Nebula Award nominated author Yaroslav Barsukov ( Sleeping Worlds Have No Memory ) on defying genre expectations, the punishment of originality, writing “between the notes,” and always leaving the “to” field empty until you’re done with the email.
She's sold shows to Fox (Everyday Insanity) and [redacted streamer] (redacted name of show), and now, writer Laura Bensick is entering the foray of the publishing industry as she shops her first novel. A wide-ranging chat from TV to writing books to the glory of Austin, TX.
A career consultant for film and TV writers, Lee Jessup discusses the perils and pitfalls in this new Golden Era of Hollywood (really stretching on that “Golden” moniker…it’s an era at least!).
In another rare solo-hosted episode, author A.M. Adair sheds some light on hybrid publishing, her Elle Anderson book series, where grey hair might come from, and absolutely nothing about her top secret affairs as a Warrant Officer (though we asked, so you can’t blame us for trying).
A chat with author KT Nguyen, whose debut novel You Know What You Did released in 2024. Lots of things covered here, but the big, bold takeaway quote: “Write to discover, write to escape.” (brb, gonna trademark that)
Michelle Daniel, solo and sans co-host (you’re welcome or we’re sorry), chats with veteran video game designer Andrew Augustin, a former Forbes “30 Under 30” pick and, if we do say, a fantastic conversationalist.
What options are there when you hit dead ends with a TV pilot? “Produce it yourself and send the VHS tape to a network!” … yes, let us know how that goes. Meanwhile, writer Alex Blumberg will continue to transform his, the period drama “Back Fires,” into a killer podcast series.
The multi-talented Madison Hatfield—actress (er, actor (?), we discuss that …), writer, filmmaker, champion of the ATL indie film scene, luminous person—talks shop on most things short film related, as well as her upcoming project from Walden Media, an adaptation of Robbie Couch’s bestselling novel “The Sky Blues.”
The marvelous storytelling oddity of writer/director Michael Felker, whose debut feature “Things Will be Different“ debuted in 2024 @ SXSW.
Co-creator of DC’s comic series “Primer,” writer of many animated TV shows, man with a difficult last name to pronounce just right, perfect beard … Tom Krajewski has it all.
Author of the espionage thriller “Landslide,” his debut novel, Adam Sikes talks shop on writing inspiration, current politics, and some rad stories only briefly interrupted by our co-host.
Why Bouchercon—for the crime/mystery (and thriller) writer crowd—is one of the best conferences of the year, from the humble perspective of HTAWW co-host Matt Joseph Misetich (sadly, Michelle couldn’t attend Bouchercon, even though she’s the one who actually, y’know, writes in this genre…).
Self-publishing vs. trad publishing and more—including some brief notes on sushi in mountainous states—with author Puja Guha ( Sirens of Memory ; The Ahriman Legacy series).
Is every story a thriller? Is self-censorship still censorship? Is discourse dead? Will any of these questions be answered in a frank and compelling discussion with author/screenwriter Lee Matthew Goldberg?
A “quietly intense” chat about TV storytelling + a bts glimpse into being staffed on a series, with writer Sean Collins-Smith (Chicago PD). BONUS CONTENT, YOU’RE WELCOME: a brief exploration of Peggy from Mad Men.
Battling disinformation is difficult—unless you have an illustrated guide with neat pictures. Author Samuel C. Spitale talks about his unprecedented book “How to Win the War on Truth: An Illustrated Guide to How Mistruths Are Sold, Why They Stick, and How to Reclaim Reality.”
Warning: this is another episode drawing lines between sports and the arts. But it’s fascinating. Promise. Winner of Script Pipeline’s First Look Project with his time-loop thriller “Court 17,” Elad Ziv talks about getting repped, making the Black List, and finding his path to screenwriting.
Did you know writing 3,000 words a day is harder than it seems? November is National Novel Writing Month (aka NaNoWriMo), which is a rad if you have the time and the motivation and a story idea. This episode features a bonus opening musical number for FREE, so you’re welcome.
The Coffee Table Book has evolved. We have proof. Author of ‘Men to Avoid in Art and Life’ and ‘Friends to Keep in Art and Life,’ writer and generally humorous Twitterer Nicole Tersigni reveals the origins of her already-popular and soon-to-be-iconic-one-day-if-we-had-to-bet book series.
What a snoozefest topic … but wait! It isn’t! Not really anyway! A short but in-depth chat about the current state and future of conferences in the arts. With a metaverse twist and special mystery guest, self-proclaimed “conference junkie” J***** B*******.
There are many parallels between artists and athletes, and--lucky you--we touch upon some of them here for a small but fervent dose of inspiration. Guest: documentary filmmaker and co-founder of the new sports empowerment company GameChange, Jack Baric.
A two-hander with comments on the state of streaming and movies, actors playing roles they "shouldn't" be playing, and biblical levels of nepotism.
The second part of Episode 1, where we fall deep in the weeds on the culture of comedy ... Guests: stand-up comics / writers / newly minted playwrights Bret Raybould and Cristian Duran, writers of "Race: The Movie: The Play."
How to be funny in an unfunny world, featuring a special apology to Kellogg’s. Guests: stand-up comics / writers / newly minted playwrights Bret Raybould and Cristian Duran, writers of "Race: The Movie: The Play." Swear to God, that’s the title.
