Powerful Fiction Born From Grief

In this episode, I’m joined by Tim Cummings—award-winning author, actor, and creative powerhouse—whose work bridges storytelling, performance, and imagination in extraordinary ways. Tim is the author of the newly released young adult novel The Lightning People Play (Black Rose Writing), as well as Alice the Cat (Fitzroy Books), which was named an American Book Awards Finalist and received multiple national literary honors. With an MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University Los Angeles and a BFA from NYU/Tisch School of the Arts, Tim brings decades of experience across theater, film, television, voice-over, and writing. His work has appeared in numerous literary journals, and his award-winning essay, You Have Changed Me Forever, highlights his gift for weaving vulnerability with creativity. Beyond the page and stage, Tim is a self-proclaimed octopus and spider enthusiast, a collector of rare treasures like first-edition novels and vintage vinyl, and a master in the kitchen known for his unforgettable chili and lasagna. He also teaches writing at the UCLA Extension Writers' Program, where he inspires the next generation of storytellers. Join us as Tim shares his journey as a writer, his love for storytelling, and the passions that fuel his creative life. Episode Highlights Tim Cummings author interview The Lightning People Play book Alice the Cat novel awards Young adult fiction 2025 American Book Awards finalist authors Feathered Quill Book Awards winners National Indie Excellence Awards YA fiction Independent Author Network Book of the Year finalist Creative writing tips for young adults YA fiction podcast interviews NYU Tisch alumni authors UCLA Extension Writers’ Program teachers Octopus and spider enthusiasts in literature Best YA books 2025 Storytelling and creativity in writing The Rise of Young Adult Fantasy & Speculative Fiction Multi-Hyphenate Creatives Award-Winning Indie Authors The Role of MFA Programs in Shaping Writers Literature and Mental Health Author Lifestyle Content Young Adult Books in 2025 Teaching Writing in the Digital Age Creativity Beyond Boundaries Celebrating Quirky Passions in Art   Know Tim Cummings Website https://www.timcummings.ink/copy-of-the-lightning-people-play   Did you enjoy today’s episode?   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  susan@tendrilsofgrief.com   Don’t forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com  Let me hear your thoughts!