Working: Turning a Novel into a TV Show

Published: Dec. 18, 2022, 8 a.m.

This week, host June Thomas talks to author and repeat Working guest Taffy Brodesser-Akner, who recently adapted her novel Fleishman is in Trouble into a limited series for Hulu. In the interview, Taffy describes the biggest challenges she faced as both a showrunner and writer. She also explains what it was like to take a very personal project and turn it into a collaborative one, with creative input from actors, directors, and tons of other creative people.\xa0\n\nAfter the interview, June and co-host Isaac Butler discuss the faulty metric of character likeability in both fiction and nonfiction. They also chat about creative collaboration and tough career decisions.\xa0\n\nIn the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Taffy tells a story about her upcoming novel, Long Island Compromise.\xa0\n\nSend your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.\n\nPodcast production by Cameron Drews.\n\nIf you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows\u2014you\u2019ll also be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus to help support our work.\n__\nSponsored by Saks.com. Check out the Holiday Gift Guide on\xa0saks.com\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices