Laura and John discuss Laura's newly released novel, The Book of Reservations, the pressures of writing the final book in a trilogy, and how reading helps you write (and admitting Stephen King was right).

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.