Reenita’s Storyteller Den: True Fiction Project Podcast

A Taylor Swift Bio That Doesn't Need Her Permission

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:38:47 GMT

Caroline Sullivan wrote an entire book about Taylor Swift without ever meeting her. And somehow, it’s better for it.

But before I get to that, let me tell you about the last two very literary weeks.

Italy first - sine I am just fresh off the boat from Ischia, the volcanic island in the Bay of Naples, for the Rocaberti Writers Retreat. I monopolized every …

When Hitchcock, ghosts, and a family legend collide with John McDermott

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:31:31 GMT

The power of refusing to be put in a box with Keldamuzik Diva

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:03:04 GMT

What memoir writing taught me about telling the truth with Lily MacKenzie

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:25:35 GMT

The overlooked girl behind one of paleontology's biggest discoveries with Michele Hollow

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:03:57 GMT

A Body in the Closet (Yes, Really): Inside a Cozy Mystery with Lori Pollard-Johnson

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:02:33 GMT

What author Eva Moon taught me about reinvention

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:03:08 GMT

Tracing the Secrets of Sarah Mumford: A Conversation That Gave Me Chills

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 14:15:51 GMT

When Marketing Strategy Meets Storytelling with Saurabh Bajaj

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:30:54 GMT

A Journey Through Storytelling Featuring Hemlock Lane with Marshall Fine

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:45:33 GMT

Kicking Off Season 7: Queer, South Asian, and Fearlessly Funny

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:37:05 GMT

Season 6 Female Indian Artists Mashup

Reenita Malhotra Hora — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 15:50:13 GMT

Female Indian artists shine in this powerful mash-up episode from Season Six of the True Fiction Project! I’m Reenita Hora, your host, honoring the voices of female Indian artists who use writing to explore identity, culture, and creativity. From the sacred symbolism of the Narmada River to the reflections of Indian mixed-media artists like Laila Khan Furniturewalla, these stories reveal how words become art. We’ll explore themes of Indian cultural identity, resilience in art, and the historical depth of the Vermilion Harvest novel, shaped by the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy. This collection of conversations of fiction and historical fiction highlights the brilliance of female Indian artists who write to empower and inspire.

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IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction to the True Fiction Project, focusing on female Indian artists from Season Six

02:15 Rachana Devidayal explains the creativity that flowed from the sacred Narmada River and other elements of her heritage

06:45 Laila Khan Furniturewalla, daughter of Pharaoh Khan, is an Indian mixed media artist who focuses on heritage and art. Hear Laila O Laila

14:23 Traci DeForge interviews Reenita’s publisher about her novel Vermillion Harvest Playtime at the Bagh, discussing how real life can inspire historical fiction

17:00 Excerpt from Vermillion Harvest Playtime at the Bagh about forbidden love and the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, read by Reenita Hora

Click here for more show notes!

Listen to this week’s episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or Reenita.com.

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Rachana Devidayal - Website

Laila Khan Furniturewalla - Website

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh

In Conversation with Artist, Rachana Devidayal

Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh Episode

Laila O Laila Episode

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Season 6 Inspiring Stories of Hope and Love Mashup

Reenita Malhotra Hora — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:20:18 GMT

Hope, loyalty, and love shine in this heartwarming mash-up from season six of the True Fiction Project! I’m Reenita Hora, your host, sharing uplifting stories that remind us of resilience, family bonds, and the power of kindness. We’ll hear from Mark Steven Porro and his touching memoir, A Cup of Tea on the Commode, capturing the humor and love in caregiving for his mother. Then, Brian Gotta brings us Him, a moving tale of a dog’s devotion and search for his best friend. Each story blends real-life inspiration with fiction that stirs the heart. Tune in today for interview highlights and unforgettable storytelling.

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IN THIS EPISODE:

02:00 Mark shares his journey on how he began to be the caregiver for his mom in his memoir, filled with love, humor, and family bonds, in A Cup of Tea on the Commode

03:17 A touching emotional storytelling scene highlights hope and resilience through children, bringing joy to Genevieve

05:02 Brian discusses his self-publishing journey and writing dog lover fiction rooted in loyalty and devotion

11:52 Reenita invites listeners to share great stories they would like to see featured on the True Fiction Project

Click here for more show notes!

Listen to this week’s episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or Reenita.com.

WATCH THESE EPISODES ON YOUTUBE:

S6 Ep 4 - Him – Brian Gotta

S6 Ep 6 – A Cup of Tea on the Commode - Mark Steven Porro

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Mark Steven Porro - LinkedIn

Brian Gotta - LinkedIn

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

A Cup of Tea on the Commode - Website

Him - Book

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Season 6 Crime Thriller Mashup

Reenita Malhotra Hora — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 13:14:19 GMT

Crime thrillers, suspense, and twists await in this gripping crime thriller mash-up review of season six of the True Fiction Project! I’m Reenita Hora, your host, diving into the thrilling world of crime thrillers with excerpts from talented fiction authors. We’ll explore Crossroads by Rhonda Parker Taylor, a novel about a young man’s haunting choices after a life-altering tragedy. Then, Shakedown by Armand Rosamilia, where a crew member’s mistake risks everything. Finally, The Old Town Horror by Ed Moser uncovers a bloody investigation in historic Virginia. Each story weaves fiction inspired by real-life drama. Tune in today for interview snippets and stories.

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IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00: Reenita Hora introduces a blend of crime thriller, non-fiction interviews, and fiction stories that explore life experiences.

01:45: Rhonda shares how crime thrillers like Crossroads use suspense to highlight the impact of choices and drama in shaping lives.

07:15: Armand discusses the market for crime thrillers and their appeal to readers craving twists and thrillers.

15:15: Ed Moser reveals the scandalous history of Lafayette Square, tying crime thrillers to real secrets and drama.

20:39 Reenita invites listeners to share great stories they would like to see featured on True Fiction Project

Click here for more show notes!

Listen to this week’s episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or Reenita.com.

WATCH THESE EPISODES ON YOUTUBE:

S6 Ep 10 - THE OLD TOWN HORROR: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic Locale– Ed Moser

S6 Ep 9 – Shake Down: First Coast Thriller Series - Armand Rosamilia

S6 Ep 8 – Crossroads - Rhonda Parker Taylor

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Rhonda Parker Taylor (@rhondaparkertaylor) • Instagram photos and videos

Armand Rosamilia (@armand_rosamilia) • Instagram photos and videos

Ed Moser - LinkedIn

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

THE OLD TOWN HORROR: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic Locale

Suspense Thriller Crossroads by Rhonda Parker Taylor

ShakeDown (First Coast Thriller Series): 9798401775757: Rosamilia, Armand: Books

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Season 6 Children's Book Authors Mashup

Reenita Malhotra Hora — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:08:13 GMT

We are in between seasons and in this special episode, we are mashing up three talented children’s book authors from Season 6, each bringing unique stories inspired by personal experiences. These episodes include Your Heart’s Voice, Leave Your Mark On The World, and The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic. All three stories touch on different heartstrings: handling grief, boosting self-esteem, and following your dreams. Tune in today for interview snippets and stories, and find the link to the full episodes in the notes below. Let’s jump right in!

Also, Reenita is giving away free copies of her children’s book, Sundri and Mundri’s Lohri Adventure! Email her at reenita.malhotra@gmail.com or reach out on Instagram at @reenita_storyteller.

Listen now on:

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:30) Reenita shares information about her children’s book, titled Sundri and Mundri’s Lohri Adventure, and she is offering free copies! Email her at reenita.malhotra@gmail.com or reach out on Instagram at @reenita_storyteller
(01:32) Interview snippet with Renee Green Murphy. She shares how grief from her brother’s 2022 loss inspired Your Heart’s Voice
(03:30) Excerpt from Your Heart’s Voice by Renee Green Murphy
(08:53) Interview snippet with Erica Silverman discussing her daughter’s self-esteem issues, inspiring Leave Your Mark On The World
(09:40) Excerpt from Leave Your Mark On The World
(12:38) Interview snippet with Vicky McGrath. She shares how her daughter’s veterinary dreams inspired The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic
(15:06) Excerpt from The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic

Click here for more show notes!

Listen to this week’s episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or Reenita.com.

WATCH THESE EPISODES ON YOUTUBE:

S6 Ep 2 - Your Heart's Voice– Renee Greene Murphy

S6 Ep 3 - Leave Your Mark on the World - Erika Silverman

S6 Ep 7 - The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic - Vicky McGrath

Your Heart's Voice

A short story written and read by Renee Green Murphy

Your Heart's Voice - Website

Renee Greene Murphy - Website

Renee Greene Murphy - LinkedIn

Leave Your Mark on the World

A short story written and read by Erica Silverman

Erica Silverman - Website

Erica Silverman - LinkedIn

The Dragon And The Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic

A short story written and read by Vicky McGrath

Vicky McGrath - Website

Vicky McGrath - LinkedIn

The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tails from the Clinic: Book 1

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India at 75: A Special “Partition Story” with Shukla Lal, Author of Rano & Phulo

Reenita Malhotra Hora — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:44:21 GMT

Click here to get your copy!

In this revisited episode, we have a very special show because we are celebrating the anniversary of Independent India, which fell on August 15th. Our special guest is Shukla Lal, a writer based in New Delhi, who has recently written a book detailing her personal experience from the partition that led to India’s Independence. We hear the amazing story o…

Dissonance with Aaron Ryan

Reenita Malhotra Hora — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 14:23:39 GMT

Get Your Copy Here!

Are you ready to dive into a thrilling sci-fi world? Want to uncover the chilling secrets of an alien invasion? I’m excited to welcome Aaron Ryan, a passionate author and self-proclaimed Lord of the Rings geek, to today’s episode. Aaron’s vivid storytelling, inspired by cinematic masterpieces like Aliens, brings a unique musicality to his gripping narra…

Checkout Time with John Bukowski

Reenita Malhotra Hora — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:06:18 GMT

Get your copy here!

Ever wonder how a medical thriller is born? Or what happens when a real-life experience sparks a pulse-pounding fiction excerpt? Today, I’m joined by Dr. John Bukowski, former veterinarian, epidemiologist, and now full-time novelist. John brings a fascinating journey from medicine to fiction, with a knack for turning scientific curiosity into gripping n…

THE OLD TOWN HORROR: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic Locale

Reenita Malhotra Hora — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:21:11 GMT

New Episode on the True Fiction Project Podcast with Ed Moser!

Get Your Copy Here!

Have you ever wondered how history’s dark secrets inspire modern fiction? Ready to uncover the violent past of America’s most iconic locales? I’m Reenita Hora, your host of the True Fiction Project, and today I’m thrilled to welcome Ed Moser—a former writer for Jay Leno’s Tonight Show, presidential speechwriter, history tour guide, and author with a knack for unearthing gripping tales. In this episode, Ed takes us through the scandal-filled history of Washington, D.C.’s Lafayette Square, as detailed in his nonfiction book, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood, which exposes 230 years of crime. Ed reads an excerpt from his novel, The Old Town Horror: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic Locale, which transports us to a bloody investigation taking place at The Carlisle Mansion, in Alexandria Virginia.

Listen now on:

IN THIS EPISODE:

(01:32) Ed reflects on his professional journey and working on The Tonight Show
(04:25) Ed shares that there have been violent events over 230 years around the White House
(06:47) How the events of the past become fiction in the present day at the Carlisle Mansion
(08:52) Paid subscribers will hear an excerpt from The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood
(11:44) Excerpt from The Old Town Horror, set in modern Alexandria, Virginia, where a bloody investigation taking place

Click for more show notes!

Listen to this week’s episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or Reenita.com.

RESOURCES AND GUEST INFORMATION

THE OLD TOWN HORROR: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic Locale

Lafayette Sq. Tours of Scandal, Assassination & Spies Meetup

THE OLD TOWN HORROR: Murder and Theft in America's Most Historic Locale - Amazon

Lafayette Square Tour of Scandal, Assassination & Intrigue

Ed Moser - LinkedIn

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Click the button below to upgrade to be a paid subscriber to see the video version of this podcast!

Shake Down: First Coast Thriller Series

Reenita Malhotra Hora — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:33:42 GMT

New Episode on the True Fiction Project Podcast with Armand Rosamilia!

Get your copy here!

What makes a gripping thriller impossible to put down? Is it the twisty plot, the flawed hero, or the chilling consequences of one wrong move?

Welcome! Today, I'm thrilled to introduce a guest whose stories leap off the page with intensity and imagination—Armand Rosamilia. A prolific writer with an impressive body of work spanning crime novels, thrillers, supernatural horror, zombies, contemporary fiction, and nonfiction, Armand is the kind of storyteller who begins with one intriguing question: What if? And from there, a gripping tale unfolds. In today’s conversation, we’ll be diving into his novel Shake Down, and you’ll also hear a powerful excerpt capturing the chilling moment when Walt, a low-level crew member, realizes his final mistake may have cost him everything—including his life.

Listen now on:

IN THIS EPISODE:

(02:39) Armand discusses the different genres he writes, with crime/thrillers being the most profitable
(03:40) The “business” of writing—how Armand turned his passion into a full-time profession
(09:33) Armand explains character development and the role of Patreon in his creative process
(17:04) The evolution of Clayton Conway, a central figure in his fiction
(22:41) A gripping read-aloud from Shake Down that describes the fatal price of a botched job

Click here for more show notes

Listen to this week’s episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or Reenita.com.

RESOURCES AND GUEST INFORMATION

Armand Rosamilia - Website

Armand Rosamilia - Horror Author - LinkedIn

Armand Rosamilia - Facebook

Author Armand Rosamilia - Facebook Business

Armand Rosamilia (@ArmandAuthor) - X

Armand Rosamilia (@armand_rosamilia) • Instagram Photos and Videos

Shake Down (First Coast Thriller Series): 9798401775757: Rosamilia, Amazon Armand: Books

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Click the button below to upgrade to be a paid subscriber to see the video version of this podcast!