Welcome back to the Finding the Throughline interview with Mark Cecil, author of BUNYAN AND HENRY, OR, THE BEAUTIFUL DESTINY, a re-telling of the folk tales of Paul Bunyan and John Henry that Publisher’s Weekly called “a fun romp with substance.” Mark is also the host of the Thoughtful Bro podcast where he interviews authors in what he calls “Like Inside the Actor’s Studio, but for storytellers.”

In this episode, we find out what Mark is currently working on bringing into existence and what he knows at this moment about where his personal throughline is leading him next. Plus I always end with ask my guests my fast, final five questions about what they’re currently reading and the songs that get them fired up.

We talked about:

- Why he’s crazy for Charlie Chaplin movies

- How to tell if an author loves people or not

- Looking to George Lucas as a model of modern mythmaking

- Being honest about how much time you have for all the various parts of life–like exercise and friendship–and dealing with that reality

- The 12-year-old who made one of Mark’s lifelong dreams come true

- The challenge of writing a book that appeals to a wide range of people

- The “very dark, very twisted” Netflix series he just binged, the song that always makes him smile (it’s now on the “Proven Pick-me-ups from Finding the Throughline playlist on Spotify–look for it!), why September is the best month, and the brunch dish that Mark uses as a bellwether for whether or not a restaurant is good.

Visit Mark at markcecilauthor.com.

For full show notes with links to everything we discuss, plus bonus photos!, visit katehanley.substack.com.

Thanks to this week’s sponsor, Air Doctor Pro. Visit airdoctorpro.com and use code KATE to save 30% off an amazing indoor air filter *and* receive a free three-year warranty (an $84 value).

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