Power is never just about who holds the gavel; it’s about the secrets kept in the shadows to get there. I’m Terry E. Hill, and this is Terry Talks—where we pull back the curtain on politics, faith, and the stories we’re often too afraid to tell

A character shouldn't just exist on the page; they should live, breathe, and sometimes—if you’re writing them right—they should surprise even the author. Terry explores how to build characters that feel real enough to walk off the page. He discusses the fine line between drawing from personal inspiration and creating something entirely new.

People will tell you to broaden your story so it 'appeals to everyone.' But when you try to write for everyone, you end up speaking to no one. The magic happens when you lean into the details—the culture, the neighborhood, the secrets. Today, I’m reading a piece of The Last Sunday to show you exactly what I mean.