Lifewriting: Write for Your Life!

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive recall some of their most painful rejections in Hollywood and publishing and give tips on how to maintain joy and creativity in the face of setbacks.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive welcome writer, comic and actress Naomi Ekperigin, host of AMC's Interview with the Vampire Podcast (where Tananarive was a guest!) On her love for horror and vampires, how she became a standup comic, and collaborating with her husband!  Naomi also appears on Mythic Time on Apple TV+ and was featured in 2022's Season 3 of The Standups on Netflix.  Learn more a...

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about Tananarive's new short story collection, The Wishing Pool and Other Stories. On her her inspiration for the stories, her writing process, and tips to help you make your creative own dreams come true!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Tananarive is solo as she talks to author and screenwriter Victor LaValle about his new historical horror novel, Lone Women -- and all about his Hollywood adventure helping to bring his novel The Changeling to TV (coming soon to Apple TV+) -- including that very important time on the set -- and working his way up to a co-showrunner on his next series.  Learn more about your ad cho...

When this podcast first started in January of 2022, the very first guest was comic and Daily Show correspondent Roy Wood, Jr. Since he just ended an epic guest hosting gig on The Daily Show (Trump's arraignment! Jon Stewart visits!), we wanted to run this very special Best of Lifewriting with the guest who helped us launch our podcast. And it's a day early! Check out Roy Wood, Jr.'s tour dates at...

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive break down how they fight to keep balance between their work, their art and their lives -- including fitness and relationships. On why it's important to try to balance it all - especially when stakes are high. And the program they created to help their son succeed in school despite his ADHD. (Their son's Jason's course is at www.magic4teens.com)  Learn more ab...

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to award-winning author Nisi Shawl about the new anthology she just published, NEW SUNS 2, featuring speculative fiction from marginalized writers - including a new story from Tananarive! She also talks about her journey from a fangirl to friend of the late Octavia E. Butler. Plus, that time Nisi rejected one of Tananarive's short stories.  Learn more abo...

In this episode, Tananarive talks one-on-one with debut author Johnny Compton, author of the terrifying novel THE SPITE HOUSE. Compton talks about Due's influence on him and they celebrate the power of hauntings and horror -- and how he struggled to finally finish a novel.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about the power of group storytelling and collaboration: how to make it work, how it can go wrong, and how artists can grow from moving from the solitary to being a part of a Mastermind group.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to New York Times bestselling author (SOMEBODY'S DAUGHTER) and podcaster Ashley C. Ford about the current renaissance in horror and Black Horror. She also talks about the difficulty writing her memoir and the tools she used to cope emotionally during the process.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about the benefits of learning creative flexibility to write in many forms and genres: adapting a short story from a novel, or writing a graphic novel, screenplay or scripted podcast in addition to traditional prose. Learn to break down internal barriers to make the most of your creative talents!  ENROLL FOR THE COURSE: www.lifewritingpremium.com  Learn m...

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about their first experience in a TV writers' room and interview Al Letson (Horror Noire, Moonhaven, Godzilla series) about how he broke into television writing and his advice to aspiring TV writers. His five biggest tips!  LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL at https://www.speakpipe.com/LifewritingPodcast (We might play your message!)  Learn more about your ad choices....

In this Valentine's Day episode from 2022, Steve and Tananarive talk about how they first realized they could collaborate, how it led to their first fight as a couple, and how they have triumphed to collaborate on short stories, novels and screenplays. They also share advice on how the tools they have learned in more than 23 years might help make you a better collaborator too.  LEAVE US A VOICEMAI...

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive unpack the themes and events in Jordan Peele's latest film, NOPE. On spectacle, Hollywood, horror, marginalized artists - and a Black director solidifying his place as one of the most influential in Hollywood history.  LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL at https://www.speakpipe.com/LifewritingPodcast (We might play your message!)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg...

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to horror writer Paul G. Tremblay about what it's like to have your novel (The Cabin at the End of the World) adapted into a major film by a major director, M. Night Shyamalan (Knock at the Cabin). Tremblay talks about why he loves horror, his choice to make his protagonists a queer married couple and their adopted Asian daughter, and what happens when St...

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about their preparation to start working in a television writers' room and the practices they use to keep centered in both mind and body when life gets busy - including Tai Chi. Learn more about the Tai Chi class Steve teaches at www.firedancetaichi.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Best of Lifewriting episode from May 22, 2022, Steve and Tananarive talk to screenwriter/producer Akela Cooper about her process, why she loves horror and science fiction, and writing for the new Paramount Plus series "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds." She also talks about writing the hit horror movie MALIGNANT (directed by James Wan).   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive celebrate the podcast's one-year anniversary (and Tananarive's birthday!) with Tananarive's bestie, director Luchina Fisher. They talk about how they charted their dreams from their 20s, when they started out as newspaper reporters, and the path to writing, producing and directing - especially short films. (Luchina's newest short, Team Dream, was produced by Q...

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive offer tools for crushing it in 2023, with advice on written goals, deadlines, the validity of small steps, and the importance of a physical practice for the energy to make your dreams come true.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to producer Courtney Lee-Mitchell, who bought the rights to Octavia E. Butler's Kindred years ago and has helped shepherd it to television. Courtney talks about the process of getting Kindred made, from securing the rights to pitching to the road to production. Also: How showrunner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins decided to change some of the events in the novel. ...

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive play excerpts from an interview they conducted at the home of the the late Octavia E. Butler in 2000. Butler was a longtime friend of Steve's, and the interview excerpts showcase the wisdom of the MacArthur Genius Grant recipient and multiple award winner, bringing her words to life. Butler shared her secrets for facing down her difficulties as a writer - and...

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about their experience attending the premiere for Octavia Butler's KINDRED: behind the scenes at the event, the emotions, and a spoiler-free discussion of the series pilot. Also: a clip from their interview with Octavia Butler and her view on Hollywood.  Kindred debuts on Hulu 12/13.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive share their past personal and professional fears and how they have overcome them, particularly in relationships -- and in Hollywood. Tananarive explains the relationship between her fears and her path as a horror writer. Also: a listener voicemail!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive welcome back their first return guest - comedian and actor Patton Oswalt! He discusses his new movie, I LOVE MY DAD, working on his act on the road, horror and comedy, "cancel culture" and representation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive discuss the joys of being soulmates - both as writing collaborators and as husband and wife. They explain that they believe everyone has more than one potential soulmate, and being soulmates is a process, not a destination. They also share tactics they use to keep the peace and thrive.  Their Soulmate Process course is at www.soulmateprocess.com  Learn more ab...