Author/Showrunner DJ MacHale on Unlocking Stories & Taking Control of Your Writing Career
Release Date: 07/22/2025
From Contest Quarterfinalist to Industry Meetings: A Screenwriter’s Real Path Forward, Jack Cusick
The ISA Podcast
What does it mean to “level up” as a screenwriter? Grounded sci-fi writer Jack Cusick breaks down the realities of building a screenwriting career, from mastering craft, to finding community, to finally stepping into real industry conversations. Jack shares how he fell in love with storytelling, why the structure of screenwriting sharpened his writing, and how he thinks about grounded sci-fi as character-first storytelling rather than spectacle. He also opens up about “quarterfinalist syndrome,” rewriting without losing your sanity, and why progress in this business often feels like a...
info_outline
ISA Presents: How to Hook Agents & Producers, a roundtable with ISA Leadership
The ISA Podcast
Join the ISA for an honest conversation about what agents & producers want & what you need to do to become the writer they're searching for. They're not just looking for potential. They're looking for proof. In this roundtable, we'll cover: What makes agents say yes (& what makes them pass immediately) The truth about what your script needs to be ready & how to get it there How to build the professional foundation that gets you noticed Strategic paths to industry visibility The ISA resources that help you Get Great → Get Noticed → Get Repped Featuring: Craig James...
info_outline
Keeping the Fun in Filmmaking: Molly Ratermann’s Creative Mindset | Emerging Screenwriter Interview
The ISA Podcast
Writer–director–actor Molly Ratermann shares the wild, deeply personal, and inspiring story behind her debut feature film, "Making a Bridesmaid."
info_outline
Take 10 with Craig - General Meetings: Stop Trying to Sell. Start Building Relationships.
The ISA Podcast
A general meeting isn’t about pitching your project. It’s about building relationships, establishing trust, and showing executives, producers, and collaborators who you are as a person and storyteller.
info_outline
"How to be a Screenwriter" with Phil Stark (South Park, That '70s Show, Dude, Where's My Car?)
The ISA Podcast
Screenwriter and therapist Phil Stark joins the ISA for an honest, funny, and deeply insightful conversation about creativity, impostor syndrome, and breaking into the industry.
info_outline
From Dream to Debut: Alex Sarrigeorgiou’s First Feature Film Story, making "In Transit"
The ISA Podcast
Writer, actor, and poet Alex Sarrigeorgiou talks about her creative journey and her debut feature film, "In Transit," a tender, intimate queer drama about connection, identity, and the courage to change direction in life.
info_outline
Overcoming Impostor Syndrome as a Writer | Trusting the Process of Storytelling
The ISA Podcast
“The idea of impostor syndrome is something I think we all struggle with — and I’m no exception.” In this heartfelt reflection, Craig James opens up about creative self-doubt, trusting your work, and learning to let go once you’ve done your part.
info_outline
Just Your Typical Award-winning Screenwriter-slash-Zookeeper | Alli Kiko Masloske's Inspiring Story
The ISA Podcast
In this inspiring conversation, Alli Kiko Masloske shares her creative journey from working with animals to writing screenplays that connect deeply with audiences. From navigating chronic illness to finding her voice in a competitive industry, Alli opens up about how humor, honesty, and community have shaped her work and outlook on life.
info_outline
Dani Hanks on Writing with Authentic Voice & Building a TV Career, Emerging Screenwriter Interview
The ISA Podcast
Writer, director, and creative powerhouse Dani Hanks joins Shaya Weber for an in-depth conversation about her journey from actor to award-winning writer, how chronic illness shaped their perspective, and their process for writing powerful, character-driven stories. Learn how Dani approaches outlining, keeps momentum through rejection, and balances a thriving creative life with a demanding day job. Perfect for emerging screenwriters, showrunners-in-training, and anyone seeking inspiration and practical tips for breaking into TV writing. BiographyDani Hanks (they/she) is a disabled...
info_outline
Finding Your True Writing Voice | Stop Writing for the Audience, Start Writing for YOURSELF
The ISA Podcast
Every writer needs to find their true voice, that unique perspective that makes their work authentic and unforgettable. We dive into what “voice” really means and how to write from a place of honesty.
info_outlineJoin us for a captivating evening with D.J. MacHale, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Pendragon series and creator of the cult-favorite TV show "Are You Afraid of the Dark?"
From bestselling books to iconic screen moments, D.J. has spent his career crafting stories that resonate across generations. In this exclusive event, he’ll share how he bridges the worlds of publishing and television — revealing the creative decisions, challenges, and unexpected turns that come with telling stories across different mediums. Whether you’re a writer hoping to sharpen your skills or a fan eager for a behind-the-scenes look at your favorite stories, you’ll leave inspired and informed.
D.J. will be joined in conversation by the ISA’s Director of Education, Max Timm, and Scott Markus, who collaborated with DJ for three years on the hit series "Flight 29 Down."
They’ll dive into:
- The evolution of D.J.’s career and lessons from both the book and TV worlds
- Writing for the screen vs. the page and how to adapt stories across formats
- Crafting compelling plots, building rich worlds, and creating characters that stick
- Why D.J. recently chose the self-publishing route — and what it means for today’s storytellers