Oct 3 2024
Meet Me On The Train with Rafael Alvarez
On the train home from NYC to Roanoke VA, Rafael over heard me saying on a video call that I have thought about writing and publishing before... and he leaned over to offer some real world writing advice. Rafael promptly gave me a copy of his book and 5 minutes later we had an email exchange and a podcast interview in the works!
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AI Show Notes:
In this engaging episode, host Elizabeth Walker sits down with Rafael Alvarez, a seasoned journalist, author, and screenwriter. Alvarez takes listeners on a journey through his extensive writing career, from his early days at the Baltimore Sun to his work on the acclaimed HBO series "The Wire." The conversation delves into Alvarez's background, emphasizing the importance of real-world experience for aspiring writers. Alvarez shares his transition from journalism to television writing, offering unique insights into the creation of characters for "The Wire" based on his personal experiences.
Throughout the interview, Alvarez dispenses valuable advice for writers, emphasizing the importance of consistent practice: "My biggest advice to people... 20 minutes a day, every day." He advocates for gaining real-world experience in various fields to gather material for writing, cautioning against relying solely on formal education: "Do not spend $200,000 on some MFA program that's going to turn out another generation of writers that can't find work." Alvarez also discusses his current writing projects and self-publishing endeavors, including his book "Storyteller," a collection of short stories and newspaper features.
The conversation takes an interesting turn as Alvarez recounts his experiences working on ships and how they influenced his writing. He also shares a fascinating anecdote about a particular scene in "The Wire" featuring a dart thrown at Robert Irsay's picture, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the show's creation. Alvarez's passion for writing is evident throughout the interview, encapsulated in his statement: "I work all day every day so I don't have to have a job."
For listeners interested in following Alvarez's work or reaching out, he can be contacted directly at orlo.leini@gmail.com. His website, maconstreetbooks.com, and Patreon page, Ralphie's Bookmobile, offer additional ways to engage with his writing. This episode provides a wealth of inspiration and practical advice for aspiring writers, while offering fans of "The Wire" some intriguing insider information.
