
Write Now with Scrivener
Join journalist Kirk McElhearn, author of Take Control of Scrivener, as he interviews writers of all kinds about their processes, routines, and how they use Scrivener, the app dedicated to long-form writing. Writers share their experiences, their different approaches to getting words down on the page, and how they use Scrivener. Whether you’re a Scrivener user or just interested in writing, this podcast has something for you.
Latest episodes

15 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 29min
Episode 49: Nicolas Binge, Science Fiction Author
Nicolas Binge, an acclaimed science fiction author known for his latest work, "Dissolution," shares insights into his multicultural upbringing across Singapore, Switzerland, and Hong Kong. He discusses the complexities of literary translation, particularly regarding memory and identity in storytelling. The conversation dives into the writing process and the benefits of using Scrivener for managing intricate projects. Binge also talks about the excitement of adapting his novels to film and offers recommendations for captivating reads, blending literature with cinematic aspirations.

Mar 5, 2025 • 33min
Episode 48: Write Now with Scrivener, Episode no. 48: Mimi Kwa, Author of a Memoir about Four Generations of a Chinese Family
Mimi Kwa, an Australian television personality and author, shares her journey through her memoir, "House of Kwa," which uncovers the rich legacy of her Chinese family across four generations. She discusses her father's immigration story from Hong Kong to Australia and the impact of the White Australia Policy on their lives. The conversation dives into navigating cultural identity, familial expectations, and the cathartic experience of writing about personal trauma. Mimi also reveals how Scrivener has been instrumental in organizing her writing process and research.

17 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 29min
Episode 47: April Davila, Novelist and Mindfulness Instructor
April Davila, a novelist and mindfulness instructor, talks about her journey from science to storytelling, drawing inspiration from an ostrich farm for her novel '142 Ostriches.' She discusses how mindfulness practices enhance the writing process, helping authors balance family and creativity. April introduces her upcoming book, 'Scribbling Buddha,' and shares strategies for maintaining writing habits. The importance of writing communities and tools like Scrivener is highlighted, offering insights into effective organization and motivation in the creative journey.

21 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 34min
Episode 46: David Goodman, Spy Fiction Author
David Goodman, a novelist and short fiction writer, discusses his debut novel, A Reluctant Spy, which follows an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary espionage. He delves into the emotional turbulence faced by spies and the ethical dilemmas of their secret lives. Goodman also shares insights on navigating the publishing world, emphasizing the importance of 'list fit' for authors. Finally, he reflects on how tools like Scrivener assist in mastering focus and creativity, transforming the writing process in today's fast-paced literary landscape.

22 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 31min
Episode 45: Jean Kwok, Author of The Leftover Woman
In this engaging conversation, best-selling author Jean Kwok shares her inspiring journey from Hong Kong to Brooklyn as a child. She discusses overcoming linguistic hurdles and her evolution as a writer, ultimately finding success through education. Kwok dives into her novel, 'The Leftover Woman,' exploring themes like motherhood and societal expectations. The talk also highlights the hurdles of book censorship and the impact of celebrity endorsements. Lastly, she reveals exciting developments about film adaptations of her work and recommends a captivating new read set in Japan.

7 snips
Nov 6, 2024 • 30min
Episode 44: Holly Seddon, Thriller Author
Holly Seddon, a thriller author known for her gripping novels like "Try Not to Breathe," discusses her creative process and the challenges of writing amid life's chaos. She shares insights about her upcoming book, "59 Minutes," inspired by childhood fears and global events. The conversation dives into her latest work, "The Short Straw," exploring themes of psychological tension and the impact of classic literature. Holly also reveals how tools like Scrivener help manage complex narratives, making storytelling both thrilling and organized.

7 snips
Oct 2, 2024 • 30min
Episode 43: Veronica Roth, Fantasy Author
Veronica Roth, bestselling author of the Divergent series, discusses her unexpected rise to fame and shares her battle with anxiety. She delves into the creative process behind writing her debut novel and the challenges of adapting it for film. The conversation explores the rich complexity of folklore, featuring Baba Yaga's dual nature. Roth also highlights practical writing tips using Scrivener, emphasizing the importance of revising on paper and evolving as a writer through experience.

19 snips
Sep 4, 2024 • 30min
Episode 42: William Shaw, Author of Crime Fiction and Adventure Thrillers
William Shaw, an author celebrated for his crime fiction and adventure thrillers, dives into his unique character-naming process influenced by social media. He discusses aphantasia and its surprising impact on creativity and storytelling. Shaw also reflects on the decline of adventure novels while advocating for their revival as essential escapism. Unpacking the modern portrayal of heroism, he highlights multilingualism in adventure tales. Throughout, he shares insights on using Scrivener to enhance writing organization and reader engagement.

4 snips
Aug 7, 2024 • 29min
Episode 41: Natasha Bell, Thriller Author and Creative Writing Teacher
Natasha Bell, a psychological thriller author and creative writing teacher, dives into the art of storytelling. She discusses how life experiences shape her characters and the complexities of managing multiple timelines in narratives. Bell emphasizes the importance of community in teaching creative writing and shares insights on revisiting unfinished projects. She also highlights the significance of structure in storytelling and shares tips on using Scrivener for non-linear writing, blending practical advice with her personal writing journey.

5 snips
Jul 3, 2024 • 29min
Wendy Van Camp, Speculative Fiction Writer and Poet
Speculative fiction writer and poet, Wendy Van Camp, discusses astropoetry, SFWA, and intertwining poetry with science fiction. She shares insights on using Scrivener for long writing projects and exploring the Regency era. Learn how Scrivener software can aid in effective organization and management for writers.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.