Shows
This Creative LifeS3 E16: Author Alyssa SheinmelAlyssa Sheinmel's psychological thriller and adult debut, Such Sheltered Lives, it out now. In this episode, I spoke with Alyssa about what it's been like to publish in the adult category alongside her ongoing work in her teen lit roots, how she gets it done, and hey, what's going on in YA right now anyway? Such Sheltered Lives - Out from Atria 1/20/26 Alyssa's website Alyssa @ IG Learn more about me, my books, and my other projects at: www.sarazarr.com The Writers Circle Thanks to Da...
2026-01-2048 minThis Creative LifeS3 E15: Annual Wrap-Up & Writers Circle UpdatesThe Writers Circle Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! Subscribe to the newsletter Learn more about me, my books, and my other projects at: www.sarazarr.com
2025-12-2218 minThis Creative LifeS3 E14: Seasonal Shifts + Joni Sensel and Wildly InspiredIn which we don't write a novel in a month, and look to the seasons to inspire our writing focus. Special thanks to Joni Sensel. Get Wildly Inspired! The Writers Circle Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! Learn more about me, my books, and my other projects at: www.sarazarr.com
2025-11-0725 minThis Creative LifeS3 E13: Jasminne Paulino's Notes to the UniverseMany thanks to my guest Jasminne Paulino for sharing the story of how her debut novel, The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez, came to be, how the pandemic led her to decide to pursue her MFA, and how a late-life diagnosis informs her writing. Find Jasminne on Instagram @jasminne.notes, and at her website Find her book and all my guests' books at our Bookshop Shop The Writers Circle Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! Learn more about me, my books, and my other projects at:
2025-10-2442 minThis Creative LifeS3 E12: The Autumn of My dis-ContentSorry about the unplanned hiatus! In this episode I talk about my break from online as my default environment, what that has to do with Our Times, and I guess I'm still learning how to pronounce "authoritarianism." The Writers Circle Celery Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! Learn more about me, my books, and my other projects at: www.sarazarr.com
2025-10-1214 minThis Creative LifeS3 E11: Hannah V. Sawyerr & Truth IsFrom childhood journals to Pitch Wars to the Morris Award Honor to the National Book Award Longlist, Hannah V. Sawyerr has been on a journey! I so enjoyed this conversation and I know you will, too. Truth Is comes out September 23rd everywhere books are sold. Truth Is at Bookshop Hannah's website & social links Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! Learn more about me, my books, and my other projects at: www.sarazarr.com
2025-09-1946 minThis Creative LifeS3 E10: Reality-Based GoalsExpanding on the first episode of this season, we ask what does "reality-based" mean when it comes to goals? The Writers Circle Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! Learn more about me, my books, and my other projects at: www.sarazarr.com
2025-09-0516 minThis Creative LifeS3 E9: Filmmaker Thomas TorreyFinally, another interview episode! This conversation with Thomas Torrey is exactly what I've been craving, and maybe you have, too. We talk about artistic despair and the freeing realization that we're not special. Also the ways in which his film, Long December, could be thought of as This Creative Life: the Movie. Bad Theology Pictures Long December The Writers Circle Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! Learn more about me, my books, and my other projects at: www.sarazarr.com
2025-08-291h 05This Creative LifeS3 E8: Introducing the Writers Circle!The Writers Circle is a community for support, connection, and education for writers at all levels, across genres and categories. Check it out: The Writers Circle Coupons! EARLYBIRD10 for 10% off any membership (expires 9/2) FOREVER21 for 21% off a Forever membership (expires 9/2) Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! Learn more about me, my books, and my other projects at: www.sarazarr.com
2025-08-2217 minThis Creative LifeS3 E7: Dealing with MiddlesPodcast home page Take a peek at the Writers Circle The Inbox Variations Quarterly Newsletter Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! Learn more about me, my books, and my other projects at: www.sarazarr.com
2025-08-1522 minThis Creative LifeS3 E6: What Counts as WritingWhen your word count is down but you've got lots of dishes to do. Writers Circle waitlist Angel Down by Daniel Kraus E Lockhart on TCL back in 2015 Incubation and the creative process And preparing for incubation! (point 6) Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! Learn more about me, my books, and my other projects at: www.sarazarr.com
2025-08-0115 minThis Creative LifeS3 E5: Five Craft Tips I Give the MostThis week I go over five of the most common pieces of feedback I give on student and client manuscripts. Got a writing question for a future episode? Email me! Podcast home page The Writers Circle Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! Learn more about me, my books, and my other projects at: www.sarazarr.com
2025-07-2518 minThis Creative LifeS3 E4: When to Invite FeedbackPodcast home page Help for writers and Writers Circle waitlist Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! Learn more about me, my books, and my other projects at: www.sarazarr.com
2025-07-1814 minThis Creative LifeS3 E3: "This Is Stupid" with Author Andrew DeYoungIn the first interview episode of TCL 3.0, we bring back an old friend with a new book. Andrew DeYoung's new domestic thriller, Stay Away From Him, is out this week. We talk about Andrew's path from YA to speculative to thrillers, the pleasures of writing genre fiction, and how he gets it done. Also, why is everything in publishing so slow? Get Stay Away from Him Help for writers and Writers Circle waitlist Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! Learn more about me, my books, and my other projects a...
2025-07-1154 minThis Creative LifeS3 E2: Why You're Not WritingIn this episode, I go over five common reasons we're not writing even though we want to, and offer some ways to change our thinking. Share it with a friend who needs to hear it! Podcast home page The Writers Circle On Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande (and other writing books I like) Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! Learn more about me, my books, and my other projects at: www.sarazarr.com
2025-07-0432 minThis Creative LifeS3 E1: The Reality-Based Writing LifeSubscribe to this podcast wherever you like to listen, including Apple, Overcast, Spotify, Podbean, and more. Help for Writers and Community Waitlist Podcast Home Page Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! www.sarazarr.com
2025-06-2714 minThis Creative LifeTCL 3.0 - I have questions for you!Survey link: https://forms.gle/P2MBGfvdpxAshvWYA www.sarazarr.com
2025-06-1104 minThis Creative LifeOne Year On and Looking Ahead to 2025Just a short audio newsletter to share what I've been doing in 2024, with a bit of housekeeping toward the end. Happy holidays and thanks for still being here! www.sarazarr.com Theme music by Dave Connis
2024-12-1616 min
Are We There Yet?Author Sara Zarr on Grief for Young ReadersAcclaimed author Sara Zarr has published ten novels for young readers, as well as two books of non-fiction about creativity. She’s a National Book Award finalist and two-time Utah Book Award winner. Her first book, Story of a Girl, was made into a 2017 television movie directed by Kyra Sedgwick. She also hosts the podcast "This Creative Life," all of which you can find on her website below. I'm a huge fan of Sara's books because she writes about many different forms of loss and does it beautifully, realistically, and honestly without glossing over her characters' st...
2024-04-0444 minThis Creative LifeAshley C. Ford and the Ultimate Pivot - TCL Finale (?)I know you've been waiting a long time on a wish and a promise for this final episode in the Pivots, Comebacks, and Reinventions series. I appreciate your patience while I went and figured out myself and my own potential pivots and reinventions! The wait is over and I present to you my conversation with Ashley C. Ford, bestselling author of Somebody's Daughterand lots more. I'm so grateful to Ashley for her time and generosity in this conversation. I know you're going to love it as much as I did. Ashley's web site
2023-11-0959 minThis Creative LifeAudio Updates - October, 2023Fall updates! New interview episode coming in November. Opting In, Opting Out Pre-Order Kyra, Just for Today The Inbox Variation newsletter (This Creative Life newsletter will be ending) Manucript consultation
2023-10-2808 minThis Creative LifeTCL Mini: Updates & the FutureNews about my next book, and an opportunity for space that I am taking! Get the show notes / newsletter This Creative Life ebook on sale for $2.99 through June! @ amazon @ everywhere else www.sarazarr.com
2023-06-2110 minThis Creative LifeTCL Mini: The Writing Life AuditThis is the audio version of the most recent newsletter PLUS some thoughts about what's next for the pod. Get the newsletter version of this post Get the book Get The Inbox Variations www.sarazarr.com
2023-03-2218 minThis Creative Life86. Melissa Walker Takes ActionIn late 2016, Melissa Walker was working on her 10th novel when she went to a holiday party and heard then Senator Daniel Squadron talk about the importance of state-level politics—even for the national landscape. She was inspired to take action. That action eventually grew into a pivot from full-time writing to full-time work with The States Project. This conversation is everything I wanted from the Pivots, Comebacks and Reinventions series. It's a great example of how passion and purpose can realign for a season or a reason, while the writing is still always there. It got su...
2023-03-0855 min
Thriving Writers PodcastEpisode 33: Sara Zarr YA & Middle Grade AuthorJoin Mary Kole and Sara Zarr as they talk about the complex realities surrounding publishing and becoming a career author within a rapidly shifting young adult and middle grade marketplace. Sara Zarr brings insight and personal experiences to surviving the sudden and drastic changes within the YA marketplace, such as the popularization of certain YA genres and how that affects YA authors who specialize outside of those genres.Website: http://www.sarazarr.com/Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/sarazarrbooksGood Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to...
2023-01-181h 03This Creative LifeTCL Mini: No Sure ThingsThe audio version of this week's newsletter on living with the uncertainty of writing. Get the newsletter version of this post Get the book! www.sarazarr.com
2023-01-0508 minThis Creative Life85. The Publishing Year in Review with Agent Michael BourretFrom the supply chain issues that started the year, to the conversation about AI that's ending it, I talk through the year in publishing with Michael Bourret of Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. Also, we answer listener questions! This will be the last episode for the year, and the last one before a break during which I'll go off to Boston to teach and maybe even revise my novel. I'll be back (most likely in February) to pick up the Pivots, Comebacks, and Reinventions series. Get the show notes / newsletter Get the book (holiday pricing go...
2022-12-211h 07This Creative Life84. Bennett Madison's Permission to Let GoWhat do you do when you've established a writing career and then it's not giving you what you came for? What does it look like to be a person who writes but whose entire identity isn't wrapped up in Being a Writer? Is there life on the other side, if you can just let go? Bennett Madison joins me for the first time since 2013 to talk about the work of deprofessionalizing his writing life to pivot to joy in creative work--and a steady paycheck doing something else. Get the show notes / newsletter Get the book
2022-12-0753 minThis Creative LifeTCL Mini: Year In ReviewNew full episode next week! Until then, here's the audio version of this week's newsletter, with a question for YOU about your dream writing podcast. Get the newsletter version of this post Get the book www.sarazarr.com
2022-11-3008 minThis Creative LifeTCL Mini: Writing In RealityLetting go of the idealized version of your writing experience. Get the newsletter version of this post Get the book Take the Google survey on 2023 classes. Happy Thanksgiving! www.sarazarr.com
2022-11-2307 minThis Creative LifeTCL Mini: Creative RestThe audio version of this week's newsletter on resting before making the next creative decision. Find the text version here!
2022-10-2609 minThis Creative Life83. Tara Altebrando Is Solving the PuzzleIn the third episode in the Comebacks, Pivots, and Reinventions series, my longtime friend and one-time (?) collaborator Tara Altebrando talks to me about her multiple pivots over a couple of decades as a working writer, and the driving forces behind those choices. Currently, she's working in scripted audio as the creator and writer of the Dream Breachers podcast at Pinna Audio and the President of Listen Like Thieves Productions. Get the show notes / newsletter Dream Breachers Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! www.sarazarr.com
2022-10-1945 minThis Creative Life82. Malinda Lo Never Went AwayIn the second episode in the Comebacks, Pivots, and Reinventions series, Malinda Lo and I talk about her huge year with Last Night at the Telegraph Club and what it has meant for her writing and life. But is it really a "comeback" if she never went away in the first place? Also we talk about her brand new book, A Scatter of Light. Get the show notes / newsletter Get A Scatter of Light Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! www.sarazarr.com
2022-10-0546 minThis Creative Life81. Faith Gardner Takes Control (Comebacks, Pivots, and Reinventions)When author Faith Gardner grew frustrated with the slowly grinding gears of traditional publishing and wanted to spread her wings a bit, she took matters into her own hands. This is the first episode of this fall's Comebacks, Pivots, and Reinventions series! Get the show notes / newsletter Get the This Creative Life book Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music!
2022-09-2151 minThis Creative LifeComebacks, Pivots, and Reinventions - Coming Fall 2022What's coming this fall from This Creative Life! Show links: the newsletter the audiobook www.sarazarr.com
2022-09-0203 minThis Creative LifeTCL Mini: Writing When It Doesn't Feel Like It MattersWhen it feels like the world is burning down, is writing something you want to save from the fire? Get the newsletter version of this post Get the book Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music www.sarazarr.com
2022-06-2906 minThis Creative LifeTCL Mini: Becoming a Good Self-EditorGet the newsletter version of this post Get the book Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music. www.sarazarr.com
2022-06-1507 minThis Creative LifeTCL Mini: Accepting Your LimitationsGet the newsletter version of this post. Get the book. Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music.
2022-06-1309 minThis Creative LifeEp 81: Author Michelle HunevenI'm so happy to be back with one my favorite contemporary novelists, Michelle Huneven. I love the compassion, humor, and reality in how she renders life and relationships. She's got a brand new book out, Search, which we talk about along with her other books, her background, and process—including the 20-year circuitous journey to the publication of her first novel, Round Rock. I hope you enjoy the episode and, if you're not already a fan, go explore her catalog. Get the show notes / newsletter Theme music by Dave Connis Support the...
2022-05-1739 minThis Creative LifeEp 80: The This Creative Life Book on Literaticast 55It's launch day for the This Creative Life ebook, with the paperback close behind! I was recently on Jenn Laughran's Literaticast digging into the content and ideas in the book, and she graciously let me crosspost the ep into the TCL feed. The Literaticast on Apple Podcasts Get the show notes / newsletter Get 30% off the book with this link and this code: QWBODLO8MX Or find it just about everywhere that sells ebooks! B&N, Amazon, Kobo, Google Play, Apple. All the links at www.sarazarr.com
2022-04-281h 32
Literaticast55: Into the Creative Labyrinth with Sara ZarrAward-winning YA author (and podcast host!) Sara Zarr joins me to talk about the joys and challenges of crafting a sustainable writerly life. She has practical and inspirational insights for newbies and mid-career authors alike in her new book, This Creative Life: A Handbook for Writers, from the myth of "genius", to best practices for getting feedback, to the realities of dealing with procrastination and burnout -- and we discuss all of it. We also chat about her brand-new middle grade novel, bonus Pirates, dead eyes, Harry Styles and MORE! Check out the show notes for links (and a speci...
2022-04-211h 28This Creative LifeThe Launch Box 7: Launched! What Now?A lot has happened since the last episode! Namely: A Song Called Home and The Temps are both out in the world and no longer under our control, if they ever were. We're already no longer in our pub-day month; new books come out, people move on. Our role as authors is pretty much done. So, what's next? As you'll discover in this episode, neither Andrew nor Sara are sure. Whether it's Andrew trying to decide what project to focus on now, or me pondering a complete exit from the whole endeavor, we're both tired and looking...
2022-04-0854 min
Explore Your Favorite Digital Audiobooks TodayA Song Called Home (By Sara Zarr)Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/12878 to listen full audiobooks.
Publisher's Summary: Lou and her family don’t have much, but for Lou it's enough. Mom. Her sister, Casey. Their apartment in the city. Her best friend, Beth. It would be better if Dad could stop drinking and be there for her and Casey, and if they didn't have to worry about money all the time. But Lou doesn’t need better—she only needs enough. What’s enough for Lou, however, is not enough for Mom. Steve, Mom's boyfriend, isn’t a bad guy, he's just…not what Lou is used...
2022-03-157h 37Absorb An Powerful Full Audiobook And Elevate Your Mindset.A Song Called Home by Sara ZarrPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/12878to listen full audiobooks.
Title: A Song Called Home
Author: Sara Zarr
Narrator: Ferdelle Capistrano
Format: mp3
Length: 7 hrs and 37 mins
Release date: 03-15-22
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 6 ratings
Genres: Music & Performing Arts
Publisher's Summary:
Lou and her family don’t have much, but for Lou it's enough. Mom. Her sister, Casey. Their apartment in the city. Her best friend, Beth. It would be better if Dad could stop drinking and be there for her and Casey, and if they didn't have to worry about money all the time. But Lou doesn’t need...
2022-03-157h 37This Creative LifeThe Launch Box 6: An Abridged History of Self-PublishingAs Andrew and I wait through the last few weeks before our books come out, we digress ever so slightly into an incomplete history of self-publishing, from its reputation as "vanity publishing" to where it converged with the advent of ebooks and e-readers to arrive at its present day status as a messy juggernaut. Also: why every writer should consider learning how to self-publish in the 21st century. Sara's book now comes out on 3/15; Andrew's is still scheduled for 3/29. Neither are at the bottom of the ocean! 0-13:30: Updates on our books 13:35-1:07:00...
2022-02-191h 09This Creative LifeEp 79: Laurel SnyderLaurel Snyder is the author of numerous books for young readers, including Orphan Island, My Jasper June, and the Charlie & Mouse books. In this episode, we talk about staying fluent in the language of childhood, the "ghost of brokenness" when writing from a sad place, how Laurel works with the all-or-nothing cycles of her writing process, being an extrovert in an introvert's career, and the difficulties of writing about faith and religion. Around minutes 53-58, this turns into a Real Housewives podcast. We're not sorry! Theme music by Dave Connis. This podcast is ad...
2022-02-1359 minThis Creative LifeThe Launch Box 5: Publicity, Book Blues, and RingoThe Launch Box is back! Andrew and I talk about letting go, publicity (including his experience with a freelance publicist), and have a breakthrough about what might be behind the Book Blues for a lot of writers. Also, we catch up on The Temps movie option and where we stand on unboxing videos. Ephemera: Ringo Starr, Scrivener syncing, and the ghost of Dorothea Brande. Andrew DeYoung Sara Zarr Ask a question / get extended show notes Support the pod Theme music: Creative Commons Deep Friendship by Lobo Loco is licensed...
2022-01-2752 minThis Creative LifeEp 78: Preeti ChhibberI'm so excited to kick off 2022 with my conversation with Preeti Chhibber, a multitalented lady with just the energy we need to help take us into a new year. Preeti is an author, podcaster, speaker, and all-around badass who has published multiple IP projects as well as her original work. In this episode, we talk about how she got started in IP and what it takes to succeed in that world, managing a many-tentacled freelance career, and the risks and rewards of stating what you want to the world. Theme music by Dave Connis. This p...
2022-01-2052 minThis Creative LifeThe Launch Box 4: Gifts, Ifs, and ShiftsIn this episode of The Launch Box, Andrew and I discuss the mysteries of professional gift-giving, how to balance big-picture career thinking with getting the writing done, the possibilities of being a weekend novelist, and EVENTS. Also, Sara gets a review and Andrew answers the TCL two questions. Plus so much more. Andrew DeYoung Sara Zarr Ask a question / get extended show notes Support the pod Theme music: Creative Commons Deep Friendship by Lobo Loco is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
2021-12-1958 minThis Creative LifeThe Launch Box 3. Subrights, Ingram Spark, & Depressed CatsSara helps cast her audiobook, Andrew gets a movie option, Sara learns more about Ingram Spark for self-publishing, and we both write letters to booksellers hoping to endear them to us. Also, everyone is burned out, including Andrew's cat. Andrew DeYoung Sara Zarr Ask a question / get extended show notes Support the pod Theme music: Creative Commons Deep Friendship by Lobo Loco is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
2021-11-2056 minThis Creative LifeThe Launch Box 2. Blurbs, Blobs & Shame!Why does everything about having a book published embarrass us? What is man's proper relationship to the 'Zon? And what happened with that Realms of Ruin thing? We try to break it all down. Also: Andrew gets his first trade review and Sara reports some pre-order numbers. Links: Andrew DeYoung Sara Zarr Ask a question Support the pod Theme music: Creative Commons Deep Friendship by Lobo Loco is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
2021-10-291h 19This Creative LifeEp 77: Dave HolmesWriter, podcaster, radio host, and VJ emeritus Dave Holmes joins me to talk about his long and winding road to writing his wonderful 2016 memoir, Party of One, his writing at Esquire, and how it all connects to his current podcast project, Waiting for Impact. We talk ADHD, burnout, the longing to be understood, and the obsessions that drive us. And a whole lot more. Waiting for Impact Party of One: A Memoir in 21 Songs Dave at Esquire Homophilia Theme music by Dave Connis. This podcast is ad-free and free-free. Fi...
2021-10-221h 16
This Creative LifeTCL: The Launch Box 1 - Early & LateIntroducing a This Creative Life special season: The Launch Box, in which Andrew DeYoung and I take you through the six-month period leading up to publication of our new books as we each publish for the first time in new categories. This series will cover a Big Five middle grade launch, a midsize-publisher adult literary launch, and a self-published nonfiction launch. We'll talk covers, ARCs, blurbs, reviews, events, social media, sales, and, of course, shame, envy, and ego. We'd also love your questions! In this episode, we introduce themselves and our work, from Andrew's slushpile s...
2021-10-0840 min
This Creative LifeEp 76: Season Premiere with Mike JungAuthor Mike Jung joins me for the first of a new batch of fall episodes. We talk about the events of his early life that put him on the path to being a writer, his publishing stories and writing process, a later-life autism diagnosis, and BTS. Thanks so much for being back with us for a new season! Mike Jung Support This Creative Life Get the emails Our Bookshop Shop
2021-10-0856 minThis Creative LifeTCL Archives: Daniel Bowman, Jr.In March 2020, I spoke with Daniel Bowman, Jr., about writing, teaching, and being #ActuallyAutistic. This week, his new book On the Spectrum: Autism, Faith, and the Gifts of Neurodiversity is out. The book: "... rings with poetry, compassion, and wisdom, and it reveals so much about autistic experience." (Katherine May) "...lights the path toward greater understanding, better advocacy, and a compelling vision for inclusion that moves beyond stereotypes and tokenism." (Nish Weiseth) "...shows us now to respect one's personhood, to listen, to default to humility and kindness." (Nick Ripatrazone) Buy the book
2021-08-0951 minThis Creative LifeTCL Archives: Brandy ColbertIn March, 2020, I spoke with author Brandy Colbert about her work and writing process. Her nonfiction book, Black Birds in the Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, is now available for pre-order. Brandy Colbert Support the Podcast
2021-07-0855 min
First Draft with Sarah EnniPodcast and Writing With Sara ZarrFirst Draft Episode #301: Sara Zarr Podcast chat! A conversation with Sara Zarr, National Book Award finalist author of eight novels for young adults, most recently Goodbye from Nowhere, about her creative writing podcast, This Creative Life. Listeners can get two audiobooks for the price of one at Libro.fm when you use promo code FirstDraftPod at checkout! Links to Topics Mentioned In This Episode: Hear Sara's first First Draft interview here. Hear Sarah on This Creative Life here. I also outlined all the equipment I use for podcasting in...
2021-04-291h 28This Creative LifeEp 75: Season Finale with Sarah EnniSarah Enni is the host and producer of First Draft and an author in her own right. This was a great conversation to wrap the TCL-Pandemic season, as Sarah and I got into therapy talk, making big life changes, the upsides of being "optimistically nihilistic" about publishing, the pros and cons of life hacking, and of course Burning Man. Thanks so much for being with me on this reboot ride, and for your support along the way. Selected Show Notes: Sarah Enni First Draft Podcast Support This Creative Life...
2021-04-181h 14This Creative LifeEp 74: Author Tracey BaptisteTracey Baptiste is the author of numerous books for young readers, including the beloved Jumbies series and the New York Times Bestselling Minecraft: the Crash. This episode is not only brimming with the delicious process stuff we love here at TCL, it also gave me several potentially life-changing revelations when Tracey shared with me about recreating a sense of freedom in the writing process, and how a mental health crisis helped her learn "how not to grind." There's something for everyone in this ep; I hope you enjoy! Selected show notes: Tracey's site ...
2021-03-291h 02This Creative LifeEp 73: Critic Walter Chaw & the Point of DiscourseDuring 2020, in search of things to do from home, I started attending some of the virtual movie talks that writer and critic Walter Chaw gives with guests via the Denver Public Library. They've been a true highlight of All This, as Walter's knowledge is wide and deep and generous. Like all good film critics, he's also an insightful critic of culture in general, and how it deals in humanity and inhumanity. Recently, Walter and I got to talk about his experiences growing up as a first-gen Chinese American kid in Golden, CO, and assimilating via consumption of...
2021-03-291h 15This Creative LifeEp 72: Writing & Brains with Lindsay EagarLindsay Eagar is an author and writing coach with a recent ADHD diagnosis. She's been very open about it online and generous with my personal questions, and I wanted to bring her on for a more topic-focused episode. In this case: our brains! Lindsay shares her background, symptoms, diagnosis process, and management strategies in ways that I found so interesting and helpful, and I think you will, too. We also talked about her "fast drafting" 80/20 course and philosophy, dirty books we loved as kids, and the delusions of grandeur we should all strive for. Selected...
2021-03-291h 15This Creative LifeEp 71: Author & Songwriter Dave ConnisDave Connis is not only the legendary composer of the theme music for this very podcast, but also an author in his own right, with two YA novels out and a picture book on the way. The emotional theme music of this episode is honesty. Dave and I get into matters of art and faith, how a sudden loss changed his writing life and drive, and how not to be a Slughorn in a business where various relational challenges can be baked in. We also, of course, talk about the practical matters of writing, such as: writing...
2021-03-2955 minThis Creative LifeEp 70: Author Amy GentryAmy Gentry is the author of three psychological thrillers for adults, one 33 1/3 on Tori Amos, and a bunch of shorter stuff. Her latest book is Bad Habits, which is here to scratch all your dark academia itches and also make you laugh and cringe. After chatting a bit about her book and her own background in academia, we dug into process and publication (and her #pitmad success story), the dead end of trying to be "a good little author," money and class and missing hotels. Amy also got me thinking differently about my standard weaknesses/obstacles question—na...
2021-02-061h 11This Creative LifeEp 69: Author Maurene GooFor the first episode of 2021, author Maurene Goo and I jumped on the phone just hours after the inauguration, having kept our scheduled conversation in hope and faith but also ready to cancel. For many reasons, I'm so glad we didn't have to. Phew! After processing world events for a bit, we dig into Maurene's backstory, writing process, the upsides of being married to another creative professional, and life as a new mom, and then I had a revelation about anxiety, thanks to Maurene's therapist! Maybe you'll find it helpful, too. (Please accept my apologies...
2021-01-2457 minThis Creative LifeThe Annotated Courageous Creativity: Intro & Silent MessagesThe Annotated Courageous Creativity, 1 Intro & Silent Messages Note to listeners: This is the first episode of the first paid subscriber season, The Annotated Courageous Creativity. I'm making this first episode available to all to help you decide if you'd like to hear more. Annual subscriptions will be 25% off through January 31st. Enjoy! In this episode, I read the introduction about what creativity is and why one might need courage, and the section "My Story" which is the part I use as a springboard for the diving in a little deeper for the annotations.
2021-01-1041 min
Until We Get CanceledThe People Who Got into Jesus Instead of DrugsSara Zarr is a prolific author, a national book awards finalist (which Bryan isn’t bitter about *at all*), and the host of This Creative Life. We talk about why the range for Gen-X is whack, growing up as part of the Jesus movement in the 70s in California, getting exposed to modern evangelicalism, the tendency for cults of personality to manifest in churches, the deep sense of loss when you leave a community (even for good reasons), the phenomenon of feeling like the Holy Spirit is communicating with you, the relationship between Sara’s faith and her writing, and...
2021-01-031h 01This Creative LifeThe Publishing Year in Review with Michael BourretThis Creative Life is moving! The pod's new home is at Substack, where you can find out more about what I've got planned for the new paid subscriber options. Meanwhile, the interview episodes as you've always known them will continue to show up in your feed, complete and ad-free. In the final episode of 2020, I talk to Michael Bourret of Dystel, Goderich & Bourret about the year in publishing, authors and social media, making mid-career changes, and more. This is a great episode for those who love to talk shop and want to understand a little more about...
2020-12-311h 22This Creative LifeUnedited with Christian McKay HeidickerNote to listeners: Given a recent diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome and the physical toll of podcast editing, Sara (while optimistic) isn't sure about the future of the pod for 2021. There's also a chance the pre-2020 archives will go behind a paywall, so download your favorites while you can at http://thiscreativelife.libsyn.com and have them free forever. Meanwhile, please enjoy this unedited conversation between Sara and author/storyteller Christian McKay Heidicker! Find the show notes at our Patreon page PayPal tip jar
2020-11-231h 14This Creative LifeDaniel Nayeri: Author, Editor, Publisher, Joy Rebel Daniel Nayeri's autobiographical novel, Everything Sad Is Untrue, tells the tale of young Daniel, who has landed in Oklahoma after his mother is forced to flee Iran with Daniel and his sister and after they've spent some years living as refugees in Italy before making it to the U.S. On the podcast episode, the real Khosrou (aka Daniel) tells the tale of what happened after Oklahoma, how he wound up in publishing, and the threads of family, belonging, and sheer force of will that have pulled him through. We talk about the conflicting desires for connection and isolation, and a...
2020-10-231h 06This Creative LifeEp 65: Bestselling Author Courtney Summers Two writers. An obsession with cult narratives. A love of chickpeas. Sara and Courtney Summers (Sadie, All the Rage, the forthcoming The Project) talk about Courtney's backstory as a high school dropout who had her first book published in her early twenties, how to think strategically about writing without compromising your creative compass, and being driven by the desire to capture a moment, a feeling, a vibe in our novels. Also, our personalities. Pre-Order The Project
2020-10-051h 08This Creative LifeAuthor Rita Williams-Garcia The wisdom that comes with over thirty years in this business and at this craft is priceless--Rita is generous with it here, from aspects of craft (like looking for "points of ignition within the reader") to those of identity (like quitting her day job after 25 years because "I really needed to be the author that I was on my bio"). We get a glimpse into twenty-two year-old Rita who wrote her debut Blue Tights (1987) and asked a disinterested publishing machine, "Why isn't my culture, my reality, good enough?" We talk breakout success here at the ten-year anniversary of One Crazy Su...
2020-08-071h 11This Creative LifeAuthor! Actor! Showman! Lance RubinLance Rubin is the multi-talented author of three novels, co-writer of the Off-Broadway show Broadway Bounty Hunter, and performer of all sorts. In this episode, we talk about his evolution from community theater kid to writer, creative partnership with a life partner, perfectionism, death, and hope. His latest book is Crying Laughing. Find all the show notes at: patreon.com/thiscreativelife
2020-07-1054 minThis Creative LifeWriter, Graphic Novelist, and Web Comic Maker Maggie ThrashMaggie Thrash is the author and artist of two "graphic memoirs" (memoirs in graphic novel form): 2015's Honor Girl and the recent followup, Lost Soul, Be At Peace, as well as several others works including a self-revealing web comic, Cure for Desire. Maggie and Sara talk about life online, the concept of "learn by doing," and coming out to the world (and also her parents) in her debut book. We also talk about our childhoods and how they shaped us, for better and worse. All the show notes at: patreon.com/thiscreativelife
2020-06-2453 minThis Creative LifeAuthor Liara Tamani Liara Tamani recently wrote at Time.com: "Growing up, I was a good girl. I never got in trouble. I did what I was told. ... I'd become a master at taming, hiding and cutting out the parts of myself that weren't compatible with the person other people wanted me to be: the rebellious, curious and sexy parts; the questioning and fearless parts. The free parts." Liara and I dig into good girl syndrome in life and in publishing, what growing up with the threat of hell hanging over you in childhood is like, and are perhaps answered by God during t...
2020-06-0951 min
Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and LeahEP36 | Our Favorite Books for Business, Entrepreneurship & Private PracticeToday's episode of Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah is called "Our Favorite Books for Business, Entrepreneurship & Private Practice". Annie and Leah uncover some of the top books they have been loving related to having a private practice, and other business and entrepreneurial style topics. They talk about which books they go back to time and time again, and which ones have been on their “to-read” list for a while. They also talk about the best and easiest ways to realistically bring more reading into our everyday lives...
2020-06-0227 minThis Creative LifeAuthor Debbi Michiko FlorenceDebbi Michiko Florence made a long term commitment to the writing life almost 20 years ago--when she didn't know just how long it would turn out to be. Her story is an inspiring one made of hard work, stubbornness, and friendship. I hope you enjoy. Find all the show notes at patreon.com/thiscreativelife
2020-06-0153 minThis Creative LifeScott Teems, Writer/Director of The Quarry Scott Teems is a writer-director working in TV and film, making his own independent features while also taking gigs scriptwriting for studios. We get into both his latest feature, THE QUARRY (from Lionsgate, starring Michael Shannon and Shea Whigham), as well as the documentary HOLBROOK/TWAIN, a film that means a lot to me, personally. We talk about Scott's process, the importance of a writer's life not being only about writing, and so much more. Full show notes at patreon.com/thiscreativelife
2020-05-2155 minThis Creative LifeJasmine Guillory, Author of The Wedding Date, The Proposal, and MoreYou may think Jasmine Guillory came out of nowhere and saw overnight success with her 2018 hit contemporary romance novel, The Wedding Date, not to mention its follow-up best sellers. But Jasmine's writing story goes back a lot farther. Sara and Jasmine talk about that as well as the power of commitment, how to find mentors and models, and staying one step ahead of anxiety and procrastination. Watch for Jasmine's next book, Party of Two, coming out in June! Visit the This Creative Life Patreon page for full show notes.
2020-05-0846 minThis Creative LifeInside (and Outside) Baseball with Amy Spalding Guys, Amy and I got IN. TO. IT. From publicity to the alleged good ol' days of YA publishing to answering tough questions from listeners like: conquering that ONE THING you are obsessed with but also might be holding you back, and how to make writing sustainable when you grow to hate it a little. This is a deep dive - if you don't want to hear about publishing business stuff, we start talking more about the creative side and take the calls about halfway through. - Amy Spalding - We Used to Be Friends - Goodbye from Nowhere - Ho...
2020-04-241h 09This Creative LifeJeff Garvin Midisode: The Lightness of Hands Episode backstory: I saw Jeff Garvin's second book is out this week, and I called him up to talk about it! I thought this might be a mini-sode but we ended up talking longer than mini but not as long as maxi, so I'm officially declaring this the first midi-sode of the reboot. Jeff and I get into Joseph Campbell vs. Robert McKee, creative reinvention, and an author's right to be private about the personal experiences that go into a book. Content warning: about 22-ish minutes in, we talk very briefly and nonspecifically about the fact that suicide exists, in t...
2020-04-1439 min
All the Books!New Releases and More for April 7, 2020This week, Liberty and Kelly discuss The Subtweet, Hidden Valley Road, We Didn’t Ask for This, and more great books.This episode was sponsored by Book Riot Insiders, Neal Porter Books, Holiday House, and Hello, Neighbor! The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers by Matthew Cordell, and Entangled Teen, publisher of Crave by Tracy Wolff.Pick up an All the Books! 200th episode commemorative item here.Subscribe to All the Books! using RSS, iTunes, or Spotify and never miss a beat book.Sign up for the weekly New Books! newslett...
2020-04-0745 minThis Creative LifeKatie Cotugno and Sara Have New Books Out! In this loose and chatty episode, Katie Cotugno and I pour a drink and talk about our April 7 book releases into a world in which everything is canceled. Given that we have no uncanceled book events, we take some time to talk both process and content of Rules for Being a Girl (co-written by Katie with Candace Bushnell) and Goodbye from Nowhere (by your host, Sara Zarr). We dig into the fictional appeal of inappropriate relationships, what we're reading now, and how we're getting through it all. We both talk fast and a lot and without much filtering so if th...
2020-04-071h 00
88 Cups of TeaSara Zarr On Choosing A Gratitude MindsetWarm welcome to our new listeners, and welcome back long-time listeners. Here's the link to join our free self-guided accountability group for the month of April: https://www.facebook.com/groups/88cupsofteaselfguidedaccountabilityapril2020/ If you'd love a chance to be one of the voices in the 30-consecutive days of recording for our collective stories throughout this time, head over here to submit: https://88cupsoftea.typeform.com/to/DB2voV Head over to https://www.instagram.com/88cupsoftea/ to watch Sara Zarr's Instagram takeover filled with exciting behind-the-scenes footage of her writing life! ...
2020-04-031h 15This Creative LifeEp 54: Author Daniel Bowman, Jr. on teaching and writing while autisticSara talks with Dan Bowman, Jr., about writing, teaching, and about being #ActuallyAutistic. Watch for Notes from the Spectrum next year and stick around to the end of the episode to hear Dan read a poem. For the full show notes, go to patreon.com/ThisCreativeLife
2020-03-3153 min
This Creative LifeAuthor and Teacher Brandy ColbertSara talks to author Brandy Colbert (The Only Black Girls in Town) about writing, career envy, mortality, and the Real Housewives. For the full show notes, go to patreon.com/ThisCreativeLife
2020-03-2258 min
Rewrite Radio#19: David Dark 2016Today’s episode features David Dark talking about “attention collections” at the 2016 Festival of Faith & Writing. Attention collections are memories, fears, even playful obsessions - anything that has left a deep impression on us. David encourages writers to examine these things in service of the question: What do I have in me that may be of use to someone else? David is the author of several books including The Gospel According to America and, most recently, Life’s Too Short to Pretend You’re Not Religious. And he teaches at both Belmont University and the Tennessee Prison for Women Charles Bass Corre...
2017-08-181h 03
First Draft with Sarah EnniSara ZarrListen to YA superstar Sara Zarr (whose newest novel, GEM & DIXIE, is out now!) talk about the first time she encountered "smart" as an epithet, getting career advice from Chris Crutcher, and very nearly giving up on writing altogether. Sara Zarr Show Notes This Creative Life, Sara's podcast series Ring of Endless Light by Madeleine L'Engle Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien Beve...
2017-04-111h 18
Enjoy Selection of Full Audiobooks in Fiction & Literature, GeneralGem & Dixie - Sara ZarrListen to this audiobook in full for free onhttps://epod.spaceTitle: Gem & DixieAuthor: Sara ZarrNarrator: Julia WhelanFormat: UnabridgedLength: 5:46:00Language: EnglishRelease date: 04-04-2017Publisher: Balzer + BrayGenres: Teen, Tough TopicsSummary:“A story that broke my heart and put it back together again. You won’t want to let Gem and Dixie go.” —Sarah Dessen, New York Times bestselling author of Saint Anything
From renowned author and National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr comes a deep, nuanced, and gorgeously written...
2017-04-055h 46
Don’t Miss The Edge-Of-Your-Seat Full Audiobook Now, Book-Lovers!Gem & Dixie by Sara ZarrPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/67117to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Gem & Dixie
Author: Sara Zarr
Narrator: Julia Whelan
Format: mp3
Length: 5 hrs and 45 mins
Release date: 04-04-17
Ratings: 4 out of 5 stars, 29 ratings
Genres: Health, Lifestyle & Relationships
Publisher's Summary:
2017-04-045h 45
First Draft with Sarah EnniSpecial Episode with Sara from Adventures in YAA special co-episode with Sara from Adventures in YA where we talk about the podcasting process. Sara and I discuss our equipment, software, workflow, and promo processes, and touch a bit on feeling like we're shouting into the void, and also tips for moderating at book festivals and other events. Adventures in Podcasting Show Notes Adventures in YA Sara Kristin Treviño The North Texas Teen Book Festival #TryPod Adventures with Words (podcast) Kate and Rob's off-shoot British YA show (podcast)...
2017-03-081h 19This Creative LifeAuthor Coe Booth – This Creative Life ep 41Coe Booth was one of the first YA writers I met when I started mingling with authors as a soon-to-be-published newbie. (I believe our first conversation was about Estelle Getty being alive or dead–she was alive, at the time.) After we met I read her debut novel, TYRELL, and absolutely loved it. Since then, she's [&hellip
2015-05-2036 minThis Creative LifeTCL Archives: Malinda Lo (Ep 38, 2015)Next week, Malinda Lo returns to the podcast to talk about the effect the success of Last Night at the Telegraph Club on her writing and career. Here's our conversation from the 2015 archives for additional context. Her next book, A Scatter of Light, is out October 4th! Get the This Creative Life newsletter & show notes The This Creative Life book is available now in ebook, paperback, and audio.
2015-03-2630 minThis Creative LifeBestselling Author E. Lockhart – This Creative Life ep 36E. Lockhart is the author of nine–nine!–novels for young adults, a host of other books under the name Emily Jenkins, and short and collaborative projects. Her 2008 release–The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks–was given a National Book Award Finalist medal and a Printz Honor. She chaired the Young People's Lit National Book Award judging committee [&hellip
2014-09-1334 min
TribTalkUtah Lit: Sara Zarr's "Roomies" and "What We Lost"Adolescence - and all the confusion that comes with bodies, minds and relationships in flux - is bread and butter for young adult novelist Sara Zarr. In her 2009 book "What We Lost," Zarr uses the abduction of a teenage girl to explore the effect the tragedy has on youth in the community as well as deep questions of faith and doubt. Her latest work, "Roomies," takes a more lighthearted approach to youth in transition, focusing on two recent high school grads who are matched to become college roommates and the up-and-down process of becoming friends. Tribune columnist Ann Cannon, book...
2014-02-2800 min
Publishers Weekly PW KidsCastPW KidsCast: Sara Zarr and Tara AltebrandoWriters Sara Zarr and Tara Altebrando discuss their first collaboration, the YA novel 'Roomies,' as well as their own personal ups and downs with roommates.
2013-11-1120 min
Get Top 100 Audiobooks in Teens, Fiction & LiteratureHow to Save a Life Audiobook by Sara ZarrPlease visit https://fashabooks.com/aff/fashabooks/1637 to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: How to Save a Life Author: Sara Zarr Narrator: Ariadne Meyers, Cassandra Morris Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 54 mins Language: English Release date: 01-10-12 Publisher: Listening Library Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 46 votes Genres: Teens, Fiction & Literature Publisher's Summary: Jill MacSweeny just wishes everything could go back to normal. But ever since her dad died, she's been isolating herself from her boyfriend, her best friends - everyone who wants to support her. And when her mom decides to adopt a baby, it feels...
2012-01-1005 min
Ignite Your Ears To A Ground-Breaking Full Audiobook.How to Save a Life by Sara ZarrPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/238783to listen full audiobooks.
Title: How to Save a Life
Author: Sara Zarr
Narrator: Ariadne Meyers, Cassandra Morris
Format: mp3
Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins
Release date: 01-10-12
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars, 67 ratings
Genres: Death & Dying
Publisher's Summary:
2012-01-109h 53
Spot On Radio.comInspirations_0098 Creative Christians-Interview with Author Sara Zarr
SHOW NOTES- The author and host talk about novels, a crisis of faith and family and what Christian teens are looking for in publishing.
Listening time approximately 34 minutes
HOW TO LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE
The Inspirations/Generations podcast and the Creative Christian podcast are recorded three times a month.
To listen to the podcast press the purple button. To subscribe to the podcast in iTunes press the Subscribe to this podcast in iTunes button.
If you would like to see a list of the podcasts that have been recorded and read about the hosts pleas...
2011-05-1733 min
Press Play On Your Ears To A Spellbinding Full Audiobook.Story of a Girl by Sara ZarrPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/239850to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Story of a Girl
Author: Sara Zarr
Narrator: Sara Zarr
Format: mp3
Length: 4 hrs and 48 mins
Release date: 09-16-08
Ratings: 4 out of 5 stars, 48 ratings
Genres: Dating & Sex
Publisher's Summary:
I was 13 when my dad caught me with Tommy Webber in the back of Tommy’s Buick, parked next to the old Chart House down in Montara at 11 o’clock on a Tuesday night. Tommy was 17 and the supposed friend of my brother, Darren. I didn’t love him. I’m not sure I even liked him. In a moment...
2008-09-164h 48
Experience A Full Audiobook That Is Simply Powerful.Sweethearts by Sara ZarrPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/238528to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Sweethearts
Author: Sara Zarr
Narrator: Sara Zarr
Format: mp3
Length: 5 hrs and 48 mins
Release date: 08-12-08
Ratings: 4 out of 5 stars, 33 ratings
Genres: Bullying & Abuse
Publisher's Summary:
2008-08-125h 48