From Novel to Film Deal with Author Nova McBee

Nova McBee, author and Chief Creative Officer of Y plus X Entertainment, joins Michael DeSmuth and Jim Johnson on 'Continuing Conversations' to share her journey from a globally experienced writer to a bestselling sci-fi novelist with a film deal. Drawing from her cross-cultural upbringing and years of living in China, the Middle East, and Asia, Nova discusses how her life experiences deeply inform her young adult series 'Calculated,' which blends international intrigue, math prodigy protagonists, and themes of identity and redemption. She emphasizes the importance of intentional writing, rigorous craft development, and community support—highlighting her own decade-long preparation before publishing her first novel. Nova also reveals how she transformed her initial book into a franchise after an agent’s pivotal feedback, and how her new company is pioneering vertical film storytelling to meet modern audience habits. The episode culminates in a powerful discussion about the cultural need for clear moral storytelling in an era of blurred narratives, with Nova advocating for stories that inspire, uplift, and leave readers transformed.