The Open Sketchbook | Making Art Publicly + Interviewing Accomplished Creatives

Multi-medium writer Meghan Fitzmartin joins me to discuss her journey writing for household name IPs, adapting stories between mediums, and when you should put Tom Cruise in a submarine.Zach's content marketing newsletter: https://newsletter.roosterhigh.comThe Creative Consistency Challenge: https://www.reesehopper.com/creative-consistency-challengeSTUFF WE MENTIONEDMeghan's linksMeghan Fitzmartin on InstagramMeghan Fitzmartin on BlueSky Meghan Fitzmartin’s SubstackMeghan’s WorkSupernatural (TV Series) Tim Drake (DC Comics) Justice League x RWBYAll-Star Superman (Audiobook)Referenced Creators & ResourcesLauren Shippen (Atypical Artists)The Bright Sessions (Podcast) Reese HopperAdventures in Odyssey (Audio Drama) Emily Henry (Author)

Cass Morris is a lifelong creative, both inside and outside the pages of her novels which form The Aven Cycle. We talk about the realities of being an author in 2025, her writing process, and how she uses worldbuilding to serve the story and the experience of the reader.Zach's content marketing newsletter: https://newsletter.roosterhigh.comThe Creative Consistency Challenge: https://www.reesehopper.com/creative-consistency-challengeCass's website: Cass Morris WritesBuy The Aven Cycle: The Aven CycleCass Morris on BlueskyCass Morris on InstagramWorldbuilding For Masochists Podcast

I'm joined by Lauren Shippen, creator of The Bright Sessions to talk about the mechanics of storytelling podcasts. We talk about the origins of The Bright Sessions, what it's like writing for audio, and her own thoughts about the various shows she's written. If you've followed Lauren since The Bright Sessions, are a fan of Bridgewater or Passenger List, or just want to learn more about storytelling podcast, this one's for you!Need more Zach? Sign up for his content marketing newsletter.STUFF WE MENTIONEDLauren's Links:Lauren's websiteLauren's production company, Atypical ArtistsLauren on BlueskyLauren on TumblrMedia, Podcasts, and Shows:The Bright Sessions (audio drama by Lauren Shippen)Rebel Robin: Surviving Hawkins (official Stranger Things podcast directed by Lauren Shippen) Bridgewater (audio drama, executive produced by Aaron Mahnke)Natural 20 (web series Lauren acted in)Welcome to Night Vale (fiction podcast)Ars Paradoxica (podcast by Misha Stanton)Marvels (graphic novel and audio adaptation)The Thrilling Adventure Hour (staged radio play/podcast) Tangerine (Oscar-nominated movie filmed on iPhone)New Year's Day (yearly podcast by Lauren Shippen)Breaker Whiskey (post-apocalyptic audio journal podcast by Lauren Shippen)People:Misha Stanton (sound designer, podcaster)Ben Acker (The Thrilling Adventure Hour) Meghan Fitzmartin (writer)Evan Cunningham (composer for The Bright Sessions) Misha Collins (actor in Bridgewater... and other stuff)Briggon Snow (actor in The Bright Sessions and New Year's Day)

Reese Hopper has worked for the Chainsmokers and other names you've heard of as a producer - the person who's responisible for the project to be awesome and get across the finish line. He knows what it takes to be a creative, especially when your creative talent powers your job. In this interview, I talk with Reese about what it takes to call yourself a creative, commons blocks to making awesome stuff, and why I'm cancelling him. Want to hear more from me, Zach? I have a content marketing newsletter.STUFF WE TALKED ABOUT:Creative Consistency Challenge by Reese HopperBooks mentioned:The War of Art by Stephen PressfieldTiny Habits by Dr. BJ FoggWhat Gives You the Right to Freelance by Reese HopperOther Media mentioned:The Bright Sessions (podcast/audio fiction series) by Lauren Shippen The Editing Podcast 21 Day Hip Opening Challenge (Yoga video series)

Just a standard report that happens to be slightly interesting.This audio short was created by Zach Armstrong of Rooster High as a part of Reese Hopper's Creative Consistency Challenge.

How ya feeling today, LB?This audio short was created by Zach Armstrong of Rooster High as a part of Reese Hopper's Creative Consistency Challenge.

Not allowed to be DNR.This audio short was created by Zach Armstrong of Rooster High as a part of Reese Hopper's Creative Consistency Challenge.

A last resort.This audio short was created by Zach Armstrong of Rooster High as a part of Reese Hopper's Creative Consistency Challenge.

If you're not a person of your word, what are you?This audio short was created by Zach Armstrong of Rooster High as a part of Reese Hopper's Creative Consistency Challenge.

Joining many others.This audio short was created by Zach Armstrong of Rooster High as a part of Reese Hopper's Creative Consistency Challenge.

Something's going down.This audio short was created by Zach Armstrong of Rooster High as a part of Reese Hopper's Creative Consistency Challenge.

Where do you go to meditate?This audio short was created by Zach Armstrong of Rooster High as a part of Reese Hopper's Creative Consistency Challenge.

Ever heard a killing machine sing?This audio short was created by Zach Armstrong of Rooster High as a part of Reese Hopper's Creative Consistency Challenge.

CB still needs a new coat of paint.This audio short was created by Zach Armstrong of Rooster High as a part of Reese Hopper's Creative Consistency Challenge.

Central, be advised.This audio short was created by Zach Armstrong of Rooster High as a part of Reese Hopper's Creative Consistency Challenge.

A zero-weapon loadout is making it nervous.This audio short was created by Zach Armstrong of Rooster High as a part of Reese Hopper's Creative Consistency Challenge.

Swords to plowshares. Or, swords to kitty ladders.This audio short was created by Zach Armstrong of Rooster High as a part of Reese Hopper's Creative Consistency Challenge.

Has anyone seen Ramirez?This audio short was created by Zach Armstrong of Rooster High as a part of Reese Hopper's Creative Consistency Challenge.

It's the end, but you have some time.This audio short was created by Zach Armstrong of Rooster High as a part of Reese Hopper's Creative Consistency Challenge.

Welcome to The Open Sketchbook, a show for anyone who wants to be a little more creative.