 New York Times bestselling author, Joseph Finder, took a timeout to talk with me about how to write prescient, cutting-edge suspense, his writing rituals, overcoming impostor syndrome, and how to come to terms with a business built on rejection. "My objective is not to present research...my objective is to make people turn the pages." – Joseph Finder The award-winning author is known for his "cutting-edge suspense ripped straight from the headlines." He's written 16 novels and counting, including Judgment, The Switch, Guilty Minds, The Fixer, Suspicion, and the international bestseller Killer Instinct. Two of his bestselling novels – Paranoia and High Crimes – have been turned into major motion pictures, and Vanished, Finder's instant bestseller, introduced readers to “private spy” Nick Heller. His latest is House on Fire: A Novel (A Nick Heller Novel), focusing on "... a wealthy family who owns a pharmaceutical company at the epicenter of the opioid crisis." The Washington Post said of the book, the thriller “Takes ‘ripped from the headlines’ to a new level," and The New York Times called Finder, "The master of a complex suspense formula." He is a founding member of the International Thriller Writers, as well as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Association of Former Intelligence Officers. He is a graduate of Yale College and the Harvard Russian Research Center. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of the Writer Files is brought to you by Words Matter by Wix. Looking for that burst of inspiration to break your writer's block? Or maybe you just need some quick grammar and style tips? Words Matter has tons of articles to help you become a better writer, plus invites to intensive in-person writing workshops. Visit wix.com/wordsmatter/blog to learn more.   If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Joseph Finder and I discussed: How setting himself a hard deadline helped him publish his first novel Powerful motivating factors for believable character development Why a writer's research needs to be like an iceberg Turning your writing into a ritual for success Why every novel presents its own unique challenges And the perils of selling the rights to a long-running fictional character Show Notes: Words Matter by Wix Creating Quality Content - Part 1: Research & Planning JosephFinder.com House on Fire: A Novel (A Nick Heller Novel) - by Joseph Finder [Amazon] America's Opioid Epidemic - NPR's Throughline Podcast Joseph Finder on Facebook Joseph Finder on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter  

The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

How NY Times Bestselling Suspense Novelist Joseph Finder Writes

 In Part Two of this file the international bestselling hybrid author and crime novelist, Adam Croft, returned to chat with me from overseas about the processes, productivity hacks, and professionalism that have helped him become one of the most successful independently published authors in the world, and why writers need to develop a business mindset to do the same. "Writing more books is going to earn you more money, and that should always be your priority.” – Adam Croft Adam's previous career was as a freelance designer and editor, but his hard work and persistence over ten years have helped him become one of the biggest selling authors of the last decade. How did Adam go on to sell close to two million books in over 120 countries in such a short time? We'll dig into his inspiring story, including the stories behind his breakthrough worldwide bestseller Her Last Tomorrow, and his crime thriller Knight & Culverhouse series, which knocked J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child off the top spot in Canada only weeks after Her Last Tomorrow was also #1 in the same country. His multiple bestsellers have also made him an authority on indie publishing, and he's been featured on BBC television, BBC Radio, the BBC World Service, The Guardian, The Huffington Post, The Bookseller and many other media outlets. Adam now shares his unique expertise of the craft at The Indie Author Mindset where he offers to help "... authors cut through the overwhelming — and often conflicting — information that’s out there [with] solid help and information." And Adam was kind enough to drop some of that wisdom here for you today, so I’ll tease the promo code I’ve also put in the show notes – WRITERFILES – for a 50% discount on every course at The Indie Author Mindset just for listeners of this show. Simply go to courses.indieauthormindset.com and pop that in there. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of the Writer Files is brought to you by Words Matter by Wix. Looking for that burst of inspiration to break your writer's block? Or maybe you just need some quick grammar and style tips? Words Matter has tons of articles to help you become a better writer, plus invites to intensive in-person writing workshops. Visit wix.com/wordsmatter/blog to learn more.   If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. If you missed the first half of this show you can find it right here, and you can find all previous episodes of the show in the archives at writerfiles.fm, and find the last 100 eps on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you tune in), and in the show notes. Stay tuned ... In Part Two of this file Adam Croft and I discussed: Why the author doesn't sit still or look back The uphill battle ahead for aspiring indie authors How Adam stays organized and energized as an author slash entrepreneur The productivity hacks that help him stay prolific Why writers need to treat their craft with the respect it deserves And cutting through the bullsh*t of self-publishing Show Notes: Words Matter by Wix Use promo code WRITERFILES for 50% discount on any of Adam's online courses at The Indie Author Mindset 'The Writer's Brain' on Procrastination: Part One AdamCroft.net Partners in Crime podcast The Indie Author Mindset on Facebook The Indie Author Mindset The Indie Author Mindset: How Changing Your Way of Thinking Can Transform Your Writing Career by Adam Croft [Amazon] Adam Croft Readers Group on Facebook Adam Croft on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter 

How International Bestselling Crime Novelist Adam Croft Writes: Part Two

 The international bestselling hybrid author and crime novelist, Adam Croft, spoke with me from overseas about the processes, productivity hacks, and professionalism that have helped him become one of the most successful independently published authors in the world, and why writers need to develop a business mindset to do the same. "Writing more books is going to earn you more money, and that should always be your priority.” – Adam Croft Adam's previous career was as a freelance designer and editor, but his hard work and persistence over ten years have helped him become one of the biggest selling authors of the last decade. How did Adam go on to sell close to two million books in over 120 countries in such a short time? We'll dig into his inspiring story, including the stories behind his breakthrough worldwide bestseller Her Last Tomorrow, and his crime thriller Knight & Culverhouse series, which knocked J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child off the top spot in Canada only weeks after Her Last Tomorrow was also #1 in the same country. His multiple bestsellers have also made him an authority on indie publishing, and he's been featured on BBC television, BBC Radio, the BBC World Service, The Guardian, The Huffington Post, The Bookseller and many other media outlets. Adam now shares his unique expertise of the craft at The Indie Author Mindset where he offers to help "... authors cut through the overwhelming — and often conflicting — information that’s out there [with] solid help and information." And Adam was kind enough to drop some of that wisdom here for you today. Stay tuned for Part Two of this series for a promo code just for Writer Files listeners! Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of the Writer Files is brought to you by Words Matter by Wix. Looking for that burst of inspiration to break your writer's block? Or maybe you just need some quick grammar and style tips? Words Matter has tons of articles to help you become a better writer, plus invites to intensive in-person writing workshops. Visit wix.com/wordsmatter/blog to learn more.   If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In Part One of this file Adam Croft and I discussed: The nine book "overnight success" How Adam's past life as a freelancer and small business owner helped him in self-publishing The three facets of a successful indie author mindset Why the author's not interested in chasing the latest gold rush And what it's like to outsell your heroes Show Notes: Words Matter by Wix AdamCroft.net Partners in Crime podcast The Indie Author Mindset on Facebook The Indie Author Mindset The Indie Author Mindset: How Changing Your Way of Thinking Can Transform Your Writing Career by Adam Croft [Amazon] Adam Croft Readers Group on Facebook Kelton Reid on Twitter    

How International Bestselling Crime Novelist Adam Croft Writes: Part One

 In Part Two of this file we return with an exclusive look into the process behind not only how a writer gets paid to ghostwrite a title for a celebrity, but also the writing, researching, and indie publishing of a book that has sat on top of the Amazon charts for over a year. “If you’re struggling to figure out what to write, it means you don’t know what you want to say." – Adam Skolnick Note: We had to get special permission from the incredible human and author, David Goggins, to share this story – so this is truly an exclusive – but it’s no secret that the book was written by my good friend. A huge thank you to Mr. Goggins and his spirit, generosity, and ethos. From ideation of his bestselling book Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds – by Author David Goggins – to publishing with Lioncrest, and the experimental new media formats like an audiobook/podcast and beyond, this is a glimpse behind the camouflage curtain. “... Can't Hurt Me, shares [Goggins's] astonishing life story and reveals that most of us tap into only 40% of our capabilities. He calls this The 40% Rule, and his story illuminates a path that anyone can follow to push past pain, demolish fear, and reach their full potential.” The writer (or ghostwriter) is an award-winning international journalist, author, serial pundit, and “bad penny” Adam Skolnick, our own international correspondent. Adam’s narrative nonfiction book is available in paperback — One Breath: Freediving, Death, and the Quest to Shatter Human Limits — is based on his award-winning New York Times sports coverage of the death of the greatest American freediver of all time. The book has been compared to other classics of extreme sports journalism — like Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air, and National Geographic Traveller called it “A vicarious thrill that you can enjoy in a little over 300 pages ... unless you read it in the bath...” The Writer Files is now available on Alexa! Because Apple Podcasts are available on Alexa-enabled Amazon devices in the United States, now all you have to do is say, "Alexa, play The Writer Files on Apple Podcasts." She will probably grant your wish ;-) Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. If you missed the first half of this show you can find it right here. And if you’ve missed previous episodes of The Writer Files you can find them all in the show notes, in the archives at writerfiles.fm, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in. In Part Two of this file Adam Skolnick and I discussed: The importance of a large social following for non-fiction authors How timing plays such a big role in self-publishing success Why an audiobook/podcast hybrid might be the next big thing for authors The Golden Age for ghostwriting opportunities How David Goggins's inspiring message goes beyond cookie cutter self-help And why "there is no finish line" Show Notes: Words Matter by Wix How We Built the Wix Brand Voice Author Accelerator Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds – by Author David Goggins [Amazon] AdamSkolnick.com The Environmental Threat of Trump's Wall by Adam Skolnick Adam Skolnick on Instagram Adam Skolnick on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter 

How to Ghostwrite a Bestseller with Author Adam Skolnick: Part Two

 Welcome back to a special edition of the show we traditionally call “Writer Porn.” To kick off 2020 we have a very enlightening show for you that you're not going to want to miss. It’s an exclusive look into the process behind not only how a writer gets paid to ghostwrite a title for a celebrity, but also the writing, research, and indie publishing of a book that has sat on top of the Amazon charts for over a year! Did it beat Michelle Obama in 2019? TK “If you’re struggling to figure out what to write, it means you don’t know what you want to say." – Adam Skolnick Note: We had to get special permission from the incredible human and author, David Goggins, to share this story – so this is truly an exclusive – but it’s no secret that the book was written by my good friend. A huge thank you to Mr. Goggins and his spirit, generosity, and ethos. From ideation of his bestselling book Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds – by Author David Goggins – to publishing with Lioncrest, and the experimental new media formats like an audiobook/podcast and beyond, this is a glimpse behind the camouflage curtain. “In Can't Hurt Me, [Goggins] shares his astonishing life story and reveals that most of us tap into only 40% of our capabilities. He calls this The 40% Rule, and his story illuminates a path that anyone can follow to push past pain, demolish fear, and reach their full potential.” The writer (or ghostwriter) is an award-winning international journalist, author, serial pundit, and “bad penny” Adam Skolnick, our own international correspondent. Adam’s narrative nonfiction book is available in paperback — One Breath: Freediving, Death, and the Quest to Shatter Human Limits — is based on his award-winning New York Times sports coverage of the death of the greatest American freediver of all time. The book has been compared to other classics of extreme sports journalism — like Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air, and National Geographic Traveller called it “A vicarious thrill that you can enjoy in a little over 300 pages ... unless you read it in the bath...” The Writer Files is now available on Alexa! Because Apple Podcasts are available on Alexa-enabled Amazon devices in the United States, now all you have to do is say, "Alexa, play The Writer Files on Apple Podcasts." She will probably grant your wish ;-) Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Adam Skolnick and I discussed: A definition of ghostwriting How Adam got tapped to ghostwrite for author and endurance athlete David Goggins Why Goggins turned down a major book publishing deal and decided to self-publish (with Adam still attached) The Joe Rogan effect for authors How Adam made the decision to help write David's story And the unique research and drafting process that went into a bestseller ... Show Notes: Words Matter by Wix How We Built the Wix Brand Voice Author Accelerator Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds – by Author David Goggins [Amazon] AdamSkolnick.com 21 Productivity Hacks from 21 Prolific Writers: Part One Adam Skolnick on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter 

How to Ghostwrite a Bestseller with Author Adam Skolnick: Part One

 Acclaimed, award-winning Mexican author and critic, Juan Pablo Villalobos, spoke with me from Barcelona, Spain about making difficult subjects accessible to young adults, the challenge of shifting from fiction to non-fiction, and why finding the right voice and POV is so important to telling your story. “If you know perfectly where you're going, the reader will feel the same ... he or she will get bored.” – Juan Pablo Villalobos The tragicomic, avant-garde author (known to his friends as J.P.) has published film and literary criticism, short stories, and award-winning novels now translated into 15 languages. His novels include Down the Rabbit Hole, shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award (2011), as well as I Don’t Expect Anyone to Believe Me, a Herralde Prize (2016) winner soon to be published in English. New York Times bestselling author Roxane Gay has called his writing “Excellent satire ... hilarious and smart, [that] takes on class in Mexico ... in a really useful way.” The author's latest is a departure into Young Adult, narrative non-fiction titled The Other Side: Stories of Central American Teen Refugees Who Dream of Crossing the Border. In a Kirkus starred review the heavily researched – and very timely book – was called, "A ... compilation of stories from unaccompanied Central American teen refugees who make tremendous sacrifices to cross the U.S.-Mexico border." Told in short vignettes, the author spoke with me about how he employed the narrative techniques of fiction in order to protect the protagonists’ identities and to address the difficult subject matter gathered in interviews, and inspired by immigrant minors seeking asylum from both violence and poverty. This is, quite obviously, the last show of the year and thank you for all of your support in 2019. Happy New Year! We'll be back with some incredible interviews in 2020, including an exclusive with a chart-topping ghostwriter who you may know (spoiler alert: he's been a recurring guest on the show), a self-publishing phenom, an Emmy Award-winning TV writer, an expert on optimizing your creative space or office, a NY Times bestselling suspense writer, and way more neuroscience for your brain! Also, The Writer Files is now available on Alexa! Because Apple Podcasts are available on Alexa-enabled Amazon devices in the United States, now all you have to do is say, "Alexa, play The Writer Files on Apple Podcasts." She will probably grant your wish ;-) Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Juan Pablo Villalobos and I discussed: The importance of unpredictability, point of view, and surprising yourself as a writer Why writing is (still) rewriting How the author told the stories of asylum seekers in the first person, and the challenging research process behind his latest work The power of literature for sharing difficult subjects with young readers How the author revisited Kurt Vonnegut's writing only after being compared to him And advice to scribes on why every writer's process should be unique Show Notes: Author Accelerator The Other Side: Stories of Central American Teen Refugees Who Dream of Crossing the Border by Juan Pablo Villalobos [Amazon] Juan Pablo Villalobos – Amazon author page Juan Pablo Villalobos on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter 

How Award-Winning Novelist Juan Pablo Villalobos Writes

 Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, writer, and artrepreneur, Ken Davenport, stopped by this week to talk with me about what it takes to consistently create hit musical theater, his passion for storytelling, and lessons on today's business of Broadway. “I'm on a mission to help 5000 shows get produced by 2025.” – Ken Davenport Over his storied career Mr. Davenport has had multiple Tony Award wins and nominations for his productions including 2018's Best Revival of a Musical for Once on This Island. His lengthy list of credits also includes The Play That Goes Wrong, Groundhog Day (Tony nomination), Awakening (Tony nomination), Macbeth starring Alan Cumming, Godspell, Kinky Boots (Broadway – Tony Award, National Tour, Toronto and West End), The Visit (Tony nomination), Mothers and Sons (Tony nomination), The Bridges of Madison County, Chinglish, Oleanna starring Bill Pullman and Julia Stiles, and Will Ferrell’s You’re Welcome America, to name only a few. Ken is a co-founder of TEDxBroadway whose productions have been produced internationally in over 25 countries and his one-of-a-kind production and marketing savvy have been featured in the New York Times, MSNBC, Fox News, BBC and even Jay Leno's "Tonight Show" monologue. His blog and podcast about the business of Broadway – TheProducersPerspective.com – have also been featured in Vanity Fair, New York Magazine, and The Gothamist and he's written several books including How to Succeed in the Arts . . . or in Anything, and How to Write a Script in 30 Days. NOTE: This episode is marked explicit because we say a word that means "poop" a few times, as my daughter pointed out. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Ken Davenport and I discussed: Why theatre is the original storytelling medium Secrets behind the intensely collaborative, NASCAR-like process to making a hit How creating a musical is like getting 17 people to recreate the Mona Lisa The power of deadlines and the greatest challenge of capturing an audience's attention Why ideas are worth nothing without a sh*tty first draft And advice and free resources for writers who want to break into Broadway Show Notes: Author Accelerator TheProducersPerspective.com 30 Day Script Challenge Davenport Theatrical Ken Davenport on Instagram Ken Davenport on Facebook Ken Davenport on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter 

How Tony Award-Winning Broadway Producer Ken Davenport Writes

 In Part Two of this file the Academy Award nominated screenwriter, actor, and author, Kim Krizan, returned to discuss how she came to work with director Richard Linklater on the critically acclaimed Before Sunrise film series, her lifelong study of femme fatales, and the pioneering work of author Anaïs Nin. "I write so the endangered thoughts roaming naked and vulnerable through the misty jungles of my mind aren't slain by the guns of practical living." – Kim Krizan Kim earned her Masters degree in English and Literature and while she was writing her thesis – titled "Anaïs Nin and The Psychology of Creativity" – she auditioned for a film part on a lark. As a result, she went on to act in some of acclaimed director Richard Linklater's best known films including Slacker, Dazed and Confused, and even played herself in Waking Life. After taking interest in her Masters thesis, Linklater and Krizan went on to co-write the lauded film Before Sunrise (1995), featuring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, and they collaborated on the entire award-winning trilogy. It's no surprise that her in-depth studies of the life of a visionary author also led to her latest book – Spy in the House of Anaïs Nin – "...a penetrating look at Nin’s incredible life and famous diary...Firmly placing Nin in her historical context as a feminist and visionary." *A note on the audio quality of this episode, Kim did join me via telephone for this interview.* Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. If you missed the first half of this show you can find it right here. And if you’ve missed previous episodes of The Writer Files you can find them all in the show notes, in the archives at writerfiles.fm, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in. In Part Two of this file Kim Krizan and I discussed: Why the liminal hours between waking and sleeping are so valuable for writers How Kim befriended Anaïs Nin's family and was granted access to her secret letters, papers, and original manuscripts What drove Nin to become the most groundbreaking self-published female author of her time How Nin's visionary work predicted the future The secrets of a literary legend and the many (often broke) famous authors she befriended and loved And why you're allowed to write a piece of crap and risk failure early on Show Notes: Author Accelerator How Oscar Nominated Screenwriter Kim Krizan Writes: Part One Spy in the House of Anaïs Nin by Kim Krizan [Amazon] Kim Krizan's author page on Amazon The Wild, Impassioned World of Anaïs Nin’s Diaries - Kim Krizan for Literary Hub Kim Krizan on IMDB.com Kim Krizan on Facebook Kim Krizan on Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation 

How Oscar Nominated Screenwriter Kim Krizan Writes: Part Two

 Academy Award nominated screenwriter, actor, and author, Kim Krizan, joined me this week to discuss how she came to work with director Richard Linklater on the critically acclaimed Before Sunrise film series, her lifelong study of femme fatales, and the pioneering work of author Anaïs Nin. "I write so the endangered thoughts roaming naked and vulnerable through the misty jungles of my mind aren't slain by the guns of practical living." – Kim Krizan Kim earned her Masters degree in English and Literature and while she was writing her thesis – titled "Anaïs Nin and The Psychology of Creativity" – she auditioned for a film part on a lark. As a result, she went on to act in some of acclaimed director Richard Linklater's best known films including Slacker, Dazed and Confused, and even played herself in Waking Life. After taking interest in her Masters thesis, Linklater and Krizan went on to co-write the lauded film Before Sunrise (1995), featuring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, and they collaborated on the entire award-winning trilogy. It's no surprise that her in-depth studies of the life of a visionary author also led to her latest book – Spy in the House of Anaïs Nin – "...a penetrating look at Nin’s incredible life and famous diary...Firmly placing Nin in her historical context as a feminist and visionary." *A note on the audio quality of this episode, Kim did join me via telephone for this interview.* Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. In Part One of this file Kim Krizan and I discussed: The effects her study of the experimental life of a literary pioneer had on her own path to creativity How her travels abroad influenced her screenwriting Why boredom is so important for writers How your observation of stranger's interactions is often interpreted into the language of storytelling And how to outsmart your own inner critic Show Notes: Author Accelerator Spy in the House of Anaïs Nin by Kim Krizan [Amazon The Wild, Impassioned World of Anaïs Nin’s Diaries - Kim Krizan for Literary Hub Kim Krizan on IMDB.com Kelton Reid on Twitter Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation 

How Oscar Nominated Screenwriter Kim Krizan Writes: Part One

 In Part Two of this file the showrunner and Executive Producer of Netflix's Daybreak, Aron Eli Coleite, returned to chat with me about what it takes to survive high school (at the apocalypse), paying his dues in Hollywood, and the collaborative nature of world-building and scriptwriting for TV. "Surviving high school is like surviving the apocalypse," – Aron Eli Coleite Aron is a comic book writer, TV writer, and producer best known for his work on the popular NBC series Heroes and the CBS series Star Trek Discovery. His latest is the dark, zombie comedy series Daybreak starring Matthew Broderick, co-created with Brad Peyton for Netflix. It's been called “Mad Max meets Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” by SyFy.com and is based on Brian Ralph's graphic novel series of the same name. Aron also helped co-develop the newest version of Locke & Key for Netflix - including co-writing the first episode with comic book series creator Joe Hill. His upcoming projects include adapting Amulet for 20th Century Fox. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. If you missed the first half of this show you can find it right here. And if you’ve missed previous episodes of The Writer Files you can find them all in the show notes, in the archives at writerfiles.fm, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in. In Part Two of this file Aron Eli Coleite and I discussed: Secrets behind how a hit Netflix show is written and produced Why the writers on Daybreak are like an elite special forces unit The importance of diverse voices in TV writing How "The Hero's Journey" plays such a big part in episodic storytelling Why Aron got into television writing early in his career And his advice to aspiring scribes looking to break into TV Show Notes: Author Accelerator How Netflix Showrunner Aron Eli Coleite Writes: Part One Daybreak on Netflix The Only Podcast Left - Daybreak on Spotify Aron Eli Coleite on IMDB.com Aron Eli Coleite on Wikipedia Daybreak on Facebook Daybreak on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation  

How Netflix Showrunner Aron Eli Coleite Writes: Part Two

 Showrunner and Executive Producer of Netflix's Daybreak, Aron Eli Coleite, took a break to chat with me about what it takes to survive high school (at the apocalypse), paying his dues in Hollywood, and the collaborative nature of world-building and scriptwriting for TV. "Surviving high school is like surviving the apocalypse," – Aron Eli Coleite Aron is a comic book writer, TV writer, and producer best known for his work on the popular NBC series Heroes and the CBS series Star Trek Discovery. His latest is the dark, zombie comedy series Daybreak starring Matthew Broderick, co-created with Brad Peyton for Netflix. It's been called “Mad Max meets Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” by SyFy.com and is based on Brian Ralph's graphic novel series of the same name. Aron also helped co-develop the newest version of Locke & Key for Netflix - including co-writing the first episode with comic book series creator Joe Hill. His upcoming projects include adapting Amulet for 20th Century Fox. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. In Part One of this file Aron Eli Coleite and I discussed: How his lifelong love of comic books boosted his career What it was like to earn his stripes working with Tim Kring on Crossing Jordan and the groundbreaking Heroes series Why his latest show terrifies him as a writer How so much iconic film and TV informed the unique genre-bending world of Daybreak Why cliffhangers are so important for propelling your audience to a finale And the difference between writing for the streaming model vs. episodic TV Show Notes: Author Accelerator Daybreak on Netflix Aron Eli Coleite on IMDB.com Aron Eli Coleite on Wikipedia Kelton Reid on Twitter Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation  

How Netflix Showrunner Aron Eli Coleite Writes: Part One

 In Part Two of this file the award-winning, New York Times bestselling narrative nonfiction author, Andrew Maraniss, returned to chat about what it was like to grow up around so many famous journalists, why he chooses to weave social issues into sports history, and some age-old wisdom on how to beat writer's block. "Just get started.” – Andrew Maraniss Andrew is the son of Pulitzer Prize winning Washington Post journalist and author, David Maraniss, so it's no surprise that he has writing in his blood (and a touch of impostor syndrome). His winding path to bestseller started out as a history writing assignment at Vanderbilt University that only years later became his award-winning book Strong Inside: Perry Wallace and the Collision of Race and Sports in the South. His lauded basketball biography went on to become a bestseller, and received the 2015 Lillian Smith Book Award for civil rights and the RFK Book Awards’ Special Recognition Prize for social justice, the first sports-related book to ever receive either honor. The author's latest, Games of Deception: The True Story of the First U.S. Olympic Basketball Team at the 1936 Olympics in Hitler's Germany, is a Young Adult title that chronicles "...the remarkable true story of the birth of Olympic basketball." The book has been called "An insightful, gripping account of basketball and bias," and investigative journalist and No. 1 bestselling author Bob Woodward called it, "Shocking and triumphant." Andrew is a Visiting Author at Vanderbilt University Athletics and a contributor to ESPN’s TheUndefeated.com. He has appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered, NBC’s Meet The Press, MSNBC’s Morning Joe, ESPN’s Keith Olbermann Show, ESPN Radio, and many others. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. If you missed the first half of this show you can find it right here. And if you’ve missed previous episodes of The Writer Files you can find them all in the show notes, in the archives at writerfiles.fm, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in. In Part Two of this file Andrew Maraniss and I discussed: Why narrative nonfiction is so valuable in the fiction-heavy Young Adult genre The importance of embedding relevant social issues into stories for younger audiences Apocryphal wisdom on how to beat writer's block and build momentum How being related to a Pulitzer Prize winning writer might give you impostor syndrome The viral nature of basketball's genesis and rise to international fame And why the writing community and indie bookstores are more vital than ever for important stories Show Notes: Author Accelerator AndrewMaraniss.com Games of Deception: The True Story of the First U.S. Olympic Basketball Team at the 1936 Olympics in Hitler's Germany Hardcover – by Andrew Maraniss Andrew Maraniss at The Undefeated.com Andrew Maraniss on Instagram Andrew Maraniss on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation 

How NY Times Bestselling Nonfiction Author Andrew Maraniss Writes: Part Two

 Award-winning, New York Times bestselling narrative nonfiction author, Andrew Maraniss, stopped by to chat about what it was like to grow up around so many famous journalists, why he chooses to weave social issues into sports history, and some age-old wisdom on how to beat writer's block. "Just get started.” – Andrew Maraniss Andrew is the son of Pulitzer Prize winning Washington Post journalist and author, David Maraniss, so it's no surprise that he has writing in his blood (and a touch of impostor syndrome). His winding path to bestseller started out as a history writing assignment at Vanderbilt University that only years later became his award-winning book Strong Inside: Perry Wallace and the Collision of Race and Sports in the South. His lauded basketball biography went on to become a bestseller, and received the 2015 Lillian Smith Book Award for civil rights and the RFK Book Awards’ Special Recognition Prize for social justice, the first sports-related book to ever receive either honor. The author's latest, Games of Deception: The True Story of the First U.S. Olympic Basketball Team at the 1936 Olympics in Hitler's Germany, is a Young Adult title that chronicles "...the remarkable true story of the birth of Olympic basketball." The book has been called "An insightful, gripping account of basketball and bias," and investigative journalist and No. 1 bestselling author Bob Woodward called it, "Shocking and triumphant." Andrew is a Visiting Author at Vanderbilt University Athletics and a contributor to ESPN’s TheUndefeated.com. He has appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered, NBC’s Meet The Press, MSNBC’s Morning Joe, ESPN’s Keith Olbermann Show, ESPN Radio, and many others. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In Part One of this file Andrew Maraniss and I discussed: His circuitous path to a full time writing career The untold story of the origins of the first U.S. Olympic basketball team and the young men who played on it Why they were overshadowed by the atmosphere surrounding the Berlin Olympic Games in Nazi Germany The importance of this story (and so many stories like it) in today’s political climate Show Notes: Author Accelerator AndrewMaraniss.com Games of Deception: The True Story of the First U.S. Olympic Basketball Team at the 1936 Olympics in Hitler's Germany Hardcover – by Andrew Maraniss Andrew Maraniss on Instagram Andrew Maraniss on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation 

How NY Times Bestselling Nonfiction Author Andrew Maraniss Writes: Part One

 Bestselling children's author and publishing coach, Laurie Wright, joined me this week to talk about her mission to help the emotional welfare of kids around the world, how she self-published a bestseller, and tools and resources for writer's aspiring to pen their own illustrated children's books. “I've realized, quickly, that what they say about 80% of people wanting to write a book really is true.” – Laurie Wright The former kindergarten teacher and mom of three saw an opportunity in the classroom for both parents and educators seeking solutions to get their kids to overcome "learned helplessness," and undertake simple problem-solving. She crowdfunded her first self-published, illustrated children's book in 2016, the hugely popular Amazon bestseller, I Can Handle It (a Mindful Mantras book), now translated into seven languages. The book established her as a childhood mental health authority – even though her background is in education – and since 2016 Laurie has gone on to publish 11 kid's books, three of which are bestsellers. Her Mindful Mantra books are described as "... quick, simple to read, useful resources for parents and teachers ... [that offer] a common language ... to help children self-regulate." Laurie has turned her passion for helping other educators and aspiring children's writers into a lucrative coaching business and podcast that both provide tips and tools on how to write, self-publish, and market your book. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Laurie Wright and I discussed: How 10 years as a kindergarten teacher (and mom) informs her work The greatest challenge she faced self-publishing an illustrated book Why quiet time with books is so important for young readers The new age of self-publishing and the barrier to entry for traditionally publishing kid's books How she turned her self-publishing know-how into entrepreneurial ventures Why children's authors face so much self-doubt And advice and free resources for authors dreaming about writing their own illustrated children's books Show Notes: Author Accelerator lauriewrighter.com The Writer's Way - podcast lauriewrightmedia.com creativewrighter.com I Can Handle It (Mindful Mantras) - by Laurie Wright [Amazon] Laurie Wright on Amazon Laurie Wright on YouTube Laurie Wright on Facebook Laurie Wright on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter 

How to Write a Bestselling Children's Book with Laurie Wright

 International and New York Times bestselling author, Tess Gerritsen, dropped by to chat with me about the role of luck in finding success as a writer, where she draws inspiration for her thrillers, her love-hate relationship with writing for the screen, and her unique creative process. “Make every single chapter feel that somebody is off balance, that something is not right. That is what propels readers to read the next chapter.” – Tess Gerritsen The award-winning author graduated from medical school at the University of California, San Francisco, and began her writing career in earnest while on maternity leave from her work as a physician. She published her first romantic thriller in 1987 and never looked back. Her books have since topped the charts in both the US and abroad, and sold more than 30 million copies in 40 countries. Tess has now written 28 novels, including the acclaimed Rizzoli & Isles series (which inspired the TNT TV series of the same name starring Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander), as well as both romantic suspense and medical & crime thrillers. Though she's been dubbed the “medical suspense queen,” her latest novel, The Shape of Night, is a departure in genre that Tess describes as an "erotic psychological thriller" with both supernatural and Gothic elements. Publishers Weekly said of the book, “This supernatural thriller from bestseller Gerritsen ranks with the best of her crime fiction. . . .[A] magnetic haunted house story [that] will keep readers riveted from the very first page.” And #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner wrote, "Gerritsen is at her atmospheric best in this spine-tingling tale of a lone woman, an old house, and all the secrets everyone tries to hide.” Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Tess Gerritsen and I discussed: Her winding journey to bestseller and a "ten book" overnight success Why she prefers to pen novels over writing for Hollywood Navigating the mysteries and fairy dust of the publishing industry Tricks to master storytelling in any genre The secret to writing drafts that will never get lost in the cloud And her creativity hacks for beating writer's block Show Notes: Author Accelerator TessGerritsen.com The Shape of Night: A Novel by Tess Gerritsen [Amazon] The 13 Scariest Books Written This Year Tess Gerritsen on Facebook Tess Gerritsen on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter 

How NY Times Bestselling Thriller Author Tess Gerritsen Writes

Kelton Reid studies the habits, habitats, and brains of a wide spectrum of renowned writers to learn their secrets of productivity and creativity. Tune in each week to learn how great writers keep the ink flowing, the cursor moving, and avoid block. Explore our archives at writerfiles.fm to find interviews with notable guests that include bestselling authors John Scalzi (Old Mans War), Greg Iles (Natchez Burning), Jay McInerney (Bright Lights, Big City), Kevin Kelly (founder of WIRED magazine), Emma Donoghue (Oscar Nominee for Room), Maria Konnikova (The Confidence Game), Andy Weir (The Martian), Dan Buettner (The Blue Zones), Austin Kleon (Steal Like an Artist), Daniel Pink (When), and serial guest hosts: neuroscientist Michael Grybko, journalist Adam Skolnick, and short story writer Robert Bruce.

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How NY Times Bestselling Suspense Novelist Joseph Finder Wri...

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