The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

Veera Hiranandani shares insights on writing, historical fiction, and following writerly instincts. Discussion on slow cooking approach to writing, importance of accountability partners, and learning from mistakes. Also, evolution of writing process, meeting favorite authors, and light-hearted talk on wine and margaritas.

NOTE: This is an updated replay of my amazing chat with Emma Straub, the New York Times bestselling author of six books for adults, including her novel This Time Tomorrow … She is also the author of three picture books, the first of which, Very Good Hats, was published in January 2023. Congrats Emma! Enjoy …New York Times bestselling author, Emma Straub, spoke to me about why everything in life is timing, how to write a book for yourself, time travel, and her latest This Time Tomorrow.Emma is the bestselling author of six novels — including All Adults Here, The Vacationers, Modern Lovers, and Laura Lamont’s Life in Pictures — the short story collection Other People We Married. Her books have been published in 20 countries. Her latest, This Time Tomorrow, has been named One of the Most Anticipated Books of 2022 by Vogue, Oprah, Entertainment Weekly, Glamour, Good Housekeeping, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Reader’s Digest, Today, Parade, Thrillist, Pop Sugar, Lithub and more.Described as "...a moving father-daughter story and a playful twist on the idea of time travel," author Michael Chabon called the book "...a beautifully made, elegant music box of a novel that sets in motion its clever clockwork of delight—then breaks your heart with its bittersweet, lingering song.”Emma and her husband also own Books Are Magic, a popular independent bookstore in Brooklyn, New York.[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 Emma Straub and I discussed:Why getting an MFA helped her slow down her writingHow she met everyone in publishing at an indie bookshop The unique perspective of XennialsHow to find confidence and pages while being off-balance Why she'd drink less Olde English if she could go back And a lot more!Stay calm and write on ...emmastraub.netThis Time Tomorrow a Novel by Emma Straub'This Time Tomorrow' is the time travel book millennials need - USA TodayEmma Straub on FacebookEmma Straub on InstagramEmma Straub on TwitterKelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President of Manhattan-based literary agency Lucinda Literary turned author, Lucinda Halpern, returns to chat with me about how to crack the code of publishing, the four types of writers who get book deals, and her latest book Get Signed: Find an Agent, Land a Book Deal, and Become a Published Author.Lucinda Halpern is a literary agent with over 15 years of experience securing book deals with Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, Macmillan, and now the author of Get Signed: Find an Agent, Land a Book Deal, and Become a Published Author. (available for preorder now and landing 2/6/2024, Hay House - wherever fine books are sold)“Packed with interviews from best-selling authors and leading book editors Get Signed is the indispensable roadmap you need … to get noticed and become a published author.” #1 New York Times best-selling author Adam Grant said of the book, “Lucinda Halpern has written the definitive guide to attracting an agent and laying the groundwork for a book well worth publishing.”She represents a range of New York Times and internationally bestselling authors in the categories of business, health, lifestyle, popular science, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and upmarket fiction. Her classes and coaching programs have been taught to hundreds of writers worldwide.Stay tuned until the end of our interview for Lucinda’s special gift for listeners.[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 Lucinda Halpern and I discussed:How her full-circle journey to becoming a published author has made her a better agentWhy having a book editor is like lying naked on the table at the doctor's officeThe best way to diagnose what's wrong with your bookHow she is still myth-busting publishingWhy a book for everyone is a book for no oneAnd a lot more!Show Notes:GetSignedBook.comDownload Lucinda’s free author traininglucindaliterary.comGet Signed: Find an Agent, Land a Book Deal, and Become a Published Author By Lucinda Halpern (Amazon)Myth-Busting Book Publishing with Agent Lucinda Halpern: Part OneLucinda Halpern on TwitterLucinda Halpern on InstagramKelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York Times bestselling author, Ann Napolitano, spoke with me about overcoming rejection early on, how grief transformed her writing process, and getting that fateful call from Oprah about Hello Beautiful.Ann Napolitano is the New York Times bestselling author of Hello Beautiful which was selected as Oprah’s 100th Book Club pick; Dear Edward, an instant New York Times bestseller, a Read with Jenna selection, and an Apple TV+ series; A Good Hard Look, and Within Arm’s Reach.Hello Beautiful has been called a “powerfully affecting” (People) family story that asks: Can love make a broken person whole? The Washington Post said of the book, “Another tender tearjerker . . . Napolitano chronicles life’s highs and lows with aching precision.”It was named Chicago Public Library’s Ten Best Books of the Year and a Best Book of the Year by The New York Times Book Review, NPR, The Washington Post, Time, Vogue, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, New York Post, She Reads, and Bookreporter.Ann was the associate editor of the literary magazine One Story for seven years, and she received an MFA from New York University.[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 Ann Napolitano and I discussed:Her long and rocky road to successHow an illness early in life helped her realize she was a writerWhy her first published book felt like a proving groundThe nine-month approach to planning your next novelHow to write the truest sentence possibleWhy you need to string together as many Xs as you canAnd a lot more!Show Notes:AnnNapolitano.comHello Beautiful (Oprah's Book Club): A NOVEL By Ann Napolitano (Amazon)Ann Napolitano Amazon Author PageAnn Napolitano on TwitterAnn Napolitano on InstagramKelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jami Attenberg, NY Times bestselling author, discusses documenting the writer's process, building a literary movement, and her latest writer's guide featuring essays from acclaimed authors. They explore topics such as the importance of writing, retirement savings, unique cover design, book structure, and author newsletters.

This is the second part of a year-end retrospective with award-winning indie journalist and author, Adam Skolnick, who returns to rap with me about show highlights from the last half of 2023, hot takes, and shootin’ the breeze.Adam Skolnick is an award-winning independent journalist and author covering adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health, among others. Adam is co-author of Never Finished: Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within, the follow-up to David Goggins’ smash hit memoir Can’t Hurt Me. Adam is also the author of One Breath, has narrated David Goggins’ bestselling audiobooks, and co-hosted The Rich Roll Podcast, on the "Roll On" edition.[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 Adam Skolnick and I discussed:How Literary Critic & Publishing Insider Bethanne Patrick Writes: Part Two: The sui generis of the Colleen Hoover effectHow Award-Winning Climate Journalist Amy Westervelt Writes: Why more writers need to set their stories in the real worldHow Booker Prize-Winning Author Anne Enright Writes: The moment of burnout that changed her careerHow National Book Award Winner & Bestselling Author James McBride Writes: Why  some writers find no joy in being well-knownHow #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Emily Henry Writes: Part Two: What it feels like to live inside a lightning strikeShow Notes:Best of 2023 - Hot Takes and Shootin’ the Breeze with Adam Skolnick: Part OneAdamSkolnick.comNever Finished: Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within – by David Goggins (Amazon)Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds – by David Goggins (Amazon)Adam Skolnick on InstagramA Mostly Uncensored Chat with Award-Winning Journo Adam Skolnick21 Productivity Hacks from 21 Prolific Writers: Part One21 Productivity Hacks from 21 Prolific Writers: Part TwoKelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the first part of a year-end retrospective with award-winning indie journalist and author, Adam Skolnick, who returns to rap with me about show highlights from the last half of 2023, hot takes, and shootin’ the breeze.Adam Skolnick is an award-winning independent journalist and author covering adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health, among others. Adam is co-author of Never Finished: Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within, the follow-up to David Goggins’ smash hit memoir Can’t Hurt Me. Adam is also the author of One Breath, has narrated David Goggins’ bestselling audiobooks, and co-hosted The Rich Roll Podcast, on the "Roll On" edition.\This is the last episode of the year but we’ll be back soon with more inspiration from your favorite authors. Happy Holidays![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 Adam Skolnick and I discussed:How Literary Critic & Publishing Insider Bethanne Patrick Writes: Part Two: The sui generis of the Colleen Hoover effectHow Award-Winning Climate Journalist Amy Westervelt Writes: Why more writers need to set their stories in the real worldHow Booker Prize-Winning Author Anne Enright Writes: The moment of burnout that changed her careerHow National Book Award Winner & Bestselling Author James McBride Writes: Why  some writers find no joy in being well-knownHow #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Emily Henry Writes: Part Two: What it feels like to live inside a lightning strikeShow Notes:Best of 2023 - Hot Takes and Shootin’ the Breeze with Adam Skolnick: Part TwoAdamSkolnick.comNever Finished: Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within – by David Goggins (Amazon)Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds – by David Goggins (Amazon)Adam Skolnick on InstagramA Mostly Uncensored Chat with Award-Winning Journo Adam Skolnick21 Productivity Hacks from 21 Prolific Writers: Part One21 Productivity Hacks from 21 Prolific Writers: Part TwoKelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lucinda Halpern, founder and president of Lucinda Literary LLC turned author, discusses the importance of literary agents and shares insights into the publishing industry. They debunk publishing myths and offer advice for aspiring authors, emphasizing the importance of finding the right audience and debunking misconceptions about the publishing process.

Acclaimed debut novelist, Jo Segura, spoke with me about her love of the romance writing community, why natural history and archaeology are her jam, and her debut romcom RAIDERS OF THE LOST HEART.Jo Segura’s debut, Raiders of the Lost Heart, is described as an adventure romance about “Rival archaeologists [who] must team up on a secret Aztec expedition, [that] could leave their careers—and hearts—in ruins.Entertainment Weekly called it, “Romancing the Stone meets Indiana Jones in this thrilling adventure romance.” And Publishers Weekly said of the book, “Segura’s rip-roaring debut is sure to put her on the map."The book was named a LibraryReads Pick and Indie Next pick for December, Entertainment Weekly’s 41 New Fall Books We're Most Excited To Read, and Book Riot’s 8 Of The Best Romance Books With Action.[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 Jo Segura and I discussed:Why she dedicated a whole year to getting publishedHow she turned to escapist fare during the PandemicWriting her debut novel for NaNoWriMoThe reason she named her main character after her great-auntWhy writers have to find their people And a lot more!Show Notes:Josegura.comRaiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura [Amazon]Jo Segura on TwitterJo Segura on InstagramKelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yale educator and TV writer/producer, Aaron Tracy, returns to chat with me about surviving the WGA writer’s strike, finally teaching the podcast at Yale, and his latest audio thriller on Audible, Nowhere Man, starring Lee Pace and Zosia Mamet.Aaron Tracy also teaches “The Art and Craft of Television Drama” at Yale University, and his TV credits include Law & Order: SVU, Fairly Legal, The Tap, and Sequestered, a serialized thriller that ran two seasons, for which he was Creator and Executive Producer. He is also a Creator, Director,  and Exec. Producer of scripted audio dramas for iHeartRadio, Audible, and Spotify, with various production partners including: Supreme: The Battle For Roe, his 9-part audio drama starring Eva Longoria (feat. Maya Hawke and William H. Macy); Murder in Bermuda (feat. Mary-Louise Parker); and many others.His most recent is Nowhere Man, a noir political thriller Executive Produced by and starring Lee Pace, with co-stars Zosia Mamet, and Chazz Palminteri. “Set in the mid-1980s, Nowhere Man is a dark, paranoid thriller about temptation and obsession through the prism of a profession most people don’t even know exists.”Aaron’s debut audio drama, The Coldest Case, a detective thriller starring Aaron Paul, Krysten Ritter, and Alexis Bledel, premiered as the #1 download on Audible in 2021, and has since become the most downloaded show in Audible Plus history.[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 Aaron Tracy and I discussed:Why he loves the ‘80s period piecesHow his directing experience has shaped his writingWhy he teaches the narrative podcast the same way he teaches Television DramaThe two greatest innovations of the modern TV art form What aspiring TV writers should be readingAnd a lot more!Show Notes:How to Write a Bestselling Audio Drama with Writer/Producer Aaron Tracy: Part OneYale University – Aaron TracyAaron Tracy Audible PageAmazon Author Page for William Goldman Story by Robert McKee [Amazon]Save the Cat by Blake Snyder [Amazon]Aaron Tracy on IMdBAaron Tracy on TwitterKelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices