The Creative Writing Life
169 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★ - 16 ratingsFrom screenplays to TV, novels to video games, everybody has their own path to establishing a creative writing life. Join host Paul Zeidman as he interviews writers from all mediums and genres to find out about them, their work, and what advice and guidance they have for ambitious and aspiring writers.
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Episodes
Writer Brad Staggs
July 10, 2024 16:56 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBWriter Brad Staggs talks about the development and production of his new play I LOVE MY ZOMBIE, why a writer should be open to changes, and focusing on characters over formula
Author-Screenwriter Brian Fitzpatrick
July 03, 2024 16:26 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MBAuthor-screenwriter Brian Fitzpatrick dispenses advice about networking, creating your brand, and the importance of “the hang factor”
Cartoonist Khalid Birdsong
June 27, 2024 16:34 - 52 minutes - 47.4 MBCartoonist Khalid Birdsong talks about intent and making choices when it comes to characters, writing and storytelling in a visual medium, and how it’s vital for creatives of any kind to KEEP GOING!
WGA Writer & Writing Coach Brooks Elms
June 20, 2024 16:54 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MBWGA Writer & Writing Life Coach Brooks Elms talks about how screenwriters can help themselves make inroads when it comes to industry access, including finding common ground, writing when you must, and getting into the mix. http://brookselms-coaching.com
Author Steve Hockensmith
June 13, 2024 16:47 - 1 hour - 65.8 MBIn this week's episode, author Steve Hockensmith talks about his mystery-western series HOLMES ON THE RANGE, why it's important for writers to keep writing "bad stuff", and the value of writing short stories. http://stevehockensmith.com
Writer-Comedian Alison Zeidman
June 05, 2024 16:53 - 55 minutes - 50.9 MBIn this week’s episode, writer-comedian Alison Zeidman talks about writing comedy, developing material for stand-up, and the hectic world of writing for TV http://alisonzeidman.com
Author Afarin Bellisario
May 29, 2024 18:30 - 51 minutes - 46.7 MBIn this week’s episode, author Afarin Bellisario discusses the importance of focusing on story and characters, and making your story accessible to all. http://afarin.net
Author Lina Hart
May 22, 2024 16:23 - 45 minutes - 41.8 MBIn this week’s episode, author Lina Hart discusses the challenge of crafting multi-POV stories, letting the characters decide what happens, and the importance of NOT GIVING UP http://linahart.com
Author-Publisher Amber Byers
May 15, 2024 17:48 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MBAuthor-Publisher Amber Byers of Tadpole Press talks about reawakening your creativity, tuning into your creative vision, and the importance of the writing community. http://www.tadpolepress.com
Centenarian Author Babette Hughes
May 01, 2024 18:06 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MBAuthor Babette Hughes discusses the origins of her mantra “Proceed Intelligently”, the importance of enjoying the creative process, and the need to be creative - even at the age of 101 (and a half). http://babettehughesbooks.com
Writer-Director-Producer Jamie Nash
April 24, 2024 17:27 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBWriter-director-producer Jamie Nash talks about DIY filmmaking, wearing all the hats, and exploring the world of audio drama https://www.jamienash.net
Writers Tobias Buckell & David Klecha
April 18, 2024 12:24 - 55 minutes - 50.6 MBWriting partners Tobias Buckell & David Klecha talk about embracing the joy of writing and having fun with the material, and how both relate to their new book THE RUNES OF ENGAGEMENT. https://tachyonpublications.com/
Tom Vaughan on Screenwriting
April 10, 2024 15:06 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBScreenwriter and writing instructor Tom Vaughan talks about his experience as a working writer, the importance of loglines, and how story and emotion require your characters to make choices. @storyandplot
John Ingle on Screenwriting
March 29, 2024 03:04 - 52 minutes - 48.1 MBScreenwriter-film instructor-podcaster John Ingle talks about his experience as an award-winning screenwriter, the Movies By Minute concept, and how he uses the movie JAWS as a learning tool. @Inglefilms on X/Twitter
Carlos Baker on Writing as Therapy
March 21, 2024 20:32 - 1 hour - 59.1 MBWriter-musician Carlos Baker talks about how writing his book and playing music helped him deal with his depression, why 80s movies are AWESOME, and an impromptu blues performance! https://ckbakerband.com/
Jeff Kitchen & The Hero's Dilemma
March 13, 2024 22:14 - 45 minutes - 41.3 MBScreenwriter & writing coach/consultant Jeff Kitchen talks about the concepts behind his new book The Hero's Dilemma, what "dramatic action" is, and the need for CONFLICT in your story https://script.kitchen/
Bob DeRosa on Screenwriting
March 07, 2024 15:36 - 44 minutes - 41 MBScreenwriter Bob DeRosa (KILLERS, THE AIR I BREATHE) talks with Paul about how he got his start (and his dislike of the phrase "breaking in"), loglines, the writing process, and the importance of "there are no shortcuts". @thembob on X/Twitter
Brad Johnson & The Grey List
February 28, 2024 14:01 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MBPaul talks with screenwriter & Grey List organizer Brad Johnson about what the List is, how it came to be, the significance of publishing it, and how writers can get ready for next year. The Grey List 2024: https://bit.ly/48sHSF7 Plus - a big announcement!
Tyler Snure on Writing Y.A. Fiction
February 22, 2024 20:13 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBIn this week's episode, Paul talks with author Tyler Snure about how he developed and published his Y.A. fiction while still in high school(!), his creative process, and what he discusses in his presentations about writing. http://snurestories.com @SnureStories
Victoria Male on Screenwriting
February 19, 2024 16:44 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MBIn this week's episode, Justin and Paul talk to screenwriter Victoria Male about how she got her start, working for director Ivan Reitman, and what advice she has for screenwriters. Worth noting - soon after this recording, Victoria's script SHOWSTOPPER was selected as a finalist in the Nicholl Fellowship
Barry Putt on Writing Audio Drama
February 14, 2024 23:33 - 30 minutes - 28 MBPaul chats with dramatist/writer/screenwriter Barry M Putt, Jr about writing for audio drama, techniques for creating engaging stories, developing a marketing plan, and his book about the 70s TV show ALICE. https://www.barrymputtjr.com/ Barry's non-fiction book Stories Told through Sound: The Craft of Writing Audio Dramas for Podcasts, Streaming, and Radio is available at bookstores everywhere. See the "books" tab of this web site for further details including upcoming public appearances. ...
Jennifer Manocherian on Theater and Teaching Writing
February 01, 2024 01:39 - 47 minutes - 43.1 MBThis week Paul chatted with Jennifer Manocherian on her work in theater and teaching writing. https://thepeacestudio.org/board-bio-jennifer-manocherian/ Theater Producer and Writer Jennifer Manocherian has been a Broadway and off-Broadway theatre producer for over thirty years. She wrote the book of a musical, Marry Harry, with composers Dan Martin and Michael Biello, which had a production at the York Theatre in NY, then was filmed in a sound studio for online streaming (amazon prime vi...
Charles D'Amico on Writing and Publishing
January 24, 2024 21:02 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MBPaul Zeidman sat down with Charles D'Amico, Award-winning Author, Founder & President of Blue Handle Publishing and Book Puma Author Services. They discussed writing, editing and publishing. https://bluehandlepublishing.com/ https://bookpumalive.com/
Tonya Todd on Writing and Directing
January 18, 2024 06:38 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBPaul spoke with Tonya Todd about writing books and screenplays, directing, and being part of your local writing community. Tonya Todd is an author, actress, and Sin City cinephile, whose sundry background ranges from content writer to software programmer to convention model. With a cast of characters as diverse as her careers, her fiction explores the infinite hues of what drives us all: relationships and desires. Lack of diversity in literature inspired Tonya’s stories. Her involvement ...
Evan Grow on StoryOrigin and Helping Authors
January 04, 2024 02:00 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MBEvan Gow shares his awesome creation, StoryOrigin! Find it here: https://storyoriginapp.com StoryOrigin is an all-in-one platform for authors to connect, team up for group promos, build and swap mailing lists, upload reader magnets, and more. With the unique opportunities StoryOrigin provides, Evan has helped thousands of authors get discovered, build communities, and become successful. StoryOrigin is currently in open beta and can be used for free at storyoriginapp.com.
The Austin Film Festival - What Worked for Justin and Paul
December 13, 2023 20:57 - 32 minutes - 30 MBThis week, Justin and Paul sat down to discuss their experiences at the 2023 Austin Film Festival (#AFF23). It was great! What panels and events did we like? Will we be there next year? Listen in to find out!
Antony Johnston on Writing Games and Books
November 01, 2023 21:22 - 48 minutes - 44.1 MBThis week on the Creative Writing Life podcast we were joined by Antony Johnston! He is a great writer with credits on such games as Dead Space and Shadow of Mordor, along with fun graphic novels and prose novels. On the show, we discussed his GDC talk on leading writers rooms, being an organized wrier, along with his experience writing mystery novels and amazing videogames. Find his books here: https://antonyjohnston.com/work/books/ BIO: Antony Johnston is one of the most versatile ...
The Austin Film Festival Schedule! 2023 - the 30th Anniversary of AFF
October 23, 2023 19:52 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MBJustin and Paul discuss the exciting panels of this year's Austin Film Festival - 2023, the 30th anniversary of the fest! Not sure what panels to attend, or just looking for a good idea of what happens at the festival and what to be excited about? Here you go! Panelists and Awardees - Austin Film Festival
Neel Upadhye on Short-form Narrative in Games
October 18, 2023 22:17 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MBNeel Upadhye joined the Creative Writing Life podcast to discuss his years in the film and video game industry writing for major gaming franchises including Battlefield 2042, Apex Legends, and Need For Speed Unbound. Enjoy! ABOUT: Neel is VP of Production at Azra Games, leading the development team of Project Legends, an Action RPG for PC & mobile. He is an innovative storyteller with 14+ years in the film and video game industry. Born in India and a graduate of USC, Neel has written and d...
Jenny Stiven Franchise Development and Marketing in Creative Ways
October 12, 2023 23:12 - 42 minutes - 39 MBJenny Stiven joined the Creative Writing Life podcast to discuss franchise development and marketing. ABOUT JENNY Jenny Stiven’s formative years were defined by such geek/sci-fi properties as Star Wars, Aliens, Star Trek, Stargate (all the "Stars-"!), and now as a consultant and digital strategist, she brings fandoms and their content owners together! After a decade of learning the ropes programming, coding, producing, content, writing, marketing, site builds, media buys, and more, Jenn...
Writing Middle Grade Novels with Katryn Bury
October 04, 2023 19:47 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBKatryn Bury joins the Creative Writing Life podcast to discuss writing middle grade (#MiddleGrade) fiction and mysteries, and why she loves Nancy Drew books. Learn more at: https://www.katrynbury.com ABOUT KATRYN Katryn Bury is the author of the middle grade mystery Drew Leclair Gets a Clue and the forthcoming sequel Drew Leclair Crushes the Case. A lifelong true crime nerd, she has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminology. Her short and serialized fiction can be found in Suspens...
Zubin Anklesaria and Ryan Turner of Echobend Pictures
September 27, 2023 19:46 - 46 minutes - 42.1 MBZubin Anklesaria and Ryan Turner share their journey and lessons learned about filmmaking at Echobend Pictures. Join the Creative Writing Career podcast as the group discuss lessons learned going from writing partners to making movies with Echobend Pictures and so much more! Echobend is an entertainment company based in Los Angeles offering Production, Post, and Music & Publishing services. https://www.echobend.com/narrative-all
The Creative Writing Career on SD Comic Con
September 20, 2023 19:47 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBThis week in the Creative Writing Career podcast, Justin and Pual dive into Justin's experience with the San Dieog Comic Con. Spoiler - it was great!
Larry Young on Writing Comics
September 13, 2023 19:46 - 43 minutes - 40 MBJustin and Paul discussed comic book writing with Larry Young. Larry Young is an American writer, producer, and publisher. He is most known as the co-publisher and marketing genius behind the independent comics company AIT/PlanetLar, and as the writer of their flagship title: Astronauts in Trouble. https://comicvine.gamespot.com/larry-young/4040-45254/issues-cover/
B Earl on Comics Writing - Spiderman and Daredevel!
September 06, 2023 19:43 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBB Earl joined us to discuss Comics Writing and his Spiderman and Daredevel comics! https://iambearl.com/ From B Earl (Ben): I’m a Marvel writer, web2.5 consultant, creative blockchain strategist, as well as have been exploring AI since 2017. When I’m not cooking up the next Spidey yarn, I develop story-driven blockchain marketing strategies for brands or help companies plan their metaverse projects. Recently I have been touring the world from Saudi Arabia to Amsterdam, speaking at conf...
A.R. Farina on Creative Writing and Comics in Motion
August 30, 2023 19:48 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBThis week we spoke with A.R. Farina on Creative Writing and Comics in Motion. https://www.amazon.com/stores/A.R.-Farina/author/B0BVQB4VHQ About the AuthorA.R. Farina is a college professor with both an M.A. Ed. and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing who has written several textbooks in his professional capacity. Additionally, he hosts a weekly podcast on the Comics in Motion Network where he records a critical analysis of indie comics and graphic novels. Some of his published short fiction can...
Writing Middle grade/YA and 4-quadrant Stories
August 16, 2023 19:51 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBJustin and Paul discussed writing middle grade and young adult, in books, movies, and games. We also dove into 4-quadrant stories. Enjoy!
Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle on their Tor Book EBONY GATE
August 02, 2023 20:01 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBJulia Vee and Ken Bebelle joined us to discuss Ebony Gate their trad pub book from TOR. We also discussed ComicCon. Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle's Ebony Gate is a female John Wick story with dragon magic set in contemporary San Francisco’s Chinatown. Emiko Soong belongs to one of the eight premier magical families of the world. But Emiko never needed any magic. Because she is the Blade of the Soong Clan. Or was. Until she’s drenched in blood in the middle of a market in China, surrounded by...
Jonathan Yanez on Books, Filmmaking, and ComicCon
July 20, 2023 15:12 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBThis week Jonathan Yanez joined us to discuss his latest filmmaking endeavor, for which he has a Kickstarter going. Check out the Forsaken Mercenary Kickstarter page to help bring his project to life! You can also learn more about Jonathan and his books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3K3LRyH ABOUT JONATHAN FROM THE MAN HIMSELF: International bestselling author, check. USA Today bestselling author, check. Writing wild tales since 2012, check, check. I'm Jonathan, a husband, father, and wr...
Justin and Paul Discuss Writing Research and Surviving in the Game
July 13, 2023 20:16 - 30 minutes - 28 MBJoin Justin and Paul as we discuss what it takes to research stories for novels, screenplays, and games - and other fun writing topics!
Spyder Dobrofsky on Screenwriting and Directing
July 07, 2023 20:18 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBSpyder Dobrofsky on Screenwriting and Directing Find more on Spyder: IMDb Spyder Dobrofsky is an LA-based screenwriter responsible for Tubi's breakout horror-western film, "Teardrop" directed by cult filmmaker Steven R. Monroe (I Spit On Your Grave). He's an executive producer & screenwriter on NBC Peacock's Original Movie, "The Housewives of the North Pole" (starring Breaking Bad's Betsy Brandt, & Kyle Richards from the Real Housewives Franchise). Spyder sold his first movie at age 23, m...
Gregory Blair and The Mystery of Emma Thorn
June 22, 2023 20:39 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBGregory joined the CWL podcast to discuss acting, plays, and his new movie: The Mystery of Emma Thorn. We also discussed crowdfunding! For the IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27791072/?ref_=nm_flmg_unrel_3_wr Crowdfunding this July on Indiegogo!
ATX Television Festival Review - For Fans Only
June 15, 2023 20:17 - 22 minutes - 21 MBJustin went to the ATX Television Festival and learned that, unlike the AFF, it is VERY fan focused. Almost entirely? Still, it was fun! Tune in to find out more. https://atxfestival.com/
Justin and Paul discuss the ATX Television Festival, the Strike Wk4, and more!
May 31, 2023 22:50 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBJoin Justin Sloan and Paul Zeidman on the Creative Writing Life podcast as they discuss the ATX Television Festival, the WGA strike as it goes into week 4, and more fun writing life tidbits. https://atxfestival.com/ ABOUT ATX: ATX TV Festival is a one-of-kind festival experience, bringing TV fans & industry together to celebrate their favorite moments in TV as one community. Join us for deep-dives into how your favorite shows are made, revisit past favorites, and discover something new ...
Adam Martin and Eben Matthews discuss their comics and Web3 platform Macroverse
May 25, 2023 23:46 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBThis week on the Creative Writing Life podcast Adam Martin and Eben Matthews discuss their comics and Web3 platform Macroverse! About MacroverseMarvel + Netflix X Blockchain = MacroverseMacroverse is a web3 entertainment studio that rewards its community, collectors, creators and collaborators for supporting upcoming blockbuster franchises spanning comics, TV, gaming, animation, movies and more. Starting with highly collectible NFT comics and characters, we are building the next gener...
Jack Canfora on Being a Playwright
May 11, 2023 20:25 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MBJack Confora discusses playwrighting with the Creative Writing Life podcast! More about Jack: John Lawrence "Jack" Canfora is an Award-Winning American playwright, actor, musician, and teacher. After receiving his dramatic training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, he began his career as an actor in regional theater, working mostly in Shakespearean roles such as Mercutio and Macbeth. He’s been hailed by the Associated Press as “White-hot Entertainment” for his off-Broadway...
The WGA Strike with Eli Edelson
May 10, 2023 23:13 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBThis week we had Eli Edelson on discussing the WGA strike with Paul and Justin of the Creative Writing Life podcast. We discussed what the strike means, some details such as mini rooms and non-writing duties, and more! Enjoy and show your support! Some links: https://www.wgacontract2023.org/strike/picket-schedules-and-locations About Eli: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7640985/ http://eliedelson.com/
Bruce Wawrzyniak on PR and Now Hear This
May 04, 2023 20:16 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBBruce Wawrzyniak joined the Creative Writing Life Podcast to discuss PR and his podcast "Now Hear This." We also discussed the SFWC, Podcasting, Promotion, and hurdles with the creative life. Find his show and more information: https://www.now-hear-this.net/?fbclid=IwAR3oKmZmUIYEpgHwvg8uJDflPxSoEF-a0yuzkvdI6o_enlwf4cxDd4B8wHE https://www.now-hear-this.net/content/podcast?fbclid=IwAR3gpoHRMPdyYL5HnZQeDa3f1fmjF5pyZkIQjQ8EhHd12psU25xXJJoDMQs
Stefanie Hubbard - Pure Magic Pictures CWL Podcast
April 24, 2023 16:26 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBThis week on the Creative Writing Life Podcast we spoke with Stefanie Hubbard of Pure Magic Pictures. https://www.puremagicpictures.com/videos/whoweare Pure Movie Magic - Satisfy your inner punk rock, blockbuster-loving, anime nerd, geek, heart with all original movies & shows made by a lovely band of misfits making movie magic. Stefanie Hubbard is a writer, director, and executive producer in New York City. She is the owner of Pure Magic Pictures, the studio behind all of her films and ...
Six-Figure Freelance Writer - with Amy Suto
April 13, 2023 20:33 - 32 minutes - 30 MBAmy Suto joined the Creative Writing Life Podcast to discuss her book Six-Figure Freelance Writer and share her experince with freelance writing, attending USC, and how she pivoted during the shutdown. Check out the book - https://amzn.to/3KCbjdX About Amy Suto: Amy Suto began her career as a Hollywood TV writer before hitting the road and becoming a digital nomad and six-figure freelance writer. Now, she travels the world while ghostwriting memoirs and working on her own creative project...