Lifewriting: Write for Your Life!

LIFEWRITING LIVE! On Tananarive's upcoming novel, MAZYWOOD! And Steve's MAGIC Formula for Success

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 20:15:00 -0000

Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due share updates and Lifewriting tools for staying centered while creating under stress. Due announces a People Magazine cover reveal for her upcoming horror novel, Mazywood (out September 22), describes its contemporary survival-horror plot and old-Hollywood historical origins, and discusses anxiety about reader reactions.

Barnes reports improved health and emphasizes “The Magic Formula” of becoming the person who can do the work. And listener Q&A on writing!

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Lifewriting Live! Finding Your "Why" in 2026

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about how they have pushed through with their writing projects after Steve's health setback in late 2025 (all better now!) and their goals for 2026 -- including a feature version of their short film, THE KEEPER!

Plus, advice to a screenwriter from the live audience.

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Markus Redmond! (Blood Slaves)

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 04:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Tananarive talks to debut author and former "Doogie Howser, M.D." actor Markus Redmond about his vampire novel BLOOD SLAVES, set during the Antebellum slavery era.

On how the murder of George Floyd helped inspire his novel, transitioning from acting to writing, on his experiences writing screenplays, and how slavery is the true horror in BLOOD SLAVES. (And it's a series!)

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LIFEWRITING LIVE! On Overcoming Interruptions and Chaos

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive reveal what they learned during Steve's recent health scare -- and how his creative work helped inspire his recovery. Tananarive shares her coping mechanisms that helped her stay centered during a time of true-life horror. Plus, Steve and Tananarive answer questions on writing and creative living from the studio of LIFEWRITING LIVE!

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LIFEWRITING LIVE! On Horror and Healing!

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about the power and popularity of horror in literature and cinema -- and secrets to writing powerful horror! Tananarive also talks about how horror is healing during times of crisis. Steve also talks about his recovery from hip replacement surgery. And listeners ask questions about collaborating, deadline and writing motivation!

Don't miss their upcoming workshop on 9/13/25 - "Dark Dreams: Writing Horror That Kills!" - register at www.fearmasters.com

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Tananarive and Steve's story in The End of the World As We Know It (based in the world of Stephen King's The Stand)!

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about their short story in the New York Times bestselling anthology THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT ("The Boat Man"), based in the world of Stephen King's THE STAND. Tananarive tells the story of how she played keyboard in a band with Stephen King, the Rock Bottom Remainders. (And Tananarive reads an excerpt from "The Boat Man"!)

Also: audience members at the LIVE recording talk about their challenges and triumphs in their writing -- and their lives.

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LIFEWRITING LIVE! What Necessary Evil Have You Been Dodging?

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 22:30:00 -0000

In this Lifewriting episode with a live audience, Steve and Tananarive talk about their upcoming cast and crew screening for their short film, THE KEEPER, and Tananarive reveals a "necessary evil" she avoided while she was working on her next novel! Plus, they talk to audience members about their writing struggles and how to embrace "necessary evils" to reach their dreams.

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LIFEWRITING LIVE! On Goals & Actions to Make the Universe Say "Oh, sh*t!"

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 16:30:00 -0000

In this first "Lifewriting Live!" with a live audience, Steve and Tananarive talk about overcoming fears and past failures with goals and actions to make the Universe say "Oh, sh*t! She's serious!"

Tananarive also talks about what she learned about outlining versus "pantsing" from George R.R. Martin while she was teaching at the George R.R. Martin Intensive Writing Workshop at Northwestern University's Medill School for Journalism -- and how sometimes writers should just write for "fun."

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The Keeper is a Wrap! Lessons for writers on directing

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 17:16:00 -0000

Steve and Tananarive are BACK after disappearing into directing their first film! THE KEEPER wrapped last week, and they share their experiences as novelists turned screenwriters turned directors, stories from the set, and how YOU can direct your own film with only an iPhone and a skeleton crew.

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Best of Lifewriting: When History is The Monster! (The Reformatory)

Mon, 26 May 2025 02:30:00 -0000

In this episode (which originally aired in June of 2024), Tananarive opens up about why it was so difficult for her to write her novel, THE REFORMATORY, and why it was such a thrill to win Best Novel at The Bram Stoker Awards -- the first Black author to win Best Novel!

How she motivated herself to write a difficult novel based on her family history while juggling parenthood and screenplay assignments. And how the Lifewriting principles helped her keep going even when she wanted to give up.

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SINNERS! How Ryan Coogler Shook Hollywood (And You Can Too!) SPOILERS

Sat, 03 May 2025 21:00:00 -0000

In this spoiler-crammed episode, Steve and Tananarive lead a community celebration of SINNERS and break down both the film and Ryan Coogler's Hollywood journey to shaking up Hollywood.

This is the FULL replay of the community Zoom:
https://youtu.be/bGFavqpA4Rc

And don't delay signing up for our hybrid Screenwriting webinar 5/17. Take the first steps to get your seat at the table - or build your own table. Limited spots available!

www.writerwebinar.com - LINK IN BIO

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We Made Our Own "Vintage" Radio Play! Introducing THE WALKER (Guest J. Michael Hayes)

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive premiere their "vintage" radio play, THE WALKER, a narrative audio story modeled after classic radio of the 1930s and 1940s - but diverse!

But first, they talk to co-producer J. Michael Hayes (an author, filmmaker and Lifewriting Premium alum) about how they brought the story to life on audio - and how you can bring your own writing to life too!

Steve and Tananarive both love narrative podcasts and vintage radio, so THE WALKER has been a longtime dream: created with friends and family with no gatekeepers. This first episode, "Black Widow," is inspired by Steve's short story "Come Home to Atropos" (New Suns).

This episode stars Dexter creator Jeff Lindsay (a former podcast guest) and Steve's daughter, Nicki Barnes...and Steven Barnes as "The Walker." "Black Widow" is about newlyweds on the most macabre honeymoon ever. The episode is also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Bbw7F1AFfEA?si=-TNfOgWim22zz_cz

And don't miss their upcoming hybrid screenwriting course on May 17, which includes two free months of their new writing workshop! Participate via Zoom or in person in Southern California. Check out the course at www.writerewebinar.com.

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We're Directing Our First Short Film! Writing Lessons from the Director's Chair

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 04:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about adapting their horror graphic novel, THE KEEPER (illustrated by Marco Finnegan), as a short film for a major production company.

On how they made the journey from prose writers to screenwriters to having an opportunity to direct a short film with an eye toward directing their first feature. Also on the writing lessons from directing - and an invitation to join their LIVE hybrid screenwriting class on May 17, 2025 (either online or in Southern California) to learn the tools to write your own films and adaptations for a seat at the table.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COURSE HERE: http://www.writerwebinar.com

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Creating Art in the Midst of Chaos (adrienne maree brown)

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 18:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Tananarive talks to visionary thinker, organizer and artist adrienne maree brown (author of EMERGENT STRATEGY, GRIEVERS and LOVING CORRECTIONS) about the role of the artist during times of chaos -- creating beauty from pain and uncertainty, the obligation of artists to express joy, and how art can be a bridge to better times.

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Best of Lifewriting: A.I. and the Writer!

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 21:50:00 -0000

The WGA writers' strike is over, but A.I. is still a big conversation among writers. From the WGA strike and screenwriters' concerns about A.I. infiltrating writers' rooms to the recent class action lawsuit including former podcast guest Paul Tremblay against OpenAI and ChatGPT, A.I. and writers are on a collision course.

Steve and Tananarive talk about the good and bad uses of A.I. for writers and how to prepare for the future.

Also: an invitation to join our social media platform on Circle!

www.lifewrite.com

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Guest Josh Ruben! (Heart Eyes, Werewolves Within)

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 02:40:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to director Josh Ruben about his new horror comedy (romance) Heart Eyes, which is destined to be a cult Valentine's Day horror hit! They talk about directing, how to make a horror romance, and why Ruben cast Black leads in Heart Eyes (Mason Gooding, opposite Olivia Holt) and Werewolves Within (Sam Richardson, opposite Milana Vayntrub).

Also: how he coped after he and his wife lost their new house during the recent fires in Southern California - only weeks before the Heart Eyes premiere.

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Navigating Feedback in Your Writing - And in Life!

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 18:30:00 -0000

In this new episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about the need for feedback to grow as writers and how difficult it is to determine which feedback is useful and which feedback isn't useful - and the tools it takes to tell the difference!

They also talk about their new video on why writing Science Fiction / Afrofuturism can be empowering in 2025 - check it out at https://www.steven-barnes.com/live-classes.

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Lessons from Octavia Butler and Ray Bradbury On How to Survive 2025

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 02:30:00 -0000

In this episode - their first one recorded in 2025! - Steve and Tananarive talk about how Octavia E. Butler and Ray Bradbury confronted their times with art to help inspire themselves and others. (Includes a clip from a 2000 interview with Octavia Butler).

They also talk about their upcoming hybrid class on Writing Science Fiction/Afrofuturism (1/25) and how artists can turn fear into power through storytelling! (Learn more about the class at www.writerwebinar.com)

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Best of Lifewriting - Tananarive's novel The Reformatory - Turning Heartache to Horror

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 01:00:00 -0000

Tananarive spent more than seven years working on her new novel, THE REFORMATORY, which was inspired by true-life family history about her great-uncle Robert Stephens and the Dozer School for Boys in Marianna, FL. In this podcast, she and Steve talk about why it took so long to write, the Lifewriting tools she used to complete it, and how she's fighting to stay centered in the whirlwind of her book's publication.

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Clay McLeod Chapman! Wake Up and Open Your Eyes (Finding Hope in Horror)

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 21:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Tananarive interviews horror author/screenwriter Clay McLeod Chapman about his upcoming novel, WAKE UP AND OPEN YOUR EYES -- which was blurbed by Jordan Peele and is about a deadly political spell cast over the nation. (Sounds familiar!) He and Tananarive also talk about his start as an author, how he first met Jordan Peele, and the search for hope in writing and reading horror.

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A Tribute to Candyman Star Tony Todd (And an interview from 2017!)

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 01:40:00 -0000

Tananarive and Steve were devastated by the death of Candyman star Tony Todd in November of 2024. (He also co-starred in their "Fugue State" story in the Shudder/AMC+ anthology film Horror Noire.) His death inspired them to unearth an interview they did with Todd as a part of their online digital download course The Sunken Place, a history of Black Horror. In this rare interview, Todd talks about his tough childhood, the aunt who raised him, his theater roots...and becoming Candyman. Don't miss it!

The full course (which also includes an interview with Jordan Peele) can be found at www.sunkenplaceclass.com.

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Best of Lifewriting - Gabino Iglesias! (The Devil Takes You Home, House of Bone and Rain)

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 02:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Tananarive and Steve talk to New York Times horror columnist and author Gabino Iglesias! In 2023, Iglesias, who is Puerto Rican, became the first Latino writer to win a Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel for THE DEVIL TAKES YOU HOME. (His more recent book, HOUSE OF BONE AND RAIN, is also great!)

Steve and Tananarive talk to Gabino about how his struggles with unemployment and losing his health insurance during COVID inspired him to finish his award-winning novel, why he loves horror, and what he's doing next!

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On Writing Through Pain - Guest Nadine Pinede! (When the Mapou Sings)

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 20:45:00 -0000

In this episode, Tananarive talks to author, poet and scholar Nadine Pinede about her difficult journey bringing her debut novel to life, WHEN THE MAPOU SINGS - a novel about a young girl's experiences in historical Haiti, including encounters with Zora Neale Hurston. And the novel is entirely in verse!

National Book Award winner Edwidge Danticat calls the book "a stunning revelation." They talk about managing a writing practice through pain and how the novel transformed over the years.

The author requests donations to the Claudette Pinede Memorial Scholarship Fund to support Haitian women in STEM:

https://helpdonors.donorsupport.co/page/FUNNJGKWUCZ

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Best of Lifewriting - Stephen Graham Jones!

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 02:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to Bram Stoker Award winner Stephen Graham Jones. He shares his writing process, his love for slashers, his exploration of father-son relationships in his stories, and how his own personal promise to an elk he hunted gave birth to his bestselling novel The Only Good Indians. (Latest novels: My Heart is a Chainsaw and I Was a Teenage Slasher.)

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On Claiming Your Personal Power! (Kristin Iris Johnson - Wicked City)

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 20:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to Wicked City television series creator Kristin Iris Johnson about her journey to Hollywood as a queer Black woman with disabilities -- and how she claimed her personal power to thrive as a writer and producer in such a competitive industry.

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Best of Scare Up the Vote! (Stephen King, Joe Hill, Rachel Harrison, Mike Flanagan, Stephen Graham Jones, Bryan Fuller & More!)

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 01:15:00 -0000

Wow - just WOW. Tananarive talks about mounting Scare Up the Vote, the horror community's campaign event to support Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. On this episode, excerpts from amazing talks about horror and why voting matters by your horror faves: Stephen Graham Jones, Gabino Iglesias, Stephen King in conversation with Joe Hill, Erin E. Adams, Mike Flanagan in conversation with Kate Siegel, Bryan Fuller, Akela Cooper and Rachel Harrison.

And that's just a tiny slice of the full broadcast with a slew of other great horror creators, which you can watch at scareupthevote.com

The event raised more than $21,000, but you can still show your horror head love for the Kamala Harris campaign by contributing at https://secure.kamalaharris.com/a/scare-up-the-vote?attr=116075965 - every contribution here will be credited to Scare Up the Vote!

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Nuzo Onoh (Where the Dead Brides Gather) - the Queen of African Horror!

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0000

That's right, royalty is in the house - Nuzo Onoh has been hailed as "The Queen of African Horror." This Nigerian-British writer is a pioneer of the African horror genre, and she talks about how tropes like vengeful ghosts have shaped her writing. Her books include Dance for the Dead and the upcoming Where the Dead Brides Gather.

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Guest Nat Cassidy! (Nestlings, Mary: An Awakening of Terror)

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 21:00:00 -0000

Tananarive talks to author, playwright, actor and screenwriter Nat Cassidy about how his different artistic endeavors have fed into a single creative drive. On fluidity in creativity and the persistence to follow your dream -- and then the NEXT dream.

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Pornsak Pichetshote (The Good Asian, The Horizon Experiment: The Manchurian)

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 03:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to comics creator and screenwriter Pornsak Pichetshote. On how his feeling of displacement after moving from the U.S. to Thailand as a child helped him become a storyteller, mastering comics and TV writing - and The Horizon Experiment (The Manchurian), his new community-building comics project to showcase creators on the margins. (Including Tananarive, whose comic is Moon Dogs.)

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On Finding Your Voice! (Guest Michelle McGill-Vargas)

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Tananarive talks to debut novelist Michelle McGill-Vargas about how she nurtured her writing practice while teaching full-time and how she found her voice to write her debut vampire novel, AMERICAN GHOUL. On the persistence and confidence writers need to win!

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Guest S.A. Cosby! (All the Sinners Bleed, Razorblade Tears)

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 19:35:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to New York Times bestseller S.A. Cosby, author of the bestselling novels ALL THE SINNERS BLEED, RAZORBLADE TEARS (praised by Barack Obama!) and BLACKTOP WASTELAND. They talk about how he almost gave up writing, blending crime fiction and horror, and what inspires him to write.

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Best of Lifewriting: It's Spooky Season! Secrets to Writing Great Horror

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, pioneering science fiction author Steven Barnes and Bram Stoker Award / Los Angeles Times Book Prize winner Tananarive Due (your hosts!) break down the secrets to writing great horror: bringing the scares and why strong characters matter so much in horror.

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Guest Justin C. Key! (The World Wasn't Ready for You, Out There Screaming)

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to author Justin C. Key, who just published his debut sci fi/horror short story collection, The World Wasn't Ready For You. He's also a contributor to Jordan Peele's Out There Screaming horror anthology. They talk about the social impact he wants to make with his work and his journey to portraying his own identity in his writing. Also how his job as a full-time psychiatrist has an impact on his work.

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Guest Justina Ireland! (Star Wars: The High Republic, Dread Nation)

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Steve and Tananarive talk to NY Times bestselling author Justina Ireland, author of Dread Nation (YA horror) and one of the story architects of Star Wars: The High Republic. She talks about taking up writing later in life, YA horror, writing for established IP, working in her first television writers' room for the Netflix series House of Usher under Mike Flanagan, and how race has had an impact on her writing.

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Guest Grady Hendrix! (My Best Friend's Exorcism - How to Sell a Haunted House)

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to New York Times bestselling horror writer Grady Hendrix (My Best Friend's Exorcism, How to Sell a Haunted House) about how he started his career, why and how he writes so many women characters, and the role of grief in his storytelling. Also, hints about his upcoming new novel, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls.

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Author Jeff Lindsay! On Dreaming Dexter and the Dark Side of Fame

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to bestselling author Jeff Lindsay, creator of the iconic character of Dexter Morgan in his eight-book series that began with DARKLY DREAMING DEXTER. He also recently published books in his Riley Wolfe series (THE FOURTH RULE).

On how he created his serial killer character, the unexpected success of Dexter, how he began his career, working in Hollywood, and the dark side of creating an iconic character when some readers think he's a little too real.

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On Creating Unforgettable Characters!

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 23:05:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary and give tips on how to create characters that spring to life!

Learn more about characterization from Steve and Tananarive at their hybrid writing workshop in Southern California on Aug. 24th. More info at www.writerwebinar.com.

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It's Kamala Harris for President! The Power of Twists in Storytelling

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 22:45:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about the surprise rise of Vice President Kamala Harris as the presumptive Democratic nominee for president as a "plot twist" -- and how plot twists in narratives can create excitement both in real life and in storytelling. Tananarive also talks about how she came up with her biggest plot twist in her novel THE REFORMATORY (spoiler free) and how you can too!

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Best of Lifewriting: Guest Maureen Ryan (Burn It Down!) - Horrors in Hollywood

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 04:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive welcome Vanity Fair contributing editor Maureen Ryan, author of the book everyone in Hollywood is reading -- BURN IT DOWN: Power, Complicity, and a Call for Change in Hollywood. They talk about why she wrote her book exposing Hollywood's ugly underbelly, the WGA strike, the sad demise of "Sleepy Hollow" and the racial overtones that helped doom the first horror series with a Black woman co-lead, and what can be done to create a better future. She also talks about how she stays centered in the storm her book is creating.

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Craft Lessons from A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE (Spoiler free)

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 17:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive unpack the new film starring Lupita Nyong'o, A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE. It's breaking box office records for the Quiet Place franchise, and for good reason. With shades of 28 DAYS LATER, CHILDREN OF MEN and THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS, this new horror film is both an action-packed story of a horror apocalypse and an intimate portrait of human mortality.

Whether or not you've seen the film, don't miss this episode pointing out the craft lessons that make this an instant horror classic.

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Best of Lifewriting: Paul Tremblay! (Horror Movie, Cabin at the End of the World)

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 20:15:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to horror writer Paul G. Tremblay about what it's like to have your novel (The Cabin at the End of the World) adapted into a major film by a major director, M. Night Shyamalan (Knock at the Cabin). Tremblay talks about why he loves horror, his choice to make his protagonists a queer married couple and their adopted Asian daughter, and what happens when Stephen King tweets about your book.

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On Thriving with New Opportunities and Challenges

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 21:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about the joys and challenges of stretching our self image as creators: Steve has a job opportunity in a new field, and they're both working toward co-directing their first short films! How even good news can be stressful, and how to maintain the tools to thrive no matter what we're facing.

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Best of Lifewriting: On Keeping It Short! (The Joy and Power of Short Stories and Short Scripts)

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 01:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive break down why writers of all levels should embrace short stories and short scripts, whether it's to learn craft faster or to get published or produced sooner. They also discuss their first collaboration, a short story named "Danger Word" that also became their first short film: www.dangerwordfilm.com.

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Tananarive Won a Stoker Award for The Reformatory! (When History is the Monster)

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Tananarive opens up about why it was so difficult for her to write her novel, THE REFORMATORY, and why it was such a thrill to win Best Novel at The Bram Stoker Awards -- the first Black author to win Best Novel!

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On the Writer's Juggling Act - Working on Multiple Projects!

Sun, 26 May 2024 22:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about the necessity of working on multiple creative projects and share their tips on how they juggle writing scripts and books.

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Best of Lifewriting - Nisi Shawl! (Kinning, Everfair) On Friendship with Octavia E. Butler

Sun, 19 May 2024 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode from March of 2023, Steve and Tananarive talk to award-winning author Nisi Shawl (KINNING, EVERFAIR) about the anthology they published, NEW SUNS 2, featuring speculative fiction from marginalized writers - including a story, "Supptertime," from Tananarive! Nisi also talks about the journey from a fangirl to friend of the late Octavia E. Butler. Plus, that time Nisi rejected one of Tananarive's short stories.

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"So Be It! See To It!" Success Hacks for Writers

Sun, 12 May 2024 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about the practices that have helped them succeed as writers. They discusses Steve's late friend Octavia E. Butler's use of Napoleon Hill's THINK AND GROW RICH and the practices and affirmations that helped her become such an influential author despite the odds. And how you can use the same hacks to find success. Watch the YouTube condensation of the book's principles: https://youtu.be/n3g2DlmZsLg?si=mtVWACsq6Pvku0qz

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Guest Brent Lambert! (On A Necessary Chaos and Worldbuilding)

Sun, 05 May 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Tananarive talks to debut author Brent Lambert about his critically acclaimed new novella, A NECESSARY CHAOS and the power of queer speculative fiction, how growing up as a queer Army brat fed his love for writing, and keys to worldbuilding and characterization in speculative fiction.

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Guest David Dastmalchian! (Late Night with the Devil)

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 21:00:00 -0000

Steve and Tananarive welcome powerhouse actor David Dastmalchian, star of Shudder's Late Night with the Devil -- also from Oppenheimer, Suicide Squad (Polka- Dot Man!), Dark Night, Last Voyage of the Demeter and other films. A candid conversation spanning his earlier struggles with addiction, why the idea of playing Jack Delroy on Late Night with the Devil scared him, how his family has inspired him -- and how he feels about the film's AI controversy (based on 15 seconds of interstitial art).

And, of course, how he manages the work/art/life balance!

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Best of Lifewriting: Leigh Bardugo! (The Familiar, Hell Bent, Ninth House)

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Fresh from Tananarive winning an LA Times Book Prize in Speculative Fiction for her latest novel, The Reformatory, a replay episode: Steve and Tananarive talk to New York Times bestselling author Leigh Bardugo (Ninth House, Hell Bent, Shadow and Bone) on her incredible career: from jobs she didn't like to publishing her first book at 37 to getting her work adapted for Netflix...and beyond! Also how she keeps herself balanced as her popularity grows.

And don't forget to check out Leigh's newest book, The Familiar!

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Kat and Jazz from "Girl, That's Scary!" Podcast

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 01:30:00 -0000

This week, Tananarive talks to two of her favorite podcasters, Kat and Jazz (Kathleen White and Jazzmin Crawley), co-hosts of Dread Central's "Girl, That's Scary!" podcast -- which, as they say, is all about friendship and horror.

How these two horror lovers found their voice as horror podcasters after GET OUT, the reaction to their show, their horror likes and dislikes, and why they both love horror.

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The Black Guy Dies First! Dr. Robin R. Means Coleman & Mark H. Harris

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 01:30:00 -0000

This week, it's a mini reunion of the documentary Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror as Steve and Tananarive welcome horror scholars Dr. Robin R. Means Coleman (who wrote Horror Noire) and Mark H. Harris, who have teamed up to write THE BLACK GUY DIES FIRST: Black Horror Cinema from Fodder to Oscar.

A Black Horror roundtable on some of the worst tropes (including the Black character dying first), how times are changing, and why we love horror!

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Guest Erin E. Adams! (Jackal, The Black Girl Survives in This One)

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive welcome actress-turned-author Erin E. Adams, who made a splash with her terrifying debut horror novel, JACKAL -- and also has short stories in Jordan Peele's OUT THERE SCREAMING anthology as well as the brand new THE BLACK GIRL SURVIVES IN THIS ONE (out 4/2).

On how her background as the daughter of Haitian immigrants affects her storytelling, why she transitioned from acting to writing, and how she used her experience with rejection as a superpower to learn how to be a writer.

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Guest Jonathan Janz! (Children of the Dark)

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Steve is back! This week Steve and Tananarive talk to horror writer Jonathan Janz -- high school teacher by day, horror writer by night -- who recently revealed his true identity after writing under a pseudonym. His novel CHILDREN OF THE DARK was recently reissued. On making his mark, why he loves horror, and balancing his work, family and writing life.

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Guest Lamar Giles! Ruin Road - On Writing YA (Horror)

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, award-winning YA author Lamar Giles talks about writing YA horror aimed at Black boys -- his road from self-publication to fighting his way into mainstream publishing with FAKE ID and THE GETAWAY. His upcoming novel, RUIN ROAD, is a great read blending a demon's curse with true-life issues facing Black teens. On his secret to success and how he distinguishes YA horror from adult horror.

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Guest Alma Katsu! (The Hunger, Red London) - On Genre Jumping

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Tananarive talks to award-winning author Alma Katsu (The Hunger, The Fervor, Red London) about her unique career both as a horror writer and her spy novels powered by her former career in national intelligence. On the challenges of straddling both genres and her rise to success...and how The Fervor drew upon her Japanese background in a horror novel set during the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

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Best of Lifewriting: LeVar Burton!

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 20:30:00 -0000

Steve and Tananarive talk to actor LeVar Burton about his career spanning from 1977's adaptation of Alex Haley's ROOTS, where he played Kunta Kinte in an iconic role at the age of only 19, to the recent Star Trek: The Next Generation cast reunion where he reprised his role as Giordi La Forge for Star Trek: Picard. He also discusses Jeopardy and taking his fate in his own hands by creating his hit podcast "LeVar Burton Reads."

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Guest Joe Hill! (The Black Phone, The Fireman, NOS4A2)

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 20:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Tananarive and Steve talk to #1 New York Times bestselling author Joe Hill (The Black Phone, The Fireman, Strange Weather, NOS4A2) about how his first major success was followed by his life's darkest times, the power of horror and the horror community, and how he's balancing his life with new twins. He also talks about how much he loves Tananarive's novel The Reformatory!

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Best of Lifewriting: Horror Noire and Adaptation! (Victor LaValle and Stephanie Malia Morris)

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 20:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to award-winning author Victor LaValle and burgeoning writer Stephanie Malia Morris about their experiences with Shudder/AMC's Black Horror anthology film, Horror Noire. Steve, Tananarive ("The Lake" / "Fugue State") and Victor ("Daddy") adapted their own short stories for Horror Noire, and Stephanie was an author who got a dream call when she heard that her story, "Bride Before You," would be adapted for the screen. On adaptation, Horror Noire, and the future of Black Horror.

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Marc Bernardin! (Star Wars: Mace Windu)

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 20:30:00 -0000

In this episode, veteran television and comic writer Marc Bernardin (Star Trek: Picard, Castle Rock) discusses his journey from being a journalist to a television writer, how he started writing for Star Trek, his secrets to succeeding in Hollywood, the state of the industry - and his new Star Wars: Mace Windu comic!

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Cynthia Pelayo! (The Shoemaker's Magician)

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 20:30:00 -0000

Tananarive and Steve talk to poet and author Cynthia Pelayo, the first Latina Bram Stoker Award (2022) winner. The author of CRIME SCENE, CHILDREN OF CHICAGO and THE SHOEMAKER'S MAGICIAN talks about the challenges of growing up in inner city Chicago, balancing her growing popularity with being a wife and mother, and the support of the horror community. Her upcoming novel is FORGOTTEN SISTERS (3/19).

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On Addressing Feedback Without Losing Your Way

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 21:00:00 -0000

What does every writer get that every writer hates - but every writer needs? It's NOTES. Strong feedback is the most effective to grow as a writer, but getting feedback can also feel like getting your guts clawed out. How do writers know which notes to listen to and which notes to ignore? Why can't execs just leave our "perfects" scripts alone already? What kind of notes can do more harm than good? And which notes can take "good" writing and make it GREAT?

Steve and Tananarive chop it up!

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Guest Shane Hawk! - Never Whistle At Night (Indigenous Horror)

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 20:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to Shane Hawk, a horror author and co-editor of NEVER WHISTLE AT NIGHT, a bestselling Indigenous horror anthology with an introduction from Stephen Graham Jones. Hawk, who is of Cheyenne-Arapaho, Hidatsa and Citizen Potawatomi descent, is a history teacher by day and a horror writer by night. Hawk's literary contributions include his debut story collection Anoka, alongside short fiction featured in numerous anthologies.

On Hawk's incredible journey from being a non-reader to transforming himself into an influential writer and literary community builder.

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Best of Lifewriting - Hollywood Horror Stories!

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 01:00:00 -0000

After a recent setback, in this Best of Lifewriting episode from April of 2022 Steve and Tananarive look back their history in Hollywood and moments when everything went wrong. Plus, tips for coping with stress as artists trying to navigate new, difficult territory - including visualization exercises.

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Ezra Claytan Daniels! (The People Under the Stairs & Upgrade Soul)

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 20:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to author and screenwriter Ezra Claytan Daniels, who is in Jordan Peele’s “Out There Screaming” Black Horror anthology and has also been tapped by Monkeypaw Productions to write the reboot of Wes Craven’s classic THE PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS.

They talk about how he broke into Hollywood with his award-winning comic, UPGRADE SOUL (which he wrote and illustrated!), which was 17 years in the making - and he also adapted as an Audible series. On creating his own path into Hollywood and how he tries to stay balanced.

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Best of Lifewriting: Make Your Short Film! (Guest Luchina Fisher)

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 20:30:00 -0000

In this Best of Lifewriting episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to director Luchina Fisher THE DADS/NETFLIX, MAMA GLORIA) about the importance of making short films -- not just for filmmakers, but for writers. Luchina's previous short, TEAM DREAM, was produced by Queen Latifah. Advice on how even a novice can make their own short film!

This replay marks the 10th anniversary of the short film DANGER WORD, directed by Fisher, produced and written by Steve and Tananarive.

Starring Frankie Faison and Saoirse Scott, Danger Word (2013) was a groundbreaking short crowdfunded under a call to create more Black Horror. You can watch it free at www.dangerwordfilm.com - Danger Word was adapted from their YA novel DEVIL'S WAKE (Atria Books).

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Guest Linda D. Addison! (On Befriending Your Demons)

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 20:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to Horror Writers Association Lifetime Achievement Award winner Linda D. Addison, a poet and writer whose collections include How to Recognize a Demon Has Become Your Friend. On her pioneering work as a Black horror creative, how she pushed past her scary bout of early COVID in 2020, and how she has moved past adversity to create and thrive.

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Our 102nd Episode Celebration!

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 20:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive celebrate their 102nd episode with reminiscences and clips of past guests: Roy Wood, Jr., comic/actress Naomi Ekperigin, Patton Oswalt, New York Times bestseller Leigh Bardugo, Hollywood writer/showrunner Rodney Barnes, and excerpts from a 2000 interview with Octavia E. Butler.

Thanks so much to all of you for supporting our podcast. Please wish us a happy anniversary by leaving us a voicemail: LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL at https://www.speakpipe.com/LifewritingPodcast

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Guest Aaron Covington! (CREED)

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 01:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to screenwriter Aaron Covington, who met director Ryan Coogler while in grad school at USC -- and they collaborated on CREED. (Which, as Steve points out, was the FIRST film with a love scene with a Black man that earned over $100 million. Even Aaron didn't know this!)

On creating CREED, working in Hollywood, and keeping dreams alive.

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Guest Daniel Kraus! (Whalefall)

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 20:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to bestselling author Daniel Kraus, whose novel WHALEFALL recently was featured on the cover of the New York Times Book Review. On horror, defeating genre bias, highs and lows during his book tour, writing -- and his experiences finishing novels by icon George A. Romero.

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Best of Lifewriting: On Fighting Fear!

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 20:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive share their past personal and professional fears and how they have overcome them. Tananarive explains the relationship between her fears and her path as a horror writer. Also: a listener voicemail!

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Guest Silvia Moreno-Garcia! (Mexican Gothic, Silver Nitrate)

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 20:30:00 -0000

In this "Ladies Only" episode, Tananarive talks to bestselling author Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Mexican Gothic, Silver Nitrate) about genre, her rise to the New York Times bestseller list, and the love of writing!

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Guests Omar Epps and Clarence A. Haynes! (NUBIA: The Reckoning)

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 20:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to actor (and author) Omar Epps and author Clarence A. Haynes about their Afrofuturistic NUBIA book series: Nubia: The Awakening and their new book, Nubia: The Reckoning.

We couldn't talk about Omar's film and television career during the taping because of the SAG-AFTRA strike (which ended the very next day!), but Epps has appeared in Love and Basketball, House, E.R., Higher Learning and so much more! And his film debut was in Ernest Dickerson's Juice as a teenager, when he was interviewed by...Tananarive Due!

Listen in to hear Epps talk about his longevity in Hollywood, and Epps and Haynes talk about how they gave birth to NUBIA.

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Best of Lifewriting: The Writers' Room Survival Guide! (Niceole Levy)

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 20:30:00 -0000

Now that the WGA strike is over, writers are scrambling to try to get staffed or find jobs in TV writers' rooms. Whether you just love TV and want to know how it's written or you want to get into the industry, learn the secrets to success in a TV writers' room from screenwriter and author Niceole Levy, author of The Writers' Room Survival Guide. Steve and Tananarive talk to Levy about her years of experience in television writing to help aspiring TV writers learn the secrets of the writers' room. Plus, advice on how to get into the industry!

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On Tananarive's Novel THE REFORMATORY - and Turning Heartache to Horror

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 19:30:00 -0000

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Our Favorite Horror Movies of 2023!

Sat, 21 Oct 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about their favorite horror movies from 2023 - and a couple of misfires. Also, movies they didn't give enough love in 2022.

Here's their list: The Blackening, Talk to Me, When Evil Lurks, M3GAN, Evil Dead Rise, The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster, No One Will Save You, Knock at the Cabin, Wrath of Becky, Renfield, Last Voyage of the Demeter.

And a couple of gems from 2022: Nanny and Barbarian.

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Best of Lifewriting - Horror Movies You Should Watch (Or Rewatch) for Spooky Season!

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive let their horror nerd flags fly as they discuss the movies you must watch (or rewatch) for Spooky Season -- or all year long! The list includes (but is not limited to, and in no particular order):

STEVE'S LIST:

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Tobe Hooper)
Night of the Living Dead (George A. Romero)
The Fly (David Cronenberg)
The Thing (John Carpenter)
Martyrs (Pascal Laugier)
Mouth of Madness (John Carpenter)
Ringu (The Ring - original) (Hideo Nakata)

TANANARIVE'S LIST:

The Dark and the Wicked (Bryan Bertino)
It Follows (David Robert Mitchell)
The Babadook (Jennifer Kent)
Get Out (Jordan Peele)
His House (Remi Weekes)
Host (Rob Savage)
The Medium (Banjong Pisanthanakun)
Smile (Parker Finn)
Master (Mariama Diallo)

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Guest Zakiya Dalila Harris! (The Other Black Girl)

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 19:30:00 -0000

Steve and Tananarive talk to debut novelist Zakiya Dalila Harris about her New York Times bestselling novel THE OTHER BLACK GIRL - now also a critically acclaimed series on Hulu! She reveals how a rare Black co-worker's refusal to return "The Nod" led her to write her satirical thriller about a Black woman working at a publishing house...and the secrets of her Black co-worker. She also talks about having a seat at the table to help develop the series and how she stays centered.

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Leave us a voicemail! https://www.speakpipe.com/LifewritingPodcast

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The End of the WGA Strike! (And how the WGA's gains affect us all)

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 19:30:00 -0000

This week, Steve and Tananarive celebrate the end of the WGA strike! The power of unions, why the strike worked, and how the WGA's win affects not only other writers but all workers facing unfair working conditions. They also talk about going back to work: meeting with an executive overseeing an adaptation of one of Tananarive's most popular books!

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Secrets to Writing Great Science Fiction!

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 19:30:00 -0000

Steve and Tananarive follow up their Secrets to Writing Great Horror episode with new tips on writing great science fiction! What's the difference between science fiction and fantasy? What are their tips for science fiction writers? They discuss their own work and science fiction greats like Ray Bradbury and Octavia E. Butler. Perfect for writers or fans!

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Guest Stephen Graham Jones! (The Only Good Indians, Don't Fear the Reaper)

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to Bram Stoker Award winner Stephen Graham Jones about his new book, DON'T FEAR THE REAPER, with the first Indigenous Final Girl, Jade Daniels. He shares his writing process, his love for slashers, his exploration of father-son relationships in his stories, and how his own personal promise to an elk he hunted gave birth to his bestselling novel The Only Good Indians.

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Guest Hilliard Guess! On the WGA Strike & Coping With Stress

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 19:30:00 -0000

Hilliard Guess, host of the hit podcast "Screenwriters' Rant Room," joins Steve and Tananarive to talk about where things stand with the WGA strike after more than 100 days, power dynamics in Hollywood, and his stress-coping tools to overcome his insecurities to become a screenwriter, producer and director.

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It's Spooky Season! Secrets to Writing Great Horror

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, pioneering science fiction author Steven Barnes and American Book Award winner Tananarive Due (your hosts!) break down the secrets to writing great horror: how to bring the scares and why strong characters matter so much in horror.

Leave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/LifewritingPodcast

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Guest Gabino Iglesias! (The Devil Takes You Home: Bram Stoker Award winner)

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In 2023, horror writer Gabino Iglesias, who is Puerto Rican, became the first Latino writer to win a Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel for THE DEVIL TAKES YOU HOME. Steve and Tananarive talk to Gabino about how his struggles with unemployment and losing his health insurance during COVID inspired him to finish his award-winning, why he loves horror, and what he's doing next!

You can leave us a voicemail too! https://www.speakpipe.com/LifewritingPodcast

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Guest Leigh Bardugo! (Six of Crows, Shadow and Bone, Hell Bent)

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 19:30:00 -0000

Steve and Tananarive talk to New York Times bestselling author Leigh Bardugo (Ninth House, Hell Bent, Shadow and Bone) on her incredible career: from jobs she didn't like to publishing her first book at 37 to getting her work adapted for Netflix...and beyond! Also tips for writers and how she keeps herself balanced.

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Best of Lifewriting - Guest Nalo Hopkinson!

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to their friend Nalo Hopkinson, the award-winning Afrofuturist author of novels like SKIN FOLK, MIDNIGHT ROBBER and BROWN GIRL IN THE RING, named a Damon Knight Grand Master by the Science Fiction Writers of America in 2020. She talks about overcoming homelessness, her journey in the arts, and transitioning to comics with Neil Gaiman. Also, how she copes with stress and uncertainty.

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On Building Better Characters - And a Better Life!

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive celebrate their 25th anniversary! They also break down how to make characters "pop" and how writers can use character-building tools to make themselves the heroes and heroines of their own stories to create better lives. (Also: a human wrote this, not Artificial Intelligence. So you know it's mostly accurate. Mostly.)

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Best of Lifewriting: Guest Rodney Barnes! (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty)

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode from March 27, 2022, Steve and Tananarive talk to writer Rodney Barnes (Executive Producer of "Winning Time: Rise of the Lakers Dynasty") about how Hollywood almost killed him and the steps he took to reclaim his joy and find his greatest voice as a writer. He also discusses his colorful history in Hollywood -- from being the stand-in for John Coffey in The Green Mile (when Stephen King recommended Tananarive's novel My Soul to Keep to him!) to writing and executive producing shows like "The Boondocks," "Everybody Hates Chris," "American Gods" and now "Winning Time"!

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A.I. and the Writer 2.0! - Guest Robert Vamosi

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive expand their conversation about A.I. and writing to films and the future in general. Guest Robert Vamosi, a podcast host (The Hacker Mind), security analyst and science fiction writer, recalls his 1994 short story, "With or Without You," where he predicted a future of replacing actors digitally in filmmaking. A longtime friend of Tananarive's from college, Rob also talks about transitioning from technical writing back to fiction.

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Surviving in the Arts! Guest Kevin Grevioux (Underworld)

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to actor, writer and producer Kevin Grevioux about his career: how Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing showed him he wanted to be a screenwriter, how he broke into the industry as an extra, and then ended up writing (and co-starring in) the vampire cult classic Underworld. From comics to screenplays, he shares his survival story.

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A.I. and the Writer!

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 19:30:00 -0000

From the WGA strike and screenwriters' concerns about A.I. infiltrating writers' rooms to the recent class action lawsuit including former podcast guest Paul Tremblay against OpenAI and ChatGPT, A.I. and writers are on a collision course. Steve and Tananarive talk about the good and bad uses of A.I. for writers and how to prepare for the future.

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Best of Lifewriting: How to Murder Writer's Block In Its Sleep!

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about the dreaded Writer's Block: what they think it really is, when they have experienced it, and strategies for murdering it in its sleep so you can flow with joy no matter how high the stakes.

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Guest Zack Stentz! (X-Men: First Class, Fringe) - On Bouncing Back & the WGA Strike

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to screenwriter Zack Stentz (X-Men: First Class, Agent Cody Banks, Fringe, Sarah Connor Chronicles) about how he broke into screenwriting, the "feast or famine" nature of Hollywood, and how he bounces back and keeps his balance during tough times. Also his thoughts on the state of the WGA Strike!

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Horrors in Hollywood - Guest Maureen Ryan! (Burn It Down)

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 19:30:00 -0000

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On Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse & the Joy of Inclusivity (Spoiler free!)

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about bad behavior against picketers during the WGA strike and how much they both loved Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse! Not only is it a visual storytelling spectacle, but it's a testament to the power of inclusivity.

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On Keeping Your Creative Fire Alive During the Storms

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 19:30:00 -0000

With the current WGA strike and new revelations about toxic behind-the-scenes practices on the hit series "Lost," some aspiring screenwriters might be wondering if Hollywood is worth the trouble. Steve and Tananarive talk about the mindset it takes to succeed in the arts and how you can avoid allowing external fires to dampen your creative fire.

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Best of Lifewriting - Sheree Renée Thomas (Janelle Monáe's THE MEMORY LIBRARIAN)

Sun, 28 May 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode from May of 2022, Steve and Tananarive talk to author and editor Sheree Renée Thomas about her journey with Afrofuturism -- from editing the groundbreaking DARK MATTER in 2000 to writing a short story in Janelle Monáe's MEMORY LIBRARIAN and Thomas's Marvel novel, BLACK PANTHER: PANTHER'S RAGE. As the editor of the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, she also talks about do's and don'ts when submitting short stories.

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Guest Cheo Hodari Coker! (Luke Cage, Creed II) & the WGA Strike

Sun, 21 May 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to screenwriter and showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker, who was the executive producer and showrunner for Marvel's groundbreaking Luke Cage series - and much more! He talks about how he broke into Hollywood, advice for writers, why he loves running marathons, and the WGA strike.

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On the WGA strike, community for writers - and Clarion West!

Sun, 14 May 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about some of the reason for the WGA screenwriters' strike and the importance of community for writers -- and welcome guests Rashida Smith and Stephanie Malia Morris to talk about Clarion West. Find out more information at www.clarionwest.org.

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Best of Lifewriting: Surviving Disappointment and Rejection!

Sun, 07 May 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive recall some of their most painful rejections in Hollywood and publishing and give tips on how to maintain joy and creativity in the face of setbacks.

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Guest Naomi Ekperigin! On Horror and Comedy

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive welcome writer, comic and actress Naomi Ekperigin, host of AMC's Interview with the Vampire Podcast (where Tananarive was a guest!) On her love for horror and vampires, how she became a standup comic, and collaborating with her husband! Naomi also appears on Mythic Time on Apple TV+ and was featured in 2022's Season 3 of The Standups on Netflix.

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On Tananarive's New Book - The Wishing Pool and Other Stories!

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about Tananarive's new short story collection, The Wishing Pool and Other Stories. On her her inspiration for the stories, her writing process, and tips to help you make your creative own dreams come true!

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Guest Victor LaValle! (Lone Women) - And Bringing The Changeling to TV!

Sun, 16 Apr 2023 19:30:00 -0000

In this episode, Tananarive is solo as she talks to author and screenwriter Victor LaValle about his new historical horror novel, Lone Women -- and all about his Hollywood adventure helping to bring his novel The Changeling to TV (coming soon to Apple TV+) -- including that very important time on the set -- and working his way up to a co-showrunner on his next series.

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Best of Lifewriting - Guest Roy Wood, Jr.! (The Daily Show)

Sat, 08 Apr 2023 19:30:00 -0000

When this podcast first started in January of 2022, the very first guest was comic and Daily Show correspondent Roy Wood, Jr. Since he just ended an epic guest hosting gig on The Daily Show (Trump's arraignment! Jon Stewart visits!), we wanted to run this very special Best of Lifewriting with the guest who helped us launch our podcast. And it's a day early!

Check out Roy Wood, Jr.'s tour dates at www.roywoodjr.com.

And don't forget to check out Lifewriting Premium: www.lifewritingpremium.com

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On Balancing Work, Art and Life!

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive break down how they fight to keep balance between their work, their art and their lives -- including fitness and relationships. On why it's important to try to balance it all - especially when stakes are high. And the program they created to help their son succeed in school despite his ADHD. (Their son's Jason's course is at www.magic4teens.com)

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Guest Nisi Shawl! On New Suns 2 and her friendship with Octavia E. Butler

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to award-winning author Nisi Shawl about the new anthology she just published, NEW SUNS 2, featuring speculative fiction from marginalized writers - including a new story from Tananarive! She also talks about her journey from a fangirl to friend of the late Octavia E. Butler. Plus, that time Nisi rejected one of Tananarive's short stories.

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On Hauntings and Horror! Guest Johnny Compton - The Spite House

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Tananarive talks one-on-one with debut author Johnny Compton, author of the terrifying novel THE SPITE HOUSE. Compton talks about Due's influence on him and they celebrate the power of hauntings and horror -- and how he struggled to finally finish a novel.

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On the Power of a Mastermind Group (Lessons from TV Writers Rooms)

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about the power of group storytelling and collaboration: how to make it work, how it can go wrong, and how artists can grow from moving from the solitary to being a part of a Mastermind group.

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Guest Ashley C. Ford! (Somebody's Daughter) - On Horror and Writing a Memoir

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to New York Times bestselling author (SOMEBODY'S DAUGHTER) and podcaster Ashley C. Ford about the current renaissance in horror and Black Horror. She also talks about the difficulty writing her memoir and the tools she used to cope emotionally during the process.

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Best of Lifewriting - Story is Story! On Creative Flexibility

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about the benefits of learning creative flexibility to write in many forms and genres: adapting a short story from a novel, or writing a graphic novel, screenplay or scripted podcast in addition to traditional prose. Learn to break down internal barriers to make the most of your creative talents!

ENROLL FOR THE COURSE: www.lifewritingpremium.com

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On Breaking Into TV Writing! (Guest Al Letson)

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about their first experience in a TV writers' room and interview Al Letson (Horror Noire, Moonhaven, Godzilla series) about how he broke into television writing and his advice to aspiring TV writers. His five biggest tips!

LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL at https://www.speakpipe.com/LifewritingPodcast (We might play your message!)

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Best of Lifewriting - How to Collaborate Without Killing Each Other!

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 20:00:00 -0000

In this Valentine's Day episode from 2022, Steve and Tananarive talk about how they first realized they could collaborate, how it led to their first fight as a couple, and how they have triumphed to collaborate on short stories, novels and screenplays. They also share advice on how the tools they have learned in more than 23 years might help make you a better collaborator too.

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Best of Lifewriting: A Deep Dive into Jordan Peele's NOPE!

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive unpack the themes and events in Jordan Peele's latest film, NOPE. On spectacle, Hollywood, horror, marginalized artists - and a Black director solidifying his place as one of the most influential in Hollywood history.

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Guest Paul G. Tremblay on Getting Adapted (Knock at the Cabin)

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0000

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On Staying Centered When Life Gets Busy

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about their preparation to start working in a television writers' room and the practices they use to keep centered in both mind and body when life gets busy - including Tai Chi. Learn more about the Tai Chi class Steve teaches at www.firedancetaichi.com.

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Best of Lifewriting: Akela Cooper! (M3GAN, MALIGNANT, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds)

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 20:00:00 -0000

In this Best of Lifewriting episode from May 22, 2022, Steve and Tananarive talk to screenwriter/producer Akela Cooper about her process, why she loves horror and science fiction, and writing for the new Paramount Plus series "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds." She also talks about writing the hit horror movie MALIGNANT (directed by James Wan).

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One Year Anniversary! And Making Your Short Film (Guest Luchina Fisher)

Sun, 08 Jan 2023 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive celebrate the podcast's one-year anniversary (and Tananarive's birthday!) with Tananarive's bestie, director Luchina Fisher. They talk about how they charted their dreams from their 20s, when they started out as newspaper reporters, and the path to writing, producing and directing - especially short films. (Luchina's newest short, Team Dream, was produced by Queen Latifah.) And advice on how even a novice can make their own short film!

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On Fighting for Your Dreams in 2023

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive offer tools for crushing it in 2023, with advice on written goals, deadlines, the validity of small steps, and the importance of a physical practice for the energy to make your dreams come true.

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On KINDRED'S Journey to the Screen! Guest: Executive Producer Courtney Lee-Mitchell

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to producer Courtney Lee-Mitchell, who bought the rights to Octavia E. Butler's Kindred years ago and has helped shepherd it to television. Courtney talks about the process of getting Kindred made, from securing the rights to pitching to the road to production. Also: How showrunner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins decided to change some of the events in the novel. A must-listen for anyone interested in how a television show makes it to the air.

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Best of Lifewriting - Octavia E. Butler On Writing (Excerpts from our 2000 interview!)

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive play excerpts from an interview they conducted at the home of the the late Octavia E. Butler in 2000. Butler was a longtime friend of Steve's, and the interview excerpts showcase the wisdom of the MacArthur Genius Grant recipient and multiple award winner, bringing her words to life. Butler shared her secrets for facing down her difficulties as a writer - and lays out a path to success that other writers can follow.

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Behind the Scenes at the KINDRED Premiere (and a clip of Octavia E. Butler!)

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about their experience attending the premiere for Octavia Butler's KINDRED: behind the scenes at the event, the emotions, and a spoiler-free discussion of the series pilot. Also: a clip from their interview with Octavia Butler and her view on Hollywood.

Kindred debuts on Hulu 12/13.

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On Fighting Fear!

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive share their past personal and professional fears and how they have overcome them, particularly in relationships -- and in Hollywood. Tananarive explains the relationship between her fears and her path as a horror writer. Also: a listener voicemail!

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Patton Oswalt Returns! (I Love My Dad)

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive welcome back their first return guest - comedian and actor Patton Oswalt! He discusses his new movie, I LOVE MY DAD, working on his act on the road, horror and comedy, "cancel culture" and representation.

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Best of Lifewriting: The Soulmate Process!

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive discuss the joys of being soulmates - both as writing collaborators and as husband and wife. They explain that they believe everyone has more than one potential soulmate, and being soulmates is a process, not a destination. They also share tactics they use to keep the peace and thrive.

Their Soulmate Process course is at www.soulmateprocess.com

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On Anticipating Octavia Butler's KINDRED on TV - Guest Monica A. Coleman

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Tananarive and Steve reunite with Tananarive's Octavia Tried to Tell Us webinar series co-host, Dr. Monica A. Coleman, to discuss the upcoming F/X adaptation of Butler's most popular novel, KINDRED (airing 12/13 on Hulu). They break down the Kindred trailer and discuss the potential triumphs and challenges of bringing a story about time travel to the slavery era to the screen.

Check out the Octavia Tried to Tell Us webinar series at www.octaviatried.com

Join our Lifewriting Premium program at www.lifewritingpremium.com

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On Keeping it Short! (The Joy and Power of Short Stories and Short Scripts)

Sun, 06 Nov 2022 20:00:00 -0000

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On the 10th Anniversary of Jordan Peele's Monkeypaw (Guest: Win Rosenfeld, president)

Sun, 30 Oct 2022 19:00:00 -0000

This week, Steve and Tananarive talk to the president of Jordan Peele's Monkeypaw Productions, Win Rosenfeld. The co-writer of the newest Candyman and Peele's longtime friend discusses the 10-year anniversary of Monkeypaw, its mission, writing horror, and breaking down barriers.

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Horror Movies You Must Watch (Or Rewatch) for Spooky Season!

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 19:00:00 -0000

STEVE'S LIST:

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Tobe Hooper)
Night of the Living Dead (George A. Romero)
The Fly (David Cronenberg)
The Thing (John Carpenter)
Martyrs (Pascal Laugier)
Mouth of Madness (John Carpenter)
Ringu (The Ring - original) (Hideo Nakata)

TANANARIVE'S LIST:

The Dark and the Wicked (Bryan Bertino)
It Follows (David Robert Mitchell)
The Babadook (Jennifer Kent)
Get Out (Jordan Peele)
His House (Remi Weekes)
Host (Rob Savage)
The Medium (Banjong Pisanthanakun)
Smile (Parker Finn)
Master (Mariama Diallo)

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Guest: Elvira!!! (Cassandra Peterson - Yours Cruelly, Elvira)

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to horror icon Elvira! Actress Cassandra Peterson talks about creating her horror maven character, her start in the industry, the joys of loving horror, and the new edition of her book, YOURS CRUELLY, ELVIRA.

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On the Legacy of Jim Henson! And Creative Couples (Craig Shemin & Stephanie D'Abruzzo!)

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to married creatives Craig Shemin (author of Sam and Friends: the Story of Jim Henson's First Television Show) and Stephanie D'Abruzzo (Sesame Street, Avenue Q) about the legacy of the late Jim Henson, what it was like to work for him, their own careers, and how they support each other as a creative couple.

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The Writers' Room Survival Guide (Guest Niceole Levy!)

Sun, 02 Oct 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, get a peek behind the curtain to learn the secrets to success in a TV writers' room from screenwriter and author Niceole Levy, who has just published The Writers' Room Survival Guide. Levy takes her years of experience in television writing to help aspiring TV writers learn the secrets of the writers' room. Plus, advice on how to get into the industry!

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A deep dive into The Woman King!!! (Mostly* spoiler free)

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about the Gina Prince-Bythewood movie The Woman King, starring Viola Davis. On the controversy around the Dahomey role in the African slave trade, the backlash, and the miracle of getting a movie about the Black women warriors who inspired Black Panther's Dora Milaje to the big screen.

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LeVar Burton! (Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation)

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 19:00:00 -0000

Steve and Tananarive talk to actor LeVar Burton about his career spanning from 1977's adaptation of Alex Haley's ROOTS, where he played Kunta Kinte in an iconic role at the age of only 19, to the recent Star Trek: The Next Generation cast reunion where he reprised his role as Giordi La Forge for upcoming episodes of Picard. He also discusses Jeopardy and taking his fate in his own hands by creating his hit podcast LeVar Burton Reads.

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On THE KEEPER & Turning Disappointment into Triumph (Guest: Illustrator Marco Finnegan)

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about their upcoming graphic novel, THE KEEPER (9/27) - which was originally a screenplay that almost got optioned for film...but after a deep disappointment, it has a new life as a graphic novel with a blurb from Jordan Peele! The guest is Keeper illustrator Marco Finnegan, whose childhood fears gave him a deep connection to the story.

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Best of Lifewriting - Guest Bryan Fuller! (Hannibal, Queer for Fear)

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this Best of Lifewriting episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to groundbreaking writer/showrunner Bryan Fuller about Christine, Star Trek and Hannibal (and how they bonded over virtual mini golf during the early pandemic). Plus, they talk about allyship - and Bryan shares the steps he believes every writer should take to learn their craft and ward off the evil voices in their heads. (His documentary series QUEER FOR FEAR debuts Sept. 29 2022 on Shudder.)

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On 2022 and the Rise of Marginalized Horror!

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about 2022's embarrassment of riches in the realm of horror featuring traditionally marginalized people in film, including Jordan Peele's NOPE - but also THEY/THEM (queer horror), PREY, BEAST, MASTER and the upcoming film NANNY (all Black Horror).

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A Deep Dive into the Impact of Losing T'Challa (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 16:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about the cultural impact of BLACK PANTHER and its future without T'Challa. Tananarive discusses her grief over the death of Chadwick Boseman and her reaction to the teaser trailer, as well as how much she has relished the powerful women of Wakanda. But what about the men? Steve unpacks his worries from the trailer that the most virile Black man in the Marvel universe seems to be gone with no other Black man to energetically replace him, with or without a Panther suit.

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Remembering Nichelle Nichols - Guest Ernest Dickerson! (The Walking Dead, Surviving the Game)

Sat, 13 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive remember the legacy of the late Nichelle Nichols (Star Trek) and talk to director Ernest Dickerson about his career in Hollywood, starting as Spike Lee's cinematographer on classic films like DO THE RIGHT THING and then his directorial debut (JUICE with Tupac Shakur), prestige television like THE WALKING DEAD, and one of Tananarive's favorite movies: SURVIVING THE GAME.

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A Deep Dive Into Jordan Peele's NOPE (spoilers!)

Sun, 07 Aug 2022 19:00:00 -0000

SPOILERS: In this episode, Steve and Tananarive unpack the themes and events in Jordan Peele's latest film, NOPE. On spectacle, Hollywood, horror, marginalized artists - and a Black director solidifying his place as one of the most influential in Hollywood history.

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Guest: Reginald Hudlin! (Boomerang, DC's Milestones in History comic)

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to award-winning director Reginald Hudlin (Boomerang, House Party, Marshall) about how he has kept his optimism in Hollywood, his love for comics and Black History, Milestone Media, and the 30th anniversary of Eddie Murphy's Boomerang.

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On NOPE (no spoilers) - and clips from our Jordan Peele Interview in 2018!

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 15:56:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about Jordan Peele's new horror thriller NOPE - and play excerpts from their interview with him in 2018 for their online Black Horror class: a portrait of the artist as a young(er) man - when he was first attracted to horror, the link between humor and horror, the impact of GET OUT, and his advice to creators to "think about what the world is not ready for yet."

For the full interview: www.sunkenplaceclass.com

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On Why Writers Should Study Acting (and Improv!) - with Colette Freedman

Sun, 17 Jul 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to author/screenwriter/playwright/actress Colette Freedman about how acting and improv lessons can help writers learn to better inhabit their characters. (And with a sample exercise!)

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On Surviving Disappointment and Rejection

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive recall some of their most painful rejections in Hollywood and give tips on how to maintain joy and creativity in the face of setbacks.

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Guest: Daniel José Older! (Star Wars: The High Republic, Shadowshaper)

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to New York Times bestselling author Daniel José Older about his Star Wars projects, the impact he tries to have with his books, navigating family and writing life, building community, how writing is always political, and the joys of being married to another writer.

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On The Soulmate Process!

Sun, 26 Jun 2022 19:00:00 -0000

Their upcoming new Soulmate Process course is at www.soulmateprocess.com - pre-registration discount!

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David Gerrold! (Star Trek's "The Trouble with Tribbles," Hugo winner)

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to Steve's longtime friend David Gerrold -- who wrote the classic 1960s Star Trek episode "The Trouble with Tribbles." The award-winning writer talks about his career as an author, how he balances his life and his writing, and how his iconic Tribbles episode came to life at the dawn of the Star Trek era.

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Tananarive Had COVID! On Writing When You Don't Feel Your Best

Sun, 12 Jun 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Tananarive and Steve talk about her recent bout with COVID, how she got it, her symptoms, and strategies on how to keep a creative spark alive even when you're not feeling your best.

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Best of Lifewriting: N.K. Jemisin!

Sun, 05 Jun 2022 19:00:00 -0000

ENCORE EPISODE from February 5, 2022. In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to MacArthur Genius Fellow and multiple Hugo Award-winner N.K. Jemisin (THE CITY WE BECAME, THE BROKEN EARTH trilogy) about creating art during a pandemic, the importance of writing short stories, writing for love versus writing for commerce, and strategies for coping with stress.

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On Fighting Stress

Sun, 29 May 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive reflect on deadly current events and how they can have an impact on a writer's life. They share the ways they have used their art to get through stressful times and share strategies on how to keep a creative spark when times are tough.

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Akela Cooper! (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Malignant)

Sun, 22 May 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to screenwriter/producer Akela Cooper about her process, why she loves horror and science fiction, and writing for the new Paramount Plus series "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds." She also talks about writing the hit horror movie MALIGNANT (directed by James Wan).

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Story is Story! On Creative Flexibility

Sun, 15 May 2022 19:00:00 -0000

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Sheree Renée Thomas! (Janelle Monáe's The Memory Librarian)

Sun, 08 May 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to author and editor Sheree Renée Thomas about her journey with Afrofuturism -- from editing the groundbreaking DARK MATTER in 2000 to writing a short story in Janelle Monáe's MEMORY LIBRARIAN and Thomas's upcoming Marvel novel, BLACK PANTHER: PANTHER'S RAGE. As the editor of the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, she also talks about do's and don'ts when submitting short stories.

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How to Murder Writer's Block in its Sleep

Sun, 01 May 2022 19:00:00 -0000

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Nalo Hopkinson! (The Sandman Universe and Skin Folk)

Sun, 24 Apr 2022 19:00:00 -0000

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Octavia E. Butler on Writing (From our 2000 recorded interview!)

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 19:00:00 -0000

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Rachel True! (The Craft & True Heart Intuitive Tarot)

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to actress and author Rachel True (The Craft) about her book True Heart Intuitive Tarot: Guide and Deck - as well as her history in Hollywood, her recent role in "Fugue State" in Shudder's Horror Noire anthology movie (which Steve and Tananarive wrote!), how she copes with anxiety and imposter syndrome, and how her intuition has helped save the day!

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Hollywood Horror Stories!

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about their history in Hollywood and moments when everything went wrong. Plus, tips for coping with stress as artists trying to navigate new, difficult territory - including visualization exercises.

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Rodney Barnes! ("Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty")

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to writer Rodney Barnes (Executive Producer of "Winning Time: Rise of the Lakers Dynasty") about how Hollywood almost killed him and the steps he took to reclaim his joy and find his greatest voice as a writer. He also discusses his colorful history in Hollywood -- from being the stand-in for John Coffey in The Green Mile (when Stephen King recommended Tananarive's novel My Soul to Keep to him!) to writing and executive producing shows like "The Boondocks," "Everybody Hates Chris," "American Gods" and now "Winning Time"!

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The Battle Over Outlines: Buzzkill or Game Changer?

Sun, 20 Mar 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive take on The Great Debate around outlining. Do you outline before you write? Or are you a "pantser," someone who flies by the seat of their pants and makes it up as you go? They have tried both - and believe writers must follow their bliss. But whether you write nonfiction, fiction or screenplays, they talk about the benefits of outlining, especially for writers who want to work in Hollywood - and strategies to make it more fun. Plus, a voicemail from a happy listener!

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Special Guest: Bryan Fuller! ("Hannibal")

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to groundbreaking writer/showrunner Bryan Fuller about Christine, Star Trek and Hannibal (and how they bonded over virtual mini golf during the early pandemic). Plus, they talk about allyship - and Bryan shares the steps he believes every writer should take to learn their craft and ward off the evil voices in their heads.

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What's Up, Pitches? Talking Your Way Into Hollywood

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about one of the avenues for breaking into Hollywood: pitching your story ideas. From "The Twilight Zone" to film and television series pitches, they share their advice on everything from content to presentation in the pitching room (or the pitching Zoom). Tips on how to take your story to the screen!

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How Comics Can Change the World - Guests Charles Johnson, John Jennings & Bryan Moss

Sun, 27 Feb 2022 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to National Book Award winner Dr. Charles Johnson, award-winning artist John Jennings and artist Bryan Moss about THE EIGHTFOLD PATH (Megascope/Abrams ComicArts, March 2022), Steve's first graphic novel - and how comics can have deep storytelling impact.

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How to Collaborate Without Killing Each Other

Sun, 20 Feb 2022 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about how they first realized they could collaborate, how it led to their first fight as a couple, and how they have triumphed to collaborate on short stories, novels and screenplays. They also share advice on how the tools they have learned in more than 23 years might help make you a better collaborator too.

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On Horror Noire - Special Guests: Victor LaValle & Stephanie Malia Morris!

Sun, 13 Feb 2022 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to award-winning author Victor LaValle and burgeoning writer Stephanie Malia Morris about their experiences with Shudder/AMC 's Black Horror anthology film, Horror Noire. Steve, Tananarive ("The Lake" / "Fugue State") and Victor ("Daddy") adapted their own short stories for Horror Noire, and Stephanie was an author who got a dream call when she heard that her story, "Bride Before You," would be adapted for the screen. On adaptation, Horror Noire, and the future of Black Horror.

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Special Guest: N.K. Jemisin!

Sat, 05 Feb 2022 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to MacArthur Genius Fellow and multiple Hugo Award-winner N.K. Jemisin (THE CITY WE BECAME, THE BROKEN EARTH trilogy) about creating art during a pandemic, the importance of writing short stories, writing for love versus writing for commerce, and strategies for coping with stress.

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Entering "The Twilight Zone"

Sun, 30 Jan 2022 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk about breaking into Hollywood and how "The Twilight Zone" was a watershed for each of them - Tananarive's first television credit on Jordan Peele's "The Twilight Zone" in 2020 and Steve's on "The Twilight Zone" in the 1980s. They discuss meeting Peele, being invited to pitch to him, and collaborating on their shared episode, "A Small Town" (starring Damon Wayans, Jr.)

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Special Guest: Patton Oswalt!

Sun, 23 Jan 2022 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to comedian and actor Patton Oswalt about how horror helps us navigate difficult times, the horror-comedy connection, the late Harlan Ellison, and meditation as a tool for coping with stress.

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Special Guest: Roy Wood, Jr.!

Sun, 16 Jan 2022 16:01:00 -0000

In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to comic and Daily Show with Trevor Noah correspondent Roy Wood, Jr. about Black history, parenting, writing, turning pain to comedy, tips for success, and staying in balance.

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Virgin Voyage

Sun, 09 Jan 2022 17:11:00 -0000

In this "Virgin Voyage," authors and screenwriters Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due introduce the Lifewriting Podcast - where they talk about writing during stressful times, breaking into Hollywood, and balancing life and art. Every week we’ll share more tips on how to build a better life while you create your dream projects - even if it’s only one sentence a day.

Lifewriting: Write for Your Life!

LIFEWRITING LIVE! On Tananarive's upcoming novel, MAZYWOOD! And Steve's MAGIC Formula for Success

Lifewriting Live! Finding Your "Why" in 2026

Markus Redmond! (Blood Slaves)

LIFEWRITING LIVE! On Overcoming Interruptions and Chaos

LIFEWRITING LIVE! On Horror and Healing!

Tananarive and Steve's story in The End of the World As We Know It (based in the world of Stephen King's The Stand)!

LIFEWRITING LIVE! What Necessary Evil Have You Been Dodging?

LIFEWRITING LIVE! On Goals & Actions to Make the Universe Say "Oh, sh*t!"

The Keeper is a Wrap! Lessons for writers on directing

Best of Lifewriting: When History is The Monster! (The Reformatory)

SINNERS! How Ryan Coogler Shook Hollywood (And You Can Too!) *SPOILERS*

We Made Our Own "Vintage" Radio Play! Introducing THE WALKER (Guest J. Michael Hayes)

We're Directing Our First Short Film! Writing Lessons from the Director's Chair

Creating Art in the Midst of Chaos (adrienne maree brown)

Best of Lifewriting: A.I. and the Writer!

Guest Josh Ruben! (Heart Eyes, Werewolves Within)

Navigating Feedback in Your Writing - And in Life!

Lessons from Octavia Butler and Ray Bradbury On How to Survive 2025

Best of Lifewriting - Tananarive's novel The Reformatory - Turning Heartache to Horror

Clay McLeod Chapman! Wake Up and Open Your Eyes (Finding Hope in Horror)

A Tribute to Candyman Star Tony Todd (And an interview from 2017!)

Best of Lifewriting - Gabino Iglesias! (The Devil Takes You Home, House of Bone and Rain)

On Writing Through Pain - Guest Nadine Pinede! (When the Mapou Sings)

Best of Lifewriting - Stephen Graham Jones!

On Claiming Your Personal Power! (Kristin Iris Johnson - Wicked City)

Best of Scare Up the Vote! (Stephen King, Joe Hill, Rachel Harrison, Mike Flanagan, Stephen Graham Jones, Bryan Fuller & More!)

Nuzo Onoh (Where the Dead Brides Gather) - the Queen of African Horror!

Guest Nat Cassidy! (Nestlings, Mary: An Awakening of Terror)

Pornsak Pichetshote (The Good Asian, The Horizon Experiment: The Manchurian)

On Finding Your Voice! (Guest Michelle McGill-Vargas)

Guest S.A. Cosby! (All the Sinners Bleed, Razorblade Tears)

Best of Lifewriting: It's Spooky Season! Secrets to Writing Great Horror

Guest Justin C. Key! (The World Wasn't Ready for You, Out There Screaming)

Guest Justina Ireland! (Star Wars: The High Republic, Dread Nation)

Guest Grady Hendrix! (My Best Friend's Exorcism - How to Sell a Haunted House)

Author Jeff Lindsay! On Dreaming Dexter and the Dark Side of Fame

On Creating Unforgettable Characters!

It's Kamala Harris for President! The Power of Twists in Storytelling

Best of Lifewriting: Guest Maureen Ryan (Burn It Down!) - Horrors in Hollywood

Craft Lessons from A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE (Spoiler free)

Best of Lifewriting: Paul Tremblay! (Horror Movie, Cabin at the End of the World)

On Thriving with New Opportunities and Challenges

Best of Lifewriting: On Keeping It Short! (The Joy and Power of Short Stories and Short Scripts)

Tananarive Won a Stoker Award for The Reformatory! (When History is the Monster)

On the Writer's Juggling Act - Working on Multiple Projects!

Best of Lifewriting - Nisi Shawl! (Kinning, Everfair) On Friendship with Octavia E. Butler

"So Be It! See To It!" Success Hacks for Writers

Guest Brent Lambert! (On A Necessary Chaos and Worldbuilding)

Guest David Dastmalchian! (Late Night with the Devil)

Best of Lifewriting: Leigh Bardugo! (The Familiar, Hell Bent, Ninth House)

Kat and Jazz from "Girl, That's Scary!" Podcast

The Black Guy Dies First! Dr. Robin R. Means Coleman & Mark H. Harris

Guest Erin E. Adams! (Jackal, The Black Girl Survives in This One)

Guest Jonathan Janz! (Children of the Dark)

Guest Lamar Giles! Ruin Road - On Writing YA (Horror)

Guest Alma Katsu! (The Hunger, Red London) - On Genre Jumping

Best of Lifewriting: LeVar Burton!

Guest Joe Hill! (The Black Phone, The Fireman, NOS4A2)

Best of Lifewriting: Horror Noire and Adaptation! (Victor LaValle and Stephanie Malia Morris)

Marc Bernardin! (Star Wars: Mace Windu)

Cynthia Pelayo! (The Shoemaker's Magician)

On Addressing Feedback Without Losing Your Way

Guest Shane Hawk! - Never Whistle At Night (Indigenous Horror)

Best of Lifewriting - Hollywood Horror Stories!

Ezra Claytan Daniels! (The People Under the Stairs & Upgrade Soul)

Best of Lifewriting: Make Your Short Film! (Guest Luchina Fisher)

Guest Linda D. Addison! (On Befriending Your Demons)

Our 102nd Episode Celebration!

Guest Aaron Covington! (CREED)

Guest Daniel Kraus! (Whalefall)

Best of Lifewriting: On Fighting Fear!

Guest Silvia Moreno-Garcia! (Mexican Gothic, Silver Nitrate)

Guests Omar Epps and Clarence A. Haynes! (NUBIA: The Reckoning)

Best of Lifewriting: The Writers' Room Survival Guide! (Niceole Levy)

On Tananarive's Novel THE REFORMATORY - and Turning Heartache to Horror

Our Favorite Horror Movies of 2023!

Best of Lifewriting - Horror Movies You Should Watch (Or Rewatch) for Spooky Season!

Guest Zakiya Dalila Harris! (The Other Black Girl)

The End of the WGA Strike! (And how the WGA's gains affect us all)

SINNERS! How Ryan Coogler Shook Hollywood (And You Can Too!) SPOILERS