Writer Syndrome

Writing Horror w/ John Durgin

When is the best time to write? Whenever possible. At least that's what works for John Durgin. This episode, Russ and Tim dig into publishing, horror, and the prolific horror writing habits of John Durgin. John has published over five books in the last few years, with his next, I Woke Up A Final Girl, coming in June of 2026.

Comic Book Writing w/ Joey Esposito

WHAM! BAM! ZAP! Interested in knowing what goes into writing a comic book? In this episode, Russ and Tim chat with comic book writer Joey Esposito. He's published stories for DC Comics, working on titles such as BATMAN: URBAN LEGENDS, AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM. He's currently working on the new POWER RANGERS UNLIMITED series from Boom Studios, which kicks off with a special free preview issue on comic book day in May, then #1 in July. He's also working on a book called KILLER INFLUENCES for IDW Publishing's Crime imprint.

Reconnecting With A Draft

Do you have a manuscript sitting in a drawer somewhere? Are you staring at a screen, unsure where to restart? Us too! Sometimes your manuscript will take a backseat to life, by choice or not, and finding your way back can be difficult. In this episode, Russ and Tim find ways to reconnect with projects that life has pushed aside, whether they wanted to or not.

Read Between The Lines

Ever felt like someone was telling you one thing, but their tone was screaming another? Or maybe you’ve decoded a "fine" that definitely didn't mean things were okay? In life and fiction we're always finding meaning beyond intention. In this episode Russ and Tim read between the lines of another idiom and how it functions as a literary device.

Formatting Your Novel

A great story deserves a great layout. In this episode, Russ and Tim dig into the nuts and bolts of professional book formatting. Whether you’re prepping a manuscript for a traditional editor or self-publishing a masterpiece, the way your words sit on the page matters just as much as the words themselves.

Networking

Love it or hate it, networking is essential for building your writing community. In this episode, Russ and Tim explore why networking matters, share their personal anxieties, and remind people they’re not alone.

Short Stories

Short stories can open many doors for authors, and also be used as a tool to hone storytelling skills and craft. This episode Russ and Tim delve into the power of short stories and all the ways they can help along the author journey.

Villians

To have a great hero, you need a great villain. In this episode, Russ and Tim dig into what makes an effective antagonist. Whether they’re an equal, an opposite, or a force more powerful than the hero. They dig into why villains get a bad rap, why they deserve as much care as your protagonist, and how to sidestep the tired tropes that flatten them out. If you want your hero to grow, it starts with writing a villain worth facing.

Tropes

Tropes can be useful building blocks of storytelling. They're familiar patterns that help audiences quickly understand the parts of a story. In this episode, Russ and Tim explore why tropes aren’t inherently bad, how they support story structure, and what actually counts as a trope. From character types to plot beats. The key isn’t avoiding tropes, but using them in smart, fresh ways.

2025 Book Swap: Annihilation / Parable of the Sower

That's a wrap on 2025! In this episode, Russ and Tim close out the year with a book swap discussion of Annihilation (Jeff VanderMeer) and Parable of the Sower (Octavia E. Butler), exploring themes, writing styles, and why these haunting stories feel especially resonant today. Happy New Year!