Write Now with Scrivener

Brad Bigelow, biographer and advocate for neglected books, wrote Virginia Faulkner: A Life in Two Acts and runs recovery projects for out-of-print works. He talks about uncovering Faulkner’s letters, research pivots during COVID, using Scrivener to assemble archival material, choosing a readable fragmented chapter structure, and efforts to republish and promote overlooked writers.

Tessa Hulls, a Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic artist, discusses her acclaimed memoir, Feeding Ghosts, which combines family history and long-form comics. She shares her surprise at winning the award while working in Alaska and the nine-year journey of creating the book. Tessa delves into the challenges of researching her family, the role of comics in conveying emotion across time, and the impact of AI tools on archival research. She also reflects on her mixed-race identity and critiques the myth of the American cowboy.

Jonas Enander, a Swedish astrophysicist and author of 'Facing Infinity: Black Holes and Our Place on Earth,' dives deep into the fascinating world of black holes. He shares his journey from discovering astronomy to the complexities of astrophysics. Discussing how he humanizes cosmic phenomena in his writing, he contrasts scientific accuracy in films like Interstellar with Hollywood speculation. Jonas also reveals insights about gravity's effect on light and the generational shifts in scientific collaboration, deeming it a golden age for black hole research.

Alexander Rose, a historian and author known for his books on intelligence and military history, dives deep into his latest work, Phantom Fleet. He shares insights on the daring capture of a German U-Boat just before D-Day, highlighting the strategic importance of intelligence. Rose contrasts British and American historical writing styles, discusses the merits of narrative techniques in history, and reveals his unique research methods using primary documents. He also reflects on his focus on intelligence history and offers a reading recommendation on Voltaire.

Maria Reva, a Ukrainian-Canadian author celebrated for her longlisted novel Endling, discusses her unique blend of absurdist fiction and wartime themes. She shares how her family's immigration shaped her narrative and the significance of 'endling'—both scientifically and emotionally. Maria explains the role of snails in her story and how the Ukraine invasion influenced her manuscript. With insights on dark humor and metafictional techniques, she reveals her creative process, including Scrivener's invaluable features for navigating complex character arcs.

Tim Queeney, an experienced sailor and author of 'Rope: How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization,' shares his insights on the essential yet overlooked history of rope. He reveals how ancient rope was pivotal in constructing megastructures and the development of early tools. Tim discusses the fascinating story of the oldest known rope, its connection to Neanderthals, and how modern uses range from military applications to alpinism. Plus, he offers a sneak peek into his upcoming book on maps!

Isabella Valeri, author of Letters from the Dead, discusses her gothic family drama steeped in Alpine mystery. She shares insights on using the Snowflake Method for novel writing and how her personal experiences influence her storytelling. The conversation dives into character development, the allure of lengthy narratives, and how expansive novels compare to immersive video games. Valeri also reflects on historical inspirations like Napoleon, showcasing how they shape her creative process.

Jane Friedman, a publishing industry specialist with over 25 years of experience, shares her insights on the evolving world of writing and publishing. She discusses the growing landscape of self-publishing and the importance of direct reader engagement. The conversation delves into the complexities of pursuing a writing career, emphasizing passion over outside validation. Jane also reflects on the digital revolution's impact on publishing and the need for writers to assert their artistic agency in a corporatized industry.

Lisa Yee, a celebrated author of children's and young adult literature, shares her journey from juggling various jobs to becoming a prolific writer. She delves into her night owl writing routine, the importance of emotional depth in children's books, and her experience of breaking into children's publishing. Lisa discusses the significance of school visits, how illustrations enhance her storytelling, and her innovative use of Scrivener for organizing her work. She also highlights the impact of teachers and librarians in guiding kids to discover books.

Michael Jamin has been writing for TV for decades, and just published his first book of humorous short stories, A Paper Orchestra. Show notes: Michael Jamin A Paper Orchestra Learn more about Scrivener, and check out the ebook Take Control of Scrivener. If you like the podcast, please follow it on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. Leave a rating or review, and tell your friends. And check out past episodes of Write Now with Scrivener.