In this episode, host Shannon TL Kearns interviews R. Eric Thomas, a national bestselling author, playwright, and screenwriter. They discuss Eric's creative process and how he explores different forms of writing, including books, plays, and TV. Eric shares his early creative influences and how he discovered his love for theater. They also delve into the themes that Eric explores in his work, such as community and longing. Eric talks about his journey as a writer and the importance of feedback and guidance. They conclude by discussing how Eric approaches new projects and the importance of getting lost in the world of the story. In this conversation, Shannon Kearns speaks with Eric Thomas about various aspects of the writing process. They discuss planning and structure in writing, balancing multiple projects, the chaotic nature of writing practice, balancing administration and creativity, the impact of creativity on daily life, the role of trusted readers in the revision process, the myth of 'write what you know', and creating fully lived characters. Eric also shares information about his upcoming projects.
Takeaways:
In this episode, host Shannon TL Kearns interviews R. Eric Thomas, a national bestselling author, playwright, and screenwriter. They discuss Eric's creative process and how he explores different forms of writing, including books, plays, and TV. Eric shares his early creative influences and how he discovered his love for theater. They also delve into the themes that Eric explores in his work, such as community and longing. Eric talks about his journey as a writer and the importance of feedback and guidance. They conclude by discussing how Eric approaches new projects and the importance of getting lost in the world of the story. In this conversation, Shannon Kearns speaks with Eric Thomas about various aspects of the writing process. They discuss planning and structure in writing, balancing multiple projects, the chaotic nature of writing practice, balancing administration and creativity, the impact of creativity on daily life, the role of trusted readers in the revision process, the myth of 'write what you know', and creating fully lived characters. Eric also shares information about his upcoming projects.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:36 Early Creative Influences
05:25 Themes in Eric's Work
08:09 Starting to Write Seriously
10:31 Exploring Themes in Different Forms
12:23 Finding the Way In
15:30 Feedback and Influence
21:15 Approaching a New Project
25:06 Getting Lost in the World
26:04 Planning and Structure in Writing
27:30 Balancing Multiple Projects
28:24 The Chaotic Writing Practice
32:15 Balancing Administration and Creativity
35:31 The Impact of Creativity on Daily Life
38:40 The Role of Trusted Readers in the Revision Process
44:59 The Myth of 'Write What You Know'
46:01 Creating Fully Lived Characters
49:14 Upcoming Projects and Where to Find More Information
More information:
For more about R. Eric Thomas go to: https://rericthomas.com
For R. Eric's books and other books listed in this episode check out: https://bookshop.org/shop/shannontlkearns
To get creative support (and support this podcast) go to www.patreon.com/shannontlkearns