The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna

As we close out 2025, we’re sharing a special supercut of our 2025 guests answering the Big Questions we ask every writer: What brings you the most joy when it comes to writing? What frustrates you about your writing? What advice would you give your younger self? And, new this year - What’s your proudest career moment to date? An honest and inspiring supercut featuring voices from across film and TV, reflecting on why we write, what makes it hard, and what makes it all worth it. Featured Guests: 00:00:24 - Clint Bentley (Episode 230)00:05:34 - Glen Mazzara (Episode 233)00:10:30 - Kelly Younger (Episode 234)00:15:28 - Liz Feldman (Episode 236)00:18:23 - Malcolm Washington & Virgil Williams (Episode 237)00:23:58 - Will Fetters & Chris Sparling (Episode 238)00:29:10 - Dana Fox (Episode 239)00:31:05 - George Saunders (Episode 240)00:34:38 - Lizzie & Wendy Molyneux (Episode 241)00:42:04 - John Henion (Episode 242)00:44:53 - Carla Banks-Waddles (Episode 245)00:49:28 - Jac Schaeffer (Episode 250)00:52:44 - Joe Forte (Episode 251)00:55:56 - Kim Rosenstock (Episode 252)00:58:32 - Sylvia Batey Alcalá & Mac Smullen (Episode 255)01:04:16 - Courtney Hoffman (Episode 259)01:07:21 - Kaz Firpo (Episode 261)01:09:40 - Eva Victor (Episode 262)01:12:26 - Akiva Goldsman (Episode 264)01:13:52 - Jeff Hiller (Episode 266)01:15:01 - Jenny Han (Episode 270)01:15:22 - Melissa Rosenberg (Episode 271)01:16:47 - Derek Kolstad (Episode 274)01:18:03 - Maggie Lane & Eric Jarboe (Episode 275)01:22:32 - Doug Mand & Dan Gregor (Episode 276)01:28:54 - John August & Craig Mazin (Episode 277) --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TSL Workshops⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠- use code HOLIDAY25 for 50% off your first month. Episode Links: Check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TSL merch shop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TSL on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Screenwriting Life is produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jonathan Hurwitz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and edited by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kate Mishkin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. --- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John August, a seasoned screenwriter known for films like Big Fish, and Craig Mazin, the Emmy-winning creator of Chernobyl, dive into the art of storytelling. They explore the pitfalls of rigid structure, emphasizing that true theme emerges from character depth. The duo candidly discusses how writers can navigate rejection and maintain creative confidence. With insights on emotional POV and the essence of great endings, they offer a humorous yet reassuring guide for writers at every stage of their journey.

Doug Mand and Dan Gregor, accomplished writers and producers known for their work on the Naked Gun reboot and popular comedies, delve into the art of fearless storytelling. They share insights on balancing emotional arcs with humor and embracing outlandish ideas in writing. The duo discusses the challenges of rejection and impostor syndrome while celebrating small victories and the miraculous nature of filmmaking. With a blend of humor and honesty, they highlight their creative processes, from crafting spoof structures to navigating the complexities of the industry.

In this engaging discussion, screenwriter Maggie Lane, known for her work on 'Hotel for the Holidays,' teams up with producer Eric Jarboe, co-CEO of Happy Accidents, to explore the magic of holiday films. They reveal the secrets behind crafting compelling rom-com premises and the need for irresistible titles. Eric shares insights on rapid filming schedules and the importance of producible scripts. Both guests highlight collaboration and quick rewrites as keys to success, offering invaluable tips for aspiring writers and producers.

In this episode, JOHN WICK creator Derek Kolstad joins us to break down how he crafts character-driven action on the page. Derek shares how he thinks about tone, rhythm, and world-building, why action is an extension of the hero’s journey, and the psychological tricks he uses to survive rewrites. We also dig into his collaborations with actors like Keanu Reeves and Bob Odenkirk, his approach to adapting IP, and the creative habits that keep him excited to write "fade in." --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside ⁠⁠⁠TSL Workshops⁠⁠ ⁠- use code HOLIDAY25 for 50% off your first month. Episode Links: Check out the ⁠⁠TSL merch shop⁠⁠ TSL on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠ The Screenwriting Life is produced by ⁠⁠Jonathan Hurwitz⁠⁠ and edited by ⁠⁠Kate Mishkin⁠⁠. Email us at ⁠⁠thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com⁠⁠. --- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this enlightening discussion, counselor and healer Madaline Blau delves into the roots of imposter syndrome and offers practical strategies for overcoming it. She introduces grounding exercises that help writers connect with their bodies and calm anxiety. Madaline shares insights on the necessity of embracing failure for artistic growth and the subconscious fears that lead to self-sabotage. With a powerful guided visualization, she invites listeners to reclaim their authentic selves and tap into their creative purpose.

In Part 1 of our deep dive into imposter syndrome, counselor and healer Madaline Blau helps us understand where creative insecurity really comes from - and why so many writers feel stuck between confidence and collapse. We unpack instinct, how insight shapes character and story, and the early experiences that form our creative identity. This episode ends at a powerful emotional pause, with Part 2 picking up next week as we move into grounding, embodiment, and a guided visualization with Madaline. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside ⁠TSL Workshops ⁠- your first 5 days are free. Episode Links: Check out the TSL merch shop TSL on Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky The Screenwriting Life is produced by Jonathan Hurwitz and edited by Kate Mishkin. Email us at thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com. --- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Melissa Rosenberg - creator of JESSICA JONES, head writer of DEXTER, and screenwriter of the TWILIGHT films - joins Lorien to talk about what it takes to stay grounded as a storyteller. From building creative communities to rediscovering her artistic voice after decades in Hollywood, Melissa reflects on the evolving balance between ambition, authenticity, and healing through story. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside ⁠TSL Workshops ⁠- your first 5 days are free. Episode Links: Bennington College's new MFA in Screenwriting Check out the TSL merch shop TSL on Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky The Screenwriting Life is produced by Jonathan Hurwitz and edited by Kate Mishkin. Email us at thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com. --- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jenny Han, a New York Times bestselling author and showrunner, dives into the intricacies of adapting young adult fiction for the screen. She discusses balancing the demands of showrunning with the solitary nature of novel writing. From managing fandom expectations to crafting authentic emotions, Jenny shares her insights on writing love stories and first experiences. She also reveals the joys of visual storytelling and the significance of character growth, especially in her series about coming-of-age and self-discovery.

Join director Justin Harding, co-writer Cheryl Meyer, and star Peyton Elizabeth Lee as they dive into the making of the campy slasher film Carved. Justin shares insights on practical effects and the film’s evolution, while Cheryl discusses crafting an engaging script that keeps emotional stakes high. Peyton highlights the importance of three-dimensional characters for actors. The trio also reminisces about their first horror films and the fun dynamics of balancing humor with genuine terror, revealing the creative joy behind writing impactful horror.