The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience
“Learn how acclaimed writers keep the ink flowing, the cursor moving, and avoid writer’s block.”
Each week, host Kelton Reid chats with guests like Nobel Prize winner Abdulrazak Gurnah, on life after becoming a laureate; #1 New York Times bestselling author, Emily Henry on her past life as a YA mid-lister; Celebrated author, Walter Mosley, on his conflicted feelings after winning a National Book Award; NY Times bestselling author, Lisa Scottoline, on what she learned from literary lion Philip Roth; #1 NY Times bestselling author Dennis Lehane on what he borrowed from Clint Eastwood; and bestselling author, Matt Haig, on the process behind his novel, The Midnight Library, and serial guest hosts: neuroscientist Michael Grybko, journalist Adam Skolnick, and short story writer Robert Bruce.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 35 minutes
- Episodes
- 455
- Years Active
- 2015 - 2025
How Acclaimed Debut Novelist Emily Everett Writes
Acclaimed debut novelist Emily Everett spoke to me about finding a writing community, impostor syndrome, setting aside self-doubt, and her literary debut, ALL THAT LIFE CAN AFFORD.
Emily Everett is …
00:35:39 |
Fri 09 May 2025
How Award-Winning Writer & Producer Arvind Ethan David Writes
Award-winning writer and producer Arvind Ethan David spoke to me about making sh*t up for a living, late bloomers, and adapting RAYMOND CHANDLER’S TROUBLE IS MY BUSINESS into a graphic novel.
Arvind…
00:35:26 |
Fri 02 May 2025
How Founding Editor of the LA Review of Books Tom Lutz Writes: Part One - Redux
Award-winning author, founder, and editor-in-chief of the Los Angeles Review of Books, Tom Lutz, took a timeout to talk with me about his early years as a literary ne'er-do-well, what it's like to ha…
00:50:42 |
Fri 25 Apr 2025
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Susannah Cahalan Writes
#1 New York Times bestselling author, Susannah Cahalan, spoke to me about her writing process, witch candles, and stepping into the shoes of psychedelic pioneer Rosemary Woodruff Leary in her new bio…
00:36:15 |
Fri 18 Apr 2025
How NY Times Bestselling Author Emma Knight Writes
New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and entrepreneur Emma Knight spoke to me about finding the courage to write fiction, the Loch Ness Monster of motherhood, and her breakout debut novel T…
00:32:09 |
Fri 11 Apr 2025
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Carley Fortune Writes - Redux
#1 New York Times bestselling author, Carley Fortune, spoke to me about her storied career as a journalist, writing a breakout hit in just four months, and her latest novel, MEET ME AT THE LAKE.
Carl…
00:33:42 |
Fri 04 Apr 2025
How Acclaimed Debut Novelist Jeanette Horn Writes
Acclaimed debut novelist and award-winning poet Jeanette Horn spoke to me about writing experimental poetry, getting a fateful call from the Iowa Writer’s Workshop, and the magical realism in her deb…
00:32:46 |
Fri 28 Mar 2025
How Award-Winning Journo & The Atlantic Writer Olga Khazan Writes
Award-winning journalist and The Atlantic staff writer Olga Khazan spoke to me about the worst way to launch a book, writing long-form watchdog journalism, and her latest ME, BUT BETTER, The Science …
00:32:44 |
Fri 21 Mar 2025
Bonus: Matt Haig Reads an Excerpt from 'The Midnight Library' on Storybound - Redux
Matt Haig reads an excerpt from The Midnight Library, backed by an original Storybound remix with Robert Wynia, and sound design and arrangement by Jude Brewer.
Robert Wynia is a founding member of t…
00:29:39 |
Fri 14 Mar 2025
How NY Times Bestselling Author Matt Haig Writes: Redux
Internationally bestselling author, Matt Haig, spoke with me about how the novelist became an accidental "mental health expert," why writers need resilience, and the process behind The Midnight Libra…
00:39:05 |
Fri 07 Mar 2025
How Bestselling Author & Literary Agent Betsy Lerner Writes
Bestselling author and literary agent Betsy Lerner spoke with me about being a “late bloomer,” what 35 years in publishing has taught her, and portraying mental illness in her debut novel SHRED SISTE…
00:36:22 |
Fri 28 Feb 2025
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Ernest Cline Writes: Part Two - Redux
#1 New York Times bestselling novelist and screenwriter, Ernest Cline, spoke to me about what inspired him to become a novelist, the success of Ready Player One, and his love letter to Austin, Texas,…
00:30:30 |
Fri 21 Feb 2025
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Ernest Cline Writes: Part One - Redux
#1 New York Times bestselling novelist and screenwriter, Ernest Cline, spoke to me about what inspired him to become a novelist, the success of Ready Player One, and his love letter to Austin, Texas,…
00:28:02 |
Fri 14 Feb 2025
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Marissa Meyer Writes
#1 New York Times bestselling author Marissa Meyer spoke with me about cutting her teeth on fanfiction, working briefly in publishing, and THE HAPPY WRITER, a guide to writing with less stress and mo…
00:32:44 |
Fri 07 Feb 2025
How Psychology and Neuroscience Prof. Kurt Gray Writes
Psychology and Neuroscience Professor Kurt Gray spoke with me about the timely release, and inspiration behind his latest book OUTRAGED: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Commo…
00:32:20 |
Fri 31 Jan 2025
How #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Robert Crais Writes: Part Two
Award-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author, Robert Crais, returns to talk with me about the destruction of the recent LA fires, writing “enlightened” crime fiction, and the 20th in his El…
00:31:53 |
Fri 24 Jan 2025
How #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Robert Crais Writes: Part One - Redux
NOTE: Preface to Part Two of this prescient interview with a master of the craft: “[Crais is] an enlightened crime writer.”—New York Times Book Review
Award-winning and #1 NY Times bestselling autho…
00:29:26 |
Wed 22 Jan 2025
How NY Times Bestselling Author L.M. Elliott Writes
New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist L.M. Elliott spoke with me about the heyday of magazine writing and new journalism, why research tells her what to write, and her latest…
00:37:38 |
Fri 17 Jan 2025
How Award-Winning TV Writer & Novelist Georgia Jeffries Writes
Award-winning TV writer/producer turned novelist Georgia Jeffries spoke with me about why Cagney and Lacey was her film school, teaching screenwriting at USC, and the ghosts, grief, and grievance in …
00:47:48 |
Fri 10 Jan 2025
How NY Times Bestselling Author Ann Napolitano Writes: Redux
NOTE: Repost of our second most popular episode of the year, Happy Holidays!
New York Times bestselling author, Ann Napolitano, spoke with me about overcoming rejection early on, how grief transform…
00:44:41 |
Fri 27 Dec 2024
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