The Creative Writing Life
Paul Zeidman
From screenplays to TV, novels to video games, everybody has their own path to establishing a creative writing life. Join host Paul Zeidman as he interviews writers from all mediums and genres to find out about them, their work, and what advice and guidance they have for ambitious and aspiring writers.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 12, 2025 • 50min
Lee Schneider
Author Lee Schneider (LIBERATION) discusses narrative flow, the trust factor between authors & readers, the joy of writing an over-the-top villain, and the importance of not breaking credibility.http://leeschneiderbooks.com
Nov 6, 2025 • 48min
Patrick Blennerhassett
Author Patrick Blennerhassett (THE DEATH OF BIRTH) talks about creating a “new” protagonist, how your creative muscle makes decisions for you, and falling in love with the writing processhttp://patrickblennerhassett.com
Oct 29, 2025 • 43min
Eric Rickstad
Author Eric Rickstad (THE REMOTE series) talks about having a routine (and knowing when to take a break), using expert feedback to keep things realistic, giving the reader a reason to not put your work down, and Hitchcock filmswww.ericrickstad.com
Oct 22, 2025 • 45min
Cadwell Turnbull
Author Cadwell Turnbull (A RUIN, GREAT AND FREE) talks about communal engagement of media, knowing your ending, revising until everything is set, and the appeal of K-dramashttp://cadwellturnbull.com
Oct 15, 2025 • 29min
David R. Stokes
Author David R. Stokes (THE HOPE NOT PLOT) discusses using a true event as the spine of your story, following timelines, “hunting details”, and the importance of doing your reading and research.http://davidrstokes.com
Oct 8, 2025 • 38min
Lois Buchter
Lois Buchter (DRAWING MAGIC TV) talks about how creativity is good for the brain, listening to your inner voice (and ignoring the negative one), and feeding the always-hungry creative beast.http://drawingmagictv.com
Oct 1, 2025 • 36min
Renee Zukin
Author Renee Zukin (EVERY DAY, I’M BRAVE) talks about transforming our relationship with fear, working those “brave” muscles, the healing ability of writing/creativity, and a shoutout to coloring books for grown-ups
Aug 29, 2025 • 58min
Dennis Welch
Singer-songwriter/publicist Dennis Welch talks about the importance of sticktoitiveness, being prepared so you can seize opportunities, and the value of finding & building your community
Aug 13, 2025 • 35min
Matthew Faye Terry
I CAME TO YOU IN WEAKNESS author Matthew Faye Terry discusses writing in free verse, how both sides adapt to cultural differences, and the value of spiritual guidancehttps://mattfterry.com/https://www.instagram.com/matthewfterry/https://www.facebook.com/matthewfterryhttps://gofund.me/a0245286
Jul 30, 2025 • 36min
Brownell Landrum
THE HERO’S PLAYBOOK author Brownell Landrum talks about exercises for writers and non-writers, the relatability of characters, and the importance of stakes for your protagonist and antagonisthttps://brownelllandrum.com/https://x.com/BrownellLandrumhttps://www.instagram.com/brownelllandrum/https://www.facebook.com/Brownelllandrumhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brownelllandrum/
