Write About Now

Richard Osman is the author of the wildly popular Thursday Murder Club book series. He is also the host/presenter of a weekly quiz show in the UK called Pointless. On the podcast, he talks about transitioning from TV host to bestselling novelist and why he thinks his very English books are popular worldwide. He also dives into his writing process, offering tips and tricks on how to make the most of your writing time. Other topics Richard cover include: The story of his childhood and the big event that happened to him at age 9 that changed his life.  His struggles with addiction How he got the idea to write a book based on a bunch of seniors in a retirement home. Some of the rules of writing a successful murder mystery His favorite books and novelists.  Visit Write About Now @ writeaboutnowmedia.com Subscribe to the newsletter @ https://jonathan856.substack.com/ Support the show @ https://www.patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast

In 2016, Dani Shapiro uncovered a stunning secret about her family. She has captured this story brilliantly in her memoir Inheritance. On this episode, she shares the revelation that forever altered her life and caused her to rethink who she really is. Dani is a bestselling novelist, memoirist (she's written five), and host of the popular podcast fittingly titled "Family Secrets." This is a replay of an interview we did in 2020.  Subscribe to my newsletter @ https://jonathan856.substack.com/ Support the show @ https://www.patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast Family Secrets: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/family-secrets/id1441824608

Millions of people around the world are obsessed with actor Benedict Cumberbatch. The most hardcore fans refer to themselves as 'Cumberbitches.' Author Tabatha Carvan, a wife and mother, counts herself among the Cumberbatch groupies. But in her new book, This Is Not a Book about Benedict Cumberbatch: On Finding Your Thing & Loving It Like Your Life Depends on It, she argues there's nothing wrong with her fixation. In fact, she says her passion for the man helped her find her sense of self and regain joy in her life.  

Do you find yourself forgetting things more and more? You're not alone. Information overload, stress, lack of exercise, and age contribute to memory loss. But your brain can fight back. Dr. Gary Small (no relation, we think) is an expert on memory and brain aging. His book The Memory Bible offers techniques and brain exercises that will improve your memory immediately. On the pod, we talk about what memory is exactly, why we forget things, and how writers can reach deep down into their memory reserves to retrieve forgotten moments for their personal essays and memoirs. For more information on Write About Now, visit writeaboutnowmedia.com.  Subscribe to the Small Talk Newsletter: https://jonathan856.substack.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast  

Boy Meets World star Maitland Ward talks about her provocative new memoir, Rated X, which chronicles her transformation from a successful Hollywood actress to an adult movie star. Ward talks candidly about the cruelty and sexism she encountered in mainstream entertainment and how porn saved her by allowing her to express her sexuality. Cast aside any preconceptions you might have about the shadowy adult industry. Ward shines a surprising new light on the skin trade.  Sign up for the Small Talk newsletter @ https://jonathan856.substack.com

Whether you're thinking about writing a novel, in the process of writing a novel, or you just wonder what makes the novels you love so readable, you will really enjoy this episode. Guest Heather Davis is a book coach who works one-on-one with writers worldwide on their novels. Heather talks about how a book coach helps writers make their books binge-worthy. She also sheds light on the biggest mistakes new novelists make when pitching an agent.

What time is the best for drinking coffee? Are naps actually good for you? Do I need to drink 8 glasses of water a day? These are just some of the daily habits and routines I talk about with Dr. Stuart Farrimond on this week’s episode. Dr. Farrimond is a trained medical doctor, teacher, and author of Live Your Best Life (also called The Science of Living in the UK). In his book, Farrimond consults research and science experts to provide more than 200 ways of rethinking the habits that create our daily routines. On the pod, he addresses some of them, including important matters of our workspace, sleep schedule, and water intake. You’ll probably with a different daily routine after listening, and find yourself a better writer—and human—for it.

Ewandro Magalhães is the former chief interpreter for the United Nations. He has interpreted for world leaders, pop singers, and the Dalai Lama. On this episode, he shares a collection of stories from the field and talks about this book The Language Game, which offers insights on the power of communication. Ewandro recalls the chance encounter with a certain member of the royal family that brought him to this high-pressure profession, and the work involved in interpreting for high-profile dignitaries. He also talks about what interpreters do in tricky situations, and the underrated traits that help someone succeed in the field.

Caitlin Doughty has devoted her life to death. She is a mortician, funeral home owner, and writer of three bestselling books. Her work has spawned the death-positive movement, which believes that open conversations about death and dying are the cornerstone of a healthy society. In this playback of our conversation a few years ago, Caitlin talks about why she became so interested in death and her desire to reform how Western society thinks about it. She also talks about her Anthony Bourdain-like journeys across the world to witness how other cultures practice more life-affirming funerals, unburdened by fear and morbidity. To support Write About Now and get bonus material, become a Patreon @ https://www.patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast

When was the last time you tried to change someone’s mind? How did it go? In our hyper-polarized world, persuading someone to see issues differently can seem maddeningly impossible. But David McRaney believes he has discovered a way. He is author of a fascinating new book called How Minds Change: The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion, and Persuasion , in which he lays out a psychological and scientific approach to getting people to change their minds. David culls from cutting-edge research and techniques used by groups such as political canvassers to detail a step-by-step process of getting someone to change their opinion, no matter how dug in they may seem.