The Write Mindset
by Thomas J Bellezza
Hello, my name is Thomas J. Bellezza, and welcome to The Write Mindset. The short, short version: for ten years I've been a script doctor and story consultant, helping writers get their thoughts organized onto the page by outlining, writing, or guiding them. Since the 90's, I've been in the entertainment industry, writing my own scripts, novels, poetry, music, and lyrics for a living. Podcast Mission: To educate writers on the craft of writing through my knowledge of how I was taught, learned, and currently teach my clients. My focus is on narrative, outlining, brainstorming, and both character and plot development in general, which can be applied to novels or scripts. A secondary aspect of this channel will be analyzing (and reviewing) films (new and old), novels, and occasionally there will be interviews with writers to get their insight on the craft of writing. My tertiary goals will be to elaborate on the business of writing. <br /
Episodes
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He Lies to People to Find Out If They're Lying | James Franklin Williams Jr.!
He Lies to People to Find Out If They're Lying | James Franklin Williams Jr.! Thomas J. Bellezza talks with storyteller and author James Franklin Williams Jr. about collecting true paranormal accounts and turning them into books. They cover why the person always mattered more than the entity, the...
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She Hid His Daughter for Two Years, and Readers Loved It | Emma Bennett Interview!
She Hid His Daughter for Two Years, and Readers Loved It | Emma Bennett Interview! Thomas J. Bellezza talks with romance author Emma Bennett about writing the happily ever after, why a sequel can undo it, and the miscommunication trope that split her readers. They get into how much accuracy...
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A Passing Character in the Novel Is the Hero of the Game | Building the World of Maya!
A Passing Character in the Novel Is the Hero of the Game | Building the World of Maya! Thomas J. Bellezza talks with filmmaker Anand Gandhi and game designer Zain Memon about Maya, a narrative universe spanning novels, games, graphic novels, and film. They cover starting from the question rather...
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In My Head It Was a Thunderstorm. On the Page It Said "It Was Raining." | April Dávila!
In My Head It Was a Thunderstorm. On the Page It Said "It Was Raining." | April Dávila! Thomas J. Bellezza talks with author and writing coach April Dávila about voice, revision, and mindfulness in the writing process. They cover journaling as voice practice, why she cuts most of her dialogue…
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Conflict Doesn't Mean Somebody Gets Shot | Dawn Reno Langley Interview!
Thomas J. Bellezza talks with author and teacher Dawn Reno Langley about writing while traveling, why every scene needs action even in a memoir, and how character names carry assumptions before a reader knows anything else. They cover conflict that isn't violent, describing it through a…
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Laura Lekkos on Character, POV, and Writing Cinematically!
Laura Lekkos on Character, POV, and Writing Cinematically! Screenwriter and debut novelist Laura Lekkos joins The Write Mindset to talk craft. Thomas J. Bellezza and Laura dig into moving from screenplays to long-form fiction, writing cinematically and using "room tone," building two distinct…
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Shalini Abeysekara on White Room Syndrome, Spice, and the Market!
Shalini Abeysekara on White Room Syndrome, Spice, and the Market! Former corporate lawyer and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Shalini Abeysekara joins The Write Mindset to talk craft and the business of publishing. Thomas J. Bellezza and Shalini dig into reverse-engineering the market, cutting...
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Martha Conway on Prose, POV, and Writing Two Worlds at Once!
Martha Conway on Prose, POV, and Writing Two Worlds at Once! Award-winning author and Stanford writing teacher Martha Conway joins The Write Mindset to talk craft. Thomas J. Bellezza and Martha dig into lyrical vs. purple prose, how to handle research without info-dumping, why beautiful words…
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Every Book Has to Be a Five-Star Read, Says Author J.D. Barker!
Every Book Has to Be a Five-Star Read, Says Author J.D. Barker! Bestselling hybrid author JD Barker returns to talk craft, business, and the realities of publishing at scale. Thomas J. Bellezza and JD dig into his six-step pipeline, what James Patterson taught him about branding and "being there"...
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Matt Weiss on Fan Series Writing, Improv, and the Hero's Journey!
Matt Weiss on Fan Series Writing, Improv, and the Hero's Journey! Matt Weiss, Star Trek Cello Guy, creator of Egotastic Trek and Adam's Radio Hour, joins Thomas J. Bellezza for a wide-ranging conversation on writing a Star Trek fan series, building Captain Hardinger's arc from villain to hero,...
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Author Randee Dawn on Overwriting and Building Worlds!
Author Randee Dawn on Overwriting and Building Worlds! Author Randee Dawn (We Interrupt This Program, Tune in Tomorrow) joins Thomas J. Bellezza on The Write Mindset to talk about her path from music and TV journalism into contemporary fantasy, the magical Tunaverse, why a chapter is an event…
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Crime vs Thriller: This 20-Book Author Knows the Difference! With Author Danielle Girard!
Crime vs Thriller: This 20-Book Author Knows the Difference! With Author Danielle Girard! Danielle Girard has written 20 books, 16 police procedurals, and her latest thriller, Pinky Swear. We discuss the real difference between crime and thriller genres, discovering character voice through…
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From Bedtime Stories to Published Sci-Fi with Author Jason Randall Spriggs interview!
From Bedtime Stories to Published Sci-Fi with Author Jason Randall Spriggs interview! Join me for a conversation with Randall, author of Star Skimmer, about writing science fiction that balances imagination with realistic science. We discuss his process of turning bedtime stories into published...
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An interview with Jacqueline Pennewill | Author of The Book of Eternity
An interview with Jacqueline Pennewill, author of The Book of Eternity. Actress turned novelist Jacqueline joins The Write Mindset to talk about writing The Book of Eternity, her debut fantasy trilogy born from grief and a hospital room promise to her mother. We explore how acting shapes…
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Writing Culture, History, and Lost Worlds: A Conversation With Deepa Anappara
Writing Culture, History, and Lost Worlds: A Conversation With Deepa Anappara. Thomas J. Bellezza sits down with author Deepa Anappara to explore writing culture, researching history, and how her novel The Last of Earth weaves map making and lost history together. A must-watch for writers drawn…
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Be Willing To Write Poorly: Author Faulkner Hunt on the Journey to Fiction
Be Willing To Write Poorly: Author Faulkner Hunt on the Journey to Fiction: Screenwriter turned novelist Faulkner Hunt joins Thomas J. Bellezza to talk about outlining, overexplaining, trusting readers to discover the story, and why great writing is rewriting. This is an honest conversation about...
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Do Writers Have to Read? A Conversation With Poet Jeff Rimland
Do Writers Have to Read? A Conversation With Poet Jeff Rimland: Do you have to read to be a great writer? Thomas J. Bellezza sits down with published poet Jeff Rimland for an honest conversation about reading as a writer and a deep dive into the craft of poetry, essential listening for any…
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Author Interview: Stefanie Nici on Likable Characters, Voice, And More...
Author Interview: Stefanie Nici on Likable Characters, Voice, And More... Join me for a conversation with author Stefanie Nici about the unique depth writers bring to dialogue, the power of writing from personal interest, and the craft of creating likable characters. We explore how mentors shaped...
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Edo van Belkom: Author of Lord Soth Dragonlance & Death Drives A Semi
I had the pleasure of spending time with one of my childhood heroes, Edo van Belkom, the author of Lord Soth Dragonlance and Death Drives A Semi. Learning about his journey as an author, insight on writing, and the ins and outs of the publishing industry. Edo van Belkom's Books:...
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J.D. Barker Interview: From The Fourth Monkey to Collaborating With James Patterson
Join Thomas J. Bellezza in conversation with bestselling author J.D. Barker (Dracul, The Fourth Monkey, Something I Keep Upstairs) about his writing process, collaborating with James Patterson, hybrid publishing strategies, and how autism profoundly influenced his creative work. Discover…
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Kitchen Witch Cookbook Author on Writing Nonfiction and Cooking With Intention
Kitchen Witch Cookbook Author on Writing Nonfiction and Cooking With Intention. Join Thomas J. Bellezza in conversation with published author Dawn Aurora Hunt about writing cookbooks, the differences between nonfiction and fiction writing, and how food influences personal energy. Discover what it...
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Wendy Dale on Dodging Bombs, Guerrilla Soldiers, and Writing Memoirs
Wendy Dale on Dodging Bombs, Guerrilla Soldiers, and Writing Memoirs. In this unforgettable interview, author Wendy Dale joins Thomas J. Bellezza on The Write Mindset to share her incredible journey: from traveling the world and dodging bombs and bullets to partying with guerrilla soldiers and...
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How It Feels to Be a New Author with J.K. Lambo
How It Feels to Be a New Author with J.K. Lambo. In this special episode of The Write Mindset, I sit down with J.K. Lambo, a debut author on the rise, to talk about her journey writing her new novel and stepping into the world of authorship. We dive into her creative process, the story she's...
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Should Authors Be Judged by Their Stories? Author Eloise Bahr
Should Authors Be Judged by Their Stories? In this thought-provoking conversation, author Eloise Bahr joins Thomas J. Bellezza to explore a complex question: Is what you write a reflection of who you are? Together, they unpack the debate around whether authors should be judged by the themes they...
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Succeeding On Your Own Terms: Author Dr. Sheena Howard
Succeeding On Your Own Terms: Author Dr. Sheena Howard wrote fiction, non-fiction, film, comics, and graphic novels | Howard University Alum | Eisner Award winner | Featured in Emmy-nominated episode of State of the Arts | Appearances on BCC, ABC, PBS, and more | All types of stories deserve to…
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Author Jody J. Sperling And The Journey of an Writer
Jody J. Sperling crafts genre-bending mysteries that blend supernatural elements with hard-boiled detective fiction. His Luke In Time Mystery series follows an unconventional detective duo through cases that challenge both the laws of physics and human nature. Through his podcast 'Becoming A...
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From Scripts to Stage To Novels: Casting Agent & Author Helene Galek
Helene Galek is a lifelong passion for dance and NYC, this performer went from Broadway's "soubrette" to a full-time casting director and producer. She has worked on numerous projects, from vintage musicals to feature films, and has even produced successful shows that raised money for charity.
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The Power of How Stories Change The World with Ken Atchity
The Power of How Stories Change The World with Ken Atchity—With fifty years’ experience in the publishing world and thirty-five years in entertainment, Dr. Ken Atchity is a self-labeled “Story Merchant” author, professor, producer, career coach, teacher, and literary manager, responsible for...
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Lorna Graham, Author of Where You Once Belonged
Living in Greenwich Village, just like the legends of old, inspired this writer's journey from a news production assistant to a successful novelist and TV news writer. After working at Good Morning America and interviewing literary greats like Stephen King, she wrote her debut novel, *The Ghost…
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Writing Comics and Long-Form Narrative with Quincy Jackson
For over 20 years, Quincy Jackson has been a self-made, multi-published, multi-faceted, professional creative director and creative artist in the industry of comic books, video games, animation, and indie film production, as well as performance arts, photography, music recording, and soundtrack...
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The Magic of Writing and Directing With Kalyx Kai
Kalyx Kai is a horror writer, director, and producer who has been making short films since 2019. She's recently started a horror series called Happy’s Horror Crypt, which is available on her YouTube channel, Jersey Kai Horror, which features a host of horror-related material.
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Separation of Art from the Artist with Author JD Estrada
Author JD Estrada joins me for a conversation about writing and the age-old discussion about separation of art from the artist.
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Writing Urban Fantasy with Author JM Celi
Author JM Celi (@authorjmceli) joins us on today's podcast episode, where he talks about his writing process of getting his vampire Urban Fantasy novels written.
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The Art of Narrative: Writing Your First Novel with Paulo Pérez
Paulo Pérez joins Thomas J. Bellezza on The Write Mindset Podcast, discussing the art of narrative and writing your first novel. What is a narrative, how should you approach your novel, and what is the process? All topics we go over on today's episode! Paulo Pérez is a Bolivian-American filmmaker...
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Nicole Pierman: Mental Health, Writing, and Characters with Agency
Another amazing appearance for Nicole Pierman, coming to talk with me for a third time about mental health in novels, writing, and giving characters agency. Nicole Pierman: https://www.youtube.com/@NicolesBookishNook BOOKS: https://amzn.to/41ufnHd
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Finding An Editor Right For You with Author Stefanie Nici
I get to speak with author Stefanie Nici today, exploring the power of finding an editor right for you as a writer. Two Long Islanders go out it with no subtitles, but I assure you, we learned, laughed, and explored the world of writing.
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The Therapeutic Relief of Writing with Author EA Channon
Fantasy author EA Channon joins Thomas J. Bellezza to talk about the journey of writing realistic PTSD and working through trauma, and having a 20-year writing career.
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When Does Writing Cross The Line with Author Thomas R Clark?
Author Thomas R Clark sits down with host Thomas J. Bellezza in this episode of The Write Mindset Podcast to talk about writing and when does it cross the line in novels? Should art provoke emotional responses, intentionally offend people, or should writing be policed to protect everyone?
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A Discussion About Writing And Substance In A Novel With Author Jody J Sperling
Jody J. Sperling and I excitedly go over the Brandon Sanderson record-breaking Kickstarter campaign news. We explore the value of giving knowledge away for free to build a community. The more our community of authors and this industry have, the greater the community can become. The conversation...
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Marketing Your Author Brand With Author Dr. Sheena Howard
Dr. Sheena Howard was the First Black woman to win an Eisner Award for her first book, 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘴: 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘙𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 (2013). The Eisner Awards are considered the ‘Oscars of Comics’. https://sheenachoward.com/ BOOKS:...
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Working Together In The Writing Community with Author Emma Bennet
'Emma grew up and lived in London, before falling in love and moving to Wales to marry her own hero. Emma now lives with her husband and four children in a small Welsh market town. She can often be found in rivers attempting to control two overexcited chocolate Labradors, whose snoring features…
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Bringing Magic To Your Life With Author Ash D. Collins (Awyn Dawn)
I had a blast speaking with Author Ash D. Collins (Awyn Dawn) on this episode of The Write Mindset. What began as a conversation about her 111 Magic book naturally morphed into a conversation on the craft of writing. She really brought a lot of great energy, as there was laughter, knowledge, and...
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Marketing in the industry for self-published authors with Eloise Bahr
I had a chance to sit with Eloise Bahr and have a conversation about marketing in the industry for self-publishers, ideas on the writing process, and our own journeys as writers ourselves! ~ May our efforts help the community work, grow, and rise together, and keep developing "The Write Mindset."...
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Writing To Create Change | Creativity With Purpose: Interview with Dawn Reno Langley
I am so grateful for the opportunity to interview author Dawn Reno Langley. She gave me some insight into her writing process and the stories she's written and researched, and we had an all-around fun conversation as two authors sitting in front of mics! It's all about working, growing, and…
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Do You Have To Read To Be A Great Writer | A Conversation With Nicole Pierman
Thomas J. Bellezza sits with author Nicole Pierman, and they talk about the topic "To be a great writer, you have to be a prolific reader"? Their conversation ranges from the position against the statement to how reading helps and what really makes a great writer great. They also talk about what...
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Writing For A Wrestling Federation With Special Guest A.J. Pan
The one and only A.J. Pan gave us his time to talk about the process of writing for a wrestling federation, controlling the storylines, going the long way to get the big payoffs, and the journey one has with a career in wrestling. It's all about working, growing, and rising together to keep the...
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Writing Lyrics and Exploring Their Meaning With Paul LaPlaca
Paul LaPlaca sits down with Thomas J. Bellezza as they discuss Paul's lyrical writing process and dive into their meanings. They go over the journey Paul went through, from being a kid in high school to having a presence in the music industry. It's all about working, growing, and rising together…
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The Process Of Writing A Novel And Navigating Your First Publishing deal With Author Gregory Cioffi
Gregory Cioffi and Thomas J. Bellezza catch up after ten years, talking about life, writing, and the process of getting your idea to the page. He lets us in on his publishing deal, his journey, and how he approaches his novels. It's all about working, growing, and rising together, to keep the...
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Succeeding as a Screenwriter for Hire: An Exclusive Interview with Victor Joyner
Tune in to The Write Mindset Podcast for an insightful interview with Victor Joyner, a distinguished screenwriter. Join us as we delve into Victor's illustrious career in the film industry, where he has thrived as a sought-after writer for hire. In this engaging conversation, we uncover the…
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Success in Screenwriting: An Insider's Interview with Matthew Walsh
We sit down with Matthew Walsh, a seasoned screenwriter, to unravel the secrets of making it in the film industry. In this illuminating interview, Matthew shares his remarkable journey in the world of screenwriting, offering invaluable insights into what it takes to thrive in this competitive...
About this show
Hello, my name is Thomas J. Bellezza, and welcome to The Write Mindset. The short, short version: for ten years I've been a script doctor and story consultant, helping writers get their thoughts organized onto the page by outlining, writing, or guiding them. Since the 90's, I've been in the entertainment industry, writing my own scripts, novels, poetry, music, and lyrics for a living.
Podcast Mission:
To educate writers on the craft of writing through my knowledge of how I was taught, learned, and currently teach my clients. My focus is on narrative, outlining, brainstorming, and both character and plot development in general, which can be applied to novels or scripts.
A secondary aspect of this channel will be analyzing (and reviewing) films (new and old), novels, and occasionally there will be interviews with writers to get their insight on the craft of writing.
My tertiary goals will be to elaborate on the business of writing. <br /
Hosted by
Thomas J Bellezza