The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

Kelton Reid
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If you’re searching for a show that pulls back the curtain on the mystique of the writing life, look no further than The Writer Files. Hosts Kelton Reid and Milena Gonzalez study the habits, habitats, and brains of the biggest and brightest authors of our time. Tune in each week to learn from bestselling and acclaimed writers on how to keep the ink flowing, the cursor moving, and avoid writer’s block. Please follow The Writer Files wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a rating or review to help other writers find us.

  1. 5 HR AGO ·  BONUS

    How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Ruta Sepetys Writes: Part One - Redux

    #1 New York Times bestselling author, Ruta Sepetys, spoke to me about what she learned in the music industry, the secrets to strong, vivid writing, and her non-fiction debut YOU: THE STORY: A Writer’s Guide to Craft Through Memory. Ruta Sepetys is an award-winning and internationally acclaimed, #1 New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction published in over sixty countries and forty languages. Her acclaimed “crossover” YA literature includes the Carnegie Medal-winning Salt to the Sea.  Her latest is the creative guide to writing, You: The Story: A Writer’s Guide to Craft Through Memory (available May 16, 2023), which “... provides aspiring writers with a roadmap to crafting compelling stories by encouraging them to look inward and excavate their own memories in order to discover authentic voices and compelling details.” In a starred review Booklist said of the book, “Part writing guide, part memoir, Sepetys’ fresh, fun handbook is all inspiration.” [Discover ⁠The Writer Files Extra⁠: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at ⁠writerfiles.fm⁠] [If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please ⁠click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews⁠. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file, Ruta Sepetys and I discussed:  What she learned about storytelling working in the music industry Why she’s drawn to underrepresented stories and “history in hiding” How to discover the Four Hs of the "excitement of life" Her intensive research process for each book Why writers need to examine their own lives for authenticity And a lot more! Show Notes: ⁠rutasepetys.com⁠ ⁠You: The Story: A Writer's Guide to Craft Through Memory⁠ by Ruta Sepetys (Amazon) ⁠Ruta Sepetys Amazon Author Page⁠ ⁠Ruta Sepetys on Facebook⁠ ⁠Ruta Sepetys on Instagram⁠ ⁠Ruta Sepetys on Twitter⁠ ⁠Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min

  2. 13 MAY

    How NY Times Bestselling Author Rosie Walsh Writes: Part One

    New York Times bestselling author, Rosie Walsh, talked with me about finding her voice, transitioning from romcom to "emotional thriller," and her latest, The Love of My Life. Rosie Walsh has lived and traveled all over the world, working as a documentary producer and writer. Her American debut, Ghosted, was a New York Times bestseller and has sold more than one million copies worldwide. Her second novel is The Love of My Life, described as a "...stay-up-all-night page-turner. It’s a love story wrapped in a mystery that ... [taps] into our darkest fears about motherhood, family, and trust." Ashley Audrain, New York Times bestselling author of The Push, said of the book, “Walsh’s hugely compelling THE LOVE OF MY LIFE instantly pulls you deep into the interior of a marriage. Part thriller, part mystery, part heart-wrenching love story, this is a treasure...” Stay calm and write on ... [Discover ⁠The Writer Files Extra⁠: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at ⁠writerfiles.fm⁠] [If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please ⁠click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews⁠. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Rosie Walsh and I discussed: Writing upmarket fiction under a pseudonym Why she starts all of her books with plot How to write a "book that breathes" What it's like to hang out at death cafes The "bum fight" that is the writer's life And a lot more! Show Notes: ⁠RosieWalsh.com⁠ ⁠The Love of My Life: A Novel by Rosie Walsh⁠ (Amazon) ⁠Rosie Walsh on Facebook⁠ ⁠Rosie Walsh on Instagram⁠ ⁠Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer⁠⁠ ⁠⁠diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Kelton Reid Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    33 min

  3. 8 MAY

    How NY Times Bestselling Authors Krista & Becca Ritchie Write

    New York Times bestselling authors and twin sisters Krista and Becca Ritchie spoke with us about their collaborative writing process, career journey from self-publishing to trad bestsellers, and the latest in their “Ritchie-verse,” DANGEROUSLY OURS. ​​Krista and Becca Ritchie are New York Times bestselling authors and identical twins—one a science nerd, the other a comic book geek—whose lifelong passion for writing has made them iconic voices in the contemporary romance world. They have written over 25 novels, including a TikTok sensation, the “Addicted” series. Their latest novel, Dangerously Ours (Berkley Trade Paperback Original; May 12, 2026), is the thrilling conclusion to the “Webs We Weave” series about a dynamic group of young con artists that tackles gritty topics such as addiction, class, and power. New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young called the series, “Fresh, deliciously angsty, and sizzling with slow-burn tension that kept me glued to the pages.” [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Krista & Becca Ritchie, Milena, and I discussed: Their early love of sharing stories How their Addicted series went viral on BookTok 10 years after initial publication, leading to a traditional publishing deal Why they create interconnected universes with Easter eggs across series How they originally envisioned themselves as TV showrunners The emotional significance of concluding this nostalgic series with a signing in Mystic, Connecticut And a lot more! Show Notes: kbritchie.com Dangerously Ours (Webs We Weave) (May 12, 2026) By Krista & Becca Ritchie Krista & Becca Ritchie Amazon Author Page Krista & Becca Ritchie on TikTok Krista & Becca Ritchie on Facebook Krista & Becca Ritchie on Instagram⁠⁠ Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram Kelton Reid Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    37 min

  4. 1 MAY

    How NY Times Bestselling Author Kate Quinn Writes

    New York Times bestselling author and renowned historical fiction novelist, Kate Quinn, spoke with us about the importance of libraries, reading for mental health, and a love letter to both in her latest novel, THE ASTRAL LIBRARY. Kate Quinn describes herself as a "librarian fine delinquent turned bestseller" and is celebrated for her meticulously researched historical fiction, often highlighting resilient women in WWI, WWII, and ancient Rome. Key works include The Alice Network, The Huntress, and The Diamond Eye. Her latest, already another NY Times bestseller, is a pivot to magical realism with The Astral Library, a fantasy novel about a secret book sanctuary. NPR called it, “Engrossing, suspenseful, and authentic.” New York Times bestselling author Sarah Penner wrote, “Only Kate Quinn could give us a book this inventive, this fun, and this completely addictive. If you’ve ever wished to tumble straight into your favorite novel, here’s your chance.” [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Kate Quinn, Milena and I discussed: Her early training as an opera singer A desire to enter the world of Narnia Taking a genre departure into magical realism and fantasy while maintaining her signature character-driven storytelling Why world-building is so important in her work  How libraries represent a living, breathing space for people and their complicated problems And a lot more! Show Notes: katequinnauthor.com  Astral Library: A Novel By Kate Quinn (Amazon) Kate Quinn Amazon Author Page Kate Quinn on Facebook Kate Quinn on Instagram⁠⁠ Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram Kelton Reid Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min

  5. 15 APR

    How Booker Prize-Winning Author Anne Enright Writes: Redux

    Bestselling, Booker Prize-winning author, Anne Enright, spoke to me about eagles and moles, the interior engineering of a novel, her love of Irish poetry, and her latest THE WREN, THE WREN. Anne Enright won the Man Booker Prize and the Irish Fiction Award for her novel The Gathering. She has also been awarded the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Irish Book Awards, and was the first Laureate for Irish Fiction (2015-2018). Her latest novel The Wren, the Wren, was named a Most Anticipated Book of the Year by TIME, The Millions, Literary Hub, and others, and is described as the story of “... three generations of … women who must contend with inheritances―of poetic wonder and of abandonment by a man who is lauded in public and carelessly selfish at home.” The New York Times called it, "... a powerful, thoughtful book by one of the great living writers on the subject of family," and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jennifer Egan said of the book, “The Wren, the Wren is an electrifying romp through language itself―its dizzying possibilities and satisfactions―led by one the most gifted writers working in English today." Anne Enright has also published two books of short stories, her essays on literary themes have appeared in the London Review of Books and The New York Review of Books, and she writes for the books pages of The Irish Times and The Guardian. [Discover ⁠The Writer Files Extra⁠: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at ⁠writerfiles.fm⁠] [If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please ⁠click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews⁠. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Anne Enright and I discussed:  The moment of burnout that changed her career How she used to be a night owl scribe Why you shouldn’t over-panic, or over-plan The fallacies of impostor syndrome and inspiration How to create a fictional poet out of thin air Taking a long look at James Joyce across the table And a lot more! Show Notes: ⁠Anne Enright - Wikipedia⁠ ⁠The Wren, the Wren: A Novel⁠ by Anne Enright (Amazon) ⁠Anne Enright Amazon Author Page⁠ ⁠Book Review: ‘The Wren, the Wren,’ by Anne Enright⁠ - The New York Times Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer ⁠diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram⁠ ⁠Kelton Reid Instagram⁠ ⁠Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 min

  6. 10 APR

    How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Kelly Yang Writes

    #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelly Yang spoke with us about burning out at Harvard Law, navigating Hollywood’s power dynamics, and her adult fiction debut THE TAKE. ​​Kelly Yang is the award-winning and bestselling author of over 15 books for children, teens and adults, including the lauded Front Desk series (Front Desk, Three Keys, Room to Dream, Key Player, Top Story, and Chef’s Secret), New From Here, Finally Seen, Finally Heard, young adult novels  Parachutes and Private Label, as well as the picture books Yes We Will: Asian Americans Who Shaped This Country and Little Bird Laila. Based on Kelly’s childhood experience living and working in a motel as a first-generation immigrant child from China, her debut novel, Front Desk, was named "one of the best books of the 21st century" by Kirkus Reviews. Her adult debut novel, The Take (April 14, 2026), “blends social commentary with psychological suspense, set in contemporary Hollywood, that dives into biohacking, youth-obsessed culture, and the dangerous bargains women make to stay relevant at work.” Marie Claire called it, “One part The Substance, another part The Devil Wears Prada, The Take is a juicy, twisty take on aging, success, and race. Told in a sharp and hilarious voice, The Take is sure to be one of the hottest books of spring.” New York Times bestselling author Grace D. Li called the book, “Breathlessly plotted and fearlessly told, The Take is a timely, incisive examination of ambition, aging, and who gets to tell whose stories in Hollywood.” Kelly has written screenplays and television pilots for Netflix, CBS Studios, and the CW. She and Kate DiCamillo also co-host the StoryKind podcast. [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Kelly Yang, Milena and I discussed: Why she wasn’t a great law student Teaching creative writing in Hong Kong How her desire to get her kid to read led to a hit series Her weird experiences navigating Hollywood as a baby writer On horrible first drafts and a love of revision The Shy Girl AI controversy And a lot more!  Show Notes: kellyyang.com  The Take by Kelly Yang – April 14, 2026 (Amazon) Listen to Storykind Podcast Kelly Yang on Instagram⁠⁠ Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram Kelton Reid Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min

  7. 3 APR

    How Author and Social Media Sensation “The Workout Witch” Liz Tenuto Writes

    Social media phenom turned author, Liz Tenuto aka “The Workout Witch,” spoke to us about how she discovered somatic healing and being courted by publishers to write her first book WHEN THE BODY SPEAKS. Liz Tenuto is a somatic instructor specializing in healing practices that release the physical effects of stress and trauma. She has a degree in Psychology from UCSB, certifications in Pilates and Reiki, 6 years of mentorship in teaching Feldenkrais by Augusta Moore, and 15 years of hands-on teaching experience. Liz has helped over 200,000 women heal from trauma and long-term stress with her viral online courses, over five million followers across platforms on social media, and over 30 million views on some of her TikTok videos. She has received thousands of testimonials from students. Her first book "Moving Through Trauma: A Somatic Guide To Healing" will be published on April 7th, 2026 by HarperCollins. It’s described as “... a comprehensive guide to understanding how trauma and stress are stored within the body—and how somatic exercises can provide a powerful tool for healing.” Liz has been featured in USA Today, BBC News, Harper's Bazaar France, MSN, NY Weekly, LA Weekly, Shoutout LA, among others. New York Times bestselling author Tori Dunlap said of the author, "Liz has helped millions of women connect to their bodies, relieve pain, and change their lives—[her] book has the ability to do the same for you." [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Liz Tenuto, Milena and I discussed: Her journey from contemporary dance to somatic healing How she went from zero followers to owning a business with 11 employees and 240,000 students A primer on somatic healing and “bottom up” therapy Her community first approach to her practices How she breaks down advanced neuroscience into bite-sized pieces in a relatable way Why publishing a book is the opposite of social media And a lot more!  Note: Be sure to listen to the end of the podcast for a sample somatic exercise for relaxation! Show Notes: When the Body Speaks: How Somatic Healing Sets You Free – April 7, 2026 by Liz Tenuto (Amazon) ⁠theworkoutwitch.com  Liz Tenuto on TikTok Liz Tenuto on YouTube Liz Tenuto on Facebook Liz Tenuto on Instagram⁠⁠ Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram Kelton Reid Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min

  8. 27 MAR

    How NY Times Bestselling Author Emma Straub Writes: Part Two

    New York Times bestselling author, Emma Straub, spoke to us about the cognitive dissonance, joy, and research process behind her highly anticipated next novel AMERICAN FANTASY. Emma Straub is the New York Times bestselling author of six books for adults: the novels This Time Tomorrow, All Adults Here, The Vacationers, Modern Lovers, Laura Lamont’s Life in Pictures, and the short story collection Other People We Married. She is also the author of a picture book, Very Good Hats. Her books have been published in more than 20 languages. Her latest novel, American Fantasy (Available on Apr 07, 2026), is described as “... an irresistible story about what happens when your teenage fantasy comes true after you’re already an adult.” NAMED A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF 2026 BY THE NEW YORK TIMES, PEOPLE, TIME, HARPER'S BAZAAR AND OPRAH DAILY #1 New York Times bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid, called it “…a fun, delicious, big-hearted book.” #1 New York Times bestselling author Rainbow Rowell wrote, “You don't have to be a fan of something to love American Fantasy, but if you've ever truly devoted yourself to a boy band or a TV show or even a series of books, you will feel so understood by this novel.” Emma and her husband also own Books Are Magic, the popular independent bookstores in Brooklyn, New York.  [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Emma Straub, Milena and I discussed: How an annual NKOTB fan cruise inspired the latest Writing a book about time, love, and loss and why her mom called it her "sexiest book" Why you can’t reverse-engineer the perfect novel What happened when her book appeared in Season Three of the White Lotus Hanging out at with Lin-Manuel Miranda And a lot more!  Show Notes: American Fantasy: A Novel – April 7, 2026 by Emma Straub (Bookshop.org) ⁠emmastraub.net⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Emma Straub on Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Emma Straub on Instagram⁠⁠ Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram Kelton Reid Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    37 min
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About

If you’re searching for a show that pulls back the curtain on the mystique of the writing life, look no further than The Writer Files. Hosts Kelton Reid and Milena Gonzalez study the habits, habitats, and brains of the biggest and brightest authors of our time. Tune in each week to learn from bestselling and acclaimed writers on how to keep the ink flowing, the cursor moving, and avoid writer’s block. Please follow The Writer Files wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a rating or review to help other writers find us.

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