• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

John August

  • Arlo Finch
  • Scriptnotes
  • Library
  • Store
  • About

Tough Love vs. Self Care

Episode - 425

Go to Archive

November 5, 2019 News, Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig discuss when writers should practice tough love vs. self-care. Inspired by Chuck Wendig’s blog post, they examine how real-world issues impact writers’ ability to get work done — but how they can also be used as an excuse for procrastination and laziness. They offer a checklist for helping decide whether it’s time to be harder or easier on yourself.

We also follow up on the Austin Film Festival, fan backlash, and show-runner tips for championing assistant pay, especially during the holiday season.

Links:

* The [Official Watchmen Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-official-watchmen-podcast/id1485052917) with Craig Mazin
* Susannah Grant on Creative Decisions behind [Unbelievable](https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a29093906/unbelievable-netflix-susannah-grant-interview/) Release
* Michael Greene [Holiday Bonus](https://twitter.com/andmichaelgreen/status/1067885775134441477?s=20) Twitter Thread
* Tough Love vs. Self Care:[Sharp Rock, Soft Pillow: The Balance Of Self-Care And Tough Love](http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2019/10/22/sharp-rock-soft-pillow-the-balance-of-self-care-and-tough-love/)
* [Chuck Wendig: Terrible Minds](http://terribleminds.com/ramble/)
* [One Page Dungeon](https://watabou.itch.io/one-page-dungeon) by watabou
* [Superhero Therapy](https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2019/10/superhero-therapy-im-batman/600475/)
* [John August](https://twitter.com/johnaugust) on Twitter
* [Craig Mazin](https://twitter.com/clmazin) on Twitter
* [John on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/johnaugust/?hl=en)
* [Outro](http://johnaugust.com/2013/scriptnotes-the-outros) by Matthew Chilelli ([send us yours!](http://johnaugust.com/2014/outros-needed))

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode [here](http://traffic.libsyn.com/scriptnotes/scriptnotes_ep_425_tough_love.mp3).

**UPDATE 11-8-2019** The transcript for this episode can be found [here](https://johnaugust.com/2019/scriptnotes-ep-425-tough-love-vs-self-care-transcript).

Related Posts

  1. Buckling Down
  2. Writing Memorable Dialogue
  3. (Sometimes) You Need a Montage

Primary Sidebar

Each week, screenwriters John August and Craig Mazin discuss screenwriting and things that are interesting to screenwriters, everything from the craft to the business to the best ways to get yourself writing.

The most recent 20 episodes are available for free on this site and Apple Podcasts. The entire 430+ episode back catalog, plus bonus content and episodes, are available to Premium Subscribers.

Where to Find It

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • RSS

Scriptnotes Premium

  •   Bonus segments and episodes
  •   Early access to events
  •   450+ episode back catalog
  •   Use your favorite podcast player.

Join now

Scriptnotes Shirts

Every Scriptnotes shirt is available on-demand from Cotton Bureau. 14 designs and counting.

All-time listener favorites include Scriptnotes Midnight Blue, Three-Act Structure and the Scriptnotes Tour Shirt.

These high-quality tees are super soft and available in all sizes, including children’s and hoodies.

Browse the catalog

© 2025 John August — All Rights Reserved.