In this insightful interview, #1 bestselling author David Baldacci sits down with Clay Stafford to discuss the key differences between writing a book series and a standalone novel, and how writers can build a sustainable, long-term career in fiction.

Baldacci shares practical advice on letting the story guide your decisions, staying passionate about your characters, and trusting your instincts instead of writing to market pressure. The conversation explores creative flexibility, character longevity, story evolution, and how professional authors decide whether a story has more “juice” left for future books.

Support the show

In this candid conversation, Chris Grabenstein shares his journey from a seventh grade teacher predicting his future as a writer to acting in theater, moving to New York City with a typewriter and seven suitcases, and ultimately building a successful writing career. He talks about finding your voice, using humor to survive tough seasons, the power of great teachers, and what aspiring writers should focus on if they want to turn storytelling into a profession.

Support the show