Nina Sadowsky

How did you become a writer?

I've always been a writer, but I became a professional writer by first segueing from being a film producer to being a screenwriter and then reinventing myself as a novelist when I felt the film and TV world was closing its doors on me.

Name your writing influences (writers, books, teachers, etc.).

William Meredith, a former Poet Laureate of the United Stares, who I studied with in college, was a true mentor. He saw something special in me and told me so. His faith in me inspires me to this day. My favorite screenwriting book is The 21st Century Screenplay by Linda Aronson (useful for all writers too!). I've been influenced by too many writers to count, but some of my particular favorites are Patricia Highsmith, Kate Atkinson, and J.K. Rowling.

When and where do you write? 

My routine varies, especially since I've become the Program Director of NYU Los Angeles. But I am very disciplined. If I've blocked off a chunk of time to write, I commit to it and don't waver.

What are you working on now? 

Today I am turning the final polish of my next thriller, CONVINCE ME, which will be published by Ballantine on August 4th. I'm also working on a pilot entitled GREEN RUSH, and a new novel entitled CASUAL VIOLENCE.

Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? 

No. And I don't believe in it. Some days the work flows and others it can be harder, but the idea of waiting for "inspiration" or "the muse" is counter-productive. I believe that if you don't know what to write next, you simply haven't asked yourself the right questions yet.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

That your editor (or any other reader) is the patient, and that the author is the doctor. The reader can say where something hurts, but it's up to the writer to diagnose the problem and treat it. In other words, don't be reactive to notes.

What’s your advice to new writers?

Persist! Respect that you have something worth saying and don't give up. There are only so many stories to be told, but every single person brings something unique to their telling.

Nina Sadowsky is an author, filmmaker and educator. She has written numerous screenplays and produced such films as "The Wedding Planner.” Her debut thriller, JUST FALL, was published in 2016 and her BURIAL SOCIETY series launched in 2018 with the second book in the series, THE EMPTY BED, published on January 28, 2020.  The Burial Society series is in development for television. She is also the author of CONVINCE ME to be published August 4, 2020. In addition to her role as Program Director of NYU Los Angeles, a "semester abroad" program for advanced students considering careers in the entertainment and media industries. Sadowsky also serves as the Director of Educational Outreach for the Humanitas Prize, is on the Leadership Council of Creative Future, and is a founding member of the Woolfpack, an organization of women showrunners, writers and producers committed to community and mentorship.

Karma Brown

How did you become a writer?

I am that author who insists she never wanted to be a writer. Despite being an early, voracious reader, a career in writing books never occurred to me. I didn’t start writing in earnest until I went to journalism school, at the age of 28, and after both an undergrad degree and five years working in the corporate world. While I initially intended be a broadcast journalist—my dream was to become the ‘Katie Couric of the North’ (as I’m Canadian)—life has a way of pointing you in the right direction even when you aren’t sure where you’re going. I was working as a marketing director when an idea for a novel popped into my head, and I thought, “I know how to write copy and magazine articles…how hard can a novel be?” Turns out, hard. But I persevered, because I discovered how much I loved writing long-form fiction, and I kept at it while I went through career changes, a cancer diagnosis, and the birth of my daughter. Just before my 41st birthday (and with my third novel written), I because a published author. And about a month ago my fifth novel (RECIPE FOR A PERFECT WIFE) was published!

Name your writing influences (writers, books, teachers, etc.).

There is neither the space or time to list everyone and every book that has inspired me over the years, however, there are a few authors who have been my “go-to” influences: Stephen King’s On Writing was a game changer for me; I have been a lifelong reader and fan of Margaret Atwood’s work; Lauren Groff has written some of my favourite novels (including Fates & Furies and The Monsters of Templeton) and is a brilliant writer; and Ann Patchett and Meg Wolitzer can do no wrong in my opinion. One of my most thumbed-through books is Embers by Richard Wagamese—it is a truly beautiful book. I read a lot, and across all genres—it is my meditation.

When and where do you write?

When I started writing my first novel I was working full time as a marketing director, so most of my writing happened in the morning before work or late at night. Then I had my daughter, quit my “day” job and started freelance writing, and still found I only had time, and energy, to write before dawn. Now that my daughter is in school, I have more time during the day to write but I find old habits die hard – my best, most creative time is still early (like, 5am early) morning. I can—and do—write everywhere and anywhere, but my top spots are coffee shops, my local library, and my living room. 

What are you working on now?

I’m working on my first non-fiction project at the moment. It’s about owning and reclaiming your time in the age of increasing urgency, and then exploiting it to tick off a “bucket-list” type project or two—with a focus on the early morning being an ideal time to do so. It will be published with HarperCollins end of 2020. I’m also working on my next fiction project, but it will remain a secret for now.

Have you ever suffered from writer’s block?

Personally, I’m not a fan of the concept of ‘writer’s block’ – generally, I get stuck either when I’m trying to force my characters to do things they don’t want to do, or I’m overthinking the story. For me, exercise is a great way to get my creative brain unstuck—and that can look like a sweaty workout or a quiet walk in the woods with my dog. The other solution is to take some time away from the project. Usually if I stop forcing things within the manuscript the words begin flowing again. 

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

Write, or read, every day. I read Stephen King’s memoir and craft book, ON WRITING, years ago – when I was writing my first book, which is now RIP in a dusty drawer – and his simple (but non-negotiable) idea to never get far away from the craft of writing stuck with me. Some days I write nothing more than a few words, or manage a chapter of my current read, but I do work my craft daily. It keeps the writing muscles in shape, and helps me stay focused when I really need to churn out a lot of words to hit a deadline. 

What’s your advice to new writers?

It’s a three-part answer:

One, not everyone will love your book, and some will downright hate it. And that’s okay. Reading is so subjective – there are books I didn’t finish that other people adored, and other books I still think about that others loathed – so don’t attach your worth to others’ words. Also, on a more practical point, learn to love writing synopses. I know many authors dread them, but as you progress through publishing they are often needed when you’re pitching books to editors…so embrace them. A synopsis is your friend!

And two, if you want to be a writer, then be a writer. Which really means, focus on the BIG goals. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day frustrations, but don’t let those take you off course. I like to tell people I got published through a combination of coffee, the habit of early morning writing, and grit. 

Finally, embrace the “shitty first draft.” Treat it like it’s the best thing you’ve ever written, even knowing you have to go back in and rip it apart. Always give that first draft its moment in the limelight—a lot went into it, and without it you have nothing. Any draft, in any shape, is a beautiful thing.

Karma Brown is the award-winning journalist and bestselling author of five novels, including COME AWAY WITH ME, THE CHOICES WE MAKE, and her latest, RECIPE FOR A PERFECT WIFE (Dutton, December 2019), which reached #1 on the Canadian bestseller lists. Karma’s work has also been featured in a variety of publications, including SELF, Redbook, Today’s Parent, Best Health, Canadian Living and Chatelaine. She lives just outside Toronto, Canada with her husband, daughter, and a labradoodle named Fred.

Chris Hauty

How did you become a writer?

I’ve been a writer all my life. I wrote short stories in high school, poetry in college, for the theatre in New York after college, screenplays during most of my adult life in Los Angeles, and have recently transitioned to fiction writing. I became a writer by calling myself a writer and starting to write.

Name your writing influences (writers, books, teachers, etc.).

In high school, I was heavily influenced by Ernest Hemingway. When writing poetry, I was influenced by Charles Bukowski. Sam Shepard’s plays convinced me to write theatre and I was certainly influenced by his excellent work. To learn how to write screenplays, I read Syd Field’s seminal book, Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting, and a ton of screenplays of movies I admired. My fiction writing is influenced to some extent by the work of Elmore Leonard, but probably more thoroughly by my long history writing for film and television. After all these years, it just might be that I’ve developed my own voice! I’ve never taken classes or courses of any kind for writing.

When and where do you write? 

I work out of an extra bedroom in my house, a room set up exclusively for my writing work. I’m extremely regular in my habits, sitting down at the desk at 9a and finishing up somewhere between 5 and 6p.

What are you working on now? 

I’ve been finishing a polish draft of a follow-up to DEEP STATE. I have an outline for the third book prepared and ready for commencing a first draft of that manuscript. DEEP STATE has been optioned by a television studio. At some point in the near future, I’ll need to develop a pitch to take out to networks. If we succeed, then I’ll be writing a pilot for that project. Busy!

Have you ever suffered from writer’s block?

Never. Not once. Let’s hope I didn’t just jinx that incredible good fortune.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

An ex-girlfriend in my New York years told me I’d never amount to anything. Excellent incentive to succeed!

What’s your advice to new writers?

Read and write as much as you can. Never sit in one project too long; if it’s not flying, leave it behind. Don’t listen to detractors; you can write anything. Don’t smoke. Don’t drink in excess. Spend a lot of time alone. Be nice to everyone; it’ll come back to you eventually.

Chris Hauty was born in San Antonio, Texas, and is a graduate of Reed College. A screenwriter for the last three decades, his recent produced film credits include “Never Back Down”, directed by Jeff Wadlow and starring Djimon Hounsou and “Sniper: Ghost Shooter” staring Billy Zane for Sony Pictures Entertainment. Hauty lives in Venice, California, with his feral cat and a Triumph motorcycle. Deep State is his first novel.