The Writers Block

The Writers Block cover art

A weekly post-con-style roundtable romp with some of the most outspoken (yet still employed) creators in comics. Show biz war stories. State of the comic union. Furious debates over ‘80s televisions shows. Great lobster bisque recipes. Something for everybody.

We have voluntarily self-rated this production as PG-13. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Listen to the preview trailer!

Also available on YouTube if you'd prefer to see everyone's lovely faces!
 

Episode Archive

  • The Writers Block logo

    Oriana Leckert and Gabe Cheng

    Episode Number: 21

    KICKSTARTER KICKOFF. This week, David and Rylend talk the ins, outs, ups, and downs of Kickstarter campaigning with the platform’s Director of Publishing and Comics Outreach, Oriana Leckert, and creator/Kickstarter veteran Gabe Cheng (INTO THE WILDERNESS). And Rylend starts, in earnest, his quest to amass the largest collection of POINT BREAK VHS tapes (the current, honest-to-God largest collection stands at 102 tapes).

    BE SURE TO BACK THE JUMP #2 on Kickstarter!

    Episode download: TWB021.mp3
     

    ORIANA LECKERT
    Twitter: @orianabklyn
    Instagram: @orianabklyn
    Website: oriana-leckert.com

    GABE CHENG
    Twitter: @gabechengcomics
    Instagram: @gabechengcomics
    ANOTHER LOUSY MILLENNIUM Pod: @almpod

    Be sure to back INTO THE WILDERNESS on Kickstarter!

     

    Release Date: March 24, 2021

    Run Time: 1:25:54
  • The Writers Block logo

    Aaron Nabus, and Tilly and Susan Bridges

    Episode Number: 20

    PODCAST POW WOW. This week, David and Rylend talk podcasting with Aaron Nabus (Hall H Show) and Tilly and Susan Bridges (Pendant Productions). It’s a podcast where a bunch of podcasters talk about podcasting... and that may very well cause a tear in the space-time continuum. Also, Rylend shares with the group his greatest unfulfilled dream… to get a tattoo of a butt with a butt-shaped tattoo on it… and get it ON his butt.

    Episode download: TWB020.mp3
     

    SUSAN BRIDGES
    Twitter: @susanlbridges
    Instagram: @susanlbridges
    Website: pendantaudio.com
    Website: birdguest.com

    TILLY BRIDGES
    Twitter: @TillyBridges
    Website: pendantaudio.com
    Website: birdguest.com

    AARON NABUS
    Twitter: @aaronnabus
    Twitter: @HallHdotcom
    Instagram: @aaronnabus
    Instagram: @HallHdotcom
    Website: HallH.com

    Release Date: March 17, 2021

    Run Time: 1:33:40
  • The Writers Block logo

    David Pepose, Christie Shinn, Don Nguyen

    Episode Number: 19

    THE ART OF CON TABLING. This week, David and Rylend talk with Ringo Award-nominated scribe David Pepose (SPENCER and LOCKE, SCOUTS HONOR), DEMON BITCH writer/artist Christie Shinn, and PABLO THE GORILLA creator Don Nguyen about the ins and outs/the DOs, DON’Ts and MIGHT MAYBES of tabling at Comic Conventions… and Avallone finally briefly opens up about the difficult years he spent trapped in cult of savage Jim Nabors enthusiasts in Nome, Alaska.

    Episode download: TWB019.mp3
     

    DAVID PEPOSE
    Twitter: @Peposed
    Instagram: Peposed
    Website: linktr.ee/peposed

    CHRISTIE SHINN
    Twitter: @HoraToraStudios
    Instagram: @HoraToraStudios
    Website: HoraToraStudios.com

    SUPPORT DEMON BITCH AND OTHER STUPID THINGS: Patreon.com/HoraToraStudios
    WHERE TO FOLLOW DEMON BITCH: https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/demon-btch/list?title_no=148964

    DON NGUYEN
    Twitter: @nguyeningit
    Instagram: @nguyeningit
    Website: NguyeningIt.com

     

    Release Date: March 10, 2021

    Run Time: 1:30:07
  • The Writers Block logo

    George C. Romero, Stephanie Phillips, and Matt Medney

    Episode Number: 18

    HEAVY METAL RENASCENCE. This week, David and Rylend talk with Heavy Metal CEO Matt Medney and writers George C. Romero (THE RISE, COLD DEAD WAR) and Stephanie Phillips (TARNA, HARLEY QUINN) about reshaping the Heavy Metal Brand for the 21st century… and Rylend finds out the hard way that you can’t tattoo a baby.

    Episode download: TWB018.mp3
     

    STEPHANIE PHILLIPS
    Twitter: @Steph_Smash
    Instagram: @snapcracklesteph
    Website: www.stephaniecomics.com

    GEORGE C. ROMERO
    Twitter: @IamGeorgeRomero
    Instagram: @indie_brigade
    Website: romeropictures.com

    MATT MEDNEY
    Twitter: @matthewmedney
    Instagram: @matthewmedney
    Website: MATTHEWMEDNEY.com

    HEAVY METAL MAGAZINE
    Twitter: @HeavyMetalInk
    Instagram: @heavymetal
    Website: heavymetal.com

     

    Release Date: March 3, 2021

    Run Time: 1:24:46
  • The Writers Block logo

    David Baron and Elisa Wikey

    Episode Number: 17

    CHA-CHA-CHANGES! This week, David (Avallone) and Rylend talk career transitions with Hall of Fame colorist-turned-writer David Baron (various Batman titles, Stained) and acclaimed gallery artist/graphic designer-turned-comic penciler Elisa Wikey (The Cobblestone Chronicles)… and Elisa’s real live goddamn HEDGEHOG makes an appearance… it’s GREAT on video… sincere apologies if you’re listening.

    Episode download: TWB017.mp3
     

    DAVID BARON
    Twitter: @MyZombies
    Instagram: @MyZombies

    ELISA WIKEY
    Twitter: @elisawikey
    Instagram: @elisawikeydrawsthings
    Website: TinyFramedThings.com

     

    CHECK OUT THE COBBLESTONE CHRONICLES HOLIDAY SPECIAL VIA BRAVE NEW WORLD

     

    Release Date: February 24, 2021

    Run Time: 1:39:23
  • The Writers Block logo

    Jim Higgins, Karla Nappi, and Steven Prince

    Episode Number: 16

    This week, David and Rylend explore the idea of the comic shop as a "community center" and the importance of comic book "how to" classes with educator/former DC Editor Jim Higgins, TV writer/Duplicant scribe Karla Nappi, and Monster Matador creator Steven Prince… and Rylend publicly tells his "I once kept Screech Powers from assaulting someone in the Meltdown parking lot" story for only the 2nd time.

    Episode download: TWB016.mp3
     

    JIM HIGGINS
    Twitter: @jimhiggins63
    Instagram: @jimhiggins63
    Website: newsuit.net

    KARLA NAPPI
    Twitter: @musingsbycrazed
    Instagram: @musingsbycrazed

    BACK DUPLICANT ON KICKSTARTER

    STEVEN PRINCE
    Twitter: @monstermatador
    Instagram: @monstermatador
    Website: monstermatador.com

     

    Release Date: February 17, 2021

    Run Time: 1:28:15
  • The Writers Block logo

    David Pepose and Alex De Campi

    Episode Number: 15

    This week, David & Rylend discuss the ins and outs of publisher deals and Hollywood options with Ringo-nominated comic scribe David Pepose (Scouts Honor, Spencer & Locke) & Eisner nominee Alex De Campi (True War Stories, Bad Girls)… and the group finally definitively determines how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. SPOILER: It’s 364.

    Episode download: TWB015.mp3
     

    DAVID PEPOSE
    Twitter: @peposed
    Instagram: @peposed
    Website: linktr.ee/peposed

    ALEX DE CAMPI
    Twitter: @alexdecampi
    Instagram: @alexdecampi
    Website: patreon.com/alexdecampi

     

    Release Date: February 10, 2021

    Run Time: 1:23:40
  • The Writers Block logo

    Billy Tucci and Steven Peros

    Episode Number: 14

    This week, David & Rylend discuss the finer points of crowdfunding, writerly research, and “truth” in comics/movies with screenwriter/graphic novelist Steven Peros (Stoker & Wells) & 4-time Eisner nominee Billy Tucci (SHI)… and the group wrestles doughtily with a question that has plagued great minds since 1969… who was the better Darrin on Bewitched, York or Sergeant?

    Episode download: TWB014.mp3
     

    STEVEN PEROS
    Twitter: @StevenGPeros
    Instagram: @stevenperos
    Website: StevenPeros.com
    Stoker & Wells on IGG: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/stoker-wells-order-of-the-golden-dawn#/

    BILLY TUCCI
    Twitter: @BillyTucci
    Instagram: @billy_tucci
    SHI on IGG: www.indiegogo.com/projects/shi-haikyo

     

    Release Date: February 3, 2021

    Run Time: 1:32:42
  • The Writers Block logo

    Dave Acosta and Zsombor Huszka

    Episode Number: 13

    THE WRITER/ARTIST RELATIONSHIP. This week, David & Rylend talk collaboration with artists they’ve spent years in the trenches with, Dave Acosta (Elvira, Dragon) & Zsombor Huszka (Aberrant, Orient City)… and the show stops suddenly when the 4-year-old with whom Rylend is quarantined demands help using the “potty.”

    Episode download: TWB013.mp3
     

    DAVE ACOSTA
    Twitter: @davedrawsgood
    Instagram: @davedrawsgood
    Website: davedrawsgood.com

    ZSOMBOR HUSZKA
    Twitter: @zsomborhuszka
    Instagram: @zsomborhuszka
    Website: zsomborhuszka.com

     

    Release Date: January 27, 2021

    Run Time: 1:37:40
  • The Writers Block logo

    Alex Segura and Nancy Collins

    Episode Number: 12

    ACTUALLY WRITING COMICS - PART 1. This week, David and Rylend talk pitching with Eisner-nominated comic scribe Nancy Collins (SWAMP THING) & Archie Comics Co-President/STAR WARS - POE DAMERON: FREE FALL writer Alex Segura... and David tries unsuccessfully to talk Rylend out of shamelessly pitching his Archie-meets-Bubbles-from-THE WIRE one-shot.

    Craig Hamilton Emergency Medical Fund Go Fund Me Link: gf.me/u/zcd5pb

    Episode download: TWB012.mp3
     

    NANCY COLLINS
    Twitter: @nancycollins
    Website: https://www.comixology.com/Nancy-Collins/comics-creator/4693

    ALEX SEGURA
    Twitter: @alex_segura
    Instagram: @alexsegurajr
    Website: alexsegura.com

    Release Date: December 23, 2020

    Run Time: 1:21:49
  • The Writers Block logo

    John Layman and Taylor Esposito

    Episode Number: 11

    MEN OF LETTERS. This week, David and Rylend talk lettering with Eisner-winning comic writer/letterer John Layman (CHEW, Various BATMAN titles) and former DC Staff letterer Taylor Esposito. David reminisces thoughtfully about his filmic salad days, spent ghosting for a legendary exploitation director, and the group decides once and for all if Coke is, in fact, IT.

    Episode download: TWB011.mp3
     

    JOHN LAYMAN
    Twitter: @themightylayman

    TAYLOR ESPOSITO
    Twitter: @TaylorEspo
    Instagram: @TaylorEspo
    Website: www.ghostglyphstudios.com

    Release Date: December 16, 2020

    Run Time: 1:28:03
  • The Writers Block logo

    Chris Cantwell, Ashley V. Robinson and Jason Inman

    Episode Number: 10

    ORIGIN STORIES. Comic book characters have origin stories, obviously... but so do comic book writers. Eisner-nominated comic scribe (DR. DOOM & IRON MAN)/HALT AND CATCH FIRE Showrunner Christopher Cantwell and Ringo-nominated JUPITER JET creators Ashley V. Robinson & Jason Inman discuss their humble beginnings, what inspired them to walk their creative walks. Also, Cantwell reveals that he once almost joined the circus (seriously), Ashley touches briefly on the time she starred in a feminine hygiene commercial, and Rylend waxes lyrically about his time spent selling Kirby vacuum cleaners door-to-door.

    Episode download: TWB010.mp3
     

    CHRISTOPHER CANTWELL
    Twitter: @ifyoucantwell
    Instagram: @ifyoucantwell

    ASHLEY V. ROBINSON
    Twitter: @AshleyVRobinson
    Instagram: @seanlewis6026
    Website: linktr.ee/AshleyVRobinson

    JASON INMAN
    Twitter: @Jawiin
    Instagram: @seanlewis6026
    Website: solo.to/jasoninman

    Check out Jason and Ashley’s GEEK HISTORY LESSON Podcast here: https://www.geekhistorylesson.com

    Release Date: December 9, 2020

    Run Time: 1:30:40
  • The Writers Block logo

    Cecil Castellucci and Sean Lewis

    Episode Number: 9

    PLAYING WITH OTHER PEOPLE’S TOYS. This week, David and Rylend are joined by Eisner Nominee Cecil Castellucci (Batgirl) and Superman of Metropolis writer Sean Lewis. The group discusses the finer points of writing iconic comic book characters. Cecil, Sean, and Rylend discover that they all have the same IP agent (whom Avallone also once had lunch with). And Rylend attempts, on air, to leap over his desk in a single bound. SPOILER: It doesn’t work out so well for him... or the desk.

    Episode download: TWB009.mp3
     

    CECIL CASTELLUCCI
    Twitter: @misscecil
    Instagram: @cecilseaskull
    Website: cecilcastellucci.com

    SEAN LEWIS
    Twitter: @SeanChrisLewis
    Instagram: @seanlewis6026
    Website: https://www.littlearkfilms.com

    Release Date: November 25, 2020

    Run Time: 1:19:12
  • The Writers Block logo

    Emily Flake and Lalo Alcraz

    Episode Number: 8

    This week, David and Rylend are joined by New Yorker Cartoonist Emily Flake and Pulitzer Prize finalist Lalo Alcaraz (LA CUCARACHA). The group explores the often thorny intersection of comics and politics and Rylend gleefully discusses the unfettered stupidity of old white men. The episode ends abruptly, however, when Avallone realizes he’s running late for a well-earned romantic getaway with his wife at Four Seasons Total Landscaping.

    The A is For Clinic Escorts Series Comic Book Emily edited is available here: https://bit.ly/AIF_ClinicEscorts

    Episode download: TWB008.mp3
     

    EMILY FLAKE
    Twitter: @EmilyFlake
    Instagram: @eflakeagogo
    Website: https://www.emilyflake.com

    LALO ACARAZ
    Twitter: @laloalcaraz
    Instagram: @laloalcaraz1
    Website: https://laloalcaraz.com

    Release Date: November 18, 2020

    Run Time: 1:05:50
  • The Writers Block logo

    Matt Fraction, Stan Sakai, et al.

    Episode Number: 7

    Ringo Awards Riot. This week, David and Rylend are broadcasting from Baltimore Comic Con Live! The dynamic duo is joined by cornucopia of elite creators - Matt Fraction (Sex Criminals), Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo), David Pepose (Spencer and Locke), Drew Edwards (Halloween Man), Troy Little (Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons and Dragons), and IDW Editor Scott Dunbier - to discuss their 2020 Ringo Award nominations. They briefly flirt with the idea of forming a competitive show choir septet, but quickly abandon the scheme once they realize they don’t have a serviceable soprano.

    Episode download: TWB007.mp3
     

    MATT FRACTION
    Website: https://mattfraction.com

    STAN SAKAI
    Twitter: @usagiguy
    Instagram: @stansakai

    SCOTT DUNBIER
    Twitter: @sdunbier
    Instagram: @sdunbier

    DAVID PEPOSE
    Twitter: @peposed
    Instagram: @peposed

    DREW EDWARDS
    Twitter: @halloweenmancom
    Instagram: drew_halloween

    TROY LITTLE
    Twitter: @meanwhilestudio
    Instagram: angoranapkin

    Release Date: October 28, 2020

    Run Time: 58:19
  • The Writers Block logo

    Clay Adams and David Schrader

    Episode Number: 6

    CREEPSHOW. This week, David and Rylend are joined by the Nightmare Theatre Anthology co-editors Clay Adams (RED XMAS) and David Schrader (BABY BADASS). With Halloween on the horizon the group talks horror... the good... the bad... the decidedly ugly (hint: it’s Schrader). Also, Rylend says “Candyman” five times while looking in a mirror and the ghost of Regis Philbin appears and sings Baby It’s Cold Outside.

    Episode download: TWB006.mp3
     

    CLAY ADAMS
    Twitter: @ClaysEvilTwin/@FriedComics
    Instagram: @ClaysAdamsFried/@FriedComics
    Website: https://friedcomics.com

    DAVID SCHRADER
    Twitter: @Schraderopolis/@thebabybadass
    Instagram: @Schraderopolis/@thebabybadass
    Website: https://babybadass.com

    Release Date: October 21, 2020

    Run Time: 1:07:40
  • The Writers Block logo

    Amanda Deibert and David M. Booher

    Episode Number: 5

    “A plan is just a list of things that aren’t going to happen.” This week, David and Rylend are joined by He-Man/Wonder Woman scribe Amanda Deibert and Screenwriter/CANTO creator David M. Booher. The group swaps stories about wildly zig-zagging career paths, about lives lived with one foot in the film/TV puddle and the other in the comics toilet, and David takes another shot at disproving Einstein’s theory of relativity... IN SONG!

    Episode download: TWB005.mp3
     

    AMANDA DEIBERT
    Twitter: @amandadeibert
    Instagram: @amandadeibertofficial
    Website: https://amandadeibert.com

    DAVID M. BOOHER
    Twitter: @davidbooher
    Instagram: @davidmbooher
    Website: https://davidbooher.com

    Produced by Chad Ramsden from Comic Corps
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKT8vwPB3h8hzdKlExfyTuA

    Directed by JB from Discovery Bay Comics
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx5JX0Ld_FI8-qmp9DH8JPw

    Release Date: October 14, 2020

    Run Time: 1:24:58
  • The Writers Block logo

    Lynly Forrest and Charlie Stickney

    Episode Number: 4

    This week, David and Rylend are joined by Scout Comics Co-Publisher Charlie Stickney (creator of WHITE ASH & THE GAME) and Hex Comix Producer/Editor Lynly Forrest. The group discuss the “creator empowerment” era of comics, the rapidly changing comic Kickstarter landscape, and despite David’s strenuous objections, Rylend challenges Rip Torn to an arm wrestling match.

    Episode download: TWB004.mp3
     

    LYNLY FORREST
    Twitter: @HexComix
    Instagram: @HexComix
    Website: https://hexcomix.com

    CHARLIE STICKNEY
    Twitter: @CharlesStickney
    Instagram: @whiteashcomic
    Website: https://whiteashcomic.com

    Produced by Chad Ramsden from Comic Corps
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKT8vwPB3h8hzdKlExfyTuA

    Directed by JB from Discovery Bay Comics
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx5JX0Ld_FI8-qmp9DH8JPw

    Release Date: October 7, 2020

    Run Time: 1:19:46
  • The Writers Block logo

    Brenda Hickey, Troy Little, and Richard Fairgray

    Episode Number: 3

    Grown-Ups and Kids’ Stuff. This week, David and Rylend are joined by a gaggle of creators - Brenda Hickey (My Little Pony), Troy Little (Rick & Morty), & Richard Fairgray (Blastosaurus) - whom have made comics for adults AND comics for children. The panel discusses what’s different, what’s the same, how you walk that line, and how nervous they typically make their publishers. Also, Richard talks A LOT about poop.

    Episode download: TWB003.mp3
     

    RICHARD FAIRGRAY
    Twitter: @RichardFairgray
    Instagram: @richardfairgrayauthor
    Website: https://www.richardfairgray.com

    TROY LITTLE
    Twitter: @meanwhilestudio
    Instagram: @angoranapkin
    Website: www.pegamoosepress.com

    BRENDA HICKEY
    Twitter: @CrazyAry
    Instagram: @brenda_e_hickey
    Website: brendahickeycomics.com

    Produced by Chad Ramsden from Comic Corps
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKT8vwPB3h8hzdKlExfyTuA

    Directed by JB from Discovery Bay Comics
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx5JX0Ld_FI8-qmp9DH8JPw

    Release Date: September 30, 2020

    Run Time: 1:22:24
  • The Writers Block logo

    Kevin Eastman and Barbra Dillon

    Episode Number: 2

    Publisher Pow-wow. This week, David and Rylend are joined by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator/Heavy Metal Magazine Publisher Kevin Eastman and Fanbase Press EIC Barbra Dillon. The group discuss the rapidly changing comics publishing landscape, David tells a few amazing Andy Sidaris stories, and Kevin refers to Rylend as “Leland” for most of the episode.

    Episode download: TWB002.mp3

    KEVIN EASTMAN
    Twitter: @kevineastman86
    Instagram: @kevineastmantmnt
    Website: https://fan.kevineastmanstudios.com

    BARBRA DILLON
    Twitter: @barbrajdillon/@Fanbase_Press
    Instagram: @barbrajdillon/@fanbasepress
    Website: http://fanbasepress.com

    Produced by Chad Ramsden from Comic Corps
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKT8vwPB3h8hzdKlExfyTuA

    Directed by JB from Discovery Bay Comics
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx5JX0Ld_FI8-qmp9DH8JPw

    Release Date: September 23, 2020

    Run Time: 1:22:50
  • The Writers Block logo

    State of the Union, with David F. Walker and Erica Schultz

    Episode Number: 1

    David and Rylend are joined by Eisner-nominated writer David F. Walker (BITTER ROOT, NAOMI) and Ringo Award-nominated writer Erica Schultz (DAREDEVIL, FORGOTTEN HOME). The group explores the new comic “normal” in the time of COVID, David does not one, but TWO acappella renditions of Ave Maria, and WAY too much time is spent appreciating Erica’s absurdly luxurious hair.

    Episode download: TWB001.mp3

    DAVID F. WALKER
    Twitter: @DavidWalker1201
    Instagram: @mofoman68
    Website: davidfwalker.com

    ERICA SCHULTZ
    Twitter: @EricaSchultz42
    Instagram: @ericaschultzwrites
    Website: ericaschultzwrites.com

    Release Date: September 9, 2020

    Run Time: 1:03:00

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