Craig Rainey - Renaissance Man

Craig Rainey - Renaissance Man

Curious about the life of a modern writer? This podcast is perfect for both readers and writers alike. Join Craig Rainey as he shares his unique experiences, passions, and challenges from his diverse and exciting career as an author, film actor, and award-winning musician. Craig Rainey is the epitome of a modern Renaissance man. He's a published author and award-winning screenwriter, with over 60 film projects and movies under his belt. Beyond the screen, he's been a professional musician, studio producer, and owner of an artist image development company. He’s also a former working cowboy and a proud Army veteran. Tune in to explore the creative world from a true multi-talent. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/craig-rainey-renaissance-man--4734285/support.

Episodes

Has Discipline in the Arts Gone Away

November 26, 2024 • 42 mins
Craig recounts his experinces in his everyfay life and in the arts. Are we really seeing the Death of Expertise?

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AI Experiences by Craig Rainey

September 10, 2024 • 45 mins
In this episode, Craig Rainey dives headfirst into the world of AI as he takes ChatGPT for a test drive. What starts as a curious exploration quickly turns into a jaw-dropping experience. Craig shares his insights on the astonishing capabilities of this cutting-edge technology and reflects on its potential impact—both exciting and a bit unsettling. From its impressive ability to generate human-like responses to the questions it rai...
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2024 Return of Craig Rainey - Big News

July 11, 2024 • 45 mins
New movie, new book—what’s next? Could stand-up comedy be on the horizon? Spend a few minutes with Craig Rainey as he brings you up to speed on the monumental developments in his ever-evolving career. As an actor, author, and musician, Craig's life is full of exciting projects and creative ventures. In this episode, he shares the latest on his upcoming movie, his latest literary work, and whether he’s ready to step onto the comedy ...
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Craig Rainey Wins Best Actor 2023

November 12, 2023 • 27 mins
Craig Rainey has been on fire this festival season, winning accolades in both acting and screenwriting. In this episode, he takes a moment to catch us up on his latest awards and the exciting progress he's making with HooDoo War and his newest Carson Brand novel. Tune in as Craig shares the behind-the-scenes stories from the festival circuit and updates on his upcoming creative projects.

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Craig is in a Western Movie to Start 2023

March 25, 2023 • 42 mins
It's been a couple of years since Craig Rainey last appeared in a feature film, but he's back in action as a co-star in a western currently in production. In this episode, Craig shares exciting details about his return to the big screen and updates us on all the other projects this modern Renaissance man has in the works. From film to writing and more, find out what Craig’s been up to as he continues to make waves in the world of e...
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2023 Preview of Craig Rainey's Upcoming Novels and Movies

January 30, 2023 • 27 mins
Craig Rainey has been hard at work on his latest two novels, with his newest release being a western based on one of the most infamous range wars in Texas history. In this episode, Craig talks about the inspiration behind his latest book, shares the excitement of being cast in yet another movie, and reflects on the standout moments from 2022. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the creative projects that have kept this Renaissa...
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I Finished a Novel - What am I Gonna do Now?

December 14, 2022 • 44 mins
Now that my 6th novel is officially published, I find myself dealing with unexpected creative withdrawals, including nightmares and a struggle to tap into my usual creative flow. In this episode, I’ll share what it’s been like coping with these challenges and how I plan to reignite my creativity and get back into the groove. Join me as I explore the highs and lows of post-publishing and the strategies I’m using to get the creative ...
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I Ran out of Story Halfway Through the Novel

October 30, 2022 • 24 mins
You format, you outline, you research, and you write—so how does all that effort lead to a half-finished book? In this episode, Craig Rainey delves into the common pitfalls that can derail even the most disciplined writers. He explores why projects sometimes stall halfway through, the mental and creative roadblocks that emerge, and the steps you can take to overcome them. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, this ...
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Cover Art is an Art Form

October 27, 2022 • 31 mins
I’ve been experimenting with different strategies to attract new readers, and one thing is clear—the book cover is crucial. But how do you make sure it’s the right fit for your genre? In this episode, I’ll share the methods I’ve tested and the lessons I’ve learned about designing the perfect cover. From understanding genre conventions to capturing the essence of your story in a single image, I’ll dive into what makes a cover work a...
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Sovereign Rule - #4 in the Series and Word Count - Uh Oh

October 13, 2022 • 35 mins
Word count is a hot topic in the writing world, but what’s the real deal behind it? Does more always mean better, or is quality more important than quantity? In this episode, Craig Rainey shares his personal experience navigating the word count debate and how he found a useful balance between the two. Join Craig as he offers insight into how to approach word count without sacrificing the depth and quality of your work.

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Reasonable Sin is Complete - Finally

September 11, 2022 • 29 mins
I’ve finally finished the 3rd novel in my action thriller series. In this episode, I’ll explain the challenges that slowed me down and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. The good news?

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Villains Make the Tale

July 28, 2022 • 30 mins
Your villains need just as much care and attention as your heroes. After all, audiences love a well-crafted bad guy. In this episode, Craig Rainey breaks down what makes the perfect villain, sharing his thoughts on the traits, motivations, and complexities that make a great antagonist truly memorable. From flawed humanity to the dark charisma that draws readers in, Craig explores the essential elements that create a villain audienc...
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Be Prolific in Your Busy World

July 17, 2022 • 27 mins
Balancing a writing career with the demands of everyday life is no easy feat. In this episode, Craig Rainey shares his strategies for staying productive as a writer while juggling the responsibilities of work and life. From time management tips to maintaining creativity under pressure, Craig offers practical advice on how to keep your writing career moving forward without burning out.

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Dialogue Drives the Story and Keeps the Reader Entertained

June 14, 2022 • 29 mins
Dialogue is one of the most challenging aspects of writing—it’s essential to get it right. In this episode, Craig Rainey reveals his methods for crafting riveting dialogue that pulls readers in and keeps them engaged. From capturing authentic voices to creating tension and pacing, Craig shares the techniques he uses to make conversations feel real and impactful in his stories.

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Less is not Fewer - Know the Law

June 8, 2022 • 27 mins
Craig Rainey shares essential tips for becoming a better writer, proving that you don’t need to be an English teacher to understand the rules of the writing craft. In this episode, he offers straightforward advice on mastering the basics, from structure and style to finding your voice. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, these practical tips will help you navigate the writing road with confidence.

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Supporting Characters - So Hard to Say Goodbye

June 5, 2022 • 32 mins
Craig Rainey dives into the world of colorful supporting characters and why they’re so essential to any story. In this episode, he explores the importance of these 'backing' characters, how they can add depth and richness to your plot, and what makes them truly memorable. From the creative process of developing them to their role in enhancing the main narrative, Craig shares his approach to crafting side characters that leave a las...
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Novel to Script - Uh Oh Changes Needed

May 3, 2022 • 26 mins
Converting Stolen Valor into a screenplay was a learning experience for Craig Rainey, highlighting the subtle—and not so subtle—differences between writing a novel and writing for the screen. In this episode, Craig shares the challenges he faced, the key distinctions between the two formats, and the techniques he used to adapt his story for film. Whether you're a novelist looking to venture into screenwriting or simply curious abou...
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Reasonable Sin - 3rd Book in the Series and I have Plot Block!

February 22, 2022 • 42 mins
Craig Rainey delves into his writing process for the Carson Brand series, sharing how the storylines come together and what inspires his action-packed novels. However, even seasoned authors face challenges—Craig opens up about the 'plot block' he’s encountering with the third book in the series. In this episode, he discusses how he’s working through it and what it’s like to hit creative roadblocks, offering a behind-the-scenes look...
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Publish or Self Publish That is the Question

February 6, 2022 • 32 mins
After pouring his efforts into the wrong marketing strategies, Craig Rainey had to hit the reset button and start from scratch with his publishing marketing. In this episode, he shares the lessons learned from those missteps and the journey of rebuilding his approach. Tune in to hear about the challenges, frustrations, and ultimate breakthroughs Craig experienced while finding the right path for marketing his books.

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Yellowstone - A Former Cowboy's Take

January 18, 2022 • 31 mins
Craig Rainey shares his thoughts on the popular Paramount TV series Yellowstone. While he acknowledges the show's potential and compelling premise, he believes it falls short due to focus group-driven writing. In this episode, Craig discusses what worked, what didn’t, and how creative decisions can be hampered when storytelling caters too much to audience feedback. Tune in for a fresh perspective on Yellowstone and the impact of fo...
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