The Creative Writing Life

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/

LONG AGO & FAR AWAY VOL 2 BOOK 1 author Chris Mancini talks about the DNA of comic book characters, turning fantasy on its ear, the connection between theme and character, and helpful crowdfunding tips http://whitecatentertainment.com https://www.facebook.com/whitecatstories https://x.com/WhiteCatStories https://www.instagram.com/whitecatstories1/

RISE AND THRIVE ABOVE CANCER author Achim Zingrebbe, MD discusses methods of self-help that work best for you, finding relatability in your subjects, and why you don’t need to feel alone http://azinggrebemd.com IG - @azinggrebemd 

EVERY DAY IS LIKE SUNDAY author Bill Frisco talks about creating a narrative from real events, capturing a character’s “voice”, and knowing when to embellish and when to dial it back.

FROM ROLLERCOASTERS TO CAROUSELS author Gigi Khonyongwa-Fernandez talks about how we deal and move on from trauma, how silence can be therapeutic, and the value of helping just by being there https://familiesblossoming.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigikhonyongwafernandez/ https://www.facebook.com/familiesblossomingLLC https://www.instagram.com/yourjoyfinder/

SAVIOR OF LOST SOULS author James R. Bateman talks about exploring the levels of good vs evil, writing about difficult topics, and the challenge of maintaining multiple storylines https://jamesrbateman.com/ https://www.instagram.com/james.r.bateman.author/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559494227674 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrb-b01a102/

BUTTERFLY PINNED author Leslie Liautaud talks about the benefits of a 5-year break, getting out of your adult brain, how a good book needs a good editor, and having your characters act in ways you wouldn’t https://www.leslieliautaud.com/ https://bluehandlepublishing.com/leslie-liautaud https://www.instagram.com/author.leslie.liautaud/

INTERCESSOR author John Robert Still talks about letting your characters steer what happens, how location can be a character, and the influence and incorporation of real-life events on your story. https://www.instagram.com/john_robert_still/ https://www.facebook.com/johnrobertstill/

IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR author Lee Livingston talks about wanting to create a tribute to his first true best friend, deciding what to include & cut from a memoir, and the need for openness when telling a story https://openroads1961.com/

YOUNG SALT AT SIXTY author Deborah Hammett talks about the importance of vocabulary in writing, how simplicity is freedom, and the story behind “the Lucille Ball of the sea” Website - https://www.youngsalt60.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/youngsalt60/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573527542027