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

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.

Christina Lynch, a New York Times bestselling author, shares her journey from fashion burnout to writing whimsical tales. She discusses her latest novel, 'Pony Confidential,' narrated by a grumpy yet lovable pony, and explores the emotional impact of writing during challenging times. Christina reveals her experience with collaborative writing in TV, working alongside Conan O'Brien, and how a game with a fellow writer sparked her bestseller. With humor and heart, she emphasizes resilience in the face of rejection and the support needed for creative growth.

Note: I revisited a chat with the soothsayer A.M. Homes from 2022.Bestselling, award-winning author A.M. Homes, spoke to me about getting sued by J.D. Salinger, the irony of winning the Women's Prize for Fiction, and her latest "The Unfolding."A.M. Homes is a TV producer, art critic, and the author of 13 books, including the bestselling memoir The Mistress’s Daughter. Her last novel, May We Be Forgiven, was the winner of the 2013 Women’s Prize for Fiction.Her latest novel is The Unfolding, described as a "... darkly comedic alternative history that takes us into the heart of a fractured family living in a divided country."New York Times bestselling author Salman Rushdie called the book, “A terrific black comedy, written almost entirely in pitch-perfect dialogue, that feels terrifyingly close to the unfunny truth.”A.M. Homes was a Co-Executive Producer and Writer on David E. Kelly and Stephen King’s, Mr. Mercedes, and a writer/producer of the Showtime series The L Word.Her work has been translated into 22 languages and appears frequently in Art Forum, Harpers, Granta, McSweeney's, The New Yorker, The New York Times, and Zoetrope. She is a Contributing Editor to Vanity Fair, Bomb and Blind Spot, and she has taught in the Creative Writing Program at Princeton.Stay calm and write on ...[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 A.M. Homes and I discussed: Her early struggles with dyslexia Why awards and votes of confidence are so important for writers How she helped hire Dennis Lehane to write for Mr. Mercedes  Her strange obsession with George Washington and her claim to Capitol Hill How to write your way out of a jam And a lot more! Show Notes: amhomesbooks.com The Unfolding: A Novel by A.M. Homes (Amazon) A.M. Homes on Facebook A.M. Homes on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Note: I revisited a chat with multi-hyphenate Rob McElhenney from 2020.The writer, producer, and actor best known for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Rob McElhenney, took a timeout during the apocalypse to rap with me about how he runs his writer's room, his humble beginnings and admiration for the great TV comedies, and his advice for aspiring TV producers."Everyone is going through the same things. At least, people who respect science are. That sense of loneliness and despair ... needs to be addressed in some way, but ultimately we want to leave people with a sense of optimism." – Rob McElhenneyFX recently renewed his irreverent "It’s Always Sunny..." for a 15th season, making it officially the longest-running live-action sitcom in US history.The multihyphenate's latest, Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet, is a comedy series "...that follows a team of video game developers as they navigate the challenges of running a popular video game,"The Apple TV+ show was co-created with "Sunny" alums Charlie Day and Megan Ganz (executive produced by McElhenney and Day), and has been described as "... the travails of a boisterous video game studio – think Silicon Valley meets Veep."*Note: Though I was lucky enough to catch Rob in his natural LA habitat, sadly the interview was cut short due to technical difficulties, our apologies for the abrupt ending.[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 Rob McElhenney and I discussed: How It's Alway Sunny in Philadelphia almost didn't make it to the fourth seasonThe inner-workings of a perpetual creativity engineHow little episodic and streaming models of TV differ from a sitcom producer's perspectiveHis relationships with Danny DeVito and F. Murray AbrahamThe evolution of "It's Always Sunny..." and why it stays culturally relevantAnd how the greatest indie production tool you own is in your pocketShow Notes: Rob McElhenney on IMDbMythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet – Apple TV+It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia now longest-running live-action comedy series ever after season 15 renewalRob McElhenney on TwitterKelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices