RedPubPod 044: First Time Novelist John Rhea Discusses His Debut Novel Lifer

In this episode of RedPubPod, retired criminal attorney and author John Rhea discusses his writing journey. John admits to some half-hearted attempts at writing in his earlier years—but the world waited patiently. Was it worth the wait? Lifer absolutely was. And we’re lucky it’s finally out in the world.

With razor-sharp dialogue and a plot that’s nothing short of “final level,” Rhea masterfully weaves two timelines: a past-tense narrative running parallel to a present-day storyline. At the center is an incarcerated protagonist—who just happens to be an attorney himself. It’s raw. It’s rich. It’s heartbreaking and deeply engaging. This is the kind of novel that could only have come from years of thoughtful development and serious craft honing.

John walks us through the steps he took to become the writer he is today, giving props to the editors, influences, and supporters who helped shape his work. His commitment to writing and sharing his actual process is evident in every word he shared. John reads a short passage, and it leaves Tim and Patty straight-up breathless. (And while you can’t see their faces—because, y’know, it’s a podcast—trust: they were shook. Comes with the territory of being a former trial attorney, John shares with the team!) Patty even manages to wrangle Richard Eller into the conversation about first readers and their importance in the writing process.  

Folks, this is a novel that has been decades in the making. We at Redhawk Publications are proud to have Lifer in our collection.

Get your autographed copy of Lifer by John Rhea now from Redhawk Publications here! 

Shout out to the Great Smokies Writing Program (UNC – Asheville) and the great Tommy Hays, who got the ball rolling for John! Congrats Luke Hankins, who is now the director of the Great Smokies Writing Program. Check them out here!

Your RedPubPod hosts are:

Patty Thompson, Acquisitions Editor, Redhawk Publications 

Tim Peeler, Renowned poet and Redhawk Publications editor

Richard Eller, Executive Director, Redhawk Publications and RedPubPod Engineer

We want to thank Taste Full Beans for being our exclusive sponsor. In fact, they are our only sponsor! We are truly grateful for that. Please remember to support Scott Owens, poet and coffee shop owner, when you visit Downtown Hickory, North Carolina. Check out the reviews—we'll wait. They’re probably the best coffee shop in our county! Next time you're in the neighborhood, stop by for excellent coffee, food, and – surprise - Redhawk Publications books. And be sure to tell the awesome folks there that RedPubPod sent you!

Taste Full Beans Coffee, Tea & Café

29 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC

(828) 325-0108

https://www.tastefullbeans.com/

 

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