The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

New York magazine’s “Ask Polly” advice columnist, Heather Havrilesky, stopped by the show to chat about her process and the many hats she has worn over her 20 year career as a critic, cartoonist, columnist, and essayist. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! The author s new book — How to Be a Person in the World: Ask Polly’s Guide Through the Paradoxes of Modern Life (available July, 2016) — is a collection inspired by her popular advice column. Bestselling author and comedian Patton Oswalt said about the author, “…that rare writer who can dish out tangy snark but never fails to aim the knife back at her own damaged, hilarious heart …” and called the book, “Required reading.” In addition to her Best Seller List column for Bookforum, Heather is the author of the memoir Disaster Preparedness, and was Salon.com’s TV critic for seven years. Her writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, Slate, The Awl, NPR’s All Things Considered, and several anthologies. Join us for this two-part interview, and if you’re a fan of the show, please click the “subscribe” button to automatically see new interviews with your favorite authors, and help other writers find us. In Part One of the file Heather Havrilesky and I discuss: Why You Should Never Give Up Your Dreams of Being a Writer How to Embrace the Scribe’s Daily Descent into Madness Why You Need to Find Your Most Productive Hours How a Daily Writing Exercise Helps You Hit Deadlines How to Turn off Your Inner Critic and Get in Shape at the Same Time Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes How Advice Columnist and Author Heather Havrilesky Writes: Part Two How to Be a Person in the World: Ask Polly’s Guide Through the Paradoxes of Modern Life (Available July 12, 2016), by Heather Havrilesky Heather’s ‘Ask Polly’ Column and Essays for New York Magazine How to Write (The Awl) Heather’s Blog Heather Havrilesky on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wildly prolific, bestselling novelist — Dean Wesley Smith — has been a full-time writer since the ’80s, and he made a visit to the show to talk about how he has written (and ghostwritten) hundreds of titles over the years. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! In edition to being the CFO of a traditional publisher, he is a non-fiction author, educator, and multi-genre writer whose short fiction has appeared in over 20 anthologies. Dean shared with me the habits and habitats of a hyper-prolific fictionist who has written dozens of Star Trek novels, film novelizations, and a handful of licensed properties for favorites including Smallville, Spider-Man, X-Men, Aliens, and Men in Black. Join us for this two-part interview. If you missed the first half you can find it here. In Part Two of the file Dean Wesley Smith and I discuss: The ‘Midnight Disease’ of a Highly Prolific Author How to Find the Intersection of Creativity and Entertainment Why Writers Must Never Stop Learning The Courage Required to ‘Dare to Be Bad’ Why Great Writers Aren’t Always the Best Dinner Guests Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes DeanWesleySmith.com Non-Fiction Titles by Dean Wesley Smith (including Heinlein s Rules and Writing into the Dark) The Works of John D. MacDonald Dean Wesley Smith on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wildly prolific, bestselling novelist — Dean Wesley Smith — has been a full-time writer since the ’80s, and he made a visit to the show to talk about how he has written (and ghostwritten) hundreds of titles over the years. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! In edition to being the CFO of a traditional publisher, he is a non-fiction author, educator, and multi-genre writer whose short fiction has appeared in over 20 anthologies. Dean shared with me the habits and habitats of a hyper-prolific fictionist who has also written dozens of Star Trek novels, film novelizations, and a handful of licensed properties for favorites including Smallville, Spider-Man, X-Men, Aliens, and Men in Black. Join us for this two-part interview. In Part One of the file Dean Wesley Smith and I discuss: How ‘Heinlein’s Rules’ Can Change Your Writing Process Why Writers Have to Be Readers First How a Dedicated Writing Computer Can Boost Your Productivity The Origins of Writer’s Block Why You Should Always Write Yourself into a Corner Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes How Bestselling Hybrid Author Dean Wesley Smith Writes: Part Two DeanWesleySmith.com Non-Fiction Titles by Dean Wesley Smith (including Heinlein s Rules and Writing into the Dark) Freewrite: Your Distraction-Free Writing Tool How to Beat Writer’s Block by Maria Konnikova for The New Yorker Dean Wesley Smith on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gonzo essayist and creative non-fiction author — Kent Russell — dropped by to chat about his hybrid reportage on the margins of society, and the process of a big city, freelance journalist. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Mr. Russell’s critically lauded first collection — I Am Sorry to Think I Have Raised a Timid Son — was recently re-released in paperback, and Vanity Fair called it, “A ludicrously smart, tragicomic man-on-the-edge memoir in essays.” The acclaimed writer has been compared to David Foster Wallace by the New York Times Book Review, and his writing has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Tin House, The New Republic, Harper’s, GQ, n+1, The Believer, and Grantland. Join us for this two-part interview. If you missed the first half you can find it here. In Part Two of the file Kent Russell and I discuss: Why Procrastination is Just as Important as Writing How to Break Away from Genre Constraints Why a Generous Point of View Can Make You a Better Writer The Joys and Tactile Sensations of Mechanical Keyboards How to Tell the One Story that Only You Can Tell Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes I Am Sorry to Think I Have Raised a Timid Son – by Kent Russell Letter of Recommendation: Hangovers – Kent Russell for the NYTimes Magazine ‘Timid Son’ Celebrates Mambas And Manly Men – NPR Interview with Kent Russell Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gonzo essayist and creative non-fiction author — Kent Russell — dropped by to chat about his hybrid reportage on the margins of society, and the process of a big city, freelance journalist. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Mr. Russell’s critically lauded first collection — I Am Sorry to Think I Have Raised a Timid Son — was recently re-released in paperback, and Vanity Fair called it, “A ludicrously smart, tragicomic man-on-the-edge memoir in essays.” The acclaimed writer has been compared to David Foster Wallace by The New York Times Book Review, and his writing has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Tin House, The New Republic, Harper’s, GQ, n+1, The Believer, and Grantland. Join us for this two-part interview. In Part One of the file Kent Russell and I discuss: The Promiscuity of Freelance Writers Why You Should Overwrite Your First Drafts How to Research Your Stories Like RoboCop Why All Writing Is (Still) Rewriting A Writer’s Reliance on Cloud Word Processing Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes How Long-Form Journalist Kent Russell Writes: Part Two I Am Sorry to Think I Have Raised a Timid Son – by Kent Russell Letter of Recommendation: Hangovers – Kent Russell for the NYTimes Magazine ‘Timid Son’ Celebrates Mambas And Manly Men – NPR Interview with Kent Russell Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and entrepreneur-hacker — Jonny Nastor — dropped in this week to talk about the transition from podcast to bestselling book, and how he helps digital entrepreneurs and creatives find shortcuts to success. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Mr. Nastor is the author of the bestseller Hack the Entrepreneur: How to Stop Procrastinating, Build a Business, and Do Work That Matters, a book that combines the wisdom of over 200 interviews with successful entrepreneurs from Jonny’s hit podcast of the same name. Jon’s own remarkable journey has taken him from punk rock musician, to internet entrepreneur, podcaster, educator, author, and a guy who somehow still finds time to be a husband, father, and world traveler in-between. Join us for this two-part interview. If you missed the first half you can find it here. In Part Two of the file Jon Nastor and I discuss: How to Come to Terms with Procrastination Jonny’s Unique Definition of Creativity for Writers and Entrepreneurs The Effectiveness of Simple Sentences Why You Should Quit When You’re Done, Not When You’re Tired Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes HacktheEntrepreneur.com Hack the Entrepreneur: How to Stop Procrastinating, Build a Business, and Do Work That Matters – by Jon Nastor Jon Nastor Articles for Copyblogger Jon Nastor Articles for Entrepreneur Jon Nastor Articles for Foundr Jonny Nastor on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and entrepreneur-hacker — Jonny Nastor — dropped in this week to talk about the transition from podcast to bestselling book, and how he helps digital entrepreneurs and creatives find shortcuts to success. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Mr. Nastor is the author of the bestseller Hack the Entrepreneur: How to Stop Procrastinating, Build a Business, and Do Work That Matters, a book that combines the wisdom of over 200 interviews with successful entrepreneurs from Jonny’s hit podcast of the same name. Jon’s own remarkable journey has taken him from punk rock musician, to internet entrepreneur, podcaster, educator, author, and a guy who somehow still finds time to be a husband, father, and world traveler in-between. Join us for this two-part interview. In Part One of the file Jon Nastor and I discuss: Why Most Writers Suck at Grammar The Importance of the DIY Mindset for Authors How to Get into Flow State and Write for 18 Hours Straight The Value of Outlining Your Projects Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes How Punk Rock Entrepreneur Jonny Nastor Writes: Part Two HacktheEntrepreneur.com Hack the Entrepreneur: How to Stop Procrastinating, Build a Business, and Do Work That Matters – by Jon Nastor Jon Nastor Articles for Copyblogger Jon Nastor Articles for Entrepreneur Jon Nastor Articles for Foundr Jonny Nastor on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Acclaimed horror author — Jonathan Janz — stopped by this week to talk about his passions, his workmanlike process as a writer, and the skeletons in his closet. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Award-winning horror and zombie maestro Brian Keene called Janz, “One of the best writers in modern horror to come along in the last decade.” In addition to being a multi-genre author, Jonathan leads a double life as a full-time high school educator and family man. He is the author of nine novels and recently signed an 11-book deal to offer limited-run, collector’s editions of his books. Jonathan’s tenth novel — Children of the Dark — lands March 15th, 2016, and it has been likened by critics to Stephen King’s work. Join us for this two-part interview. If you missed the first half you can find it here. In Part Two of the file Jonathan Janz and I discuss: The Faustian Curse of All Talented Writers Why Empathy is Crucial to Finding Creative Success How Your Success as a Writer Depends on Your Work Ethic Why Reading Is Just as Important as Writing The Secret to Overcoming Your Terror of the Blank Page Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes JonathanJanz.com Jonathan Janz on Amazon Jonathan on Facebook Jonathan on Goodreads Jonathan on Instagram Jonathan on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Acclaimed horror author — Jonathan Janz — stopped by this week to talk about his passions, his workmanlike process as a writer, and the skeletons in his closet. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Award-winning horror and zombie maestro Brian Keene called Janz, “One of the best writers in modern horror to come along in the last decade.” In addition to being a multi-genre author, Jonathan leads a double life as a full-time high school educator and family man. He is the author of nine novels and recently signed an 11-book deal to offer limited-run, collector’s editions of his books. Jonathan’s tenth novel — Children of the Dark — lands March 15th, 2016, and it has been likened by critics to Stephen King’s work. Join us for this two-part interview. In Part One of the file Jonathan Janz and I discuss: Why Rejection Should Only Strengthen Your Determination The Value of Humility for Writers How to Write 1000 Words an Hour without Distraction Why Nothing Is Lost on Writers The Secret of True Creative Expression Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes How Acclaimed Horror Author Jonathan Janz Writes: Part Two JonathanJanz.com Jonathan Janz on Amazon Jonathan on Facebook Jonathan on Goodreads Jonathan on Instagram Jonathan on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

National bestselling poet — Tyler Knott Gregson — visited the podcast to discuss his writing process and his journey to finding success. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! The New York Times called Mr. Gregson “the literary equivalent of a unicorn: a best-selling celebrity poet.” His latest collection recently “… hit No. 3 on Nielsen s top 10 best-selling poetry titles, ahead of Dante, Homer, Seamus Heaney and Khalil Gibran.” The author is also a professional photographer and multimedia artist who started his writing career as a humble freelance copywriter. His love of words, vintage typewriters, and photography have combined to inspire a new digital art form. Tyler boasts over 500,000 social media followers that have translated into two bestselling volumes of poetry with a third on the way. In this file, Tyler Knott Gregson and I discuss: Literary Unicorns and Celebrity Poets How a Hobby Turned into a Bestselling Book The Impostor Syndrome that Comes with Finding Success as a Writer Upcycled Art and the Hybrid Digital-Analog Revolution How a Daily Writing Practice Really Adds Up Why Nature is the Greatest Creative Muse in History Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes Web Poets Society: New Breed Succeeds in Taking Verse Viral (NY Times) Poetry by Tyler Knott Gregson on Amazon Tyler Knott Gregson on Instagram TylerKnott.com Tyler on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prolific, international bestselling authorpreneur, Mark Dawson, dropped by to talk about self-publishing versus traditional publishing, and the productivity hacks that have helped him publish over 23 books. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Mr. Dawson’s multiple thriller series, and self-publishing savvy, have helped him to build a vast, hungry audience of readers and unparalleled levels of success. In addition to international bestsellers, and stellar ratings from fans, Mark has become an indie author advocate and online marketing authority for writers. Join us for this two-part interview. If you missed the first half, you can find it here. In Part Two of the file, Mark Dawson and I discuss: How an 80s TV Show Can Inspire Your Writing Why Great Writers Have to Understand Story First How to Write Page-Turning Fiction Why You Should Leave Out the Parts that Readers Skip Best Practices for New Writers Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes MarkJDawson.com Amazon Pays $450,000 A Year To This Self-Published Writer BookFunnel SelfPublishingFormula.com The Business Behind Writing and Selling with Mark Dawson – Authorpreneur Podcast Interview Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prolific, international bestselling authorpreneur, Mark Dawson, dropped by to talk about self-publishing versus traditional publishing, and the productivity hacks that have helped him publish over 23 books. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Mr. Dawson’s multiple thriller series, and self-publishing savvy, have helped him to build a vast, hungry audience of readers and unparalleled levels of success. In addition to international bestsellers, and stellar ratings from fans, Mark has become an indie author advocate and online marketing authority for writers. Join us for this two-part interview. In Part One of the file Mark Dawson and I discuss: The Challenges and Rewards of the Writer’s Life Why If Your Process Isn’t Broken … You Don’t Need to Fix It How to Write (and Publish) One Million Words in One Year What a Bestselling Author Does to Unwind Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes How Bestselling Thriller Author Mark Dawson Writes: Part Two MarkJDawson.com Amazon Pays $450,000 A Year To This Self-Published Writer BookFunnel SelfPublishingFormula.com The Business Behind Writing and Selling with Mark Dawson – Authorpreneur Podcast Interview Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York Times bestselling author and New Yorker columnist, Maria Konnikova, took a beat from her hectic schedule to talk with me about her new book and the writer’s process. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Her latest book — The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It . . . Every Time — examines the psychology of the con, and The New York Times Book Review wrote, “Konnikova … is an insightful analyst of the dark art of the scam.” As Forbes describes the book, “One of the best science writers of our time examines the minds, motives, and methods of con artists — and the people who fall for their cons.” In addition to her past work as a TV producer for Charlie Rose, Ms. Konnikova has contributed countless articles and essays for The Atlantic, The New York Times, Slate, The Paris Review, The Wall Street Journal, WIRED, and Scientific American, among many others. In this file Maria Konnikova and I discuss: How to Avoid Writer’s Block Why a Standing Desk Isn’t for Everyone How to Simplify Your Research & Writing Process Why Writing Is Hard … Just Like Any Other Job The Author’s Definition of Creativity Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes MariaKonnikova.com The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It . . . Every Time Maria Konnikova New Yorker Contributor Page The Joy of Psyching Myself Out by M. Konnikova Freedom App The Paris Review Interviews Maria Konnikova on Facebook Maria Konnikova on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Award-winning journalist and author, Adam Skolnick, returned to the podcast and we got down to brass tacks about his writer’s journey, his new book, and the globetrotting life of a travel writer. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Adam’s first narrative nonfiction book — One Breath: Freediving, Death, and the Quest to Shatter Human Limits — was recently published by Crown Archetype, and it’s based on his award-winning New York Times sports coverage of the death of the greatest American free diver of all time. One Breath has been compared to other classics of extreme sports journalism — like Jon Krakauer s Into Thin Air — and early reviews have been very positive. In addition to his most recent work, Adam is the author and co author of 25 Lonely Planet guidebooks, and has written for publications as varied as ESPN.com, Men’s Health, Outside, BBC, Playboy Magazine, and The NY Times. Join us for this two-part interview. If you missed the first half you can find it here. In Part Two of the file Adam Skolnick and I discuss: How to Infuse Your Life with More Creativity What Kindness, Collaboration, and Community Bring to Your Writing How an Author’s Favorite Quote Reflects Their Psyche The Most Eccentric Writers’ Dinner Ever Why There’s No Room for Self-Doubt on First Drafts Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes AdamSkolnick.com OneBreathbook.com One Breath Book Trailer When ‘One Breath’ Tests Life: Author Explores Extreme Freediving – NPR Interview Adam Skolnick Adam Skolnick on Instagram Adam Skolnick on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Award-winning journalist and author, Adam Skolnick, returned to the podcast to get down to brass tacks about his writer’s journey, his new book, and the globetrotting life of a travel writer. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Adam’s first narrative nonfiction book — One Breath: Freediving, Death, and the Quest to Shatter Human Limits — was recently published by Crown Archetype, and it’s based on his award-winning New York Times sports coverage of the death of the greatest American freediver of all time. One Breath has been compared to other classics of extreme sports journalism — like Jon Krakauer s Into Thin Air — and early reviews have been very positive. In addition to his most recent work, Adam is the author and co author of 25 Lonely Planet guidebooks, and has written for publications as varied as ESPN.com, Men’s Health, Outside, BBC, Playboy Magazine, and The NY Times. Join us for this two-part interview. In Part One of the file Adam Skolnick and I discuss: What It’s Like to do Environmental Work with Jack Johnson How to Become an Award-Winning Journalist … without Taking a Writing Class Why You Should Tell the Stories that Come to You Simple Hacks to Help You Beat Writer’s Block How Daily Word Counts Can Keep Your Writing on Track Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes AdamSkolnick.com OneBreathbook.com One Breath Book Trailer Jack Johnson Is Sailing In Search Of Plastic Smog When ‘One Breath’ Tests Life: Author Explores Extreme Freediving – NPR Interview Adam Skolnick Adam Skolnick on Instagram Adam Skolnick on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

International bestselling author and critically acclaimed screenwriter of Room — Emma Donoghue — talked with me about her writing process and adapting her best known work into an award-winning movie. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! In addition to writing for the screen, stage, and radio over her prolific career, the multi-genre author has had her popular fiction translated into over 40 languages. Her 2010 novel Room was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and won a New York Times Book of the Year award, among others. The film adaptation of the book has been nominated for four Oscars — including Best Adapted Screenplay — for Ms. Donoghue’s stunning first full-length script. Room (2015) boasts 54 international award wins and 102 nominations (as of this writing), including nods from The Golden Globes, Critics Choice Movie Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, AFI Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, and the Toronto International Film Festival. Join us for this two-part interview. If you missed the first half you can find it here: How Emma Donoghue (Bestselling Author of Room ) Writes: Part One In Part Two of the file Emma Donoghue and I discuss: Why Setting Constraints Can Help Your Writing How Writing for Yourself Is the Key to Success Why a Great Screenwriter Can’t Recall any Movie Quotes How Planning Is the Rope that Guides Your Writing through the Wilderness Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes EmmaDonoghue.com Weekend Read App Workflowy App Room Movie on IMDb The Business Podcast: Lenny Abrahamson & Emma Donoghue Bring ‘Room’ to the Screen Emma Donoghue on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

International bestselling author and critically acclaimed screenwriter of Room — Emma Donoghue — talked with me about her writing process and adapting her best known work into an award-winning movie. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! In addition to writing for the screen, stage, and radio over her prolific career, the multi-genre author has had her popular fiction translated into over 40 languages. Her 2010 novel Room was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and won a New York Times Book of the Year award, among others. The film adaptation of the book has been nominated for four Oscars — including Best Adapted Screenplay — for Ms. Donoghue’s stunning first full-length script. Room (2015) boasts 54 international award wins and 102 nominations (as of this writing), including nods from The Golden Globes, Critics Choice Movie Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, AFI Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, and the Toronto International Film Festival. Join us for this two-part interview. In Part One of the file Emma Donoghue and I discuss: How Getting Fired Can Boost Your Writing Career Why You Don’t Need a Magic Pen to Get It Done How Writing Is Like Sex Why Research and Preparation Informs Great Writing Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes How Emma Donoghue (Bestselling Author of Room ) Writes: Part Two EmmaDonoghue.com Weekend Read App Workflowy App Room Movie on IMDb Emma Donoghue on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The bestselling author of The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do — Jeff Goins — stopped by for a marathon return to The Writer Files to cap off 2015. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! His popular blog — Goinswriter.com — offers free tips on writing and creativity to help writers build an audience, get attention, and learn what it takes to turn pro. In addition to being an entrepreneur, speaker, consultant, and author of four books, Jeff hosts The Portfolio Life podcast where he shares ideas to help listeners pursue work that matters and discover their true voice. Join us for this two-part interview. If you missed the first half you can find it here: How Bestselling Author Jeff Goins Writes: Part One. REMINDER: The Writer Files will be taking the last week of the year off but will return with new guests in January. Season Three writer interviews include: Emma Donoghue (bestselling author and Golden Globe nominated screenwriter of Room), Adam Skolnick (award-winning journalist and author of One Breath), NYTimes bestselling author and New Yorker columnist Maria Konnikova, horror writer Jonathan Janz, bestselling thriller author Mark Dawson, and celebrity poet Tyler Knott Gregson, to name a few. In Part Two of the file Jeff Goins and I discuss: Why Your Best Ideas Are Worthless Until You Act on Them The Spirituality of Writing Why You Can’t Wait for the Muse to Inspire You How Hemingway Got Famous from Stealing Great Writing Advice for the New Year Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes Goinswriter.com Jeff Goins on Medium The Art of Work Book The Portfolio Life Podcast with Jeff Goins Exit Through the Gift Shop — Documentary Jeff Goins on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The bestselling author of The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do — Jeff Goins — stopped by for a marathon return to The Writer Files to cap off 2015. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! His popular blog — Goinswriter.com — offers free tips on writing and creativity to help writers build an audience, get attention, and learn what it takes to turn pro. In addition to being an entrepreneur, speaker, consultant, and author of four books, Jeff hosts The Portfolio Life podcast where he shares ideas to help listeners pursue work that matters and discover their true voice. Join us for this two-part interview. In Part One of the file Jeff Goins and I discuss: How to Think Like a Professional Writer Why You Need to Be Intentional about Your Next Project The Myths of Very Productive Writers Jeff’s Systematic ‘Workout’ for Effortless Writing Why You Need to Pare Down Your To-Do List Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes How Bestselling Author Jeff Goins Writes: Part Two Goinswriter.com Jeff Goins on Medium The Art of Work Book The Portfolio Life Podcast with Jeff Goins Jeff Goins on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The most fascinating news on the internet always seems to find its way into Dave Pell’s carefully curated — and always entertaining — NextDraft email newsletter. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Mr. Pell has turned his addiction for getting the scoop into a vast and loyal following of A-list media heads. He calls NextDraft his “modern-day column,” and the infectious, one-man curation engine is hard to delete (although he believes his friends do it often). In addition to being a successful venture capitalist, Dave carves out time to do a weekly podcast with veteran journalist Phil Bronstein called What Hurts, a unique blend of “fascinating news and personal angst.” In this file Dave Pell and I discuss: The Downside of Technology How to Turn an Addiction to News into an Audience Video Game Music as a Productivity Hack Why You Should Always Delete Your First Paragraph The Real Difference Between Writing and Podcasting How Tony Soprano Raised Dave Pell’s Stock Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes NextDraft: The Day’s Most Fascinating News from Dave Pell ‘What Hurts’ Podcast By Phil Bronstein and Dave Pell Dave Pell on Medium Publishing Lessons from Dave Pell, the Most Fascinating Email Newsletter Writer in the Business Dave Pell on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prolific, multi-brand entrepreneur Joanna Penn has turned her passion for writing into a successful career as both an educator and bestselling indie author. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! As her dark, alter ego — J.F.Penn — she has notched chart-toppers on both The New York Times and USA Today bestsellers lists. As a nonfiction writer, professional speaker, podcaster, and entrepreneur, she’s been voted one of The Guardian UK’s Top 100 Creative Professionals. Her site — TheCreativePenn.com — offers both publishing and marketing resources and is regularly voted a Top 10 website for writers. Join us for this two-part interview. If you missed the first half you can find it here: How Bestselling Author Joanna Penn Writes: Part One In Part Two of the file Joanna Penn and I discuss: Why It’s Still Hard to Write a Book in the Future How Getting Lost Can Inspire Your Writing Why the ‘Destination’ (and Reward of Writing) is the Journey How Trusting Your Creative Curiosity Can Reap Rewards Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes The Creative Penn J.F. Penn Thriller Author The Creative Penn Podcast Books by Steven Pressfield Joanna Penn on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prolific, multi-brand entrepreneur Joanna Penn has turned her passion for writing into a successful career as both an educator and bestselling indie author. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! As her dark, alter ego — J.F.Penn — she has notched chart-toppers on both The New York Times and USA Today bestsellers lists. As a nonfiction writer, professional speaker, podcaster, and entrepreneur, she’s been voted one of The Guardian UK’s Top 100 Creative Professionals. Her site — TheCreativePenn.com — offers both publishing and marketing resources and is regularly voted a Top 10 website for writers. Join us for this two-part interview. In Part One of the file Joanna Penn and I discuss: How to Turn Your Passion into a Career The Cumulative Successes of Creating Every Day How Rewarding Your Inner Child Can Boost Productivity Why Input Equals Output for Writers How to Write Books While Competing in an Ultra-Marathon Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes How Bestselling Author Joanna Penn Writes : Part Two The Creative Penn J.F. Penn Thriller Author The Creative Penn Podcast Noisli.com Joanna Penn on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mr. Gottschall is the author or editor of seven books, including The Storytelling Animal — a New York Times Editor’s Choice Selection and a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize — and most recently he published a fascinating book titled The Professor in the Cage: Why Men Fight and Why We Like to Watch. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! As a Distinguished Fellow at the English Department of Washington & Jefferson College his work lands at the intersection of science and art and is frequently covered in outlets like The New York Times, Scientific American, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and NPR. For his latest book he personally climbed into the cage to research the world of mixed martial arts, violence, masculinity, and why society is attracted to violent spectacle. Join us for this two-part interview. If you missed the first half you can find it here: How Critically Acclaimed Literary Scholar Jonathan Gottschall Writes: Part One In Part Two of the file Jonathan Gottschall and I discuss: Why Creativity Is Not the Hard Part for Writers How Great Writing is Like Grasping for a Handful of Water How Our Memories Fool Us with Stories A Great Reminder that Writing is Work, Not Magic Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes JonathanGottschall.com Jonathan Gottschall’s Author Page on Amazon ‘When Writers Attack: On Boxing, Norman Mailer, and the art of Getting Hit’ by Jonathan Gottschall Jonathan Gottschall on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mr. Gottschall is the author or editor of seven books, including The Storytelling Animal — a New York Times Editor’s Choice Selection and a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize — and most recently he published a fascinating book titled The Professor in the Cage: Why Men Fight and Why We Like to Watch. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! As a Distinguished Fellow at the English Department of Washington & Jefferson College his work lands at the intersection of science and art and is frequently covered in outlets like The New York Times, Scientific American, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and NPR. For his latest book he personally climbed into the cage to research the world of mixed martial arts, violence, masculinity, and why society is attracted to violent spectacle. Join us for this two-part interview. In Part One of the file Jonathan Gottschall and I discuss: Why Writers Need to Chase What Scares Them How ‘Drugs’ Can Boost Your Productivity Why Writing 365 Days a Year May Not Be Ideal The Sad Reality of Writer’s Block Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes JonathanGottschall.com Jonathan Gottschall’s Author Page on Amazon Jonathan Gottschall on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter How Critically Acclaimed Literary Scholar Jonathan Gottschall Writes: Part Two Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Critically acclaimed screenwriter and director John August stopped by the show to chat with me about his writing process, the film business, and his hit podcast Scriptnotes. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Since his breakthrough film debut Go (1999), John has penned an impressive list of big budget Hollywood films from Charlie’s Angels (2000), to a handful of Tim Burton films including Big Fish (2003), and Frankenweenie (2013). The prolific author has also worked in TV, on Broadway, creates his own writing apps, and is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He currently produces the Scripnotes Podcast with co-host Craig Mazin where they discuss the ins-and-outs of the screenwriting business. Join us for this two-part interview. If you missed Part One you can find it here: How Hollywood Screenwriter and Director John August Writes: Part One In Part Two of the file John August and I discuss: Creativity and How Writers Perceive the Future One Great Tool Writers Can Use to Get Unstuck Why a Screenwriter’s ‘Road to Hell’ is Paved with Adverbs How to Read Oscar Nominated Screenplays on Your Phone Why You Need to Write the Stories You Like to Read Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes JohnAugust.com John August on IMDb.com Scripnotes Podcast The Writer Emergency Pack John’s Quote-Unquote Apps Including ‘Highland’ and ‘Weekend Read’ John August on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Critically acclaimed screenwriter and director John August stopped by the show to chat with me about his writing process, the film business, and his hit podcast Scriptnotes. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Since his breakthrough film debut Go (1999), John has penned an impressive list of big budget Hollywood films from Charlie’s Angels (2000), to a handful of Tim Burton films including Big Fish (2003), and Frankenweenie (2013). The prolific author has also worked in TV, on Broadway, creates his own writing apps, and is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He currently produces the invaluable Scriptnotes podcast with co-host Craig Mazin where they discuss the ins-and-outs of the screenwriting business. Join us for this two-part interview. In Part One of the file John August and I discuss: How a Journalism Major Became a Hollywood Director Why Screenwriting Is Truly a Team Sport What It’s Like to Rewrite a Film Like ‘Iron Man’ How Hand Writing First Drafts Helps Your Process Why Public Writing Sprints Can Boost Your Output Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes How Hollywood Screenwriter and Film Director John August Writes: Part Two JohnAugust.com John August on IMDb.com Scripnotes Podcast John August on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From incredibly successful transmedia serial writer to internationally published author, this week’s guest — Michelle Miller — has tapped into her former life in high finance to create a hit franchise in The Underwriting. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Billed as social satire, Ms. Miller’s original 12-part serial drew angel investors that helped her build it into a viral, multi-media maelstrom. Her marriage of the cutthroat worlds of investment banking and tech landed her a traditional publishing deal, and her debut novel is now being developed into a TV series. Join us for this two-part interview. If you missed the first half, you can find it here: How Michelle Miller (Writer and Producer of ‘The Underwriting’) Writes: Part One In Part Two of the file Michelle Miller and I discuss: The Slippery Definition of ‘Creativity’ How Curiosity and Authenticity Are Essential to Great Writing Why You Need to Be Cool … Like a Cucumber Shakespeare’s Renewed Social Relevance … on The Writer Files How Traveling Creates a Vulnerability that Can Open Your Mind Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes hashtagmm.com — Michelle Miller’s Website The Underwriting (Book) Michelle Miler on Instagram Michelle Miler on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From wildly successful transmedia serial writer to internationally published author, this week’s guest — Michelle Miller — has tapped into her former life in high finance to create a hit franchise in The Underwriting. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Billed as social satire, Ms. Miller’s original 12-part serial drew angel investors that helped her build it into a viral, multi-media maelstrom. Her marriage of the cutthroat worlds of both investment banking and tech landed her a traditional publishing deal, and her debut novel is now being developed into a TV series. Join us for this two-part interview. In Part One of the file Michelle Miller and I discuss: Why Transmedia is Redefining Author Marketing How Different Workouts Can Change Your Writing Mindset The Creative Space Between Sleeping and Waking Why You Don’t Procrastinate the Fun Stuff One Perfect Analogy for Writer’s Block Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes hashtagmm.com — Michelle Miller’s Website The Underwriting (Book) Michelle Miler on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and Fast Company Editor Joe Berkowitz stopped by the podcast this week. His latest, a humor book titled You Blew It!: An Awkward Look at the Many Ways in Which You’ve Already Ruined Your Life, lands this October. He took a break from his busy schedule to rap with me about how he survives the harried life of a big city journalist. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! In addition to his work for Fast Company, Joe’s writing has been featured in The Awl, Salon, The Village Voice, Vulture, RollingStone.com, GQ.com, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, and many others. For a writer who works with breakneck deadlines, and almost never gets a rest from the writing life, he has some pretty solid advice for keeping the cursor moving. Join us for this two-part interview. If you missed Part One you can find it here: How Joe Berkowitz (Journalist and Fast Company Editor) Writes: Part One In Part Two of the file Joe Berkowitz and I discuss: How Creativity Makes the ‘Familiar Strange and the Strange Familiar’ Why Your Audience Is Your Best Creative Motivation How Great Writers Hook You and Never Let Go The Reassuring Existence of Paper Book Collections Joe’s Reverence for David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest Why You Should Edit Until “… the Words Stop Moving on the Page” Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes Joe Berkowitz for Fast Company And Now for Something Completely Unnecessary … (Joe’s Tumblr) You Blew It!: An Awkward Look at the Many Ways in Which You’ve Already Ruined Your Life by Joe Berkowitz and Josh Gondelman Joe Berkowitz on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and Fast Company Editor Joe Berkowitz stopped by the podcast this week. His latest, a humor book titled You Blew It!: An Awkward Look at the Many Ways in Which You’ve Already Ruined Your Life, lands this October. He took a break from his busy schedule to rap with me about how he survives the harried life of a big city journalist. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! In addition to his work for Fast Company, Joe’s writing has been featured in The Awl, Salon, The Village Voice, Vulture, RollingStone.com, GQ.com, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, and many others. For a writer who works on breakneck deadlines, and almost never gets a break from the writing life, he has some pretty solid advice for keeping the cursor moving. Join us for this two-part interview. In Part One of the file Joe Berkowitz and I discuss: How a Bad Breakup Can Boost Your Productivity When to Throw Out the Rule “All Killer, No Filler” How to Build Your Writing Endurance Don Draper’s Advice for Beating Writer’s Block How Making Lists Can Help Your Head The Magical Power of 4 AM Dementia Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes Joe Berkowitz for Fast Company And Now for Something Completely Unnecessary … (Joe’s Tumblr) You Blew It!: An Awkward Look at the Many Ways in Which You’ve Already Ruined Your Life by Joe Berkowitz and Josh Gondelman “My Superpower Is Being Alone Forever” (links to all parts of the series at The Awl) Hemingwrite – A Distraction Free Smart Typewriter How Joe Berkowitz (Journalist and Fast Company Editor) Writes: Part Two Joe Berkowitz on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter The Transcript Coming soon … Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The New York Times bestselling author of The Martian dropped by to chat with me about his writing process and the upcoming movie adaptation of his hit book directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon (release date October 2nd, 2015). Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! The author’s journey to #1 on the NY Times Best Sellers list began as a humble series of blog posts that grew enough interest to demand self-publishing to Amazon. When The Martian‘s popularity sky-rocketed, traditional publisher Random House called, and the rest is history. From software engineer to sci-fi phenom, Andy is a down-to-earth writer and self-described “space nerd,” who still answers all of his fan mail. Join us for this two-part interview. If you missed Part One, you can find it here: How Andy Weir (Bestselling Author of ‘The Martian’) Writes: Part One In Part Two of The File, Andy Weir and I discuss: How Recurring Daydreams Can Turn into Great Stories The Mystery of Truly Immersive Writing Why Peter Pan’s Tinker Bell Should Be in Prison Shakespeare’s and Kepler’s 16th Century Bromance How Mr. Weir’s Book Started a Relationship with NASA 3 Tips and Tricks to Becoming an “Actual” Writer Why Hollywood Adds Special Effects Last Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes The Martian: A Novel andyweirauthor.com Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void by Mary Roach Andy Weir on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter The Transcript Coming soon … Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The New York Times bestselling author of The Martian dropped by to chat with me about his writing process and the upcoming movie adaptation of his hit book, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon (release date October 2nd, 2015). Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! The author’s journey to #1 on the NY Times Best Sellers list began as a humble series of blog posts that grew enough interest to demand self-publishing to Amazon. When The Martian’s popularity sky-rocketed, traditional publisher Random House called, and the rest is history. From software engineer to sci-fi phenom, Andy is a down-to-earth writer and self-described “space nerd,” who still answers all of his fan mail. Join us for this two-part interview. In Part One of the file Andy Weir and I discuss: How a Science Geek Became a Bestselling Author The Power of Setting Word Counts One Great Trick for Improving Your Dialogue Why Your Writer’s Block May Just Be Laziness How Your Enthusiasm Doesn’t Always Determine the Quality of Your Writing The Creative Power of a Walk and a Hot Shower Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes How Andy Weir (Bestselling Author of ‘The Martian’) Writes: Part Two The Martian: A Novel andyweirauthor.com Notes from Hugh Howey’s Editor “The surprising story of how Andy Weir’s self-published book ‘The Martian’ topped best seller lists and got a movie deal” Andy Weir on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered why storytelling is such an omnipresent theme of human life? Welcome to another guest segment of “The Writer s Brain” where I pick the brain of a neuroscientist about elements of great writing. Research scientist Michael Grybko — of the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington — returned to the podcast to help me define storytelling from a scientific standpoint. If you missed the first two installments of The Writer s Brain — on How Neuroscience Defines both Creativity and Empathy — you can find them in the show notes as well as on writerfiles.fm and iTunes. In this file Michael Grybko and I discuss: Why Storytelling is the Default Mode of Human Communication How Empathy Makes Storytelling Such an Effective Tool Why Hollywood Continually Taps into ‘The Hero’s Journey’ How Blueprints Help Writers Connect with Their Audience Why Reading Fiction Makes Us More Empathetic Writers’ Addiction to Stories (Especially the Dark Ones) Where Humanity Would Be Without Storytelling The Show Notes How Neuroscientist Michael Grybko Defines Creativity How Neuroscientist Michael Grybko Defines Empathy The Hero with a Thousand Faces (The Collected Works of Joseph Campbell) Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee “Reading literary fiction improves empathy, study finds” from The Guardian The Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human by Jonathan Gottschall Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prolific, bestselling, multi-genre author Hugh Howey took me on a walk through the writer’s process. Mr. Howey is the well-known author of Wool, and his self-published dystopian “Silo Series,” that has sold over two million copies worldwide. His books have been optioned for film and TV by well-known Hollywood director Ridley Scott and Heroes creator Tim Kring respectively. He has been a fierce advocate for self-publishing authors and even inked a rare print-only contract with major publishers to retain the electronic rights to his early works. Hugh is a tireless proponent for the pure craft of writing, and he has built an intensely loyal following. As he prepares to sail around the globe on his catamaran, Hugh took a time out from his busy schedule to talk with me on a short walk. In this file Hugh Howey and I discuss: The Importance of Starting Each Day the Right Way Why You Need to Learn to Hit Publish from Anywhere How to Alleviate Your Natural Self-Doubts Why Writing is Like Exercise How Writers Can Fine Tune Their Creativity Where the True Magic of Writing Springs From Why You Should Be a Tourist in Your Own Town The Show Notes Hugh Howey on Amazon The Five Tibetans HughHowey.com Hugh Howey on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Showrunner behind multiple top-ranking podcasts and Vice President of Marketing for the Rainmaker.FM podcast network, Jerod Morris, paid me a visit this week to talk about his beginnings as a writer, podcaster, and digital marketer. Mr. Morris started out online as a sports blogger and became the editor of a high-traffic blog that was tapped by Fox Sports. His blogging has led to quite a few opportunities for the writer, including: Co-founding a WordPress hosting company Leading the editorial team for Copyblogger.com Launching and co-hosting multiple top-ranked podcasts … and becoming the VP of Marketing for the Rainmaker.FM podcast network — to name only a few On the eve of the launch of his new Showrunner Podcasting Course, we had a chance to talk shop. In this file Jerod Morris and I discuss: How Sports Blogging Led to a Host of Opportunities A Simple Writing Hack for Email Marketers Why Writing Makes You a Better Podcaster How Scheduling Greatly Increases Your Productivity Why Writers Need to Embrace Their Imperfection How to Infuse Everything You Do with Creativity Some Very Wise Words from Teddy Roosevelt The Show Notes Jerod Morris on Copyblogger Primility The Showrunner Podcast The Lede Podcast The Showrunner Podcasting Course The Assembly Call — IU Basketball Postgame Show The Writer Runs This Show “The Credit Belongs to You” by Jerod Morris (Downloadable Teddy Roosevelt Quote & Poster) Jerod Morris on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Multiple New York Times bestselling author Daniel Pink stopped by The Writer Files to chat about his secrets for getting words onto the page. Mr. Pink is the author of five provocative titles on the subjects of business, work, and human behavior — including To Sell is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others — and has written for The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, The Sunday Telegraph, Fast Company, and Wired. In addition to having one of the most viewed TED talks of all time — “The puzzle of motivation” — Dan recently hosted and co-executive produced the TV series “Crowd Control” for the National Geographic Channel. In this file Daniel Pink and I discuss: Why You Should Never Check Email Before You Write The Effectiveness of Word Count Quotas Why the Adage “Butt-in-Chair” Really Works How to Structure Your Writing Schedule to Beat “Resistance” The Author’s Exhaustive Reading Recommendations His Fantasy Chipotle Table Guests And Why You Need to Get Over Yourself and Get to Work The Show Notes http://www.danpink.com/ Dan Pink’s TED talk: “The puzzle of motivation” Crowd Control on National Geographic Channel Daniel Pink on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New media pioneer and entrepreneur Darren Rowse — creator of both Digital Photography School and ProBlogger — joined me to chat about the opportunities that 13 years of blogging have provided, his new podcast, and the importance of having the right mindset as a writer. This sage blogging veteran and educator has blazed an inspiring path for enterprising online publishers. His step-by-step blog series — 31 Days to Build a Better Blog — went from zero to viable business in no time, and now it’s a podcast every content creator can listen to … for free. In this file Darren Rowse and I discuss: Why You Should Write Like You Talk How a Book Deal Was Born from a Blog Series How Writing Offline Can Boost Your Word Count The 3 Types of Writer’s Block All Bloggers Eventually Face How Public Accountability Can Light a Fire Under Your Ass Why You Need a Balance Between Dreaming and Doing How to Get the Maximum Impact From Your Writing The Show Notes ProBlogger.com Digital Photography School Darren Rowse Speaking at WDS Problogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income by Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett 31 Days to Build a Better Blog Problogger Podcast Problogger on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Award-winning designer and marketing consultant Pamela Wilson — who has helped small businesses and large organizations alike create ”big brands” since 1987 — stopped by to chat about what it’s like to run the blog at Copyblogger.com, and her mission to publish impeccable online content. As head of the editorial team for Copyblogger Media, she helps guide an abundance of educational content for one of the top online marketing, blogging, and copywriting sites in the world. Pamela’s unique point-of-view comes from the marriage of design, branding, content, and conversion — something she has coined “Customer Experience Design.” In this file Pamela Wilson and I discuss: How Coming Late to Writing Can Work in Your Favor Why Useful Content Creates Priceless Inroads for Writers The Difficulty of Designing a Remarkable Online Presence How Writing Has Become Her Yoga Practice Why You Should Commit to Writing 750 Words a Day The Hallmarks of Great Online Writing Why Picasso is an Inspiring Model for Writers to Follow The Show Notes Pamela’s Author Page on Copyblogger Big Brand System Blog The Bobby McFerrin Plan for Creating a Remarkable Business The Write Way to Answer Your Most Pressing Questions by Pamela Wilson 750words.com Accidental Genius: Using Writing to Generate Your Best Ideas, Insight, and Content by Mark Levy Pamela Wilson on Instagram Pamela Wilson on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bestselling author and prolific lit interviewer Brad Listi was named One of LA s most fascinating people of 2015 by the LA Weekly. He stopped by to chat with me about podcasting and the secrets of successful writers. On his “in depth and inappropriate” podcast, Otherppl with Brad Listi, he has interviewed over 350 leading contemporary authors — including George Saunders, Cheryl Strayed, Tao Lin, Jonathan Lethem, Austin Kleon, and Susan Orlean — and his takeaways for writers are often priceless and pointed. In addition to his street-cred as a bestselling novelist, Brad is a screenwriter, and the founder and publisher of The Nervous Breakdown, an online culture magazine and literary community. In this file Brad Listi and I discuss: Why Interviews with Beginners Can Be More Interesting Than Interviews with Superstars The Magic of Deadlines, Caffeine, and Word Counts Why First Drafts are Like Ironing a Shirt The Importance of Meditation for ‘Unplugging’ How Great Writers Capture a Moment That Others Can’t 3 Key Takeaways from over 350 Interviews with Writers The Show Notes The Otherppl Podcast hosted by Brad Listi The Otherppl App Books by Brad Listi The Nervous Breakdown — an online culture magazine and literary community Otherppl on Twitter Brad Listi on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York Times bestselling author Austin Kleon has been called one of the most interesting people on the Internet by The Atlantic Magazine, and he stopped by The Writer Files to chat with me about creativity and the writing life. Austin is the author of three illustrated books — Steal Like An Artist, Newspaper Blackout, and Show Your Work! — guides I recommend to all writers seeking insights for tapping into your endless reserves of creativity and innovation. In addition to being featured on NPR s Morning Edition, PBS Newshour, and The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Kleon speaks about creativity in the digital age for organizations as varied as Pixar, Google, SXSW, TEDx, and The Economist. In the second part of this two-part file, Austin Kleon and I discuss: Is “Imagination” Overrated? A Simpler Definition of Creativity Why You Should Write for Just One Person How Minimizing Distractions Can Help Your Creativity Why Your Audience Is Your Most Valuable Asset Is Being Boring the Key to Productivity? The Importance of Being Great at Both Art and Life Why You Need to Pick Your Partners Carefully The Show Notes Here s How Austin Kleon Writes AustinKleon.com Here s How Daniel Pink Writes Here s How Elizabeth Gilbert (Bestselling Author of Eat, Pray, Love) Writes Air Guitar: Essays on Art & Democracy by Dave Hickey Austin’s Interviews at BookCon 2015 Austin Kleon on Instagram Austin Kleon on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York Times bestselling author Austin Kleon has been called one of the most interesting people on the Internet by The Atlantic Magazine, and he stopped by The Writer Files to chat with me about creativity and the writing life. Austin is the author of three illustrated books — Steal Like An Artist, Newspaper Blackout, and Show Your Work! — guides I recommend to all writers seeking insights for tapping into your endless reserves of creativity and innovation. In addition to being featured on NPR s Morning Edition, PBS Newshour, and The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Kleon speaks about creativity in the digital age for organizations as varied as Pixar, Google, SXSW, TEDx, and The Economist. In the first part of this two-part file, Austin Kleon and I discuss: Why You Should Read More Than You Write How a Paper Dictionary Can Improve Your Writing The Difference Between Little Writing and Big Writing Why You Should Research Out in the Open How Your Daily Ritual Can Save You from Failure 3 Symptoms of Writer’s Block and How to Cure Them Why You Should Print Your Work and Read It Aloud How to Harness the Power of Productive Procrastination The Show Notes How Bestselling Author Austin Kleon Writes: Part Two Here s How Austin Kleon Writes AustinKleon.com Clive Thompson, The Pencil and the Keyboard: How The Way You Write Changes the Way You Think Elizabeth Gilbert: “Your elusive creative genius” Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey Austin Kleon on Instagram Austin Kleon on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered why great writing creates an emotional response in readers? Welcome to another guest segment where I pick the brain of a neuroscientist. Research scientist Michael Grybko — of the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington — returned to the show to help me define empathy from a scientific standpoint. Mr. Grybko sheds some light into the darker corners of our understanding of how to tap into the hopes, dreams, and fears of your readers. In this file Michael Grybko and I discuss: How Science is Changing Our Definition of Empathy Why Pathos is a Good Jumping Off Place for Writers What Actors and Doctors Have in Common with Writers Are Mirror Systems the Key to Human Empathy? How to Resist the Dark Side of Empathy The Difference Between Good Storytelling and Great Storytelling Why Writers Need to Crawl Inside the Heads of Their Audience How Marketers Tap into Well-Worn Paths in Our Brains The Key to Empathizing with Your Readers Why Great Marketing Starts with the Desire to Help People The Show Notes Mirror Neurons Empathy Maps: A Complete Guide to Crawling Inside Your Customer s Head Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, award-winning, globe-trotting travel journalist Adam Skolnick returns as guest host for another edition of Writer Porn, where we discuss pertinent, writerly paraphernalia that has crossed our collective radar. Adam is the author and co author of 25 Lonely Planet guidebooks. He has also written for publications as varied as the New York Times, ESPN, Men’s Health, Outside, and Playboy. He recently finished his first narrative non-fiction book — based on his award-winning New York Times coverage of the death of the greatest American free diver of all time — titled One Breath (slated for publication in January). In this 41-minute file Adam Skolnick and I discuss: What is Writer Porn? How to Counteract the Negative Effects of Sitting All Day Why You Think Better on Your Feet Is Binge Reading Online Making Us Dumber? How Taking Notes by Hand Might Boost Comprehension Why Relaxing Your Process Can Help Your Productivity Learn How to Write a Bestseller with James Patterson Is the MasterClass Startup onto Something Huge? Adam Skolnick s Patterson MasterClass Experiment How to Listen to Moby Dick for Free The Show Notes “Inside the Perilous, Marvelous World of Competitive Free Diving,” Adam Skolnick for Playboy Is Sitting a Lethal Activity? Everything Science Knows Right Now About Standing Desks Yoga Hacks: How to Undo the Damage of a Desk Job 5 Things You re Doing Wrong At Your Standing Desk You Won t Finish This Article Binge Reading Disorder James Patterson s MasterClass in Writing The Moby-Dick Big Read on iTunes AdamSkolnick.com Adam Skolnick on Instagram Adam Skolnick on Twitter Writer Porn on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writing can be a lonely sport, whether you re running a digital agency, or slaving away on the next great novel. In this week's episode, we'll examine the writing process of James Chartrand, a prolific online publisher, copywriter, and digital entrepreneur. It s hard to settle on a specific title for my guest because James wears so many different hats — founder of the popular blog, web design, and copywriting agency Men with Pens — as well as an author, educator, and writing coach. James s many accomplishments have been chronicled in such high profile publications as Forbes, Newsweek, and The New York Times, and we got the chance to sit down and talk shop. In this 26-minute file James Chartrand and I discuss: How Wearing Many Hats Can Boost Your Productivity Why Simplicity Helps You Stay Focused The Cathartic Feeling of Crumpling Up Post-It Notes The Hardest Question in the World Why Good Ideas are Like Fishing The Difference Between Making Friends and Making Money Why Every Writer Should Have a Therapist The Show Notes Men with Pens Damn Fine Words Demian Farnworth s Interview With James Why James Chartrand Wears Women s Underpants James Chartrand on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Journalist and creative non-fiction author Sarah Stodola shared her writer s file with me in this episode. Her recent book Process: The Writing Lives of Great Authors is a fascinating collection of the habits and habitats of heralded scribes. Ms. Stodola is also an accomplished journalist and editor whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Mental Floss, The Daily Beast, The Fiscal Times, Conde Nast Traveler, The Nation, The Wall Street Journal, Storyboard, Slate, and many others. Take a listen to learn about the process of an author who is a curator of true writer porn, a window into the processes of the greats. In this 21-minute file Sarah Stodola and I discuss: How to Write About Great Writers The Weird Trick Coffee Shops Play on Productivity Sarah s New Definition of Writer s Block A Surefire Way to Find Freedom from The Internet Can a Season Be a Muse to Writers? Where Does True Writing Genius Really Come From? Why Writing is Rewriting The Three Rules for Writing a Novel Why You Shouldn t Worry About Your First Drafts The Show Notes Process: The Writing Lives of Great Authors by Sarah Stodola How the Hum of a Coffee Shop Can Boost Creativity Freedom – Block Digital Distractions Sarah Stodola on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coral-coiffed marketer and prolific online publisher Sonia Simone stopped by the show this week to share her writing secrets with us. Ms. Simone is co-founder and Chief Content Officer of Copyblogger Media as well as an educator, speaker, and the devious mastermind behind the podcast Confessions of a Pink-Haired Marketer. Sonia appeared in the written series over on Copyblogger.com and stopped by again to drop some writerly wisdom on us. You can also see Sonia Simone live at Authority Rainmaker, a carefully designed live educational experience that presents a complete and effective online marketing strategy to help you immediately accelerate your business. In addition to Ms. Simone you ll have the opportunity to see Dan Pink, Sally Hogshead, Ann Handley, punk legend Henry Rollins, and many other incredible speakers live. Get all the details at rainmaker.fm/event, and we look forward to seeing you in Denver, Colorado, May 13th, 2015. In this 18-minute file Sonia Simone and I discuss: Why You Should Read Outside Your Echo Chamber Sonia s Secret of Reading the Tea Leaves Writer s Block Vs. Deadlines Productivity for Flakes, Head Cases, and Other Natural Disasters The Fetishization of Creativity Sonia Admits Her Most Unwholesome Writer s Addiction Why the More You Care, the More You ll Write The Show Notes Here s How Sonia Simone Writes Copyblogger.com The Authority Community Are You a Talented Professional Writer? Read This Copyblogger Media Certified Content Marketers Confessions of a Pink-Haired Marketer Productivity for Flakes, Head Cases, and Other Natural Disasters Authority Intensive, May 13-15 in Denver, Colorado Sonia on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I ve invited digital marketing pioneer Ann Handley to chat with me about her writing process. She s a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, brilliant keynote speaker, the world s first Chief Content Officer, and a prolific digital content creator. Ann Handley appeared on the written interview series last year and stopped by again to share her methods of madness with us. You can also see Ann live at Authority Rainmaker, a carefully designed live educational experience that presents a complete and effective online marketing strategy to help you immediately accelerate your business. Ms. Handley will be speaking about creating content that makes a difference for your business objectives by showing you how to create content that is empathetic, useful, and inspired. In addition to Ann, you ll have the opportunity to see Dan Pink, Sally Hogshead, punk legend Henry Rollins, and many other incredible speakers live. Get all the details at rainmaker.fm/event, and we look forward to seeing you in Denver, Colorado May 13th, 2015. In this 28-minute file Ann Handley and I discuss: Everybody Writes: An ‘Elements of Style’ for the Digital Age The Art of Productive Procrastination Why Your Writer’s Block May Be a Research Problem How Hard Deadlines Help Writers Ship Why You Have to Find a Way to Shape Your Ideas for Sharing The Secret to What Makes a Good Writer Great Why Your Audience Is Key to Effective Writing Proof that Paper Books are Pure Writer Porn The Value of Patience The Show Notes Everybody Writes by Ann Handley Content Rules: How to Create Killer Blogs, Podcasts, Videos, Ebooks, Webinars (and More) That Engage Customers and Ignite Your Business Ann Handley on Entrepreneur.com Trello E.B. White Seth Godin on The Writer Files AnnHandley.com Authority Intensive, May 13-15 in Denver, Colorado Ann Handley on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered how prolific writers summon vast stores of creativity without seemingly breaking a sweat? I would like to introduce you to a guest segment where I enlist the help of a neuroscientist to give us a tour of The Writer s Brain. I've invited research scientist Michael Grybko — of the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington — to help me define creativity from a scientific standpoint. He will help us to pinpoint where exactly in the brain creative ideas come from, decide if you can teach an old writer new tricks, and test the theory that writer s brains are similar to professional athletes. In this 22-minute file Michael Grybko and I discuss: How Science is Expanding Our Definition of Creativity Why Memory Plays Such a Big Part in Writing Don’t Take Your Typing Skills for Granted Where Creative Ideas Come From Can You Teach an Old Writer New Tricks? Why Staying Curious Is So Important to Creativity Are Prolific Writers Like Pro Athletes? Why “Write What You Know” Is Good Advice The Show Notes This Is Your Brain on Writing Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes word nerds just need a place to talk shop, and that s what we intend to do here. In this episode of the The Writer Files I ve asked award-winning journalist Adam Skolnick to join me on a guest segment we’re calling Writer Porn. Adam is an award-winning, globetrotting travel journalist, which is kind of a rare thing these days. He is the author and co author of 25 Lonely Planet guidebooks, and has written for publications as varied as the New York Times (for whom he won a big award from the Associated Press Sports Editors last year), ESPN.com, Wired, Men’s Health, Outside, BBC, and Playboy Magazine. He recently finished his first narrative non-fiction book based on his award-winning NY Times coverage of the death of the greatest American free diver of all time, titled One Breath (slated for publication in January). Adam and I talk about how a page one New York Times story became a book, the secret literary legacy of Playboy Magazine, debunking Jack Kerouac’s prolificness, and tips and tricks to staying focused when you re working on multiple projects across multiple timezones. In this 29-minute file Adam Skolnick and I discuss: How a Tragic New York Times Story Became a Book What a Globetrotting Journalist Does to Get a Story The Secret Literary Legacy of Playboy Magazine What Mr. Skolnick Has in Common with Hunter S. Thompson One Great Trick to Stay Focused on Multiple Deadlines Busting The Urban Legend of Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road” Why You Shouldn’t Compare Yourself to Other Writers How to Stay Organized When You Have a Ton of Research The Show Notes AdamSkolnick.com A Deep-Water Diver From Brooklyn Dies After Trying for a Record Top 10 Writers Published in Playboy ‘I Only Read It For The Interviews’ The Fact and Fiction of ‘On the Road’ Process: The Writing Lives of Great Authors by Sarah Stodola Voice Recorder HD for Audio Recording, Playback, Trimming and Sharing Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Kaherine Boo Zeitoun by Dave Eggers Kelton Reid on Twitter Adam Skolnick on Twitter Writer Porn on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Writer Files, a tour of the habits, habitats, and brains of renowned writers — from online content creators, to fictionists, journalists, entrepreneurs, and beyond. Great writing is more vital and in demand than it’s ever been. But sometimes writers get stuck — the right words don t appear, we get distracted, or worse, lose interest in our work — and that s when the solitary nature of writing can become a curse. I m here to remind you that all writers have moments of doubt, feelings of ineffectiveness, and droughts where the words won t flow. For writers like you and I to stay productive, creative, and sane, sometimes we just need to take a look at how other scribes find ways keep the ink flowing and the cursor moving. In this episode, I want share the file of prolific online publisher, Demian Farnworth. Between the writing he does for Copyblogger, his personal blog, and his two podcasts that regularly land at the top of iTunes, he promises to … deliver the essential writing advice you need to succeed online. In this 32-minute file Demian Farnworth and I discuss: Why Demian Loves The Writer Files Interview Series How a Poet Learned to Make a Living Online Why You Should Treat Your Writing Like Music Demian’s Secret to His Prolificness Why You Need to Over-Sharpen Your Axe 3 Timeless Ideas that Lead to Enhanced Creativity Why So Many Writers Quit A Single Word that Will Help You Keep the Cursor Moving The Show Notes The Writer Files Interview Series on Copyblogger Influence by Robert Cialdini Demian’s Author Page on Copyblogger.com The Copybot Rough Draft Podcast The Lede Podcast Journalist Michael Kruse Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices