The Creative Writing Life

Author J.D. Barker (THE FIRST SCARLET DOOR) talks creating characters as real people, writing as both pantser and outliner, getting your hands dirty, and how to tell if you have the storyteller gene

Author Sara Lippmann (HIDDEN RIVER) talks the obligation to tell an honest story, public vs private trauma, the concept of psychic distance, and “the menace that lies in the cloak of suburbia”.

http://saralippman.com

Author Nathaniel Popkin (PARTLY STRONG, PARTLY BROKEN) talks writing and starting over, the integral role of the editor, how fiction is a mirror of real life, and why a writer should own the struggle

Author Daniel Sheley (THE SOUL-SUNG) talks about fantasy as a metaphor for human issues, how everyone has their own story, building your dialogue muscles, and why knowing the cookie is dry is enough.

http://danielsheleyauthor.com

Howard Rosenstein (TREASURES, SHIPWRECKS & THE DAWN OF RED SEA DIVING) talks true-life adventure, being part of historical events, and the value of having a story, patience, and a good editor

http://yamolam.com

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Author Bob Haus (DIMINISHED, RESOLVING TO MAJOR) talks never knowing what the spark will be, working with strength of character and talent, and “doing it for the fat lady”.

http://roberthauswriter.com

Author Steve Doherty (CROSSROADS) talks going from hating writing to loving it, Tom Clancy as the gold standard, avoiding excruciating details, and knowing when to stop, assess, and rewrite OR just toss it

http://steve-doherty-books.com

Author Jatinder Koharki (AGAINST THE ODDS OF TRADITION) talks writing as self-care, characters controlling the story, culture and history as enhancements, and taking what life and fate give you

http://jatinderkoharki.com

Author Maria Dong (AVIARY) talks how POV is a great tool in a writer’s toolbox, keeping your characters under control, trauma’s effect on the brain, and how it all started with an episode of  90-DAY FIANCEE

http://mariadong.com

**Maria had some technical issues with her equipment in the latter half of the episode, so be prepared for some wonky audio**

Comedy writer/standup comedian Dan Cronin talks how comedy is a positive sadness, how the struggle can (hopefully) pay off, focusing on craft, not career, and writing for Conan O’Brien and the Oscars