Where does the game end and the story begin? Continuing Conversations is your weekly deep dive into the art of Science Fiction storytelling, narrative design, and the creative process—hosted by Michael Dismuke and Jim Johnson.
While our roots are firmly planted in the Star Trek Adventures RPG, our mission has expanded. We are exploring how Sci-Fi worlds are built, how characters are forged, and how stories are told across every medium. Whether you are a Gamemaster crafting a campaign, an aspiring novelist, or a fan of deep lore, we bring you the insights you need to fuel your imagination.
Produced by Studio Tembo, this show is dedicated to "Infinite Stories in Infinite Combinations." Whether you're rolling dice or writing chapters, let's continue the conversation.
https://linktr.ee/studiotembo
Science Fiction Writing, Narrative Design, Star Trek Adventures, Creative Writing, RPG Design, World Building, Sci-Fi Authors, Jim Johnson, Michael Dismuke, Studio Tembo, Speculative Fiction, Tabletop RPGs, Game Writing, Storytelling.
Episodes
Friday May 08, 2026
Friday May 08, 2026
Unlock the Secrets of Global Storytelling with Author Nova McBee!
How do you turn real-world adventures into an international bestselling series? In this episode of Continuing Conversations, we sit down with Nova McBee, the powerhouse author and screenwriter behind the hit young adult thriller series, Calculated.
Drawing from over 20 years of living in China, Asia, and the Middle East, Nova reveals how her cross-cultural life shaped her "oak tree" stories—books designed to last for generations. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a Star Trek fan, or curious about the future of media, this interview is packed with actionable insights on the publishing industry and the creative process.
In this episode, we dive into:
• The "Calculated" Journey: Nova shares the 13-year path of bringing her math-prodigy thriller to life and the news about the upcoming film adaptation.
• The Future of Entertainment: As the CCO of Y Plus X Entertainment, Nova explains the $15 billion vertical film industry and why storytelling for mobile phones is the next big frontier.
• Writing for Crossover Audiences: How she intentionally crafts stories that resonate with everyone from 12-year-olds to 80-year-old book clubs and a massive male demographic.
• The "Contender" Mindset: Why Nova spent years perfecting her craft and studying the publishing business before ever trying to get published.
• Star Trek Inspiration: How the partnership of Kirk and Spock influenced her views on cross-cultural collaboration and massive adventure.
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Nova McBee is a multi-talented author, screenwriter, and Chief Creative Officer. Her Calculated series is described as The Count of Monte Cristo meets Mission Impossible, featuring math prodigies, international smugglers, and high-stakes redemption.
ORDER NOVA MCBEE'S BOOKS FROM ADVENTURE INK https://adventureink.xyz/browse/filter/t/%20Nova%20McBee/k/keyword
CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS:
• Michael Dismuke: Freelance writer for Star Trek Adventures RPG. Visit him at MichaelDismuke.com.
• Jim Johnson: Project manager for Star Trek Adventures and Fallout RPGs at Modiphius.
PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF STAR TREK TIMELINES TODAY
https://adventureink.xyz/item/hB2UM6Mk2YEpRS8_RBqmkg
FIND MORE FROM STUDIO TEMBO
https://linktr.ee/StudioTembo
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Intro: Infinite Stories and Infinite Combinations
02:00 – Star Trek Roots: Kirk, Spock, and the Pioneer Spirit
04:30 – Behind the Scenes: Chief Creative Officer at Y Plus X Entertainment
05:55 – The Rise of Vertical Film: A $15 Billion Industry
08:50 – Writing "Oak Tree" Stories vs. "Flower" Stories
09:40 – The Calculated Series: Mission Impossible meets Count of Monte Cristo
11:50 – International Living as a Foundation for Authentic YA
13:30 – Becoming a "Contender": Perfecting the Craft and the Business
#NovaMcBee #CalculatedSeries #WritingCommunity #VerticalFilm #AuthorInterview #StarTrekFans #YAFiction #PublishingTips #Screenwriting #ContinuingConversations
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