Lifewriting: Write for Your Life!
Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due | Realm
Authors and screenwriters Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due (and guests!) on writing, the writer's life, Hollywood, the work/family balance and relationships - the tools writers need to make themselves the heroes/heroines of their own story. - LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL at https://www.speakpipe.com/LifewritingPodcast (We might play your message!) - Join our MAILING LIST at www.lifewritingweekly.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 8, 2023 • 59min
One Year Anniversary! And Making Your Short Film (Guest Luchina Fisher)
In this episode, Steve and Tananarive celebrate the podcast's one-year anniversary (and Tananarive's birthday!) with Tananarive's bestie, director Luchina Fisher. They talk about how they charted their dreams from their 20s, when they started out as newspaper reporters, and the path to writing, producing and directing - especially short films. (Luchina's newest short, Team Dream, was produced by Queen Latifah.) And advice on how even a novice can make their own short film! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 1, 2023 • 55min
On Fighting for Your Dreams in 2023
In this episode, Steve and Tananarive offer tools for crushing it in 2023, with advice on written goals, deadlines, the validity of small steps, and the importance of a physical practice for the energy to make your dreams come true. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 25, 2022 • 1h 6min
On KINDRED'S Journey to the Screen! Guest: Executive Producer Courtney Lee-Mitchell
In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to producer Courtney Lee-Mitchell, who bought the rights to Octavia E. Butler's Kindred years ago and has helped shepherd it to television. Courtney talks about the process of getting Kindred made, from securing the rights to pitching to the road to production. Also: How showrunner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins decided to change some of the events in the novel. A must-listen for anyone interested in how a television show makes it to the air. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 18, 2022 • 1h 10min
Best of Lifewriting - Octavia E. Butler On Writing (Excerpts from our 2000 interview!)
In this episode, Steve and Tananarive play excerpts from an interview they conducted at the home of the the late Octavia E. Butler in 2000. Butler was a longtime friend of Steve's, and the interview excerpts showcase the wisdom of the MacArthur Genius Grant recipient and multiple award winner, bringing her words to life. Butler shared her secrets for facing down her difficulties as a writer - and lays out a path to success that other writers can follow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 11, 2022 • 48min
Behind the Scenes at the KINDRED Premiere (and a clip of Octavia E. Butler!)
In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about their experience attending the premiere for Octavia Butler's KINDRED: behind the scenes at the event, the emotions, and a spoiler-free discussion of the series pilot. Also: a clip from their interview with Octavia Butler and her view on Hollywood. Kindred debuts on Hulu 12/13. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 4, 2022 • 56min
On Fighting Fear!
In this episode, Steve and Tananarive share their past personal and professional fears and how they have overcome them, particularly in relationships -- and in Hollywood. Tananarive explains the relationship between her fears and her path as a horror writer. Also: a listener voicemail! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 27, 2022 • 55min
Patton Oswalt Returns! (I Love My Dad)
In this episode, Steve and Tananarive welcome back their first return guest - comedian and actor Patton Oswalt! He discusses his new movie, I LOVE MY DAD, working on his act on the road, horror and comedy, "cancel culture" and representation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 20, 2022 • 49min
Best of Lifewriting: The Soulmate Process!
In this episode, Steve and Tananarive discuss the joys of being soulmates - both as writing collaborators and as husband and wife. They explain that they believe everyone has more than one potential soulmate, and being soulmates is a process, not a destination. They also share tactics they use to keep the peace and thrive. Their Soulmate Process course is at www.soulmateprocess.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 13, 2022 • 59min
On Anticipating Octavia Butler's KINDRED on TV - Guest Monica A. Coleman
In this episode, Tananarive and Steve reunite with Tananarive's Octavia Tried to Tell Us webinar series co-host, Dr. Monica A. Coleman, to discuss the upcoming F/X adaptation of Butler's most popular novel, KINDRED (airing 12/13 on Hulu). They break down the Kindred trailer and discuss the potential triumphs and challenges of bringing a story about time travel to the slavery era to the screen. Check out the Octavia Tried to Tell Us webinar series at www.octaviatried.comJoin our Lifewriting Premium program at www.lifewritingpremium.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 6, 2022 • 55min
On Keeping it Short! (The Joy and Power of Short Stories and Short Scripts)
In this episode, Steve and Tananarive break down why writers of all levels should embrace short stories and short scripts, whether it's to learn craft faster or to get published or produced sooner. They also discuss their first collaboration, a short story named "Danger Word" that also became their first short film: www.dangerwordfilm.com. Sign up for Lifewriting Premium at www.lifewritingpremium.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
