Podcasts about writers

Send us Fan MailI wanted to start today's episode with a warning. Today's episode went down some very dark roads and the subject matter is sensitive. We discussed the vicious murders of Cora, Dawson, and Callan Clancy at the hands of their mother, Lindsay. January 24, 2023, at the family's home of Patrick and Lindsay Clancy on Summer Street in Duxbury, Massachusetts Lindsay Clancy brutally and savagely murdered her three children, Cora Clancy (5), Dawson Clancy (3), and Callan Clancy (8 months) by taking them into the basement and strangling them one by one with an exercise band.There's a lot of misinformation surrounding this case. It's time for conversations grounded in facts rather than feelings or bias. Helping me tackle it today is bestselling author, defense attorney, and expert on the pathology of the criminal mind, Kerrie Droban.Kerrie is an award-winning author and criminal defense attorney in Arizona. She holds a master's degree from the Johns Hopkins University Writing Seminars and a Master of Fine Arts and Juris Doctorate from the University of Arizona. She has keynoted gang task force conferences and national writing conferences, and has appeared on CNBC's American Greed, A&E's Gangland, the American Heroes Channel's Codes and Conspiracies, Investigation ID, and the Discovery Channel's Deadly Devotion.We recorded this conversation on September 14, 2026, after the trial ended in a mistrial. The killings aren't in dispute. The question at trial was whether Lindsay was criminally responsible, and prosecutors argued she acted deliberately. After hearing our conversation, decide for yourself.In today's episode we discuss:·      The lack of outrage for the three innocent and defenseless children who were murdered by their mother.·      The “Team Lindsay” movement throwing money and support at a mom who viciously and meticulously killed her three children. ·      Gender bias: would a father who did this be seen as sick, or as a monster?·      Aurora, which Kerrie co-wrote with Dr. Lynne Fenton, and how public opinion of blaming health care providers has shifted.·      Postpartum depression is real and common ([verified stat, source]). Postpartum psychosis is rare, and Lindsay's diagnosis came only after the killings, from a forensic psychiatrist. ·      Flaws in the mental health system: per the prosecution, about 30 prescriptions for 13 psychiatric medications in the four months before, taken sporadically.·      Five clinicians and two hospitals saw her in that window, and none diagnosed psychosis or bipolar disorder·      The evil that is in the world today and the monsters who can't be helped.·      Prosecutors focused on the vagueness of the voice Clancy claimed to hear: she had to choose where — the basement; she had to choose how — strangulation.·      Lindsay's preparation and premeditation before she killed her children.·      Jurors who have raced to get their five minutes of fame. This quote from a juror sums it up. “He had the hardest time getting off the fact that Lindsay viciously killed her children.” ·      “Team Clancy” is doing no favors for the feminist movement. This is setting a precedent. Do we have to test mothers who are coming off maternity leave with jobs that might harm others before we let them back into the workplace? Surgeons, cops, pilots, military- all jobs that were, and still are, male-dominated. Do you want a woman who is postpartum and potentially has postpartum psychosis with the launch codes to the nukes?All of this and more on today's episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.Visit Kerrie Droban on her website!Please visit the Cops and Writers website.What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click thSupport the show

On this Bonus Bang -- dads and grads season is here! Writers/directors Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs ("Broad City") join Scott this week to talk about their new film "Rough Night" starring Scarlett Johansson, meeting each other in a UCB 101 class, and what's next in their future. Then, artists Pants the Rapper and MC Sugar Butt drop by to tell us about their new album “Coma Pants.” Plus, entrepreneur Carl Coaster stops by to share his coaster ideas to get back into the roller coaster game. Originally released June 5, 2017 as episode 490. Don't forget to check out the Comedy Bang! Bang! Action Figures at shop.figurecollections.com and go to actionfigurecellar.com for international purchases. If you want more great episodes of Comedy Bang! Bang! become a subscriber at comedybangbangworld.com. We have all of the past episodes from the archives, every live show, ad-free new episodes, and original shows like CBB Presents and Scott Hasn't Seen. Find more great Comedy Bang! Bang! merch at https://www.podswag.com/collections/comedy-bang-bang Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/cbb Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a text! We'd love to hear your thoughts on the show.AI is everywhere right now, but for writers, the conversation has become a lot more complicated.Can you use ChatGPT to brainstorm your novel? What about getting feedback on your plot? Can AI help you edit? And where is the line between using AI as a tool and letting it do so much of the work that your authorship, copyright, or even publishing opportunities could be affected?Those are exactly the questions I wanted to dig into in this episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show.I'm joined by Ana del Valle, novelist, CEO of StoryGroove.ai, and someone I turn to when I want to understand what's happening with AI in the writing world.Ana works with writers who want to understand how generative AI can fit into a creative process while staying aligned with current copyright guidance and recommendations from organizations including the Authors Guild and the Association of American Literary Agents.And one thing becomes very clear in our conversation: there is a big difference between asking AI to help you think and asking AI to write your book for you.We talk about where Ana believes that line sits, including the difference between using AI for brainstorming, outlining, analysis, and preliminary feedback versus asking it to rewrite, polish, tighten, expand, or generate your prose.Ana also walks us through four different categories of AI tools writers are encountering right now.We look at AI book generators that can produce entire books, more technical tools such as NovelCrafter that connect writers with large language models, AI-powered writing programs such as Sudowrite, and platforms designed around analysis, feedback, and editorial support.We also talk about tools writers may already recognize, including ProWritingAid, AutoCrit, Scrivener, Plottr, Dabble, Claude, and ChatGPT.But this conversation isn't really about finding the newest shiny tool.It's about understanding what the tool is actually doing.Is it helping you think more clearly about your story?Or is it beginning to replace the creative work that only you can do?Ana also shares why she believes experienced editors and publishing professionals can often recognize AI-generated prose, even without technological detection tools, and why writers need to think carefully before handing their sentences over to a chatbot for “just a little polishing.”If you're curious about AI but worried about accidentally crossing a line, this episode will give you a much clearer framework for thinking about it.You don't have to use AI in your writing process at all. I don't.But if you choose to explore it, understanding the boundaries matters.Listen to the full conversation and decide what role, if any, AI should have in your writing life.

This archival episode of “Between the Lines” is more relevant today than ever before. My conversation with Ronald Fierstein about his book: “A Triumph of Genius,” is the amazing story of Edwin Land, the inventor of the Polaroid camera and one of the great technological geniuses of the 20th century.Ronald was one of the lawyers who represented Edwin Land in the most famous patent trial in history, a grueling battle between Polaroid and Kodak. After the trial, Ronald later went on to produce such magnificent works as: “Torch Song Trilogy,” “La Cage Aux Folles,” “Hairspray,” “Newsies” and much more. Our conversation is not just about the past, but the way we should do business in our modern era. Support the show

Never trust a crocodile smile! Show Notes: Run Time: 2:03:09 Come hear a tale! A tale of Chester Beech! We craft much of it on the air, even! But not all of it! You'll just have to listen and find out! Next week is the time of a LIVE Editor's Note, but this one will be happening in an ancient and historic time of Friday midday, rather than Thursday evening. Just this once! Tune in, if you can! If you've got questions, submit them here! We hope we have answers for you!

Deborah Derrickson Kossmann joins Let's Talk Memoir for a conversation about how complicated family dynamics culminated in her mother's severe hoarding disorder, grieving what you didn't get as a child, going back to rescue the past, sharing family secrets, recognizing shame in loved ones, telling a story in a fair way, how anger is a shortcut, waiting until someone has passed to write about them, how editing makes us better writers, recognizing when there is an emotional piece missing, wanting a memoir to read propulsively, keeping narrative arc in mine, and her memoir LOST FOUND KEPT.   Also in this episode: -trying to be fair and accurate -thinking about your book as a reader -the important work of publishing and promotion   Books mentioned in this episode: -The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa -Writers and Lovers by Lily King   Deborah Derrickson Kossmann won Trio House Press's inaugural 2023 Aurora Polaris Creative Nonfiction Award for LOST FOUND KEPT: A MEMOIR (January 2025). Book Pages named it one of the Best Memoirs of 2025. She is currently working on a new book COMPLICATIONS OF CAPTIVITY.   Deb's humorous essays have appeared several times as “Modern Love” columns in The New York Times and her story about her relationship with the world's oldest captive gorilla appeared in the “Opinionator” section of that newspaper. Her poetry, essays and feature articles have been published in Bellevue Literary Review, Nashville Review, Memoir Monday, Rhino, Tiferet, Psychotherapy Networker, and PSYCHE, to name a few. She was the winner of the Short Memoir Competition at the Philadelphia First Person Arts Festival and has received a Poetry Fellowship from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.   A clinical psychologist in private practice, she lives in Havertown with her husband and Sofia Carmela, a cat with a whole lot of “tortitude.”    Connect with Deborah:  Website: lostfoundkept.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdebkossmann/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Deb-Derrickson-Kossmann/61562692720716/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deb.derricksonkossmann Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deb_derrickson_kossmann/ Substack: https://debderricksonkossmann.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdebkossmann/ – Ronit's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Rumpus, The New York Times, Poets & Writers, The Iowa Review, Hippocampus, The Washington Post, Writer's Digest, American Literary Review, and elsewhere. Her memoir WHEN SHE COMES BACK about the loss of her mother to the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and their eventual reconciliation was named Finalist in the 2021 Housatonic Awards Awards, the 2021 Indie Excellence Awards, and was a 2021 Book Riot Best True Crime Book. Her short story collection HOME IS A MADE-UP PLACE won Hidden River Arts' 2020 Eludia Award and the 2023 Page Turner Awards for Short Stories.  She earned an MFA in Nonfiction Writing at Pacific University, is Creative Nonfiction Editor at The Citron Review, and teaches memoir through the University of Washington's Online Continuum Program and also independently. She launched Let's Talk Memoir in 2022, lives in Seattle with her family of people and dogs, and is at work on her next book. More about Ronit: https://ronitplank.com Subscribe to Ronit's Substack: https://substack.com/@ronitplank   Follow Ronit: https://www.instagram.com/ronitplank/ https://www.facebook.com/RonitPlank https://bsky.app/profile/ronitplank.bsky.social

What did you think of this episode?Did you know AI can help protect you from scammers trying to steal your digital identity?  Today's guest shares how AI can be a helpful second set of eyes.Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I'm your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. In this episode, you'll learn how to stay safer online against scams. My industry expert is one of our favorite guests, Edie Melson. Edie is an author, speaker, and photographer. Her blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands and has been on the Writer's Digest Top 101 Sites for Writers since 2017. Her passion is to help others define their God-sized calling and follow that path. She's the executive director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and a board member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. Find her at EdieMelson.com 5 Red Flags, 5 Simple AI Prompts, Edie's 3-Question Rule LINKSStay Safer Online HandoutEdie Melson The Write Conversation Visit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast

Betches senior video producers Tess Tregellas and Madeline Mahoney reveal how they transformed a viral social media premise into their flagship scripted comedy series Sisters. They outline the operational mechanics of building an in-house creator studio, maintaining a sponsor-free first season to protect brand voice, and driving multi-platform distribution completely organically.Key Highlights

Peptides, Mouth Tape, Raw Milk & More: What's Worth the Hype?Learn the evidence on social media wellness trends and how to discuss with your patients (and friends!) without being dismissive (or falling for the hype). Explore viral trends like peptides, red light masks, sleepy girl mocktails and mouth taping along with understanding influencer incentives for promoting wellness trends. We're joined by infectious disease epidemiologist and science communicator Jessica Malaty Rivera to talk evidence, uncertainty, misinformation, and trust, @jessicamalatyrivera, (JPHMP, @jessicamalatyrivera, Making Science Make Sense Substack),Claim CME for this episode at curbsiders.vcuhealth.org!Patreon | Episodes | Subscribe | Spotify | YouTube | Newsletter | Contact | Swag! | CMEShow Segments Intro  Case Why health information spreads on social media Talking to patients about viral wellness trends Peptides Red light masks Mouth taping Sleepy girl mocktails Raw milk and the appeal-to-nature fallacy Fibermaxxing Contrast therapy and cold plunging Take-home points Outro Credits Producers, Writers, Show Notes, Infographics, Cover Art:: Rand Mudafr, Leah Witt Gaspard, MD Hosts: Matthew Watto MD, FACP; Paul Williams MD, FACP    Reviewer: Sai Achi, MD MBA FACP Showrunners: Matthew Watto MD, FACP; Paul Williams MD, FACP Technical Production: PodPaste Guest: Jessica Malaty Rivera DisclosuresJessica Malaty Rivera reports no relevant financial disclosures. The Curbsiders report no relevant financial disclosures. Sponsor: Continuing Education CompanyFor Curbsiders listeners, there's also an exclusive offer: use promo code Curb30 for 30% off all online courses and webcasts. Visit CMEmeeting.org/curbsiders to learn more.Sponsor: QuinceDownload the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/curb. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. Sponsor: UpToDateFor a limited time, Curbsiders listeners can get 10% off UpToDate packages with code CURB3 . Visit store.uptodate.com Sponsor: GustoTry Gusto today at gusto.com/CURB, and get three months free when you run your first payroll.

What is an Impact Character, and how can this supporting character help you show a believable character arc instead of simply telling readers your protagonist has changed? Character arcs are largely internal, which creates an obvious challenge for writers: how do you dramatize a changing worldview on the page? One of the most effective techniques is to use relationships. In a Positive Change Arc, the Impact Character represents or embodies something that challenges the Lie the Character Believes, giving the protagonist another person—and another worldview—to resist, admire, argue with, or eventually learn from. In this episode, I explore how Impact Characters catalyze change, how they differ from antagonists, and why they don'talways have to be mentors. We'll look at examples of antagonists, love interests, sidekicks, and other supporting characters who can fulfill this role, as well as the possibility of "negative" Impact Characters who reinforce the Lie rather than the thematic Truth. We'll also look at the relationship between Impact Characters and Flat Arcs. Although a positive Impact Character often functions similarly to a Flat Arc character by representing a comparatively expanded Truth, the role itself can be much smaller, shared among several characters, or even expressed symbolically. Ultimately, the Impact Character offers writers a practical way to make inner transformation visible. Instead of merely telling readers the protagonist's beliefs are changing, you can dramatize that change through the friction, influence, and relationships surrounding them. In this post/podcast: • What an Impact Character is • How Impact Characters help dramatize character arcs • Impact Character vs. antagonist • How supporting characters challenge the Lie the Character Believes • Examples of 8 different types of Impact Characters • How negative Impact Characters reinforce the Lie • The relationship between Impact Characters and Flat Arcs Read the full transcript: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/impact-character WANT MORE? LIVE CLASS: Flat Character Arcs: From Transformation to Integration September 22, 2026, at 1 p.m. EDT (replay available afterward) Flat Arcs are often described simply as character arcs in which the protagonist "doesn't change." But there is much more going on beneath the surface. In this live class, I'll be exploring Flat Arcs as stories of integration, influence, and service to the collective. Learn more / register: https://kmweilandstore.com/b/flat-character-arc-class LINKS & RESOURCES

In this special anniversary episode, Brad reflects on 15 years of Otherppl, more than 1,000 conversations with writers, and what the experience has taught him about writing, publishing, ambition, failure, persistence, and the creative life. He also looks back at how the show began, what it has become, and why long-form conversation still matters. *** ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otherppl with Brad Listi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is a weekly podcast featuring in-depth interviews with today's leading writers. Available where podcasts are available: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, etc. Get ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How to Write a Novel,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the debut audio course from DeepDive. 50+ hours of never-before-heard insight, inspiration, and instruction from dozens of today's most celebrated contemporary authors. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brad's email newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join the Craftwork Library ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email the show: letters [at] otherppl [dot] com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Game Deflators cover Kojima's canceled Physint, PSP 4K/8K rumors, Ubisoft/Square opting out of Xbox Disc‑to‑Digital, Sony's disc backlash, Nintendo Direct 2026, and Princess Tomato NES review. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Game Deflators Podcast 03:17 Game Pickups and Magic Cards 06:10 Transistor Gameplay Experience 12:19 Ori Gameplay Challenges 17:07 Kojima and Sony's Decisions 24:01 Console Generations and Market Dynamics 30:11 Future of Gaming: Handhelds and Digital Trends 42:23 Wolverine Game Mechanics and Critiques 44:19 Pre-Order Caution and Consumer Advice 45:18 Sony's Customer Support Controversy 49:37 Digital Ownership and Consumer Rights 51:25 Nintendo Direct Review and Game Announcements 53:36 Ocarina of Time Remake Controversy 58:37 Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom Review John and Ryan kick off the episode with their recent video game pickups and what they're currently playing, including John diving into Transistor and Ryan exploring Ori and the Blind Forest. John also shares updates on his D&D miniature painting and a brutal one‑shot he recently ran where the players were meant to die. The news segment begins with reports that Hideo Kojima's Physint project was canceled by Sony before eventually landing at Xbox, sparking discussion about Sony's shifting priorities. The guys then react to rumors that the next PSP successor may feature USB‑C, 4K/120Hz, and even 8K output — an unexpectedly powerful handheld concept. Next, they break down the growing controversy around Microsoft's Xbox Disc‑to‑Digital program as Ubisoft and Square Enix opt out, raising questions about publisher cooperation and long‑term preservation. Meanwhile, Sony faces intensifying backlash over its physical disc phase‑out, with reports that the company threatened to cut off customer support and pursue legal action amid harassment claims — all while insisting it will move forward with its no‑disc strategy despite lawsuits. The guys also recap every major announcement from the September 2026 Nintendo Direct, highlighting standout trailers, surprises, and what Nintendo's lineup looks like heading into 2027. To wrap up the episode, the Inflation Deflation Game of the Week features a review of Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom on NES, as John and Ryan revisit the quirky adventure classic and evaluate its current market value. Find us on TheGameDeflators.com Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

Can the Enneagram actually help you write better characters? Or is it just pseudoscience with numbers, occult-looking diagrams, interpretive dance, and a suspicious amount of personality-test confidence? In this episode of The Dialogue Doctor Podcast, Jeff Elkins sits down with JP Rindfleisch IX to talk about the Enneagram as a tool for writers. Jeff and JP approach the topic with the right amount of usefulness and skepticism. They are not treating the Enneagram like scientific law. They are not suggesting writers should trap characters inside rigid personality boxes. Instead, they look at the Enneagram as a practical storytelling tool: a way to think about how different characters make decisions, respond to stress, create conflict, and develop distinct voices. The conversation starts with JP's approach to building character personality from the inside out, then turns into a funny and honest breakdown of the Enneagram's strange history, its disputed origins, its religious baggage, and why people are so drawn to systems that help them understand themselves and others. Then Jeff brings the conversation back to craft. For writers, the most useful part of the Enneagram may not be memorizing all nine numbers. It may be starting with the three major centers: thinking, feeling, and instinct. From there, Jeff and JP talk about how characters respond differently when they are under pressure. Some characters move toward fear and anxiety. Some move toward shame. Some move toward anger. Those core responses can help a writer build a cast where each character reacts to the same event in a different, believable, emotionally grounded way. The episode digs into: how personality tools can help writers without becoming a cage why characters should not all process conflict the same way how fear, shame, and anger can shape a character's voice how the Enneagram's three centers can help you build a more varied cast why the nine types are more useful when you go big-to-small how helpers, achievers, challengers, loyalists, investigators, peacemakers, and individualists can show up on the page how Jeff used Enneagram thinking while developing characters in NRDS and Mojo and Mayhem why wings, subtypes, and deeper Enneagram theory can become too muddy for practical character work how basic fears and desires can help define a character quickly and how healthy, average, and unhealthy versions of a type can help writers think about character growth This is not an episode about taking a personality test and assigning your protagonist a number. It is an episode about using personality frameworks lightly, strategically, and creatively so your characters do not all sound like slightly different versions of you. Listen in if you are trying to build a more varied cast, sharpen character voice, deepen conflict, or understand why one character reacts with anger, another with shame, and another with fear. Because the point is not to prove the Enneagram is true. The point is to steal what helps you write better fiction.

Original Release Date: Monday 14 September 2026      Description:   Dean Haglund is back from Stockholm and he has brought tales of family mysteries with him! Because Dean is also jet-lagged, Phil Leirness figured this show was the perfect time to ask him about the science of combatting jet lag, about Melbourne, and about wildlife in Australia. Wildlife in Los Angeles, from bears to coyotes to one famous mountain lion, gets celebrated as well. Phil's suspicions surrounding the lawsuit currently blocking Paramount's merger with Warner Bros. get discussed. The recent “Deep Dive” Dean and Phil did into 1950s film noir gets re-visited and in the process, the work of writer A.I. Bezzerides, and the early works of Stanley Kubrick get dug into, while an email from Maurice Terenzio about an early work by great noir director Joseph H. Lewis gets shared. Dean watched a whole bunch of current or recent releases on his long flight back from Europe (3BHK, F1, Michael and Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die) and Phil shares his thoughts about the current documentary about the late, great poet Mary Oliver. Even more movies than this get discussed, corrections get made and mea culpas are offered!

Send us Fan MailMy first order of business is to thank those of you who are patrons of the show. Most notably, Frances Sheldrick, Kathleen Donnelly, Fran Cross, Gary Edgington, JK Donne, and Kathleen Kovacic. Your generosity helps pay for the software, equipment, and my time producing this show. Yes, you too can become a patron for less than a cup of coffee or a pint of Guinness. Just go to patreon.com/copsandwriters. I would also like to thank all of you who have purchased my books in the Cops and Writers series available on Amazon. Thank you, and welcome back for the conclusion of my interview with Author, instructor, film consultant, public speaker, and retired New York Police Department Detective George Sichler. George started his career in a part of the Bronx that was known as the most dangerous square mile in the United States. He became a member of the elite scuba unit and later became a detective and went on to the gang and violence suppression units. He was also a firearms instructor who taught Keanu Reeves on the set of John Wick! Please enjoy this discussion with someone who has had a career that they make movies and books about.   In today's episode we discuss:·      Drugs and guns go together like peanut butter and jelly.·      Using victimology to solve crimes.·      What did the NYPD do best?·      The disturbing trend of disrespect & violence towards police? ·      When he started training cops and civilians. ·      What are police agencies today getting right and wrong regarding training?·      The diaphragm law.·      Tell us about training Keanu Reeves on the set of John Wick.·      Where did the “Wick Flick” originate?·      Your book, Walking Among NYPD Heroes. All of this and more on today's episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.Visit George over at his website to learn more about him and his work. Head on over to my website!What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click thSupport the show

This week we yes-clip into the studio to chat psy-cosmic music festivals, unsolved Morse code, and an earth-shattering nepotism revelation, before walking into liminal horror reviewing Kane Parsons' "Backrooms". Stream on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/14ioP0zfFczK8hKPsDUmko?si=cff351ada3944a9a 0:00 Cold open 0:33 The "endless" Montana compound, liminal spaces, and following your gut 2:42 Housekeeping: AMC Scream Unseen with Jacob 3:30 Mooshfest, Tywalker and the Humanoids, and Galactic Twang 7:05 The Captain Jack situation: cracking Morse code hidden in a Bluey card 8:00 Fire in the Mountains, the Blackfeet Reservation, and a Stanley Hotel winter retreat 10:58 Staff Picks: Cube (1997) and Dead Ringers (1988) 15:41 The Robert Pattinson / Jeremy Irons nepotism saga 19:26 BACKROOMS review begins 21:45 Who is Kane Parsons? A24's record-breaking opening 23:00 Liminal vs. analog horror, Jung, and the threshold self 26:23 Web series origins and the Osgood Perkins "shadow director" rumor 31:00 Spoilers begin: Clark, Mary, and the mono-yellow labyrinth 42:38 What does it all mean? 49:44 Highs, lows, and final ratings ABOUT THE FILM BACKROOMS (2026) is a science fiction horror film written, directed, and co-scored by Kane Parsons, adapted from his own viral YouTube analog-horror web series, with a screenplay co-written by Will Sudik. A jaded furniture salesman discovers a doorway in the basement of his store that opens into an endless, humming yellow labyrinth; when he vanishes inside it, his therapist follows him in. Made for roughly 10 million dollars, it is the debut feature from the self-taught 20-year-old Parsons and reportedly gave A24 the biggest opening weekend in the studio's history. Produced by A24, James Wan's Atomic Monster, Chernin, and 21 Laps, with Osgood Perkins aboard as a producer. TALKING POINTS Where a 20-year-old self-taught director fits into the A24 machine, the leap from analog-horror YouTube series to a 10-million-dollar feature, liminal vs. analog horror as the first genuinely Gen Z horror movement, the Jungian read (threshold spaces, the shadow self, leaving your old self before you've arrived at the new one), the Osgood Perkins "shadow director" rumor and Mark Duplass's defense of Parsons, whether the film earns its ambiguity or just withholds resolution, and Exit 8 and Skinamarink as fellow travelers. STAFF PICKS Byron: Dead Ringers (1988, David Cronenberg) Kelly: Cube (1997, Vincenzo Natali) CONNECT Discord: discord.frightday.com The Frightday Society: frightdaysociety.org Email: contact@frightday.com Bluesky / Twitter / Instagram: @frightday Phone line: 1-833-FRIGHT-9 MORE FRIGHTDAY 700+ episodes covering horror, paranormal, cryptids, true crime, and conspiracies since 2014.  #Backrooms #KaneParsons #A24 #LiminalHorror #AnalogHorror #Frightday #HorrorReview #HorrorPodcast Want more? Join the Frightday Society, at http://thefrightdaysociety.org As a Society Member, you'll have access to all Screamium content (Behind the Screams, It's Been a Weird Week, A Conversation With..., Toast to Toast PM with Wine Kelly, Cinema Autopsy, the Writers' Room, bonus episodes of Captain Kelly's Cryptids & Conspiracies, Byron's Serial Corner, and so much more! You'll also be part of our interactive community dedicated to the advancement of horror, hauntings, cryptids, conspiracies, aliens, and true crime. All things frightening. Keep our mini-fridges full of blood...I mean...not blood...normal things that people drink...by going to http://shop.frightday.com Theme music by Yawns Produced by Byron McKoy Follow us in the shadows at the following places: @byronmckoy @kellyfrightday @frightday This is an Audio Wool Original.

Pellerin Books founders Laura Palmer and Jessie Sullivan on how readers discover books now, where to put your marketing money, and why the quality of the book still decides everything.You'll learnThe rule that quietly decides which authors get a publisher's time, budget and attention.Why the first question about marketing a book is never “how?”How to research your readers and your market without paying for a single tool.The metric that makes an ad campaign look like it is working when nothing is.What a cover and a developmental edit should cost, and the one place never to skimp.Why raising your ad budget too fast makes it perform worse, not better.How subscription reading changed what a sagging middle chapter costs a writer.Whether a publisher actually cares how many followers you have.Three books on writing that between them cover almost everything, and the two-word rule that keeps readers turning pages.Why you cannot keyword your way into a reader's life in the age of AI search.Resources & Links

This podcast is a part of us all... a part of us all... A PART OF US ALL! That's right, this week we're hopping into Flanders' RV and taking a trip to Shelbyville as we revisit "Lemon Of Troy". However, it would be foolish to partake in this endeavour alone, so we've summoned a burly protector to save us from the barrage of married cousins, the writer of the episode, Brent Forrester!We discuss the "lemon face" scene and how it's developed its own life in meme culture, the reason so many fans have a nostalgic connection to the story, how the episode was originally pitched and so much more.Plus we get a crash course in comedy writing, as we delve into Brent's career working on hit shows such as King of the Hill, The Office, The Ben Stiller Show, Late Night with David Letterman and Mr. Show,  just to name a few.Subscribe to Brent's YouTube channel at youtube.com/@ProfessorBFoSupport the show on Patreon at patreon.com/fourfingerdiscountListen on Spotify - spoti.fi/4fDcSY0Listen on Apple Podcasts - apple.co/4dgpW3ZCHAPTERS:01:56 - Why “Lemon of Troy” Still Connects with Audiences4:00 - The Origin of Springfield vs. Shelbyville6:39 - “Behaviour Over Banter” and Grounded Comedy9:35 - Inside The Simpsons Writers' Conference14:14 - Pitching the Lemon Tree Story20:00 - Roman Numerals, Movie References and Joke Construction24:05 - The “Lemon Face” Meme and Comic Contradiction28:00 - Springfield Pride, Shelbyville and Childhood Adventures34:00 - The Episode's Title, Childhood Memories38:38 - Brent's Early Comedy Career: The Ben Stiller Show and Originality43:00 -  Learning from James L. Brooks, Judd Apatow, Bob Odenkirk and David Cross49:05 - The Office, King of the Hill and Leading a Writers' Room56:30 - Showrunning, Rewrites and Making Great TV Under Pressure01:03:00 - Comedy, Networks and King of the Hill01:10:20 - Disappointing Conan O'Brien, Late Night and Creating “If They Mated”01:18:44 - Brent's Comedy-Writing Class and Creating Your Own Script01:21:00 - Homerpalooza, Voice Actors and What Makes a Line Land01:26:00 - Writing for Performance and the Science of Funny Words01:30:00 - The Simpsons Season 6–7 Writers' Room01:32:57 - Brent's Favourite “Lemon of Troy” Moments01:35:00 - “Squozen,” Cousin Love and the Brilliance of Animation01:38:30 - Brent's Ultimate Five-Episode Simpsons MarathonCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Goin' Down To South Park - spreaker.com/show/goin-down-to-south-parkThe Movie Guide with Maltin & Davis - themovieguidepodcast.comThe One About Friends - spreaker.com/show/the-one-about-friends-podcastTalking Seinfeld - spreaker.com/show/talking-seinfeldSpeaKing Of The Hill - spreaker.com/show/speaking-of-the-hill-a-king-of-the-hill-The Office Talk - spreaker.com/show/the-office-talk-podcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/four-finger-discount-simpsons-podcast--5828977/support.

Patrick Brice returns to Frightday to talk "The Creep Tapes" Season 3, twelve and a half years after Creep premiered at SXSW and turned Mark Duplass's Peachfuzz into an unlikely horror icon. We get into what it feels like to create a character people are tattooing on themselves, how Season 3 finally nails down a few pieces of the lore (without letting the wolf out of the bag completely), and why this year pushes Peachfuzz out of the cabin and onto a houseboat and a private plane. Patrick also breaks down the pared-down five-person crew, why he's usually the one holding the camera, and how a running notes doc and Mark's breathless post-jog phone calls turn into a six-episode season. The Creep Tapes Season 3 premieres September 15 on Shudder and AMC+, with a two-episode premiere followed by two episodes weekly through September 29.  This season's guests include Kate Siegel, Nicholas Hamilton, Elliott Fullam, Chris Gethard, and Ora Duplass.

Originally broadcast April 4th, 2026. Blood gumbo at the rodeo. Turnstile's ousted guitarist runs over the singer's dad. Pooh Shiesty and Papa Shiesty, kidnappers. A twelve-ton Kit Kat heist. Lindsay Buckingham, splashed. The Reese's heir goes rogue. A FEMA man teleports to Waffle House. Orbs from the ocean. ...and more! Stream on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/14ioP0zfFczK8hKPsDUmko?si=cff351ada3944a9a 0:00 - Intro: The Music and Food Episode 7:00 - Stardust Racers: Epic Universe Roller Coaster Death Update 19:00 - The Toe-Sucker Sentencing 21:00 - Texas Killing Fields Arrest 31:00 - Plasma Orbs, Microwaves, and Worms 37:00 - Panic Fest 41:00 - Turnstile's Guitarist Runs Over the Singer's Dad 55:00 - Lindsay Buckingham Splashed by a Stalker 1:22:00 - Pooh Shiesty and Papa Shiesty Kidnap Gucci Mane 1:39:00 - Tina Knowles' Gumbo Shut Down at the Rodeo 2:11:00 - Serve Me or Die: The Chick-fil-A Robbery 2:18:00 - The Twelve-Ton Kit Kat Heist 2:31:00 - Hershey's Recipe Change and the Reese's Heir 2:54:00 - Big Mac Sauce on Canadian Beaches 3:09:00 - Succulent Chinese Meal Enters the Archives 3:09:30 - Easter Bunny Assault at the Mall 3:22:00 - The FEMA Director Who Teleports to Waffle House 3:26:00 - Orbs From the Ocean: The Easter Prophecy 3:36:00 - Goro Soldiers and the Nuclear Dust 3:47:00 - Outro  Want more? Join the Frightday Society, at http://thefrightdaysociety.org As a Society Member, you'll have access to all Screamium content (Behind the Screams, It's Been a Weird Week, A Conversation With..., Toast to Toast PM with Wine Kelly, Cinema Autopsy, the Writers' Room, bonus episodes of Captain Kelly's Cryptids & Conspiracies, Byron's Serial Corner, and so much more! You'll also be part of our interactive community dedicated to the advancement of horror, hauntings, cryptids, conspiracies, aliens, and true crime. All things frightening. Keep our mini-fridges full of blood...I mean...not blood...normal things that people drink...by going to http://shop.frightday.com  Theme music by Yawns Produced by Byron McKoy Follow us in the shadows at the following places: @byronmckoy @kellyfrightday @frightday  This is an Audio Wool Original. #CasualFrightday #TinaKnowles #Beyonce #PoohShiesty #GucciMane #Turnstile #LindsayBuckingham #WeirdNews #TrueCrime #EpicUniverse #TexasKillingFields #KitKat #Reeses #WaffleHouse #UFO #Orbs #AudioWool #Frightday

Send us Fan MailEvery journey through a male-dominated field has its challenges. For women in STEM, those challenges often feel both personal and universal. In my latest conversation on the Authors Who Lead podcast, I sit down with Meleah Ashford—author of Fiercely Feminine—as she opens up about her mission: helping women not only enter, but stay and thrive in STEM careers without losing their sense of self. Here is what her story, process, and insights teach us about strength, authenticity, and the power of asking for help.Timestamp:00:00 Interview with Malia Ashford05:50 Struggles of writing a book08:24 Facing imposter syndrome while writing09:53 Turning off the editor brain13:40 Helpful feedback from editors17:43 Recognizing challenges for women in STEM20:10 Bringing empathy into STEM fields25:39 Supporting women's unique expression29:06 Women leaving STEM fields32:05 Launching and promoting a book34:05 Taking Your Time with Promotion39:22 Closing gratitude and encouragement40:22 Describing music soundsFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Hermann Pretorius reads his latest article for the Daily Friend about the price of being too cynical in politics. Read the article here: https://dailyfriend.co.za/2026/08/23/anyone-for-a-nice-cheap-shot-of-cynicism/ Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter

Louise Adler has been one of the biggest and most controversial names in Australian publishing for decades. This is the story of how she fell in love with the world of books.⁠An asthmatic child, she spent most of Melbourne's winters in bed with nothing else to do but read novels.But it wasn't until her parents intervened in Louise's obsession with Enid Blyton's boarding school series that her deep pleasure in the world of books began in earnest.⁠Shaped by her family's story of surviving World War Two, Louise grew up in questioning everything.She was 15 years old when she went to her first Vietnam moratorium and was locked up for her role in the protests.⁠She travelled to Israel at the age of 17, which was a transformative experience for her.⁠⁠Back in Australia, Louise began her career in publishing, backing some unconventional and headline-grabbing authors from Tony Abbott and Mark Latham to Louise Milligan and Mick Gatto.⁠Louise was Director of Adelaide Writers' Week from 2023, until the dramatic collapse of the 2026 festival.⁠This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. It was recorded live at the Byron Writers Festival.It explores writing, writers, books, Australian literature, Randa Abdel-Fattah, Israel, Palestine, Anti-Semitism commission, Judaism, WWII, Holocaust survivors, Adelaide Writers Festival, Byron Writers Festival, freedom of speech, Australian literary scene, origin story, Auspol, politics, big ideas, memoir, love, marriage, safe spaces, Grace Tame.

Blanche d’Alpuget has died aged 82. To remember the celebrated author, activist and widow of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke listen back to this episode from 2018, when Blanche spoke to Mia Freedman about love, lust, longing and the great loves of her life. It was 1970 in Jakarta when a then married Blanche met a then married Robert Hawke. She thought his name was Robin. Little did she knew he would go on to become the great love of her life. Six years later, in 1976, she met Robert again. Their affair began and continued on and off until 1995 when they married. In person, Blanche was extraordinarily beautiful down-to-earth, quick to laugh, searingly honest and still madly in love with the man who has - along with her career and her son - been the big love of her life. She joined Mia to talk about Bob, love and her book On Lust and Longing…Want to listen before everyone else? Mamamia subscribers get exclusive early access to No Filter from 6am every Saturday, a full two days before regular listeners. Click here to subscribe now. What To Listen To Next: Listen: Everyone Thinks Ally Langdon Has It Together. She’s Here To Tell You She Doesn't Listen: "I Went to a Really Dark Place": Jessie Stephens on the Six Months Nobody Saw Listen: Sophie Delezio Wouldn’t Change A Thing Listen: Liane Moriarty Was Terrified To Write A Big Little Lies Sequel. She Did It Anyway. Listen: Harriet Dyer: "It Should Have Been A Dealbreaker. I Chose Him Anyway" Listen: Amy Shark: “There’s No Way I Should’ve Made It” You can now watch our show in full length video on the Apple Podcast app - make sure your phone is up to date and we can't wait for you to see. CLICK HERE. Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au and join me today. You hot? Same. Buy today and save 40% Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here. Watch No Filter on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram here. Follow us on TikTok here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. CREDITS:Host: Mia Freedman With thanks to special guest Blanche d'AlpugetBuy Blanche's book at apple.co/mamamia.Producer: Elissa RatliffMamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 763 - Mark Hummel - A fast-paced dark comedy, Man, UndergroundMark Hummel's most recent work is the award-winning dark, comic novel Man, Underground. He is also the author of the novel In the Chameleon's Shadow and the short story collection Lost and Found. He has been publishing fiction, essays, and poetry in literary magazines and anthologies since 1991. His work has appeared, among many other places, in the pages of The Arlington Literary Journal, The Bloomsbury Review, Dogwood, Fugue, Per Contra, Talking River Review, The Wrath-Bearing Tree, Weber: the Contemporary West, and Zone 3. Writing as Mark Leichliter, he is the author of the crime novel The Other Side.Writing Is a Lifelong PracticeMark Hummel Leichliter has spent his life around writing as a writer, editor, teacher, coach, and mentor. He believes writers improve through practice and remain students of their craft throughout their careers. The page can teach you, especially when you approach the work with curiosity and an openness to learning.Good readers play a major role in that process. Mark relies on trusted readers who care enough to identify problems and help him see possibilities within a manuscript. Their feedback can reveal paths that remain hidden while a writer stays too close to the work.Follow the BookMark writes across genres and deliberately embraces experimentation. He follows the needs of each book rather than forcing every project into the same approach. A new manuscript can demand a different voice, structure, perspective, or narrative strategy.That philosophy also shapes his view of publishing. Writers can waste valuable energy chasing trends, studying the market, or trying to predict what publishers want. Mark encourages writers to focus on creating the best book they can and to write the book they want to read.Man, UndergroundMark's 2023 novel, Man, Underground, grew from an idea he began exploring more than a decade earlier. The dark comedy follows a middle-aged man who withdraws from society and builds an underground home. His unconventional life attracts scrutiny and labels him as someone who does not fit accepted expectations.A seventeen-year-old named Monica changes everything. Her determination to help him creates an unexpected friendship and gives the story a path toward connection, hope, and change.The novel explores the human tendency to label people as different and push them outside the community. Mark uses comedy to examine serious social questions while allowing the story to move toward empathy and connection.Mark's approach to writing centers on curiosity, experimentation, trusted readers, and a willingness to follow where the story leads. Man, Underground reflects that philosophy through a story about isolation, unexpected friendship, and the possibility of finding connection across perceived differences.https://markhummelwriter.com/man-underground/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Gotta go back in time! Show Notes: Run Time: 1:50:47 We came in with barely a plan at all on this one, and then everything still changed... and yet! Somehow! We prevailed! What a tale. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Lots of interesting tidbits in this one, both on purpose and entirely accidental. And then answers? To your questions?! You'd better believe it. Join us next week for Episode #329, all about the Sobek event! Get your questions in now!  And keep on saving that dang Multiverse!

Entertainment writer, screenwriter, and independent filmmaker Andrew Bloomenthal joins the show to discuss what years of interviewing working screenwriters and directors taught him about storytelling, preparation, and the filmmaking business. Andrew explains how his background in financial journalism unexpectedly opened the door to entertainment writing, eventually giving him opportunities to interview filmmakers including Oliver Stone and Michael Moore and contribute to publications such as Creative Screenwriting and Script Magazine. He also shares why every assignment should be treated as a calling card, how detailed research produces better conversations with filmmakers, and why writers need to develop an economy of words regardless of what they're writing.The conversation also gets into deadlines, developing your own screenplays, transitioning from writing to production, and Andrew's experience preparing to shoot a musical short film. He discusses casting actors, recording musical tracks before production, scouting locations, planning shots, and the excitement that comes when something that existed only on the page begins becoming a real film. For aspiring screenwriters and filmmakers, Andrew's experience reinforces a practical lesson: preparation matters, but eventually you have to move beyond thinking about making a film and actually start producing it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Deborah Sosin joins Let's Talk Memoir for a conversation about writing 70 micro memoirs of 70 words each to mark her 70th birthday, her love of compression and concision, working in themes, sitting with the memory of a scene and understanding its emotional truth, being clear on your quest as a memoirist, growing up in an overly close knit family, emotional and physical intrusion, forging a separate self, having no desire to write a memoir about her family, playing with constraints and form, feeling freedom to break the rules, and her new memoir Escape Velocity: How One 70-Year-Old Push-Pulled Her Way Out of Her Too-Much-Not-Enough Family.    Also in this episode: -distilling a scene  -working in themes -the push-pull of the writing process    Books mentioned in this episode: Place Envy: Essays in Search of Orientation  by Michael Lowenthal The Situation and the Story by Vivian Gornick Safekeeping by Abigail Thomas Three Dog Life  by Abigail Thomas What Comes Next and How to Like It  by Abigail Thomas  Still Life at Eighty by Abigail Thomas Heating and Cooling by Beth Ann Fennelly The Irish Goodbye by Beth Ann Fennelly Allegiance by Darien Hsu Gee   Deborah Sosin is a writer, editor, psychotherapist, and GrubStreet instructor. Her essays have appeared in the New York Times, Boston Globe Magazine, Salon, Cognoscenti, Brevity Blog, Oldster Magazine, Short Reads, The Manifest-Station, two anthologies, and numerous other publications. She is a reader for In Short: A Journal of Flash Nonfiction. Debbie is the author of Escape Velocity: How One 70-Year-Old Push-Pulled Her Way Out Her Too-Much-Not-Enough Family (70 Micro-Memoirs, 70 Words Each). She also authored the picture book Charlotte and the Quiet Place, which won a Gold INDIEFAB and Silver IPPY award; and a clinical workbook, Sober Starting Today. Debbie has an MFA from Lesley University and an MSW from Smith College School for Social Work. She lives outside of Boston. More at: www.deborahsosin.com and Write It Like It Is Substack.   Connect with Deborah: Write It Like It Is Substack: https://deborahs27.substack.com/ Website: www.deborahsosin.com    Purchase book directly:  https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=RyWUrsfZlvtY9WuizGbq9ER8EtLO1eq9Kx4SC4T0pGE   Darien Gee's Substack: https://substack.com/@dariengee – Ronit's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Rumpus, The New York Times, Poets & Writers, The Iowa Review, Hippocampus, The Washington Post, Writer's Digest, American Literary Review, and elsewhere. Her memoir WHEN SHE COMES BACK about the loss of her mother to the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and their eventual reconciliation was named Finalist in the 2021 Housatonic Awards Awards, the 2021 Indie Excellence Awards, and was a 2021 Book Riot Best True Crime Book. Her short story collection HOME IS A MADE-UP PLACE won Hidden River Arts' 2020 Eludia Award and the 2023 Page Turner Awards for Short Stories.  She earned an MFA in Nonfiction Writing at Pacific University, is Creative Nonfiction Editor at The Citron Review, and teaches memoir through the University of Washington's Online Continuum Program and also independently. She launched Let's Talk Memoir in 2022, lives in Seattle with her family of people and dogs, and is at work on her next book. More about Ronit: https://ronitplank.com Subscribe to Ronit's Substack: https://substack.com/@ronitplank   Follow Ronit: https://www.instagram.com/ronitplank/ https://www.facebook.com/RonitPlank https://bsky.app/profile/ronitplank.bsky.social

Welcome to Episode 268! We recap our Big Book Summer reads, which were all good. There wasn't a DNF among them, although Chris hasn't yet finished ROOTS. Wake Now in the Fire by Jarrett Dapier and AJ Dungo All We Hide by Robyn Gigl 11/22/63 by Stephen King Obstinate Daughters: The Rebels, Writers, and Renegade Women Who Ignited the American Revolution by Denise Kiernan Land by Maggie O'Farrell Point of Origin: Scarpetta #9 by Patricia Cornwell Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman, release date 9/8/2026 American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee, release date 9/29/2026 Time marches on, so although it is goodbye to Big Book Summer, we now say hello to Shorty September! This year, we've challenged ourselves to choose books that are

Joshua Davidson is the creator and co‑founder of Night Zookeeper, an award-winning online learning program that helps children aged 6–12 fall in love with reading, writing, and creativity through games and storytelling.He's also the author of the Night Zookeeper Adventure book series, which follows Night Zookeeper Will into the magical Night Zoo filled with fantastical creatures dreamed up by children. Josh is passionate about giving kids the confidence to see themselves as writers and creators, and he speaks regularly about the power of play, stories, and co‑created worlds in education.Takeaways:The Night Zookeeper program fosters creativity in children through engaging storytelling and character creation, allowing them to express their imagination freely.Joshua Davidson emphasizes the importance of play in education, arguing that children should be empowered to see themselves as creators rather than mere consumers.The integration of technology in the Night Zookeeper platform enhances learning experiences by making writing and creativity enjoyable and interactive for children.Through collaboration and feedback, the Night Zookeeper community facilitates a supportive environment where children can share their ideas and learn from one another.The approach of using project-based learning in the Night Zookeeper curriculum allows children to connect their creativity with educational outcomes, enhancing their overall engagement.By providing a platform where children's ideas shape the content, Night Zookeeper instills a sense of ownership and pride in their work, ultimately fostering a lifelong love of learning.Chapters:00:02 - Introducing Night Zookeeper and Its Impact on Children's Creativity05:44 - The Journey of Night Zookeeper: From Concept to Reality11:52 - The Importance of Engagement in Learning19:40 - The Importance of Creativity in Education24:15 - The Impact of Arts Education on Learning34:10 - Transitioning to Language Arts Curriculum37:37 - The Importance of Community in EducationGet a 7 day FREE trial and 50% of a subscription with my affiliate code:http://educationonfire.com/nightzookeeperhttps://www.instagram.com/nightzookeeper/https://www.facebook.com/NightZookeeperhttps://www.tiktok.com/@nightzookeeperofficialhttps://uk.pinterest.com/nightzookeeper/

The Game Deflators cover Hasbro's MTG/D&D takeover, PlayStation's digital push vs Xbox Disc‑to‑Digital, Sony's courtroom stance, the Zeta Set fiasco, State of Play, and Harvest Moon SNES review. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Episode 01:44 Game Pickups and Miniatures Discussion 02:08 Miniatures and Micro-Scale Gaming 05:24 Current Games: Lost Ember and Chrono Trigger 07:40 Dungeons and Dragons Session Recap 10:11 The Cave of the Lost One-Shot 15:45 Injury Mechanics in D&D and Campaign Planning 23:30 Digimon Nostalgia and Collector's Items 25:31 Collector's Edition Shipping Issues 29:12 Sony's Digital Future and Market Rumors 31:26 Sony, Xbox, and Physical Media 42:26 Digital Ownership and Consumer Rights 45:22 PlayStation State of Play Review and Community Reactions 47:18 State of Play Community Reaction 47:46 The Digital Gaming Debate 53:09 Magic: The Gathering Controversies 54:02 Secret Lair Launch Problems 59:18 Print-on-Demand Card Releases 01:01:53 Harvest Moon: A Cozy Gaming Experience John and Ryan open the show with their recent pickups and games played, including John's progress on D&D miniature painting and a one‑shot campaign designed for the players to meet their end. The news kicks off with Hasbro's CEO temporarily stepping in to oversee MTG and D&D, sparking discussion about leadership changes and their impact on two of the biggest tabletop franchises. They then dive into console strategy: PlayStation rumored to push harder toward an all‑digital future in response to Microsoft's Xbox Disc‑to‑Digital program. Adding fuel to the fire, Sony told a courtroom that reasonable gamers know they don't own digital games — a statement that raises eyebrows about consumer rights and ownership. The guys also cover the Zeta Set debacle from Secret Lair, analyzing what went wrong and how fans reacted, before breaking down the recent Sony State of Play showcase. To wrap things up, the Inflation Deflation Game of the Week spotlights Harvest Moon on SNES, as John and Ryan revisit the farming classic and evaluate its current market value. Find us on TheGameDeflators.com Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

In the winter of 1472, the city of Dijon, France, became the stage for a remarkable legal drama. On the mayor's orders, an investigator named Jaques Borestel went door-to-door questioning his neighbors about an alleged sexual assault—and about the victim's history and place in the community. At the center of Jaques's inquiry was a woman named Jehanne, who took the unusual step of making a criminal complaint in an age when victims of sexual violence did so at their own peril. Justice for Jehanne: The Tale of a Medieval Survivor (Princeton UP, 2026) follows Jaques's investigation as he uncovers one woman's story of resilience and survival. Applying forensic analysis to witness testimony and Jaques's case files, Sara McDougall finds in Jehanne a woman of many lives and many secrets. An outsider on her own in Dijon, Jehanne had every reason to distrust the local authorities, who regularly extorted money from the city's most vulnerable residents. Separating facts from falsehoods, McDougall challenges preconceptions about the experiences of marginalized women in medieval France, showing how neighbors, clergy, and other residents aided Jehanne throughout her legal struggles—and how justice of a sort was exacted from her attackers.Richly detailed and powerfully told, Justice for Jehanne paints an unforgettable portrait of a woman who mounted an extraordinary response to a crime that was so difficult to prosecute at the time, and of a community that gave her shelter, protection, and acceptance as she endeavored to survive on her own terms. Sara McDougall is professor of history at John Jay College of the City University of New York and is on the faculty in Biography and Memoir, French, History, and Medieval Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center. She is the author of Royal Bastards: The Birth of Illegitimacy, 800–1230 and Bigamy and Christian Identity in Late Medieval Champagne. Her fellowships include the Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In the winter of 1472, the city of Dijon, France, became the stage for a remarkable legal drama. On the mayor's orders, an investigator named Jaques Borestel went door-to-door questioning his neighbors about an alleged sexual assault—and about the victim's history and place in the community. At the center of Jaques's inquiry was a woman named Jehanne, who took the unusual step of making a criminal complaint in an age when victims of sexual violence did so at their own peril. Justice for Jehanne: The Tale of a Medieval Survivor (Princeton UP, 2026) follows Jaques's investigation as he uncovers one woman's story of resilience and survival. Applying forensic analysis to witness testimony and Jaques's case files, Sara McDougall finds in Jehanne a woman of many lives and many secrets. An outsider on her own in Dijon, Jehanne had every reason to distrust the local authorities, who regularly extorted money from the city's most vulnerable residents. Separating facts from falsehoods, McDougall challenges preconceptions about the experiences of marginalized women in medieval France, showing how neighbors, clergy, and other residents aided Jehanne throughout her legal struggles—and how justice of a sort was exacted from her attackers.Richly detailed and powerfully told, Justice for Jehanne paints an unforgettable portrait of a woman who mounted an extraordinary response to a crime that was so difficult to prosecute at the time, and of a community that gave her shelter, protection, and acceptance as she endeavored to survive on her own terms. Sara McDougall is professor of history at John Jay College of the City University of New York and is on the faculty in Biography and Memoir, French, History, and Medieval Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center. She is the author of Royal Bastards: The Birth of Illegitimacy, 800–1230 and Bigamy and Christian Identity in Late Medieval Champagne. Her fellowships include the Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: hereSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Want to go to Mars? The main character in Jordan Prosser’s new novel Blue Giant certainly does, and will stop at nothing to achieve this goal. In this episode, Jordan explores the origins of this story, the intriguing cast of characters and how writing a novel differs from other forms of writing he does. Don’t miss this one – it’s ‘out of this world’! 00:00 Welcome09:10 Writing tip: Fridge poems online11:20 Writers in the wild12:40 WIN: The Extraordinary Florence Stoker by Karen Brooks14:45 Word of the week: ‘Epicene’15:42 Interview with: Jordan Prosser16:24 Describing Blue Giant18:00 Origins of the story20:10 Exploring the cast of characters31:05 Fitting novel writing into everyday life33:33 Prioritising writing37:48 The publishing journey41:20 Differences between fiction and script writing44:06 Genre defining46:06 What’s next?47:47 Writing tip51:07 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the winter of 1472, the city of Dijon, France, became the stage for a remarkable legal drama. On the mayor's orders, an investigator named Jaques Borestel went door-to-door questioning his neighbors about an alleged sexual assault—and about the victim's history and place in the community. At the center of Jaques's inquiry was a woman named Jehanne, who took the unusual step of making a criminal complaint in an age when victims of sexual violence did so at their own peril. Justice for Jehanne: The Tale of a Medieval Survivor (Princeton UP, 2026) follows Jaques's investigation as he uncovers one woman's story of resilience and survival. Applying forensic analysis to witness testimony and Jaques's case files, Sara McDougall finds in Jehanne a woman of many lives and many secrets. An outsider on her own in Dijon, Jehanne had every reason to distrust the local authorities, who regularly extorted money from the city's most vulnerable residents. Separating facts from falsehoods, McDougall challenges preconceptions about the experiences of marginalized women in medieval France, showing how neighbors, clergy, and other residents aided Jehanne throughout her legal struggles—and how justice of a sort was exacted from her attackers.Richly detailed and powerfully told, Justice for Jehanne paints an unforgettable portrait of a woman who mounted an extraordinary response to a crime that was so difficult to prosecute at the time, and of a community that gave her shelter, protection, and acceptance as she endeavored to survive on her own terms. Sara McDougall is professor of history at John Jay College of the City University of New York and is on the faculty in Biography and Memoir, French, History, and Medieval Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center. She is the author of Royal Bastards: The Birth of Illegitimacy, 800–1230 and Bigamy and Christian Identity in Late Medieval Champagne. Her fellowships include the Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: hereSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/gender-studies Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the winter of 1472, the city of Dijon, France, became the stage for a remarkable legal drama. On the mayor's orders, an investigator named Jaques Borestel went door-to-door questioning his neighbors about an alleged sexual assault—and about the victim's history and place in the community. At the center of Jaques's inquiry was a woman named Jehanne, who took the unusual step of making a criminal complaint in an age when victims of sexual violence did so at their own peril. Justice for Jehanne: The Tale of a Medieval Survivor (Princeton UP, 2026) follows Jaques's investigation as he uncovers one woman's story of resilience and survival. Applying forensic analysis to witness testimony and Jaques's case files, Sara McDougall finds in Jehanne a woman of many lives and many secrets. An outsider on her own in Dijon, Jehanne had every reason to distrust the local authorities, who regularly extorted money from the city's most vulnerable residents. Separating facts from falsehoods, McDougall challenges preconceptions about the experiences of marginalized women in medieval France, showing how neighbors, clergy, and other residents aided Jehanne throughout her legal struggles—and how justice of a sort was exacted from her attackers.Richly detailed and powerfully told, Justice for Jehanne paints an unforgettable portrait of a woman who mounted an extraordinary response to a crime that was so difficult to prosecute at the time, and of a community that gave her shelter, protection, and acceptance as she endeavored to survive on her own terms. Sara McDougall is professor of history at John Jay College of the City University of New York and is on the faculty in Biography and Memoir, French, History, and Medieval Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center. She is the author of Royal Bastards: The Birth of Illegitimacy, 800–1230 and Bigamy and Christian Identity in Late Medieval Champagne. Her fellowships include the Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: hereSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“I was a very good student, and I loved learning, and I love going back to school. And now that I'm not in school, I'm just learning all the time, and I'm following my nose. I'm following what's interesting to me. So I hope you will do the same.” - Beth BaranyIn this How To Write the Future podcast episode, titled “Back To School Vibes for Writers” host Beth Barany shares some back to school tips for your writing.From where you can get started and learn from today, to recognizing you're learning in everything you do. Beth also encourages you to pick a fall focus and explains how our understanding of history is not fixed.ABOUT THE HOW TO WRITE THE FUTURE PODCASTHow To Write The Future is a podcast for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to imagine better worlds—and write stories that bring those futures to life. Each episode offers practical craft guidance, creative prompts, and big-picture inspiration to help you draft, revise, and publish with purpose.RESOURCESSupport the podcast! https://ko-fi.com/bethbaranyGet the workbook: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/Join the Edit Lab! https://bethbarany.com/editlabQuestions? Comments? Send us a text!Support the show---♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what?Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel ChecklistHelps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing. Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com.♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us!CONNECT WITH BETHvia emailvia LinkedInCREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)MUSIC: Uppbeat.ioDISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

Award-winning novelist Lily King on finding the emotional arc of a novel, writing the scene you keep avoiding, and making peace with ambition, self-criticism and the long road to a first book.You'll learnWhy the scene you most want to avoid is usually the one your book needs.How a small change in the final pages of one section can rebuild an entire novel.What it means to think in emotional arc rather than theme.The difference between being hard on yourself about writing and being hard on yourself while you write.Why giving yourself permission to write about your own life can unlock everything that follows.When a middle section goes flat, and how to find the engine it's missing.How ambition shows up differently for women writers, and the shame that can come with it.A notebook method built on margins, timelines, and a daily writing log.Why a bad review can be more useful than praise.What nine years on a first novel teaches you about patience.Resources & Links

Send us Fan MailThank you for joining us on the show today for part one of my interview with Author, Instructor, Film Consultant, Public Speaker, and retired New York Police Department Detective George Sichler. George started his career in a part of the Bronx that was known the most dangerous square mile in the United States. He went on to become a member of the elite scuba unit and later became a detective and went on to the gang and violence suppression units. He was also a firearms instructor who taught Keanu Reeves on the set of John Wick! Please enjoy part one of this discussion with someone who has had a career that they make movies and books about. Part Two will go live next Sunday.  In today's episode, we discuss:·      Growing up in the Bronx with future mobsters.·      His father being a police officer with the NYPD.·      His call to service.·      Why NYPD? ·      Getting on the scuba team. The danger and hazards of working in New York waters. ·      Recovering evidence and dead bodies (in trunks of cars) in the water. ·      Working during the 9/11 terror attack.·      Being a member of the violence suppression and gang units. All of this and more on today's episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.Visit George over at his website to learn more about him and his work. Head on over to my website!What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click thSupport the show

In honor of Dolly Parton's recent passing, we are rewinding our episode with 9 to 5 screenwriter Patricia Resnick.We have a fantastic episode for you—and one that feels especially meaningful as we remember the extraordinary Dolly Parton.My guest is screenwriter, producer, and stand-up comedian Patricia Resnick, best known for writing the iconic film 9 to 5, starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, as well as writing the book for 9 to 5: The Musical.With the recent passing of Dolly Parton, we're taking a moment to celebrate the remarkable legacy of 9 to 5—a film that became much more than a comedy. It gave working women a voice, challenged workplace sexism, and became a cultural touchstone. Dolly's performance, humor, music, and unforgettable title song helped make the film an enduring classic.Patricia Resnick was there at the beginning, creating the story that would become one of the most beloved workplace comedies of all time. She was also involved in writing and producing on television's Mad Men and Better Things, among many other projects.Writers and friends, I promise you'll want to listen to this episode multiple times.Patricia shares her incredible journey to becoming a successful, working screenwriter and talks candidly about what it was like to build a career as a writer and a single mom during a time when women in the workplace were often simply called “the girl.”In honor of Dolly Parton, we're revisiting the story behind 9 to 5 and celebrating the women who helped bring this groundbreaking story to life.Dolly may be gone, but her music, her movies, her generosity, and the doors she helped open for women will continue to inspire generations of writers, artists, and dreamers.This episode is a celebration of Dolly Parton, Patricia Resnick, 9 to 5, and the power of women telling their own stories.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernCreator/Executive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

"In Italy I have fallen and dreamed and traveled on my own terms. My Italy is endless and a drop of pleasure each day"...Welcome to Episode #150:This week I am moved to share a story about my Italy and how it lives with me.  I am slightly challenged by social media yet I guess fall somewhere in the middle, not one way or the other…. I was thinking about pop culture, ‘la dolce vita' Italy and how my travel experiences have been quite different to that. So I wrote an article about this on substack At my Table and then realised later perhaps it is just my version of Italy, neither here nor there but a place forever at the heart of everything I do.Enjoy this episode,Michelle xImage captured in the city of Parma, Emilia RomagnaShownotes A Writer in Italy InstagramSubstack - At My TableMichelle's BooksA Writer in Italy is about travel and life. A place to share the beautiful travel journeys and the discoveries along the way. Italy has many attractions - art, design, architecture, history and the wonderful food culture. Michelle shares her love of books on Italy and the places and regions that have inspired her along the way.Michelle started 'A Writer in Italy Podcast' to share personal stories and the love of books on Italy that would lead to beautiful conversations with people and like minded souls who share a deep love affair with Italian Culture and the country as a place of beauty and spiritual renewal.Michelle Johnston lives in Australia with her family.A Writer in Italy Podcast respectfully acknowledges that this work is created on the country of the Ngambri peoples and culture, and pays respects to their Elders, past and present.Musical Scores by Richard Johnston© 2026  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2026Support the show

Today's poem is WHITMAN: by Larry Levis.The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kielbon writes… “Every year, the Association of Writers and Writing Programs holds a conference in a different American city. A few years ago, when the literary industry descended on Kansas City, a poet I know posted on Instagram that he wanted to go to Charlie Parker's grave. The pilgrimage was based on a Larry Levis poem. I threw my hat in the ring to join him.” This show is supported by gifts from listeners. Support The Slowdown with a donation today. Slowdownshow.org/donate

On today's program, Samaritan's Purse declines a $300 million grant from a Trump funding package. The ministry says it is relying on God, not the government. But, it has accepted government money in the past. So what's different this time? Plus, a recent Lifeway study says most pastors feel their churches are welcoming to people with disabilities — but are they? We spoke with advocates and families who say churches still have a ways to go. And, a recently proposed mosque in Texas is drawing protests from residents…and also reviving discussion about how Christians can love their Muslim neighbors without compromising their faith. We'll take a look.  But first, a ministry network is shutting down completely. G3 Ministries announced it’s concluding operations after four leaders of the network admitted to a scheme that’s shaken the evangelical world. The pastors confessed to anonymously mailing packets to elders and deacons at a Texas church. Those packets accused pastor Tom Buck of plagiarizing sermons—dozens of times, over nearly a decade.  The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. We get editorial, database, and other technical support from Christina Darnell, Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, Heidi Allums, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Jessica Eturralde, Neva Piombino, Kim Roberts, Tony Mator, Stacey Horton, Makella Knowles — and you, Warren. Until next time, may God bless you.

Jenna Lyn Wright, screenwriter, comics writer, and author, joins Fave 5 for the first time at Plastic Microphone Studios! Jenna's the mind behind the screenplay Ambition, the comics Cult of Ikarus and Lady Mayhem, and the Hellion series of novels — and she grew up on a steady diet of Grimm's Fairy Tales, Stephen King, and Edgar Allan Poe. So who better to talk fictional writers with? Jamie and Jenna count down their Fave Five Fictional Writers, celebrating the storytellers-within-stories who made us fall in love with the craft in the first place.Jenna Lyn Wright is a screenwriter (Ambition), comics writer (Cult of Ikarus, Lady Mayhem), and author (the Hellion series). When she's not writing, she can be found watching horror films of dubious quality or singing songs to her cat. She grew up reading Grimm's Fairy Tales, Stephen King, and Edgar Allan Poe, digs black coffee and ass-kicking heroines, and is pretty sure she's haunted.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennalynwright/Substack: https://littleghostwrites.substack.com/Store: https://www.slomotionart.com/ Links can be found on our profile page and at www.linktr.ee/hulkboy. Visit & interact on Instagram www.instagram.com/FaveFiveFromFans, X.com/Fave5FromFans, Facebook ( FaveFiveFromFans ), and our website www.FaveFiveFromFans.com. Also, check out Plastic Microphone Studios' X and Instagram www.instagram.com/PMStudiosPod and the great stuff on X from Complete Disarray With Jamie Ray X.com/DisarrayPodcast, The Average Home Theater Reviews www.instagram.com/tk_gonzo1, Red Dog Terrain www.instagram.com/reddogterrain, Sequel House www.instagram.com/SequelHousePod, and more!Fave Five From Fans - www.youtube.com/@favefivefromfans The Average Home Theater Reviews - www.youtube.com/@averagehometheater4901 Red Dog Terrain  - www.youtube.com/@reddogterrain  Sequel House - www.youtube.com/@SequelHousePod  That's our Fave 5! Drop yours in the comments — not the best, not the most popular — just the ones YOU love. Let's talk about it.#FFFF #FaveFiveFromFans #PlasticMicrophoneStudios #podcast #podcastlife #FictionalWriters #WritersOnWriting #Screenwriter #ComicsWriter #Author #JennaLynWright #LittleGhostWrites #AuthorInterview #PodcastCommunity #NewEpisode #ListenNow #PodcastersOfInstagram #HGWells #MarkTwain #SamuelClemons #PaulSheldon #JohnWatson #JoanWilder #JessicaFletcher #CatherineTrammell #TinaBelcher #NickMiller #JackTorrance #JessMariano #JonathanLansdale #JoMarch #KathleenKelly #EricaBarry #WilliamForrester #JoanCastleman #JesseWallace #EzraFitz #DanHumphrey #DawsonLeery #RoryGilmore #JaneSloane #ZoeBarnes #KaraDanvers #StacyMerkin #JennySchecter #HannahHorvath #DianeNguyen #RichardCastle #SabrinaSpellman #CarrieBradshaw #SuzanneWarren #JessicaHuang

John Degen is the author of four books and is the head of The Writers' Union of Canada and Chair of the International Authors Forum. He wrote his latest novel, Seldom Seen Road, entirely on his iPhone with Scrivener. Show notes: John Degen The Uninvited Guest Seldom Seen Road Write Now with Scrivener Episode 63: Lili Taylor, Actor and Birder Jonathan Franzen: The End of the End of the Earth Shore Report — Covering Lake Huron's North Shore Write Now with Scrivener Episode 42: William Shaw, Author of Crime Fiction and Adventure Thrillers Joanne Harris William Kent Krueger: Purgatory Ridge Learn more about Scrivener, and check out the ebook Take Control of Scrivener. If you like the podcast, please follow it on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. Leave a rating or review, and tell your friends. And check out past episodes of Write Now with Scrivener.

If you've read the craft books, listened to hundreds of podcast episodes, and studied all kinds of writing advice—but still sit down at your desk wondering, okay, what am I actually supposed to work on today?—this episode is for you.Because at some point, learning more about writing stops being the missing piece. You need a process that helps you figure out what your specific story needs, what to work on next, and how all the pieces fit together.In this bonus episode, you'll hear from three writers who had spent a lot of time learning about writing, but still struggled to turn everything they'd learned into a clear path forward.You'll hear from Josie, a self-described chronic over-learner who had studied every major plotting method but kept running into dead ends while trying to outline her novel. Emily, who wrote 35,000 words of her romantic fantasy before getting stuck in a middle she couldn't see clearly. And Nefer, who spent five years caught in a cycle of line editing when she knew her manuscript needed much bigger changes.Three writers, stuck in three completely different ways.But what got all of them moving forward again was the same thing—and it wasn't more craft advice. It was having a process that helped them figure out what their specific story needed, what to work on next, and how all the pieces fit together.In this episode, you'll hear:[03:29] How one writer went from cobbling together different plotting methods and running into dead ends to creating a detailed scene-by-scene outline she could confidently write from.[08:02] How one writer who stalled at 35,000 words finally gained clarity on the entire shape of her story—including the middle that had felt impossibly murky.[12:33] What happened when one writer zoomed out of her line-by-line prose to focus on the big picture of her story first—and how doing so gave her the clarity to move forward.If you've spent months, or even years, learning about the craft but still feel unsure what your novel needs from you next, there's a good chance you'll recognize yourself in at least one of these stories.And if this episode makes you realize a clear process might be the thing you've been missing, Notes to Novel is open for enrollment through September 4th.It's the same process Josie, Emily, and Nefer used to make the progress you'll hear about today. Inside, I'll help you develop your story's foundation, create your cast of characters, and map your plot into a scene-by-scene outline so you can write your draft with clarity and confidence.

Watch the video version on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ComicPop Returns!

Hour 2- CJ Stroud and Lane Kiffin

Kim Murphy joins Let's Talk Memoir for a conversation about unburdening herself from decades of shame, her often absent and unpredictable mother, what we owe or don't owe our parents at the end of their lives, gaining a level of remove from the character versions of ourselves, the push and pull of dependence and disappointment, hoping our parents will be different, getting raw and vulnerable on the page, molding lived experience into a narrative arc, depicting the younger versions of ourselves, the motivation and accountability of a writing partner, making art from a messy childhood, working with vulnerable and difficult material, creating her own imprint and becoming an indie author, and her new memoir Unmothered: A Memoir of Parental Neglect and the Search for Love and Belonging.   Ronit's upcoming workshop: Writing Dynamic Memoir: From Lived Experience to Gripping Story https://www.lmcmurtrylitcenter.org/workshops/writing-dynamic-memoir-from-lived-experience-to-gripping-story   Also in this episode: - the divided self - writing with metaphor - having your family's blessing   Books mentioned in this episode: The Memoir Project by Marian Roach Smith Deep Memoir by Jennifer Selig   Kim Murphy is the author of Unmothered, a memoir that explores the long shadow of maternal absence, the quiet work of self-parenting, and the ways women learn to survive--and eventually soften--without the care they needed. Her writing traces the intersections of trauma, identity, resilience, and healing, with particular attention to the enduring impact of childhood emotional neglect and abuse.   A longtime writer and communications strategist, Kim spent more than three decades as an independent contractor crafting narratives for government agencies, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 organizations, translating complex material into clear, easy-to-understand content.  She is the author of The Vietnam Veterans Memorial: 25 Years of Healing and Educating and co-author of The Best Friends' Guide to Getting Fit. Her work has also appeared in Ritz-Carlton Magazine. When she's not writing or hanging out with her husband, Kim plays Mahjong, pulls weeds from her flower garden, and walks the beach while listening to podcasts and audiobooks.   Connect with Kim: Website: https://kestrelhousepress.com/ On Instagram: @kma_copy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-murphy-593b01/   Purchase Book: https://books.by/kestrelhousepress – Ronit's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Rumpus, The New York Times, Poets & Writers, The Iowa Review, Hippocampus, The Washington Post, Writer's Digest, American Literary Review, and elsewhere. Her memoir WHEN SHE COMES BACK about the loss of her mother to the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and their eventual reconciliation was named Finalist in the 2021 Housatonic Awards Awards, the 2021 Indie Excellence Awards, and was a 2021 Book Riot Best True Crime Book. Her short story collection HOME IS A MADE-UP PLACE won Hidden River Arts' 2020 Eludia Award and the 2023 Page Turner Awards for Short Stories.  She earned an MFA in Nonfiction Writing at Pacific University, is Creative Nonfiction Editor at The Citron Review, and teaches memoir through the University of Washington's Online Continuum Program and also independently. She launched Let's Talk Memoir in 2022, lives in Seattle with her family of people and dogs, and is at work on her next book. More about Ronit: https://ronitplank.com Subscribe to Ronit's Substack: https://substack.com/@ronitplank   Follow Ronit: https://www.instagram.com/ronitplank/ https://www.facebook.com/RonitPlank https://bsky.app/profile/ronitplank.bsky.social

How do you identify your writing weaknesses? And, even more importantly, how can you tell if something really is a weakness? In this episode, I share five ways writers can recognize recurring craft problems, strengthen weak areas, and distinguish poor execution from intentional writing style. Every story presents its own challenges. Struggling with one beginning doesn't necessarily mean you're bad at beginnings. But when the same problem keeps cropping up across multiple stories, that's information worth paying attention to. We'll look at how to identify writing weaknesses by listening to your story sense, noticing what you consistently avoid, comparing patterns across multiple stories, and learning from beta readers, critique partners, editors, and reader reviews. We'll also talk about the important difference between the inner critic's generalized judgments and the specific diagnostic nudges that can actually help you improve your writing. But identifying a recurring pattern raises another question: Is it actually a weakness? Writing craft is largely the study of patterns that work. But not every departure from those patterns is a mistake. Writers such as Kurt Vonnegut, William Faulkner, and Cormac McCarthy made unconventional choices that became part of their distinctive styles. The real question is whether your choices effectively communicate what you intend. In this episode, we'll talk about: • What writing weaknesses actually are • 5 ways to identify recurring weaknesses in your writing • How to distinguish your inner critic from your story sense • Why patterns across multiple stories matter • How to use feedback without surrendering your own judgment • When breaking writing "rules" becomes a stylistic strength • How to turn weak areas into stronger writing skills Read the transcript: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/identify-writing-weaknesses/ LINKS & RESOURCES Want More? WRITING MASTERCLASS: Flat Character Arcs: From Transformation to Integration https://kmweilandstore.com/b/flat-character-arc-class  If character arcs are one of the areas you'd like to understand more deeply, my new masterclass Flat Character Arcs: From Transformation to Integration explores not just how Flat Character Arcs work, but why. The more deeply we understand the patterns underneath story (i.e., the reasons certain choices create meaning and resonance), the less we have to rely on memorized "rules." Instead, we can begin internalizing the principles themselves and using them instinctively in our own stories. You can also save 15% by purchasing the class as part of my Writing Steadfast and Tragic Character Arcs bundle, together with Negative Character Arcs: Hidden Patterns of Self-Deception.