John and Laura talk with Claudia Zuluaga—author of Fort Starlight and longtime creative writing teacher at John Jay College—about the art of surviving your messy first draft. Together, they explore why messy drafts are essential, how to push past perfectionism, and strategies to keep going when the words feel chaotic. A conversation full of honesty and insight, this episode reminds us that the first draft’s job is simply to exist.

In their 40th episode, Laura and John dive into one of the most essential—and sometimes misunderstood—principles of storytelling: show, don’t tell. They unpack what it really means to let readers experience a scene through vivid detail, dialogue, and action instead of flat description. With practical examples and writer-friendly tips, they explore how showing builds emotional resonance, creates immersive worlds, and deepens character development. Laura and John also tackle the pitfalls of over-showing and when telling can be just as powerful. Whether you’re a new writer or refining your craft, this conversation offers clarity and inspiration for your next draft.

In this episode, Laura and John dive into the power of place in fiction—how setting does more than anchor a story; it breathes life into it. They explore how writers can craft landscapes that shape mood, theme, and even character behavior, transforming locations into living, breathing entities. Whether you're building a fictional town or drawing from real-world places, this conversation offers insight into turning setting into a vital, memorable force in your storytelling.