PODCAST · tv
The Creative Writing Life
by Paul Zeidman
From 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.
Episodes
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J.A. Merkel
Author J.A. Merkel (THE FALL GAUNTLET) talks using short stories to hone your writing skills, finding the right balance between sci-fi and fantasy, doing what works for you, and how it all started with the movie CLUE http://jamerkel.com
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Bryan Gruley
Author Bryan Gruley (RIVER DEEP) talks the basics of crime fiction, getting out after painting yourself into a corner, knowing your hook in the first two sentences, multiple POV storytelling, and…flying werewolves? http://bryangruley.com
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Theresa Halvorsen
Author/instructor Theresa Halvorsen talks about being a “recovering pantser”, knowing your characters beyond their backstory, disagreeing (sort of) with Stephen King, and the multiple versions of a writer’s self-care http://theresahalverson.com
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Nina Chayka
Author Nina Chayka (SEAGULLS) talks creating and inter-connecting an ensemble of characters, developing a non-linear story, the language of events, and non-traditional approaches to resolution http://ninachayka.com
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Neal Lipschutz
Author Neal Lipschutz (LONG ARM OF THE PAST) talks grounding your story with plausibility, creating fallible characters, balancing the unexpected and the cohesive, and fine-tuning the story to play fair with the reader http://neallipschutz.com
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Erin Baldwin
Author Erin Baldwin (GOOD LUCK, BABE!) talks how first-person POV is more “voicey”, representing for queer stories, the challenge of not giving readers the ending they want, and the concept of kayfabe within reality TV http://erinbwrites.com
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Sherre Vernon
Writer/poet Sherre Vernon (TRANSLATING BLUE) talks about loving the sound of words, striking a balance when you write, how complexity is important, and the value of finding the right word http://sherrevernon.com
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Miguel Eichelberger
Writer/poet Miguel Eichelberger (EVERYTHING IS) talks “translating the untranslatable”, adding human detail, why writers should write everything, the Stargate universe, and “don’t show, let them see” http://migueleichelberger.com
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Sara DiVello & Leslie Zemeckis
Authors Sara DiVello (BROADWAY BUTTERFLY) and Leslie Zemeckis (FEUDING FAN DANCERS) talk about the power of stories, remembering women excluded by history, and the fun of nerding out about writing http://saradivello.com http://lesliezemeckis.com
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Jill Rosenberg
Author Jill Rosenberg (NOW I’M PHOTOGENIC AND OTHER STORIES I TELL MYSELF) talks embracing surrealism, overcoming the fear of revealing emotion, and the sound of the story
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J.D. Barker
Author J.D. Barker (THE FIRST SCARLET DOOR) talks creating characters as real people, writing as both pantser and outliner, getting your hands dirty, and how to tell if you have the storyteller gene
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Sara Lippmann
Author Sara Lippmann (HIDDEN RIVER) talks the obligation to tell an honest story, public vs private trauma, the concept of psychic distance, and “the menace that lies in the cloak of suburbia”. http://saralippman.com
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Nathaniel Popkin
Author Nathaniel Popkin (PARTLY STRONG, PARTLY BROKEN) talks writing and starting over, the integral role of the editor, how fiction is a mirror of real life, and why a writer should own the struggle
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Daniel Sheley
Author Daniel Sheley (THE SOUL-SUNG) talks about fantasy as a metaphor for human issues, how everyone has their own story, building your dialogue muscles, and why knowing the cookie is dry is enough. http://danielsheleyauthor.com
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Howard Rosenstein
Howard Rosenstein (TREASURES, SHIPWRECKS & THE DAWN OF RED SEA DIVING) talks true-life adventure, being part of historical events, and the value of having a story, patience, and a good editor http://yamolam.com [email protected]
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Bob Haus
Author Bob Haus (DIMINISHED, RESOLVING TO MAJOR) talks never knowing what the spark will be, working with strength of character and talent, and “doing it for the fat lady”. http://roberthauswriter.com
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Steve Doherty
Author Steve Doherty (CROSSROADS) talks going from hating writing to loving it, Tom Clancy as the gold standard, avoiding excruciating details, and knowing when to stop, assess, and rewrite OR just toss it http://steve-doherty-books.com
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Jatinder Koharki
Author Jatinder Koharki (AGAINST THE ODDS OF TRADITION) talks writing as self-care, characters controlling the story, culture and history as enhancements, and taking what life and fate give you http://jatinderkoharki.com
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Maria Dong
Author Maria Dong (AVIARY) talks how POV is a great tool in a writer’s toolbox, keeping your characters under control, trauma’s effect on the brain, and how it all started with an episode of 90-DAY FIANCEE http://mariadong.com **Maria had some technical issues with her equipment in the latter…
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Dan Cronin
Comedy writer/standup comedian Dan Cronin talks how comedy is a positive sadness, how the struggle can (hopefully) pay off, focusing on craft, not career, and writing for Conan O’Brien and the Oscars
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Lynn C. Miller
Author Lynn C. Miller (THE SURROGATE) talks writing for visual presentation, how setting makes everything come alive, drawing from the family dynamic, and getting yourself unstuck http://lynncmiller.com
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Melanie Hill
Author Melanie Hill (JETT COOPER) talks writing action scenes before the emotional story, changing a passive protagonist into an active one, creating internal and external conflict, and the pros and cons of cringey teenage poetry http://melaniehill.au
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Soon Jones
Author/poet Soon Jones (THESE AREN’T MY WOODS ANYMORE) discusses writing to deal w/personal demons, the effect of the woods on creativity, searching for the perfect word, and the value of studying hip hop and slant rhymes. http://soonjones.com
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Zeeva Bukai
Author Zeeva Bukai (THE WORLD BETWEEN) talks about the intimacy of a first person narrative, discovering the character’s objective, writing as an actor, and the relevance of the 100-page mark. http://zeevabukai.com
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Maureen Devlin
Author Maureen Devlin (LET’S GO BACKER AND BACKER!) talks the challenge of writing for kids, opening eyes and ears, instilling a love of learning, and embracing your creative impulses. http://maureendevlinauthor.com
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Jackie Kashian
Comedian Jackie Kashian (ALTER-KASHIAN) talks writing what you’re thinking about, adjusting expectations with audience reactions, getting words on the page, self-editing, and the jokes-as-pasta metaphor http://jackiekashian.com http://familypetancestry.com
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Sarit Zadok
Author Sarit Zadok (THE CORRECTION, VOL 1) talks about writing philosophical sci-fi, layering on top of layering, applying a Canterbury Tales-esque structure, and seeking A-ha! moments http://thecorrection.xyz
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Wolfgard Braun
Author Wolfgard Braun (FALLOUT FROM THE SINGULARITY) talks AI as a tool, not a replacement, and how it can help with writer’s block, but falls flat in terms of storytelling and originality. http://wolfgardbraunbooks.wordpress.com
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Andrea J. Stein
Author Andrea J. Stein (DEAR ELIZA) talks the value of writing groups, impacting the feel of emotions in your story, writing unpredictable characters, and how grief never really goes away.
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Brian Gallagher
Author Brian Gallagher (BASEBALL FIGURES) talks about the multiple aspects of a cross-country journey, the value of details, being open with yourself for a memoir, and the importance of planning (to a certain extent).
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Annie Dike
Author Annie Dike (CLOVIS) talks about writing in different voices, how setting is a character, creating “real scenes”, and the Book-Cookie Dough Analogy http://anniedikeauthor.com
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Barbara Caver
Author Barbara Caver (A LITTLE PIECE OF CUBA) talks utilizing multiple sources in writing a memoir, asking “what’s pulling at you?” when telling your story, and playing catch with your muse. http://www.barbaracaverauthor.com
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Last Show for 2025
A quick look back at the show in 2025, and plans for 2026
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Paul Zeidman
In this special “the tables are turned” episode, host Paul Zeidman discusses his background and experience as a screenwriter, his thrill-omedy short SHECKY (and its crowdfunding), and (naturally) pie....
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Kim Hornsby & Bob Saenz
Writers Kim Hornsby and Bob Saenz talk writing Christmas movies, including being unique but not TOO unique, knowing how to write to the brand, the current state of the industry, and the importance of not giving up.
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Antonio Michael Downing
Author Antonio Michael Downing (BLACK CHEROKEE) talks writing to discover, observing life as raw material, letting the story draw what’s on the page, and the importance of Miss Donna’s 3 rules of gardening
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Nick Teeguarden
Author Nick Teeguarden (THE COPPER SCROLL) discusses Indiana Jones, writing “clean entertainment”, letting your characters dictate the action, and real life influences on story and characters. http://nickteeguarden.com
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Amy Suto
Writer Amy Suto (WRITE FOR MONEY & POWER) discusses how the creative act of writing is precious, moving beyond traditional approaches, making a direct connection to readers, and being in it for the long haul.
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David Silverman
Screenwriter/therapist David Silverman (HOW TO BE A ROCKSTAR SCREENWRITER) talks about how the long view is crucial, using the Pomodoro Technique, and the story behind his show THE WILD THORNBERRYS http://hollywoodscriptwriting.com http://davidsilvermanlmft.com
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Lee Schneider
Author Lee Schneider (LIBERATION) discusses narrative flow, the trust factor between authors & readers, the joy of writing an over-the-top villain, and the importance of not breaking credibility. http://leeschneiderbooks.com
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Patrick Blennerhassett
Author Patrick Blennerhassett (THE DEATH OF BIRTH) talks about creating a “new” protagonist, how your creative muscle makes decisions for you, and falling in love with the writing process http://patrickblennerhassett.com
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Eric Rickstad
Author Eric Rickstad (THE REMOTE series) talks about having a routine (and knowing when to take a break), using expert feedback to keep things realistic, giving the reader a reason to not put your work down, and Hitchcock films www.ericrickstad.com
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Cadwell Turnbull
Author Cadwell Turnbull (A RUIN, GREAT AND FREE) talks about communal engagement of media, knowing your ending, revising until everything is set, and the appeal of K-dramas http://cadwellturnbull.com
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David R. Stokes
Author David R. Stokes (THE HOPE NOT PLOT) discusses using a true event as the spine of your story, following timelines, “hunting details”, and the importance of doing your reading and research. http://davidrstokes.com
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Lois Buchter
Lois Buchter (DRAWING MAGIC TV) talks about how creativity is good for the brain, listening to your inner voice (and ignoring the negative one), and feeding the always-hungry creative beast. http://drawingmagictv.com
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Renee Zukin
Author Renee Zukin (EVERY DAY, I’M BRAVE) talks about transforming our relationship with fear, working those “brave” muscles, the healing ability of writing/creativity, and a shoutout to coloring books for grown-ups
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Dennis Welch
Singer-songwriter/publicist Dennis Welch talks about the importance of sticktoitiveness, being prepared so you can seize opportunities, and the value of finding & building your community
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Matthew Faye Terry
I CAME TO YOU IN WEAKNESS author Matthew Faye Terry discusses writing in free verse, how both sides adapt to cultural differences, and the value of spiritual guidance https://mattfterry.com/ https://www.instagram.com/matthewfterry/ https://www.facebook.com/matthewfterry https://gofund.me/a0245286
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Brownell Landrum
THE HERO’S PLAYBOOK author Brownell Landrum talks about exercises for writers and non-writers, the relatability of characters, and the importance of stakes for your protagonist and antagonist https://brownelllandrum.com/ https://x.com/BrownellLandrum https://www.instagram.com/brownelllandrum/...
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Chris Mancini
LONG AGO & FAR AWAY VOL 2 BOOK 1 author Chris Mancini talks about the DNA of comic book characters, turning fantasy on its ear, the connection between theme and character, and helpful crowdfunding tips http://whitecatentertainment.com https://www.facebook.com/whitecatstories...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
From 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.
HOSTED BY
Paul Zeidman
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Creative Writing Life have?
The Creative Writing Life currently has 249 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Creative Writing Life about?
From 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...
How often does The Creative Writing Life release new episodes?
The Creative Writing Life publishes regularly with 249 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Creative Writing Life?
You can listen to The Creative Writing Life on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Creative Writing Life?
The Creative Writing Life is created and hosted by Paul Zeidman.
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