The Creative Writing Life

Author Maureen Devlin (LET’S GO BACKER AND BACKER!) talks the challenge of writing for kids, opening eyes and ears, instilling a love of learning, and embracing your creative impulses. http://maureendevlinauthor.com

Comedian Jackie Kashian (ALTER-KASHIAN) talks writing what you’re thinking about, adjusting expectations with audience reactions, getting words on the page, self-editing, and the jokes-as-pasta metaphor http://jackiekashian.com http://familypetancestry.com

Author Sarit Zadok (THE CORRECTION, VOL 1) talks about writing philosophical sci-fi, layering on top of layering, applying a Canterbury Tales-esque structure, and seeking A-ha! moments http://thecorrection.xyz

Author Wolfgard Braun (FALLOUT FROM THE SINGULARITY) talks AI as a tool, not a replacement, and how it can help with writer’s block, but falls flat in terms of storytelling and originality. http://wolfgardbraunbooks.wordpress.com

Author Andrea J. Stein (DEAR ELIZA) talks the value of writing groups, impacting the feel of emotions in your story, writing unpredictable characters, and how grief never really goes away.

Author Brian Gallagher (BASEBALL FIGURES) talks about the multiple aspects of a cross-country journey, the value of details, being open with yourself for a memoir, and the importance of planning (to a certain extent).

Author Annie Dike (CLOVIS) talks about writing in different voices, how setting is a character, creating “real scenes”, and the Book-Cookie Dough Analogy http://anniedikeauthor.com

Author Barbara Caver (A LITTLE PIECE OF CUBA) talks utilizing multiple sources in writing a memoir, asking “what’s pulling at you?” when telling your story, and playing catch with your muse. http://www.barbaracaverauthor.com

A quick look back at the show in 2025, and plans for 2026

In this special “the tables are turned” episode, host Paul Zeidman discusses his background and experience as a screenwriter, his thrill-omedy short SHECKY (and its crowdfunding), and (naturally) pie. https://www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/softsign_7ada6745-43d8-43a8-a6a2-590b3e627bb7/shecky-post-production

Writers Kim Hornsby and Bob Saenz talk writing Christmas movies, including being unique but not TOO unique, knowing how to write to the brand, the current state of the industry, and the importance of not giving up.

Author Antonio Michael Downing (BLACK CHEROKEE) talks writing to discover, observing life as raw material, letting the story draw what’s on the page, and the importance of Miss Donna’s 3 rules of gardening

Author Nick Teeguarden (THE COPPER SCROLL) discusses Indiana Jones, writing “clean entertainment”, letting your characters dictate the action, and real life influences on story and characters. http://nickteeguarden.com

Writer Amy Suto (WRITE FOR MONEY & POWER) discusses how the creative act of writing is precious, moving beyond traditional approaches, making a direct connection to readers, and being in it for the long haul.

Screenwriter/therapist David Silverman (HOW TO BE A ROCKSTAR SCREENWRITER) talks about how the long view is crucial, using the Pomodoro Technique, and the story behind his show THE WILD THORNBERRYS http://hollywoodscriptwriting.com http://davidsilvermanlmft.com

Author Lee Schneider (LIBERATION) discusses narrative flow, the trust factor between authors & readers, the joy of writing an over-the-top villain, and the importance of not breaking credibility. http://leeschneiderbooks.com

Author Patrick Blennerhassett (THE DEATH OF BIRTH) talks about creating a “new” protagonist, how your creative muscle makes decisions for you, and falling in love with the writing process http://patrickblennerhassett.com

Author Eric Rickstad (THE REMOTE series) talks about having a routine (and knowing when to take a break), using expert feedback to keep things realistic, giving the reader a reason to not put your work down, and Hitchcock films www.ericrickstad.com

Author Cadwell Turnbull (A RUIN, GREAT AND FREE) talks about communal engagement of media, knowing your ending, revising until everything is set, and the appeal of K-dramas http://cadwellturnbull.com

Author David R. Stokes (THE HOPE NOT PLOT) discusses using a true event as the spine of your story, following timelines, “hunting details”, and the importance of doing your reading and research. http://davidrstokes.com

Lois Buchter (DRAWING MAGIC TV) talks about how creativity is good for the brain, listening to your inner voice (and ignoring the negative one), and feeding the always-hungry creative beast. http://drawingmagictv.com

Author Renee Zukin (EVERY DAY, I’M BRAVE) talks about transforming our relationship with fear, working those “brave” muscles, the healing ability of writing/creativity, and a shoutout to coloring books for grown-ups

Singer-songwriter/publicist Dennis Welch talks about the importance of sticktoitiveness, being prepared so you can seize opportunities, and the value of finding & building your community

I CAME TO YOU IN WEAKNESS author Matthew Faye Terry discusses writing in free verse, how both sides adapt to cultural differences, and the value of spiritual guidance https://mattfterry.com/ https://www.instagram.com/matthewfterry/ https://www.facebook.com/matthewfterry https://gofund.me/a0245286

THE HERO’S PLAYBOOK author Brownell Landrum talks about exercises for writers and non-writers, the relatability of characters, and the importance of stakes for your protagonist and antagonist https://brownelllandrum.com/ https://x.com/BrownellLandrum https://www.instagram.com/brownelllandrum/ https://www.facebook.com/Brownelllandrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/brownelllandrum/