We just loved having Bob in our networking episode so much that we had to have him back!

Today, we asked Bob about story logic, which he writes about in his book, That's Not the Way it Works: A no-nonsense guide to the craft and business of screenwriting. We also talked about turning our personal stories into fiction, which spurred a whole conversation with Emily and Jon Meyers afterwards about memoir and selling nonfiction.

Bob Sáenz is a screenwriter whose work includes: CHURCH PEOPLE (Shaw 2021), A DASH OF CHRISTMAS (Dunne 2023), and THE CHRISTMAS YULE BLOG (Hawthorn Doyle 2020) Find the Jon Meyers name drop!

He is also the author of Jessica's Vampire Diary, a humorous YA novel.

CALL TO ACTION RESPONSES

We hear from Bethany Hale, who shares her character's backstory.

HEY JON MEYERS

Learn more about today's secret topic here!

CALL TO ACTION

Say hi to 10 people and tell us what happens! Let us know in the comments on our show notes, or email us at writebettertogethernow@gmail.com

00:00-1:26 Introduction

1:26-10:58 - Saying hello to strangers

CALL TO ACTION RESPONSES

10:58-14:36 Identifying pivotal moments in your character’s backstory

BIG IDEA WITH BOB SAENZ: Story logic, nonfiction, and adaptations

14:26-18:17 What is story logic?

18:17-27:35 How do you apply story logic to biopics?

DEBRIEF WITH EMILY AND JON MEYERS

27:35-52:17 Writing and selling nonfiction

HEY JON MEYERS

52:17-55:09

CALL TO ACTION

55:09-57:36 - Say hi to 10 people

THE FINAL ACT

57:36-103:32 Which books are on Jon Meyers’s bookshelf?

*Jon Meyers and Emily Brooks are Amazon Associates and purchases through Amazon links may earn an affiliate commission.

Two weeks ago, we talked about overcoming anxieties around querying. Today, we go deeper into how to not just handle but actually embrace the trials that come to all writers through rejection and failure.

CALL TO ACTION RESPONSES

We hear from Adrian Sanders, who shares her favorite writing advice! We'll have Adrian join us in a future episode!

HEY JON MEYERS

Learn more about today's secret topic ⁠here!⁠

CALL TO ACTION

Get a "no"! Send a query to an agent and get a no! Or ask for a favor and get a no. Remember that just asking is a success! Then share the story with us.

Do you see your writing as art or a product? What even is the difference, and does it matter?

We talk about how our intentions, audience, and even definitions affect how we write.

We respond to log lines from Jeanice, which sparks early conversation about art vs product.

Here is the Rick Rubin video.

Learn more here!

Pick a side! You'll have to listen to the episode to hear both viewpoints, then let us know what you think!

Call to Action ResponsesBig IdeaHey Jon MeyersCall to Action