The Top 6 Podcasts for Writers

(or, what I listen to in that godawful carpool line)

There are so many podcasts out there vying for your attention, asking for your ratings and reviews, and permeating the cultural landscape. I find myself sucked into all kinds of podcasts very easily: daily, serial, episodic, funny, serious, meditative. I love Marc Maron and Esther Perel. I collect podcast recommendations like I collect book titles. At the moment, podcasts are my favorite medium to ingest during long road trips and the shorter jaunts back and forth to school. When I am looking for a jolt of inspiration or rethinking my writing routine for the hundredth time this year, these are the six I go to (in no particular order), and I suggest you give them a listen as well. Each of the titles below also includes a link to the podcast’s website.

And then after you listen (or binge) for awhile, KEEP WRITING.

HELPING WRITERS BECOME AUTHORS

This helpful back to basics podcast run by K.M. Weiland, offers over 500 episodes on such topics as: when to take a break from writing, ways to approach relationship dynamics in your story, and the role of the antagonist in a novel’s structure. While the topics may seem geared toward the beginner honing her craft, the depth and richness of each episode offers great advice for the seasoned writer as well. Each episode runs about 15-20 minutes long and is perfect for that morning jumpstart we all need, especially during the long and arduous story-level revision process.

ANN KROEKER:WRITING COACH

If you are looking for that gentle voice encouraging you daily to take your writing seriously, to trust your inner voice, bring that same voice out into the world, and to brush up on those skills you need to put your best work out there, then follow Ann Kroeker: Writing Coach on your podcast playlist. She offers both interviews and solo podcasts that touch on topics like: simple systems that can help unlock your productivity, starting the writing process from the blank page stage, and asking yourself if you view writing as your profession. She is a consummate professional who also offers services as a writing coach and platform building mentor.

BEAUTIFUL WRITERS PODCAST

Linda Siversten’s podcast is a who’s who of your favorite authors. And if they are not your favorite, you have definitely heard of them, and then after hearing the masterful questions and answers during this podcast, you will pick up their books anyway. From Ann Patchett to Tomi Adeyemi, Siversten dives into large and magical topics that showcase the joy and creative magic in this often lonely and doubt-filled profession. The friendships and connections each author underscores as essential to their writing life just reaffirm this podcast as a must-listen for anyone who reads, writes and creates.

WRITER’S ROUTINE

Hands down, my favorite of the bunch. I can always count on Dan Simpson’s joyful podcast to ask the questions I want to know the answers to: How do you get the work done? What do you consider a good day of writing? What does your desk look like? What should I be doing more of? Less of? I have learned so much about how authors balance the revision process with their latest WIP and with guests such as Joanne Harris, Danny Wallace, and Ken Follett and over 210 episodes, there are so many interviews to delve into and savor. Just for fun, he also asks about notebooks, tech, and font choices too. 

THE SH** NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT WRITING

This one is for those of us who enjoy a little tough love with our podcasts. Hosts Bianca Marais, Carly Watters (whose Instagram is definitely worth a follow) and CeCe Lyra walk us through all of the ins and outs of the writing and publishing process. They review query letters honestly and with a deep understanding of the industry. They also discuss craft from a reader’s perspective. What elements actually makes a book have that intangible quality that makes you never want to put it down. You will recognize yourself in both the accolades and the criticisms they offer about all the work they encounter. This podcast will keep you humble, while also keeping you motivated to do your best work.

TEN MINUTE WRITER’S WORKSHOP

Even though they have not made a new podcast episode since their 60th episode aired in 2018, this New Hampshire Public Radio series is still the pinnacle of author interviews about craft. The tightly edited and beautifully constructed questions make these ten minutes the best of the best. Some people meditate in silence, I like to use these quick and inspiring conversations as a way into my daily creative life. The episodes with Celeste Ng and Atul Gawande are especially thoughtful and interesting discussions about the writing process. The authors discuss the elements of voice and structure they employ while also celebrating those works of art that inspire them as well. I have listened to every one, and you should too.

START YOUR OWN OR LISTEN TO MINE

I encourage you to start your own podcast. Your voice is important, and it is easier than ever to record, edit and post right in platforms like Captivate and Buzzsprout. If you are feeling intimidated, I understand. I am too. I will be launching The Literary Sipper podcast this spring and hope you all will follow along and listen. Let me know what you would like to hear from me in future episodes. What kinds of discussions do you need to feel inspired and connected to the artist’s community? Motherhood is a journey where one’s energy is at a premium. I want to help you make the most of your time as a writer, so you can feel filled up as a person, one whose creative life matters.

Keep writing, my friends. xo A