Two weeks ago, our paid subscribers got exclusive early access to one of our most compelling interviews yet.
Today, it’s your turn.
We’re proud to release our full conversation with Alex R. Johnson—a filmmaker whose debut novel is making serious waves. If you love gritty stories, complex characters, or the electric pulse of New York noir, this is the interview for you.
🕵️♂️ Who is Alex R. Johnson?
Alex made his mark in the film world with Two Step, a tense, critically acclaimed thriller that premiered at SXSW and landed a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Since then, he’s written screenplays for major studios like Paramount and Sony, adapted legendary writer Ernest Tidyman’s Big Bucks, and earned a coveted spot on the Black List with his script Northeast Kingdom.
But now, he’s taken his storytelling to a new frontier—fiction.
His debut novel, Brooklyn Motto, is a literary noir soaked in the raw, changing streets of 1998 New York City. It’s got all the grit, mood, and edge of a classic detective tale, but it also brims with heart, humor, and emotional depth.
“Stylish, propulsive, and deeply satisfying.” – Sam Lipsyte
“Witty, brooding, and full of soul.” – Evan Handler
“A love letter to detective fiction and 90s NYC.” – John Doe (X)
💬 What We Talked About
In this interview, Alex pulls back the curtain on:
The making of Two Step and what it taught him about storytelling.
The shift from screenwriting to novel writing—and how he found his voice on the page.
Why 1998 New York was the perfect setting for Brooklyn Motto.
Creating Nico Kelly, a reluctant PI with one foot in the past and the other in chaos.
What noir means in a modern world—and why it still matters.
It’s part writing masterclass, part personal journey, and part love letter to the city that shaped him.
Whether you're a writer, reader, filmmaker, or fan of stories that don’t flinch, this one’s worth your time.
📚 Want more like this?
If you want to get early access to all our interviews, along with bonus content, behind-the-scenes updates, and more, become a paid subscriber today.
Your support helps us keep building this platform, sharing these stories, and spotlighting the voices that matter. Paid subscribers are also helping us develop our new CIC business. That’s right. The Writing Community Chat Show is now a social enterprise. A non-profit business we are building to support authors and more. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber or donate to our PayPal link here.
Thanks for being part of this community. After 5 years hard work on this show, we are just getting the business started.
🎥 CJ & Chris
The Writing Community Chat Show.
WATCH THE INTERVIEW HERE!
Share this post