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

#1 New York Times bestselling novelist and screenwriter, Ernest Cline, spoke to me about what inspired him to become a novelist, the success of Ready Player One, and his love letter to Austin, Texas, the mostly true tall tale BRIDGE TO BAT CITY.Ernest Cline is the bestselling author of Ready Player One, Ready Player Two, and Armada,  and co-screenwriter of the film adaptation of Ready Player One, directed by Steven Spielberg.His debut middle-grade novel, BRIDGE TO BAT CITY (on sale 4/9/24; ages 8 & up), is described as “... a mostly true tall tale about a recently orphaned girl and her mission to help a family of displaced bats find a new home under the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, Texas.”His books have been published in over fifty countries and have spent more than 100 weeks on The New York Times bestsellers list.[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 Part Two of this file Ernest Cline and I discussed:The crazy story behind Stephen King’s MiseryWhat it was like waiting for a call from Stephen SpielbergHow the author got to see his fiction turned into realityMaking the transition from adult sci-fi to middle grade novelsHis shout outs to ET, Roald Dahl, Charles PortisAnd a lot more!Show Notes:How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Ernest Cline Writes: Part OneBridge to Bat City by Ernest Cline (Amazon)Ernest Cline Amazon Author PageKelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#1 New York Times bestselling novelist and screenwriter, Ernest Cline, spoke to me about what inspired him to become a novelist, the success of Ready Player One, and his love letter to Austin, Texas, the mostly true tall tale BRIDGE TO BAT CITY.Ernest Cline is the bestselling author of Ready Player One, Ready Player Two, and Armada,  and co-screenwriter of the film adaptation of Ready Player One, directed by Steven Spielberg.His debut middle-grade novel, BRIDGE TO BAT CITY (on sale 4/9/24; ages 8 & up), is described as “... a mostly true tall tale about a recently orphaned girl and her mission to help a family of displaced bats find a new home under the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, Texas.”His books have been published in over fifty countries and have spent more than 100 weeks on The New York Times bestsellers list.[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 Part One of this file Ernest Cline and I discussed:The signposts on the road to becoming a writerHis change of fortune (and opinion) as a screenwriterThe big idea behind Ready Player One Why 90% of Stephen King’s protagonists are school teachers or writersAnd a lot more!Show Notes:How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Ernest Cline Writes: Part TwoBridge to Bat City by Ernest Cline (Amazon)Ernest Cline Amazon Author PageKelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York Times bestselling memoirist turned novelist, Garrard Conley, spoke with me about going from activist to fictionist, the isolation of being an artist, and his debut novel All the World Beside.Garrard Conley is the New York Times bestselling author of the memoir Boy Erased, as well as the creator and co-producer of the podcast UnErased: The History of Conversion Therapy in America. His memoir became a major motion picture starring Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, and Lucas Hedges, directed by Joel Edgerton.His debut novel is titled All the World Beside and described as “... an electrifying, deeply moving novel about the love story between two men in Puritan New England.”Tess Gunty, National Book Award-winning author of Rabbit Hutch, called the book an “... accomplishment of breathtaking prose, expert pacing, and extraordinary psychological intelligence...” Garth Greenwell wrote, “... this novel contains some of the finest writing I've encountered in recent American fiction.”Garrard’s work has been published by The New York Times, Oxford American, Time, and Virginia Quarterly Review, among others. Conley is a graduate of Brooklyn College’s MFA program, where he was a Truman Capote Fellow specializing in fiction, and he is an assistant professor of creative writing at Kennesaw State 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 Garrard Conley and I discussed:What it was like to work with Radiolab on a podcastSetting out to write “The Queer Scarlett Letter”His intense historical research process How he inhabits his storiesWhy writers can’t skimp on what the audience wantsHow to un-Tik-Tok-ify your brainAnd a lot more!Show Notes:garrardconley.comAll the World Beside: A NOVEL By Garrard Conley (Amazon)Garrard Conley Amazon Author PageGarrard Conley on InstagramGarrard Conley on TwitterKelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Director of Publicity and Press Shop PR Founder, Leah Paulos, spoke with me about how authors can cut through the noise in a challenging news cycle, when to build your platform, and demystifying the book biz.Leah Paulos is the Founder and Director of Publicity at Press Shop PR an independent book publicity firm based in Brooklyn. The Press Shop team has worked on campaigns for over 300 authors since its launch in 2012, including the #1 bestselling campaigns for ON TYRANNY by Timothy Snyder, MARCH by Rep. John Lewis, and WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE by Neil deGrasse Tyson.She also recently launched Book Publicity School to bring Press Shop’s expertise and guidance to more authors at an affordable price. The School offers workshops, coaching, and online groups to help authors advocate for their work as effectively as possible.Leah has spoken on book publicity at Columbia Journalism School, CUNY Graduate Center, and as part of her regular workshop series, Book Publicity for Literary Agents.[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 Leah Paulos and I discussed: Why authors need a “Big Fat Book Promo” spreadsheet What works in social media now, and what’s a waste of time How and when to build an effective author platform What kind of promotion an author should expect from their publisher Why a full press, media, and event campaign doesn't make sense for every author And a lot more! Show Notes: pressshoppr.com bookpublicityschool.com Book Publicity School on Facebook Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oscar-nominated screenwriter turned novelist, Iris Yamashita, returns to chat with me about the difference between writing for the ear and the screen, fusing plotting and pantsing, and her anticipated follow-up thriller Village in the Dark.Iris Yamashita has been working in Hollywood for over 15 years and was nominated for a “Best Original Screenplay”  Oscar for the movie Letters from Iwo Jima (directed by Clint Eastwood).The sequel to her debut novel City Under One Roof is Village in the Dark, described as a riveting mystery perfect for fans of Twin Peaks, Mare of Easttown, and True Detective.An Amazon Editor’s Pick for Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense – New and continuing series. Kirkus Reviews called the book, “A sharp and gritty mystery with a compelling sociopolitical undercurrent.”Iris continues to work in Hollywood, developing for both film and streaming media. She has taught screenwriting at UCLA and the American Film Institute.[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 Iris Yamashita and I discussed: Why you need to have a beginning, middle, and end in mind no matter what you’re writing What it’s like to be both the writer and the director as a novelist How to write for audio drama Why filmmakers don’t like to read Learning the rules so you can break them How to keep your dreams alive And a lot more! Show Notes: Village in the Dark by Iris Yamashita (Amazon) Amazon Author Page for Iris Yamashita www.irisyamashita.com Iris Yamashita on Facebook Iris Yamashita on Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bestselling author, Adelle Waldman, spoke with me about her former life as a journalist, writerly wish fulfillment, and going undercover for her latest workplace novel, Help Wanted.Adelle Waldman is a journalist and the bestselling author of The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P., which was named a best book of the year by The New Yorker, Economist, NPR, The New Republic, Slate, Bookforum, The Guardian and many others.Her latest novel, Help Wanted, is from W.W. Norton in March of 2024, and described as a “funny, eye-opening tale of work in contemporary America.” It has been named one of New York Magazine's "23 Books We Can’t Wait to Read in 2024," VOGUE’s Best Books of the Year So Far, ELLE’s Best (and Most Anticipated) Fiction of 2024, Lit Hub’s Most Anticipated Books of 2024, and one of Kirkus’s Most Anticipated Books of 2024.A starred Kirkus Review called the book, "The workplace dramedy of the year." Publishers Weekly said of the book, "A bracing and worthwhile glimpse of the high stakes faced by low-wage workers."Adelle attended Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and her writing has appeared in The New Yorker, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal, among 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 Adelle Waldman and I discussed:Why she turned to journalism as a day jobWriting a hard-to-like protagonistThe breakout success of her first novelHow co-workers and friends at a Big Box store inspired her latestFound comedy, unfortunate nerds, unrealistic dreamsAnd a lot more!Show Notes:adellewaldman.comHelp Wanted: A Novel by Adelle Waldman (Amazon)Adelle Waldman Amazon Author PageKelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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