36. Inspiration from Steinbeck

We welcome back Claudia Zuluaga, author of Fort Starlight, to another episode to discuss making drastic changes to your manuscript when you are almost near the end, as well as other writing topics

Laura and John talk about staying motivated to write and how to pick up where you left off, as well as completing trilogies and where to go from there.

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 perfectionism, and strategies to keep going when the words feel chaotic. A conversation full of honesty and insight, this episode reminds us that the first draft’s job is simply to exist.

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 action instead of flat description. With practical examples and writer-friendly tips, they explore how showing builds emotional resonance, creates immersive worlds, and deepens character development. Laura and John also tackle the pitfalls of over-showing and when telling can be just as powerful. Whether you’re a new writer or refining your craft, this conversation offers clarity and inspiration for your next draft.

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, transforming locations into living, breathing entities. Whether you're building a fictional town or drawing from real-world places, this conversation offers insight into turning setting into a vital, memorable force in your storytelling.

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 from personal experiences and favorite examples from literature, the duo explores strategies for planning long arcs, keeping continuity fresh, and knowing when a series should end. Whether you're plotting a trilogy or expanding a standalone into something bigger, this episode offers practical advice and creative inspiration.

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.