I’ve always been fascinated by process, especially when it comes to craft—painting, sculpting, sewing, knitting, woodwork, writing—all of it holds endless fascination for me. I love how a person can create something useful or beautiful from humble material and thin air. Although I’ve been a published writer for a good chunk of my life, I love to hear other authors discuss their process. The ways we approach our work is ever changing, always evolving, and there’s so much to learn from one another.
If you’re of the same mind, you might be interested in a podcast called LAUNCH, which I love, love. LAUNCH, presented by screenwriter and author John Austin, takes us step-by-step through the book creation process. Austin, debut author of ARLO FINCH IN THE VALLEY OF FIRE, a recently released middle grade novel from Roaring Book Press, takes us from idea to publishing through Austin’s eyes as he experiences each step. The four-part podcast shows us what it takes to go from idea to reality. The pod covers conception, manuscript submission, publishing contract, revision, book cover art and font, and the book’s printing (Austin actually travels to the press in Virginia to watch his book being printed and bound). It’s a behind-the-scenes look that even published writers rarely get to see.
Click here to listen to LAUNCH. And happy book release day to fellow Macmillan author John Austin and ARLO FINCH IN THE VALLEY OF FIRE!
About the Author (from Macmillan website)
Born and raised in Boulder, Colorado, John August earned a degree in journalism from Drake University and an MFA in film from USC. As a screenwriter, his credits include Big Fish, Charlie’s Angels, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride and Frankenweenie. His books include Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire.In addition to his film career, he hosts a popular weekly podcast, Scriptnotes, with Craig Mazin. He also created the Writer Emergency Pack, an educational storytelling tool that was distributed to over 2,000 classrooms in partnership with non-profit literacy groups like 826LA and NaNoWriMo. John and his family live in Los Angeles.