Podcasts about write about now

Trans stories are not confined to political rhetoric and headlines. The world of creative writing is replete with narratives that explore complex worlds of gender and how identity intersects with people's lives and relationships. In a new collection of one novel and three stories, bestselling author Torrey Peters's keen eye for the rough edges of community and desire push the limits of trans writing.  In Stag Dance, the titular novel, a group of lumberjacks working in an illegal winter logging outfit plan a dance that some of them will attend as women. When the most unlikely of the axmen announces his intention to dance as a woman, he finds himself caught in a strange rivalry, inviting a cascade of obsession, jealousy, and betrayal that culminates on the big night in an exploration of gender and transition. A trio of shorter tales surround Stag Dance: “Infect Your Friends and Loved Ones” imagines a gender apocalypse brought about by an unstable ex-girlfriend. “The Chaser” presents a secret romance between roommates at a Quaker boarding school, and “The Masker” details a Vegas party weekend that turns dark when a young crossdresser must choose between two guides: a mystery man who thrills but objectifies her, or a veteran trans woman who offers sisterhood and cynicism. Peters' talk and work is especially timely surrounding ongoing conversations about trans rights in our nation but is an invitation to any fiction reader. Torrey Peters is the bestselling author of the novel Detransition, Baby, which won the PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel and was named one of the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century by The New York Times. It was also a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle's John Leonard Prize, a finalist for the Brooklyn Public Library Book Prize, and longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction. She has an MFA from the University of Iowa and an MA in comparative literature from Dartmouth. Peters rides a pink motorcycle and splits her time between Brooklyn and an off-grid cabin in Vermont. Aster Olsen is the author of the novella Performance Review. She lived most of her life in the gorgeous swampy parts of Florida people don't visit on vacation, but now lives in Seattle, where she spends her time swimming in alpine lakes alongside aquatic insect larvae. A professional scientist, she rejects the binary oppositional positioning of STEM and Art and seeks to collapse and expand imposed categories and narratives to further understanding. Her writing is found in Lilac Peril, Hey Alma, Autostraddle, Inner Worlds, Itch.io, and elsewhere. She is the creator, editor, and publisher of TRANSplants Zine, a zine series about transness and place, and runs the trans open mic reading and art series please (t)read with me.  Find more at asterolsen.com. Ebo Barton comes from salt— from the moment before worlds converge. You may have seen Ebo's work in the book Black Imagination and heard in the audiobook read by Grammy and Tony award winner Daveed Diggs. You have also seen Ebo's work online on Write About Now, Button Poetry, and All Def Poetry channels. In 2016, they placed 5th in the World at the Individual World Poetry Slam. In 2017, they co-wrote and co-produced the award-winning play Rising Up. In 2018, they played “Invisible One” in Anastacia Renee's Queer. Mama.Crossroads and reprised the role in 2019. Ebo debuted his first published collection of poetry, Insubordinate, in 2020. As the Director of Housing Services at Lavender Rights Project, and a Washington State LGBTQ Commissioner, Barton's impact transcends artistic endeavors. A leader in arts and activism, Ebo Barton is committed to creating opportunities for others to organize, heal, and rejoice. Corinne Manning is the author of the acclaimed story collection We Had No Rules. Once upon a time, they reimagined the publishing industry with the literary project The James Franco Review (it made sense from 2014-2017). Their creative work and literary criticism are published widely, including in The New York Times. Corinne lives in Seattle and works as a teaching artist through Seattle Arts & Lectures and their own mentorship project Deeper, Wider. Amber Flame is an interdisciplinary artist garnering residencies with Hedgebrook, Baldwin for the Arts, Millay Arts, and more. A former church kid from the Southwest, Flame's first collection of poetry, Ordinary Cruelty, was published in 2017 through Write Bloody Press. Flame's second book, apocrifa, a love story told in verse, launched in May 2023 from Red Hen Press. Flame is Deputy Publisher at Generous Press, a new romance venture publishing inclusive love stories, and Program Director for Hedgebrook, a literary organization serving women. Amber Flame is a queer Black dandy mama who falls hard for a jumpsuit and some fresh kicks. Presented by Town Hall Seattle and Seattle Public Library. Buy the Book Stag Dance Charlie's Queer Books

My guest for Episode #301 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jonathan Small, an award-winning journalist, editor, podcast host, and producer based in Los Angeles. Episode page with video and more As president of Strike Fire Productions, he has built a diverse career that spans magazine editing at top publications—from Child Magazine to Maxim—and pioneering roles in digital media and podcasting. Known for his candid storytelling and willingness to embrace risk, Jon has transformed professional setbacks into defining career moments, including leaving a cushy executive role to reinvent himself in a rapidly changing media landscape. He's also the podcast of a podcast called "Write About Now." Jon's also the author of a book with the same title. In this episode, Jon recounts his bold decision to leave a high-flying magazine career in New York for a risky, low-paying production role in Los Angeles—a move that, despite its initial challenges (like parting with his beloved cat and facing financial uncertainty), ultimately redefined his career. He shares insights into the evolution of the publishing industry, the shift from print to digital media, and how even seemingly disastrous mistakes can pave the way for reinvention, new opportunities, and personal growth. Jon also delves into his extensive experience as a writer and interviewer, offering practical advice on common pitfalls in writing and the art of “show, don't tell.” He emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfect first drafts, the necessity of reading widely to hone one's craft, and the value of authentic conversation in podcasting—whether as a host or a guest. Throughout the episode, listeners are treated to vivid anecdotes from his career, tips for leveraging AI in writing, and reflections on how vulnerability and genuine curiosity fuel both compelling storytelling and effective interviews. Questions and Topics: What is your favorite mistake? What prompted you to leave magazine editing for a role in film production? Did you consider returning to New York after the move? What was your role at the movie production company? What are the most common mistakes rookie writers make? Can you provide an example that illustrates the difference between showing and telling in writing? What tips do you have for becoming a more effective interviewer? Based on your experience, what advice would you offer to guests on a podcast?

Has anyone ever told you, "Your life is so interesting—you should write a memoir!" It's flattering, no doubt. But then comes the doubts and the fears and the paralysis. How do you transform decades of memories and anecdotes into a narrative people would actually want to read? You can start by reading guest Wendy Dale's new book, The Memoir Engineering System. In it, she gives you the structure for constructing your memoir from the ground up. On this episode, we talk about useless writing advice such as just write a first draft, why the journey is more important than the memories themselves, and the things to prep yourself for capturing your life on the page in the best way possible. Write About Now is sponsored by AG1, order using my code and get some freebies.DrinkAG1.com/writeaboutnow  Subscribe to the Small Talk substack @ https://jonsmalltalk.substack.com/  

Guest Taylor Lorenz is one of journalism's most notable and controversial voices. She covers tech and online culture as a reporter, podcaster, and internet personality. After leaving prime jobs writing for The New York Times and The Washington Post, she has launched her own media company called User Mag that covers "tech from the user side." In this spirited conversation, Lorenz explains why she's done with traditional media, how legacy companies fail miserably to understand internet culture, and why Democrats are losing the battle for online influence. She also discusses the challenges she's faced from right-wing nutjobs like Tucker Carlson, and why she believes the future of journalism lies outside traditional media.  Looking for the perfect gift for an aspiring writer? Check out my new book Write About Now @ https://amzn.to/41ARP3R

On Thursday's show: The State Board of Education is poised to vote on optional Bible-infused curriculum for Texas public elementary schools on Friday. We discuss whether it will be approved and whether it's constitutional.Also this hour: We find out how the cruise ship industry is faring along the Gulf Coast.Then, new public artwork on display at Discovery Green is part of Art Lab, a new mentorship program helping Houston-area artists learn how to create and install public art.And we learn about the open mic poetry events from Write About Now, which recently included Houston Matters producer Laura Walker performing some of her work.

Jonathan Small is an award-winning author, journalist, producer, and host of Write About Now, a podcast where he explores the creative journeys of renowned writers and storytellers. He has held executive roles at major media outlets, including Glamour, Stuff, and Entrepreneur, and contributed to The New York Times, TV Guide, Cosmo, Maxim, and Good Housekeeping. In 2020, he launched Strike Fire Productions, a podcast production and consulting company, working with high-profile clients like SAG-AFTRA and Purely Elizabeth. Known for his storytelling versatility, Jonathan's experiences range from producing digital series for Game Show Network to moderating panels on branded content, and he recently turned his popular podcast into a book, Write About Now: 30 Authors on Origin Stories, Creative Inspiration, and the Birth of their Bestsellers. In this episode… The shifting landscape of media and content creation has left many creators and entrepreneurs scrambling to adapt. From the rise of digital media to the decline of traditional print and television, building a sustainable brand or platform is now more challenging than ever. How can one navigate the challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving content marketing field? Jonathan Small, an award-winning journalist, author, and multimedia producer, shares key insights on successfully pivoting in today's media industry. Emphasizing the value of authenticity, Jonathan advises creators to focus on their unique strengths, crafting content that resonates by genuinely connecting with their audience's interests. He discusses the importance of origin stories in branding, as these narratives create memorable connections with audiences. Jonathan also suggests embracing a multimedia approach, as he did by founding Strike Fire, a full-service podcast production company, to diversify his storytelling and reach new audiences through collaborations with clients like SAG-AFTRA and Purely Elizabeth. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jonathan Small, Founder of Write About Now and Strike Fire, about his multifaceted career in media and the art of pivoting. Jonathan dives into how he turned his podcast into a book, sharing authors' origin stories and creative journeys. He also shares his experiences with true crime storytelling, unique insights on media's shift towards digital, and strategies for using authenticity to build audience connections.

Ready to uncover the untold stories behind your favorite personalities? Join us as we sit down with Jonathan Small, the brilliant mind behind the "Write About Now" podcast and book. Jonathan takes us on his unexpected journey from a temp job at a parenting magazine, where he scored an interview with the legendary George Carlin, to becoming a celebrated writer and podcast host. Gain exclusive insights into the fascinating origins of renowned figures through his compelling new book. This episode promises a unique look at the creative landscape and the serendipity that often propels such careers.Have you ever wondered how to break through creative blocks and meet daunting deadlines? Drawing from personal experiences, we emphasize the power of storytelling and the impact of modern tools like AI to help ease the process. Discover practical techniques that can transform your creative journey.(00:11) Podcasting and Writing Careers(10:18) Overcoming Creative Blocks and Deadlines(20:52) Creating Digital Game Shows for YouTube(27:31) Embracing Playful Living(00:11) Podcasting and Writing CareersJonathan Small's "Write About Now" book and podcast feature the origin stories of famous personalities, discuss serendipity, and use QR codes to enhance the reader's experience.(10:18) Overcoming Creative Blocks and DeadlinesNature's evolving careers, storytelling and writing, overcoming fears, and the role of AI in the writing process.(20:52) Creating Digital Game Shows for YouTubeVP of Content at Game Show Network shares insights on creating digital game shows for a younger YouTube audience.(27:31) Embracing Playful LivingRediscover your play personality and embrace the present for a more fun and balanced life.Support the showSupport the Playful Humans mission to help adults rediscover the power of play: Subscribe to the YouTube channel Subscribe to the Podcast Book a playshop for your team Support our sponsors

This week, on episode 134, I'm joined by podcaster and writer Jonathan Small, author of the recently published Write About Now: Successful Authors on Overcoming Obstacles, Finding Inspiration and the Birth of Their Careers. He also has an incredible podcast called Write About Now! We talk about origin stories, our shared love of book to film adaptations and Jonathan's unique hybrid version of consuming books. This episode is sponsored by Now You Owe Me by Aliah Wright. Enter to win a copy of Night Magic. Closes October 30th, 2024. Join me for my Book To Film Series where we will be reading / watching Poor Things in November. Click here to join. Books Recommended:Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtryClean by Alia Trabucco ZeranFingersmith by Sarah Waters The Anthropologists by Aysegul SavasPachinko by Min Jin LeeWriting Books Recommended:On Writing by Stephen KingBird by Bird Anne LamottA Swim in the Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give A Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life by George SaundersCraft in the Real World by Matthew SalessesStory Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel (Before You Waste Three Years Writing) by Lisa Cron Bookish news links: Ursula K Le Guin 2024 Prizewinner: It Lasts Forever and Then It's Over by Anne de MarckenKirkus Prize FinalistsNational Book Award FinalistsMark Twain American Voice in Literature AwardNobel Prize in LiteratureWhere to find Jonathan Small online:Instagram:  @writeaboutnowpodTikTok: @writeaboutnow Website: Writeaboutnowmedia.comTake a class with Jonathan!Support the showGet your Books Are My People coffee mug here!I hope you all have a wonderfully bookish week!

Jonathan Small is the host of the Write About Now podcast and the author of the book of the same name, which is based on the podcast. In 2020, he launched Strike Fire Productions, a podcast production company offering full-service production and consulting to high-profile clients, including the Screen Actors Guild and Purely Elizabeth. Jonathan has worked as a multimedia storyteller for top media companies like The New York Times and Hearst. He is also a Chief Content Strategist at Maverick Public Relations.  In this episode: Most entrepreneurs struggle to differentiate themselves or their businesses in the market at some point during their journey. Yet every entrepreneur has a unique origin story that distinguishes them from their competition. How can you convey your story to bring value to your business and customers? Passionate about storytelling, producer and journalist Jonathan Small identified podcasting as the ideal medium to convey origin stories. He maintains that these stories allow you to communicate authentically with your audience. Jonathan's narrative system involves identifying a hurdle you overcame in your business and sharing it as an inspirational story for others. You can also determine and convey your purpose for launching your business and conquering challenges, making you more relatable to your audience.  Tune in to the latest episode of Systems Simplified as Adi Klevit sits down with Jonathan Small, the host and author of Write About Now, to talk about the process of storytelling in entrepreneurship. Jonathan explains the value proposition of an entrepreneur's origin story, how he wrote a book based on podcast interviews, and how to convey your purpose.

1019. This week, Jonathan Small, author of "Write About Now," shares what he's learned about the common struggles writers face throughout their careers. His book highlights stories from bestselling authors about their beginnings, the risks they took, and how they handled early rejection. I was especially surprised by the stories of shockingly bold decisions that launched more than one successful author's career. If you've ever wondered how authors get a foot in the door or get through failure, this episode is for you.Find out more about Jonathan and his books at WriteAboutNowMedia.com.

This week is Banned Books Week, which draws attention to the number of book ban attempts in U.S. schools and libraries. So far, in 2024, the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 414 attempts to censor books, with 1,128 unique titles challenged. American Library Association President Cindy Hohl joins the show to talk about who is trying to rid people of reading these books and why. She also discusses what the ALA and other groups are doing to fight back.  Order the new Write About Now book @ bit.ly/BackStories

“Writing is my happy place,” says this week's guest, bestselling mystery writer J.A. Jance. With 70 books under her belt, she's spent a lot of time typing with a smile on her face. (That makes one of us) Her latest novel, Den of Iniquity, features the return of beloved private investigator J.P. Beaumont. How did this former high school teacher, who was told by her teachers, her ex-husband, and publishers that she couldn't be a writer have such a prolific and successful career? That, my friends, is the mystery that we solve in this interview.   Order my new book, Write About Now @ bit.ly/BackStories

William Cope Moyers, son of famed journalist Bill Moyers, thought he conquered his addiction demons after hitting rock bottom. But 20 years into recovery, prescribed painkillers triggered a relapse that challenged everything he knew about the path to sobriety. In this revealing conversation, Moyers opens up about his new book, Broken Open, sharing this experience with substance abuse and how it threatened to derail his life for a second time. His journey offers hope to those struggling with addiction and pushes for a more inclusive approach to treatment, even in the face of resistance from recovery traditionalists. Sign up for my new masterclass on Writing Articles that Sell @ bit.ly/smallmasterclass Send a clever headline for this podcast and enter a chance to win a free copy of my new book, Write About Now. Submit titles to jonathan@writeaboutnowmedia.com

This is Jon Small's second interview for The Bleeders podcast. In this episode, Jon delves into the creative process behind his debut book, Write About Now, which is based on his podcast features inspiring origin stories from his podcast guests. He shares the challenges of obtaining permissions, the decision to self-publish, and the common themes that emerged from these stories. Jon also discusses how this book marks the beginning of his new journey as an indie author and his goals for the future. Follow Jon on Instagram @thejonsmall and Twitter @kidfinesse. Buy Jon's new book, Write About Now.If you missed Jon's first interview, listen here.Welcome, writers and book lovers. The Bleeders is a new podcast about book writing and publishing. Make sure you subscribe to the companion Substack: https://thebleeders.substack.com/welcomeSUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW BLEEDERS YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR FULL-LENGTH INTERVIEWS. https://www.youtube.com/@bleederspodcastThe Bleeders is hosted by Courtney Kocak. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @courtneykocak. For more, check out her website courtneykocak.com.Sign up for Courtney's Back to School Pitch Party course taking place during the month of September: https://www.courtneykocak.com/teaching

Love it or hate it, AI is here to stay. Writers ignore it at their own peril, especially when it comes to marketing their work. Guest Gini Dietrich, a marketing and PR expert, has been proactive in her embrace of artificial intelligence, using it to enhance her work and its reach. Gini's media company and blog 'Spin Sucks' is a go-to source for staying up-to-date on the ever-changing PR landscape. In this interview, she breaks down effective tips for content marketing in the age of AI, including the importance of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust), the use of LinkedIn as a powerful platform for content distribution, and the evolution of SEO strategies in the era of AI and Google's changing algorithms.  Order my new book, Write About Now: bit.ly/BackStories

Jonathan Small has been chronicling the failures and successes of people for most of his career. From doing his first interview (with George Carlin) to his sharing dating tips as “Jake” for Glamour magazine to his stint as an editor at Entrepreneur magazine to his experience interviewing hundreds of writers on his Write About Now podcast, Small has been a fly-on-the-wall for many failure-to-success stories.Now he's released a book made up of the origin stories of some of the writers he's interviewed, which I'm proud to say Legacy Launch Pad has published. With insights from as wide a variety of people as Killers of the Flower Moon author David Grann to 90s fashion queen Betsey Johnson, Write About Now reveals the failures and successes of a succession of greats.In this interview we talked about the main qualities successful people have in common, our shared experience starting our careers working at parenting magazines and why many companies would be far better off sharing the struggles of the founder, among many other topics.For more info, go to www.failyourway.com.

On this episode, we go behind the scenes with author Trish Lundy to find out what it takes get a YA novel written, sold, and published by a major house. Trish just released her eminently readable debut YA Thriller novel, “The One That Got Away with Murder.” She talks about the process of writing multiple manuscripts before getting it right, her journey in finding an agent, tips and tricks for finding a story and characters that jump off the page, and what she's learned about the craft by going through the process.  Speaking of debut books, I have one coming out next month. If you'd like to receive an early copy for review, sign up @ https://bit.ly/3vD4s0B I'm teaching an online masterclass on writing magazine articles that sell.  Sign up @ https://bit.ly/smallmasterclass Write About Now is sponsored by AG1. Order with my special code:drinkAG1.com/writeaboutnow

Kristin Hannah is among the most successful American novelists working today. Her books focus on unsung heroines throughout history. Her new novel, The Women, focuses on Army Nurses during the Vietnam War. The pageturner is at once an intimate portrait of a young woman coming of age in a hellish war zone and an epic tale of an American divided during an unpopular war. Hannah talks about the process of writing the book, what she's learned about storytelling as the author of over 20 novels, and how she deals with the fear of failure.  Write About Now listeners are invited to take an online masterclass with host Jonathan Small called Proven Formulas for Writing Stories that Sell on Feb 18 at 1 pm ET. Experienced and first-time writers can sign up @ https://pandemicuniversity.com/product/articles-that-sell/

When you think of your 'future self,' who do you see? The image is probably pretty blurry, but it doesn't have to be. My guest Hal Hershfield believes that by strengthening the connections between your present and future selves, you gain a new perspective on what's important—and create the future you want. Hershfield is the author of Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today and a Professor of Marketing, Behavioral Decision Making at UCLA's Anderson School of Management. He spent over a decade researching how understanding our future selves can help us achieve our goals and hopes for the future. Topics discussed include:  How similar our future selves are to our present selves Why living in the now is not in opposition to planning for the future.  How thinking of our future self motivates us.  Techniques for connecting with your future self.  Subscribe to the Write About Now newsletter @ bit.ly/SmallTalkSubstack Watch interview @ bit.ly/WriteAboutNowYouTube

Summer school is officially in session, Bleeders! Today's instructor is Jon Small, host of the Write About Now podcast, editor-at-large for Entrepreneur.com, and, in a past life, Glamour's “Jake.” Follow Jon on Instagram @thejonsmall and Twitter @kidfinesse. SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW BLEEDERS YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR FULL-LENGTH INTERVIEWS. https://www.youtube.com/@bleederspodcastWelcome, writers and book lovers. The Bleeders is a new podcast about book writing and publishing. Make sure you subscribe to the companion Substack: https://thebleeders.substack.com/welcomeThe Bleeders is hosted by Courtney Kocak. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @courtneykocak. For more, check out her website courtneykocak.com.Check out Courtney's new podcast, Podcast Bestie, based on her popular Substack: https://pod.link/1670457783Subscribe to the newsletter: https://podcastbestie.substack.com/welcomeLooking to start, grow, and monetize a newsletter? In Courtney's first-ever newsletter intensive this August, she's going to share everything she's learned from growing Podcast Bestie into a popular newsletter with a paid membership and sponsorships. Sign up here: https://pandemicuniversity.com/supercharge-newsletters/

UFOs are back in the news. Last month, three U.S. military veterans testified to the congress that the government had possession of "non-human" biologics. And my guest Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb recently led an exhibition to the bottom of the Pacific to retrieve what he believes could be materials from an extraterrestrial spacecraft. In this episode, we revisit my conversation with Dr. Loeb about his book, Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth  and his controversial belief that we have been visited by ETs.   For more information on Write About Now, visit: writeaboutnowmedia.com Subscribe to my newsletter @ jonathan856.substack.com  

Fiona Davis is one of the most successful historical fiction writers working today. Her seven novels all take place in famous historic New York landmarks. Last month, she released The Spectacular, set in Radio City Music Hall in its mid-century heyday. On the pod, she talks about her circuitous route to becoming a novelist, how she accidentally became a New York City real estate scribe, who she turns to for her ideas, and how she researches her projects. She also offers tips on imposter syndrome and getting over writer's block.  To learn more about Write About Now, visit: writeaboutnowmedia.com Subscribe to the Small Stack substack @ https://jonathan856.substack.com/  Watch interviews on youtube.com/@writeaboutnowpodcast111

We all understand the importance of choosing the right words, but few realize that minor tweaks to how we speak and write can change people's minds, engage our audiences, and persuade them to do things we want them to do. Podcast guest Jonah Berger has a new book out called Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way. Berger is a marketing professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a language detective. He shares what his research and science can tell us about language and how to use it more effectively.  Want to watch the full video on youtube? Click here. To find out more about Write About Now, go here.  More information on Jonah Berger.  

We're taught that anxiety is damaging and painful, and we must eradicate it like a disease, preventing it, medicating it, and overcoming its hold on us. But what if anxiety is actually an evolved advantage that protects us and strengthens our creative powers? That's the radical argument of this week's guest Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and author of Future Tense: Why Anxiety is Good for You (Even If It Feels Bad). Tracy talks about why humans have anxiety, the difference between anxiety and fear, why anxiety feels so awful, the relationship between anxiety and hope, and how to start embracing and appreciating anxiety — rather than worrying about it.    Please subscribe to my substack Small Talk @ https://jonathan856.substack.com/ Support the show @ https://www.patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast 

It's no secret Houston is extremely vast and really spread out. Living in the suburbs and possibly going on a date with someone in Galveston just makes it feel like a long distance relationship. Join the team this week as they talk about why dating in our city is so complicated and hear them share their tips on how to combat the single life. It is hard to date in Houston! But we got some date ideas for you: The Aurora Picture Show. Houston Botanic Garden. The Japanese Garden. Write About Now at Avant Garden. Interested in being the new host of City Cast Houston? Click here to apply! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Twitter and Instagram For more date ideas! Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your own Houston love story! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest @davidhochman is a veteran journalist and founder of Upod Academy, an online writing school for freelancers. On this replay of one of WAN's most popular episodes, David dives into the hacks that writers can incorporate into their daily routines to increase their creativity and skills.  More information on Write About Now @writeaboutnowmedia.com Subscribe to my newsletter @Small Talk on substack Support the show @ patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast

Live from The Bourbon Room in Hollywood, an interview with pop music songwriter Sam Hollander. His new book 21-Hit Wonder: Flopping My Way to the Top of the Charts details the many spectacular failures he endured until he finally hit it big in his early 40s. Sam has written chart toppers for such artists as Panic! At the Disco, Fitz and the Tantrums, Katy Perry, Weezer, Jewel, and Train. We spoke in front of a packed crowd about his many mishaps, his music industry rollercoaster ride, and how he writes hit songs despite not being able to play an instrument or read music. With special guest performances by Chris Pierce, Jordan Topf, and Terese Curatolo.  Write About Now @ www.writeaboutnowmedia.com Sign up for my newsletter Small Talk @ https://jonathan856.substack.com/ Support the show on Patreon @ https://www.patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast  

"Friluftsliv" is what Swedish people do outside all day before they cuddle up in front of the fireplace with their wool socks on and a cup of hot chocolate. It's also the subject of the terrific new book The Open-Air Life written by Write About Now guest Linda Akeson Mcgurk. From walking barefoot around the neighborhood to foraging for mushrooms, Mcgurk talks about why and how we should spend more time outside and how friluftsliv can combat stress, anxiety disorders, depression, and burnout. Even if you're not the outdoorsy type, you'll find this interview a nice anecdote to our frantic, plugged-in society.   

Do you find yourself forgetting things more and more? You're not alone. Information overload, stress, lack of exercise, and age contribute to memory loss. But your brain can fight back. Dr. Gary Small (no relation, we think) is an expert on memory and brain aging. His book The Memory Bible offers techniques and brain exercises that will improve your memory immediately. On the pod, we talk about what memory is exactly, why we forget things, and how writers can reach deep down into their memory reserves to retrieve forgotten moments for their personal essays and memoirs. For more information on Write About Now, visit writeaboutnowmedia.com.  Subscribe to the Small Talk Newsletter: https://jonathan856.substack.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast  

What time is the best for drinking coffee? Are naps actually good for you? Do I need to drink 8 glasses of water a day? These are just some of the daily habits and routines I talk about with Dr. Stuart Farrimond on this week's episode. Dr. Farrimond is a trained medical doctor, teacher, and author of The Science of Living (also called Live Your Best Life in North America). In his book, Farrimond consults research and science experts to provide more than 200 ways of rethinking the habits that create our daily routines. On the pod, he addresses some of them, including important matters of our work space, sleep schedule, and water intake. You'll probably with a different daily routine after listening, and find yourself a better writer—and human—for it.

Ewandro Magalhães is the former chief interpreter for the United Nations. He has interpreted for world leaders, pop singers, and the Dalai Lama. On this episode, he shares a collection of stories from the field and talks about this book The Language Game, which offers insights on the power of communication. Ewandro recalls the chance encounter with a certain member of the royal family that brought him to this high-pressure profession, and the work involved in interpreting for high-profile dignitaries. He also talks about what interpreters do in tricky situations, and the underrated traits that help someone succeed in the field.

Caitlin Doughty has devoted her life to death. She is a mortician, funeral home owner, and writer of three bestselling books. Her work has spawned the death-positive movement, which believes that open conversations about death and dying are the cornerstone of a healthy society. In this playback of our conversation a few years ago, Caitlin talks about why she became so interested in death and her desire to reform how Western society thinks about it. She also talks about her Anthony Bourdain-like journeys across the world to witness how other cultures practice more life-affirming funerals, unburdened by fear and morbidity. To support Write About Now and get bonus material, become a Patreon @ https://www.patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast

Have you ever wondered how audiobooks are created? This week, audio book narrator and voice over artist Sheri Saginor gives some behind-the-scenes insights into the process of creating an audiobook. Sheri breaks down the complicated process from the perspective of a voice over artist and shares the type of technology needed to become a part of the industry. She also shares considerations authors should make when turning their story into an audiobook, and what red flags to look out for when seeking a narrator. Plus, Sheri reveals why authors themselves are oftentimes the best voice over option for their audiobooks.

Being from Wuhan, China, Kay Zhang is intimately aware of the ways COVID-19 tore apart families and affected Chinese society. One story from this crisis that particularly struck a chord with her was of a woman who attempted to journey from China's countryside to Wuhan in order to reach her newborn child. Kay portrays this harrowing story in her short film  Mother in the Mist, which has appeared in numerous film festivals including the Cannes Film Festival and San Diego International Film Festival. On the pod, she details how she brought the story to the screen, and the ideas of American individualism and Chinese collectivism that are behind the film. She also talks about the way globalization has changed because of COVID and how artists in the U.S. and China are affected by politics.

Editors can teach us a lot of valuable lessons about good writing. They are the gatekeepers, generating story ideas, fielding pitches, and making out stories read better. In this episode, Shannon Palus gives us insight into what makes a successful editor and what they look for when finding writers. Shannon is a senior editor at Slate magazine and has spent much of her career focused on writing and editing health and science stories. In this episode, she talks about how she molded her career from her science background and how specializing has helped propel her career. She also details the makings of a good pitch, how to come up with winning story ideas, and the secrets to writing compelling personal essays. Plus, Shannon gives her opinion on journalists in the influencer age and how social media affects the industry.

Disagreement can feel uncomfortable, especially as conversations about insurrection, gun control, and abortion capture public attention. But instead of descending into a full-blown argument whenever you disagree with someone, Bo Seo has some advice for turning these conversations into learning opportunities. Bo is a writer, two-time world champion debater, and author of Good Arguments: How Debate Teaches Us to Listen and Be Heard. In this episode, Bo offers tips for those seeking a productive debate—even when you're dealing with ignorant people or alternative facts. He also talks about the importance of disagreement, especially at a time when viewpoints seem so polarized, and offers some real life examples we can turn to for debate inspiration.

Avoiding adverbs, steering clear of the passive voice, never ending a sentence with a preposition—these are some of the writing rules that have been instilled in us since elementary school. But Carol Saller says they're wrong ( as is never beginning a sentence with but or and). Carol is a contributing editor for the esteemed Chicago Manual of Style and the author of The Subversive Copy Editor. In this episode, she dispels the most common mistakes and assumptions writers believe. She also talks about the resources you can use to check your work and the role of AI in the future of writing.

In 2011, an oil tanker named Brillante Virtuoso was hijacked in the Gulf of Aden. At first, this seemed like a fairly common pirate attack. But when investigators looked deeper, they realized everything about this event was far from typical. This is the story of a murder mystery, a shady shipping magnate, insurance fraud, and two dogged cockney private investigators, as told by Bloomberg journalists Matthew Campbell and Kit Chellel.

The blank page is only one of many hurdles writers have to overcome. But how can we ensure that we have the proper mindsets and techniques to tackle these inevitable roadblocks? This week, Jenn T. Grace joins the podcast to talk about getting over the biggest roadblocks—both in our personal lives and as writers—that get in the way of our writing hopes and dreams. Jenn is the CEO of Publish Your Purpose, which combines both the benefits of traditional publishing and self publishing to help thought leaders get their books published. On the pod, Jenn details the biggest obstacles she sees when working with aspiring writers, and ties them to her own process of writing her memoir House on Fire. She also discusses the importance of a support system and reveals the three people writers need to have throughout their journey.

If you're like me you probably have a lot of great ideas for books and articles that you get really excited about but kind of just go nowhere. But what about if you acted on some of these ideas, no matter what happened? That's what guest Sascha Rothchild does. Sascha has written for TV shows like GLOW and The Carrie Diaries. She wrote a memoir How to Get Divorced by 30: My Misguided Attempt at a Starter Marriage. And this month, she released her first novel, a fun thriller called Blood Sugar. On the pod, Sascha talks about how she manages to make the time for her passion projects even when she's not on the clock.

This week, Matt Richtel joins the pod to explain the concept of creativity: what it is, why we have it, and how we use it. Matt knows a thing or two about this topic. He is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for The New York Times, a novelist, and a songwriter. His latest book is Inspired: Understanding Creativity: A Journey Through Art, Science, and the Soul Creativity.  In this episode, Matt details what science and research tell us about the mysterious creative spark—and why creativity may not always be a good thing. He shares what several studies have taught us about creativity, and talks about the way our creativity is stifled by our environment. Matt also shares his personal journey to unlocking creativity, and how a new mindset towards thinking has allowed him to fully explore any and all ideas that pop into his head.

As the son of a truck driver, John Searles remembers developing a love of literature at stops he'd frequent with his dad. Since then, his unconventional writing path has taken him everywhere from the esteemed offices of Cosmopolitan magazine to abandoned drive-in movie theaters for book inspiration. On the pod, John takes us through the triumphs and obstacles he went through to get his foot in the door of the journalism industry, and how he became a successful author on top of his 9 to 5. John also talks about writing his latest book Her Last Affair, and the different strategies he's used to get his thoughts on paper

In 1947, during India's troubling time period of Partition, six young nuns set out from Kentucky and established a hospital in the small Indian town of Mokama. Their fascinating story may have never been told if it wasn't for Jyoti Thottam, whose mother was a part of the legacy these nuns left behind. Jyoti draws upon 20 years of research to tell their story in Sisters of Mokama: The Pioneering Women Who Brought Hope and Healing to India. Thottam joins the pod to talk about the story and what the book tells us about history, community and legacy. She also talks about what it's like interacting with the community on a daily basis as the leader of the editorial board at the New York Times, and advice she has for journalists hoping to make their way into the industry.

Mary Roach has written several books that dive into the weirdness of science topics like dead bodies, sex, and digestion. But how does she use her curiosity to write a full-fledged book, especially when she doesn't have a background on the subject? This week, Mary joins the pod and talks about the firsthand experiences and research that goes into her books, especially in her book Packing for Mars and its adaptation Packing for Mars for Kids. She touches on how she comes up with book-worthy ideas to explore and why she approaches nonfiction with a distinctive, humor-filled voice. Plus, she discusses some of the questions you may have about space exploration, like puking in your spacesuit, whether people bathe in space, and what it feels like to be in zero gravity.

  Laurie Segall's journalism career has landed her in the unlikeliest places, from purity balls, sex parties, and awkward interviews with some of Silicon Valley's biggest leaders. She recounts these larger-than-life stories and more in her memoir Special Characters: My Adventures with Tech's Titans and Misfits. This week, Laurie joins the pod to talk about her journey into journalism, and how she managed to create a position for herself at CNN. She talks about being one of the first reporters covering the tech industry during Web 2.0, and how she's managed to hold powerful figures like Travis Kalanick accountable. Plus, Laurie talks about what led her to eventually leave CNN, and why she decided to strike it out on her own.  

This week, acclaimed author Karen Joy Fowler joins the podcast to share the processes and methods that have brought her success throughout her writing career. Ever since getting a late start to the writing world in her 30s, Karen has defied expectations by achieving awards for novels spanning science fiction, short stories, and historical fiction genres. Her newest book, Booth, tells the somewhat true story of the famous family of best Lincoln's assassin John Wilkes Booth. On the pod, Karen discusses how critiquing other writers helped launch her career by developing her style. She also talks about the experience of writing in different genres, and how emotional resilience is an underrated skill for authors attempting to make it.

In the male-dominated scene of hip hop, most people neglect the game-changing impact women have made over the years. This week, journalist Clover Hope joins the podcast to talk about this fascinating side to hip hop many people don't know about. Clover is the author of The Motherlode, which highlights more than 100 women who have shaped the power, scope and reach of rap music. On the pod, Jon and Clover chronicle  the history of women in hip hop, and cover artists ranging from Roxanne Shanté, Lauryn Hill, MC Lyte and Doja Cat. She talks about the process of creating the book after having a career writing for music publications and how she went about researching and writing such a big project. Clover also talks about the state of women in hip hop today, and what she's seeing for the future of hip hop based on current trends.

There's an endless amount of advice out there that claims becoming more productive means fully buying into hustle culture. But this week, clinical psychologist turned writer Alice Boyes joins the podcast to tear down many of the acknowledged notions we have about productivity, efficiency, and mental health. Alice is the author of Stress-Free Productivity: A Personalized Toolkit to Become Your Most Efficient and Creative Self, which helps readers identify their productivity profile and gives them the framework to create their most effective and efficient self. On the pod, Alice talks about the value of productivity highs and what habits to cultivate for a more stress-free sense of productivity. Conversely, Alice talks about what mindsets weigh us down and can reduce productivity, including the long-held ideals of peak efficiency.