Fiction and Reality, the Two Worlds of the Novelist | Interview with Cass Morris

Adapting In Life And Art (Put Tom Cruise In The Submarine) | Interview with Meghan Fitzmartin

Multi-medium writer Meghan Fitzmartin joins me to discuss her journey writing for household name IPs, adapting stories between mediums, and when you should put Tom Cruise in a submarine. Zach's content marketing newsletter: https://newsletter.roosterhigh.com [https://newsletter.roosterhigh.com/] The Creative Consistency Challenge: https://www.reesehopper.com/creative-consistency-challenge [https://www.reesehopper.com/creative-consistency-challenge] STUFF WE MENTIONED Meghan's links Meghan Fitzmartin on Instagram [https://instagram.com/megfitz89] Meghan Fitzmartin on BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/megfitz89.bsky.social] Meghan Fitzmartin’s Substack [https://megfitz89.substack.com/] Meghan’s Work Supernatural [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460681/] (TV Series) Tim Drake [https://www.dc.com/blog/2022/09/27/robin-refreshed-meghan-fitzmartin-on-tim-drakes-new-status-quo] (DC Comics) Justice League x RWBY [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt24548912/] All-Star Superman [https://www.dc.com/blog/2025/05/08/dc-s-all-star-superman-to-be-published-in-a-new-full-cast-audiobook] (Audiobook) Referenced Creators & Resources Lauren Shippen [https://laurenshippen.com/] (Atypical Artists) The Bright Sessions [https://www.thebrightsessions.com/] (Podcast) Reese Hopper [https://www.reesehopper.com/] Adventures in Odyssey [https://www.adventuresinodyssey.com/] (Audio Drama) Emily Henry [https://www.emilyhenrybooks.com/] (Author)

Fiction and Reality, the Two Worlds of the Novelist | Interview with Cass Morris

Cass Morris is a lifelong creative, both inside and outside the pages of her novels which form The Aven Cycle. We talk about the realities of being an author in 2025, her writing process, and how she uses worldbuilding to serve the story and the experience of the reader. Zach's content marketing newsletter: https://newsletter.roosterhigh.com [https://newsletter.roosterhigh.com] The Creative Consistency Challenge: https://www.reesehopper.com/creative-consistency-challenge [https://www.reesehopper.com/creative-consistency-challenge] Cass's website: Cass Morris Writes [https://cassmorriswrites.com/] Buy The Aven Cycle: The Aven Cycle [https://cassmorriswrites.com/aven-cycle/about-the-books/] Cass Morris on Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/cassmorriswrites.com] Cass Morris on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cassrmorris/] Worldbuilding For Masochists Podcast [https://worldbuildingformasochists.podbean.com/]

The Magic of Storytelling Podcasts | Interview with Lauren Shippen, Creator of The Bright Sessions

I'm joined by Lauren Shippen, creator of The Bright Sessions to talk about the mechanics of storytelling podcasts. We talk about the origins of The Bright Sessions, what it's like writing for audio, and her own thoughts about the various shows she's written. If you've followed Lauren since The Bright Sessions, are a fan of Bridgewater or Passenger List, or just want to learn more about storytelling podcast, this one's for you! Need more Zach? Sign up for his content marketing newsletter [https://newsletter.roosterhigh.com/]. STUFF WE MENTIONED Lauren's Links: * Lauren's website [https://www.laurenshippen.com/] * Lauren's production company, Atypical Artists [https://atypicalartists.co/] * Lauren on Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/laurenshippen.bsky.social] * Lauren on Tumblr [https://laurenshippen.tumblr.com/] Media, Podcasts, and Shows: * The Bright Sessions [https://www.laurenshippen.com/] (audio drama by Lauren Shippen) * Rebel Robin: Surviving Hawkins [https://surviving-hawkins.simplecast.com/] (official Stranger Things podcast directed by Lauren Shippen)  * Bridgewater [https://www.grimandmild.com/bridgewater] (audio drama, executive produced by Aaron Mahnke) * Natural 20 [https://www.youtube.com/c/natural20](web series Lauren acted in) * Welcome to Night Vale [https://www.welcometonightvale.com/] (fiction podcast) * Ars Paradoxica [https://arsparadoxica.com/] (podcast by Misha Stanton) * Marvels [https://www.audible.com/podcast/MARVELS/B08JJR5TQL] (graphic novel and audio adaptation) * The Thrilling Adventure Hour [https://www.acast.com/en/shows/thrillingadventurehour] (staged radio play/podcast)  * Tangerine [https://www.acast.com/en/shows/thrillingadventurehour](Oscar-nominated movie filmed on iPhone) * New Year's Day [https://atypicalartists.co/newyearsday] (yearly podcast by Lauren Shippen) * Breaker Whiskey [https://www.atypicalartists.co/breaker-year-1] (post-apocalyptic audio journal podcast by Lauren Shippen) People: * Misha Stanton [https://www.mischastanton.com/] (sound designer, podcaster) * Ben Acker [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0009921/] (The Thrilling Adventure Hour)  * Meghan Fitzmartin [https://www.meghanfitzmartin.com/] (writer) * Evan Cunningham [https://www.thebrightsessions.com/production] (composer for The Bright Sessions)  * Misha Collins [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0172557/] (actor in Bridgewater... and other stuff) * Briggon Snow [https://www.briggonsnow.com/](actor in The Bright Sessions and New Year's Day)

The Joy of Getting Better at Creating | Interview with Reese Hopper

Reese Hopper has worked for the Chainsmokers and other names you've heard of as a producer - the person who's responisible for the project to be awesome and get across the finish line. He knows what it takes to be a creative, especially when your creative talent powers your job. In this interview, I talk with Reese about what it takes to call yourself a creative, commons blocks to making awesome stuff, and why I'm cancelling him. Want to hear more from me, Zach? I have a content marketing newsletter [https://newsletter.roosterhigh.com/]. STUFF WE TALKED ABOUT: Creative Consistency Challenge [https://www.reesehopper.com/creative-consistency-challenge] by Reese Hopper Books mentioned: The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield [https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Through-Creative-Battles/dp/1936891026/] Tiny Habits by Dr. BJ Fogg [https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Habits-Changes-Change-Everything/dp/0358362776/] What Gives You the Right to Freelance by Reese Hopper [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D726BD5M/] Other Media mentioned: The Bright Sessions [https://www.thebrightsessions.com/] (podcast/audio fiction series) by Lauren Shippen The Editing Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@EditingPodcast] 21 Day Hip Opening Challenge [https://www.yogabody.com/21-day-hips/] (Yoga video series)

For Anyone Who Wants To Be A Little More Creative

Welcome to The Open Sketchbook, a show for anyone who wants to be a little more creative.