Lifewriting: Write for Your Life!: Recent Episodes
Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due
Authors and screenwriters Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due (and guests!) on writing, the writer's life, Hollywood, the work/family balance and relationships - the tools writers need to make themselves the heroes/heroines of their own story. - LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL at https://www.speakpipe.com/LifewritingPodcast (We might play your message!) - Join our MAILING LIST at www.lifewritingweekly.com
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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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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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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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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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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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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). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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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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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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. LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL at https://www.speakpipe.com/LifewritingPodcast (We might play your message!) Join our MAILING LIST at www.lifewritingweekly.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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.
Lifewriting Premium course: www.lifewritingpremium.com
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
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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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.
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.
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 upcoming new Soulmate Process course is at www.soulmateprocess.com - pre-registration discount!
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to the Lifewriting course at www.lifewritingpremium.com
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.
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).
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!
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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"!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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