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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kate Heartfield, historical fantasy author, discusses her transition from journalism to fiction writing, the challenges of historical accuracy, and drawing inspiration from Norse mythology. The podcast explores balancing historical accuracy with fantasy elements and ends with a unique fantasy novel recommendation.

Veronica G. Henry, fantasy and mystery author, shares her writing journey and discusses transitioning genres. Topics include forest bathing, storing notes in Scrivener, and influences like Tracy Clark. She explores writing styles, African American representation in literature, and the impact of deforestation. The podcast also delves into nature's inspiration, writing with Scrivener, and the benefits of Amazon publishing for authors.

Debbie Urbanski, a sci-fi author, discusses AI at the end of humanity in her novel 'After World'. She shares insights on how daydreaming boosts creativity and using Scrivener for writing. The podcast touches on human extinction, nature's resilience, and post-apocalyptic fiction themes.

Todd Henry discusses productivity, creativity, and teamwork. He uses Scrivener for distraction-free writing. The importance of routines for creative output is highlighted. Strategies for overcoming self-doubt in writing and finding creative voice are explored.