Author/Showrunner DJ MacHale on Unlocking Stories & Taking Control of Your Writing Career
Release Date: 07/22/2025
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_outline
Improve Your Writing by Reading, Take 10 with Craig
The ISA Podcast
Take advantage of ISA's free screenplay library to improve your own craft.
info_outline
Devin Jane Febbroriello: To be a Filmmaker You Need to Understand Feedback & Collaboration
The ISA Podcast
Devin Jane Febbroriello is a North American screenwriter/director + producer that specializes in the creation of thought-provoking stories centered on lovable dysfunctional families, surreal multi-genre plots, women, and dark humor. Evocative characters blaze bold paths through thematically rich circumstances to cultivate her emotive works. Devin’s practice is informed by a fierce love of cinematic storytelling mixed with her deep-seated interest in films unique capacity to poetically investigate the human condition and connect us in both the beauty and the challenges of life. Devin...
info_outline
Conor Dowling on Breaking into Screenwriting & Filmmaking in Ireland (Emerging Screenwriter)
The ISA Podcast
Conor spent most of his youth in Ireland gigging in rock bands, working in a video store and reading too many Stephen King novels. Eventually, he knew he had to course correct and follow his dreams. Conor is a writer, filmmaker and award winning podcaster from Dublin with a masters in film production from Staffordshire University. Conor writes about misfits, monsters and broken hearts, and his writing is infused with folklore, horror and comedy. After writing episodes of the popular animation series STORIES FROM BACKWOODS, Conor was hired to develop an adult animated series with Irish...
info_outline
Author/Showrunner DJ MacHale on Unlocking Stories & Taking Control of Your Writing Career
The ISA Podcast
Join 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...
info_outline
Yazmin Monet Watkins: Poetry, Roller Skates & Speaking Truth
The ISA Podcast
Yazmin Monet Watkins is a poet, comedian, screenwriter, actress, organizer, avid roller skater and adventurer. She can be seen on season two of Grand Crew on NBC, Comedy Central and has co-developed and written pilots for Netflix & Comedy Central.
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