Shows
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Emily Henry Writes: Part Two - ReduxNote: A revisiting of an amazing chat I had with the humble Emily Henry.#1 New York Times bestselling author, Emily Henry, returns to chat with me about depressing first drafts, what it's like to be a genre-bending, commercial fiction superstar, and her “glittering” new novel HAPPY PLACE.Emily Henry is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Book Lovers, People We Meet on Vacation, and Beach Read, and has sold over three million copies of her novels.Her latest is Happy Place, an instant #1 New York Times bestseller and her first ha...
2024-09-0634 minThe Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Emily Henry Writes: Part Two#1 New York Times bestselling author, Emily Henry, returns to chat with me about depressing first drafts, what it's like to be a genre-bending, commercial fiction superstar, and her “glittering” new novel HAPPY PLACE.Emily Henry is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Book Lovers, People We Meet on Vacation, and Beach Read, and has sold over three million copies of her novels.Her latest is Happy Place, an instant #1 New York Times bestseller and her first hardcover novel, described as a book “...about reluctant exes who make a pact to pretend to date during an annual...
2023-05-1934 minThe Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Emily Henry Writes: Part One#PodcastersForJustice#1 New York Times bestselling author, Emily Henry, spoke to me about her past life as a YA mid-lister, the Romance Renaissance, writing your way out of darkness, and her latest "Book Lovers."Emily Henry is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of People We Meet on Vacation and Beach Read, and has sold over a million copies of her novels.Her latest, Book Lovers, was an instant #1 New York Times bestseller, multiple Most Anticipated Read of 2022, and has been described as "... a love story between a by-the-book literary agent and a prickly...
2022-07-2234 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Bestselling Thriller Writer Ruth Gilligan Writes#PodcastersForJusticeAward-winning Irish author, Ruth Gilligan, spoke to me about researching the gothic wilds of Ireland, how to engineer a thriller, and her latest, The Butchers' Blessing.Ruth Gilligan is a writer and academic from Dublin and was the youngest person ever to top the Irish Bestsellers’ List.She has published five books and her most recent novel, The Butchers' Blessing, (published as The Butchers in the UK) is described as a "...haunting and unforgettable thriller brimming with secrecy, tradition, and superstition...". It won the 2022 Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize, whose judges ca...
2022-01-2136 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Acclaimed Debut Author Jean Chen Ho Writes #PodcastersForJustice Critically-acclaimed debut author, Jean Chen Ho, spoke to me about the art of nonlinear storytelling, the shifting POVs in her novel Fiona and Jane, and the value of a strong writing community. Jean was born in Taiwan and grew up in Southern California. She is a doctoral candidate in creative writing and literature at the University of Southern California – where she is a Dornsife Fellow in fiction – and has an MFA from UNLV. Her much-anticipated debut novel is a collection of linked stories titled Fiona and Jane. Booklist called it "tend...
2022-01-0732 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow NY Times Bestselling Biographer Laurence Leamer Writes #PodcastersForJustice Award-winning journalist and bestselling biographer, Laurence Leamer, spoke to me about getting banned from Mar a Lago, why book proposals are a con job, and Truman Capote's Women (and terminal writer's block). Laurence is best known as the New York Times bestselling author of multiple celebrity biographies, including the trilogy, The Kennedy Women, The Kennedy Men, and Sons of Camelot. His latest, Capote's Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era, was named one of 2021's Most Anticipate Books in People, The New York...
2021-12-2032 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Award-Winning Novelist Vanessa Veselka Writes #PodcastersForJustice Award-winning author and essayist, Vanessa Veselka, spoke to me about her transformation as an artist, writing out of necessity, and the journey from nervy debut to National Book Award longlist. Vanessa is the author of the debut novel Zazen, which won the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize in 2012. Her second novel, The Great Offshore Grounds, was longlisted for the National Book Award for Fiction 2020, and winner of the Oregon Book Awards' Ken Kesey Award for Fiction. The book has been described by author Roxane Gay as “A magnificent beast of a...
2021-12-0650 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow the Screenwriting Duo of Marvel’s ‘Eternals’ Kaz & Ryan Firpo Write Award-winning filmmakers and multi-hyphenate screenwriting duo, Kaz and Ryan Firpo, spoke to me about their breakout Hollywood moment, writing Marvel's Eternals, and how to eat a whale. The Firpos are cousins who grew up in Northern California – with a storied background in commercials and documentary filmmaking – who describe themselves as "filmmakers who write." In 2017 their first feature screenplay, RUIN, topped The Black List (a showcase for film writers) making them a hot commodity in Hollywood. In addition to writing and directing their first feature, their original sci-fi screenplay MIMI FROM RIO was purchased in a...
2021-11-1932 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Acclaimed Debut Author Jocelyn Nicole Johnson Writes #PodcastersForJustice Critically-acclaimed debut author, Jocelyn Nicole Johnson, spoke to me about becoming a late-stage "literary debutante," Walmart militias, and the #writinglife as an introvert. Jocelyn is a veteran public school art teacher, whose short story “Control Negro” was anthologized in Best American Short Stories 2018, guest-edited by New York Times bestselling author Roxane Gay, and read live by LeVar Burton as part of PRI’s Selected Shorts series. Her buzzy debut is 2021 Kirkus Prize Finalist, My Monticello, five stories and a novella all set in Virginia. It has been described as a "...precis...
2021-11-0535 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow to Write a Six-Word Memoir with Editor Larry Smith#PodcastersForJusticeJournalist and Founder of the bestselling Six-Word Memoirs series, Larry Smith, spoke to me about his evolution as a journalist, TEDxing the Six-Word Memoir, and famous micro-memoirists.In the early days of Twitter, with a single tweet in 2006 – “Can you describe your life in six words?" – Larry Smith launched what would go on to become a runaway global phenomenon.The Six-Word Memoir Project has gone on to become a bestselling series of books, live event programs, a board game, and a popular lesson plan taught by teachers around the world.The 10...
2021-10-2239 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow NY Times Bestselling Thriller Writer Chevy Stevens Writes #PodcastersForJustice Award-winning, New York Times bestselling psychological thriller writer, Chevy Stevens, spoke to me about her life as a recluse, dreaming in prose, scaring the King, and her latest, Dark Roads. Chevy's debut novel Still Missing went on to become a New York Times bestseller and winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for Best First Novel in 2010. Her popular books, including Those Girls – which Stephen King called “Incredibly scary and suspenseful,” – have been published in more than thirty countries and optioned for film. Her seventh novel, the standalone thriller...
2021-10-0841 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience‘What You Will Learn’ from the Best Books Ever with Adam Ashton & Adam Jones #PodcastersForJustice Co-hosts of the top international podcast "What You Will Learn," Adam Ashton and Adam Jones, spoke to me about why writers should (and can) read more, how to turn a podcast into a book, and The Sh*t They Never Taught You. What You Will Learn became Australia's #1 Book Podcast with over 4 million downloads, 300 episodes, and interviews with some of the biggest non-fiction authors in the business (including Seth Godin). The Adams pledged to deliver "The Best Bits From The Best (Non-Fiction) Books" weekly on their show, and now they've...
2021-09-2448 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Internationally Bestselling Author Leïla Slimani Writes #PodcastersForJustice Award-winning writer and journalist, Leïla Slimani, spoke to me about the challenges of writing historical fiction, impostor syndrome, and what it's like to live In the Country of Others. “Imagination is the strongest, most powerful human capability. It allows everything: you can move in time, in space, create worlds. That’s what I look for when I write, and when I read, too.” – Leïla Slimani Leïla is the French-Moroccan author of the award-winning, #1 internationally bestselling novel The Perfect Nanny – a New York Times Book Review 10 Best Books of the Year –...
2021-09-1741 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Bestselling Novelist Nickolas Butler Writes #PodcastersForJustice Internationally bestselling novelist and short story author, Nickolas Butler, spoke to me about working sh*tty jobs, the irony of his latest title, Godspeed, and defining the modern western. Nickolas is an Iowa Writers' Workshop grad and author of the award-winning novel Shotgun Lovesongs, The Hearts of Men, and Little Faith, and the story collection Beneath the Bonfire. His latest novel is Godspeed, described as "... an incisive portrait of working-class life, the meth epidemic, and the many stratified realities of this one America we all live in, separately." ...
2021-09-0332 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Award-Winning Sci-Fi Author Charlie Jane Anders Writes #PodcastersForJustice Decorated speculative fiction and YA author and pundit, Charlie Jane Anders, chatted with me about the genesis of storytelling, how to weather 20 years of rejection, write through hard times, and her latest how-to for writers Never Say You Can’t Survive. "Being a writer doesn't have to mean you have a cool haircut and live in Brooklyn and go to fancy literary parties. It can mean that you're just someone who enjoys making up stories ... you don't even have to publish them." – Charlie Jane Anders Charlie Jane's novel Victories Greater Than...
2021-08-2634 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow NY Times Bestselling Novelist Jason Mott Writes #PodcastersForJustice New York Times bestselling author, Jason Mott, took a timeout to talk with me about the high-wire act of building Hell of a Book, talking about race in America, and NOT working with Brad Pitt. Jason is the author of The Returned, a New York Times bestseller that was turned into a TV series that ran for two seasons. His fourth novel is titled Hell of a Book, and is described as a "... funny and honest [work of fiction] that goes to the heart of racism, police violence, and the...
2021-08-1931 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Bestselling Thriller Writer Samantha Downing Writes #PodcastersForJustice Internationally bestselling thriller author, Samantha Downing, took a break to chat about her "20-year, overnight" success, writing psychopaths, and how to write a novel in six months. Samantha's debut novel, My Lovely Wife – about a married couple teaming up to commit murder – was a #1 international bestseller that earned Edgar and ITW Thriller Award nominations and an Amazon Best Thriller of the Month selection. Her latest bestseller, psychological thriller, For Your Own Good, has been called “A perfect summer book,” by NPR and described as "...a twisted and compulsively readable spin on the t...
2021-08-0428 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow NY Times Bestselling Novelist S. A. Cosby Writes: Part Two #PodcastersForJustice New York Times bestseller, and award-winning neo-noir novelist, S. A. Cosby, returned to chat about his creative process, cinematic heroes, and fantasy casting his new revenge tale, Razorblade Tears. “I loved Blacktop Wasteland...[A] fast-paced, bare-knuckle thriller.” -Stephen King S.A. is also an Anthony Award-winning short story writer for Best Short Story, 2019, and his short fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies and magazines. His lauded bestselling novel, Blacktop Wasteland, was Amazon's #1 Mystery and Thriller of the Year and #3 Best Book of 2020 overall, a New York Times Notable Book...
2021-07-2232 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Award-Winning Novelist Claire Fuller Writes #PodcastersForJustice Award-winning novelist, Claire Fuller, talked to me about getting shortlisted for the Women’s Prize For Fiction 2021, what inspired her new novel Unsettled Ground, and her creative process. Claire is an accomplished artist who studied sculpture at Winchester School of Art. She only started writing fiction at the age of 40, after many years working as a director at a marketing agency. She is now the author of four novels – including her award-winning debut Our Endless Numbered Days – and her latest is Unsettled Ground, on the Shortlist for the Women's Prize for Fi...
2021-07-1636 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow to Reverse Engineer a Bestseller with Award-Winning Psychologist Ron Friedman #PodcastersForJustice Bestselling author and award-winning social psychologist, Ron Friedman, spoke to me about how remarkable artists and writers reverse engineer breakouts, and his new book Decoding Greatness. Ron is an expert on human motivation and founder of ignite80, a consulting firm that crunches data in neuroscience, human physiology, and behavioral economics to "...help smart leaders build extraordinary workplaces." His latest work of non-fiction is the bestseller, Decoding Greatness: How the Best in the World Reverse Engineer Success described as "...a game-changing approach to mastering new skills and succeeding faster." ...
2021-07-0835 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Award-Winning Sci-Fi Author Sarah Pinsker Writes #PodcastersForJustice Award-winning short story writer and novelist, Sarah Pinsker, talked to me about neural implants, meeting Ursula Le Guin, and her latest, We Are Satellites. Sarah Pinsker is the 2019 Nebula Award winner for Best Novel for A Song For a New Day. The lauded and eerily prescient novel was "...Set in our near-future world following a virus and violent attacks that led people to limit almost all interaction to the virtual space." Sound familiar? Her latest is We Are Satellites was named One of Buzzfeed’s Best Science Fiction Books of Sp...
2021-07-0133 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Award-Winning Debut Author Sanjena Sathian Writes #PodcastersForJustice Award-winning short story writer and debut novelist, Sanjena Sathian, talked to me about the true cost of the American dream, magical realism, and working with Mindy Kaling on the adaptation of Gold Diggers. Sanjena is an Iowa Writers' Workshop grad who started her career as a journalist and reporter in Mumbai and San Francisco. She has had nonfiction bylines in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Food & Wine, The Boston Globe, The San Francisco Chronicle, and more. Her debut novel is Gold Diggers, and is described as, "A magical...
2021-06-2230 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Bestselling Children's Book Author Crystal Swain-Bates Writes #PodcastersForJustice Award-winning children's book author and diversity publishing pro, Crystal Swain-Bates, spoke with me about what inspired her to launch her own publishing company and the challenges authors of color face. “When I recognized how underrepresented black characters were in children's books, I made it my life's purpose to fill the diversity gap...” – Crystal Swain-Bates Crystal is a celebrated illustrated kids' book author, entrepreneur, and indie publisher "... on a mission to positively reshape the way children of color all over the world see themselves." She has written and published 12 childr...
2021-06-0938 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceMyth-Busting Book Publishing with Agent Lucinda Halpern#PodcastersForJusticePresident and Founder of Manhattan-based agency Lucinda Literary, Lucinda Halpern, gave me an insider’s take on why literary agents can't just be deal-makers anymore.Lucinda Halpern is a literary, lecture, and PR agent with over 15 years of experience on both the corporate and agency sides of publishing.Specializing in "books that change the way people work, behave, and live," she represents authors writing in the categories of business, health, lifestyle, popular science, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and upmarket fiction.Her agency, Lucinda Literary, boasts a roster of au...
2021-06-0237 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow NY Times Bestselling Author Lisa Scottoline Writes #PodcastersForJustice New York Times bestselling author and Edgar award-winner, Lisa Scottoline, spoke with me about what she learned from literary lion Philip Roth, impostor syndrome, and her latest book, Eternal. “I think all writing is writing, and all writing is good. And whether it gets published or not, it all ... makes you better.” – Lisa Scottoline Lisa is a #1 bestselling author of 33 novels. She's gone from law school standout to writing chart-topping legal thrillers over the course of her prolific career, has sold over 30 million copies of her books in the US, and be...
2021-05-1939 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Bestselling Crime Novelist Walter Mosley Writes#PodcastersForJustice Celebrated author, Walter Mosley, took a timeout to chat with me about how he didn't write a sentence he liked until age 35, the sprawling muse of Los Angeles, and his conflicted feelings after winning a big National Book Award.“Write your truth, and believe in it. And if your mother doesn’t like it ... too bad.” – Walter MosleyWalter is the first Black man to receive the National Book Foundation’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters for lifetime achievement in writing.The critically acclaimed author, playwright, screenwrit...
2021-05-0531 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow to Live to 100 with Science Journalist Marta Zaraska #PodcastersForJustice The lauded science journalist and author, Marta Zaraska, spoke with me about the impacts of loneliness on your health, why we need to think about aging earlier, and how smartphones ruin relationships. "Too much concentration on our smartphones is definitely damaging our health. The reason for that is that it tends to damage our relationships ." — Marta Zaraska Marta is the author of two non-fiction books (including Meathooked and Growing Young) two literary novels, and has contributed to two travel books published by National Geographic. Her latest book is Gr...
2020-10-0336 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow to 'Hyperfocus' with Productivity Expert Chris Bailey #PodcastersForJustice The internationally bestselling author of The Productivity Project and Hyperfocus, Chris Bailey, took the time to chat with me about tricks for focusing on what matters most, and how writers can cultivate more calm and creativity through uncertain times. "Tolkien said, 'Not all those who wander are lost.' I would argue that the exact same thing is true for our attention." — Chris Bailey Fresh out of college Chris took a full year off to study productivity. He posted his experiments to his popular blog, A Life of Productivity, which we...
2020-09-2343 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow NY Times Bestselling Thriller Author Shari Lapena Writes #PodcastersForJustice The internationally bestselling author of "domestic suspense" thrillers, Shari Lapena, took a few minutes to chat with me about her circuitous path to success, how she subverts the idea of the perfect "white picket fence" family, and her unique process as a novelist. "I always just start with an idea and write chronologically all the way through to the end. I don't have a plan, but as I go along, ideas present themselves....it's all very organic" — Shari Lapena She's the author of popular "suburban paranoia" thrillers – including The Couple Next...
2020-09-1427 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Bestselling Hugo-Nominated Author Robert Jackson Bennett Writes #PodcastersForJustice Award-winning speculative fiction and fantasy novelist, Robert Jackson Bennett, chatted with me about turning genre conventions upside down, how he incorporates critiques on modern society into his writing, and why truth is stranger than fiction. He's the Hugo-nominated author of a handful of critically acclaimed novels including The Divine Cities trilogy and The Founders Trilogy. He has received the Edgar Award, the Shirley Jackson Award, and the Phillip K. Dick Citation of Excellence, and he has been shortlisted for the World Fantasy, British Fantasy, and Locus Awards. Bennett...
2020-09-0749 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow the Screenwriter of ‘The Batman’ and 'Project Power' Mattson Tomlin Writes #PodcastersForJustice Busy screenwriter and director, Mattson Tomlin, took a minute to rap with me about debuting a film during a pandemic, what it takes to break into Hollywood, and how he was brought on to co-write The Batman with Director Matt Reeves. "Every script is an opportunity to change your life. Every script is an investment in yourself."—Mattson Tomlin Mattson rose to prominence in 2017 after a bidding war for his original screenplay that became the Netflix film, Project Power, starring Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and breakout Dominique Fishback. Ho...
2020-08-1835 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow NY Times Bestselling Novelist S. A. Cosby Writes: Part One #PodcastersForJustice Award-winning, neo-noir novelist and short story writer, S. A. Cosby, took time to speak with me about his pulp fiction influences, the hard work that went into his 10-year overnight success, and the cinematic timbre of his writing voice. "Writing is like telling yourself a joke for nine months ... and hoping that everybody else gets the punchline."—S. A. Cosby S.A. Cosby's short story, "The Grass Beneath My Feet," won an Anthony Award for Best Short Story, 2019, and his short fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies and magazines. ...
2020-08-1144 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Bestselling Legal Thriller Author Marcia Clark Writes #PodcastersForJustice #1 NY Times bestselling author and famed criminal lawyer, Marcia Clark, dropped by to chat about the perils of celebrity, how she got her start as a TV producer, and the highs and lows of the writing process. *This is another double-episode, with a surprise (12-year-old) debut author you won't want to miss. "It's no big surprise that Marcia Clark knows her way around a courtroom and a murder mystery—but she's also a terrific writer and storyteller."—James Patterson Marcia has been a practicing criminal lawyer since 1979 – she joined...
2020-08-0445 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceThe 'State of Travel Writing' Roundtable with Award-Winning Journalist Adam Skolnick#PodcastersForJusticeAward-winning international journalist, author, and serial pundit, Adam Skolnick, co-hosted our pandemic edition "state of travel writing" roundtable with several like-minded travel junkies.Adam is an award-winning independent journalist and author covering adventure sports, environmental issues, travel, and human rights for The New York Times, Outside, Playboy, and many others. He recently began a co-hosting gig on The Rich Roll Podcast.He’s traveled to over 50 countries, worked on six continents, and contributed to over 35 Lonely Planet travel guides.He is also the author of One Breath: Freediving, Death and th...
2020-07-231h 21
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Emmy-Winning Showrunner of 'The Handmaid’s Tale' Bruce Miller Writes #PodcastersForJustice The creator, executive producer, and showrunner of the award-winning TV series The Handmaid’s Tale, Bruce Miller, spoke with me about his storied career as a TV writer/producer, what it's like to work with author Margaret Atwood, and adapting a modern classic for the small screen. The Emmy award-winning TV writer and producer has worked on dozens of shows and movies (including Medium, Eureka, Alphas, and The 100), and got his start working on NBC's long-running hit ER in the early '90s. Miller's adaptation of Margaret Atwood's prescient, critically ac...
2020-06-3043 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow 'It's Always Sunny' Creator and Star Rob McElhenney WritesThe writer, producer, and actor – best known for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and recent hit Apple TV+ show Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet – Rob McElhenney took a timeout at the apocalypse to rap with me about how he runs his writer's room, his humble beginnings and admiration for the great TV comedies, and advice for aspiring TV producers."Everyone is going through the same things. At least, people that respect science are. That sense of loneliness and despair ... needs to be addressed in some way, but ultimately we want to leave people with a sense of optimism." – Rob Mc...
2020-06-1238 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Bestselling Novelist Aris Janigian Writes #PodcastersForJustice The bestselling, award-winning novelist, Aris Janigian, had a candid conversation with me about the recently "mandated dystopia," his circuitous path to bestselling author, the city as muse, and what it means to be a transgressive writer. “As a cognitive social psychologist, I can tell you without any hesitation that the human mind really is built for deception.” – Aris Janigian The author of six novels (all without traditional representation), critics hailed his 2012 novel This Angelic Land – set during the 1992 Los Angeles Riots – as "today's necessary book," and his novel Waiting for Lipchitz a...
2020-06-0254 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow to Write Commercial Fiction with NY Times Bestselling Author Jeffery DeaverThe internationally bestselling author of over 35 novels, Jeffery Deaver, took a few minutes to discuss his advice on how to write emotionally engaging fiction, the merits of plotters vs. pantsers, and a 5-step process for writing your novel."Rejection is just a speed bump ... it's not a brick wall. Keep at it." – Jeffery DeaverJeffery is a former journalist, musician, and attorney best known for his Lincoln Rhyme series – now a hit NBC TV show – and the novel, The Bone Collector, adapted for the big screen starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie.The "master...
2020-05-2735 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceProductivity Secrets from NY Times Bestselling Author John Zeratsky New York Times bestselling author and productivity expert, John Zeratsky, made time to chat with me about his mission to help you improve your focus, find greater meaning in your work, and get more out of each day. “All of the old structures and routines are gone.... When we have a schedule for ourselves ... that becomes scaffolding we can stand on, we're free to focus.” — John Zeratsky John studied journalism in college and has spent over 15 years as a designer for tech companies like YouTube and Google. He was also Google Ventures's in-house copywr...
2020-05-2149 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow NY Times Bestselling Author James Swallow Writes: Part OneAward-winning New York Times, Sunday Times, and Amazon #1 bestselling author, James Swallow, spoke with me about his superhero origin story, how he found success channeling his own anger, and the most important lessons he's learned along the way."I try to make the details as authentic as I possibly can ... because a lot of the action in my books is 'heightened reality.'" – James SwallowJames is a former journalist and British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) nominated scriptwriter who has written for video games, TV, and radio.The prolific author of...
2020-05-1453 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow to Publish Your First Novel with Acclaimed Author Abbigail N. Rosewood Award-winning writer and debut novelist, Abbigail N. Rosewood, joined me to discuss the roller coaster of emotions first-time authors face, how she overcame rejection and uncertainty, and her advice to aspiring scribes on how to rise above the noise. "Seeking representation didn't prepare me well for what was to come..." – Abbigail N. Rosewood Abbigail was born in Vietnam and lived there until the age of 12, so it's no surprise that she tapped into her past as a well for her fiction. After a false start in International Business, she earned an MF...
2020-05-0639 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceEarth Day Special with Terrain.org Editor-in-Chief Simmons Buntin Editor-in-Chief of Terrain.org, Simmons Buntin, helped me celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day by discussing why we need strong writing voices now more than ever, how to deal with the current "infodemic" of misinformation, and resources for starting your own revolution. “The voices in this essential anthology are anything but silent. Indeed, they are voices of hope, habitat, defiance, and, most importantly, democracy. Lend your ears, and then your own voice.” — Simmons Buntin Simmons has a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the CU, Denver, and an MFA in creat...
2020-04-2238 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceThe Legacy of Robert Ludlum with Author Joshua Hood Military thriller author, Joshua Hood, stopped by the podcast to talk with me about being given the keys to the Bentley of Robert Ludlum's storied writing legacy, the military toughness that's written into his own stories, and how impostor syndrome doesn't phase him. "In my career, I've had almost every bad thing that could happen to a writer ... happen to a writer." – Joshua Hood Joshua was an English major at the University of Memphis before joining the military where he spent five years in the 82nd Airborne Division. As a team le...
2020-04-1631 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Editor-in-Chief of the LA Review of Books Tom Lutz Writes Award-winning author, founder and editor-in-chief of the Los Angeles Review of Books, Tom Lutz, took a timeout to talk with me about his early years as a literary ne'er-do-well, what it's like to hang out with your heroes, and why you can assume every writer is faking it just a little bit. "Writing has never felt like a chore to me. It always feels like the space of freedom, and that I'm stealing the time from my job to do something I love." – Tom Lutz In addition to editing the Los Angeles Review of...
2020-04-0250 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow NY Times Bestselling True Survival Author Michael Tougias Writes New York Times bestselling creative nonfiction author, Michael Tougias, joined me to talk about how he translated his success in the true survival genre for younger audiences, his unique research processes, and how he captures the "... heroism and humanity of people on life-saving missions..." during maritime disasters. "You've interviewed these people that have lost loved ones ... They're counting on you to tell the story right, and ... as an author you really do feel that pressure." – Michael Tougias Michael has written or co-written 29 books in a multitude of genres, including history, and humor, but fo...
2020-03-2546 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Emmy Nominated TV Writer Sandy Fries Writes The Emmy-nominated TV writer and professor, Sandy Fries, joined me this week to talk about the lessons he learned over his storied, 20-year career in Hollywood, and how he wrote hundreds of popular TV episodes, including Star Trek: The Next Generation, NBC’s Quantum Leap, and Spider-Man: The Animated [TV] Series. "We all have cracks, the sun shines through those cracks, and through those cracks is how one human being connects to another." – Sandy Fries Sandy has rubbed elbows with an incredible assortment of media moguls including Sam Simon, co-creator of The Simpsons – who ga...
2020-03-1855 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Bestselling Novelist Peter Heller Writes Bestselling novelist, award-winning adventure writer, and journalist, Peter Heller, jumped on the phone to talk with me about his early life as a starving poet, breaking into journalism, how he makes things up for a living, and what it's like to be compared to your heroes. "When I read [great] poetry or prose [it] comes through my skin and straight to my heart, and pretty much bypasses my head..." – Peter Heller Peter is a longtime contributor to NPR, and a former contributing editor at Outside Magazine, Men’s Journal, and National Geographic Adventure. He r...
2020-03-1142 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow to Design Your Writing Space with Award-Winning Architect Donald M. Rattner Author, educator, and award-winning architect, Donald M. Rattner, stopped by this week to expound on invaluable research into the latest psychology and productivity studies to offer practical tips for designing your writing space for maximum creative output. “Unfortunately, once you go down this rabbit hole, you could go on and on forever...” – Donald M. Rattner Donald has an art history degree from Columbia (where he graduated with honors), and a Masters of Architecture from Princeton. He's now the founder of an award-winning architecture firm and a "Creativity Architect" whose work (on the ps...
2020-03-0456 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow International Bestselling Crime Novelist Adam Croft Writes: Part One The international bestselling hybrid author and crime novelist, Adam Croft, spoke with me from overseas about the processes, productivity hacks, and professionalism that have helped him become one of the most successful independently published authors in the world, and why writers need to develop a business mindset to do the same. "Writing more books is going to earn you more money, and that should always be your priority.” – Adam Croft Adam's previous career was as a freelance designer and editor, but his hard work and persistence over ten years have helped him become one...
2020-02-1328 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow NY Times Bestselling Suspense Novelist Joseph Finder Writes New York Times bestselling author, Joseph Finder, took a timeout to talk with me about how to write prescient, cutting-edge suspense, his writing rituals, overcoming impostor syndrome, and how to come to terms with a business built on rejection. "My objective is not to present research...my objective is to make people turn the pages." – Joseph Finder The award-winning author is known for his "cutting-edge suspense ripped straight from the headlines." He's written 16 novels and counting, including Judgment, The Switch, Guilty Minds, The Fixer, Suspicion, and the international bestseller Killer Instinct. Tw...
2020-02-0535 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow to Ghostwrite a Bestseller with Author Adam Skolnick: Part TwoIn Part Two of this file we return with an exclusive look into the process behind not only how a writer gets paid to ghostwrite a title for a celebrity, but also the writing, researching, and indie publishing of a book that has sat on top of the Amazon charts for over a year.“If you’re struggling to figure out what to write, it means you don’t know what you want to say." – Adam SkolnickNote: We had to get special permission from the incredible human and author, David Goggins, to share this story –...
2020-01-2935 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Tony Award-Winning Broadway Producer Ken Davenport Writes Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, writer, and artrepreneur, Ken Davenport, stopped by this week to talk with me about what it takes to consistently create hit musical theatre, his passion for storytelling, and lessons on today's business of Broadway. “I'm on a mission to help 5000 shows get produced by 2025.” – Ken Davenport Over his storied career Mr. Davenport has had multiple Tony Award wins and nominations for his productions including 2018's Best Revival of a Musical for Once on This Island. His lengthy list of credits also includes The Play That Goes Wrong, Ground...
2019-12-1837 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Oscar Nominated Screenwriter Kim Krizan Writes: Part One Academy Award nominated screenwriter, actor, and author, Kim Krizan, joined me this week to discuss how she came to work with director Richard Linklater on the critically acclaimed Before Sunrise film series, her lifelong study of femme fatales, and the pioneering work of author Anaïs Nin. "I write so the endangered thoughts roaming naked and vulnerable through the misty jungles of my mind aren't slain by the guns of practical living." – Kim Krizan Kim earned her Masters degree in English and Literature and while she was writing her thesis – titled "Anaïs Nin an...
2019-12-0431 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Netflix Showrunner Aron Eli Coleite Writes: Part Two In Part Two of this file the showrunner and Executive Producer of Netflix's Daybreak, Aron Eli Coleite, returned to chat with me about what it takes to survive high school (at the apocalypse), paying his dues in Hollywood, and the collaborative nature of world-building and scriptwriting for TV. "Surviving high school is like surviving the apocalypse," – Aron Eli Coleite Aron is a comic book writer, TV writer, and producer best known for his work on the popular NBC series Heroes and the CBS series Star Trek Discovery. His latest is the dark...
2019-11-2737 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Netflix Showrunner Aron Eli Coleite Writes: Part One Showrunner and Executive Producer of Netflix's Daybreak, Aron Eli Coleite, took a break to chat with me about what it takes to survive high school (at the apocalypse), paying his dues in Hollywood, and the collaborative nature of world-building and scriptwriting for TV. "Surviving high school is like surviving the apocalypse," – Aron Eli Coleite Aron is a comic book writer, TV writer, and producer best known for his work on the popular NBC series Heroes and the CBS series Star Trek Discovery. His latest is the dark, zombie comedy series Daybreak st...
2019-11-2031 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow NY Times Bestselling Nonfiction Author Andrew Maraniss Writes: Part One Award-winning, New York Times bestselling narrative nonfiction author, Andrew Maraniss, stopped by to chat about what it was like to grow up around so many famous journalists, why he chooses to weave social issues into sports history, and some age-old wisdom on how to beat writer's block. "Just get started.” – Andrew Maraniss Andrew is the son of Pulitzer Prize winning Washington Post journalist and author, David Maraniss, so it's no surprise that he has writing in his blood (and a touch of impostor syndrome). His winding path to bestseller started out as a...
2019-11-0625 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow to Write a Bestselling Children's Book with Laurie Wright Bestselling children's author and publishing coach, Laurie Wright, joined me this week to talk about her mission to help the emotional welfare of kids around the world, how she self-published a bestseller, and tools and resources for writer's aspiring to pen their own illustrated children's books. “I've realized, quickly, that what they say about 80% of people wanting to write a book really is true.” – Laurie Wright The former kindergarten teacher and mom of three saw an opportunity in the classroom for both parents and educators seeking solutions to get their kids to overcome "learne...
2019-10-3036 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow NY Times Bestselling Thriller Author Tess Gerritsen Writes International and New York Times bestselling author, Tess Gerritsen, dropped by to chat with me about the role of luck in finding success as a writer, where she draws inspiration for her thrillers, her love-hate relationship with writing for the screen, and her unique creative process. “Make every single chapter feel that somebody is off balance, that something is not right. That is what propels readers to read the next chapter.” – Tess Gerritsen The award-winning author graduated from medical school at the University of California, San Francisco, and began her writing career in earnes...
2019-10-2231 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow to Recharge Your Creative Batteries with Bestselling Author Kim Petersen: Part One Bestselling author, Kim Petersen, spoke with me about tactics to tap into age-old wisdom, quiet your inner critic, get back to basics, rediscover your voice, and recharge your creative batteries. “With how our lifestyles are, and the technology, we seem to have also become more disconnected from ourselves.” – Kim Petersen The award-winning, USA Today Bestselling, Australian author of fantasy, paranormal, and dystopian fiction, writes The Ascended Angels Chronicles, and co-authors the Stone the Crows series. Her latest is a foray into non-fiction titled Creative Writing Energy: Tools to Access Your Higher-Creative Mind...
2019-10-0931 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow to Write Impactful Historical Fiction with Award-Winning Author Talia Carner: Part One Award-winning novelist, speaker, and activist Talia Carner spoke with me about the intensive research processes that go into her novels, why she chose fiction to write about global social issues, the real-life crisis happening right before our eyes and what we can do about it. “I take a skeleton out of the closet and dance with it. The skeleton being the many social issues around the globe that vie for attention.” – Talia Carner Ms. Carner writes suspense novels with a social message and her latest historical novel, The Third Daughter, aims to turn the is...
2019-09-1825 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceSecrets for Beating Writer’s Block with TV Writer & Comedian Jorjeana Marie: Part One Award-winning actress, comedian, and screenwriter, Jorjeana Marie, took a break to talk with me about fulfilling her childhood dream of writing for Disney, how writers can rewire their inner-critic, improv as a writing (and life) philosophy, and secrets for beating block and creating countless ideas. “In improv the philosophy is, there are no mistakes.” – Jorjeana Marie The talented multi-hyphenate storyteller started out writing and producing plays during her stint at NYU's Dramatic Writing Program, and has gone on to write for several animated television shows, including a popular kids' series for Disney. Jorj...
2019-09-0430 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow NY Times Bestselling Memoirist Lisa Brennan-Jobs Writes: Part TwoIn Part Two of this file the New York Times bestselling memoirist and journalist, Lisa Brennan-Jobs, returned to talk about her decades long journey to publication, why it's so important to find yourself in the pages, the meaning of memory, and the impostor syndrome that all writers face ... especially the kids of celebrities."Writing can be the master, it can't be the servant of your time.” – Lisa Brennan-JobsLisa is a Brooklyn based writer whose father was the widely worshipped tech pioneer and entrepreneur, Steve Jobs, best known as the co-founder of Apple.Her...
2019-08-2840 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow NY Times Bestselling Memoirist Lisa Brennan-Jobs Writes: Part One The New York Times bestselling memoirist and journalist, Lisa Brennan-Jobs, joined me this week to talk about her decades long journey to publication, why it's so important to find yourself in the pages, the meaning of memory, and the impostor syndrome that all writers face ... especially the kids of celebrities. "You find yourself in a whole net, in a constellation of stories, each one connecting to another. It was amazing how much I remembered.” – Lisa Brennan-Jobs Lisa is a Brooklyn based writer whose father was the widely worshipped tech pioneer and entrepreneur, Steve Jobs...
2019-08-2131 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow to Outsmart Writer’s Block (with Neuroscience) Welcome back to another special edition of the show with some thoughts on the malady that we rarely care to whisper of ... even on our most prolific days. We’ll kick off the show with the iconic, international bestselling author of 14 novels, including the era-defining Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture – Douglas Coupland – with his thoughts on the subject. "I don't believe in writer's block. Think about it -- when you were blocked in college and had to write a paper, didn't it always manage to fix itself the night before the paper...
2019-07-3126 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceChallenges on the Writer's Journey with Prominent Book Editor Peter Guzzardi: Part One Prominent book editor-turned-author, Peter Guzzardi, spent some time with me this week to discuss how he pulled back the curtain on the writer's life, finding courage in front of the blank screen, and important lessons from the Yellow Brick Road for creatives. "One thing I love about this work is the variety. I’ve edited novels by authors as different as Ruth Rendell and Martin Amis, memoirs by Tony Curtis...and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar..." – Peter Guzzardi Peter has been a professional book editor for nearly 40 years. After getting his start in marketing, writing catalog copy...
2019-07-1723 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow to Get Unstuck and Back to Writing with Bestselling Author Jennifer Louden: Part Two In Part Two of this file the bestselling author and creativity coach, Jennifer Louden, returned to talk with me about her twisty career path, the wicked feedback loop of procrastination, how to find your voice, and solutions for getting unstuck and back to writing. "How do you get your creative & scary sh*t done? And how do you keep getting it done ... even when life is hard and busy and full of distractions?" - Jennifer Louden Jennifer has been a professional writer since the early '90s and is considered a personal growth...
2019-07-0329 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow to Get Unstuck and Back to Writing with Bestselling Author Jennifer Louden: Part One Bestselling author and creativity coach, Jennifer Louden, dropped by this week to talk with me about her twisty career path, the wicked feedback loop of procrastination, how to find your voice, and solutions for getting unstuck and back to writing. "Claim your voice. Share your voice. Get your scary sh*t done." - Jennifer Louden Jennifer has been a professional writer since the early '90s and is considered a personal growth pioneer. Her first book, The Woman’s Comfort Book, was the bestseller that launched her career and she's since published six ad...
2019-06-2633 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow New York Times Bestselling Author Sherrilyn Kenyon Writes: Part One Prolific, award-winning, #1 New York Times and international bestselling author, Sherrilyn Kenyon, joined me this week to talk about what it's like to be a literary legend with over 70 million copies of her books in print in over 100 countries. "To me, the characters are why I write. They're family. And I love the worlds." - Sherrilyn Kenyon Sherrilyn is considered one of the most popular and influential writers in the world and the multi-genre author is best known for urban fantasy and paranormal romance, including her popular Dark-Hunters series (Amazon), now also a NY...
2019-05-2926 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow to Finish Your Big Scary Book with Jennie Nash: Part One Author, educator, book coach and founder of Author Accelerator, Jennie Nash, joined me this week in a special edition of the show dedicated to unearthing tools and strategies for writers on the winding, sometimes daunting journey, to finishing your big, scary book. "Writing a book is like childbirth." - Jennie Nash Jennie started her career in publishing at Random House and has over 30 years experience in all facets of the industry. She also taught at the UCLA Extension Writers' Program for 12 years and has spoken at writing conferences across the country. ...
2019-05-1533 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Bestselling Author Elizabeth Ann Atkins Writes: Part Two In Part Two of this file the multi-hyphenate and bestselling author of over 20 books, Elizabeth Ann Atkins, returned to share her inspiring and winding journey from Pulitzer Prize nominated journalist to groundbreaking novelist, ghostwriter, educator, TV host, and health & wellness expert. "When you write from that intuitive voice, it's your truth. And writing from that is your power." - Elizabeth Ann Atkins She received a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University and her writing has appeared in the New York Times, the San Diego Tribune, Essence, Ebony and the Detroit News, for...
2019-05-0835 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Bestselling Author Elizabeth Ann Atkins Writes: Part One The multi-hyphenate and bestselling author of over 20 books, Elizabeth Ann Atkins, joined me this week to share her inspiring and winding journey from Pulitzer Prize nominated journalist to groundbreaking novelist, ghostwriter, educator, TV host, and health & wellness expert. "I'm trying to help people see ourselves through our hearts and spirits instead of through our skin, our religions, and all the labels and divisions." - Elizabeth Ann Atkins She received a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University and her writing has appeared in the New York Times, the San Diego Tribune, Essence, Ebony...
2019-05-0124 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceThe Bright Future of Audiobooks with Tina Dietz: Part Two In Part Two of this file the audiobook publisher, award-winning podcast producer, and internationally acclaimed speaker, Tina Dietz, returned to wrap up our chat about her passion for helping authors grow their audiences, why you should produce an audiobook, and the bright future of audio content. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Tina is an entrepreneur and content marketing expert who has been featured on ABC, Inc.com, Huffington Post, and F...
2018-12-1129 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceThe Bright Future of Audiobooks with Tina Dietz: Part One This week audiobook publisher, award-winning podcast producer, and internationally acclaimed speaker, Tina Dietz, took a timeout to chat with me about her passion for helping authors grow their audiences, why you should produce an audiobook, and the bright future of audio content. Tina is an entrepreneur and content marketing expert who has been featured on ABC, Inc.com, Huffington Post, and Forbes (to name a few), and her company, StartSomething Creative Business Solutions, helps authors and entrepreneurs expand their audiences with audio content. She is an award-winning podcaster and an expert in leveraging...
2018-12-0526 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Bestselling Sci-Fi Author Richard K. Morgan Writes: Part Two In Part Two of this file the acclaimed New York Times bestselling sci-fi author, Richard K. Morgan, spoke with me from overseas about his winding journey from English tutor to bestseller, having his novel adapted for the small screen, what it’s like to write for Marvel comics, and his unique take on creativity and the writing life. Richard is best known as the award-winning author of the noir sci-fi novel Altered Carbon (Amazon), a New York Times Notable and Philip K. Dick Award winner, that was recently turned into a hit Netflix series. [Bew...
2018-11-1941 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Bestselling Sci-Fi Author Richard K. Morgan Writes: Part One Acclaimed New York Times bestselling sci-fi author, Richard K. Morgan, spoke with me from overseas about his winding journey from English tutor to bestseller, having his novel adapted for the small screen, what it’s like to write for Marvel comics, and his unique take on creativity and the writing life. Richard is best known as the award-winning author of the noir sci-fi novel Altered Carbon (Amazon), a New York Times Notable and Philip K. Dick Award winner, that was recently turned into a hit Netflix series. [Beware: Some ‘explicit’ language.] The author of the...
2018-11-1339 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Professional Comedy Writer & Author James Breakwell Writes: Part Two In Part Two of this file the prolific pro comedy writer, author, and amateur parenting expert, James Breakwell, took a timeout to rap with me about @XplodingUnicorn and his rise to viral Twitter fame, how he juggles multiple writing projects, his family and his sanity, and the writer as entrepreneur. In the early days of his writing career James told me that he knew he wouldn’t score a book deal sending out query letters or tossing his ideas over the transom, so he decided to build an online following for his unique, self-effacing comedy....
2018-11-0625 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Professional Comedy Writer & Author James Breakwell Writes: Part One Prolific pro comedy writer, author, and amateur parenting expert, James Breakwell, took a timeout to rap with me about @XplodingUnicorn and his rise to viral Twitter fame, how he juggles multiple writing projects, his family and his sanity, and the writer as entrepreneur. In the early days of his writing career James told me that he knew he wouldn’t score a book deal sending out query letters or tossing his ideas over the transom, so he decided to build an online following for his unique, self-effacing comedy. Finding inspiration in his family of...
2018-10-3022 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Bestselling Self-Published Author Steff Green Writes: Part Two In Part Two of this file the prolific, bestselling author of the paranormal and dark fantasy, Steff Green, returned to talk with me about overcoming rejection, perseverance, her inspiring journey from copywriter to bestseller, and her advice to fellow scribes who may be facing adversity. Steff Green is a New Zealander who is a fervent self-publishing advocate, public speaker, and a legally blind writer who has turned her disability into a superpower to self-publish 24 books and counting. She has topped the USA Today bestsellers list writing paranormal romance under the pen name, Steffanie...
2018-10-2322 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Bestselling Self-Published Author Steff Green Writes: Part One Prolific, bestselling author of the paranormal and dark fantasy, Steff Green, dropped by the show to talk with me about overcoming rejection, perseverance, her inspiring journey from copywriter to bestseller, and her advice to fellow scribes who may be facing adversity. Steff Green is a New Zealander who is a fervent self-publishing advocate, public speaker, and a legally blind writer who has turned her disability into a superpower to self-publish 24 books and counting. She has topped the USA Today bestsellers list writing paranormal romance under the pen name, Steffanie Holmes, and is also...
2018-10-1724 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Literary Journalist and Novelist Michael Scott Moore Writes The author of the captivity memoir, The Desert and the Sea: 977 Days Captive on the Somali Pirate Coast, Michael Scott Moore joined me this week to talk about his fascinating journey as a writer, how he wrote his harrowing and detailed memoir (much of it without notes), and why it’s changed him as a writer and a person. Michael is an investigative journalist, novelist, and author of a critically acclaimed folk history of surfing, Sweetness and Blood, named a book of the year by The Economist in 2010. The author travelled to the Ho...
2018-10-0931 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Bestselling Self-Published Author Mark Dawson Writes: Part Two In Part Two of this archival file from early 2016, the prolific international bestselling thriller author and self-publishing advocate, Mark Dawson, rapped with me about self-publishing versus traditional publishing, and the productivity hacks that have helped him publish over 30 books. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Mr. Dawson’s multiple thriller series, self-publishing savvy, and an impressive email list of over 100,000 subscribers, have all helped him to build a large audience of lo...
2018-09-1126 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Bestselling Self-Published Author Mark Dawson Writes: Part One Prolific international bestselling thriller author and self-publishing advocate, Mark Dawson, dropped by the show back in early 2016 to talk with me about self-publishing versus traditional publishing, and the productivity hacks that have helped him publish over 30 books. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Mr. Dawson’s multiple thriller series, self-publishing savvy, and an impressive email list of over 100,000 subscribers, have all helped him to build a large audience of loyal readers an...
2018-09-0528 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience5 Things Only Serious Writers Do: Part Two In Part Two of this special edition of the show we traditionally call “writer porn” I’ve invited back my old friend, award-winning international journalist, author, pundit, and bad penny, Adam Skolnick, to discuss with me a piece I wrote recently for Copyblogger titled, “5 Things Only Serious Writers Do.” There are never enough words to thank all of you who reached out last week with your sweet thoughts, virtual hugs, and notes of encouragement following the sadder half of the show. So on to the matter at hand … As writers we all have our...
2018-08-2947 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience5 Things Only Serious Writers Do: Part One Welcome to a special edition of The Writer Files, we’re back from an extended summer hiatus. My old friend, the award-winning international journalist, author, pundit, and bad penny, Adam Skolnick, turned up this week to discuss with me a piece I wrote recently for Copyblogger titled, 5 Things Only Serious Writers Do. But before Adam and I get into it I wanted to explain why I’ve been away from the microphone for so long. It’s a heartbreaking story, and if you’re not into tragedies, feel free to fast-forward to the g...
2018-08-2145 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceWhat’s Your Writing Productivity Type? (with Bec Evans of Prolifiko): Part Two In Part Two of another special edition of the show we traditionally call “writer porn,” writer, educator, and co-founder of Prolifiko, Bec Evans, returned to conclude our chat about writer personality types, productivity secrets, and understanding your writing psychology. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Bec is the co-founder of Prolifiko, a new digital coach aimed at helping writers beat writer’s blocks and find writing routines that work best for them...
2018-07-3124 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceWhat’s Your Writing Productivity Type? (with Bec Evans of Prolifiko): Part One Welcome to another special edition of the show we traditionally call “writer porn,” and this week the writer, educator, and co-founder of Prolifiko, Bec Evans, stopped by to chat with me about writer personality types, productivity secrets, and understanding your writing psychology. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Bec is the co-founder of Prolifiko, a new digital coach aimed at helping writers beat writer’s blocks and find writing routines that work b...
2018-07-2423 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience21 Productivity Hacks from 21 Prolific Writers: Part TwoIn Part Two of this special edition of the show we traditionally call “writer porn” I’ve invited back award-winning international journalist, author, and serial pundit, Adam Skolnick, to discuss a piece I wrote for Copyblogger.com last year titled, “21 Productivity Hacks from 21 Prolific Writers.”Over the last four years, I ve been given the fantastic opportunity to interview a wide range of more than 70 prolific, renowned, and bestselling authors for The Writer Files series.As you may know, each interview digs into the habits, habitats, and brains of these writers, and I ask them all roughl...
2018-07-1749 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience21 Productivity Hacks from 21 Prolific Writers: Part OneIn this special edition of the show I’ve invited back award-winning international journalist, author, and serial pundit, Adam Skolnick, to discuss a piece I wrote for Copyblogger.com last year titled, “21 Productivity Hacks from 21 Prolific Writers.”Over the last four years, I've been given the fantastic opportunity to interview a wide range of more than 70 prolific, renowned, and bestselling authors for The Writer Files series.As you may know, each interview digs into the habits, habitats, and brains of these writers, and I ask them all roughly the same set of questions on how they g...
2018-07-1050 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience‘The Writer’s Brain’ on Impostor Syndrome: Part Two In Part Two of this special edition of the show we call “The Writer’s Brain,” a guest series with neuroscientist Michael Grybko, we dig into a phenomenon known as “impostor syndrome,” an experience many writers struggle with. The Experience Known as “Impostor Syndrome” The experience known as “impostor syndrome” has been recognized in over 70% of the population across a wide range of demographics. Everyone from bestselling authors, to A-list celebrities, and even genius-level scientists, have all admitted to feeling a kind of isolation from not wanting to be outed as a “fraud,” even tho...
2018-06-2628 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience‘The Writer’s Brain’ on Impostor Syndrome: Part One Welcome back to a special edition of The Writer Files called “The Writer’s Brain,” a guest series with neuroscientist Michael Grybko, and in this episode we dig into a phenomenon known as “impostor syndrome,” an experience many writers struggle with. The Experience Known as “Impostor Syndrome” The experience known as “impostor syndrome” has been recognized in over 70% of the population across a wide range of demographics. Everyone from bestselling authors, to A-list celebrities, and even genius-level scientists, have all admitted to feeling a kind of isolation from not wanting to be outed as a “fraud,” even...
2018-06-1931 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceThe Best of ‘The Writer’s Brain’ Part Four: Writer’s Block Welcome back to a special edition of The Writer Files called “The Best of the Writer’s Brain,” a series neuroscientist Michael Grybko and I started in 2015 where I enlisted his help to give us a tour of the inner workings of the writer’s process. Q: Have you ever wondered why writer’s block is such a widely disputed malady, if it’s curable, or even real? As we wrap up our Summer hiatus before the upcoming season, I thought I d put all of these enlightening episodes in one place … In Part Four...
2018-06-0554 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceThe Best of ‘The Writer’s Brain’ Part Three: Storytelling Welcome back to a special edition of The Writer Files called “The Best of the Writer s Brain,” a series neuroscientist Michael Grybko and I started in 2015 where I enlisted his help to give us a tour of the inner workings of the writer’s process. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Q: Have you ever wondered why storytelling is such an omnipresent theme of human life? As we take a...
2018-05-2937 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceThe Best of ‘The Writer’s Brain’ Part Two: Empathy Welcome back to a special edition of The Writer Files called “The Best of the Writer s Brain,” a series neuroscientist Michael Grybko and I started in 2015 where I enlisted his help to give us a tour of the inner workings of the writer’s process. Q: Have you ever wondered how great writing creates an emotional response in readers? As we take a short Summer hiatus to book new guests for the upcoming season, I thought I d put all of these enlightening episodes in one place … In Part Two of the s...
2018-05-2232 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceThe Best of ‘The Writer’s Brain’ Part One: Creativity Welcome back to a special edition of The Writer Files called “The Best of the Writer s Brain,” a series neuroscientist Michael Grybko and I started in 2015 where I enlisted his help to give us a tour of the inner workings of the writer’s process. Q: Have you ever wondered how prolific writers summon vast stores of creativity without breaking a sweat? As we take a short Summer hiatus to book new guests for the upcoming season, I thought I d put all of these enlightening episodes in one place, starting here … In...
2018-05-1526 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow the Creator of the ‘Lore’ Podcast (and TV Show) Aaron Mahnke Writes: Part One The award-winning creator, producer, and host of the megahit Lore podcast, TV show, and book series, Aaron Mahnke, joined me this week to share how he created his scary storytelling universe from scratch, his writing regimen for success, and advice to fellow scribes. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! In less than three years the writer and former graphic designer grew his humble “true life scary story” podcast, Lore, from a smal...
2018-02-1322 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow New York Times Bestselling Author of ‘The Bookseller’ Cynthia Swanson Writes The award-winning literary suspense novelist and New York Times bestselling author of The Bookseller, Cynthia Swanson, took a break before her upcoming book tour to chat with me about her new thriller, The Glass Forest, the writer-slash-designer s process and unique relationship with creativity, and how she finds her ideas. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! The bestselling author started out as a freelance marketing and technical writer before her debut...
2018-02-0639 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow New York Times Bestselling Author Daniel Pink Writes The multiple New York Times bestselling author of A Whole New Mind, Drive, and To Sell is Human, Daniel Pink, dropped by the show back in 2015 to chat with me about his experience as a TV producer, his take on writer’s block, and productivity & creativity hacks for non-fiction writers. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! This is a replay of the interview I did with Dan in honor of the pu...
2018-01-0929 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Essayist & Author of Debut Novel ‘The Floating World’ C. Morgan Babst Writes Acclaimed essayist, short fiction writer, and author of the debut novel The Floating World, C. Morgan Babst, took a few minutes to rap with me about the wrath of hurricanes, writing a love letter to the city of New Orleans, and her secrets to staying organized and productive. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Morgan is a New Orleans native who started her journey at NOCCA (New Orleans Center for the...
2017-10-2437 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceBusting the Myth of the Starving Artist with Jeff Goins: Part One The multiple bestselling author of five books, including his latest — Real Artists Don t Starve — Jeff Goins, returned for a special edition of the show to talk with me about “The New Renaissance,” his favorite books on creativity, and busting the commonly held beliefs of artists. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! In addition to being an entrepreneur and speaker, Jeff is a writing and creativity consultant, and his popular blog, Goins, W...
2017-07-1830 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Award-Winning Author & Educator K.M. Weiland Writes: Part One The multiple award-winning, internationally published author, podcaster, and writing coach, K.M. Weiland, stopped by the show to chat with me about Helping Writers Become Authors, balancing creativity and logic, and beating writer’s block. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! As an award-winning author of acclaimed writing guides including standouts Outlining Your Novel, Structuring Your Novel, and Creating Character Arcs Ms. Weiland uses part of her writing day to help me...
2017-05-3025 min