What keeps someone creating for a lifetime?

For some, it’s the dream of publishing a book. For others, it’s the joy of performing on stage. For Seth Panitch, it’s something much deeper: a belief that storytelling has the power to connect people, preserve our humanity, and help us better understand ourselves.

In the ninth episode of Beyond the Page, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Seth to discuss his debut novel, Antique, and the remarkable creative journey that brought him from the theater to the page.

What followed was one of my favorite conversations we’ve had on the podcast.

A Lifetime Dedicated to Storytelling

Before becoming a novelist, Seth built an impressive career as an actor, playwright, director, and educator.

Those experiences have shaped not only the way he writes but also the way he thinks about stories themselves.

Rather than viewing writing as a separate craft, Seth sees every creative discipline as part of the same lifelong pursuit: understanding people through storytelling.

It’s a perspective that makes this conversation especially rewarding for anyone who loves books, theater, or the arts.

Bringing Antique to Life

At the center of our discussion is Seth’s debut novel, Antique.

We explore the inspiration behind the story, the long road from idea to publication, and why decades of experience in the theater influenced the way he approached writing fiction.

Like many first novels, Antique represents years of observation, learning, and persistence finally coming together on the page.

Why Shakespeare Still Matters

One of my favorite parts of our conversation centers on Shakespeare. Seth argues that Shakespeare isn’t simply something to be studied, it’s something to be experienced.

As both a director and educator, he shares how performance unlocks the emotional depth of these timeless works and why the themes continue to resonate with modern audiences.

Even if you’ve always found Shakespeare intimidating, I think you’ll appreciate Seth’s perspective.

Creativity in an AI World

We also discuss one of today’s biggest topics: artificial intelligence and creativity.

Rather than focusing solely on the technology itself, our conversation explores what makes human storytelling unique.

Can AI generate words?

Certainly.

But can it replace lived experience, empathy, curiosity, and genuine human connection?

That question leads to one of the most fascinating discussions in the episode.

The Importance of Mentors

Throughout the interview, Seth reflects on the mentors who influenced his career and the responsibility he now feels to encourage the next generation of writers, actors, and artists.

It’s a reminder that creativity rarely develops in isolation.

Behind every successful storyteller is often a teacher, friend, or mentor who believed in them before anyone else did.

Advice for Writers

Like many guests on Beyond the Page, Seth also shares honest insights about the realities of publishing today.

We discuss:

• Writing across different creative mediums
• Developing your voice as a storyteller
• Marketing a debut novel
• The value of persistence
• Balancing creativity with everyday life
• Why authentic stories outlast trends

Whether you’re just beginning your writing journey or have been creating for years, there’s something here worth taking away.

Listen Now

If you enjoy conversations about books, theater, creativity, and the craft of storytelling, I think you’ll find this episode especially inspiring.

Seth Panitch reminds us that stories aren’t simply entertainment, they’re one of the ways we understand ourselves and each other.

I hope you’ll join us for another episode of Beyond the Page, where we explore the stories behind the storytellers.

Let’s go Beyond the Page.

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About Beyond the Page

Beyond the Page is Page Chewing’s interview series featuring conversations with authors, artists, and storytellers from every genre. From fantasy and horror to literary fiction, history, comics, and beyond, each episode explores writing, publishing, creativity, and the experiences that shape the stories we love.