Writers At Work podcast

#Books #Arts #Audio Drama #Bliss Publications #Conversations With Authors

1:16:55

On her son’s prom night, Mel Robbins fussed over details that didn’t matter. Her daughter grabbed her arm and said, “Let them. Let them run in the rain. Let them eat where they want. Let them.” Those two simple words hit Mel like a ton of bricks and completely changed how she thinks about control. In this episode, Mel shares some of the pivotal moments that shaped her career, her innovative strategies for overcoming adversity, and how the Let Them Theory can help you navigate business challenges, strengthen relationships, and unlock your true power. In this episode, Hala and Mel will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:57) The Power of Action (04:22) Mel's Unforgettable TED Talk Debut (07:00) The 5 Second Rule (07:52) Building Unshakable Confidence (12:04) Turning Adversity into Strength (22:00) The Power of Showing Up for Others (30:40) Why Details Matter in Business (42:32) Understanding the Let Them Theory (51:14) The Let Them Theory in Business Mel Robbins is a motivational speaker, the host of The Mel Robbins Podcast, and a bestselling author of several influential books, including her latest, The Let Them Theory. Known for her groundbreaking 5 Second Rule, she has helped millions of people take action and transform their lives. With 30 million views, her TEDx talk made her a recognized voice in behavior change. Mel is also the CEO of 143 Studios, a female-driven media company creating award-winning content for top brands like LinkedIn and Audible. She is a Forbes 50 Over 50 Honoree and one of USA Today’s Top 5 Mindset Coaches. Resources Mentioned: Mel’s Books: The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About : https://amzn.to/4h6quLh The 5 Second Rule: Transform your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage : https://amzn.to/3WdAgTX Sponsored By: OpenPhone - Get 20% off 6 months at https://www.openphone.com/PROFITING Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://www.youngandprofiting.co/shopify Airbnb - Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at https://www.airbnb.com/host Rocket Money - Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to https://www.rocketmoney.com/profiting Indeed - Get a $75 job credit at indeed.com/profiting Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap Youtube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services : yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new All Show Keywords: Entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship podcast, Business, Business podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal development, Starting a business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side hustle, Startup, mental health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth mindset. Career & Entrepreneurship Career, Success, Entrepreneurship, Productivity, Careers, Startup, Entrepreneurs, Business Ideas, Growth Hacks, Career Development, Money Management, Opportunities, Professionals, Workplace, Career podcast, Entrepreneurship podcast…

Writers at Work

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WRITERS AT WORK is a podcast about the joys, heartaches, challenges and satisfaction of the creative writing process. Hosted by Jim Fusilli, additional information is available at writersatworkpodcast.com.

40 episodes

Writers at Work

updated about 16 hours ago

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40 episodes

#Books #Arts #Audio Drama #Bliss Publications #Conversations With Authors

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Writers at Work

1
Sara Gran 32:53

16 hours ago32:53

32:53

My guest on this episode of Writers at Work is Sara Gran, author and screenwriter. Sara is the author of the series featuring Claire DeWitt, self-anointed as the world's greatest private investigator. But Sara isn't confined by theme or tradition. Her feel for urban grit is on abundant display in her novel DOPE, as is her ability to convey psychological terror and come closer and the insidious nature of the occult in THE BOOK OF MOST PRECIOUS SUBSTANCE, which she self-published in 2022. Her latest is LITTLE MYSTERIES, a short story collection cheerfully subtitled Nine Miniature Puzzles to Confuse Enthrall and Delight . Sara also wrote for the terrific TV series Southland. If quality alone were the determining factor, it would still be on air. She also wrote the Audible original audio drama MARIGOLD. There's much to talk about with Sarah, who I've admired from afar, but I wanted to at least begin with an article that ran recently in the New York Times in which Sarah recommended eight great noir thrillers. You can find the article via the Times website. It's a wonderful list with a few surprises, the kind that sent me running to the nearest bookstore. So now I'm not only grateful for her books, but also for her recommendations.…

Writers at Work

1
Catriona McPherson 46:02

7 days ago46:02

46:02

Joining me on this episode of Writers at Work is Catriona McPherson, the author of three crime series, two of historical fiction, and standalone novels of psychological suspense. In 2024, she published thrice: THE WITCHING HOUR, the sixteenth book in her Dandy Gilver murder mystery series set in the 1920s and 30s, DEEP BENEATH US, a novel of suspense set in the Scottish Highlands, and SCOTZILLA, her seventh cozy featuring Lexy Campbell, whose wedding does not go according to plan. I’ll add here that Catriona contributed a very clever story with a twist to BRUTAL AND STRANGE, the anthology based on the songs of Elvis Costello that I edited in late 2023. For her efforts Catriona is the winner of the Agatha, Anthony, Lefty and Macavity Awards, high honors in the mystery and crime field. Born in South Queensferry, Scotland, Catriona earned her MA and PhD at the University of Edinburgh. She committed to writing full-time in 2000. Five years later, she relocated to Northern California. As I was reminded at the recent Left Coast Crime conference in Denver, I find Catriona to be a wonderful writer and a delightful presence. Though we worked together on the Costello anthology and run into each other at various industry events, I’ve never had a chance to talk with her about the writing life.…

Writers at Work

1
"Vulnicura" by Bjork 11:55

15 days ago11:55

11:55

One guiding principle at “Writers at Work” is that good writing is worth savoring wherever one may find it. My guests have included novelists, journalists, playwrights and screenwriters. And I’ve extending invitations to poets and lyricists. All to discuss the joys, heartaches, challenges and satisfaction of the creative writing process. This episode is dedicated to what I consider a model of effective autobiographical storytelling, “Vulnicura,” an album by Björk.…

Writers at Work

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Dennis Mahoney 43:36

22 days ago43:36

43:36

Joining me on this episode of Writers at Work is Dennis Mahoney, an author and artist with a particular interest in and flair for horror and the occult. His latest novel, OUR WINTER MONSTER, is available now. Dennis’ reputation has been growing since his debut novel, FELLOW MORTALS, was published in 2013. His third novel, 2020's GHOST LOVE, received rave reviews. Publishers Weekly called it a grave yet hilarious meditation on insanity, depression, companionship, and leaving everything behind. Which tells us how Dennis finds horror within his characters. Without giving too much away, I'll say that his new one put a knot in the pit of my stomach within the first few pages, not because of the monster, but because of the crisis faced by the main characters. Let me tell you a bit about OUR WINTER MONSTER to expedite my conversation with Dennis. Holly and Brian are unhappy in their relationship. They've decided to take a brief vacation to a ski village to rekindle, if possible, their passion. What appears to be a blizzard threatens their trip even before they reach their destination. And here comes a monster on a Godzilla-like rampage through the village. Sheriff Kendra Book has to save Holly, Brian, and the village, which is encumbered by problems of its own. It's all there, right in the wrong hands. The setup might have been cliched, but Dennis is a storyteller of the first degree, regardless of genre. Even if you're not a horror fan, and I confess, I'm not, OUR WINTER MONSTER will reward you for exploring his tale. Dennis is also the founder of the Equinox Society, a multimedia project I'm eager to learn more about.…

Writers at Work

1
John Wirth 45:49

29 days ago45:49

45:49

Joining me on this episode of Writers at Work is writer, producer and showrunner John Wirth. John's current project is DARK WINDS, the series on AMC that draws its inspiration from the novels of Tony Hillerman. Its third season kicks off on March 9 and has already been renewed for a fourth season. John's been involved in well written and well-crafted TV for quite a while. He broke into the business in the 1980s as a writer for the detective series REMINGTON STEELE, then wrote for and was an executive producer for NASH BRIDGES. Other writing and producing credits include contributions to THE GHOST WHISPERER, PICKET FENCES, TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES, and V. John was on the staff of HELL ON WHEELS, the AMC series pegged to the building of the transcontinental railroad in the 1860s and was named its showrunner for the final three seasons. As for DARK WINDS, John became showrunner in its second season. He continues to write for the series, co contributing two scripts in season two and two more this season. I've watched the new season and found it fascinating. I'm eager to talk to John about his career in general, but also about DARK WINDS.…

Writers at Work

1
Lisa Unger 32:31

5 weeks ago32:31

32:31

My guest on this episode of Writers at Work is Lisa Unger, the bestselling author whose latest novel is CLOSE YOUR EYES AND COUNT TO 10. The tale involves a high concept. Her protagonist, the physically fit Adele Crane, participates in a reality competition program called Extreme Hide and Seek that's held on a remote island. The show's founder and star, the deliciously named Maverick Dylan, is aging and increasingly unhinged. The last time around, one contestant was lost and never found. So what will happen now? I won't tell. CLOSE YOUR EYES AND COUNT TO 10 is Lisa's 23rd book. She's moved back and forth between series and standalones. Her most recent series was HOUSE OF CROWS, a four-part serial released in 2021. Prior to the new one, her most recent novel was THE NEW COUPLE IN 5B, now available in paperback, in which an apartment in a sinister New York building is the setting for a psychological thriller that recalls Rosemary's Baby and The Shining, set 1700 miles to the east.…

Writers at Work

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Thomas Perry 51:55

6 weeks ago51:55

51:55

My guest on this episode of Writers at Work is author Thomas Perry, whose latest thriller is PRO BONO. Thomas had a long, exemplary career as a mystery and thriller writer. His debut, THE BUTCHER'S BOY, in 1983 won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel from the Mystery Writers of America. It was the first in a series in which three subsequent novels appeared three separate decades apart. His VANISHING ACT, featuring his recurring character Jane Whitefield, was named by Parade magazine as one of the 101 Best Mysteries of All Time. Tom was a PhD in literature, wrote and or produced for such TV shows as Star Trek, The Next Generation and Simon and Simon. He's enjoying well deserved attention these days, thanks to the FX series The Old Man, based on his 2017 novel of the same name. We of a certain vintage applaud Tom for creating a hearty protagonist who is AARP eligible but hardly in need of assistance. Since then, he's published eight more novels, including additions to the Butcher's Boy and Jane Whitefield series. Last year's HERO introduced readers to Justin Poole, a private security agent for Hollywood celebrities and the 1%. Booklist, Kirkus and Deadly Pleasures magazine called HERO the best thriller of the year. How lucky we would all be if we maintain such high standards across more than four decades and through 31 novels.…

Writers at Work

1
Christopher Maag 30:01

7 weeks ago30:01

30:01

Joining me today on Writers at Work is New York Times Enterprise reporter Christopher Maag. Recently, Chris wrote what I consider to be an extraordinary feature about a woman who, at age 17, survived a plane crash. I'll get back to that story in a minute. Chris is a veteran reporter, having written for national and local magazines including USA Today , T he Record , and the Seattle Times . Before joining the New York Times staff, he freelanced for the paper for a decade, covering the Midwest. When you click on the links on his website or in the Times archive, you'll find that Chris has delved into the human side of some of the biggest stories of our lifetime, including the September 11 attacks and the impact of COVID. When he covers breaking news, he occasionally will reveal a sly sense of humor. In a recent piece about a man who filmed himself while breaking into the mayor's residence in New York, Chris disclosed that Mayor Adams believes the house is haunted. But some stories are absent humor, like his recent piece on the four-month-old who died from a cocaine overdose. As for the tale of the airline crash survivor, you can find his feature in the Times archives or via Google. The headline hints at what's to follow. The plane crash should have killed her. Sometimes she wishes it had, adding, survival has been its own ordeal. Chris tells us that, traveling by herself, Astrid Lopez was on her way from Bogota, Colombia, to Disney World via New York, the trip a reward for her good grades. Hours after takeoff, Flight 52 crashed into a tree on Long Island. 73 passengers were killed. Chris included this bit of memorable color in his piece: Rescue workers found a toddler dangling from a tree, cold but uninjured . Astrid, now 52, has endured 70 surgeries. Let me now pause to greet Chris, a writer whose work, to my eyes, has both the propulsion and flow of great storytelling, regardless of medium.…

Writers at Work

1
Henry Alford 32:37

8 weeks ago32:37

32:37

My guest on this episode of Writers at Work is Henry Alford, whose latest book is I DREAM OF JONI: A PORTRAIT OF JONI MITCHELL IN 53 SNAPSHOTS. You may know Henry's work in the New Yorker , for whom he's written for a good long while, or his contributions to Vanity Fair , The New York Times , and Spy Magazine . You can find a collection of his early essays, in MUNICIPAL BONDAGE, published in 1994. Often writing about the absurd, including absurdities he's cooked up, he's been called an investigative humorist, which just about says it. I say just about because I DREAM OF JONI emerges as a serious work of biography about Mitchell, who (Dylan fans, cover your ears) is the greatest artist to emerge from the 1960s folk scene. Henry's 53 snapshots are sections, some a full chapter, others a few lines that, taken together, present Mitchell in a manner that I've not come across previously. I DREAM OF JONI is Henry's sixth book. He's written about dance, manners, the hard-won wisdom of the elderly, and how, at age 34, he tried to become a professional actor. Delving into his back catalog is a trip worth taking. I've been an Alford fan for a while. I always perked up when I heard him on Fresh Air or Studio360. And it goes without saying that I'm a Joni Mitchell fan. So seeing her through his eyes was an absolute treat and a revelation.…

Writers at Work

1
Ken Ludwig 32:53

9 weeks ago32:53

32:53

My guest on this episode of Writers at Work is playwright Ken Ludwig. His Ken Ludwig’s Dear Jack, Dear Louise is running now at New York's 59E59 Theaters. Playbill says Ken Ludwig may be the most-performed playwright of his generation. He's had six productions on Broadway and eight in London's West End. His 34 plays and musicals are staged throughout the US and around the world every night of the week. It's quality as well as quantity with Ken. He's won Tony awards for his Lend Me a Tenor and Crazy for You, countless other awards unique to theater communities, and one for his bestselling book, How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare. I want to talk with Ken about his approach to writing, but I'm still in the glow of Dear Jack, Dear Louise, which confirms his genius for distinctive storytelling. Jack and Louise are Ken's parents, and the play is their story, how they met by exchanging letters during World War II. Those letters reveal not only the characters, personalities and ambitions, but also a time in our country's history. What began as a long-distance meet-cute story becomes something else as the play unfolds. I'm eager to hear how Ken conceived it and wrote it.…

Writers at Work

1
Gail Crowther 39:34

10 weeks ago39:34

39:34

My guest on this episode of Writers at Work is Gail Crowther, whose latest book, DOROTHY PARKER IN HOLLYWOOD, examines the life of Parker in an unexpected context. Not in New York, where she began a career in journalism, was a founding member of the Algonquin Roundtable, and established her reputation as a poet and all-around acerbic wit, but in Southern California, where she lived for three decades. Three seemingly miserable decades. A writer, researcher and academic, Dr. Crowther's previous books include THREE MARTINI AFTERNOONS AT THE RITZ, a dual biography exploring the social rebellion of Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton, THE HAUNTED READER AND SYLVIA PLATH and SYLVIA PLATH IN DEVON: A YEAR'S TURNING co-written with Elizabeth Sigmund. On the surface, Dorothy Parker seems an entirely different type of subject from Plath and Sexton, authors of highly personal and revealing poetry that's anything but glib. But in DOROTHY PARKER IN HOLLYWOOD, we see a talented, troubled artist whose gift for satire may have developed as a shield to ward off further unhappiness. There is much to recommend in DOROTHY PARKER IN HOLLYWOOD, not the least of which is witnessing Parker in what to readers is an unfamiliar, often glamorous, yet unsatisfying setting. I enjoyed Crowther’s Parker portrayal, and I'm happy to discuss the book and other matters with her.…

Writers at Work

1
Brad Meltzer 36:59

11 weeks ago36:59

36:59

My guest on this episode of Writers at Work is Brad Meltzer, whose latest book is THE JFK CONSPIRACY: THE SECRET PLOT TO KILL KENNEDY—AND WHY IT FAILED, written with Josh Mensch. It follows their three similar fact-based thrillers about plots to kill George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and FDR, Stalin and Churchill. Since the publication of his first novel, THE TENTH JUSTICE, in 1997, Brad's work has been a ubiquitous presence in libraries, bookstores and on bestseller lists. In addition to his notable novels and nonfiction work, he is an award-winning, much-admired comic book writer, TV writer and host, and public speaker. A tireless researcher who earned his J.D. degree at Columbia Law School, Brad enjoyed the insights and assistance of former presidents Clinton and W. Bush and has worked with members of the US Intelligence community. And let's not overlook his utterly charming and informative Ordinary People Change the World Series for Young Readers with illustrator Chris Eliopoulos. A decade after the initial I AM ABRAHAM LINCOLN, I AM AMELIA EARHART, I AM ROSA PARKS and I AM ALBERT EINSTEIN were published, 2024 saw the arrival of I AM RUTH BADER GINSBURG and I AM STEPHEN HAWKING. This year will bring I AM SALLY RIDE and WE ARE THE BEATLES. Because he is such a part of the cultural landscape, it can appear that Brad Meltzer arrived fully formed with success and inevitability. But as every writer can attest, it is never the case. And it was not with Brad. As his bio indicates, he has long put in the work necessary to have a forum to say what he wants to say.…

Writers at Work

1
Rachael New 35:51

12 weeks ago35:51

35:51

The on this episode of Writers at Work is Rachel New, creator, showrunner, and primary writer of Miss Scarlet, the Victorian era crime drama now in its 5th season. It's streaming here and there and will launch on PBS Masterpiece on January 12. In its four previous seasons, the series was known as Miss Scarlet and the Duke. Miss Scarlet fans know that the Duke is gone. Scotland Yard detective inspector William Wellington has left London for a position with the New York City Police Department, placing him far from the private investigator, Eliza Scarlet. What will become of their contentious relationship that has blossomed into a romance? And how will Miss Scarlet, who is a more than competent PI, adjust to a new detective inspector who, unlike his blunt force predecessor, is cool and deliberate and declares absolute disinterest in working with private investigators? Those are questions for Rachel New, who launched the series back in 2020. Prior to that, she wrote for many TV series in the UK, beginning with Monday Monday, a comedy set in the headquarters of a supermarket chain, and Trollied, also set in a supermarket. She has a long list of credentials now topped by Miss Scarlett, which works beautifully as a crime series and a glimpse into a vividly depicted Victorian society.…

Writers at Work

1
Elijah Wald 47:24

13 weeks ago47:24

47:24

My guest on this episode of Writers at Work is Elijah Wald, veteran music journalist, cultural critic and well-traveled blues and folk guitarist. That last attribute is meaningful. If Elijah brings a "been there, done that" feel when writing about the likes of Robert Johnson, Josh White, Dave Van Ronk, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan, it's because he's been there and done that. Accordingly, mythology can't fool him, and he knows the story lies in the facts. Elijah's bio is fascinating, and I encourage you to seek out what you can find out about him. Though his latest book is JELLY ROLL BLUES: CENSORED SONGS AND HIDDEN HISTORIES, a typically rich Wald foray into a world of music. We're going to spend our time together discussing his 2015 book DYLAN GOES ELECTRIC!: NEWPORT, SEEGER, DYLAN, AND THE NIGHT THAT SPLIT THE SIXTIES. It's the basis for the new film, A COMPLETE UNKNOWN, James Mangold's bio drama about Bob Dylan, his arrival in Greenwich Village, his growth as an artist, and his controversial set at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. Even if—or especially if—you've seen the film (and I think everyone I know has), you will learn from Elijah that there is much more to the story than can be conveyed in a 141-minute film. To say Elijah explains it all might be overstating it, but not by much.…

Writers at Work

1
Tribute to Rod Serling 23:23

14 weeks ago23:23