Daniel Kraus Master Class Recording

Daniel Kraus Master Class Recording

From International Writers' Collective by International Writers' Collective

November 1, 2025 · 60 min

About this episode

Bestselling author Daniel Kraus discusses writing craft and creativity with IWC instructor Joy Florentine.

In this master class, New York Times-bestselling author Daniel Kraus shares craft insights and unusually candid career advice in conversation with IWC instructor Joy Florentine. The author of more than 30 novels, Kraus has built an enviable cross-media career spanning books, film, and television. His collaborations with Guillermo del Toro produced The Shape of Water—the novelization of the Oscar-winning film—and Trollhunters, adapted into the Emmy-winning Netflix series. He moves fluidly among genres—horror, YA fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction—and his books regularly earn major awards and appear on “best of” lists. His historical novel Angel Down topped The New York Times Book Review’s 10 Best Books of 2025. Recorded live in Amsterdam on 1 November 2025, this class offers an inside look at how Kraus developed Pay the Piper, a supernatural horror novel based on an unfinished manuscript by legendary filmmaker George A. Romero. But the conversation ranges far beyond horror. Topics include: How to craft a truly gripping novel—regardless of genre Why research is central to his process, and why he chooses not to use AI His strategies for avoiding writer’s block Why he…

People in this episode

Host: Joy Florentine

Guest: Daniel Kraus

Topics covered

  • writing craft
  • creativity
  • writing career
  • research
  • avoiding burnout

Keywords

  • writing
  • master class
  • Daniel Kraus
  • creativity
  • burnout
  • inspiration
  • craft

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: International Writers' Collective

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