brick Cave Media is a 21st century book publisher blending traditional publishing acumen with tried and true relationship building to create books that are professionally crafted, fun to read, and impactful to our communities.
Books and stories are available online at https://brickcave.media
The Brick Cave Membership Community is called the BC Book Club, and you can join at http://bcbookclub.com.
Promotional Links
Links to books referenced in the Podcast may provide commissions to Brick Cave Media. So if you hear about a book, and want to support the podcast, buy it via the enclosed links.
Tuesday May 05, 2026
Tuesday May 05, 2026
Welcome to The Brick Cave Podcast! In this episode, Sharon and Bruce dive into recent reads and personal writing journeys. They discuss the intriguing history of psychiatry and thoughts on a recommended book, share their enthusiasm for T. Kingfisher's Nine Goblins, and swap recommendations for future reads. The conversation shifts to their own works-in-progress, the challenges and rewards of writing sequels, and the creative possibilities of graphic novels. Whether you’re here for thoughtful book discussions or a peek behind the curtain at the writing process, this episode is packed with insight, laughter, and inspiration for readers and writers alike.
About Sharon Skinner
Sharon Skinner is the author of numerous books and a number of short stories, including the Tavara Tinker Series. Her most recent title, The Exile's Gift, is available now from Brick Cave Media. She is online at https://sharonskinner.com or https://bookcoachingbysharon.com
About Bruce Davis
Bruce Davis is the author of many books and several short pieces of fiction. He writes science fiction, fantasy and non fiction. His most recent title, Silver Magic, is currently available from Brick Cave Media. He is online at https://brucecdavis.com
About Brick Cave Media®
Brick Cave Media is a 21st century book publisher blending traditional publishing acumen with tried and true relationship building to create books that are professionally crafted, fun to read, and impactful to our communities.
Books and stories are available online at https://brickcave.media
The Brick Cave Membership Community is called the BC Book Club, and you can join at http://bcbookclub.com.
Promotional Links
Links to books referenced in the Podcast may provide commissions to Brick Cave Media. So if you hear about a book, and want to support the podcast, buy it via the enclosed links.
Tuesday Apr 28, 2026
Tuesday Apr 28, 2026
Welcome back to The Brick Cave Podcast! In this episode, "History Doesn't Repeat, But It Sure Does Rhyme, Part 2 of 3," Bruce and Sharon dive deep into how historical events echo into our present, beginning with reflections on the parallels between the fall of the Roman Empire and current events. The conversation soon shifts to recent books they've been reading, ranging from witty urban fantasy and magical realism to powerful memoirs about surviving the Holocaust.
Our hosts then fulfill their agreement from a previous episode: each reads a book recommended by the other. They discuss Kate Moore's The Woman Who Would Not Be Silenced, unraveling the true story of Elizabeth Parsons, a woman wrongfully imprisoned in a mental institution by her husband in pre-Civil War America. The conversation uncovers the injustice women faced at the time, explores the nuances of Moore's writing style, and examines how the story's personal and historical impact still resonates today.
Tune in as Bruce and Sharon debate historical context, literary style, and the enduring power of those who dare to speak out.
About Sharon Skinner
Sharon Skinner is the author of numerous books and a number of short stories, including the Tavara Tinker Series. Her most recent title, The Exile's Gift, is available now from Brick Cave Media. She is online at https://sharonskinner.com or https://bookcoachingbysharon.com
About Bruce Davis
Bruce Davis is the author of many books and several short pieces of fiction. He writes science fiction, fantasy and non fiction. His most recent title, Silver Magic, is currently available from Brick Cave Media. He is online at https://brucecdavis.com
About Brick Cave Media®
Brick Cave Media is a 21st century book publisher blending traditional publishing acumen with tried and true relationship building to create books that are professionally crafted, fun to read, and impactful to our communities.
Books and stories are available online at https://brickcave.media
The Brick Cave Membership Community is called the BC Book Club, and you can join at http://bcbookclub.com.
Promotional Links
Links to books referenced in the Podcast may provide commissions to Brick Cave Media. So if you hear about a book, and want to support the podcast, buy it via the enclosed links.
Thursday Apr 23, 2026
Thursday Apr 23, 2026
Welcome to The Brick Cave Podcast! In this episode, Sharon Skinner, author of Blood from a Rose, is joined by Bruce Davis, author of Illumina Magic, for a lively discussion from the Brick Cave studio in Mesa. Fresh from her whirlwind trip to New York, Sharon Skinner shares stories about navigating winter weather, exploring the historic New York Public Library, and attending the SCBWI conference, featuring insights from acclaimed authors and panels on book banning.
The conversation shifts to upcoming literary events, with Bruce Davis preparing for a workshop on point of view and both speakers discussing their participation in the Tucson Festival of Books and the Arizona Renaissance Festival. Alongside event previews, the episode delves into their recent reading adventures—from the joys and pitfalls of detective fiction to a deep dive into Roman history and the impact of silver on the rise and fall of empires.
Join Sharon Skinner and Bruce Davis as they blend personal anecdotes, bookish wisdom, and a glimpse into life as Brick Cave authors.
About Sharon Skinner
Sharon Skinner is the author of numerous books and a number of short stories, including the Tavara Tinker Series. Her most recent title, The Exile's Gift, is available now from Brick Cave Media. She is online at https://sharonskinner.com or https://bookcoachingbysharon.com
About Bruce Davis
Bruce Davis is the author of many books and several short pieces of fiction. He writes science fiction, fantasy and non fiction. His most recent title, Silver Magic, is currently available from Brick Cave Media. He is online at https://brucecdavis.com
About Brick Cave Media®
Brick Cave Media is a 21st century book publisher blending traditional publishing acumen with tried and true relationship building to create books that are professionally crafted, fun to read, and impactful to our communities.
Books and stories are available online at https://brickcave.media
The Brick Cave Membership Community is called the BC Book Club, and you can join at http://bcbookclub.com.
Promotional Links
Links to books referenced in the Podcast may provide commissions to Brick Cave Media. So if you hear about a book, and want to support the podcast, buy it via the enclosed links.
Thursday Apr 09, 2026
Thursday Apr 09, 2026
Bob journeys BACK from the abyss for this episode. Truth in advertising, this was mean to be a simultaneous audio/video recording, but the video croaked, so it is a vlog episode masquerading as a podcast.
But wait, there's more (mentioned in this episode):
The April 2026 Kindle giveaway for copies of The Strange Account of Charlie Wendigo by Matthew E Kline. Enter here before April 30, 2026:
https://brickcaveclick.com/ife0l1
It's National Poetry Month. Get the books Bob Mentions!
Black Night is Falling by Scott Woods:
https://brickcaveclick.com/99i8lul
Body. Voice. Mind. Mouth. by Louise Robertson:
https://brickcaveclick.com/6vv1kyv
Corporate Boiler Plate Vinegar by Patrick Hare:
https://brickcaveclick.com/6hkm8g
In Case You Didn't Hear Me The First Time by Sharon Skinner:
https://brickcaveclick.com/8gw8oz7
Find Brick Cave out and about:
https://brickcave.media/index.php/events
About Brick Cave Media®
Brick Cave Media is a 21st century book publisher blending traditional publishing acumen with tried and true relationship building to create books that are professionally crafted, fun to read, and impactful to our communities.
Books and stories are available online at https://brickcave.media
The Brick Cave Membership Community is called the BC Book Club, and you can join at http://bcbookclub.com.
Promotional Links
Links to books referenced in the Podcast may provide commissions to Brick Cave Media. So if you hear about a book, and want to support the podcast, buy it via the enclosed links.
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
The final installment of the interview sees host Bob Nelson and Bruce Davis dive deep into the creative process, discussing everything from spiritual rehabilitation centers that inspire future novels, to the tension between technology and a return to simpler ways of living. This episode is packed with exciting updates on upcoming Brick Cave book releases, including new works from Bruce Davis, Joe Giunta, Kristi Bledsoe, Matt Klein, and Louise Robertson.
You'll hear Bob Nelson and Bruce Davis reflect on the challenges (and joys) of writing short stories versus novels, the editorial hustle behind the scenes, and some candid stories about their longtime collaborations and the vibrant Brick Cave community. Plus, they're gearing up for the Tucson Science Fiction Con and inviting readers to connect with them in person. Whether you're here for writing insights, book recommendations, or a peek behind the curtain at Brick Cave, this episode is full of the camaraderie and passion that make this creative family shine. Pull up a chair and join the conversation!
About Bruce Davis
Bruce Davis is the author of many books and several short pieces of fiction. He writes science fiction, fantasy and non fiction. His most recent title, Silver Magic, is currently available from Brick Cave Media. He is online at https://brucecdavis.com
Purchasing the Magic Law Series
The complete series, including the latest release, Aluminum Magic is available wherever books are sold:
Platinum Magic, book 1
Gold Magic, book 2
Silver Magic, book 3
Aluminum Magic, book 4
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org
#BrickCaveAuthors
#SpeculativeFiction
#BookLaunch2024
#WritingCommunity
#IndiePublishing
Monday Mar 02, 2026
Monday Mar 02, 2026
Host Bob Nelson sits down with author Bruce Davis for the latest installment of their thought-provoking sci-fi conversation. Together, they dive into the intrigue and philosophical dilemmas at the heart of Bruce's book, "The Quality of Mercy."
Get ready for a journey through a world where replica assassins carry the memories and burdens of their originals, and the line between man and machine is pushed to its breaking point. Bruce Davis unpacks the political pandemonium sparked by a dying king, a child heir, and a battle for power that will keep you guessing. Plus, religion, conscience, and what it means to have a soul take center stage, all set against a backdrop that's as much Elizabethan drama as it is futuristic adventure.
And if that’s not enough, Bob Nelson and Bruce Davis take a detour into new storytelling territory—generational ships, forgotten colonists, and a history-rich analogy to the Hawaiian Islands. If you love stories that blend action, philosophy, and layers of history, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Settle in as we unravel secrets, explore the consequences of memory, and take a look at the complex worldbuilding behind Bruce’s imaginative tales.
About Bruce Davis
Bruce Davis is the author of many books and several short pieces of fiction. He writes science fiction, fantasy and non fiction. His most recent title, Silver Magic, is currently available from Brick Cave Media. He is online at https://brucecdavis.com
Purchasing the Magic Law Series
The complete series, including the latest release, Aluminum Magic is available wherever books are sold:
Platinum Magic, book 1
Gold Magic, book 2
Silver Magic, book 3
Aluminum Magic, book 4
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org
#AIandIdentity
#PoliticalIntrigue
#SciFiEthics
#GenerationalShips
#HistoricalAnalogies