Psychology and Neuroscience Professor Kurt Gray spoke with me about the timely release, and inspiration behind his latest book OUTRAGED: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground.Kurt Gray is a Professor in Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he directs the Deepest Beliefs Lab and the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding.Kurt Gray's, new book OUTRAGED: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground “... explains the science behind the United States' current political divide.”A NEXT BIG IDEA CLUB MUST-READ BOOK • It is described as “A groundbreaking new perspective on the moral mind that rewrites our understanding of where moral judgments come from, and how we can overcome the feelings of outrage that so often divide us.”#1 New York Times best-selling author Adam Grant called it, "A riveting read. . . . Overturns widespread assumptions about why we’re divided and reveals how we can come together."Kurt Gray received a PhD in Social Psychology from Harvard University, has published over 120 scientific papers, and his findings have been featured in The  New York Times, the Economist, Scientific American, Wired, and Hidden Brain.[Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm][If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]In this file Kurt Gray and I discussed:What it finally feels like to publish a book after decades of researchHow we have misunderstood the moral mindWho makes a profit from the “outrage machine”Why humans are innately storytelling creaturesHow to unplug, get words on the page, keep goingAnd a lot more!Show Notes:kurtjgray.comOutraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground By Kurt Gray (Amazon)Dragon Transcription AppWhy We Fight About Morality and Politics | Kurt Gray | TEDxRenoKurt Gray on TwitterKelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join #1 New York Times bestselling author Robert Crais, known for his thrilling Elvis Cole and Joe Pike series, as he shares captivating insights from his writing journey. He reflects on the emotional toll of recent LA wildfires and how real-life events shape his storytelling. Crais delves into his latest novel 'The Big Empty,' tackling themes of resilience and community. He also explores the gripping case of a missing father, demonstrating the art of emotional storytelling and the profound influence of crime writers on his craft.

Join Robert Crais, the #1 New York Times bestselling author behind the iconic Elvis Cole and Joe Pike detective series. He discusses his fascinating journey from Emmy-nominated TV writer to crime fiction maestro, drawing inspiration from legends like Raymond Chandler. Crais shares how Los Angeles shapes his storytelling, turning the city into a character of its own. He also delves into his creative process, the evolution of his characters, and the excitement surrounding his latest novel, 'Racing the Light.' A masterclass in writing awaits!

L.M. Elliott, a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist, shares her remarkable journey from magazine writing to crafting historical novels. She reveals how her father’s WWII experiences inspired her storytelling. Discussing her latest work, she highlights the intricate blend of historical truth with fiction, particularly in exploring the fraught political climate of the 1970s. Elliott emphasizes the critical role of research in shaping narratives that address contemporary issues like misinformation and censorship, all while captivating readers with her powerful storytelling.

Georgia Jeffries, an Emmy-nominated TV writer and producer known for her work on 'Cagney & Lacey,' shares her fascinating journey from screenwriting to novel writing. She reflects on her early journalism days and how her debut novel, 'The Younger Girl,' draws from a notorious true crime case. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between confidence and humility in writing, the importance of writing communities, and the unique creative freedom she discovered in transitioning from television to literature.

In this engaging discussion, Ann Napolitano, a New York Times bestselling author known for her poignant novels like 'Hello Beautiful,' reflects on her journey through grief and rejection. She shares how personal loss has deeply influenced her writing, offering insight into her creative process. Ann delves into adapting her work for screen and discusses the transformative power of storytelling during challenging times. With practical advice for aspiring writers, her candid anecdotes illuminate the path of navigating both creativity and emotional resilience.

NOTE: Repost of our most popular episode of the year by far, enjoy!Bestselling author, podcaster, blogger, speaker, and my friend Jeff Goins, brought me along on a creative journey not too long ago called Hey, Creator! and it was some of the most fun I’ve had as a podcast producer.Here’s an episode from the last season we did together titled “How to Finish the First Draft of Anything.”Jeff Goins helps creative people succeed. Through his bestselling books, courses, coaching, and speeches, he shares his ongoing journey of transformation, inspiring creators to discover their voice and share it with the world.He is also the founder of Fresh Complaint, a bespoke creative agency that helps authors, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs turn their stories and ideas into books that change the way people think.[Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm][If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]In this file Jeff Goins and I discussed:Why the first step to finishing is to beginThe secret to getting unstuckWhy nothing is ever really finishedAnd a lot more!Show Notes:goinswriter.comfreshcomplaint.comHey, Creator! PodcastJeff Goins Amazon Author PageKelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn Cole, an internationally bestselling author renowned for her breakout series, The Kindred’s Curse Saga, shares her fascinating journey from attorney to writer. She discusses the enriching impact of travel on her creative process and the importance of empathy in storytelling. Penn reveals her proactive approach to self-publishing and the challenges of transitioning to traditional publishing. She also addresses misconceptions about viral success and shares insights on maintaining creative control while engaging with her passionate reader base.

PEN/Bellwether winner Fabienne Josaphat spoke with me about being born into storytelling, writing socially engaged fiction, and the revolution and injustice at the center of her new novel KINGDOM OF NO TOMORROW.Fabienne Josaphat was born and raised in Haiti, and graduated with an MFA in Creative Writing from Florida International University.Her sophomore novel KINGDOM OF NO TOMORROW was the 2023 winner of the PEN / Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction. Barbara Kingsolver established the biennial prize in 2000 to highlight previously unpublished works of fiction that addressed issues of social justice.Barbara Kingsolver, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Demon Copperhead, said of the book, "This beautifully convincing slice of history is powered not just by good research, but by lots of suspense, compelling characters, and understated political themes that …. bring the fierce vision of the Black Panthers to new generations of readers, adding some stunning context to the modern Black Lives Matter movement."In addition to fiction, Josaphat writes non-fiction, screenplays, and is an anthologized poet. Her work has been featured in The African American Review, The Washington Post, Teen Vogue, The Master’s Review, Grist Journal, and many others.[Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm][If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]In this file Fabienne Josaphat and I discussed:Why her grandfather’s stories helped shape her into a writerThe surreal journey from award-winner to publication of her second novelHow the Black Panthers were maligned by mainstream mediaThe importance of preserving the oral storytelling tradition of her cultureWhat writers can do to tame distractionAnd a lot more!Show Notes: PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction - PEN AmericaKingdom of No Tomorrow by Fabienne Josaphat  (Amazon)Fabienne Josaphat on InstagramFabienne Josaphat on TwitterKelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Douglas Vigliotti, an author of four books, including "Aristotle for Novelists," shares insights on timeless storytelling principles. He discusses how Aristotle's 'Poetics' continues to shape narratives today, emphasizing the cathartic power of well-told stories. Vigliotti argues that tragedies resonate more deeply than epics and critiques writers who don’t read extensively. He also explores the challenges modern readers face and reflects on his journey from sports to storytelling, highlighting the importance of structure and character development.