It's back to a bit of Rod Serling advice for "Take a Swing at This", as Dan institutes a dialogue loyalty test, of sorts. Mark rates the podcast "May I Elaborate" (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/may-i-elaborate-daily-wisdom-from-jb-smoove/id1562371862)  as worth a "They Beat Us To The Punch." And in "Hit Us With Your Best Shot" it's writing about businesses Dan's never heard of before — as well as continued favorites in the Grease, Grit and Crime in COVID Time podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grease-grit-and-crime-in-covid-time/id1518637609) and the storymaze.substack.com newsletter.

This episode was edited with the amazing online audio editor, Descript. Check it out at https://www.descript.com/?lmref=pYsXLQ

Hit us with questions, comments, whatever you got at: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Plus send us an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

‪#onwriting #howtowrite #writinginspiration #writingpodcast #podcastonwriting #writingtips #podcast #funnypodcast #applepodcasts #podcasters #writing #podcastlife #stamford #stamfordlocal‬

Under pressure: yeah, all have way too much of it, but sometimes it can help your writing. Mark discusses how to reach a higher gear by creating a deadline for yourself and writing under pressure, purposely. Dan reads an inspiring paragraph from Story, by writing guru, Robert McKee. And Mark and Dan give updates on Grease, Grit and Crime and Storymaze. ‪#onwriting #howtowrite #writinginspiration #writingpodcast #podcastonwriting #writingtips #podcast #funnypodcast #applepodcasts #podcasters #writing #podcastlife #stamford #stamfordlocal‬

This way? No, back it up, turn it around! That's better. Or so Dan says as he advocates for "Reversals" via this episodes "Take A Swing At This". (With a nod to creativescreenwriting.com) Then Mark's off to other worlds, introducing The Three Body Problem to "They Beat Us To The Punch”. And in “Hit Us With Your Best Shot” Dan is writing new business pitch videos, while Mark is scripting art critics for his latest Grease, Grit & Crime podcast, a funny observation on observation he calls "Open to Interpretation". (https://anchor.fm/greasegritandcrime/episodes/Open-to-Interpretation-epf8s3)

Dig what you hear? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new listeners to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Hit us with questions, comments, whatever you got at: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Plus send us an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #keepwriting #writingtips #creativity #productivity #streetwriting

Time to make a fistful of words and fight to write. This episode's “Take A Swing At This”  is a chance for Dan to admit his weakness for distraction. He puts the spotlight on a great lil' tech tool called Waste No Time (https://www.bumblebeesystems.com/wastenotime/), a gem that can lock out the noise of the interwebs and keep your focus on the words in front of you. "They Beat Us To The Punch"  is Dan's green with jealousy love letter to an old fave, 1972's The Night Stalker (https://www.amazon.com/Night-Stalker-Strangler-Double-Feature/dp/B00026L7OU), and the street wise supernatural noir its narrator brings to life. And when it comes to "Hit Us With Your Best Shot,” Mark is out there — really out there — with more musings on his gravitational wave and superstring theory inspiration and how that's creating the best kind of challenges for the multi-character story that's inspiring him to explore.

Enjoy the Street Writer spectacle with friends! Help us get some new listeners by sharing out this link: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Writing's a little less lonely when we fight together. Got ideas for “Take A Swing At This”? Ready to make some noise about your words in “Hit Us With Your Best Shot"? Send word, and we'll find space for you on the mic: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

And send us an audio message so we can include your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #creativity #productivity #nightstalker #gravitaionalwaves

The fight for the right write continues. In this round of Street Writers…for this “Take A Swing At This”, Dan extols the technique of "Type It Out" — the power of kinetic motion to get yourself in the groove of a genre to inspire your forward momentum when it comes to writing. (Mark applies some curse words to the same idea!). Then it's inner city noir for "They Beat Us To The Punch" as Mark champions a novel he's jealous of, Bill Beverly's latest, Dodgers. (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1101903759/) And when it comes to "Hit Us With Your Best Shot,” Dan's learned some lessons creating copy for an e-bike company in San Fran, combining wordplay with relationship building. 

Enjoying your ringside seat? Bring some new listeners to the inner circle by sharing out this link: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Let's not travel the Street alone. Tell us your ideas for “Take A Swing At This” — and let's feature your WIP on “Hit Us With Your Best Shot”! Let's connect and get you on the mic: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

And send us an audio message so we can include your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #creativity #productivity

Now that we’re sharing our hard earned tips and tricks on writing, you’d think we’d be immune to the typical writing road blocks, like procrastination. You’d be wrong. Mark admits he’s a procrastaholic, and describes how he fights it every day. Dan takes an inside look at the final two Avengers movies, and also discusses how he stopped procrastinating by taking a different point of view on an article he wrote.

Just what you need: the 80 bazillionth critique of Game of Thrones. In ours, Dan nearly throw some Dracarys fire on Mark in their “heated” discussion. Also, Dan goes through the “Once Upon a Time” format that can help you craft your story. And Mark addresses how directing his upcoming film may affect his writing of it. Enjoy the Street Writer spectacle with friends! Help us get some new listeners by sharing out this link: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters Writing's a little less lonely when we fight together. Got ideas for “Take A Swing At This”? Ready to make some noise about your words in “Hit Us With Your Best Shot"? Send word, and we'll find space for you on the mic: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com #amwriting #writing #creativity #productivity #gameofthrones #pixar #storyspine #gravitaionalwaves

In this episode, we talk about starting your next writing project any damn place you want, be it the middle, the end or the beginning. Also, Dan gives his impression of Jordan Peterson’s, The 12 Rules for Life, one of which is petting any cat you run into on the street—meow. And Mark enters the black hole (pun intended) of writing a story about gravitational waves and parallel universes. Gulp.

(GREAT NEWS FOR YOUR EARS: WE’RE NOW IN A PRO STUDIO—NO MORE ECHOES!) Think about your favorite characters in stories. You know them inside and out, you relish their quirks, you know what direction they’re going to take before they do. That’s why you need to bring out the details—and quirks—in your characters to bring your writing to life. Hear an excerpt from a book that personifies quirkiness, and hear how we’re bringing out the quirks in our own characters.

We’ve made it to all four corners of the ring with #4 of Street Writers. “Take A Swing At This” declares the Storymatic (https://www.storymatic.com) a contender: it’s a cool set of cards that helps accelerate your writing with character and situation springboards. Dan has a glass jaw when it comes to Richard Kadrey’s Sandman Slim series of books, a high-energy mix of wit, demonology, and action. (https://www.richardkadrey.com) And in this "Hit Us With Your Best Shot,” Mark bobs and weaves with what he’s discovered writing his new "behind the scenes" Video Tips series. (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/take-voodoo-out-video-part-1-mark-bellusci/)

How about getting in our corner and sending us some new listeners to https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

And let’s make this about you, too. What are your ideas for “Take A Swing At This”? And let’s feature you and your WIP on “Hit Us With Your Best Shot”? Send the word: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

#amwriting #writing #creativity #productivity

Episode Three of Street Writers defends the #fight2write ethos, with hard-hitting "Take A Swing At This" ideas for capturing your words on the go. (Including a mention of Dan's fave Field Notes, https://fieldnotesbrand.com) "They Beat Us To The Punch" reveals Mark’s inner romcom, with a revisit to the writing delights of the James L. Brooks’ movie “As Good As It Gets.” (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I8HIO0) Then we turn from laughs-to-screams for Dan’s "Hit Us With Your Best Shot,” a behind-the-scenes look (talk?) at a scary interactive fiction project called “The Virulence Protocol.” (https://textadventures.co.uk/games/view/m3qpupepzkce7y2x30rjkg/the-virulence-protocol)

Help us promote the show by pointing new listeners to https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

And get in the ring with us! Got some great ideas for “Take A Swing At This”? Or want to show your moves with a “Hit Us With Your Best Shot” interview? Send the word: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

#amwriting #writing #creativity #productivity

An alarm clock can not only get you out of bed, it can also get you out of the writing doldrums. In “Take a Swing At This,” we explore writing in blocks of time, capped off with an alarm clock that allows you a short break. Yes, it’s now a popular time management system called the Pomodoro Method, but we we’ve been using for years to write—it works. "They Beat Us To The Punch" features the highlights of a hysterical eight-month-old life coach. (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/22/opinion/sunday/humor-baby-daily-routine.html) And "Hit Us With Your Best Shot” we touch on Dan’s project to bring to life the world’s most interesting dead man.

Send new listeners to https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

And it’s only a real fight if we’re both in it! Send us your tips, and let us know if you’d be up for talking up your writing: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

#amwriting #writing #creativity

In this intro episode, "Take A Swing At This," we knock writing off its high horse and hit at the power of discipline. With "They Beat Us To The Punch," Mark gives a blow-by-blow of a great column in Esquire. And for this version of "Hit Us With Your Best Shot," Dan punches out the storytelling details behind a new toy project. Get in on the action, say "Yo Adrian!" and tell us what words are filling your screen: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

"Take A Swing At This" answers the eternal question of where to find your audience with the writing tip to *be* your audience. For “They Beat Us To The Punch”, Mark shares an excerpt from writing and ad giant George Tannenbaum's always excellent blog, Ad Aged. (https://adaged.blogspot.com) And in “Hit Us With Your Best Shot” Dan relates starting work on an eco-tourism project for a First Nation in Canada, and Mark gives an update on the newest spotlight on his festival sweeping video, Venmo Muscle. (https://vimeo.com/463403472)

Dig what you hear? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new listeners to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Hit us with questions, comments, whatever you got at: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Plus send us an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #keepwriting #writingtips #creativity #productivity #streetwriting

In the second half of our interview, H. Byron Ballard discusses her infatuation with words, and then reads excerpts from Shakespeare, and from the poem, Invictus. She then discusses her new books: Roots, Branches and Spirits, and Seasons of a Magical Life. They cover everything from folklore to ghost stories. ‪#onwriting #howtowrite #writinginspiration #writingpodcast #podcastonwriting #writingtips #podcast #funnypodcast #applepodcasts #podcasters #writing #podcastlife‬

To say this week’s guest has a rich and diverse background is a gross understatement. We’re thrilled to welcome author, teacher, folklorist, priestess and village witch, H. Byron Ballard. In the first half of our interview, Byron discusses her background, and gives a great writing tip (hint: pull out your notebook and pen). ‪#onwriting #howtowrite #writinginspiration #writingpodcast #podcastonwriting #writingtips #podcast #funnypodcast #applepodcasts #podcasters #writing #podcastlife‬

TMOC: The myth of confidence. Mark wonders if writers need to have confidence in their writing — he certainly doesn’t, and he knows so many other writers who struggle with confidence as well. Maybe all the confidence you need is that you’ll write something, no matter what. Dan then reads from a meaner, scarier series of Hulk comics from Al Ewing. And Mark discusses his film Venmo Muscle, which is selected for the Manhattan Stories Film Festival. And Dan touches on being the audio book voice for a new book on gaming by our friend and podcast guest, Evan Skolnick.

It's part 2 with best selling author (of many, many things) Christopher Golden! For "They Beat Us To The Punch", Chris reads an amazing excerpt from Joe R. Lansdale's fantastic "The Drive In." (https://www.amazon.com/Drive-B-Movie-Blood-Popcorn-Texas-ebook/dp/B083WD5JT1). Then for "Hit Us With Your Best Shot," Chris introduces the infectious concept and opening of his latest thriller, Red Hands (https://www.amazon.com/dp/125024630X) — and points readers to a special autographed copy offer when you order from Copper Dog Books in Massachusetts. (https://www.copperdogbooks.com) Plus a call out to his expanding comic book world, The Outer Verse, co-created with Mike Mignola. Be sure and visit https://www.christophergolden.com for a tour of all of Mr. Golden's fantastic work.

Dig what you hear? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new listeners to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Hit us with questions, comments, whatever you got at: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Plus send us an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #keepwriting #writingtips #creativity #productivity #streetwriting

We're jazzed to welcome best-selling novelist and writer's friend Christoper Golden to the Street. Chris has brought stories to life in every medium — animation, audio, comics, novels — and has a regular spot on the New York Times bestseller list. That includes his latest thriller, Red Hands. In the first part of our interview, Chris takes over "Take A Swing At This" with savvy advice every writer needs: know thy contract. Check out Mr. Golden's impressive credits at https://www.christophergolden.com; and get your hands on Red Hands at https://www.amazon.com/dp/125024630X

Dig what you hear? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new listeners to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Hit us with questions, comments, whatever you got at: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Plus send us an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #keepwriting #writingtips #creativity #productivity #streetwriting

Well, it’s about time. Mark finally admits that he’s a fraud. His writing sucks, his plays are garbage (even the published ones), and how any of his films get into festivals is a joke. Imposter syndrome? Oh yeah, it’s real for Mark. So he shares a tip on how to keep plowing ahead even if you sometimes feel like a fraud. Dan then reads from a beautiful essay from David Foster Wallace. And Mark discusses serializing his latest work, All Strung Up.

No matter when this runs, it includes a 2021 greeting and (technically) our first “Take A Swing At This” of the new year: inspired by Lucian James’ (www.lucianjames.com) newsletter, Dan’s shouting at himself in the mirror, creating the Street Writers’ version of “cornertalk” — the boxer’s motivating words, transferred to the writing ring. “They Beat Us To The Punch” features Mark’s jealousy for a NY Times piece on “Eight Things Hated About NY (Until 2020 Happened) (“https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/25/nyregion/coronavirus-newyorkers-coping.html). And “Hit Us With Your Best Shot” is two quick jabs/updates on Dan’s comic book project, and Mark’s latest Grease, Grit & Crime in COVID Time — a throwback to a Twitter of a simpler time, “Throwing Twit.”

Dig what you hear? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new listeners to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Hit us with questions, comments, whatever you got at: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Plus send us an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #keepwriting #writingtips #creativity #productivity #streetwriting

Here’s the second half of our interview with Bob Palmer, a top advertising and digital executive who has recently completed his first novel, King of Hearts. Bob talks about writers who have inspired him. He also discusses his book and the business of making it a reality.

For "Take a Swing at This" Dan turns to master storyteller Rod Serling, and his advice to listen to your characters with your eyes closed to see who's who. (If anybody!) Mark's "They Beat Us To The Punch" is all about Jonathan Lethem's "Gun, with Occasional Music: A Novel" an homage to noir in a totally original way. And in "Hit Us With Your Best Shot" Dan encourages folks to check out his storymaze.substack.com newsletter, but also observes some new storytelling angles that have come out of some recent tech articles he's written.

Hit us with questions, comments, whatever you got at: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Plus send us an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #keepwriting #writingtips #creativity #productivity #streetwriting

This is the first half of our interview with Bob Palmer, a top advertising and digital executive who has recently completed his first novel, King of Hearts. Bob discusses the book, and provides insightful writing tips.

For a special holiday edition of Street Writers, Dan's "Take A Swing At This" fills the stockings with the joy of Randy Ingermanson's "Snowflake Method" of writing (https://www.advancedfictionwriting.com). In "The Beat Us To The Punch", Mark assures you will never look at an Xmas Tree in quite the same way again, as he relates the scientific wonder(ful writing) of the NY Times' "The Social Life of Trees" (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/12/02/magazine/tree-communication-mycorrhiza.html). And in "Hit Us With Your Best Shot" Dan is looking to unwrap the gift of freeform writing inspired by artist Jody Fallon (https://www.pariahfineart.com), while Mark looks forward to wrapping up some biz projects and starting up some new podcast performances on Grease, Grit & Crime in COVID Time (https://anchor.fm/greasegritandcrime). PLUS: Mark offers up some holiday cheers/jeers on Dan's ugly Christmas sweater! .

Dig what you hear? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new listeners to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Hit us with questions, comments, whatever you got at: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Plus send us an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #keepwriting #writingtips #creativity #productivity #streetwriting

For "Take A Swing At This" Mark channels his inner Alec Baldwin. With "They Beat Us To The Punch", Dan proclaims "This is the way," in admiration of the storytelling skillz of "The Mandolorian." And when it's "Hit Us With Your Best Shot", Dan relates his upcoming newsletter, as Mark gives updates on Grease, Grit & Crime in COVID Time, as well as a film festival interview on one of his latest videos.

(Apologies for the boomier sound on Dan's end, his regular mic is out on loan for another audio project!)

Dig what you hear? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new listeners to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Hit us with questions, comments, whatever you got at: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Plus send us an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #keepwriting #writingtips #creativity #productivity #streetwriting

A rock solid guarantee (perhaps by way of the underworld) is Dan's offer to Mark in "Take A Swing At This". Then Mark brings law and order back to writing with a high-five to the five-oh skills of  masterful police author Joseph Wambaugh in "They Beat Us To The Punch". And in "Hit Us With Your Best Shot", Dan travels north for some Canadian tourism writing, and Mark pens a tale of gentler tweets.

(Apologies for the thin sound on Dan's end, his mic is out on loan for another audio project!)

Dig what you hear? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new listeners to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Hit us with questions, comments, whatever you got at: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Plus send us an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #keepwriting #writingtips #creativity #productivity #streetwriting

Stuck in the middle of a story? Let your characters lead you, step by step, line by line. Mark discusses building story momentum by letting your characters react to the line that was just written, and then react to the next line, and so on. Dan then reacts to a beautiful letter about finding lyrics by poet and musician, Nick Cave. And Mark announces that his film, Venmo Muscle was selected for Manhattan Rep Theater’s COVID Stories Festival.

"Take A Swing At This" comes courtesy of the creative duo behind South Park, two simple words that Dan thinks can make all the difference in between your storytelling beats. Then Mark straps on his Esquire skis for "They Beat Us To The Punch", with a hellacool bit of heliskiing writing. And in a quick "Hit Us With Your Best Shot", Dan jabs at turning the idea of a "definite chief aim" into a story for an upcoming motivational panel; while Mark lands a one-two-three punch of  short stories,  film festival entries, and more audio drama in Grease, Grit and Crime in COVID Time.

Dig what you hear? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new listeners to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Hit us with questions, comments, whatever you got at: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Plus send us an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #keepwriting #writingtips #creativity #productivity #streetwriting

Be careful what you wish for. Achieving a writing goal — whether that’s getting published, building an online audience or anything in between — is great. But it can also lead to a feeling of “Is that all there is?” That’s why it really is about the journey of writing: working on your craft every day and taking satisfaction in what you accomplish each step of the way. Mark then reads a paragraph from a Stephen King short story in the October 2020 Esquire, and he touches on a few successes of his own.

Dan and Mark spend at least 1000 words on the power of pictures as inspiration, writing prompts and more in “Take A Swing At This.” For "They Beat Us To The Punch" takes us deep within the world of drug cartels  via the one-of-a-kind prose and behind the scene details of Don Winslow — especially his latest, The Border.  (https://www.amazon.com/Don-Winslow/e/B00455VVTK) Then for "Hit Us With Your Best Shot" Dan intros the potential of National Novel Writing Month. Who's in for 50K words in a month? (https://nanowrimo.org) 

Dig what you hear? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new listeners to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Hit us with questions, comments, whatever you got at: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Plus send us an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #keepwriting #writingtips #creativity #productivity #streetwriting

Mark believes one phrase has hurt writing more than just about any other: “write what you know.” He and Dan dispel that hideous myth. Dan then raves about David Lynch’s book, Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness and Creativity. And Mark describes his first on-site shoot following COVID protocol for the Clay Arts Council.

After weeks of awesome guests, Mark and Dan are left only with themselves on the newest Street Writers. Dan’s “Take A Swing At This” is all about *underthinking* a situation to get the creative flow. (Inspiration-check to Lucian James’ The Fearless Strategies newsletter: https://www.lucianjames.com/fearlessness) For “They Beat Us To The Punch” Mark promotes the prose of Peter Leonard, Elmore Leonard’s son and heir apparent. And in “Hit Us With Your Best Shot,” Dan talks up an upcoming Halloween-time chat on scary Marvel Comics from the nineties (7 Eastern, 10/30 at bit.ly/3mVsjzd), and Mark promotes the newest audio awesome from his “Grease, Grit & Crime in COVID Time” podcast. (https://anchor.fm/greasegritandcrime)

Dig what you hear? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new listeners to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Hit us with questions, comments, whatever you got at: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Plus send us an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #keepwriting #writingtips #creativity #productivity #streetwriting

Well, you’re reading this: that’s a good sign. Because Mark talks about the need for writers to read. Moves are great, shows are fabulous, podcasts are the bomb, but there’s no substitute for the written word. So read, read, read. Dan then raves about the Errol Morris documentary, The Thin Blue Line. And the boys pitch the podcast, Grease, Grit and Crime in Covid Time, and storymaze.substack.com ‪#onwriting #howtowrite #writinginspiration #writingpodcast #podcastonwriting #writingtips #podcast #funnypodcast #applepodcasts #podcasters #writing #podcastlife #stamford #stamfordlocal‬

Here’s the second half of our interview with author, journalist, creative director and management consultant, Mat Zucker. Mat is an old friend from our Ogilvy days who exemplifies grit, determination and creativity in his career. In this segment, Mat discusses a few podcasts he’s jealous of, and gives us a funny and insightful backdrop on his new book, Bronze Seeks Silver: Lessons From a Creative Career in Marketing (buy it on Amazon or at http://bronzeseekssilver.com). Check it out now.

We’re happy to welcome author, journalist, creative director and management consultant Mat Zucker. Mat is an old friend from our Ogilvy days who exemplifies grit, determination and creativity in his career. Mat has written about the inspirational, important and quirky things he’s experienced in his new book, Bronze Seeks Silver: Lessons From a Creative Career in Marketing (buy it at http://bronzeseekssilver.com). In the first half of our interview, Mat provides insightful writing tips, so check it out now.

We continue our wonderful writer rumble with psychotherapist and comic book scholar Valentino Zullo. In "They Beat Us To The Punch," Valentino gives props to Pathographies. And in "Hit Us With Your Best Shot", Valentino shares deets on his upcoming piece for the Journal of Popular Culture on psychoanalysis in EC Comics. (You don't get a Street Writers like this every day!) We've only got 10 min with this fascinating thinker and writer, so be sure and check him out in more detail at https://www.vzullo.com/

Dig what you hear? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new listeners to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Hit us with questions, comments, whatever you got at: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Plus send us an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #keepwriting #writingtips #creativity #productivity #streetwriting

Thanks to podcast pal Nancy Kidder for an intro to the fabulous Valentino Zullo: writer, editor, psychotherapist, comics scholar. In part 1 of our interview, Valentino wastes no time (it's only a 10 min show!) revealing his origin story (it involves Sonic the Hedgehog) and getting right to the heart of superhero trauma. Then he channels his therapy skills for  "Take A Swing At This", giving all us Street Writers ways to overcome our inhibitions. After this you'll definitely want more time with Mr. Zullo, so be sure and check his writings and more at https://www.vzullo.com/

Dig what you hear? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new listeners to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Hit us with questions, comments, whatever you got at: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Plus send us an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #keepwriting #writingtips #creativity #productivity #streetwriting

Stuck on trying to find the perfect plot? Let your characters lead you. Mark discusses the idea of putting disparate characters with conflicting goals together and see what bubbles up — like a spicy jambalaya. Dan raves about Phenomena, by Annie Jacobson (https://www.amazon.com/Phenomena-Governments-Investigations-Extrasensory-Psychokinesis/dp/0316349364/ref=nodl_) He also discusses his guest appearance on the podcast, Geek to Me Radio (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/186-part-1-writer-d-g-chichester-on-marvel-daredevil/id1182792271?i=1000488550939). And Mark introduces Au Revoir, Noir, the latest addition to Grit, Grease and Crime in COVID Time (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grease-grit-and-crime-in-covid-time/id1518637609).

It’s the Part 3 conclusion of our time with writer and literary PR agent Chris Roy, and he pulls no punches as he takes us inside his work bringing focus to other fighters and writers. And in “Hit Us With Your Best Shot,” Chris talks up his new coaching/editing/PR service, Sanscribd. Do yourself a favor by getting to know Chris’ writing on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Henry-Roi/e/B0821KTB4H) and his PR services via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/HenryRoiPR/) Special note: getting Chris on the phone means this recording has a lower audio quality. Trust us, it’s worth the glitches and volume shifts.

Digging what your earbuds are delivering, writers? Leave us a review and subscribe! And invite new writers and writing fans to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Questions, comments, whatever you got, send 'em in: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Rather talk about it? Record an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #keepwriting #writingtips #creativity #productivity #streetwriting

We’re on Part 2 of our discussion with powerful author and literary PR agent Chris Roy, as he reveals more details of his hard road to finding a new journey through writing, working out and determination. This is the inspiring personification of a “Street Writer.” In “They Beat Us To The Punch” Chris shares why he’s inspired by Bald is Beautiful. Check out Chris’ writing on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Henry-Roi/e/B0821KTB4H) and his PR services via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/HenryRoiPR/) Take note: connecting with Chris by phone means this recording has a lower audio quality. Stick with it, it’s so listen-worthy.

Digging what your earbuds are delivering, writers? Leave us a review and subscribe! And invite new writers and writing fans to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Questions, comments, whatever you got, send 'em in: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Rather talk about it? Record an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #keepwriting #writingtips #creativity #productivity #streetwriting

We’ve never had it more real on Street Writers than in Part 1 of our interview with writer and PR literary agent Chris Roy. He is all in as he relates how he has found himself in a Mississippi prison for the last 20 years — and how he’s found new and amazing qualities about himself as a person through is boxing and writing. In Part 1 of this amazing 3 part series, Chris “Takes A Swing At This” with great advice on avoiding writing distractions. Check out his writing on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Henry-Roi/e/B0821KTB4H) and his PR services via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/HenryRoiPR/) Be aware: connecting with Chris by phone means this recording has some audio issues. Work through it in your listen, it is so worth it.

Digging what your earbuds are delivering, writers? Leave us a review and subscribe! And invite new writers and writing fans to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Questions, comments, whatever you got, send 'em in: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Rather talk about it? Record an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #keepwriting #writingtips #creativity #productivity #streetwriting

There's a real in motion swing to "Take A Swing At This" as Dan expresses the need for writing to focus less on exposition and more on action. In "They Beat Us To The Punch", Mark revels in the villains of a Robert Crais crime thriller. (https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Crais/e/B000APA4GU) And when it comes to "Hit Us With Your Best Shot", Dan talks up the in-production of his audio mystery "The Cryptic"; and Mark reminds listeners of his fiction podcast, Grease, Grit and Crime in COVID Time. (https://anchor.fm/greasegritandcrime)

How's this listen working for you, writers? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new writers and writing fans to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Questions, comments, whatever you got, send 'em in: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Rather talk about it? Record an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #keepwriting #writingtips #creativity #productivity #streetwriting

Dan says, bring the love — to yourself. As writers, we’re good at berating ourselves. Well now it’s time to admire what you’re doing this very moment, and to appreciate your commitment to the craft. Mark reads a passage from an amazing f**king book, The Price You Pay, by Aiden Truhen. And the guys talk about their latest, in Mark’s podcast, Grease, Grit and Grime in COVID Time, and Dan’s newsletter, storymaze.substack.com ‪#onwriting #howtowrite #writinginspiration #writingpodcast #podcastonwriting #writingtips #podcast #funnypodcast #applepodcasts #podcasters #writing #podcastlife #stamford #stamfordlocal‬

In the second half of our interview, Marshall Curry discusses the podcast that inspired him to make his award winning short film, The Neighbor’s Window (which you can see for free on YouTube and Vimeo). Marshall’s inspiration is The Living Room, by Diane Weipert (you can hear it on the podcast series, Love and Radio). Marshall also talks about his upcoming plans, which include a fictionalized version of a true story about a garbage man in Oklahoma who wants to build the largest haunted house attraction in America. We also discuss a small silver lining of the COVID tragedy: it’s easier to get remote appointments with producers, instead of flying to various locations to meet.

We’re thrilled to welcome to the podcast the Academy Award winner, four-time Academy Award nominee and an old friend, Marshall Curry. In the first half of our interview, Marshall gives us some great tips on finding inspiration from the habits and processes of other writers, and establishing your own work process.

Mark hits us with another of his tradeMARKED acronyms — SWT —  "Take A Swing At This": possibly the most inspirational POV to come out of the pandemic when it comes to writing. Dan continues spreading the virus theme with a "They Beat Us To The Punch" share on Jennifer Wright's informative and irreverent history of plagues (and plague heroes), "Get Well Soon." (https://www.amazon.com/Get-Well-Soon-Historys-Plagues/dp/1627797467) Then it's more "Grease, Grit and Crime in COVID Time", a nod to Mark's fiction podcast, also good for your earbuds. (https://anchor.fm/greasegritandcrime)

How's this listen working for you, writers? Leave a review. Subscribe! And invite new writers and writing fans to join in: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters

Questions, comments, whatever you got, send 'em in: streetwriters.podcast@gmail.com

Rather talk about it? Record an audio message so we can get your comments in future episodes: https://anchor.fm/streetwriters/message

#amwriting #writing #keepwriting #writingtips #creativity #productivity #streetwriting

Well, this being the summer of quarantine, and taking the advice of our recent fabulous guest, renowned copywriter and creative writer Tom Elia, we’ve released some raw cuts of our interview with Tom that entertained the hell out of us (and hopefully, you too). We discussed the paradox of Web creative that was better 15 years ago than it is today, and trying to find the balance between business writing and creative writing. We’re breaking our format rules for this raw version—but hey, we all know that rules are made for breaking every now and then.

Here’s the second half of our interview with award-winning copywriter and creative writer, Tom Elia. Tom reads from a New Yorker article he’s jealous of, Thirty-six Thousand Feet Under the Sea. He then discusses what he’s working on, what he should be working on, and trying to find the meaning of sports rivalries in COVID times.