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'Real Steel 2': Lessons from My Screenplay Pitch
Thirteen years ago, I was asked to develop a sequel take for Hugh Jackman's robot boxing family film...so, let's see what screenwriters can learn from…
 • Cole Haddon
America Has a White Liberal Problem: Notes From a Screenwriter's Self-Exile
In the wake of Renée Nicole Good's murder, can we finally talk about why Hollywood, the Democratic Party, and other so-called liberal institutions…
 • Cole Haddon
In Search of Beautiful Things (and Creative Inspiration): October - December 2025
A photo essay of everyday beauty - by 5AM StoryTalk's readers and curated by me - to help inspire you on your personal and creative journeys
8 Essential Questions to Help You Write Your Character-Driven Screenplay
Nail your next script by asking the right character questions before you even start outlining
 • Cole Haddon
💬 Weekly Question: Where are our revolutionary artists?
It has been said that revolutionary messages require revolutionary messengers.

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5AM CoffeeTalk: January 2026
A monthly rundown about my life as a professional artist, art lover, and human being trying to survive the 21st century - good and bad, glorious and…
☕ 5AM StoryTalk Monthly Arts Seminar – January 2026
An ongoing group for paid supporters of this newsletter to discuss (with me and each other) the arts, craft and business, and the challenges they’re…
 • Cole Haddon
💬 Weekly Question: What's your 2026 New Year's arts resolution?
Weekly questions’ comment sections are left open for one week.
How to Get the Most Out of 5AM StoryTalk in 2026: A Complete User Guide
This newsletter is dedicated to helping people become better storytellers (especially screenwriters), advocating for art, and resisting the apocalypse…
 • Cole Haddon
Open Mic Night at 5AM StoryTalk
Here's a chance to promote your own projects and other causes - jump into the comments and tell us all about them!
 • Cole Haddon
💬 Weekly Question: Did you get what you wanted for Christmas?
Another Christmas has come and gone, my friends.
5AM RealTalk: 12/22/25
On the itinerary: I delivered my pilot script's first draft, the Bondi Beach massacre hits me hard, Rob Reiner's murder, and so much gratitude for you…
 • Cole Haddon
30 '90s Thriller Scripts to Download and Study
5AM StoryTalk has curated a tour through the most thrilling feature scripts from the end of the 20th century for you to learn from
 • Cole Haddon
Rob Reiner's Murder and the Decline of Cultural Empathy in 2025
Why we should reconsider the director's later work through the lens of his family's struggles with addiction and mental illness
 • Cole Haddon
19:02
Why You'll Never Get Tired of 'It's a Wonderful Life'
Spoiler: It's not because life is so wonderful
 • Cole Haddon
💬 Weekly Question: Where will you find beauty this holiday season?
Weekly questions’ comment sections are left open for one week.
24:47
Bonus Episode: Erin Cahill Talks Shakespeare's 'The Seven Ages of Man'
Listen | The Hallmark Christmas film star breaks down a seminal piece of art from her life - Shakespeare's 'All the World's a Stage' monologue from the…
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