"We wrote spec scripts. We sat in a Borders bookstore with an out-of-date agent directory and wrote query letters," says Alison Schapker, remembering her earliest days trying to break into television. "It couldn't have been more cold calling than what we were doing."

Alison Schapker is a television writer and producer who has worked on genre-defining shows like CHARMED and ALIAS, and most recently served as showrunner on WESTWORLD. Now, she's at the helm of DUNE: PROPHECY, one of science fiction's most anticipated series.

DUNE: PROPHECY stars Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, and Travis Fimmel. The TV series, which is still mostly under wraps, is set in the 'Dune' universe which centers on the lives of the Bene Gesserit.

In this interview, we explore the evolution from writer to showrunner, the challenges of adapting the beloved source material, crafting the perfect writers' room with a strict "no-asshole policy," and how therapy and management books shaped her approach to leadership. We also dive deep into the world of the Bene Gesserit and what it means to bring the enigmatic order's origins to the screen.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!