Matt Bell possesses a slew of writing insights, and he’s not shy about cracking open his notebook to share. After closing out Spillers No. 4 in fine style with his short story reading, we bind the author and ASU creative writing professor to a chair until he tells us about getting his start far away from the New York publishing support system, how hair boxes played a prominent role in pre-Tinder dating, and why it’s imperative for literary communities to connect with each other.

If you spot novelist Paul Mosier writing at Phoenix Public Market Cafe with tears in his eyes, it’s only because his muse has delivered the goods again. Our first ever returning Spiller sits down after his Spillers No. 4 reading to chat about the logistical advantages of reading from scrolls, why the only MFA degree in his future will have to be an honorary one, and how he’s not the creator of his stories so much as the person entrusted to deliver them. (Note: this episode is for mature audiences, only.)

Tara Ison has amassed so many writing awards she should be talking to Charlie Rose, not us. After her Spillers No. 4 reading, the writer of everything from screenplays and essays to novels and short stories talks about embracing dark themes, how she drives her characters to their reckoning points, and why unreliable narrators are just the thing to keep readers turning pages. (Note: this episode is for mature audiences, only.)

Just because David Waid’s a talented writer doesn’t mean he can’t also whip up a punk band’s show poster or play a mean game of D&D or even sell $326 toothbrushes. After his Spillers No. 4 reading, David chats with us about the benefits of his creative upbringing, the delight he takes in historical obscene language, and how back in the day Dr. Woog’s PerioSystem had phones ringing off the hook.

Michael Holladay might not change his car’s oil every 3,000 miles, but he can be relied upon to write stories packed with tons of emotion. Following his powerful reading at Spillers No. 4, Michael discusses the importance of mentors appearing at the right time, how a desk job can be a death knell for writers, and why you sometimes have to leave home to write about it.