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

In Part Two of this file the Academy Award nominated screenwriter, actor, and author, Kim Krizan, returned to discuss how she came to work with director Richard Linklater on the critically acclaimed Before Sunrise film series, her lifelong study of femme fatales, and the pioneering work of author Anaïs Nin. "I write so the endangered thoughts roaming naked and vulnerable through the misty jungles of my mind aren't slain by the guns of practical living." – Kim Krizan Kim earned her Masters degree in English and Literature and while she was writing her thesis – titled "Anaïs Nin and The Psychology of Creativity" – she auditioned for a film part on a lark. As a result, she went on to act in some of acclaimed director Richard Linklater's best known films including Slacker, Dazed and Confused, and even played herself in Waking Life. After taking interest in her Masters thesis, Linklater and Krizan went on to co-write the lauded film Before Sunrise (1995), featuring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, and they collaborated on the entire award-winning trilogy. It's no surprise that her in-depth studies of the life of a visionary author also led to her latest book – Spy in the House of Anaïs Nin – "...a penetrating look at Nin’s incredible life and famous diary...Firmly placing Nin in her historical context as a feminist and visionary." *A note on the audio quality of this episode, Kim did join me via telephone for this interview.* Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. If you missed the first half of this show you can find it right here. And if you’ve missed previous episodes of The Writer Files you can find them all in the show notes, in the archives at writerfiles.fm, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in. In Part Two of this file Kim Krizan and I discussed: Why the liminal hours between waking and sleeping are so valuable for writers How Kim befriended Anaïs Nin's family and was granted access to her secret letters, papers, and original manuscripts What drove Nin to become the most groundbreaking self-published female author of her time How Nin's visionary work predicted the future The secrets of a literary legend and the many (often broke) famous authors she befriended and loved And why you're allowed to write a piece of crap and risk failure early on Show Notes: Author Accelerator How Oscar Nominated Screenwriter Kim Krizan Writes: Part One Spy in the House of Anaïs Nin by Kim Krizan [Amazon] Kim Krizan's author page on Amazon The Wild, Impassioned World of Anaïs Nin’s Diaries - Kim Krizan for Literary Hub Kim Krizan on IMDB.com Kim Krizan on Facebook Kim Krizan on Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Academy Award nominated screenwriter, actor, and author, Kim Krizan, joined me this week to discuss how she came to work with director Richard Linklater on the critically acclaimed Before Sunrise film series, her lifelong study of femme fatales, and the pioneering work of author Anaïs Nin. "I write so the endangered thoughts roaming naked and vulnerable through the misty jungles of my mind aren't slain by the guns of practical living." – Kim Krizan Kim earned her Masters degree in English and Literature and while she was writing her thesis – titled "Anaïs Nin and The Psychology of Creativity" – she auditioned for a film part on a lark. As a result, she went on to act in some of acclaimed director Richard Linklater's best known films including Slacker, Dazed and Confused, and even played herself in Waking Life. After taking interest in her Masters thesis, Linklater and Krizan went on to co-write the lauded film Before Sunrise (1995), featuring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, and they collaborated on the entire award-winning trilogy. It's no surprise that her in-depth studies of the life of a visionary author also led to her latest book – Spy in the House of Anaïs Nin – "...a penetrating look at Nin’s incredible life and famous diary...Firmly placing Nin in her historical context as a feminist and visionary." *A note on the audio quality of this episode, Kim did join me via telephone for this interview.* Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. In Part One of this file Kim Krizan and I discussed: The effects her study of the experimental life of a literary pioneer had on her own path to creativity How her travels abroad influenced her screenwriting Why boredom is so important for writers How your observation of stranger's interactions is often interpreted into the language of storytelling And how to outsmart your own inner critic Show Notes: Author Accelerator How Oscar Nominated Screenwriter Kim Krizan Writes: Part Two Spy in the House of Anaïs Nin by Kim Krizan [Amazon] Kim Krizan's author page on Amazon The Wild, Impassioned World of Anaïs Nin’s Diaries - Kim Krizan for Literary Hub Kim Krizan on IMDB.com Kim Krizan on Facebook Kim Krizan on Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part Two of this file the showrunner and Executive Producer of Netflix's Daybreak, Aron Eli Coleite, returned to chat with me about what it takes to survive high school (at the apocalypse), paying his dues in Hollywood, and the collaborative nature of world-building and scriptwriting for TV. "Surviving high school is like surviving the apocalypse," – Aron Eli Coleite Aron is a comic book writer, TV writer, and producer best known for his work on the popular NBC series Heroes and the CBS series Star Trek Discovery. His latest is the dark, zombie comedy series Daybreak starring Matthew Broderick, co-created with Brad Peyton for Netflix. It's been called “Mad Max meets Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” by SyFy.com and is based on Brian Ralph's graphic novel series of the same name. Aron also helped co-develop the newest version of Locke & Key for Netflix - including co-writing the first episode with comic book series creator Joe Hill. His upcoming projects include adapting Amulet for 20th Century Fox. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. If you missed the first half of this show you can find it right here. And if you’ve missed previous episodes of The Writer Files you can find them all in the show notes, in the archives at writerfiles.fm, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in. In Part Two of this file Aron Eli Coleite and I discussed: Secrets behind how a hit Netflix show is written and produced Why the writers on Daybreak are like an elite special forces unit The importance of diverse voices in TV writing How "The Hero's Journey" plays such a big part in episodic storytelling Why Aron got into television writing early in his career And his advice to aspiring scribes looking to break into TV Show Notes: Author Accelerator How Netflix Showrunner Aron Eli Coleite Writes: Part One Daybreak on Netflix The Only Podcast Left - Daybreak on Spotify Aron Eli Coleite on IMDB.com Aron Eli Coleite on Wikipedia Daybreak on Facebook Daybreak on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Showrunner and Executive Producer of Netflix's Daybreak, Aron Eli Coleite, took a break to chat with me about what it takes to survive high school (at the apocalypse), paying his dues in Hollywood, and the collaborative nature of world-building and scriptwriting for TV. "Surviving high school is like surviving the apocalypse," – Aron Eli Coleite Aron is a comic book writer, TV writer, and producer best known for his work on the popular NBC series Heroes and the CBS series Star Trek Discovery. His latest is the dark, zombie comedy series Daybreak starring Matthew Broderick, co-created with Brad Peyton for Netflix. It's been called “Mad Max meets Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” by SyFy.com and is based on Brian Ralph's graphic novel series of the same name. Aron also helped co-develop the newest version of Locke & Key for Netflix - including co-writing the first episode with comic book series creator Joe Hill. His upcoming projects include adapting Amulet for 20th Century Fox. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. In Part One of this file Aron Eli Coleite and I discussed: How his lifelong love of comic books boosted his career What it was like to earn his stripes working with Tim Kring on Crossing Jordan and the groundbreaking Heroes series Why his latest show terrifies him as a writer How so much iconic film and TV informed the unique genre-bending world of Daybreak Why cliffhangers are so important for propelling your audience to a finale And the difference between writing for the streaming model vs. episodic TV Show Notes: Author Accelerator Daybreak on Netflix The Only Podcast Left - Daybreak on Spotify Aron Eli Coleite on IMDB.com Aron Eli Coleite on Wikipedia Daybreak on Facebook Daybreak on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part Two of this file the award-winning, New York Times bestselling narrative nonfiction author, Andrew Maraniss, returned to chat about what it was like to grow up around so many famous journalists, why he chooses to weave social issues into sports history, and some age-old wisdom on how to beat writer's block. "Just get started.” – Andrew Maraniss Andrew is the son of Pulitzer Prize winning Washington Post journalist and author, David Maraniss, so it's no surprise that he has writing in his blood (and a touch of impostor syndrome). His winding path to bestseller started out as a history writing assignment at Vanderbilt University that only years later became his award-winning book Strong Inside: Perry Wallace and the Collision of Race and Sports in the South. His lauded basketball biography went on to become a bestseller, and received the 2015 Lillian Smith Book Award for civil rights and the RFK Book Awards’ Special Recognition Prize for social justice, the first sports-related book to ever receive either honor. The author's latest, Games of Deception: The True Story of the First U.S. Olympic Basketball Team at the 1936 Olympics in Hitler's Germany, is a Young Adult title that chronicles "...the remarkable true story of the birth of Olympic basketball." The book has been called "An insightful, gripping account of basketball and bias," and investigative journalist and No. 1 bestselling author Bob Woodward called it, "Shocking and triumphant." Andrew is a Visiting Author at Vanderbilt University Athletics and a contributor to ESPN’s TheUndefeated.com. He has appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered, NBC’s Meet The Press, MSNBC’s Morning Joe, ESPN’s Keith Olbermann Show, ESPN Radio, and many others. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. If you missed the first half of this show you can find it right here. And if you’ve missed previous episodes of The Writer Files you can find them all in the show notes, in the archives at writerfiles.fm, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in. In Part Two of this file Andrew Maraniss and I discussed: Why narrative nonfiction is so valuable in the fiction-heavy Young Adult genre The importance of embedding relevant social issues into stories for younger audiences Apocryphal wisdom on how to beat writer's block and build momentum How being related to a Pulitzer Prize winning writer might give you impostor syndrome The viral nature of basketball's genesis and rise to international fame And why the writing community and indie bookstores are more vital than ever for important stories Show Notes: Author Accelerator How NY Times Bestselling Nonfiction Author Andrew Maraniss Writes: Part One AndrewMaraniss.com Games of Deception: The True Story of the First U.S. Olympic Basketball Team at the 1936 Olympics in Hitler's Germany Hardcover – by Andrew Maraniss Andrew Maraniss at The Undefeated.com Andrew Maraniss on Instagram Andrew Maraniss on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Award-winning, New York Times bestselling narrative nonfiction author, Andrew Maraniss, stopped by to chat about what it was like to grow up around so many famous journalists, why he chooses to weave social issues into sports history, and some age-old wisdom on how to beat writer's block. "Just get started.” – Andrew Maraniss Andrew is the son of Pulitzer Prize winning Washington Post journalist and author, David Maraniss, so it's no surprise that he has writing in his blood (and a touch of impostor syndrome). His winding path to bestseller started out as a history writing assignment at Vanderbilt University that only years later became his award-winning book Strong Inside: Perry Wallace and the Collision of Race and Sports in the South. His lauded basketball biography went on to become a bestseller, and received the 2015 Lillian Smith Book Award for civil rights and the RFK Book Awards’ Special Recognition Prize for social justice, the first sports-related book to ever receive either honor. The author's latest, Games of Deception: The True Story of the First U.S. Olympic Basketball Team at the 1936 Olympics in Hitler's Germany, is a Young Adult title that chronicles "...the remarkable true story of the birth of Olympic basketball." The book has been called "An insightful, gripping account of basketball and bias," and investigative journalist and No. 1 bestselling author Bob Woodward called it, "Shocking and triumphant." Andrew is a Visiting Author at Vanderbilt University Athletics and a contributor to ESPN’s TheUndefeated.com. He has appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered, NBC’s Meet The Press, MSNBC’s Morning Joe, ESPN’s Keith Olbermann Show, ESPN Radio, and many others. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In Part One of this file Andrew Maraniss and I discussed: His circuitous path to a full time writing career The untold story of the origins of the first U.S. Olympic basketball team and the young men who played on it Why they were overshadowed by the atmosphere surrounding the Berlin Olympic Games in Nazi Germany The importance of this story (and so many stories like it) in today’s political climate Show Notes: Author Accelerator How NY Times Bestselling Nonfiction Author Andrew Maraniss Writes: Part Two AndrewMaraniss.com Games of Deception: The True Story of the First U.S. Olympic Basketball Team at the 1936 Olympics in Hitler's Germany Hardcover – by Andrew Maraniss Andrew Maraniss at The Undefeated.com Andrew Maraniss on Instagram Andrew Maraniss on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bestselling children's author and publishing coach, Laurie Wright, joined me this week to talk about her mission to help the emotional welfare of kids around the world, how she self-published a bestseller, and tools and resources for writer's aspiring to pen their own illustrated children's books. “I've realized, quickly, that what they say about 80% of people wanting to write a book really is true.” – Laurie Wright The former kindergarten teacher and mom of three saw an opportunity in the classroom for both parents and educators seeking solutions to get their kids to overcome "learned helplessness," and undertake simple problem-solving. She crowdfunded her first self-published, illustrated children's book in 2016, the hugely popular Amazon bestseller, I Can Handle It (a Mindful Mantras book), now translated into seven languages. The book established her as a childhood mental health authority – even though her background is in education – and since 2016 Laurie has gone on to publish 11 kid's books, three of which are bestsellers. Her Mindful Mantra books are described as "... quick, simple to read, useful resources for parents and teachers ... [that offer] a common language ... to help children self-regulate." Laurie has turned her passion for helping other educators and aspiring children's writers into a lucrative coaching business and podcast that both provide tips and tools on how to write, self-publish, and market your book. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Laurie Wright and I discussed: How 10 years as a kindergarten teacher (and mom) informs her work The greatest challenge she faced self-publishing an illustrated book Why quiet time with books is so important for young readers The new age of self-publishing and the barrier to entry for traditionally publishing kid's books How she turned her self-publishing know-how into entrepreneurial ventures Why children's authors face so much self-doubt And advice and free resources for authors dreaming about writing their own illustrated children's books Show Notes: Author Accelerator lauriewrighter.com The Writer's Way - podcast lauriewrightmedia.com creativewrighter.com I Can Handle It (Mindful Mantras) - by Laurie Wright [Amazon] Laurie Wright on Amazon Laurie Wright on YouTube Laurie Wright on Facebook Laurie Wright on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

International and New York Times bestselling author, Tess Gerritsen, dropped by to chat with me about the role of luck in finding success as a writer, where she draws inspiration for her thrillers, her love-hate relationship with writing for the screen, and her unique creative process. “Make every single chapter feel that somebody is off balance, that something is not right. That is what propels readers to read the next chapter.” – Tess Gerritsen The award-winning author graduated from medical school at the University of California, San Francisco, and began her writing career in earnest while on maternity leave from her work as a physician. She published her first romantic thriller in 1987 and never looked back. Her books have since topped the charts in both the US and abroad, and sold more than 30 million copies in 40 countries. Tess has now written 28 novels, including the acclaimed Rizzoli & Isles series (which inspired the TNT TV series of the same name starring Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander), as well as both romantic suspense and medical & crime thrillers. Though she's been dubbed the “medical suspense queen,” her latest novel, The Shape of Night, is a departure in genre that Tess describes as an "erotic psychological thriller" with both supernatural and Gothic elements. Publishers Weekly said of the book, “This supernatural thriller from bestseller Gerritsen ranks with the best of her crime fiction. . . .[A] magnetic haunted house story [that] will keep readers riveted from the very first page.” And #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner wrote, "Gerritsen is at her atmospheric best in this spine-tingling tale of a lone woman, an old house, and all the secrets everyone tries to hide.” Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Tess Gerritsen and I discussed: Her winding journey to bestseller and a "ten book" overnight success Why she prefers to pen novels over writing for Hollywood Navigating the mysteries and fairy dust of the publishing industry Tricks to master storytelling in any genre The secret to writing drafts that will never get lost in the cloud And her creativity hacks for beating writer's block Show Notes: Author Accelerator TessGerritsen.com The Shape of Night: A Novel by Tess Gerritsen [Amazon] The 13 Scariest Books Written This Year Tess Gerritsen on Facebook Tess Gerritsen on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part Two of this file bestselling author, Kim Petersen, returned to talk with me about tactics to tap into age-old wisdom, quiet your inner critic, get back to basics, rediscover your voice, and recharge your creative batteries. “With how our lifestyles are, and the technology, we seem to have also become more disconnected from ourselves.” – Kim Petersen The award-winning, USA Today Bestselling, Australian author of fantasy, paranormal, and dystopian fiction, writes The Ascended Angels Chronicles, and co-authors the Stone the Crows series. Her latest is a foray into non-fiction titled Creative Writing Energy: Tools to Access Your Higher-Creative Mind - co-authored with colleague, romance writer Catherine Evans. It's been described as a book "...written for creatives about developing pathways to access the higher-creative mind...alternative ways..." and tools for unlocking your creativity. Before you dismiss this episode as a little "woo-woo," I assure you that we dig into the reasons behind the current shift for creatives toward alternative ways of thinking, New Age modalities, and a generation of writers looking to tune-out the noise and live more authentically. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. If you missed the first half of this show you can find it right here. And if you’ve missed previous episodes of The Writer Files you can find them all in the show notes, in the archives at writerfiles.fm, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in. In Part Two of this file Kim Petersen and I discussed: Why writers are the bedrock of the long-standing tradition of making meaning of the world How the author incorporates divination into her storytelling process Why prolific writers throughout history have used tools for jumpstarting their creativity How ancient, esoteric practices can unplug your inner critic, FOMO, and beat "resistance" Why getting back in touch with your voice is so important And how to conjure your inner child (no, not by jumping off the garage Kim, lol) Show Notes: Author Accelerator KimPetersen.com WhisperingInkPress.com Creative Writing Energy: Tools to Access Your Higher-Creative Mind [Amazon] CatherineEvansAuthor.com Creative Writing Energy on Patreon Oblique Strategies - created by Brian Eno How millennials replaced religion with astrology and crystals - LA Times Kim Petersen on Facebook Kim Petersen on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bestselling author, Kim Petersen, spoke with me about tactics to tap into age-old wisdom, quiet your inner critic, get back to basics, rediscover your voice, and recharge your creative batteries. “With how our lifestyles are, and the technology, we seem to have also become more disconnected from ourselves.” – Kim Petersen The award-winning, USA Today Bestselling, Australian author of fantasy, paranormal, and dystopian fiction, writes The Ascended Angels Chronicles, and co-authors the Stone the Crows series. Her latest is a foray into non-fiction titled Creative Writing Energy: Tools to Access Your Higher-Creative Mind - co-authored with colleague, romance writer Catherine Evans. It's been described as a book "...written for creatives about developing pathways to access the higher-creative mind...alternative ways..." and tools for unlocking your creativity. Before you dismiss this episode as a little "woo-woo," I assure you that we dig into the reasons behind the current shift for creatives toward alternative ways of thinking, New Age modalities, and a generation of writers looking to tune-out the noise and live more authentically. Please help us learn more about you by completing this short 7-question survey This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In Part One of this file Kim Petersen and I discussed: Her journey to finding her writing identity (or, how it found her) Why she chose to write about her own writing rituals and routines How technology is draining our creative batteries Why younger generations are turning away from traditional belief systems and finding alternative means to recharge The nuts and bolts of a good foundation for creativity Why writers need to dip back into the great mystery through storytelling Show Notes: Author Accelerator KimPetersen.com WhisperingInkPress.com Creative Writing Energy: Tools to Access Your Higher-Creative Mind [Amazon] CatherineEvansAuthor.com Creative Writing Energy on Patreon Oblique Strategies - created by Brian Eno How millennials replaced religion with astrology and crystals - LA Times Kim Petersen on Facebook Kim Petersen on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices