
Join hosts John H. Matthews (Runt, Designated Survivor) and Laura Buchwald for conversations with creators, including authors, screenwriters, musicians, playwrights and more, as well as chats between the hosts about the basics of writing, inspiration, getting over writer's block, and more.
| Publishes | Monthly | Episodes | 42 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Categories | Music InterviewsMusicBooksArts | ||||

Laura and John discuss Laura's newly released novel, The Book of Reservations, the pressures of writing the final book in a trilogy, and how reading helps you write (and admitting Stephen King was right).
John and Laura talk with Claudia Zuluaga—author of Fort Starlight and longtime creative writing teacher at John Jay College—about the art of surviving your messy first draft. Together, they explore why messy drafts are essential, how to push past per... more
In their 40th episode, Laura and John dive into one of the most essential—and sometimes misunderstood—principles of storytelling: show, don’t tell. They unpack what it really means to let readers experience a scene through vivid detail, dialogue, and... more
In this episode, Laura and John dive into the power of place in fiction—how setting does more than anchor a story; it breathes life into it. They explore how writers can craft landscapes that shape mood, theme, and even character behavior, transformi... more
In this episode, John and Laura dive into the challenges and rewards of writing sequels and building book series. They discuss how to keep momentum after the first book, balancing character growth with expanding the world, and sequel fatigue. Drawing... more
John talks with Laura about her newly released debut novel, The Coat Check Girl.
Laura and John discuss Laura's upcoming debut novel, The Coat Check Girl, John's new middle grade novel Ace Adler and the Pendulum of Doom, and get inspiration from a quote by John Steinbeck.
Laura and John talk about their two paths to publishing: Laura with her traditional contract, and John with his self publishing. Also, tips and tools for getting reviews for your book, whichever way it is published, from Kirkus Reviews to Net Galley.... more
I really can’t compliment this podcast enough! Such interesting discussions from two writers who are so good at reflecting on their process. The episode on self-doubt and writer’s block was particularly strong. Keep it going, guys!
This podcast reveals not just the how, but the why of writing. For anyone who’s wondered how the brain of a writer functions, this series is for you. And for anyone who already writes, this show might provide comfort by confirming that, yes, it’s normal for the brain to do all sorts of yoga positions in the effort of generating a string of sentences the reader will find interesting and compelling.
John and Laura make you feel like you are in a writer’s session as a compatriot as they take on the writing challenges, conflicts and connections and other aspects of the creative process. Inspiring and thought provoking, I’ll be listening to more of these!
Laura and John create a wonderful feeling of sitting around having drinks or coffee with your most interesting and creative friends. Especially helpful for aspiring writers and artists looking for inspiration and tips. Highly recommended.
Two episodes in, and I’ve already come away with a book I’m eager to read (Fort Starlight, by Claudia Zuluaga) and a movie I can’t wait to watch (Driveways, co-written by Hannah Bos). John and Laura talk interestingly to interesting creators, and their podcast is going into my regular rotation 👍
Love it!
John and Laura will feel like lifelong friends after your first listen. They keep each show moving with humor and grace while ensuring listeners get a vital glimpse into the creative processes they and their guests rely on. Give them a try!
Great chemistry between John and Laura and their banter never gets old or awkward. Guests are always interesting, too!
John and Laura obviously know what they’re talking about, and their guests are fabulous.
This isn’t just a basic interview podcast, where a host throws out general questions to a guest to get a feel for who they are. This is more than that. The hosts, John and Laura, are both accomplished writers and artists themselves, and bring their experience to the table — so these aren’t merely interrogations about *what* each of their artist guests are doing, but in depth discussions about *how* they go about doing it. And they cover everything — from their inspiration and motivation to the i... more
I can’t tell you how satisfying it is to listen to John & Laura talk about writing and to listen to their guests, but also to them! It’s like having really smart interesting friends over to your home who sit around the table chatting about the inner workings of brilliant minds, but ones to which (whom?) I can relate. I look forward to each episode!
I love this smart and totally entertaining show. Rob Shuter
I had never heard of a beta reader until this podcast.
*in the best sense of the term. Like those great chats one has with friends about all things creative.
Looking forward to listening to many more.









Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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