Look for any podcast host, guest or anyone
Showing episodes and shows of

Mark Bellusci | Dan Chichester

Shows

Street WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Would You BelieveIt's back to a bit of Rod Serling advice for "Take a Swing at This", as Dan institutes a dialogue loyalty test, of sorts. Mark rates the podcast "May I Elaborate" (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/may-i-elaborate-daily-wisdom-from-jb-smoove/id1562371862)  as worth a "They Beat Us To The Punch." And in "Hit Us With Your Best Shot" it's writing about businesses Dan's never heard of before — as well as continued favorites in the Grease, Grit and Crime in COVID Time podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grease-grit-and-crime-in-covid-time/id1518637609) and the storymaze.substack.com newsletter. This episode wa...2021-05-1910 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - UPPUnder pressure: yeah, all have way too much of it, but sometimes it can help your writing. Mark discusses how to reach a higher gear by creating a deadline for yourself and writing under pressure, purposely. Dan reads an inspiring paragraph from Story, by writing guru, Robert McKee. And Mark and Dan give updates on Grease, Grit and Crime and Storymaze. ‪#onwriting #howtowrite #writinginspiration #writingpodcast #podcastonwriting #writingtips #podcast #funnypodcast #applepodcasts #podcasters #writing #podcastlife #stamford #stamfordlocal‬2021-05-1208 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Different VoicesFor "Take a Swing at This" Dan turns to master storyteller Rod Serling, and his advice to listen to your characters with your eyes closed to see who's who. (If anybody!) Mark's "They Beat Us To The Punch" is all about Jonathan Lethem's "Gun, with Occasional Music: A Novel" an homage to noir in a totally original way. And in "Hit Us With Your Best Shot" Dan encourages folks to check out his storymaze.substack.com newsletter, but also observes some new storytelling angles that have come out of some recent tech articles he's written. Hit us...2021-05-0510 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Read, read, readWell, you’re reading this: that’s a good sign. Because Mark talks about the need for writers to read. Moves are great, shows are fabulous, podcasts are the bomb, but there’s no substitute for the written word. So read, read, read. Dan then raves about the Errol Morris documentary, The Thin Blue Line. And the boys pitch the podcast, Grease, Grit and Crime in Covid Time, and storymaze.substack.com ‪#onwriting #howtowrite #writinginspiration #writingpodcast #podcastonwriting #writingtips #podcast #funnypodcast #applepodcasts #podcasters #writing #podcastlife #stamford #stamfordlocal‬2021-04-2909 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Bring the LoveDan says, bring the love — to yourself. As writers, we’re good at berating ourselves. Well now it’s time to admire what you’re doing this very moment, and to appreciate your commitment to the craft. Mark reads a passage from an amazing f**king book, The Price You Pay, by Aiden Truhen. And the guys talk about their latest, in Mark’s podcast, Grease, Grit and Grime in COVID Time, and Dan’s newsletter, storymaze.substack.com ‪#onwriting #howtowrite #writinginspiration #writingpodcast #podcastonwriting #writingtips #podcast #funnypodcast #applepodcasts #podcasters #writing #podcastlife #stamford #stamfordlocal‬2021-04-2110 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - TOD: Text or DieThe Master of Acronyms is back! For "Take a Swing at This" Marc lays out the challenge and power of TOD: Text or Die. For "They Beat Us To The Punch" Dan is all over 2034, a new too close for comfort military thriller of a near-future global conflict between the US and China. And in "Hit Us With Your Best Shot" Dan brings in his new newsletter (storymaze.substack.com), and Mark updates on his latest Grease, Grit & Crime in COVID Time — plus his short story journaling.  Hit us with questions, comments, whatever you got at...2021-04-1710 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - PEAPity. Envy. Adore. Aka, PEA. Dan discusses how to use the PEA acronym to help shape the characters you create. Mark reads a passage from Quite Ugly One Morning by Christopher Brookmyer that evokes a smoke-filled, aristocratic English club. Dan touches on the growing popularity of his newsletter, which you can subscribe to at storymaze.substack.com. And Mark introduces The Black Hole, a new dramatic podcast episode at Grease, Grit and Crime in COVID Time. Listen wherever you get podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and the link below. ‪#onwriting #howtowrite #writinginspiration #writingpodcast #podcastonwriting #writingtips #podcast #funnypodcast #applepodcasts #podcasters #writing #po...2021-04-0710 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - First to ThirdWant to turbo charge your journaling? Go from first to third. Mark discusses the benefits of simply shifting your journal entry from first person (“I feel like ...”) to third person (“He believed that ...”). It provides opportunities to enrich your entries by bringing more storytelling aspects to them. Dan gets back to his mythology roots by reading from “Heroes,” from Stephen Fry. Dan also introduces us to his free newsletter that shows off his serious writing chops (storymaze.substack.com), while Mark touches on another episode at his podcast, Grease, Grit and Crime in COVID Time. ‪#onwriting #howtowrite #writinginspiration #writingpodcast #podcastonwriting #writingtips #p...2021-03-3110 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - ReversalsThis way? No, back it up, turn it around! That's better. Or so Dan says as he advocates for "Reversals" via this episodes "Take A Swing At This". (With a nod to creativescreenwriting.com) Then Mark's off to other worlds, introducing The Three Body Problem to "They Beat Us To The Punch”. And in “Hit Us With Your Best Shot” Dan is writing new business pitch videos, while Mark is scripting art critics for his latest Grease, Grit & Crime podcast, a funny observation on observation he calls "Open to Interpretation". (https://anchor.fm/greasegritandcrime/episodes/Open-to-Interpretation-epf8s3) Dig...2021-03-1010 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers — Be Your Audience"Take A Swing At This" answers the eternal question of where to find your audience with the writing tip to *be* your audience. For “They Beat Us To The Punch”, Mark shares an excerpt from writing and ad giant George Tannenbaum's always excellent blog, Ad Aged. (https://adaged.blogspot.com) And in “Hit Us With Your Best Shot” Dan relates starting work on an eco-tourism project for a First Nation in Canada, and Mark gives an update on the newest spotlight on his festival sweeping video, Venmo Muscle. (https://vimeo.com/463403472) Dig what you hear? Leave a review...2021-03-0310 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - TMOCTMOC: The myth of confidence. Mark wonders if writers need to have confidence in their writing — he certainly doesn’t, and he knows so many other writers who struggle with confidence as well. Maybe all the confidence you need is that you’ll write something, no matter what. Dan then reads from a meaner, scarier series of Hulk comics from Al Ewing. And Mark discusses his film Venmo Muscle, which is selected for the Manhattan Stories Film Festival. And Dan touches on being the audio book voice for a new book on gaming by our friend and podcast guest, Evan Skolni2021-02-1010 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - I’m a FraudWell, it’s about time. Mark finally admits that he’s a fraud. His writing sucks, his plays are garbage (even the published ones), and how any of his films get into festivals is a joke. Imposter syndrome? Oh yeah, it’s real for Mark. So he shares a tip on how to keep plowing ahead even if you sometimes feel like a fraud. Dan then reads from a beautiful essay from David Foster Wallace. And Mark discusses serializing his latest work, All Strung Up.2021-01-2009 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - CornertalkNo matter when this runs, it includes a 2021 greeting and (technically) our first “Take A Swing At This” of the new year: inspired by Lucian James’ (www.lucianjames.com) newsletter, Dan’s shouting at himself in the mirror, creating the Street Writers’ version of “cornertalk” — the boxer’s motivating words, transferred to the writing ring. “They Beat Us To The Punch” features Mark’s jealousy for a NY Times piece on “Eight Things Hated About NY (Until 2020 Happened) (“https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/25/nyregion/coronavirus-newyorkers-coping.html). And “Hit Us With Your Best Shot” is two quick jabs/updates on Dan’s comic book project, and Mark’s l...2021-01-1310 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - SnowflakingFor a special holiday edition of Street Writers, Dan's "Take A Swing At This" fills the stockings with the joy of Randy Ingermanson's "Snowflake Method" of writing (https://www.advancedfictionwriting.com). In "The Beat Us To The Punch", Mark assures you will never look at an Xmas Tree in quite the same way again, as he relates the scientific wonder(ful writing) of the NY Times' "The Social Life of Trees" (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/12/02/magazine/tree-communication-mycorrhiza.html). And in "Hit Us With Your Best Shot" Dan is looking to unwrap the gift of freeform writing inspired by...2020-12-2310 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Coffee is for ClosersFor "Take A Swing At This" Mark channels his inner Alec Baldwin. With "They Beat Us To The Punch", Dan proclaims "This is the way," in admiration of the storytelling skillz of "The Mandolorian." And when it's "Hit Us With Your Best Shot", Dan relates his upcoming newsletter, as Mark gives updates on Grease, Grit & Crime in COVID Time, as well as a film festival interview on one of his latest videos. (Apologies for the boomier sound on Dan's end, his regular mic is out on loan for another audio project!) Dig what you...2020-12-1610 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - The GuaranteeA rock solid guarantee (perhaps by way of the underworld) is Dan's offer to Mark in "Take A Swing At This". Then Mark brings law and order back to writing with a high-five to the five-oh skills of  masterful police author Joseph Wambaugh in "They Beat Us To The Punch". And in "Hit Us With Your Best Shot", Dan travels north for some Canadian tourism writing, and Mark pens a tale of gentler tweets. (Apologies for the thin sound on Dan's end, his mic is out on loan for another audio project!) Dig what...2020-12-1110 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Character DrivenStuck in the middle of a story? Let your characters lead you, step by step, line by line. Mark discusses building story momentum by letting your characters react to the line that was just written, and then react to the next line, and so on. Dan then reacts to a beautiful letter about finding lyrics by poet and musician, Nick Cave. And Mark announces that his film, Venmo Muscle was selected for Manhattan Rep Theater’s COVID Stories Festival.2020-12-0200 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Two Words from South Park"Take A Swing At This" comes courtesy of the creative duo behind South Park, two simple words that Dan thinks can make all the difference in between your storytelling beats. Then Mark straps on his Esquire skis for "They Beat Us To The Punch", with a hellacool bit of heliskiing writing. And in a quick "Hit Us With Your Best Shot", Dan jabs at turning the idea of a "definite chief aim" into a story for an upcoming motivational panel; while Mark lands a one-two-three punch of  short stories,  film festival entries, and more audio drama in...2020-11-2500 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Beware of SuccessBe careful what you wish for. Achieving a writing goal — whether that’s getting published, building an online audience or anything in between — is great. But it can also lead to a feeling of “Is that all there is?” That’s why it really is about the journey of writing: working on your craft every day and taking satisfaction in what you accomplish each step of the way. Mark then reads a paragraph from a Stephen King short story in the October 2020 Esquire, and he touches on a few successes of his own.2020-11-1900 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Get the PictureDan and Mark spend at least 1000 words on the power of pictures as inspiration, writing prompts and more in “Take A Swing At This.” For "They Beat Us To The Punch" takes us deep within the world of drug cartels  via the one-of-a-kind prose and behind the scene details of Don Winslow — especially his latest, The Border.  (https://www.amazon.com/Don-Winslow/e/B00455VVTK) Then for "Hit Us With Your Best Shot" Dan intros the potential of National Novel Writing Month. Who's in for 50K words in a month? (https://nanowrimo.org)  Dig what y...2020-11-0400 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Myth BustingMark believes one phrase has hurt writing more than just about any other: “write what you know.” He and Dan dispel that hideous myth. Dan then raves about David Lynch’s book, Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness and Creativity. And Mark describes his first on-site shoot following COVID protocol for the Clay Arts Council.2020-10-2700 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - UnderthinkAfter weeks of awesome guest, Mark and Dan are left only with themselves on the newest Street Writers. Dan’s “Take A Swing At This” is all about *underthinking* a situation to get the creative flow. (Inspiration-check to Lucian James’ The Fearless Strategies newsletter: https://www.lucianjames.com/fearlessness) For “They Beat Us To The Punch” Mark promotes the prose of Peter Leonard, Elmore Leonard’s son and heir apparent. And in “Hit Us With Your Best Shot,” Dan talks up an upcoming Halloween-time chat on scary Marvel Comics from the nineties (7 Eastern, 10/30 at bit.ly/3mVsjzd), and Mark promotes the newes...2020-10-2100 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Valentino Zullo Pt. 2We continue our wonderful writer rumble with psychotherapist and comic book scholar Valentino Zullo. In "They Beat Us To The Punch," Valentino gives props to Pathographies. And in "Hit Us With Your Best Shot", Valentino shares deets on his upcoming piece for the Journal of Popular Culture on psychoanalysis in EC Comics. (You don't get a Street Writers like this every day!) We've only got 10 min with this fascinating thinker and writer, so be sure and check him out in more detail at https://www.vzullo.com/ Dig what you hear? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite...2020-09-3010 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers (Trailer)2020-09-2800 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Valentino Zullo Pt. 1Thanks to podcast pal Nancy Kidder for an intro to the fabulous Valentino Zullo: writer, editor, psychotherapist, comics scholar. In part 1 of our interview, Valentino wastes no time (it's only a 10 min show!) revealing his origin story (it involves Sonic the Hedgehog) and getting right to the heart of superhero trauma. Then he channels his therapy skills for  "Take A Swing At This", giving all us Street Writers ways to overcome our inhibitions. After this you'll definitely want more time with Mr. Zullo, so be sure and check his writings and more at https://www.vzullo.com/ 2020-09-2310 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Character JambalayaStuck on trying to find the perfect plot? Let your characters lead you. Mark discusses the idea of putting disparate characters with conflicting goals together and see what bubbles up — like a spicy jambalaya. Dan raves about Phenomena, by Annie Jacobson (https://www.amazon.com/Phenomena-Governments-Investigations-Extrasensory-Psychokinesis/dp/0316349364/ref=nodl_) He also discusses his guest appearance on the podcast, Geek to Me Radio (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/186-part-1-writer-d-g-chichester-on-marvel-daredevil/id1182792271?i=1000488550939). And Mark introduces Au Revoir, Noir, the latest addition to Grit, Grease and Crime in COVID Time (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grease-grit-and-crime-in-covid-time/id1518637609).2020-09-1610 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Chris Roy Pt. 3It’s the Part 3 conclusion of our time with writer and literary PR agent Chris Roy, and he pulls no punches as he takes us inside his work bringing focus to other fighters and writers. And in “Hit Us With Your Best Shot,” Chris talks up his new coaching/editing/PR service, Sanscribd. Do yourself a favor by getting to know Chris’ writing on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Henry-Roi/e/B0821KTB4H) and his PR services via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/HenryRoiPR/) Special note: getting Chris on the phone means this recording has a lower audio quality...2020-09-0810 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Chris Roy Pt. 2We’re on Part 2 of our discussion with powerful author and literary PR agent Chris Roy, as he reveals more details of his hard road to finding a new journey through writing, working out and determination. This is the inspiring personification of a “Street Writer.” In “They Beat Us To The Punch” Chris shares why he’s inspired by Bald is Beautiful. Check out Chris’ writing on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Henry-Roi/e/B0821KTB4H) and his PR services via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/HenryRoiPR/) Take note: connecting with Chris by phone means this recording has a lower audio...2020-09-0109 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Chris Roy Pt. 1We’ve never had it more real on Street Writers than in Part 1 of our interview with writer and PR literary agent Chris Roy. He is all in as he relates how he has found himself in a Mississippi prison for the last 20 years — and how he’s found new and amazing qualities about himself as a person through is boxing and writing. In Part 1 of this amazing 3 part series, Chris “Takes A Swing At This” with great advice on avoiding writing distractions. Check out his writing on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Henry-Roi/e/B0821KTB4H) and his PR ser...2020-08-2509 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Action > ExpositionThere's a real in motion swing to "Take A Swing At This" as Dan expresses the need for writing to focus less on exposition and more on action. In "They Beat Us To The Punch", Mark revels in the villains of a Robert Crais crime thriller. (https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Crais/e/B000APA4GU) And when it comes to "Hit Us With Your Best Shot", Dan talks up the in-production of his audio mystery "The Cryptic"; and Mark reminds listeners of his fiction podcast, Grease, Grit and Crime in COVID Time. (https://anchor.fm/greasegritandcrime) ...2020-08-1810 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Academy Award winner Marshall Curry, part 2In the second half of our interview, Marshall Curry discusses the podcast that inspired him to make his award winning short film, The Neighbor’s Window (which you can see for free on YouTube and Vimeo). Marshall’s inspiration is The Living Room, by Diane Weipert (you can hear it on the podcast series, Love and Radio). Marshall also talks about his upcoming plans, which include a fictionalized version of a true story about a garbage man in Oklahoma who wants to build the largest haunted house attraction in America. We also discuss a small silver lining of the COVID trag...2020-08-1208 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Oscar Winner, Marshall Curry, part 1We’re thrilled to welcome to the podcast the Academy Award winner, four-time Academy Award nominee and an old friend, Marshall Curry. In the first half of our interview, Marshall gives us some great tips on finding inspiration from the habits and processes of other writers, and establishing your own work process.2020-08-0409 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Stop Wasting TimeMark hits us with another of his tradeMARKED acronyms — SWT —  "Take A Swing At This": possibly the most inspirational POV to come out of the pandemic when it comes to writing. Dan continues spreading the virus theme with a "They Beat Us To The Punch" share on Jennifer Wright's informative and irreverent history of plagues (and plague heroes), "Get Well Soon." (https://www.amazon.com/Get-Well-Soon-Historys-Plagues/dp/1627797467) Then it's more "Grease, Grit and Crime in COVID Time", a nod to Mark's fiction podcast, also good for your earbuds. (https://anchor.fm/greasegritandcrime) How's this listen working for...2020-07-2910 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Tom Elia, rawWell, this being the summer of quarantine, and taking the advice of our recent fabulous guest, renowned copywriter and creative writer Tom Elia, we’ve released some raw cuts of our interview with Tom that entertained the hell out of us (and hopefully, you too). We discussed the paradox of Web creative that was better 15 years ago than it is today, and trying to find the balance between business writing and creative writing. We’re breaking our format rules for this raw version—but hey, we all know that rules are made for breaking every now and then.2020-07-2620 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Tom Elia, part 2Here’s the second half of our interview with award-winning copywriter and creative writer, Tom Elia. Tom reads from a New Yorker article he’s jealous of, Thirty-six Thousand Feet Under the Sea. He then discusses what he’s working on, what he should be working on, and trying to find the meaning of sports rivalries in COVID times.2020-07-2209 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Tom Elia, part 1This week, we’re joined by award-winning copywriter and creative writer, Tom Elia, who graces us with his sonorous rendition of Peyton Manning’s “Chicken Parm, you taste so good.” It’s a campaign Tom created with his partner for Nationwide Insurance. Tom also gives us a tip on getting out of writer’s block and ruts with oblique strategies.2020-07-1509 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Letter To YourselfThis episode's "Take A Swing At This" is all about writing a "Dear John" to your inner bad mojo.  For "They Beat Us To The Punch," Dan talks cadavers, by way of Mary Roach's excellent book on the subject, Stiff. (https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Roach/e/B001H6MAHM). And in "Hit Us With Your Best Shot", Mark gives an update on his new dramatic podcast, "Grease, Grit and Crime in COVID Time." https://anchor.fm/greasegritandcrime Enjoying this listen?  Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new writers and writing fans to join in: https...2020-07-0810 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - WaterBe like water. Bruce Lee said it about martial arts, but Mark says it also applies to writing—learning how to go with flow, sometimes pouring through, sometimes taking a different direction. But always fluid. Dan raves about an old comic book series, Marshal Law. And Mark introduces his new podcast: Grease, Grit and Crime in COVID Time.2020-07-0109 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - PYPAPProtect your passion and produce. Or, as Mark calls it, PYPAP. This acronym is your reminder to ride your passion all the way to a finished work, and then get that work out there. Mark has a few tips to help. Dan falls in love with the writing of Jamis MacNiven at PacificVoyages.net. And Mark describes helping a mutual friend, Kevin Sitek, launch his seminar on helping college students find jobs and internships in these crazy times.2020-06-2409 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - kNOw NegativeTurn that writing frown upside down as "Take A Swing At This" pummels negative words that keep your writing down. "They Beat Us To The Punch: finds Mark pulling out his copy of Esquire for exquisite pairings — and writing by Jeff Gordinier. And Dan laments not winning a movie theater with his cinematic essay in "Hit Us With Your Best Shot" Dig what you hear? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new listeners to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters Hit us with questions, comments, whatever you got at: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com Plus send us an audio message so we...2020-06-1910 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Lean InMobile technology and sophisticated apps have created a new type of video editing called lean in editing. That’s when you pick up your phone or iPad when you have a few minutes and just continue editing, versus locking down at a workstation. Mark thinks, why not use this approach in writing? It gives you a fresh perspective and reassurance that you could write anywhere you go. Dan then raves about the animated series, The Clone Wars, on the Disney Channel. And Mark reads an excerpt from his 15-year-old, satirical dystopian play that feels like it was written yesterday. Listen wh...2020-06-1110 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Lower Your StandardsWriting putting you under pressure? "Take A Swing At This" lets you off the hook, with a tip to aim low and never be disappointed. Mark's got high marks for Blake Crouch and his Wayward Pines tales in "They Beat Us To The Punch." And for "Hit Us With Your Best Shot", Dan shares tales of his old Nighbreed adventures, with a few words from his afterword to the collected edition.  Dig what you hear? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new listeners to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters Hit us with questions...2020-06-0310 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Cinematic AnglesMove your mental camera around your scene, as "Take A Swing At This" introduces the idea of "cinematic angles" to your writing. Mark yada-yada-yadas about an envy-worthy Jerry Seinfeld interview in "They Beat Us To The Punch." And for "Hit Us With Your Best Shot" Dan channels his inner "In Search Of", role-playing script selections from a new piece of audio fiction. Dig what you hear? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new listeners to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters Hit us with questions, comments, whatever you got at: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com 2020-05-2810 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - StubbornWriting takes perseverance, insight, practice, and, according to Mark, stubbornness. You create something with your writing, so you need to protect it. That doesn’t mean ignoring feedback or foregoing revisions; it means protecting the idea you created in the first place. Dan reads an excerpt from the inspiring Making Comics, by Linda Barry. And Mark introduces a new addition: Street Writers Stories.2020-05-211h 00Street WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Dimmer SwitchThink of your writing style as a light switch. It can either be an on/off switch (you’re writing or you’re not) or a dimmer switch (you’re thinking about writing but not quite writing). Mark is a fan of the former, because thinking about writing all day without actually doing it can drive you crazy. Dan reads an excerpt from an interview of a master, Ray Bradbury. And Mark reads another excerpt from his short story, X-Communicated. Listen wherever you get podcasts.2020-05-1310 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Never DefendNext time you get your back up when someone dings your writing, "Take A Swing At This" idea of never defending your work. Mark thinks Silicon Valley's  is worth comedy envy when it comes to "They Beat Us To The Punch." And Dan takes a walk down memory monster lane for "Hit Us With Your Best Shot", with an excerpt from the foreword to the collected edition of his Nightbreed comics. (https://www.amazon.com/Clive-Barkers-Nightbreed-Archive-Vol-ebook/dp/B01KW5909Y/) Dig what you hear? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new listeners to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters Hit u...2020-05-0610 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Journaling Rabbithole‪To journal, or not to journal. And if you are a journaler, what belongs in your journal? Well, if you’re doing it for therapeutic purposes, whatever the hell you want. But if you’re a writer, take the extra step of finding the gem in your journal entry. Twist and shape it to be more inspiring and intriguing. Dan then gets on the Tiger bandwagon and finds jealousy-invoking creativity of the director and writers. And Mark reads from his noir short story, X-communicated. Listen wherever you get podcasts. ‬2020-04-2810 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Mission To StatementDan gets his fancy Blue Yeti mic to work (so he doesn't sound like Mr. Roboto) just in time for him and Mark to "Take A Swing At This" — "this" being writing a "mission statement" to help focus your next writing project. Mark continues the (faux) biz theme with a view askew "They Beat Us To The Punch" — a peculiar jealousy of overwrought corporate-speak. And one good thing comes out of the pandemic, as Dan re-discovers an old Daredevil comic  proposal for "Hit Us With Your Best Shot", sharing out a couple of paragraphs of how he used to p...2020-04-2210 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - In Your Head‪It takes a big head to be a writer. And at some point, you’ll need to fit your entire story in that cabeza grande. @MarkBellusci explains that only by absorbing your story over and over again will you get a complete understanding of each of your characters and plot lines. @DanChichester then raves about the Expanse, which he feels breaks the sci-fi mold of most dystopian stories. And Mark reads an excerpt from his new video for a nonprofit called The Harvest Group. ‬2020-04-1510 minStreet WritersStreet WritersToss A Coin To Your ReaderIt's not quite the musical ear-worm of "Toss A Coin To Your Witcher," but in "Take A Swing At This" we focus on rewarding your audience with "gold coins" in your writing, all along the way.  (Watch out for flying chickens.) "They Beat Us To The Punch" has Mark taking us on a tour of Russia, including  "poetry" from Martin Cruz Smith's latest, Siberian Dilemma. And for "Hit Us With Your Best Shot" Dan goes behind the scenes of some comic book writing, with a descriptive 2-page spread that brings a creepy underworld above ground. (We're still...2020-04-0810 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - No Pressure‪The virus may be virusing, but we’re still Street Writing—socially spaced, that is, with Dan at his command center at home, and Mark sitting in his acoustically nifty car (the laundry room is on hold). Mark discusses writing habits when you’re holed up. Keep up with your routine, and don’t put undue pressure to increase your output. Experiment with additional writing if you want, but not if it stresses you out (we’ve all got enough of that). Dan reads a segment from the writer, John Angelo, which was published in 1997 (old school) in a pulp magazine cal...2020-04-0109 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Bad Mood RewritingWe’re firing up the Street Writer mics for a pandemic podcast. Mark and I are out of the laundry room recording studio and Zoom-ing it for audio. Apologies for any sound glitches as we relearn our craft! We may not be surrounded by fabric softener for this one, but we are back with hard hitting writing segments. In “Take A Swing At This,” we start with the need to avoid rewriting while in a foul mood — and morph that into a quartet of interrelated ideas to keep you motivated for the page. “They Beat Us To The Punch” has Mark praisin...2020-03-2610 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - No Quotes‪You’ve always wished you could just get in a cave and write. Well we’re all in social distance caves now, so there’s no better time to write. But first, get inspiration from this week’s episode of Street Writers. @danchichester warns us to be careful with quotes; they can become crutches and an easy way out of crafting your own story. He then reads an excerpt from an amazing obituary of reporter Ken Fuson, written by reporter Ken Fuson. Meanwhile, @markbellusci keeps chugging along (i.e. staggering) on his quantum screenplay. ‬2020-03-1810 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Dabbling Dilemma‪To be a poet, or not to be. A screenwriter, novelist and/or journalist? Mark wrestles with the big conundrum: hone your skills in one format or diversify into several. Dan then waxes poetic on the word, f**k, from an amazing scene in The Wire. He then revives a story idea of his after reading about scientists who are creating, well, an uttering mummy. ‬2020-03-1010 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Leading Questions‪Leading questions may be good for lawyers, but they can also be great for writers. @DanChichester explains how to use leading questions and statements to bridge sections or chapters, and to build audience intrigue and engagement. @MarkBellusci raves about the short story, The Last Conversation, by Paul Tremblay from The Forward Collection. And Mark describes a video he’ll create for The Harvest Fund using limited footage and images. Listen wherever you get podcasts or at the link below.‬2020-03-0509 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Find the FunRemember fun? That can—and should—be your motivation to keep writing. Oh sure, there will days when writing will seem like anything but fun. But Mark talks about ways to make it fun—through music, a change of scenery and more. Dan reads a bit from the coolest weather report ever. He then touches on his hindsight to in preparation of entering a TedX challenge on writing about hindsight.2020-02-2710 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Margot Berwin Pt. 2It's part 2 of more laughs and learnings with the energizing novelist Margot Berwin, author of the best selling Hothouse Flower and the Nine Plants of Desire. Diviing deep on "They Beat Us To The Punch", Margot overachieves with six different titles that she digs and envies. And finishing strong with "Hit Us With Your Best Shot", she reveals the secrets of her new novel, "The Medium", which delves into her real world interests (and skills) in tarot. Find out about her tarot readings (and sign up for one) at www.margotreadstarot.com; and check out her author's...2020-02-1910 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Margot Berwin Pt. 1Author Margot Berwin comes out swinging in the first part of our 2 part interview with her. Margot is the author of the best-selling Hothouse Flower & the Nine Plants of Desire, as well as its follow-up Scent of Darkness. She's also a tarot card reader, and a hell of a lot of fun to talk writing with. This time out, she doubles up on "Take A Swing At This" with two heretofore untapped tips to strengthen your street writing: get a job; and "write from your other mind" — a transcendental technique to be sure your writing is anything but or...2020-02-1210 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Someone BetterThe good news? Keep working your writing craft and you’ll get better. The bad news? There’s always—ALWAYS—someone better. So @danchichester lets us down easy and inspires us to keep plowing ahead, because there’s always room for another great writer (even if there’s always someone better). Dan then gives a hysterical recount of a way better Twitter campaign, and @markbellusci describes how he re-edited someone else’s clay arts video to make it, well, better.2020-02-0510 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Nancy Kidder, part 2Here’s the second half of our interview with Nancy Kidder, an American University professor who teaches a course called Writing And Fighting (the perfect companion to Street Writers). Nancy describes her inspirations for developing the course, and lets us in on what she’s up to these days. Learn more about Nancy at writeandfight.com.2020-01-2909 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Nancy Kidder, part 1This is the first half of our interview with Nancy Kidder, an American University adjunct professor who teaches a course called Writing And Fighting (the perfect companion to Street Writers). Nancy provides insightful tips on writing, and discusses some of her favorite writers. Learn more about Nancy and her course at writeandfight.com.2020-01-2108 minStreet WritersStreet WritersPowering Past RejectionWe talk about our perennial writing companion: rejection. We all get it, and dealing with it productively is crucial. Dan then delves into a creative Twitter thread by Christopher McQuarrie that discusses rejection among other writerly things. And Mark discusses his film that, after a few rejections, was accepted into a film festival (whew).2020-01-1610 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Evan Skolnick Pt. 2Level up your podcasting game with Pt. 2 of our interview with Evan Skolnick: author of everything from Marvel Comics New Warriors, to LucasArts Star Wars games, to recent video game hits like Cuphead and The Walking Dead. In "They Beat Us To The Punch", Evan calls out the writerly virtues — nay, nirvana! — of a solid set of dishwasher instructions. And in "Hit Us With Your Best Shot" Evan invites us into the particular joys and specialized skills he brought to bear as the narrative designer on the smash PS4 game Concrete Genie. (https://www.amazon.com/Concrete-Genie-PlayStation-4/dp/B07NKVW...2020-01-0810 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Evan Skolnick Pt. 1What better way to start 2020 than with a new episode of Street Writers? Better yet — the first part of our interview with Evan Skolnick, as he takes us through is writing career that's included Marvel Comics, LucasArts, hit video games like The Walking Dead, Cuphead and Concrete Genie — and the ins and outs of game instruction at the Game Developers Conference and Cogswell College. And in "Take A Swing At This" Evan hits us with the wisdom of "taking a pitch" — passing on writing work when it's not the right fit.  Learn more about Evan at his we...2020-01-0110 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Josh Korda, Part 2Here’s the second half of our interview with Josh Korda, a Buddhist teacher, lead instructor at DharmaPunx NYC, and author of Unsubscribe: Opt Out of Delusion and Opt In to Truth. Josh tells us what he’s been up to, and then we let our let our collective hair down (ha!), with a discussion of some our favorite shows.2019-12-2509 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Josh Korda - Part 1We chatted with our friend Josh Korda, who is a a Buddhist teacher, lead instructor at DharmaPunx NYC, and author of Unsubscribe: Opt Out of Delusion, Tune In to Truth. In part one of our conversation, Josh discusses adjusting your writing schedule and technique based on what you’re writing. He also touches on a few books he loves. Come back next week for part two.2019-12-1810 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Story StartersWe all know that the hardest part of writing is getting started. So Dan discusses three story starters from fellow comic book writer and novelist, Neil Gaiman. Mark reads a paragraph from the deliciously dark writer, Christopher Moore. And Dan describes the writing skills he used as a panel moderator.2019-12-1110 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - No ClichesYou can collect needles; you can stack hay. But using "a needle in a haystack" -- or any other cliche -- in your writing? Puhlease. Nothing can bring your writing down like cliches. Here's how to avoid them. Dan then raves about an excerpt from Tom Junod writing about Mr. Rogers. And Mark describes a mini documentary, The Brooklyn Buddhist, that he created with Buddhist Teacher Josh Korda that's on the film festival circuit.2019-12-0510 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Greg Monaco Pt. 2We’re still swinging fistfuls of words with fellow writer Greg Monaco. Part 2 of our interview/conversation/sparring gets into his “They Beat Us To The Punch”, a paean to ad great Howard Gossage (https://ashley-pollak.squarespace.com). And for “Hit Us With Your Best Shot”, Greg gets into the making of his “On The Road With Monaco” video series (https://youtu.be/1VDhaD5G4Zk), as well as a new project that melds his storytelling skills with west coast meditation — a transformational experience that creates a conversation with your Future Self. Learn more about Greg and his work at letsgomonaco.com...2019-11-2610 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Greg Monaco Pt. 1We invite creative leader and personal branding master Greg Monaco to take it the Streets. In part 1 of this 2-parter, he hits us with his version of “Take A Swing At This” — a full on keyboard ranting to get the words rocking and rolling. Learn more about Greg and his work at his site, letsgomonaco.com Liking what you hear? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new listeners to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters Hit us up with questions, comments, whatever you got at: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com And send us an...2019-11-2109 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Education or Inspiration?Education and inspiration. You need both to keep the words flowing and your writing projects moving forward. Yet finding the balance between how-to-write content and and great writing that inspires you can be tough—should you be reading Stephen King on Writing or Stephen King? Mark and Dan discuss how the balance differs for everyone, and they warn against going down the wormhole of spending too much time learning about writing and not enough time actually writing. Dan raves about the concept and writing behind the text game, Lifeline. And Mark talks about getting his 1-minute film (starring Dan) in a...2019-11-1209 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Fill that PipelineWant an incentive to get through what you’re writing now? Have your next writing project lined up right behind it. Want to shrug off a rejection letter on your current project? Get entrenched in your next one. That’s what filling the pipeline is all about, and that’s how writers stay in it for the long run. Dan is jealous of, and inspired by, a wonderful excerpt on writing by philosopher and Zen master, Alan Watts. Writer/director Mark and actor Dan recap a fun and eye-opening shoot of their latest film, Classmates.2019-11-0509 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - David Quinn Pt. 2We’re still slugging it out (in the best of ways) with writer David Quinn — scribe of comics, film, kid's books and industry. In Part 2 of our episode/interview with him… David’s view on “They Beat Us To The Punch” is thoughtful and scary as he introduces us to The Creepy School Bus — https://youtu.be/bLaAWSKuKTw. Prepare to be weirded out and jealous! And in “Hit Us With Your Best Shot” he reveals the genesis of his children’s book, “Go To Sleep, Little Creep” (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1101939443/) a lullaby for kids and monsters everywhere that is eerie and sweet...2019-10-3010 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - David Quinn Pt. 1Another writer gets down to the street level of writing with us, as we invite David Quinn to get on the mic. David’s known for his prolific career in comics (Faust, Ghost Rider, Dr. Strange, Vampirella and many more). His professional credits extend onto the stage, film and blue chip corporate communications as well. In Pt. 1 of our time together, he “Takes A Swing At This” with a unique spin on Write Now, Fix Later. (Trust us, you will be chanting “Jargon, jargon, jargon!” after this one.) Check out David at his blog at https://inwalkedquinn.com 2019-10-2210 minStreet WritersStreet WritersDetails, DetailsWe all know where the devil is ... in the details. Dan explains how adding detail to your writing brings it to life. The details are how you paint a picture with your words, how you fight past tropes, and how you bring your own style to your writing. Dan then quotes a writer with his own powerful style (as well as a flawless hook shot), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. And Mark reads from a beautiful rejection letter (yep, a contradiction in terms).2019-10-0910 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Changing GearsLike a finely tuned Tesla, your writing speed should vary based on your project. Sometimes you want to zoom through a segment, and sometimes you want to slow down and enjoy the view of your words. Mark discusses varying your writing speeds. Dan is jealous of an interactive role-playing, decision-making game that showcases well developed characters. And Dan discusses ramping up his writing speed for a video scripting assignment.2019-10-0310 minStreet WritersStreet WritersGet it out thereYou’ve pondered, produced and polished—now it’s time to publish. Dan discusses the many ways to get your work out into the world: social media, blogs, and content sites like Medium. Mark praises author Colin Harrison, and also discusses shooting his new film.2019-09-2710 minStreet WritersStreet WritersAre you Kirk or Spock?What gets your writer engine revving? Is it raw, emotional passion, a la Captain James T. Kirk of the Starship Enterprise? Or is it the methodical, practical logic of Mr. Spock? Mark discusses analyzing your emotional or rational writing drive, and playing to your strengths on either side. And Dan goes a little “Bruuuuce” on us, with a glowing review of Springsteen’s autobiography, Born to Run. Dan also updates us on his comic book adventures with his artist partner, @Carl Waller.2019-09-1910 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Call Yourself a WriterThis week, we’ve got a simple tip from Dan: don’t equivocate or hesitate: substantiate by calling yourself a writer. Of course, that will mean you’ll actually have to write, but that’s kind of the point, right? Also, Dan shows some love to a graphic novel, RoughNeck, by Jeff LeMire. And Mark loves the fact that he wrote his two favorite words on his latest screenplay: “The End.”2019-09-1210 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers — Best of DanMark here. I’m flying solo this week, because on this past Labor Day Weekend, Dan was doing labor—on assignment for a crunch project. So I’m holding the fort with a “Best of Dan” episode. Three of his segments that had me taking notes and learning tricks. Not that I’d tell him. Wouldn’t want his head getting too big. But anyway, here are three segments that inspired me: Dan’s type-it-out tip, his Avengers analysis, and finding his own voice for a business article. Enjoy.2019-09-0410 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Taking CritiquesIn our last episode, we talked about finding the right people to critique your work. In this episode, we discuss accepting, absorbing and acting on criticism. Knowing what to accept, what to ignore and how to interact with your reviewers is an art in itself. Also, Dan showcases the Shakespearean language of Deadwood. And Mark has entered the get-this-shit-done-no-matter-what phase for his multi-world, sci-fi ... thing.2019-08-2910 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Cultivating your critique groupNobody likes to take a punch, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need to improve your work. Specifically, you may need an objective critique. Which is why it’s crucial to find a person or group you can trust to review your project. Finding the right critique team is a bit of an art, which we discuss. Mark then hails a scripted podcast series he enjoyed on a cross-country drive: Blackout, starring Rami Malek. And Dan discusses the writerly skills he needed to keep a panel discussion lively, informative and entertaining.2019-08-2210 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Brendan Leonard of Semi-Rad, part 2In the second part of our interview with Brendan Leonard of Semi-Rad, Brendan tells us what he’s been up to, which is publishing a book of his funniest, coolest, most inspirational essays, Bears Don’t Care About Your Problems. It’s available wherever books are sold.2019-08-1509 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Brendan Leonard of Semi-Rad, part 1Enough about us: in this episode, we jumped on a call with an amazing guest, Brendan Leonard of Semi-rad—he of the wildly popular semi-rad blogs, instagram charts, award-winning documentaries and newsletters. In part one of our interview, Brendan gives a great writing tip (actually, two), and shares his love for a renowned blogger, podcaster and all-around guru, Seth Godin. Next episode, we get into what Brendan’s been up to (spoiler alert: he’s got a new book, Bears Don’t Care About Your Problems.)2019-08-0709 minStreet WritersStreet WritersComplex and SimpleWhen writing, you want to make the journey for your characters as complex as possible—that’s what makes them compelling. But you also have to convey the story simply enough for your readers to follow. Sounds tricky? It is. Dan dives in to explain how to do it. Mark then explains how Dan Brown finds the balance of complex and simple in his book, Origin. And Dan discusses the value of time in revisiting and continuing a comic book series he worked on years ago.2019-07-3110 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Change da FormatStuck in a writing rut? Dan suggests that it might be time to change your writing format—from computer to handwriting, from keyboard to crayon—anything that changes the physical feel of your writing experience. Mark raves about a morning success formula for the rest of us, hilariously laid out by Brendan Leonard of semi-rad.com. Mark also describes a video project he did for The Home Caregiver Network on Comcast, in which he uncovered the hero’s journey.2019-07-2510 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Write ShitYeah, it’s going to happen: at some point you’ll realize that something you’re writing is just plain, well, shit. Best thing you can do? Finish it. Get it out of your system, and at least have the satisfaction of saying you finished a shitty piece. Reality is, you may be able to salvage chapters, settings, descriptions—and who knows, maybe it won’t be as shitty as you think. Then Dan discusses a piece by a writer who’s as far from shit as a person can be: John Steinbeck. And Mark revels in the magic of storyboardin2019-07-1710 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Top and BottomCut the fluff. That what Dan explores with an approach to writing that has you remove the top and bottom of your writing to get to the good stuff in the middle. Mark raves about an episode of a fabulous podcast, Conan O’Brian Needs a Friend. And Mark also discusses finding the story in a client’s video production.2019-07-1110 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Mindful WritingWe all know the negatives of writing: bouts of insecurity, writer’s block, procrastination and a million other headaches. So in this episode, we hit on a positive: while writing may never get easy, it can provide a regular dose of mindfulness that can help calm and fulfill you—yeah, we’re going all metaphysical this week. Plus, Dan satisfies his appetite for great writing with an article from Bon Appetit magazine, and hones his writing voice with multimedia synopses he creates using a tool called Lumen 5.2019-07-0209 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - White NoiseWhat's your white noise? What are the sounds, if any, you need to have in the background as you write? For Mark, it's a combo of instrumental jazz, train rides and coffee shops. For Dan, it's an algorithm-based white noise he subscribes to at brain.fm. Dan raves about a creative inspiration book, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, by Elizabeth Gilbert. He then talks about his story maze approach to writing, and exploring the cul-de-sacs along the maze path.2019-06-2510 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Waste No TimeTime to make a fistful of words and fight to write. This episode's “Take A Swing At This”  is a chance for Dan to admit his weakness for distraction. He puts the spotlight on a great lil' tech tool called Waste No Time (https://www.bumblebeesystems.com/wastenotime/), a gem that can lock out the noise of the interwebs and keep your focus on the words in front of you. "They Beat Us To The Punch"  is Dan's green with jealousy love letter to an old fave, 1972's The Night Stalker (https://www.amazon.com/Night-Stalker-Strangler-Double-Feature/dp/B000...2019-06-1810 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Type It OutThe fight for the right write continues. In this round of Street Writers…for this “Take A Swing At This”, Dan extols the technique of "Type It Out" — the power of kinetic motion to get yourself in the groove of a genre to inspire your forward momentum when it comes to writing. (Mark applies some curse words to the same idea!). Then it's inner city noir for "They Beat Us To The Punch" as Mark champions a novel he's jealous of, Bill Beverly's latest, Dodgers. (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1101903759/) And when it comes to "Hit Us With Your Best Sho...2019-06-1110 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - ProcrastaholicsNow that we’re sharing our hard earned tips and tricks on writing, you’d think we’d be immune to the typical writing road blocks, like procrastination. You’d be wrong. Mark admits he’s a procrastaholic, and describes how he fights it every day. Dan takes an inside look at the final two Avengers movies, and also discusses how he stopped procrastinating by taking a different point of view on an article he wrote.2019-06-0410 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - Once Upon a GOTJust what you need: the 80 bazillionth critique of Game of Thrones. In ours, Dan nearly throw some Dracarys fire on Mark in their “heated” discussion. Also, Dan goes through the “Once Upon a Time” format that can help you craft your story. And Mark addresses how directing his upcoming film may affect his writing of it. Enjoy the Street Writer spectacle with friends! Help us get some new listeners by sharing out this link: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters Writing's a little less lonely when we fight together. Got ideas for “Take A Swing At This”? Ready to make some noise about...2019-05-3010 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStart AnywhereIn this episode, we talk about starting your next writing project any damn place you want, be it the middle, the end or the beginning. Also, Dan gives his impression of Jordan Peterson’s, The 12 Rules for Life, one of which is petting any cat you run into on the street—meow. And Mark enters the black hole (pun intended) of writing a story about gravitational waves and parallel universes. Gulp.2019-05-2210 minStreet WritersStreet WritersThe power of quirks and details(GREAT NEWS FOR YOUR EARS: WE’RE NOW IN A PRO STUDIO—NO MORE ECHOES!) Think about your favorite characters in stories. You know them inside and out, you relish their quirks, you know what direction they’re going to take before they do. That’s why you need to bring out the details—and quirks—in your characters to bring your writing to life. Hear an excerpt from a book that personifies quirkiness, and hear how we’re bringing out the quirks in our own characters.2019-05-0709 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - StorymaticWe’ve made it to all four corners of the ring with #4 of Street Writers. “Take A Swing At This” declares the Storymatic (https://www.storymatic.com) a contender: it’s a cool set of cards that helps accelerate your writing with character and situation springboards. Dan has a glass jaw when it comes to Richard Kadrey’s Sandman Slim series of books, a high-energy mix of wit, demonology, and action. (https://www.richardkadrey.com) And in this "Hit Us With Your Best Shot,” Mark bobs and weaves with what he’s discovered writing his new "behind the scenes" Video Tips ser...2019-04-2310 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers — Anytime, AnywhereEpisode Three of Street Writers defends the #fight2write ethos, with hard-hitting "Take A Swing At This" ideas for capturing your words on the go. (Including a mention of Dan's fave Field Notes, https://fieldnotesbrand.com) "They Beat Us To The Punch" reveals Mark’s inner romcom, with a revisit to the writing delights of the James L. Brooks’ movie “As Good As It Gets.” (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I8HIO0) Then we turn from laughs-to-screams for Dan’s "Hit Us With Your Best Shot,” a behind-the-scenes look (talk?) at a scary interactive fiction project called “The Virulence Prot...2019-03-1310 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers — The Alarm ClockAn alarm clock can not only get you out of bed, it can also get you out of the writing doldrums. In “Take a Swing At This,” we explore writing in blocks of time, capped off with an alarm clock that allows you a short break. Yes, it’s now a popular time management system called the Pomodoro Method, but we we’ve been using for years to write—it works. "They Beat Us To The Punch" features the highlights of a hysterical eight-month-old life coach. (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/22/opinion/sunday/humor-baby-daily-routine.html) And "Hit Us With Your Best Shot”...2019-03-0510 minStreet WritersStreet WritersStreet Writers - High HorsesIn this intro episode, "Take A Swing At This," we knock writing off its high horse and hit at the power of discipline. With "They Beat Us To The Punch," Mark gives a blow-by-blow of a great column in Esquire. And for this version of "Hit Us With Your Best Shot," Dan punches out the storytelling details behind a new toy project. Get in on the action, say "Yo Adrian!" and tell us what words are filling your screen: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com2019-02-1910 min