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Listen "Episode 34 Tim Northburg Discover YOU RADIO's Discussions hosted by Robert Simmons and Rita Fox"
Episode Synopsis
Podcast Summary: Tim Northburg - Bridging Storytelling Across Mediums
Guest Overview
Tim Northburg is a versatile author and screenwriter dedicated to crafting dramatic narratives that touch the spirit, evoke profound emotions, and ignite personal connections. His work spans multiple genres including fantasy, sci-fi fiction, and motivational/business non-fiction, demonstrating a unique ability to move seamlessly between imaginative storytelling and practical life guidance.
Key Discussion Points
The Multi-Genre Creative Approach
Tim's creative portfolio showcases remarkable versatility:
Fiction: Fantasy and sci-fi novels that explore humanity's potential and courage
Non-Fiction: Success, motivational, and business guidebooks drawn from real-world leadership experience
Screenwriting: Feature films, TV pilots, and short scripts across multiple genres
This cross-pollination of genres and formats allows Tim to reach diverse audiences while maintaining his core mission of creating emotionally resonant, transformative narratives.
Current Projects & Upcoming Releases
1. EXHIBITANT - The Sci-Fi Novel (Released January 2025)
The Big Pivot: Tim successfully converted his sci-fi screenplay into a full-length novel, demonstrating the fluidity between his screenwriting and novel-writing crafts.
The Story:
A grounded sci-fi drama following zookeeper Alex Mills, who is abducted to a cosmic zoo
Mills must lead humanity and endangered animals to a new world before mass extinction
Features the unique element of human-animal communication
Explores themes of transformation, unity, and survival among the stars
Creative Influences:
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Castaway
Contact
Interstellar
Why It Matters: EXHIBITANT represents Tim's ability to expand cinematic concepts into deeper, more expansive literary experiences, giving readers intimate access to character psychology and world-building that screenplays can only hint at.
2. The Artifacts of Merlin Saga - Young Adult Fantasy Series
Zebulon Quest: Book Two (Currently in Editing)
Continuation of Tim's young adult fantasy adventure series
Categorized as Adventure/Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Follows the success of Zebulon Quest: Book One and prequel The Decnalab Codex
Series Appeal: This saga demonstrates Tim's commitment to long-form storytelling and world-building, creating a universe that can sustain multiple books while keeping young adult readers engaged with adventure, magic, and coming-of-age themes.
3. The Vengeance of Eleanor Dumont - Western Screenplay to Novel
The Conversion Project: Tim is actively transforming his female-led western screenplay into novel format.
Screenplay Pedigree:
Quarterfinals placement at PAGE International Screenplay Awards (2020)
Quarterfinals placement at Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards (2020)
Significance: This project highlights Tim's commitment to strong female protagonists and his belief that great stories deserve to exist in multiple formats, reaching audiences who prefer reading over viewing.
4. Motivational & Leadership Guidebooks
Tim draws on his background as a sales manager and leader to create practical, inspirational non-fiction:
Four Pillars of Purpose (In Development)
Aligns with messages from his hybrid novel/graphic novel The Fetcher Fletcher Barnes
Promises to provide a framework for discovering and living with purpose
Recent Releases:
desiderata Things Desire: Pocket guide breaking down Max Ehrmann's classic poem "Desiderata"
IF—Guiding Principles: Analysis of Rudyard Kipling's motivational poem "If—"
Upcoming Titles:
ANTergy Mindset
Boss Manager, Buddy Manager, or Leader?
Manage Last
Sales Is Mashed Potatoes
The Philosophy: Tim believes in making timeless wisdom accessible and actionable, breaking down classic motivational literature into practical guidebooks that modern readers can immediately apply to their lives and careers.
5. Ongoing Screenwriting Development
Active Portfolio:
Six completed feature scripts
One TV pilot script
Two short scripts
Multiple spec scripts and shorts in various development stages
Completed Feature Scripts Include:
Romantic musical
Sci-Fi drama (EXHIBITANT)
Female-led western (The Vengeance of Eleanor Dumont)
Hallmark-style fall romance
TV dramedy pilot
The Screenwriting Edge: Tim's screenwriting discipline informs his novel writing with tight pacing, visual storytelling, and compelling dialogue—while his novel work allows him to explore character depth and thematic complexity that enriches his screenplays.
Key Themes & Creative Philosophy
Transformation & Human Potential
Whether writing about zookeepers leading humanity to the stars or breaking down motivational poetry, Tim consistently explores what humans are capable of when pushed beyond their comfort zones.
Unity & Connection
From animal communication in EXHIBITANT to leadership principles in his guidebooks, Tim emphasizes the power of connection—between humans, between humans and nature, and between leaders and teams.
Courage & Survival
Tim's narratives consistently ask: What does it take to survive? Not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally? His characters face extinction-level events, personal transformations, and leadership challenges that demand courage.
Cross-Format Storytelling
Tim's unique approach of converting screenplays to novels (and vice versa) demonstrates his belief that great stories transcend format. Each medium offers different strengths, and Tim leverages both to create richer, more accessible narratives.
Why Tim Northburg Matters
For Fiction Readers: Tim offers imaginative, emotionally resonant stories that blend adventure with profound human themes—whether you're exploring cosmic zoos or magical artifacts.
For Aspiring Leaders: His motivational guidebooks provide practical, actionable wisdom drawn from real-world experience and timeless literary sources.
For Creatives: Tim's cross-format approach demonstrates that writers don't have to choose between screenwriting and novel writing—they can master both and use each to strengthen the other.
For Anyone Seeking Transformation: Whether through fiction or non-fiction, Tim's work consistently invites readers to imagine bigger, reach higher, and connect deeper.
Connect with Tim Northburg's Work
Current Focus:
EXHIBITANT (available now)
Zebulon Quest: Book Two (coming soon)
The Vengeance of Eleanor Dumont novel conversion (in progress)
Four Pillars of Purpose motivational guide (in development)
Where to Find His Work: Tim Northburg's novels, guidebooks, and updates on screenplay projects can be found through major book retailers and his author platforms.
Final Takeaway
Tim Northburg represents a new breed of storyteller—one who refuses to be confined by genre or format. Whether he's writing about humanity's survival among the stars, young wizards seeking magical artifacts, or breaking down classic motivational poetry, Tim's work consistently delivers on his promise: to craft narratives that touch the spirit, evoke profound emotions, and ignite personal connections.
His upcoming projects promise more of what makes his work compelling: courage, transformation, unity, and the unwavering belief that stories—in whatever form they take—have the power to change lives.
Guest Overview
Tim Northburg is a versatile author and screenwriter dedicated to crafting dramatic narratives that touch the spirit, evoke profound emotions, and ignite personal connections. His work spans multiple genres including fantasy, sci-fi fiction, and motivational/business non-fiction, demonstrating a unique ability to move seamlessly between imaginative storytelling and practical life guidance.
Key Discussion Points
The Multi-Genre Creative Approach
Tim's creative portfolio showcases remarkable versatility:
Fiction: Fantasy and sci-fi novels that explore humanity's potential and courage
Non-Fiction: Success, motivational, and business guidebooks drawn from real-world leadership experience
Screenwriting: Feature films, TV pilots, and short scripts across multiple genres
This cross-pollination of genres and formats allows Tim to reach diverse audiences while maintaining his core mission of creating emotionally resonant, transformative narratives.
Current Projects & Upcoming Releases
1. EXHIBITANT - The Sci-Fi Novel (Released January 2025)
The Big Pivot: Tim successfully converted his sci-fi screenplay into a full-length novel, demonstrating the fluidity between his screenwriting and novel-writing crafts.
The Story:
A grounded sci-fi drama following zookeeper Alex Mills, who is abducted to a cosmic zoo
Mills must lead humanity and endangered animals to a new world before mass extinction
Features the unique element of human-animal communication
Explores themes of transformation, unity, and survival among the stars
Creative Influences:
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Castaway
Contact
Interstellar
Why It Matters: EXHIBITANT represents Tim's ability to expand cinematic concepts into deeper, more expansive literary experiences, giving readers intimate access to character psychology and world-building that screenplays can only hint at.
2. The Artifacts of Merlin Saga - Young Adult Fantasy Series
Zebulon Quest: Book Two (Currently in Editing)
Continuation of Tim's young adult fantasy adventure series
Categorized as Adventure/Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Follows the success of Zebulon Quest: Book One and prequel The Decnalab Codex
Series Appeal: This saga demonstrates Tim's commitment to long-form storytelling and world-building, creating a universe that can sustain multiple books while keeping young adult readers engaged with adventure, magic, and coming-of-age themes.
3. The Vengeance of Eleanor Dumont - Western Screenplay to Novel
The Conversion Project: Tim is actively transforming his female-led western screenplay into novel format.
Screenplay Pedigree:
Quarterfinals placement at PAGE International Screenplay Awards (2020)
Quarterfinals placement at Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards (2020)
Significance: This project highlights Tim's commitment to strong female protagonists and his belief that great stories deserve to exist in multiple formats, reaching audiences who prefer reading over viewing.
4. Motivational & Leadership Guidebooks
Tim draws on his background as a sales manager and leader to create practical, inspirational non-fiction:
Four Pillars of Purpose (In Development)
Aligns with messages from his hybrid novel/graphic novel The Fetcher Fletcher Barnes
Promises to provide a framework for discovering and living with purpose
Recent Releases:
desiderata Things Desire: Pocket guide breaking down Max Ehrmann's classic poem "Desiderata"
IF—Guiding Principles: Analysis of Rudyard Kipling's motivational poem "If—"
Upcoming Titles:
ANTergy Mindset
Boss Manager, Buddy Manager, or Leader?
Manage Last
Sales Is Mashed Potatoes
The Philosophy: Tim believes in making timeless wisdom accessible and actionable, breaking down classic motivational literature into practical guidebooks that modern readers can immediately apply to their lives and careers.
5. Ongoing Screenwriting Development
Active Portfolio:
Six completed feature scripts
One TV pilot script
Two short scripts
Multiple spec scripts and shorts in various development stages
Completed Feature Scripts Include:
Romantic musical
Sci-Fi drama (EXHIBITANT)
Female-led western (The Vengeance of Eleanor Dumont)
Hallmark-style fall romance
TV dramedy pilot
The Screenwriting Edge: Tim's screenwriting discipline informs his novel writing with tight pacing, visual storytelling, and compelling dialogue—while his novel work allows him to explore character depth and thematic complexity that enriches his screenplays.
Key Themes & Creative Philosophy
Transformation & Human Potential
Whether writing about zookeepers leading humanity to the stars or breaking down motivational poetry, Tim consistently explores what humans are capable of when pushed beyond their comfort zones.
Unity & Connection
From animal communication in EXHIBITANT to leadership principles in his guidebooks, Tim emphasizes the power of connection—between humans, between humans and nature, and between leaders and teams.
Courage & Survival
Tim's narratives consistently ask: What does it take to survive? Not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally? His characters face extinction-level events, personal transformations, and leadership challenges that demand courage.
Cross-Format Storytelling
Tim's unique approach of converting screenplays to novels (and vice versa) demonstrates his belief that great stories transcend format. Each medium offers different strengths, and Tim leverages both to create richer, more accessible narratives.
Why Tim Northburg Matters
For Fiction Readers: Tim offers imaginative, emotionally resonant stories that blend adventure with profound human themes—whether you're exploring cosmic zoos or magical artifacts.
For Aspiring Leaders: His motivational guidebooks provide practical, actionable wisdom drawn from real-world experience and timeless literary sources.
For Creatives: Tim's cross-format approach demonstrates that writers don't have to choose between screenwriting and novel writing—they can master both and use each to strengthen the other.
For Anyone Seeking Transformation: Whether through fiction or non-fiction, Tim's work consistently invites readers to imagine bigger, reach higher, and connect deeper.
Connect with Tim Northburg's Work
Current Focus:
EXHIBITANT (available now)
Zebulon Quest: Book Two (coming soon)
The Vengeance of Eleanor Dumont novel conversion (in progress)
Four Pillars of Purpose motivational guide (in development)
Where to Find His Work: Tim Northburg's novels, guidebooks, and updates on screenplay projects can be found through major book retailers and his author platforms.
Final Takeaway
Tim Northburg represents a new breed of storyteller—one who refuses to be confined by genre or format. Whether he's writing about humanity's survival among the stars, young wizards seeking magical artifacts, or breaking down classic motivational poetry, Tim's work consistently delivers on his promise: to craft narratives that touch the spirit, evoke profound emotions, and ignite personal connections.
His upcoming projects promise more of what makes his work compelling: courage, transformation, unity, and the unwavering belief that stories—in whatever form they take—have the power to change lives.
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