A truly organic writer, award-winning novelist Deborah Raney shares keys to working without an outline. Learn about choosing the best words to enhance the emotion of a scene and how a master at penning women’s fiction writes male characters. Tune in for a lively, intriguing conversation that will bring a smile to your face.
Season 1 - Episode 60: T. Jefferson Parker
Three-time Edgar award-winning mystery writer T. Jefferson Parker takes us on a detailed journey into what really makes a mystery work, how mysteries differ from suspense, and the important of promise-making—and keeping in fiction writing. You’ll also hear about his latest release The Room of White Fire and what led him to write it.
Season 1 - Episode 59: Sandra Brown
Tune in as one of the nation’s most popular and prolific authors shares insights that have led her to write sixty-eight New York Times bestsellers. (No, that’s not a typo.) You’ll learn about catalytic events, invisible villains, the “Aha!” moment, how to turn an idea into a story, and more. Don’t miss it!
Season 1 - Episode 58: Mark Bomback
As one of the A-list screenwriters in Hollywood, Mark Bomback is best known for his movies Live Free or Die Hard, Total Recall, Insurgent, The Wolverine, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and the forthcoming War for the Planet of the Apes. Listen in as one of Hollywood’s top writers shares his approach to writing, storytelling, and how to break in as a new screenwriter.
Season 1 - Episode 57: Brian Bird
Listen in as Steven picks the brain of veteran Hollywood writer and producer Brian Bird about the power of redemptive stories, the Four Quadrants of moviemaking in Hollywood, and the importance of asking the right narrative questions. If you’re a movie fan or screenwriter, don’t miss this episode!
Season 1 - Episode 56: Douglas Preston
Listen in as bestselling author Douglas Preston shares about exploring lost civilizations in South America, being the first to enter a tomb in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, and researching one of the cruelest serial killers in the world—oh yes, and also his tips on writing and what it’s like to collaborate with Lincoln Child on their NYT bestselling Agent Pendergast novels. Don’t miss this enthralling episode!
Season 1 - Episode 55: Bob Schultz
Bob Schultz is a writer/producer/instructor with nearly 20 years of experience in Hollywood. He’s also the co-founder of ScriptFest and the Great American PitchFest, which has been rated by Script Magazine as the #1 pitchfest and screenwriting conference in the world. Bob shares his passion for great films and his insights for pitching scripts of your own.
Season 1 - Episode 54: Karen Dionne
Critically-acclaimed novelist Karen Dionne talks us through constructing her new suspense novel The Marsh King’s Daughter, a story woven with a chilling premise and her own personal experiences growing up in an isolated part of Michigan’s upper peninsula. Her thought-provoking insights apply to anyone weaving their own experiences into the stories they tell.
Season 1 - Episode 53: Alton Gansky
With decades of experience as a critically acclaimed novelist and narrative nonfiction author, Alton Gansky brings well-worn writing advice to the table. Listen in as he shares his insights into writing, the struggle between good and evil, and where to buy the best lasagna in San Diego.
Season 1 - Episode 52: Jon Land
Jon gets to the heart of excellence in storytelling by weaving together insights on imagination, inspiration and emotional connection. Learn how to pitch your story to an agent or studio, lead with your strengths, and reach readers on a deeper level than you ever imagined. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with the author the New York Journal of Books calls “the king of the intelligent thriller.”