Season 10 - Episode 20: Donald Maass

Season 10 - Episode 26: Mark Phillips

In a special Father’s Day episode, author and essayist Mark Phillips joins me to talk about telling personal stories, writing memoirs, and how much truth lives in the “true” stories we tell. We also chat about his book MY FATHER’S CABIN, which explores the complexities of a father-son relationship and the forgiveness that sometimes needs to go both ways. Check it out!

Season 10 - Episode 25: Gregory Poirier

This week, screenwriter and novelist Gregory Poirier joins me to discuss how to create characters that readers and viewers are immediately drawn to, identify with, and care about. We explore the differences between writing a novel and writing a screenplay, how important structure is (or isn't), and why the economy of language matters. (We also examine why tigers tracking you through the jungle might work better in a novel than in a movie.) Check it out!

Season 10 - Episode 24: T.J. Payne

This week, horror author T.J. Payne joins me to discuss what makes us frightened, the role of horror in art, and the moral fabric of scary stories—and what (if anything) they have in common with romance stories. We explore why they appeal to us, the importance of facing our fears, and how scary stories can bring people together. We also discuss his latest chilling novel, INTERCEPTS.

Season 10 - Episode 23: Bethany Jett

Author and literary agent Bethany Jett joins me for a lively discussion about what agents look for and what turns them off. She explains how to approach an agent, the different ways to pitch a novel and a nonfiction book, and secrets to getting discovered. Listen in for a rare glimpse into an agent’s mindset and perspective on publishing.

Season 10 - Episode 22: Carol Snow

Author Carol Snow joins me to chat about her process of writing, how to write in different genres, how much you should try to be cool when you write for teens, and how much planning is helpful before you start to write a book. We also talk about her latest thriller THE GIRL ON THE BEACH and the best and worst writing advice we’ve ever been given. Check it out!