Write About Now

Writer/Director Jacob Aaron Estes talks about his new movie 'Don’t Let Go', a supernatural, time-bending thriller about a police detective (played by David Oyelowo) who receives calls from his murdered niece. Jacob is super smart and surprisingly candid. Our conversation covers his journey from film school to feature films, the incredible story of how he almost died in Mexico, his shocking experience working with Harvey Weinstein, and his encouraging advice for aspiring screenwriters.

Jorjeana Marie joins the show to talk about her new book, Improv for Writers: 10 Secrets to Help Novelists and Screenwriters Bypass Writer's Block and Generate Infinite Ideas. Jorjeana is a woman of many talents—improv instructor, voice actor, and book narrator to name a few—and her advice on how to get out of your stuck zone and get the creative juices flowing again is valuable to just about anyone, whether you're a writer or a plumber.

Mental illness has been in the headlines a lot recently. But what is it really? Guests Dr. Allan H. Ropper and Brian David Burrell are authors of the brand new book How The Brain Lost Its Mind, which takes a look at the strange history of two misunderstood ailments: syphilis and hysteria, and the efforts to confront their effects on mental life. How does the mind work? Where does mental illness lie, in the brain or in the mind? And how should it be treated?

Journalist and author, Abigail Pesta, talks about her compelling ew book The Girls: An All-American Town, a Predatory Doctor, and the Untold Story of the Gymnasts Who Brought Him Down. Abigail takes us through how and why she wrote the book, some of her most shocking findings, and the one piece of writing advice she got from her brother that helped her finish. Abigail writes about women fighting back against injustice. Her work has appeared in The Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Atlantic.

If you want to better understand the intersection of politics, religion, and crime in the rural South, Ace Atkins is your roadmap. The author of 24 books, including nine Quinn Colson novels, Atkins just dropped The Shameless, which features Quinn, an ex-Army Ranger in Afghanistan turned sheriff in fictional Tebbehah County, Miss. Ace talks about what he learned as a crime journalist, how he writes such realistic characters and dialogue,  his concern over emboldened racists, and why there's still hope.

Journalist, author, and podcast host Josh Dean has been writing successfully for over two decades. His work has appeared in dozens of publications, including Rolling Stone, New York, and Esquire. He has two books, Show Dogs and The Taking of K-129. And most recently he debuted as host of a new true-crime podcast called The Clearing. We talk about how he's persevered and pivoted to be among the top in the game-- and how you can, too.

Author Riley Sager talks about his creepy new book Lock Every Door, which fuses the thriller, horror, and goth genres. Sager talks about his origin story from struggling writer to best-selling novelist with endorsements from RL Stein and Stephen King. We learn how he gets his ideas, outlines his stories, and pushes through writer's block. Sager also speaks honestly about his insecurities, and why he decided to pivot to writing thrillers and using a pseudonym.

Lauren Mechling joins the show to talk about her highly-anticipated summer novel, How Could She, which explores the complicated relationships between three female friends living in New York City. Other topics include what Lauren learned as an editor at Vogue working under Anna Wintour, the importance of NGAF as a writer, tips on how to end a friendship, and her hilarious Instagram blog on clogs.

Technology has caused massive disruption in the news business, and with it changes in both the way we consume content and the way we write it. Gabriel Kahn, professor at the USC Annenberg School of Communication, gives a masterclass on how the economic model of journalism has changed, and why journalists must either adapt or die. Whether you're an aspiring reporter, a working reporter, or someone who loves to read the news, you'll find his insights into the fourth estate encouraging and eye-opening.

Tiffany Jenkins was a high school honor student, captain of the cheerleading team, and girlfriend of an upstanding cop. Then she discovered drugs and her life spiraled downwards to crime, desperation, lies, and eventually prison. On this episode, she talks about her new memoir High Achiever, her battle with addiction, and how writing helped save her life. Warning: This one's not for the kids.