How Tod Goldberg Writes Bestseller Crime Fiction—and Teaches Writers to Do the Same

Crafting words from a vision that only you as the author can see is one the oldest and most tried forms of creativity. The best authors throughout history have all shown a gift for sparking the imagination through the written word.That vision and those words need to come from somewhere, however. And one’s own lived experiences often shape both.Today’s guest on The Holly Hughes Podcast is author and creative writing professor at the University of California Riverside, Tod Goldberg. Tod has appeared on the NY Times Bestseller list 16 times, and his novels (including the Gangsterland trilogy) have found widespread critical acclaim. Goldberg founded the Low Residency MFA program at California Riverside, and his writing students go on to become accomplished writers.Tod joins Holly for a conversation about the path to becoming a professional writer, the need for critique partners when learning and using pain and vulnerability as fuel for creative growth. Tod also discusses the nature of the characters in his books, the impact of his youth on what he writes about and the balance of life and creativity.Connect with Tod Goldberg online at todgoldberg.com.Get your copy of Holly’s book, Real Not Perfect: How to Become Your Happy, Authentic Self.Sign up for Holly’s email newsletter here.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Todd Goldberg01:58 The Journey of Writing and Mentorship06:04 Exploring Empathy in Writing09:50 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Art13:56 Cultural Connections and Identity18:00 The Evolution of a Writer21:55 Balancing Writing and Teaching27:22 The Joy of Writing and Teaching30:03 Navigating Personal Challenges and Writing Productivity33:00 The Writing Process: Structure vs. Freedom36:04 Finding the Right Critique Partners38:51 The Value of an MFA Program46:01 The Importance of Community in Writing51:59 Exploring the Paranormal: Ouija Boards and Childhood Escapism55:24 Childhood Fears and Mental Health57:39 Writing About Bad People01:00:21 The Nature of Hope and Reality01:01:31 Personal Growth and Forgiveness01:04:49 The Importance of Kindness in Writing Community01:17:11 The Balance of Life and CreativityConnect with Holly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehollyhughes/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hollyhughesintuitiveGet Holly’s book here: http://bit.ly/4ggvAamWebsite: https://hollyhughesintuitive.com/