Must Listen Advice from TV Writer and Bestselling Middle Grade author Joshua Pruett

Writers With Wrinkles

Send us a Text Message.

In this episode, we welcome Joshua Pruett, a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author, and Emmy Award winner. Pruett has written for both Mystery Science Theater 3000 and Doctor Who. He is currently a writer for the upcoming return of Phineas and Ferb and co-author of the Last Comics on Earth graphic novel series. His first solo middle-grade series, Gyro and the Argonauts, will be released by Andrews McMeel Kids in the summer of 2025.
Key Discussion Points
1. Journey to Success:
- Joshua Pruett shares his excitement about his upcoming middle-grade series, Gyro and the Argonauts. Inspired by a passion for Greek mythology, Pruett has crafted a story that reimagines monsters as heroes.
- He discusses the creative process behind this book, emphasizing the importance of taking control of one's narrative and the theme of breaking free from societal expectations.
2. Writing Collaboratively:
- Pruett discusses his collaborative writing process with Max Brailler on the Last Comics on Earth series. He highlights the dynamic nature of their partnership and the creative synergy that fuels their work.
- He explains the concept of Last Comics on Earth, where the protagonists create their own comic book series within the post-apocalyptic world they inhabit, blending humor and adventure.
3. Transition to Television:
- Reflecting on his transition from feature animation to television, Pruett discusses his experience writing for several popular shows. He appreciates the frequent opportunities for storytelling that TV offers compared to the slower pace of feature animation.
- He shares anecdotes about the collaborative environment in TV writers' rooms and the joy of contributing to beloved series like Doctor Who.
4. Balancing Solo and Collaborative Projects:
- Pruett talks about the contrast between collaborative projects and solo endeavors. He finds value in both approaches, appreciating the solitude of writing novels while also enjoying the team dynamics in TV writing.
- He mentions the strategic aspects of his career, where he balances personal creative control with collaborative opportunities.
5. Advice for Aspiring Writers:
- Joshua Pruett encourages aspiring writers to create and produce their work, especially during challenging times in the industry. He advises against waiting for permission and emphasizes the importance of being proactive.
- He stresses the significance of writing what one loves and strategically planning one’s career to leverage small opportunities into larger successes.
Mentioned Links
Joshua Pruett's Linktree
Support the Show.

Subscribe for updates, cheat sheets, news
Visit the Website
Twitter: @BethandLisaPod
Insta: @WritersWithWrinkles
Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for more!

Chapters

1. Mythological Middle-Grade Series With Joshua (00:00:00)

2. Collaborating on Comic Spinoffs (00:08:06)

3. Television Job and Creative Collaboration (00:15:05)

4. Collaborative Creativity in Animation Industry (00:21:14)

5. Strategic Career Advice for Creatives (00:33:51)