“Learn how acclaimed writers keep the ink flowing, the cursor moving, and avoid writer’s block.” Each week, host Kelton Reid chats with guests like Nobel Prize winner Abdulrazak Gurnah, on life after becoming a laureate; #1 New York Times bestselling author, Emily Henry on her past life as a YA mid-lister; Celebrated author, Walter Mosley, on his conflicted feelings after winning a National Book Award; NY Times bestselling author, Lisa Scottoline, on what she learned from literary lion Phili ...
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Kelton Reid Podcasts

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How NY Times Bestselling Author Hanif Abdurraqib Writes
33:48
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33:48New York Times bestselling author Hanif Abdurraqib spoke to me about taking a leap of faith, the tentpoles of his writing practice, and his recent NBCC award-winning THERE’S ALWAYS THIS YEAR: On Basketball and Ascension. Hanif Abdurraqib is a lauded New York Times bestselling author, recent Winner of the NBCC Award for criticism, and a finalist for…
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How NY Times Bestselling Author Laura Munson Writes
55:13
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55:13New York Times bestselling author Laura Munson spoke to me about her acclaimed writing retreats, building a bridge to readers, and bringing wonder back into our lives with her latest THE WILD WHY. Laura Munson is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the novel Willa’s Grove and the memoir This Is Not The Story You T…
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Tomi Adeyemi Writes: Redux
33:38
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33:38#1 New York Times bestselling author, Tomi Adeyemi, spoke to me about the film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, her evolution as a writer, and the final book in her Orisha trilogy, Children of Anguish and Anarchy. Tomi Adeyemi is the #1 New York Times bestselling, Hugo and Nebula award-winning novelist and screenwriter who was named one of…
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How Acclaimed Debut Novelist Emily Everett Writes
37:39
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37:39Acclaimed debut novelist Emily Everett spoke to me about finding a writing community, impostor syndrome, setting aside self-doubt, and her literary debut, ALL THAT LIFE CAN AFFORD. Emily Everett is a writer and the managing editor of The Common, a literary magazine based at Amherst College. Her debut novel All That Life Can Afford, is the Reese’s B…
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How Award-Winning Writer & Producer Arvind Ethan David Writes
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37:26Award-winning writer and producer Arvind Ethan David spoke to me about making sh*t up for a living, late bloomers, and adapting RAYMOND CHANDLER’S TROUBLE IS MY BUSINESS into a graphic novel. Arvind Ethan David is the Stoker Award-nominated graphic novelist who has also written chart-topping Audiodramas (The Crimes of Dorian Gray, Earworms), televi…
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How Founding Editor of the LA Review of Books Tom Lutz Writes: Part One - Redux
52:42
52:42
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52:42Award-winning author, founder, and editor-in-chief of the Los Angeles Review of Books, Tom Lutz, took a timeout to talk with me about his early years as a literary ne'er-do-well, what it's like to hang out with your heroes, and why you can assume every writer is faking it just a little bit. "Writing has never felt like a chore to me. It always feel…
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Susannah Cahalan Writes
38:15
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38:15#1 New York Times bestselling author, Susannah Cahalan, spoke to me about her writing process, witch candles, and stepping into the shoes of psychedelic pioneer Rosemary Woodruff Leary in her new biography THE ACID QUEEN. Susannah Cahalan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and public speaker. Her first book, Brain on Fire, has s…
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How NY Times Bestselling Author Emma Knight Writes
34:09
34:09
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34:09New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and entrepreneur Emma Knight spoke to me about finding the courage to write fiction, the Loch Ness Monster of motherhood, and her breakout debut novel The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus. Emma Knight is an author, journalist, Co-Founder and Head of Brand at Greenhouse, an award-winning organic beverag…
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Carley Fortune Writes - Redux
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35:42#1 New York Times bestselling author, Carley Fortune, spoke to me about her storied career as a journalist, writing a breakout hit in just four months, and her latest novel, MEET ME AT THE LAKE. Carley Fortune is an award-winning Canadian journalist and the #1 New York Times and #1 Globe and Mail bestselling author of Meet Me at the Lake and Every …
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How Acclaimed Debut Novelist Jeanette Horn Writes
34:46
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34:46Acclaimed debut novelist and award-winning poet Jeanette Horn spoke to me about writing experimental poetry, getting a fateful call from the Iowa Writer’s Workshop, and the magical realism in her debut novel PLAY, WITH KNIVES. Jeanette Horn is an Iowa Writers' Workshop MFA program graduate and was a Maytag Fellow. Her debut novel, Play, With Knives…
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How Award-Winning Journo & The Atlantic Writer Olga Khazan Writes
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34:44Award-winning journalist and The Atlantic staff writer Olga Khazan spoke to me about the worst way to launch a book, writing long-form watchdog journalism, and her latest ME, BUT BETTER, The Science and Promise of Personality Change. Olga Khazan is a staff writer for The Atlantic – covering science, health, and psychology for more than a decade – a…
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Bonus: Matt Haig Reads an Excerpt from 'The Midnight Library' on Storybound - Redux
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31:39
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31:39Matt Haig reads an excerpt from The Midnight Library, backed by an original Storybound remix with Robert Wynia, and sound design and arrangement by Jude Brewer. Robert Wynia is a founding member of the Portland band Floater. Known for their progressive concept albums, Floater is famous for incorporating stylized storytelling. Wynia also releases mu…
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How NY Times Bestselling Author Matt Haig Writes - Redux
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41:05Internationally bestselling author, Matt Haig, spoke with me about how the novelist became an accidental "mental health expert," why writers need resilience, and the process behind The Midnight Library. "The only reader you're ever going to truly know ... is yourself." – Matt Haig Matt is the author of 20 books, including the #1 bestselling memoir …
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How Bestselling Author & Literary Agent Betsy Lerner Writes
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38:22Bestselling author and literary agent Betsy Lerner spoke with me about being a “late bloomer,” what 35 years in publishing has taught her, and portraying mental illness in her debut novel SHRED SISTERS. Betsy Lerner is the author of the popular advice book to writers, The Forest for the Trees, and the memoirs Food and Loathing and The Bridge Ladies…
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Ernest Cline Writes: Part Two - Redux
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32:30#1 New York Times bestselling novelist and screenwriter, Ernest Cline, spoke to me about what inspired him to become a novelist, the success of Ready Player One, and his love letter to Austin, Texas, the mostly true tall tale BRIDGE TO BAT CITY. Ernest Cline is the bestselling author of Ready Player One, Ready Player Two, and Armada, and co-screenw…
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Ernest Cline Writes: Part One - Redux
30:02
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30:02#1 New York Times bestselling novelist and screenwriter, Ernest Cline, spoke to me about what inspired him to become a novelist, the success of Ready Player One, and his love letter to Austin, Texas, the mostly true tall tale BRIDGE TO BAT CITY. Ernest Cline is the bestselling author of Ready Player One, Ready Player Two, and Armada, and co-screenw…
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Marissa Meyer Writes
34:44
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34:44#1 New York Times bestselling author Marissa Meyer spoke with me about cutting her teeth on fanfiction, working briefly in publishing, and THE HAPPY WRITER, a guide to writing with less stress and more JOY. Marissa Meyer is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, Heartless, The Renegades Trilogy, and Instant Karma, as well…
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How Psychology and Neuroscience Prof. Kurt Gray Writes
34:20
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34:20Psychology and Neuroscience Professor Kurt Gray spoke with me about the timely release, and inspiration behind his latest book OUTRAGED: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground. Kurt Gray is a Professor in Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he directs the Deepest Beli…
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How #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Robert Crais Writes: Part Two
33:53
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33:53Award-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author, Robert Crais, returns to talk with me about the destruction of the recent LA fires, writing “enlightened” crime fiction, and the 20th in his Elvis Cole and Joe Pike series THE BIG EMPTY. Robert Crais is the author of 24 novels, 20 featuring private investigator Elvis Cole and his laconic ex-co…
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How #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Robert Crais Writes: Part One - Redux
31:26
31:26
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31:26NOTE: Preface to Part Two of this prescient interview with a master of the craft: “[Crais is] an enlightened crime writer.”—New York Times Book Review Award-winning and #1 NY Times bestselling author, Robert Crais, spoke to me about breathing life into the ur detective novel, the legacy of Raymond Chandler, his love of LA, and his latest, "Racing t…
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How NY Times Bestselling Author L.M. Elliott Writes
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39:38New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist L.M. Elliott spoke with me about the heyday of magazine writing and new journalism, why research tells her what to write, and her latest novel TRUTH, LIES, AND THE QUESTIONS IN BETWEEN. L.M. Elliott (who also writes as Laura Elliot) was an award-winning magazine journalist for 20 years …
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How Award-Winning TV Writer & Novelist Georgia Jeffries Writes
49:48
49:48
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49:48Award-winning TV writer/producer turned novelist Georgia Jeffries spoke with me about why Cagney and Lacey was her film school, teaching screenwriting at USC, and the ghosts, grief, and grievance in her debut novel THE YOUNGER GIRL. Georgia Jeffries is the Emmy-nominated TV writer/producer who became the first individual female screenwriter to earn…
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How NY Times Bestselling Author Ann Napolitano Writes: Redux
46:41
46:41
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46:41NOTE: Repost of our second most popular episode of the year, Happy Holidays! New York Times bestselling author, Ann Napolitano, spoke with me about overcoming rejection early on, how grief transformed her writing process, and getting that fateful call from Oprah about Hello Beautiful. Ann Napolitano is the New York Times bestselling author of Hello…
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How to Finish the First Draft of Anything with Jeff Goins: Redux
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43:35NOTE: Repost of our most popular episode of the year by far, enjoy! Bestselling author, podcaster, blogger, speaker, and my friend Jeff Goins, brought me along on a creative journey not too long ago called Hey, Creator! and it was some of the most fun I’ve had as a podcast producer. Here’s an episode from the last season we did together titled “How…
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How NY Times Bestselling Author Penn Cole Writes
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42:47
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42:47New York Times bestselling author Penn Cole spoke with me about her past life as an attorney, living in Paris, how she became a breakout hybrid author, and book #2 in the Kindred’s Curse saga: GLOW OF THE EVERFLAME. Penn Cole is an internationally bestselling author whose debut series, The Kindred’s Curse Saga, became a BookTok and Bookstagram sens…
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How PEN/Bellwether Award-Winner Fabienne Josaphat Writes
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35:28PEN/Bellwether winner Fabienne Josaphat spoke with me about being born into storytelling, writing socially engaged fiction, and the revolution and injustice at the center of her new novel KINGDOM OF NO TOMORROW. Fabienne Josaphat was born and raised in Haiti, and graduated with an MFA in Creative Writing from Florida International University. Her s…
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14 Timeless Storytelling Principles with Author Douglas Vigliotti: Part One
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53:44
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53:44Polymath and author of ARISTOTLE FOR NOVELISTS Douglas Vigliotti spoke with me about the outsized influence of Poetics on storytelling, why a well-told story is so cathartic, and the three big questions every writer must answer. Douglas Vigliotti is the author of four non-fiction and fiction books, including Tom Collins: A ‘Slightly Crooked’ Novel.…
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How NY Times Bestselling Author Christina Lynch Writes
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38:53New York Times bestselling author Christina Lynch spoke with me about working with Harvard pal Conan O’Brien, gang writing for TV, her nom de plume, and her new novel, PONY CONFIDENTIAL, featuring a grumpy pony. Christina Lynch is the author of Sally Brady's Italian Adventure, The Italian Party, and – under the pen name Magnus Flyte – co-author of …
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How Award-Winning & Bestselling Author A.M. Homes Writes: Redux
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34:31Note: I revisited a chat with the soothsayer A.M. Homes from 2022. Bestselling, award-winning author A.M. Homes, spoke to me about getting sued by J.D. Salinger, the irony of winning the Women's Prize for Fiction, and her latest "The Unfolding." A.M. Homes is a TV producer, art critic, and the author of 13 books, including the bestselling memoir Th…
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How 'It's Always Sunny' Creator and Star Rob McElhenney Writes: Redux
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39:29Note: I revisited a chat with multi-hyphenate Rob McElhenney from 2020. The writer, producer, and actor best known for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Rob McElhenney, took a timeout during the apocalypse to rap with me about how he runs his writer's room, his humble beginnings and admiration for the great TV comedies, and his advice for aspiring…
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It’s a Matter of Taste: Part Two with Jeff Goins
1:00:13
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1:00:13Bestselling author, podcaster, blogger, speaker, and my friend Jeff Goins, recently brought me along on a creative journey called Hey, Creator! We’re back with another episode from the second season titled “It’s a Matter of Taste.” This is part two of a two-part conversation. Jeff Goins helps creative people succeed. Through his bestselling books, …
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It’s a Matter of Taste: Part One with Jeff Goins
1:01:16
1:01:16
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1:01:16Bestselling author, podcaster, blogger, speaker, and my friend Jeff Goins, recently brought me along on a creative journey called Hey, Creator! We’re back with another episode from the second season titled “It’s a Matter of Taste.” This is part one of a two-part conversation. Jeff Goins helps creative people succeed. Through his bestselling books, …
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How Bestselling Crime Novelist Walter Mosley Writes: Redux
33:19
33:19
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33:19Note: I revisited a chat with the amazing Walter Mosley from 2021. Celebrated author, Walter Mosley, took a timeout to chat with me about how he didn't write a sentence he liked until age 35, the sprawling muse of Los Angeles, and his conflicted feelings after winning a big National Book Award. “Write your truth, and believe in it. And if your moth…
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Bestselling author, podcaster, blogger, speaker, and my friend Jeff Goins, recently brought me along on a creative journey called Hey, Creator! We’re back with another episode from the second season we did together titled “Creative Idiots.” Jeff Goins helps creative people succeed. Through his bestselling books, courses, coaching, and speeches, he …
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Anne Lamott Writes
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37:03*We’re excited to be partnering with Writers Rising as one of this year’s sponsors, and as a special gift to our listeners, we were able to get you a 10% discount on your in-person or virtual retreat ticket. Visit WritersRising.com today and enter code writerfiles10 to get that discount. Buy your ticket now before they sell out! We’ll see you there…
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How NY Times Bestselling Author Ashley Audrain Writes: Redux
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31:22Note: A revisiting of an amazing chat I had with Ashley Audrain. Also ... We’re excited to be partnering with Writers Rising as one of this year’s sponsors, and as a special gift to our listeners, we were able to get you a 10% discount on your in-person or virtual retreat ticket. Visit WritersRising.com today and enter code writerfiles10 to get tha…
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How Critically Acclaimed Debut Author Bryan VanDyke Writes
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40:42Critically acclaimed debut author Bryan VanDyke, spoke with me about the writer’s life in NYC, pushing the boundaries of literature and speculative fiction, and his latest novel about AI tech, IN OUR LIKENESS. Bryan VanDyke is a former staff writer for The Millions, and he graduated from writing programs at Columbia University and Northwestern. As …
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Mark Oshiro Writes
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43:01#1 New York Times bestselling author, Mark Oshiro, spoke with me about what journalism taught them about book editing, capturing a transitional age with young adult and middle-grade fiction, and their latest novel JASMINE IS HAUNTED. Mark Oshiro is the #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of young adult books including Anger Is a …
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Emily Henry Writes: Part Two - Redux
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36:19Note: A revisiting of an amazing chat I had with the humble Emily Henry. #1 New York Times bestselling author, Emily Henry, returns to chat with me about depressing first drafts, what it's like to be a genre-bending, commercial fiction superstar, and her “glittering” new novel HAPPY PLACE. Emily Henry is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of …
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Dennis Lehane Writes: Redux
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35:53NOTE: This is an updated replay of my amazing chat with #1 New York Times bestselling author and screenwriter-producer Dennis Lehane. His latest novel, Small Mercies, was an instant NY Times Bestseller named an Amazon Editors' pick for Best Books 2023. Stephen King said of the book “Small Mercies is thought-provoking, engaging, enraging, and can’t-…
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Jennifer Lynn Barnes Writes: Part Two
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42:06
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42:06#1 New York Times bestselling author, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, returned to chat about why bestsellers stick around for years, why fiction is perfectly geared for the human mind, and her latest YA thriller, THE GRANDEST GAME. Jennifer Lynn Barnes is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 25 acclaimed young adult novels, including The Inh…
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How Award-Winning Author Alex Temblador Writes
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37:30Award-winning author and journalist, Alex Temblador, spoke with me about seeing publishing through rose-colored glasses, teaching writers to create inclusive narratives, and her essential guide WRITING AN IDENTITY NOT YOUR OWN. Alex Temblador is an award-winning travel, arts, and culture journalist, award-winning author of novels Half Outlaw, and S…
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How to Plan, Write & Publish Nonfiction with Hungry Authors Hosts Ariel Curry & Liz Morrow: Part Two
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32:56Writers, publishing experts, and Hungry Authors podcast hosts, Ariel Curry and Liz Morrow, returned to chat about playing the long game, meeting readers where they’re at, and the origins of their much-anticipated publishing guide. Ariel Curry is a writer and Senior Editor of nonfiction at Sourcebooks with over 10 years of experience in traditional …
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How Bestselling Author Natalie Goldberg Writes
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35:19Bestselling author and teacher, Natalie Goldberg, spoke to me about igniting a revolution with Writing Down the Bones, meeting creative block in a cemetery, and her latest, WRITING ON EMPTY: A Guide to Finding Your Voice. Natalie Goldberg is a poet, teacher, author, painter, and 24-year student of Zen Buddhism who teaches writing workshops based on…
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Lev Grossman Writes
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35:24#1 New York Times bestselling author, Lev Grossman, spoke to me about his tenure at Time magazine, how The Magicians poked holes in Narnia and Potter, and reimagining a legend with THE BRIGHT SWORD: A Novel of King Arthur. Lev Grossman is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Magicians trilogy—The Magicians, The Magician King, and The Mag…
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How Lauded Debut Author Isabel Banta Writes
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38:45Lauded debut author, Isabel Banta, spoke to me about working at Books Are Magic with Emma Straub, her love of Britney Spears, and capturing Y2K era pop superstardom in her debut novel HONEY. Isabel Banta is a writer, book publicist, and indie bookseller at Books Are Magic in Brooklyn. Her debut novel is HONEY, named a 'GMA' Buzz Pick and described …
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Jodi Picoult Writes
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36:53#1 New York Times bestselling author, Jodi Picoult, spoke with me about writing for Wonder Woman, adapting books for musical theater, and the question of Shakespeare's true authorship in her upcoming novel BY ANY OTHER NAME. Jodi Picoult is the bestselling author of 30 novels, including landmark titles such as Mad Honey – her most recent 1 million-…
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How Critically Acclaimed Author Tracy O'Neill Writes
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36:45Critically acclaimed author, Tracy O'Neill, spoke with me about reality hunger vs. the hyper-realness of the pandemic, writing a love letter to friendship, and searching for her birth mother in her noir-adjacent memoir WOMAN OF INTEREST. Tracy O'Neill is a National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35 honoree, and the author of The Hopeful, one of Electric…
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Bestselling author, podcaster, blogger, speaker, and my friend Jeff Goins, recently brought me along on a creative journey called Hey, Creator! and it was some of the most fun I’ve had as a podcast producer. I also learned a lot from Jeff over the course of the show. We’re back with another episode from the second season we did together titled “Liv…
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How Bestselling Author Fred Waitzkin Writes
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38:03Bestselling author, Fred Waitzkin, spoke with me about journalism, Searching for Bobby Fischer, the thin veil between fiction and non-fiction, and the Zen of his latest novel ANYTHING IS GOOD. Fred Waitzkin is the journalist and internationally acclaimed bestselling author of Searching for Bobby Fischer, made into the Academy Award-nominated film o…
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