E772 - William Loving - Fells Point, The Soul of a The City Baltimore through the eyes of Daniel Doyle Jr

EPISODE 772 - William Loving - Fells Point, The Soul of a The City Baltimore through the eyes of Daniel Doyle Jr In this episode, author William Loving joins the conversation to share the journey behind his evolution from longtime newspaper journalist to published novelist. Speaking from Pasadena, California, Loving reflects on a career that spanned nearly three decades in journalism, including time at the Los Angeles Times, before returning to a dream he first had at eighteen years old: becoming a novelist. Loving explains how life experience ultimately gave him the depth and perspective he needed to begin writing fiction, leading to the release of three novels over the past decade. His latest book, set in his hometown of Baltimore, serves as both a personal tribute and a layered work that blends psychological mystery, dark humor, and a deeper exploration of storytelling itself. A central theme in the conversation is the contrast between journalism and fiction. Loving highlights the challenge of unlearning the habit of overexplaining, which is essential in reporting but detrimental to storytelling. Instead, fiction thrives on mystery, nuance, and allowing readers to engage by filling in the gaps. He also emphasizes the importance of creating flawed, human characters who reflect real life rather than idealized heroes. The discussion dives into his writing process, which is driven more by bursts of creative energy than rigid daily discipline. Loving describes how ideas emerge organically, often demanding to be written, and how each book becomes an immersive world he steps into while writing. His approach favors standalone novels, giving him the freedom to explore new settings, voices, and themes rather than building a recurring series. Baltimore plays a significant role in his latest work, not just as a setting but as a character in itself. Through vivid details and personal connection, Loving aims to present a more nuanced view of the city beyond common portrayals, capturing both its beauty and complexity. Throughout the episode, Loving also reflects on growth as a writer, striving to make each book better than the last while staying true to his journalistic roots of clear, direct prose. His passion for storytelling is grounded in a desire to create compelling, page turning narratives that also leave readers with something meaningful to think about long after the final page. Key takeaway: Great storytelling is not about explaining everything but about trusting the audience, embracing mystery, and creating authentic human experiences that stay with the reader beyond the story itself. "William Loving has crafted a maze of identity and irony that leads to a climax that will stay with the reader long after the last page." -- David Bolton, author of Whispering Pines and Love Thief “As thought-provoking as it is hilarious, Fells Point is a page-turning masterpiece of existential wit and suspense.” -- J. Paul Rieger, author of A Most Unlikely Man and Sunscreen Shower William Loving is a former newspaper reporter and editor at the Los Angeles Times and Minneapolis Star Tribune. Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, he lives in Pasadena, California, with his wife Rhonda Hillbery. His new novel, Fells Point, is published by Rare Bird Books/Simon & Schuster. His previous novel, Blue Earth River, was published by Running Wild Press in May 2025. His debut, City of Angles, was published by Heliotrope Books in 2020. https://www.williamloving-author.com/ Support the show ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Coffee R