Write Now with Julian David Stone

Today’s Write Now interview features Julian David Stone, Author of IT’S ALIVE!, a chronicle of behind-the-scenes details that created monster movie mania.

Write Now with Julian David Stone
Photo courtesy of Julian David Stone

What do you know about the early days of Hollywood? Today’s Write Now interview features Julian David Stone, Author of It’s Alive!, a chronicle of behind-the-scenes details that created monster movie mania. Enjoy Julian’s interview.


Who Are You?

I was born in New York City, but I lived in the San Francisco Bay area from the age of four. I moved to Los Angeles when I was 18 to go to film school and, after graduation, started writing screenplays as a way into the film business. I was fortunate that it worked, and I spent the next 15 years making films and writing screenplays for various studios and independent producers. Then I transitioned to writing books with my latest one, It’s Alive!, which came out on May 17th.

What Do You Write?

As I mentioned above, I started writing screenplays as a way into the film business, which worked, and I had a career as a screenwriter for about 15 years. I transitioned to novels and particularly enjoy writing historical fiction. I love discovering interesting stories from the past and, through researching and, ultimately, my writing, fleshing them out into a novel.

Where Do You Write?

I usually write either sitting on a couch or in a large chair, with my laptop resting on one of the armrests. I’m usually in my office, though sometimes in the other rooms in our house if it’s quiet enough. I do very little writing freehand; everything is typed and usually in a standard word processor program like Word or Pages.

When Do You Write?

I have no set schedule when I write. During the day, it’s when I know I have a couple of free hours that I can be left undisturbed that I go to work. I have no goal in front of me when I start. I just go at it and see how much I can get done. I also write at night and find night writing usually the most productive.

Why Do You Write?

The desire to tell stories. I love discovering something fascinating from the past and finding a way to share it with others who I think will also find it fascinating.

How Do You Overcome Writer’s Block?

I’ve always been lucky that I never really get writer’s block. I can go through periods of indecisiveness when I can’t decide which story I want to focus on, but I’m always able to write when I finally sit down to do it.

Bonus: What Do You Enjoy Doing When Not Writing?

My family, going to movies, sporting events, live music.


My thanks to Julian David Stone for today’s interview.

Justin Cox Justin Cox

Justin Cox is a donut-loving, word-writing, nonprofit consultant based in Orlando. He also runs The Writing Cooperative on Medium. Come say hello!