The Creative Writing Life

FIRST LOVE LANGUAGE Author Stefany Valentine talks about the unique insight as an adoptee writing an adoptee protagonist, the pattern of action-consequence, and the importance of writing for you and not the marketplace.

Today’s very short episode does a quick wrap-up for 2024 and discusses what’s planned for 2025

Screenwriter/author/brand strategist Brian Fitzpatrick discusses strategies & approaches for accomplishing your writing goals in 2025, and remember: the key word is patience.

Author James Moorer talks about why you need to give your main characters a moment, using realism in a supernatural story, and the value/importance of creating your own IP

Author Krystal Marquis talks about writing historical fiction (and the research involved), the challenges of crafting a story with multiple protagonists, and how a teacher influenced the way she writes.

Author Rachael Kelly talks about being a neurodivergent author, her love of world-building for dystopian fiction, using setting as a character, and finding the process that works best for you.

Author Beth Revis talks about what it’s like to write for the Star Wars franchise, why writers should always go for the new adventure, and the benefits of having a story be fueled/inspired by spite.

Author Dr. Ron Dwinnells talks about the benefit of starting at the end of your story, how “Show, don’t tell” made a difference in his work, and why you should write thinking “I can do anything I want to do!”

Author Laura Samotin talks about what you want a reader to feel, the importance of eliciting emotion, and to not worry about making it perfect

Author A.S. King talks about finding art from trauma, why you should write with unflinching honesty, and the benefits of volunteering and getting out into the world.

Author/poet Lauren Seal discusses the therapeutic value of writing about personal trauma, the challenge of writing a story in verse, and incorporating your experiences into your work.

Author/podcaster Alexandra Salmon discusses when to let the character dictate how the story goes, and how a writer needs discipline and consistency to get the writing done.

Author Dr Bruce Farmer talks about a character’s free will and their fatal flaw, overwriting and then needing to kill one’s darlings, and asking “What grips you and compels you as a writer?”

Rick Lite of Stress Free Book Marketing talks about helping writers develop plans and strategies for navigating the challenges of publishing, marketing, and promoting their materials

Author Lee Upton discusses how real life can influence storytelling, being protective of your characters, developing a trust in yourself, and “listening for breathing in the labyrinth”

Author Preeti Chhibber talks about the appeal of coming-of-age stories, when characters experience identity anxiety, writing when you don’t feel like it, and why everybody likes Spider-Man

Author Aislinn Brophy discusses the challenges of writing contemporary YA fiction, how to deal with two main characters and their individual worlds, and writing a character who is absolutely nothing like you

Screenwriter Jonathon Stewart discusses writing for animation, writing with a partner, screenwriting Twitter, how a screenplay is never truly finished, and why you need to WORK THAT SAMPLE

Author CJ Spataro discusses writing speculative fiction, working through the creative process, the importance of persistence and resiliency, and using the setting of your story as a character.

Author Sean McLachlan discusses writing historical fiction, the benefits of research, and some great tips on being a more prolific writer!

Actor-writer-filmmaker Gabe Diani talks about being versatile when it comes to writing, writing material you plan to make yourself, and why the work of Mark Twain is still relevant

Screenwriter Andrew Zinnes talks about his new book Screenwriters Advice: From Popular and Award-winning Film, TV and Streaming Shows, and we discuss the multiple benefits & resources it provides to writers

Author Cindy Benezra discusses the story behind her memoir UNDER THE ORANGE BLOSSOMS, how writing about personal trauma is a personal choice, and the importance of self-help.

Author-storyteller Elisabeth Sharp McKetta discusses how fairy tales and legends can apply to how you tell your story, and an explanation and the benefits of “life-editing”

Writer Brad Staggs talks about the development and production of his new play I LOVE MY ZOMBIE, why a writer should be open to changes, and focusing on characters over formula