People Who Do Things

John H. Matthews and Laura Buchwald

5.0 (33)
BOOKS
UPDATED WEEKLY

Join hosts John H. Matthews (Runt, Designated Survivor) and Laura Buchwald for conversations with creators, including authors, screenwriters, musicians, playwrights and more, as well as chats between the hosts about the basics of writing, inspiration, getting over writer's block, and more.

JUN 17

38. Beyond the First Book: Writing Sequels

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.

44 min
11/13/2024

37. The Coat Check Girl is Out Now!

John talks with Laura about her newly released debut novel, The Coat Check Girl.

35 min
05/13/2024

36. Inspiration from Steinbeck

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.

49 min
01/10/2024

35. Traditional and Self Publishing

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.

1h 6m
12/08/2023

34. Photojournalist Richard Drew

Laura and John welcome Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Richard Drew to the podcast. Richard has been an Associated Press photographer for more than fifty years and has been front row to many historic events, from the assassination of Robert Kennedy at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, to the fall of the towers on 9/11. He is known for his image Falling Man from 9/11.

47 min
10/04/2023

33. The Final Stretch and Next Beginnings

Laura and John catch up after a busy summer and talk about progress and next steps as they are both preparing books for publishing. Laura is in revisions for her publisher, and John is about to release his eighth book independently. They also discuss their next projects and what their plans are for those.

46 min
08/10/2023

32. Announcements and More

John welcomes special guest, PWDT's own Laura Buchwald to talk with her about some big announcements in her world. They also discuss progress in their WIPS (works in progress), and more!

39 min
04/15/2023

31. Self Doubt and Confidence

Laura and John contemplate self doubt in writing, how it ties to ego and confidence. They also go through a few 'best first lines' of book, according to The Guardian.

50 min

See All (38)

5

out of 5

33 Ratings

Thoughtful and stimulating!

05/24/2023

BarbJoss

I really can’t compliment this podcast enough! Such interesting discussions from two writers who are so good at reflecting on their process. The episode on self-doubt and writer’s block was particularly strong. Keep it going, guys!
How writers think!

03/14/2023

Where Bleecker meets La Brea

This podcast reveals not just the how, but the why of writing. For anyone who’s wondered how the brain of a writer functions, this series is for you. And for anyone who already writes, this show might provide comfort by confirming that, yes, it’s normal for the brain to do all sorts of yoga positions in the effort of generating a string of sentences the reader will find interesting and compelling.
Writers Think Tank

01/27/2023

NYCauthor

John and Laura make you feel like you are in a writer’s session as a compatriot as they take on the writing challenges, conflicts and connections and other aspects of the creative process. Inspiring and thought provoking, I’ll be listening to more of these!
Love this podcast.

11/04/2022

Keannu10

Laura and John create a wonderful feeling of sitting around having drinks or coffee with your most interesting and creative friends. Especially helpful for aspiring writers and artists looking for inspiration and tips. Highly recommended.

Join hosts John H. Matthews (Runt, Designated Survivor) and Laura Buchwald for conversations with creators, including authors, screenwriters, musicians, playwrights and more, as well as chats between the hosts about the basics of writing, inspiration, getting over writer's block, and more.

Creator

John H. Matthews and Laura Buchwald
Years Active

2021 - 2025
Episodes

38
Rating

Clean
Show Website

People Who Do Things

People Who Do Things

38. Beyond the First Book: Writing Sequels

37. The Coat Check Girl is Out Now!

36. Inspiration from Steinbeck

35. Traditional and Self Publishing

34. Photojournalist Richard Drew

33. The Final Stretch and Next Beginnings

32. Announcements and More

31. Self Doubt and Confidence

Thoughtful and stimulating!

How writers think!

Writers Think Tank

Love this podcast.

About

Information

People Who Do Things

Episodes

38. Beyond the First Book: Writing Sequels

37. The Coat Check Girl is Out Now!

36. Inspiration from Steinbeck

35. Traditional and Self Publishing

34. Photojournalist Richard Drew

33. The Final Stretch and Next Beginnings

32. Announcements and More

31. Self Doubt and Confidence

Ratings & Reviews

About

Information