Paul Zeidman

The Creative Writing Life

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From screenplays to TV, novels to video games, everybody has their own path to establishing a creative writing life. Join host Paul Zeidman as he interviews writers from all mediums and genres to find out about them, their work, and what advice and guidance they have for ambitious and aspiring writers.

Author

Paul Zeidman

Episodes

15 - Dwayne Alexander Smith on Finding Success in Novels and Screenplays 23.03.2020 32:49

Screenwriter and novelist Dwayne Alexander Smith talks about writing thrillers, bringing your skills to multiple mediums, and balancing a career as a screenwriter, novelist, and producer. Find his books at: https://www.amazon.com/Dwayne-Alexander-Smith/e/B00L96G4FO Paul's Blog:  https://maximumz.blog/ Justin's Amazon page:  https://www.amazon.com/Justin-Sloan/e/B00OJPAM0K/ PT's Amazon pa...

14 - San Francisco Writers Conference Wrap Up 10.03.2020 34:39

Paul’s fresh off the San Francisco Writers conference, and he shares what he learned. Plus, should you pay for notes on your scripts? The eternal debate rages on. Paul's Blog:  https://maximumz.blog/ Justin's Amazon page:  https://www.amazon.com/Justin-Sloan/e/B00OJPAM0K/ PT's Amazon page:  https://www.amazon.com/P.T.-Hylton/e/B00J8K7KWY/ Get the Creative Writing Life book: https://...

13 - Joel Searls on Working Your Way Up in Hollywood 03.03.2020 36:45

Joel Searls took his military and theater experience to Hollywood and worked his way up from the mailroom to production roles and beyond. In this interview, he discusses his journey, what the average writer outside Hollywood doesn’t know, and the power of perseverance. Paul's Blog:  https://maximumz.blog/ Justin's Amazon page:  https://www.amazon.com/Justin-Sloan/e/B00OJPAM0K/ PT's Amazo...

12 - The Oscars from a Writer's Perspective 17.02.2020 28:51

The guys share their thoughts on the Oscars, the winners, and what writers can learn from the movies that won the big awards. They also discuss what awards mean to them and how they define success as writers.  Paul's Blog:  https://maximumz.blog/ Justin's Amazon page:  https://www.amazon.com/Justin-Sloan/e/B00OJPAM0K/ PT's Amazon page:  https://www.amazon.com/P.T.-Hylton/e/B00J...

11 - Finding Inspiration 10.02.2020 19:46

Where do you find inspiration? How do you keep it flowing? And what do you do when it’s just not working? That’s what the guys discuss in this week’s episode. Tune in to hear some of their best tips for staying inspired. Paul's Blog:  https://maximumz.blog/ Justin's Amazon page:  https://www.amazon.com/Justin-Sloan/e/B00OJPAM0K/ PT's Amazon page:  https://www.amazon.com/P.T.-Hylton/...

10 - Brian Drake on How to Thrill Your Readers 27.01.2020 26:43

Brian Drake is the author of numerous successful spy novels. He joins the guys to discuss the ups and downs of working with publishers, writing great action scenes, and some of his favorite thrillers. You can find out more about Brian and his work at www.briandrakebooks.com Paul's Blog:  https://maximumz.blog/ Justin's Amazon page:  https://www.amazon.com/Justin-Sloan/e/B00OJPAM0K/ PT's...

9 - Defining Yourself As a Writer 21.01.2020 34:50

What makes your writing you?  One of the best ways to find out is by stretching your comfort zone. Whether it’s writing in new genres or approaching your stories in a new way, trying new things can help you figure out what works for you and what doesn’t. Then you can take those lessons back to what you are comfortable writing.  In this episode, the guys discuss how they’ve pushed their o...

8 - Bryan Cohen Saves Your Book 13.01.2020 32:34

Bryan Cohen is an author, teacher, blurb master, and the host of the Sell More Books podcast. He talks about Amazon ads, blurbs, and how writing is like improve comedy. Join Bryan’s 5 Day Amazon Ad Challenge at https://bryancohen.lpages.co/amazon-ad-profit-challenge-landing-jan-2020/ Paul's Blog:  https://maximumz.blog/ Justin's Amazon page:  https://www.amazon.com/Justin-Sloan/e/B00OJPA...

7: How to deal with Story Notes (and how to give them) 07.01.2020 32:16

Feedback is a part of the writer’s life. How do you give it? How do you react to feedback from others? We’re going to break down the good, the bad, and the ugly of feedback and notes. Paul's Blog:  https://maximumz.blog/ Justin's Amazon page:  https://www.amazon.com/Justin-Sloan/e/B00OJPAM0K/ PT's Amazon page:  https://www.amazon.com/P.T.-Hylton/e/B00J8K7KWY/ Get the Creative Writin...

6: Writing Superheroes with Jeffrey H. Haskell 24.12.2019 26:35

This week, science fiction and superhero novelist Jeffrey H. Haskell joins the show to talk about how he got into writing, the difference between urban fantasy and superheroes, and how understanding why people read a certain genre is more important than hitting the genre’s tropes. Check out Jeff’s books at: https://www.amazon.com/Jeffery-H-Haskell/e/B01I2W55SO Paul's Blog:  https://maximumz.b...

5: How to Stay Focused on Writing 16.12.2019 27:43

This week, the guys share their tips for staying focused and productive. PT talks about writing with a partner. Justin talks about dictation. Paul talks about working on his short film script and the struggles of writing in coffee shops. Paul's Blog:  https://maximumz.blog/ Paul's Creative Writing Career episode:  https://creativewritingcareer.simplecast.fm/96e960d3 Justin's Amazon page:...

Episode 4: All About Screenwriting Contests 10.12.2019 29:03

This week, we talk screenwriting contests. How do you decide which ones to enter? What can you expect to get out of them? How valuable is the feedback? Paul, Justin, and PT are here to break it down for you. Paul recommends checking out - https://filmfreeway.com/ Paul's Blog:  https://maximumz.blog/ Paul's Creative Writing Career episode:  https://creativewritingcareer.simplecast.fm/96e9...

Bonus: Elias Madias talks Shadow of Mordor and Screenwriting 07.12.2019 49:18

This week, we share an interview with Elias Madias, writer on the awesome video game Shadow of Mordor. He talkings about how he came up in the industry through being a Director’s Assistant, how he found a writing partner and bust down the first door in his way (to get to Disney!), and how he got into games (the secret? Connections. Networking. Duh). This interview first appeared on the Creative Wr...

Episode 3: Are Writing Conferences Worth It? 29.11.2019 34:34

This week, Paul, Justin, and PT talk about conferences. What’s the point of going to conferences? How do you know which ones are worth attending? What do you do if you wind up on a panel? Tune in and find out! Paul's Blog:  https://maximumz.blog/ Paul's Creative Writing Career episode:  https://creativewritingcareer.simplecast.fm/96e960d3 Justin's Amazon page:  https://www.amazon.co...

Episode 2: How to Create a Story 24.11.2019 32:38

Welcome to the Creative Writing Life! This week, Paul, Justin, and PT talk about creating stories. Where do you start? What are the stages in the process? How is creating a story for a novel different from a screenplay or a video game? How do you create your villain?  Plus, Justin shares his experience creating stories at Telltale Games. Paul's Blog:  https://maximumz.blog/ Paul's Creati...

Episode 1: Networking for Writers 06.11.2019 28:26

Welcome to the Creative Writing Life!  This week, Paul, Justin, and PT talk about networking for writers.  Paul's Blog: https://maximumz.blog/ Paul's Creative Writing Career episode: https://creativewritingcareer.simplecast.fm/96e960d3 Justin's Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Justin-Sloan/e/B00OJPAM0K/ PT's Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/P.T.-Hylton/e/B00J8K7KWY/