Step into the mind of John Moens, author of Never Saw It Coming: An Anthology of Twists, Turns, and Surprises—a collection born from a dream and shaped by a lifetime of curiosity about history, morality, and the unexpected. In this conversation, Moens shares how retirement opened the door to his writing life, how a single dream sparked “The Arctic Fox,” and how his background as a history major at Ohio State fuels stories inspired by both well-known events and little-known family lore, from the tragedy of the Sultana to President Franklin Pierce’s son.
Listeners will discover the craft behind Moens’ signature surprise endings, the tonal variety that keeps readers guessing, and the five thematic sections—The Journey, Crime and Treasure, Creatures Great and Small, Not for the Faint of Heart, and Conflict and Disaster—that shape the anthology’s rhythm. He opens up about weaving moral insights into fiction without preachiness, the characters that have surprised him most, and his leap from short stories to his upcoming historical novel Hell and Texas, exploring the lesser-known Underground Railroad from Texas to Mexico.
Whether you’re a reader who loves clever twists, a writer seeking insight into authentic voice, or a history buff hungry for inventive storytelling, this episode offers a blend of inspiration, process, and behind-the-scenes revelations.
Connect with John Moens:
Kensington Row Bookshop — Local Author Page

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