 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

 #PodcastersForJustice #1 NY Times bestselling author and famed criminal lawyer, Marcia Clark, dropped by to chat about the perils of celebrity, how she got her start as a TV producer, and the highs and lows of the writing process. *This is another double-episode, with a surprise (12-year-old) debut author you won't want to miss. "It's no big surprise that Marcia Clark knows her way around a courtroom and a murder mystery—but she's also a terrific writer and storyteller."—James Patterson Marcia has been a practicing criminal lawyer since 1979 – she joined the LA District Attorney's office in '81 – and served as a prosecutor for the high-profile trials of Robert Bardo (convicted of killing actress Rebecca Schaeffer), and most notably, O. J. Simpson. She co-wrote the #1 New York Times bestseller Without a Doubt, which chronicled her work on the Simpson trial. Marcia writes the bestselling crime fiction series centered on a morally ambiguous criminal defense attorney, Samantha Brinkman. Her latest is the conclusion of that critically acclaimed thriller series, Final Judgment (Samantha Brinkman). It debuted in 2016 with the publication of #1 Amazon bestseller Blood Defense. “The plot twists are both plausible and shocking in this intelligent page-turner. Fans of whodunits featuring ethical dilemmas will be pleased.” —Publishers Weekly Marcia's been a frequent commentator on Today, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, and MSNBC, and a legal correspondent for Entertainment Tonight. Stay-tuned for this double-episode including a debut crime novelist who shares her story of rejection, stereotypes, and finding your voice. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Marcia Clark and I discussed: How the author embraced "write what you know" How to outline ripped-from-the-headlines novels Why she misses being a prosecutor in the '80s The future of publishing And how to take a deep breath and keep going! Show Notes: MarciaClarkBooks.com Marcia Clark's Amazon author page Marcia Clark Investigates The First 48 The Black Sisterhood Files by Kristina Naydonova Marcia Clark on Facebook Marcia Clark on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter #PodcastersForJustice Anti-racism Resources Donate to any of the following: Minnesota Freedom Fund Black Visions Collective Campaign Zero Black Lives Matter Podcasts to subscribe to: 1619 (New York Times) About Race Code Switch (NPR) Intersectionality Matters! hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast Pod For The Cause (from The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights) Pod Save the People (Crooked Media) Seeing White Articles to read: "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Don’t understand the protests? What you’re seeing is people pushed to the edge" | Los Angeles Times 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice  

How Bestselling Legal Thriller Author Marcia Clark Writes

 #PodcastersForJustice Award-winning international journalist, author, and serial pundit, Adam Skolnick, co-hosted our pandemic edition "state of travel writing" roundtable with several like-minded travel junkies. Adam is an award-winning independent journalist and author covering adventure sports, environmental issues, travel, and human rights for The New York Times, Outside, Playboy, and many others. He recently began a co-hosting gig on The Rich Roll Podcast. He’s traveled to over 50 countries, worked on six continents, and contributed to over 35 Lonely Planet travel guides. He is also the author of One Breath: Freediving, Death and the Quest to Shatter Human Limits, and was the ghostwriter and narrator of David Goggins’ hit memoir and audiobook Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds, which has sold over two million copies and counting worldwide. MaSovaida Morgan is a travel journalist whose wayfaring tendencies have taken her to more than 50 countries across all seven continents. As a Lonely Planet author, she contributes to guidebooks on destinations throughout Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. Prior to going freelance in 2018, MaSovaida spent four years in-house at Lonely Planet's Nashville office as a Destination Editor, where she oversaw all of the company's content on South America and Antarctica. Celeste Brash has been a travel writer for Lonely Planet since 2005 and has contributed to over 80 books and countless articles. Her travels have brought her to around 45 countries and have helped her learn to communicate in French, Spanish, Thai, Malay and Tahitian. Along the way, she's written for numerous other outlets such as Islands Magazine and National Geographic's Intelligent Travel. She's also had her photography published in magazines including Travel & Leisure and has starred in videos produced by Lonely Planet. Aaron Millar is an award-winning travel writer, photographer, journalist, and podcast host who has worked for National Geographic Traveller (UK), The Times of London, The Guardian, The Telegraph and others. He has also taught travel writing at a university level. His travel podcast, Armchair Explorer – "The world's greatest adventurers tell their best story from the road," – was named Best Podcasts for Pure Escapism by Sunday Times and Best Travel Podcasts 2020 by The Guardian. *NOTE: Host Kelton Reid had technical difficulties on the recording thus Adam Skolnick took over most of the hosting duties. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Adam Skolnick and the panel discussed: The unknown and unstable future of travel, tourism, and travel writing How the industry can change for the better post COVID-19 The different types of travel writers and the impacts of geo-tagging Instagram photos Why humans need to travel The pitfalls of being a female or a woman of color as a travel writer What the travel writing revolution means for the industry And insider tips on how to break into writing about exotic (and not so) locales Show Notes: How to Ghostwrite a Bestseller with Author Adam Skolnick: Part One AdamSkolnick.com Adam Skolnick on Instagram Adam Skolnick on The Rich Roll Podcast Masovaida.com MaSovaida Morgan on Instagram CelesteBrash.com Celeste Brash on Instagram Aaron Millar -- TheBlueDotPerspective.com Aaron Millar on Instagram Armchair Explorer podcast hosted by Aaron Millar Kelton Reid on Twitter #PodcastersForJustice Anti-racism Resources Donate to any of the following: Minnesota Freedom Fund Black Visions Collective Campaign Zero Black Lives Matter Podcasts to subscribe to: 1619 (New York Times) About Race Code Switch (NPR) Intersectionality Matters! hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast Pod For The Cause (from The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights) Pod Save the People (Crooked Media) Seeing White Articles to read: "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Don’t understand the protests? What you’re seeing is people pushed to the edge" | Los Angeles Times 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice  

The 'State of Travel Writing' Roundtable with Award-Winning Journalist Adam Skolnick

 #PodcastersForJustice The creator, executive producer, and showrunner of the award-winning TV series The Handmaid’s Tale, Bruce Miller, spoke with me about his storied career as a TV writer/producer, what it's like to work with author Margaret Atwood, and adapting a modern classic for the small screen. The Emmy award-winning TV writer and producer has worked on dozens of shows and movies (including Medium, Eureka, Alphas, and The 100), and got his start working on NBC's long-running hit ER in the early '90s. Miller's adaptation of Margaret Atwood's prescient, critically acclaimed 1985 novel, The Handmaid’s Tale – considered by many to be a modern classic of dystopian literature – is a drama about a "... totalitarian society [that] subjects fertile women, called 'Handmaids,' into child-bearing slavery." In its first season, the show won multiple Emmy awards – including Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for Miller – and became the first on a streaming platform to win an Emmy for Outstanding Series (beating out nominees House of Cards, The Crown, Stranger Things from Netflix, HBO’s Westworld, AMC’s Better Call Saul, and NBC’s This Is Us). "Handmaid’s” has gone on to win the Peabody Award; a Golden Globe for Best Television Series, Drama; Critics Choice Award for Best Drama Series; the PGA Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, Drama; two WGA Awards, for Best Drama Series and Best New Series; was honored by AFI as one of the top ten TV programs of the year, and garnered dozens of Emmy nominations. The show has been picked up for a fourth season by Hulu. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Bruce Miller and I discussed: How getting "fired" from so many gigs helped his career The brilliance of Margaret Atwood and the influence it had on both the writer and the adaptation Why TV production is all about schedule and writing is the opposite A day in the life of a TV writer Why he doesn't believe in tables in the writer's room And the one thing you have to be able to do when you get your big break Show Notes: Bruce Miller on IMDb The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu Bruce Miller on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter #PodcastersForJustice Anti-racism Resources Donate to any of the following: Minnesota Freedom Fund Black Visions Collective Campaign Zero Black Lives Matter Podcasts to subscribe to: 1619 (New York Times) About Race Code Switch (NPR) Intersectionality Matters! hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast Pod For The Cause (from The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights) Pod Save the People (Crooked Media) Seeing White Articles to read: "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Don’t understand the protests? What you’re seeing is people pushed to the edge" | Los Angeles Times 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice  

How Emmy-Winning Showrunner of 'The Handmaid’s Tale' Bruce Miller Writes

 #PodcastersForJustice The writer, producer, and actor – best known for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and recent hit Apple TV+ show Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet – Rob McElhenney took a timeout at the apocalypse to rap with me about how he runs his writer's room, his humble beginnings and admiration for the great TV comedies, and advice for aspiring TV producers. "Everyone is going through the same things. At least, people that respect science are. That sense of loneliness and despair ... needs to be addressed in some way, but ultimately we want to leave people with a sense of optimism." – Rob McElhenney FX recently renewed his irreverent "It’s Always Sunny..." for a 15th season, making it officially the longest-running live-action sitcom in US history. The multihyphenate's latest, Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet, is a comedy series "...that follows a team of video game developers as they navigate the challenges of running a popular video game," The Apple TV+ show was co-created with "Sunny" alums Charlie Day and Megan Ganz (executive produced by McElhenney and Day), and has been described as "... the travails of a boisterous video game studio – think Silicon Valley meets Veep." *Note: Though I was lucky enough to catch Rob in his natural LA habitat, sadly the interview was cut short due to technical difficulties, our apologies for the abrupt ending. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Rob McElhenney and I discussed: How It's Alway Sunny in Philadelphia almost didn't make it to the fourth season The inner-workings of a perpetual creativity engine How little episodic and streaming models of TV differ from a sitcom producer's perspective His relationships with Danny DeVito and F. Murray Abraham The evolution of "It's Always Sunny..." and why it stays culturally relevant And how the greatest indie production tool you own is in your pocket Show Notes: Rob McElhenney on IMDb Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet – Apple TV+ It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia now longest-running live-action comedy series ever after season 15 renewal Rob McElhenney on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter   #PodcastersForJustice Anti-racism Resources Donate to any of the following: Minnesota Freedom Fund Black Visions Collective Campaign Zero Black Lives Matter Podcasts to subscribe to: 1619 (New York Times) About Race Code Switch (NPR) Intersectionality Matters! hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast Pod For The Cause (from The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights) Pod Save the People (Crooked Media) Seeing White Articles to read: "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Don’t understand the protests? What you’re seeing is people pushed to the edge" | Los Angeles Times 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice  

How 'It's Always Sunny...' and 'Mythic Quest' Co-Creator and Star Rob McElhenney Writes

 #PodcastersForJustice The bestselling, award-winning novelist, Aris Janigian, had a candid conversation with me about the recently "mandated dystopia," his circuitous path to bestselling author, the city as muse, and what it means to be a transgressive writer. “As a cognitive social psychologist, I can tell you without any hesitation that the human mind really is built for deception.” – Aris Janigian The author of six novels (all without traditional representation), critics hailed his 2012 novel This Angelic Land – set during the 1992 Los Angeles Riots – as "today's necessary book," and his novel Waiting for Lipchitz at Chateau Marmont, spent 17 weeks on the Los Angeles Times bestseller list. Janigian holds a PhD in psychology from the Claremont Graduate School and was formerly Senior Professor of Humanities at the Southern California Institute of Architecture. He was a finalist for Stanford University's William Saroyan Fiction Prize and has been a contributing writer to West, the Los Angeles Times Sunday magazine. The second book of Janigian's Waiting for... trilogy, Waiting for Sophia at Shutters on the Beach, "... is a satirical mashup of Nabokov's Lolita and Dostoevsky's Notes from the Underground." The book has be described as "... an unflinching, deadly serious ... tragic-comic view of male sexuality in the era of #metoo." *Note: This interview was recorded at the beginning of May, 2020. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Aris Janigian and I discussed: The life of a lazy author Why graduate school corrupts good writers Wisdom on the importance of mentorship How the cruel mistress of Los Angeles plays a character in his works The self-censorship of academia And why life is the best teacher Show Notes: ArisJanigian.com Waiting for Sophia at Shutters on the Beach by Aris Janigian [Amazon] “When the Lunatics Run the Asylum: On Aris Janigian’s “Waiting for Sophia at Shutters on the Beach” - LA Review of Books "Governors should trust mayors and county officials on reopening. California shows why." - Washington Post Aris Janigian on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter #PodcastersForJustice Anti-racism Resources Donate to any of the following: Minnesota Freedom Fund Black Visions Collective Campaign Zero Black Lives Matter Podcasts to subscribe to: 1619 (New York Times) About Race Code Switch (NPR) Intersectionality Matters! hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast Pod For The Cause (from The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights) Pod Save the People (Crooked Media) Seeing White Articles to read: "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Don’t understand the protests? What you’re seeing is people pushed to the edge" | Los Angeles Times 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice  

How Bestselling Novelist Aris Janigian Writes

 The internationally bestselling author of over 35 novels, Jeffery Deaver, took a few minutes to discuss his advice on how to write emotionally engaging fiction, the merits of plotters vs. pantsers, and a 5-step process for writing your novel. "Rejection is just a speed bump ... it's not a brick wall. Keep at it." – Jeffery Deaver Jeffery is a former journalist, musician, and attorney best know for his Lincoln Rhyme series – now a hit NBC TV show – and the novel, The Bone Collector, adapted for the big screen starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. The "master of suspense" has been nominated for seven Edgar Awards and gone on to sell 50 million books worldwide, translated into 35 languages. His latest thriller is a sequel to The Never Game – The Goodbye Man (A Colter Shaw Novel Book 2) – and once again features Colter Shaw, a rugged survivalist and "reward-seeker." One of Bookpage's "Most Anticipated Mysteries and Thrillers" of 2020, Publishers Weekly said of the book, “Deaver balances suspense and plausibility perfectly ... This is a perfect jumping-on point for readers new to one of today’s top contemporary thriller writers.” Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Jeffery Deaver and I discussed: Why suspense writers are like airline pilots Wisdom from Joyce Carol Oates and the importance of outlining How having your novel read aloud to you can improve your prose A simple formula for writing "roller-coaster" fiction And much more! Show Notes: JefferyDeaver.com The Goodbye Man (A Colter Shaw Novel) by Jeffery Deaver [Amazon] NaturalReader app Jeffery Deaver on Instagram  Jeffery Deaver on Facebook Jeffery Deaver on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter 

How to Write Commercial Fiction with NY Times Bestselling Author Jeffery Deaver

 New York Times bestselling author and productivity expert, John Zeratsky, made time to chat with me about his mission to help you improve your focus, find greater meaning in your work, and get more out of each day. “All of the old structures and routines are gone.... When we have a schedule for ourselves ... that becomes scaffolding we can stand on, we're free to focus.” — John Zeratsky John studied journalism in college and has spent over 15 years as a designer for tech companies like YouTube and Google. He was also Google Ventures's in-house copywriter, editor, and content strategist. At Google Ventures, he helped develop the design sprint process and worked with close to 200 startups, including Uber, Slack, 23andMe, and Nest. As a result he co-authored the bestseller Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days – written with fellow "Time Dork" Jake Knapp. But they're by no means run-of-the-mill productivity experts, as you'll soon hear. Their latest collaboration is Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day a book described by the bestselling author of The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg, as "A charming manifesto [and] do-it-yourself guide to building smart habits that stick. If you want to achieve more (without going nuts), read this book." Seems only fitting at a time when many of us are WFH (working from home), experiencing cabin fever (or worse), and questioning the future of work itself (i.e. "going nuts"). John is a keynote speaker whose writing has been published by The Wall Street Journal, TIME, Harvard Business Review, Wired, Fast Company, and many other publications. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file John Zeratsky (JZ – no not that Jay-Z) and I discussed: Why your smartphone saps your energy, focus, and attention The origins of the "distraction-free" mindset How to rethink your definition of time Why now is the best time to write that novel Sustainable ways to tune out during a pandemic Why storytelling is still the universal solvent And the importance of recharging your soul Show Notes: MakeTime.blog JohnZeratsky.com Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky [Amazon] John Zeratsky on LinkedIn John Zeratsky on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter 

Productivity Secrets from NY Times Bestselling Author John Zeratsky

 Award-winning New York Times, Sunday Times, and Amazon #1 bestselling author, James Swallow, spoke with me about his own superhero origin story, how he found success channeling his own anger, and the most important lessons he's learned along the way. "I try to make the details as authentic as I possibly can ... because a lot of the action in my books is 'heightened reality.'" – James Swallow James is a former journalist and British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) nominated scriptwriter who has written for video games, TV, and radio. The prolific author of over 50 books – who has written sci-fi for storied franchises including Star Trek, Dr. Who, and Stargate – is best known for his espionage thrillers. His Marc Dane series – with over 750,000 books in print worldwide – includes novels Nomad, Exile, Ghost, Shadow, and his forthcoming novel Rogue, the fifth in the bestselling series featuring "Britain's answer to Jason Bourne," out May 28th (from Zaffre Books). Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file James Swallow and I discussed: Why the pandemic feels like "almost the end of the world" The renaissance of "high-speed, low-drag" thrillers inspired by the '80s His theories on the fallibility of action heroes How his journalism and TV writing experience set him up for success Why writers are always writing ... even when they're not His greatest influences And much more! Show Notes: www.jswallow.com James Swallow on Amazon  James Swallow on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter  

How NY Times Bestselling Author James Swallow Writes

 Award-winning writer and debut novelist, Abbigail N. Rosewood, joined me to discuss the roller coaster of emotions first-time authors face, how she overcame rejection and uncertainty, and her advice to aspiring scribes on how to rise above the noise. "Seeking representation didn't prepare me well for what was to come..." – Abbigail N. Rosewood Abbigail was born in Vietnam and lived there until the age of 12, so it's no surprise that she tapped into her past as a well for her fiction. After a false start in International Business, she earned an MFA in creative writing from Columbia University where she studied with famed fictionist Gary Shteyngart. Her lauded debut novel, If I Had Two Lives, has been described as "... [The] story [of] a young woman from her childhood in Vietnam to her life as an immigrant in the United States – and the necessary return to her homeland." The Los Angeles Review of Books called it, “... a tale of staggering artistry,” and The New Yorker said "...the novel poignantly conjures the difficulties of reconciling the present with an 'ungraspable history.'" ** Note: This interview was recorded in mid-February, 2020. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Abbigail N. Rosewood and I discussed: Why empathy is so critical in fiction and the human experience The surreal (and fleeting) feeling of holding your first book in print How she was compelled to write the story of a Vietnamese immigrant/protagonist Why rejection is such an integral part of the traditional publishing path The importance of music and coffee to the creative process And the most valuable traits for aspiring writers Show Notes: abbigailrosewood.com If I Had Two Lives – by Abbigail N. Rosewood Abbigail N. Rosewood on Facebook Abbigail N. Rosewood on Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter  

How to Publish Your First Novel with Acclaimed Author Abbigail N. Rosewood

 Editor-in-Chief of Terrain.org, Simmons Buntin, helped me celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day by discussing why we need strong writing voices now more than ever, how to deal with the current "infodemic" of misinformation, and resources for starting your own revolution. “The voices in this essential anthology are anything but silent. Indeed, they are voices of hope, habitat, defiance, and, most importantly, democracy. Lend your ears, and then your own voice.” — Simmons Buntin Simmons has a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the CU, Denver, and an MFA in creative writing from the University of Arizona, so it's no surprise that he found the intersection of "... the built and natural environments [something he calls] 'the soul of place'." As the editor-in-chief of Terrain.org, a nonprofit literary magazine that explores just that, he publishes works that examine how our environment influences us in profound ways. He's also the co-editor of a new collection titled Dear America: Letters of Hope, Habitat, Defiance, and Democracy (Trinity University Press, April 22, 2020), described as a "patriotic anthology" that includes hundreds of writers, poets, artists, scientists, and political activists of all ages. The more than 130 impassioned letters to America are calls to action for common ground and conflict resolution with a focus on the environment and social justice. Lauded author and environmentalist, Bill McKibben, said of the book, “These letters come from a deep, real love of this place, and they imagine willing, receptive readers on the other end. We need a series of miracles looking forward, and this is one.” Simmons is the author of 2 books of poetry, Riverfall, and Bloom, and also Unsprawl: Remixing Spaces as Places (co-authored with Ken Pirie). He has published poetry, essays, and technical articles in publications as varied as Edible Baja Arizona, North American Review, Kyoto Journal, and Bulletin of Science, Technology, and Society. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Simmons Buntin and I discussed: How he became the editor-in-chief of Terrain.org The origin story of the "Dear America" letter Why bringing together so many impassioned writing voices is vital to our planet right now How the 2020 Presidential election will have a huge impact on climate change (and democracy) Why we need to question the direction of our nation and our part as patriots And why it's more important than ever to be active, not passive Show Notes: Terrain.org Dear America: Letters of Hope, Habitat, Defiance, and Democracy NRDC ACLU The Union of Concerned Scientists Terrain.org on Facebook Terrain.org on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter 

Earth Day Special with Terrain.org Editor-in-Chief Simmons Buntin

 Military thriller author, Joshua Hood, stopped by the podcast to talk with me about being given the keys to the Bentley of Robert Ludlum's storied writing legacy, the military toughness that's written into his own stories, and how impostor syndrome doesn't phase him. "In my career, I've had almost every bad thing that could happen to a writer ... happen to a writer." – Joshua Hood Joshua was an English major at the University of Memphis before joining the military where he spent five years in the 82nd Airborne Division. As a team leader in the 3-504 Parachute Infantry Regiment in Iraq (2005-2006), the author conducted combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also served as a squad leader with the 1-508th Parachute Infantry Regiment in Afghanistan (2007-2008) and he was decorated for valor in Operation Furious Pursuit. Hood is also a decorated "life-saving" sniper team leader who was on a full-time SWAT team in Memphis, Tennessee, and he has conducted countless stateside operations with the FBI, ATF, DEA, Secret Service, and US Marshals. His background and expertise lend to the popularity of his own Search and Destroy military thriller series, and also made him a shoo-in to reboot the brilliant legacy of the late Robert Ludlum (1927-2001), a literary legend whose books have sold in the hundreds of millions. Joshua kicked off a new series inspired by Ludlum's Bourne universe with Robert Ludlum's The Treadstone Resurrection, a book that #1 New York Times bestselling author Mark Greaney called, “An intense and electrifying espionage adventure [and] ... a worthy addition to the Ludlum bookshelf.” Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Joshua Hood and I discussed: How The Hobbit lured him into a lifelong love of books and writing Why writers are more than just people who jot down (ransom) notes How he was handed the keys to the opportunity of a lifetime His meticulous research and writing process How bad "writing" luck can build resolve and character And what it means to him to honor the legend of Robert Ludlum Show Notes: JoshuaHoodBooks.com Robert Ludlum's The Treadstone Resurrection by Joshua Hood [Amazon] Joshua Hood's Amazon Author Page Joshua Hood on Facebook Joshua Hood on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter 

The Legacy of Robert Ludlum with Author Joshua Hood

 Award-winning author, founder and editor-in-chief of the Los Angeles Review of Books, Tom Lutz, took a timeout to talk with me about his early years as a literary ne'er-do-well, what it's like to hang out with your heroes, and why you can assume every writer is faking it just a little bit. "Writing has never felt like a chore to me. It always feels like the space of freedom, and that I'm stealing the time from my job to do something I love." – Tom Lutz In addition to editing the Los Angeles Review of Books, "... a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and disseminating ... engaging writing on every aspect of literature, culture, and the arts," Tom also founded The LARB Radio Hour, The LARB Quarterly Journal, The LARB/USC Publishing Workshop, and LARB Books. He's a Distinguished Professor of Creative Writing at UC Riverside, and the author of multiple bestselling and award-winning nonfiction titles – translated into dozens of languages – including Doing Nothing (American Book Award winner), Crying, and American Nervousness, 1903 (both New York Times Notables). His fiction debut is, “A literary thriller that wanders the globe,” novel Born Slippy is described as part "... literary thriller, noir and political satire ... a darkly comic and honest meditation on modern life under global capitalism.” Bestselling novelist James Ellroy said of the book, "Lutz has the seven deadly sins nailed and rethought for our 2020 world. You’ve got to dig this book!" Tom's writing has appeared in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, New Republic, Chicago Tribune, ZYZZYVA, and many other newspapers and literary venues, as well as in dozens of books and academic journals. He previously taught at Stanford University, University of Iowa, CalArts, and the University of Copenhagen. ** Note on the audio quality: I reached Tom in his natural environs of LA, and the sounds of that urban landscape dot our interview. This interview was recorded at the end of January. Stay well! Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Tom Lutz and I discussed: His early years as a juvenile delinquent and the teacher that duped him into becoming a writer Why "... if you want something done, ask a busy person to do it." How he's happiest (and most creative) when playing hooky On impostor syndrome and sneaking in the back door of an exclusive club of writers What it's like to hang out with Salman Rushdie and Margaret Atwood And why you may not be the type of writer you think you are Show Notes: TomLutzWriter.com All things LARB Born Slippy by Tom Lutz [Amazon] Tom Lutz's Amazon Author Page Tom Lutz on Facebook Tom Lutz on Instagram Tom Lutz on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter 

How Editor-in-Chief of the LA Review of Books Tom Lutz Writes

 New York Times bestselling creative nonfiction author, Michael Tougias, joined me to talk about how he translated his success in the true survival genre for younger audiences, his unique research processes, and how he captures the "... heroism and humanity of people on life-saving missions..." during maritime disasters. "You've interviewed these people that have lost loved ones ... They're counting on you to tell the story right, and ... as an author you really do feel that pressure." – Michael Tougias Michael has written or co-written 29 books in a multitude of genres, including history, and humor, but found the most success with his popular true survival, creative nonfiction. He's the author of the bestseller The Finest Hours (now a motion picture from Disney starring Chris Pine and Casey Affleck), and Ten Hours Until Dawn (named an Editor's Choice by ALA and praised by Booklist as "the best story of peril at sea since The Perfect Storm"). With his latest "True Rescue Series" – adapted from his popular disaster at sea tales for YA and middle-grade audiences – Tougias is now on a mission to "... ignite the reading passion that he had as a student in young adults." The most recent is Into the Blizzard: Heroism at Sea During the Great Blizzard of 1978, an adaptation of Tougias’ adult book Ten Hours Until Dawn, called “A blockbuster account of tragedy at sea,” by The Providence Journal. The Amazon Best Book of the Month was described by Kirkus Reviews as a "riveting" book that, "Reads like a thriller, suspenseful and ultimately tragic." ** Note: This interview was recorded before the Coronavirus pandemic. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Michael Tougias and I discussed: How he was a "late bloomer" who dreamt of a full-time writing career Why he recommends public speaking for any author or aspiring writer The intense and sometimes heartbreaking research that goes into his true survival and rescue stories Why he likes to always have two projects going at once His take on writer's block, persistence, and why "you can't edit a blank page" And much more ... Show Notes: MichaelTougias.com Into the Blizzard: Heroism at Sea During the Great Blizzard of 1978 [The Young Readers Adaptation] (True Rescue Series) by Michael Tougias [Amazon] Ten Hours Until Dawn by Michael Tougias [Amazon] Michael Tougias' Amazon Author Page Michael Tougias on Facebook Michael Tougias on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter 

How NY Times Bestselling True Survival Author Michael Tougias Writes

 The Emmy-nominated TV writer and professor, Sandy Fries, joined me this week to talk about the lessons he learned over his storied, 20-year career in Hollywood, and how he wrote hundreds of popular TV episodes, including Star Trek: The Next Generation, NBC’s Quantum Leap, and Spider-Man: The Animated [TV] Series. "We all have cracks, the sun shines through those cracks, and through those cracks is how one human being connects to another." – Sandy Fries Sandy has rubbed elbows with an incredible assortment of media moguls including Sam Simon, co-creator of The Simpsons – who gave Sandy his first break – Marvel's Stan Lee, Star Trek's Gene Rodenberry, and Chuck Lorre of The Big Bang Theory fame. He's written for almost every TV genre and has had feature film and television development deals with Warner Brothers and Dick Clark Productions throughout his career. In addition to his Emmy nod he recently won the 101 Best Written TV Series in the History of Television award from the Writer’s Guild of America, for Star Trek: The Next Generation. Sandy continues to write and share his wisdom with students as a Professor of Film and Mass Communication at the College of DuPage. He recently poured many of his life lessons into the book, Secrets Your Textbook Will Not Tell You: About TV, Movies and Life, "... a view of Mass Communication, Film and TV from the down and dirty perspective [of] over twenty years..." in the industry. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey A quick note, I'm changing up the format of the show to present longer episodes presented in a single part, as opposed to two-parters split for a shorter, drive-time experience. Reach out on Twitter or over at writerfiles.fm if you like the longer episode format better, I appreciate your feedback. In this file Sandy Fries and I discussed: Why his most revered TV writing credit is a cartoon How Sandy ditched his job in advertising and got a big break The writing life and lessons learned from master storytellers and titans of the TV industry Down-to-earth life advice and secrets to nailing that pitch meeting Stories behind his friendship with Stan Lee, and why Spider-Man was such a big hit How he missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime And how to persevere through good times and bad Show Notes: Sandy Fries on IMDB Secrets Your Textbook Will Not Tell You: About TV, Movies and Life by Sandy Fries [Amazon] Kelton Reid on Twitter Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation 

How Emmy Nominated TV Writer Sandy Fries Writes

 Bestselling novelist, award-winning adventure writer, and journalist, Peter Heller, jumped on the phone to talk with me about his early life as a starving poet, breaking into journalism, how he makes things up for a living, and what it's like to be compared to your heroes. "When I read [great] poetry or prose [it] comes through my skin and straight to my heart, and pretty much bypasses my head..." – Peter Heller Peter is a longtime contributor to NPR, and a former contributing editor at Outside Magazine, Men’s Journal, and National Geographic Adventure. He received an MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop in fiction and poetry, is the author of four nonfiction books, and winner of the National Outdoor Book Award for Literature. Heller is a notable bestselling author of a half-dozen novels including The Dog Stars – a lauded breakout bestseller, published in 22 languages – The Painter, and Celine (a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize and winner of the Reading the West Book Award, shared in the past by Western writer Cormac McCarthy). His latest novel, Edgar Award Nominee, The River (recently released in paperback), has been called a "... the heart-pounding survival story of .... two college students on a wilderness canoe trip – [and] a gripping tale of a friendship tested by fire, white water, and violence." The New York Times called The River, “[A] modern-day survival tale .... [with] the urgency of a thriller,” and The Denver Post called it, "A fiery tour de force ... terrifying and unutterably beautiful." **A quick note on the audio quality, Peter joined me by phone, and the interview vastly improves after the first two minutes, so please stick with it, it's a great one. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Peter Heller and I discussed: How the author channels his fictional characters The only way to start a novel Why once you start "making it up" you can never go back Productivity hacks for writing 1000 words a day, rain or shine The importance of connecting with your #writingcommunity And fantastic advice from other award-winning authors to help you relax and let it rip Show Notes: PeterHeller.net The River: A novel by Peter Heller [Amazon] Peter Heller on Amazon Peter Heller on Facebook Kelton Reid on Twitter  

How Bestselling Novelist Peter Heller 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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