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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…
Jan 12
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Cole Haddon
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My 12 Favorite Problems...This Year
I use physicist Richard Feynman's problem-solving method to tackle my biggest questions about the future of the arts
Jan 21
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Cole Haddon
20
4
The Screenwriter's Guide to 'Selling Out' in 2026 (and Why It Might Be OK)
Some thoughts on an article by Black List founder Franklin Leonard about the resurrected commercial spec market and breaking into Hollywood today
Jan 19
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Cole Haddon
22
9
4
'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…
Jan 14
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Cole Haddon
20
7
💬 Weekly Question: Was Ursula K. Le Guin right about J.K. Rowling?
Remember when Ursula K.
5 hrs ago
15
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How to Survive the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Life of an Artist
Jan 16, 2024
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Cole Haddon
67
18
How to Become a Better Filmmaker by Studying Fine Art
Apr 16, 2025
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Cole Haddon
64
5
16
A Eulogy for Everything We Never Were (and Never Will Be Again)
Oct 12, 2024
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Cole Haddon
218
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Guys, What If Peak TV Broke Our World?
May 18, 2024
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Cole Haddon
194
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Recent posts
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💬 Weekly Question: What film would you force Hollywood to make?
Weekly questions’ comment sections are left open for one week.
Jan 16
16
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💬 Weekly Question: Where are our revolutionary artists?
Weekly questions’ comment sections are left open for one week.
Jan 9
30
30
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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
Jan 7
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Cole Haddon
32
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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…
Jan 6
20
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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
Jan 5
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☕ 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…
Jan 3
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Cole Haddon
11
7
5
💬 Weekly Question: What's your 2026 New Year's arts resolution?
Weekly questions’ comment sections are left open for one week.
Jan 2
20
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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…
Jan 1
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Cole Haddon
24
2
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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!
Dec 27, 2025
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Cole Haddon
26
10
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💬 Weekly Question: Did you get what you wanted for Christmas?
Another Christmas has come and gone, my friends.
Dec 26, 2025
26
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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…
Dec 23, 2025
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Cole Haddon
18
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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
Dec 17, 2025
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Cole Haddon
21
9
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