What happens when one creative career evolves into another, and then another?

In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with acclaimed singer-songwriter, bestselling novelist, filmmaker, and creative writing professor Stewart Lewis to explore a career built on curiosity, reinvention, and the courage to pursue new creative passions.

From touring with artists like Shawn Colvin and Ani DiFranco to publishing internationally acclaimed novels and bringing his stories to life on the big screen, Stewart shares how every chapter of his career prepared him for the next. Together, Jeff and Stewart discuss the differences between writing novels and screenplays, directing actors for the first time, building creative communities, and why it's never too late to start something completely new.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or someone considering a major life pivot, this conversation is a reminder that your next act can become your most meaningful one yet.

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  How Stewart transitioned from music to bestselling novels and filmmaking 
•  Why collaboration transformed his creative process 
•  The biggest differences between writing books and writing screenplays 
•  What makes a great film director beyond technical skills 
•  Why embracing change leads to a more fulfilling creative life 
•  The mindset needed to overcome fear, rejection, and self-doubt 

The best stories are often the ones we haven't written yet.