<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="/global/feed/rss.xslt" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" xmlns:podaccess="https://access.acast.com/schema/1.0/" xmlns:acast="https://schema.acast.com/1.0/">
    <channel>
		<ttl>60</ttl>
		<generator>acast.com</generator>
		<title>Relevant Fiction: Stories with a Conscience</title>
		<link>https://www.gkjurrens.com</link>
		<atom:link href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/64c48a3f0e1a7c0011890b3e" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/>
		<language>en</language>
		<copyright>UpLife Press</copyright>
		<itunes:keywords>adventure,societal issues,endangered wildlife,authors,undercover,cops,poaching,game warden,environment,law enforcement,GKJurrens,Lethal Game</itunes:keywords>
		<itunes:author>GK Jurrens</itunes:author>
		<itunes:subtitle>60-Second Series Introduction - Why Are We Here?</itunes:subtitle>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p><strong>Explore socially conscious authors who write fiction that’s relevant, thought-provoking <em>and</em> entertaining. </strong></p><br><p>I'll talk about the underlying story behind (inside) other novels, some of my own, and some from other authors - issues like alcoholism, handicaps (both physical and emotional), technology and its effects on society (both intended and unintended, good and bad), climate impacts, etc.</p><br><p><strong><em>Real issues affecting real people, but from within the comfortable cradle of kick-butt fiction. How cool is that!</em></strong></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Explore socially conscious authors who write fiction that’s relevant, thought-provoking <em>and</em> entertaining. </strong></p><br><p>I'll talk about the underlying story behind (inside) other novels, some of my own, and some from other authors - issues like alcoholism, handicaps (both physical and emotional), technology and its effects on society (both intended and unintended, good and bad), climate impacts, etc.</p><br><p><strong><em>Real issues affecting real people, but from within the comfortable cradle of kick-butt fiction. How cool is that!</em></strong></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
		<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
		<itunes:owner>
			<itunes:name>GK Jurrens</itunes:name>
			<itunes:email>gjurrens@yahoo.com</itunes:email>
		</itunes:owner>
		<acast:showId>64c48a3f0e1a7c0011890b3e</acast:showId>
		<acast:showUrl>relevant-fiction-stories-with-a-conscience</acast:showUrl>
		<acast:signature key="EXAMPLE" algorithm="aes-256-cbc"><![CDATA[wbG1Z7+6h9QOi+CR1Dv0uQ==]]></acast:signature>
		<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmTHg2/BXqPr07kkpFZ5JfhvEZqggcpunI6E1w81XpUaBscFc3skEQ0jWG4GCmQYJ66w6pH6P/aGd3DnpJN6h/CD4icd8kZVl4HZn12KicA2k]]></acast:settings>
        <acast:network id="64c48a3f0e1a7c0011890b45" slug="gk-jurrens"><![CDATA[GK Jurrens]]></acast:network>
		<itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/64c48a3f0e1a7c0011890b3e/1691755395990-24734eef2ba5a0c0376d2eaa30cff54a.jpeg"/>
			<image>
				<url>https://assets.pippa.io/shows/64c48a3f0e1a7c0011890b3e/1691755395990-24734eef2ba5a0c0376d2eaa30cff54a.jpeg</url>
				<link>https://www.gkjurrens.com</link>
				<title>Relevant Fiction: Stories with a Conscience</title>
			</image>
		<item>
			<title>Lethal Trail</title>
			<itunes:title>Lethal Trail</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2024 14:59:49 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>29:32</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/64c48a3f0e1a7c0011890b3e/e/66461ebcacd3640012173d81/media.mp3" length="42544691" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">66461ebcacd3640012173d81</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://www.gkjurrens.com</link>
			<acast:episodeId>66461ebcacd3640012173d81</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>64c48a3f0e1a7c0011890b3e</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>lethal-trail</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsXk2YIqpfo7gQ5DM4ORieibqFMaqwAMN4V6lL4GFZdJqZ4UA0QC/17y4OZp85kxYJ6QQtGN5xgd7epwJai0tbk+kClKcrSNYY2NF82PSK56qkjvaKq40ZpjYKtFQZLcWs]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>No Body Is Safe</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/64c48a3f0e1a7c0011890b3e/1715871530002-78b544ec051789cc8e100ec53adb052f.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<p>In this third episode, GK Jurrens and Lt, Tom Kasprzak (ret) discuss a</p><p>behind-the-scenes view of their latest book, <strong>LETHAL TRAIL, NO BODY</strong></p><p><strong>IS SAFE,</strong> their second in the Sam Travis Adventure series. Life or death</p><p>stakes, emotional and physical suspense offer you an entertaining tale</p><p>that subliminally explores yet another contemporary social issue all too</p><p>often encountered today.</p><p>• Gene &amp; Tom share true story insights <em>behind</em> their second new book together.</p><p>We’ll ask Tom to describe the essence of the real-life 1989 homicide,</p><p>sexual and physical abuse case that inspired this hair-raising</p><p>investigation.</p><p>• “LT” was Gene’s collaborator in the creation of this fast-moving tale.</p><p>• In future episodes of <strong>Relevant Fiction </strong>we’ll explore other stories based</p><p>on actual cases that Tom worked as a veteran law enforcement officer in</p><p>Western Massachusetts.</p><p>• Real issues affecting real people, but from within the comfortable cradle</p><p>of kick-ass fiction. How cool is that!</p><p>• Check out <strong><em>Facebook.com/RelevantFiction</em></strong> and consider joining that</p><p>community. Also, <strong><em>subscribe at GKJurrens.com.</em></strong></p><p>• Hosted by veteran author and blogger, Gene Jurrens.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p>In this third episode, GK Jurrens and Lt, Tom Kasprzak (ret) discuss a</p><p>behind-the-scenes view of their latest book, <strong>LETHAL TRAIL, NO BODY</strong></p><p><strong>IS SAFE,</strong> their second in the Sam Travis Adventure series. Life or death</p><p>stakes, emotional and physical suspense offer you an entertaining tale</p><p>that subliminally explores yet another contemporary social issue all too</p><p>often encountered today.</p><p>• Gene &amp; Tom share true story insights <em>behind</em> their second new book together.</p><p>We’ll ask Tom to describe the essence of the real-life 1989 homicide,</p><p>sexual and physical abuse case that inspired this hair-raising</p><p>investigation.</p><p>• “LT” was Gene’s collaborator in the creation of this fast-moving tale.</p><p>• In future episodes of <strong>Relevant Fiction </strong>we’ll explore other stories based</p><p>on actual cases that Tom worked as a veteran law enforcement officer in</p><p>Western Massachusetts.</p><p>• Real issues affecting real people, but from within the comfortable cradle</p><p>of kick-ass fiction. How cool is that!</p><p>• Check out <strong><em>Facebook.com/RelevantFiction</em></strong> and consider joining that</p><p>community. Also, <strong><em>subscribe at GKJurrens.com.</em></strong></p><p>• Hosted by veteran author and blogger, Gene Jurrens.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Sept. 11th 2.0</title>
			<itunes:title>Sept. 11th 2.0</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Sep 2023 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>23:16</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/64c48a3f0e1a7c0011890b3e/e/64fa64851e6de800117f88c9/media.mp3" length="27939004" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">64fa64851e6de800117f88c9</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>http://www.gkjurrens.com</link>
			<acast:episodeId>64fa64851e6de800117f88c9</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>64c48a3f0e1a7c0011890b3e</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>911-2</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsXk2YIqpfo7gQ5DM4ORieibqFMaqwAMN4V6lL4GFZdJoBQNsbpW6TOIlkKUx4lyojtEx9eS8k+DV56Xo2UCtqYSPXeQgj9Z93Zeky/ZLgp4tGsQM4rjLxfI0UBk+NsqG+]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>Dancing With Death</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/64c48a3f0e1a7c0011890b3e/1694266367006-788dc68e410341bb2e4fd5a3c4939bb8.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><br></p><p><strong>In this episode, on this inauspicious date from our country’s history, 9/11/01, we explore three relevant items of contemporary interest in a new mystery novel, “<em>“Dancing With Death: Who Will Die? Or Disappear?”</em></strong></p><p><br></p><ol><li>A fictional story element in this new novel released <em><u>today</u></em>, finds its climax occurring on the very symbolic date of <strong>September eleventh.</strong> The story revolves around preventing a plausible domestic nuclear terrorist attack.&nbsp;</li><li>This story also hints at the impact of <strong>artificial intelligence</strong> on fictional characters’ lives, including the rest of their world, and how that reflects in a profoundly relevant way what is happening right now in the real world we wake up to every morning.&nbsp;</li><li>I explore a real-world <strong>mental disability</strong> from within a likable villain’s mind in this new story. She leverages this “handicap” to become one of the most powerful women of her time.</li></ol><p><br></p><p><strong>We also answer a profound listener question from Episode 1. You won't want to miss this.</strong></p><p><br></p><ul><li>In future episodes of the <strong>Relevant Fiction</strong> podcast, we'll explore socially relevant issues underlying stories behind (inside) other novels, some of my own, and some from other authors; real issues that affect real people, but from within the comfortable cradle of kick-butt fiction.&nbsp;</li><li>Check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/relevantfiction/announcements" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/relevantfiction/announcements</a> and consider joining that community. Also, subscribe at <a href="https://gkjurrens.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://gkjurrens.com</a>.</li><li>Hosted by veteran author and writing coach, Gene Jurrens.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong><em>Remember, never forget. We ARE a sum total of our genetics and our past experiences. So let’s be careful out there, everyone, but let’s also make the most of the lives we have been granted and have made for ourselves.&nbsp;</em></strong></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p><br></p><p><strong>In this episode, on this inauspicious date from our country’s history, 9/11/01, we explore three relevant items of contemporary interest in a new mystery novel, “<em>“Dancing With Death: Who Will Die? Or Disappear?”</em></strong></p><p><br></p><ol><li>A fictional story element in this new novel released <em><u>today</u></em>, finds its climax occurring on the very symbolic date of <strong>September eleventh.</strong> The story revolves around preventing a plausible domestic nuclear terrorist attack.&nbsp;</li><li>This story also hints at the impact of <strong>artificial intelligence</strong> on fictional characters’ lives, including the rest of their world, and how that reflects in a profoundly relevant way what is happening right now in the real world we wake up to every morning.&nbsp;</li><li>I explore a real-world <strong>mental disability</strong> from within a likable villain’s mind in this new story. She leverages this “handicap” to become one of the most powerful women of her time.</li></ol><p><br></p><p><strong>We also answer a profound listener question from Episode 1. You won't want to miss this.</strong></p><p><br></p><ul><li>In future episodes of the <strong>Relevant Fiction</strong> podcast, we'll explore socially relevant issues underlying stories behind (inside) other novels, some of my own, and some from other authors; real issues that affect real people, but from within the comfortable cradle of kick-butt fiction.&nbsp;</li><li>Check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/relevantfiction/announcements" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/relevantfiction/announcements</a> and consider joining that community. Also, subscribe at <a href="https://gkjurrens.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://gkjurrens.com</a>.</li><li>Hosted by veteran author and writing coach, Gene Jurrens.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong><em>Remember, never forget. We ARE a sum total of our genetics and our past experiences. So let’s be careful out there, everyone, but let’s also make the most of the lives we have been granted and have made for ourselves.&nbsp;</em></strong></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Undercover Catching Criminals</title>
			<itunes:title>Undercover Catching Criminals</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Aug 2023 00:21:36 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>26:36</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/64c48a3f0e1a7c0011890b3e/e/64d7f6feb4d0da0010a243bc/media.mp3" length="14543568" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">64d7f6feb4d0da0010a243bc</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://www.facebook.com/groups/relevantfiction/announcements</link>
			<acast:episodeId>64d7f6feb4d0da0010a243bc</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>64c48a3f0e1a7c0011890b3e</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>catching-criminals-undercover</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsXk2YIqpfo7gQ5DM4ORieibqFMaqwAMN4V6lL4GFZdJqNR/jEbuuKgRtggAIrTnro57eN3CekEvJG/N0lZHkuX8iNRAwSkb1oK44XN6Xgb2A1AkcOfT8qoFmrnPlQoeyD]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>Meet Lt. Tom Kasprzak</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/64c48a3f0e1a7c0011890b3e/1691755395990-24734eef2ba5a0c0376d2eaa30cff54a.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<ul><li><strong><em>In this debut episode, GK Jurrens offers a peek at a novel that subtly explores a modern social issue while the story entertains &amp; makes you think.</em></strong><em> Today, Gene &amp; his guest share the true story behind their new book, </em><strong><em>Lethal Game: Bears Under Siege.</em></strong><em>&nbsp;</em></li><li><strong><em>Meet Lt. Tom Kasprzak (ret.), the real-life version of the book’s colorful protagonist, Undercover Officer Sam Travis.&nbsp;</em></strong></li><li><em>LT was Gene’s collaborator in the creation of this fast-moving tale.&nbsp;</em></li><li><strong><em>In future episodes, we'll tickle the underlying story behind (inside) other novels, issues like alcoholism, handicaps (both physical and emotional), technology and its effects on society (both intended and unintended, good and bad), climate impacts, and other issues that color modern or historical fiction. We'll explore real issues affecting real people, but from within the comfortable cradle of kick-butt fiction. How cool is that!</em></strong></li><li><strong><em>Check out </em></strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/relevantfiction/announcements" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/relevantfiction/announcements</a> and consider joining that community to continue the conversation.&nbsp;</li><li>Hosted by Gene Jurrens.&nbsp;</li></ul><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<ul><li><strong><em>In this debut episode, GK Jurrens offers a peek at a novel that subtly explores a modern social issue while the story entertains &amp; makes you think.</em></strong><em> Today, Gene &amp; his guest share the true story behind their new book, </em><strong><em>Lethal Game: Bears Under Siege.</em></strong><em>&nbsp;</em></li><li><strong><em>Meet Lt. Tom Kasprzak (ret.), the real-life version of the book’s colorful protagonist, Undercover Officer Sam Travis.&nbsp;</em></strong></li><li><em>LT was Gene’s collaborator in the creation of this fast-moving tale.&nbsp;</em></li><li><strong><em>In future episodes, we'll tickle the underlying story behind (inside) other novels, issues like alcoholism, handicaps (both physical and emotional), technology and its effects on society (both intended and unintended, good and bad), climate impacts, and other issues that color modern or historical fiction. We'll explore real issues affecting real people, but from within the comfortable cradle of kick-butt fiction. How cool is that!</em></strong></li><li><strong><em>Check out </em></strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/relevantfiction/announcements" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/relevantfiction/announcements</a> and consider joining that community to continue the conversation.&nbsp;</li><li>Hosted by Gene Jurrens.&nbsp;</li></ul><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Relevant Fiction</title>
			<itunes:title>Relevant Fiction</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Aug 2023 01:58:10 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>1:00</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/64c48a3f0e1a7c0011890b3e/e/64cedaf5a514e900114feb33/media.mp3" length="682795" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">64cedaf5a514e900114feb33</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>http://www.facebook.com/groups/relevantfiction</link>
			<acast:episodeId>64cedaf5a514e900114feb33</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>64c48a3f0e1a7c0011890b3e</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>relevant-fiction</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsXk2YIqpfo7gQ5DM4ORieibqFMaqwAMN4V6lL4GFZdJrssIrrnrG2CHzOFitthAZli3cqhnWYFTEHO68UpIjPuiFhJLAM2p330w8bGlIHv+D8x73nugL8/OJqh3fxn7nL]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>Stories with Conscience</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>trailer</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/64c48a3f0e1a7c0011890b3e/1691276926577-ee38c1a0eda0ae1540551b04859ccf01.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><strong>We'll explore socially conscientious fiction that’s relevant, thought-provoking, <em>and</em> most important, entertaining. We'll discuss the subtler aspects of such stories buried beneath the surface in select contemporary novels.</strong></p><br><p>Such well-written fiction can hint at<em> or bludgeon</em> the reader with socially relevant issues that hopefully appear as compelling backdrops to engaging tales of conflict, action, suspense, or drama; issues such as the intended and unintended consequences of technology--like artificial intelligence--that impact our daily lives, or those around us. Or alcoholism, physical and emotional handicaps, climate impacts, etc.</p><br><p><strong><em>Find the joy in exploring such real issues that affect real people, but from within the comfortable cradle of kick-ass fiction. How cool is that!</em></strong></p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p><strong>We'll explore socially conscientious fiction that’s relevant, thought-provoking, <em>and</em> most important, entertaining. We'll discuss the subtler aspects of such stories buried beneath the surface in select contemporary novels.</strong></p><br><p>Such well-written fiction can hint at<em> or bludgeon</em> the reader with socially relevant issues that hopefully appear as compelling backdrops to engaging tales of conflict, action, suspense, or drama; issues such as the intended and unintended consequences of technology--like artificial intelligence--that impact our daily lives, or those around us. Or alcoholism, physical and emotional handicaps, climate impacts, etc.</p><br><p><strong><em>Find the joy in exploring such real issues that affect real people, but from within the comfortable cradle of kick-ass fiction. How cool is that!</em></strong></p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
    	<itunes:category text="Fiction"/>
    	<itunes:category text="Society &amp; Culture"/>
    </channel>
</rss>
