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
Jan 21, 2026 • 48min
Brian Gallagher
Author Brian Gallagher (BASEBALL FIGURES) talks about the multiple aspects of a cross-country journey, the value of details, being open with yourself for a memoir, and the importance of planning (to a certain extent).
Jan 14, 2026 • 45min
Annie Dike
Author Annie Dike (CLOVIS) talks about writing in different voices, how setting is a character, creating “real scenes”, and the Book-Cookie Dough Analogyhttp://anniedikeauthor.com
Jan 7, 2026 • 41min
Barbara Caver
Author Barbara Caver (A LITTLE PIECE OF CUBA) talks utilizing multiple sources in writing a memoir, asking “what’s pulling at you?” when telling your story, and playing catch with your muse.http://www.barbaracaverauthor.com
Dec 31, 2025 • 4min
Last Show for 2025
A quick look back at the show in 2025, and plans for 2026
Dec 24, 2025 • 32min
Paul Zeidman
In this special “the tables are turned” episode, host Paul Zeidman discusses his background and experience as a screenwriter, his thrill-omedy short SHECKY (and its crowdfunding), and (naturally) pie.https://www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/softsign_7ada6745-43d8-43a8-a6a2-590b3e627bb7/shecky-post-production
Dec 17, 2025 • 57min
Kim Hornsby & Bob Saenz
Writers Kim Hornsby and Bob Saenz talk writing Christmas movies, including being unique but not TOO unique, knowing how to write to the brand, the current state of the industry, and the importance of not giving up.
Dec 10, 2025 • 51min
Antonio Michael Downing
Author Antonio Michael Downing (BLACK CHEROKEE) talks writing to discover, observing life as raw material, letting the story draw what’s on the page, and the importance of Miss Donna’s 3 rules of gardening
Dec 3, 2025 • 32min
Nick Teeguarden
Author Nick Teeguarden (THE COPPER SCROLL) discusses Indiana Jones, writing “clean entertainment”, letting your characters dictate the action, and real life influences on story and characters.http://nickteeguarden.com
Nov 26, 2025 • 39min
Amy Suto
Writer Amy Suto (WRITE FOR MONEY & POWER) discusses how the creative act of writing is precious, moving beyond traditional approaches, making a direct connection to readers, and being in it for the long haul.
Nov 19, 2025 • 46min
David Silverman
Screenwriter/therapist David Silverman (HOW TO BE A ROCKSTAR SCREENWRITER) talks about how the long view is crucial, using the Pomodoro Technique, and the story behind his show THE WILD THORNBERRYShttp://hollywoodscriptwriting.comhttp://davidsilvermanlmft.com
