Rewind: How do they do it? How do successful writers become successful? They must all lead charmed lives. One imagines a successful writer who works hard, gets up at 4 a.m., goes to the gym, then slides behind the laptop for four hours. Afternoons, they take their doodle around the block of their tony neighborhood, then put in another two solid hours of editing. Have a healthy dinner with friends, then go to bed for a brilliant night's sleep. Well, dear writers, as we know on The Writer's Hangout, it doesn't always go well when we tell you a story about a screenwriter. Hang out with Sandy and Terry, who tell you the fascinating story of screenwriter and director Stephen Gaghan, known for writing the screenplay for Soderbergh's film TRAFFIC, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and Syriana, which he wrote and directed. Research for this episode included:The Newsweek article Sheik, Rattle and Roll by Newsweek Staffhttps://www.newsweek.com/sheik-rattle-and-roll-115527 The New York Times article Gritty Portrayal Of the Abyss From a Survivor; The Screenwriter for 'Traffic' Says He Drew on His Past By Rick Lymanhttps://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/05/movies/gritty-portrayal-abyss-survivor-screenwriter-for-traffic-says-he-drew-his-past.html The Los Angeles Times article Stephen Gaghan, one-time Hollywood wunderkind, returns after a long absence with ‘Gold’ by Steven Zeitchik https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-stephen-gaghan-gold-20161114-story.html IMDB and WikipediaThe PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernProducer/Host Sandy AdomaitisCo-host Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller👍 If you enjoy the show, please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts. 📸 Check out our IG for photos @thewritershangoutpodcast💙 If you have an idea for the podcast or would like to comment, please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com PAGE International Screenwriting Awards Hollywood's favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent.