E781 - Paul Hlabse Jr. - Violent Disturbance - Wrestling with faith, justice, and morality when a trumatic event changes your story

EPISODE 781 - Paul Hlabse Jr. - Violent Disturbance - Wrestling with faith, justice, and morality when a traumatic event changes your story Author Paul Hlabse joins the podcast for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, perseverance, storytelling, and the deeply personal experiences that shaped his debut novel, Violent Disturbance. What begins as a discussion about woodworking and craftsmanship quickly expands into an exploration of writing as both a creative pursuit and a way to process life's most difficult moments. Paul shares the twenty year journey behind his first novel, explaining how an unfinished manuscript from his early twenties eventually became a completed work after years of personal growth, career challenges, and becoming a father. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of simply starting, writing consistently, and allowing a story to evolve naturally rather than forcing it to follow a rigid outline. The discussion also offers practical encouragement for aspiring authors. Paul talks about developing a writing routine, accepting constructive criticism, building genuine relationships with readers, and promoting a book authentically without losing sight of why it was written in the first place. He explains why he believes readers connect with authors before they connect with their books, making authenticity one of the most valuable tools a writer has. The heart of the conversation focuses on Violent Disturbance itself. Paul explores the novel's central themes of grief, faith, revenge, forgiveness, personal responsibility, and the ripple effects that every decision can have on the lives of others. Rather than presenting simple answers, the story invites readers to wrestle with difficult questions about justice, loss, and the consequences of choosing one path over another. As the conversation unfolds, Paul reflects on how writing unexpectedly helped him connect with experiences from his own life, including family tragedy, personal struggles with depression, and the lessons learned through hardship. He explains how these influences became woven into the emotional foundation of the novel while remaining a work of fiction. The episode concludes with a look ahead at Paul's next writing project, his commitment to creating original work without relying on artificial intelligence for creative writing, and his belief that meaningful stories are created through honesty, discipline, and a willingness to keep learning. Creative work often becomes more than the project itself. Whether writing a novel, building something with your hands, or pursuing any passion, consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to embrace life's experiences can lead to work that not only reflects who you are but also resonates deeply with others. New Book: Violent Disturbance https://www.instagram.com/paulhlabseofficial/ Support the show ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks! https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca