8 Must-Listen Podcasts for Writers
Podcasts are an excellent way for writers to stay inspired, informed, and connected. They let authors share their expertise, honed over years of experience. It’s like a writing degree at your fingertips, without the student debt!
Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, there’s a podcast out there that can offer valuable insights, advice, and inspiration. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best podcasts for writers that cover a range of topics, from the craft of writing to the business of publishing. From interviews with bestselling authors to discussions on writing techniques and the publishing process, these podcasts are sure to provide valuable insights for any writer looking to improve their craft or navigate the ins and outs of the book world. So grab your headphones, and let’s dive into our top recommended podcasts for writers!
Tim Clare’s Death of 1000 Cuts
We’re big fans of Tim Clare here at Novlr. So much so that we partnered with him to bring his Couch to 80k Creative Writing Bootcamp directly to our users! His Death of 1000 Cuts is the ultimate podcast for fiction writers seeking to elevate their craft. It is a powerhouse of inspiration, offering a unique blend of motivational rants, writing exercises, and in-depth interviews with accomplished authors.
But what makes this podcast so unique, is that he also offers detailed critiques of first pages submitted by listeners, making this podcast an immersive experience that will help you write more, write better, and fall in love with the process all over again.
The New Yorker Fiction Podcast
The New Yorker Fiction Podcast is a monthly podcast featuring readings and discussions with The New Yorker’s fiction editor Deborah Treisman. Each episode is a thrilling exploration as a guest author delves into The New Yorker’s archives to handpick a short story and engage in a thought-provoking conversation.
Hearing writers like Margaret Atwood explore the works of Alice Munro, or Ben Okri reading Franz Kafka provides invaluable insights into the craft and discipline of short fiction writing. Great writers analysing the work of other great writers provides a fantastic platform from which to learn.
Longform
In the Longform podcast, hosts Aaron Lammer, Max Linsky, and Even Ratliff dive into the creative process of some of the most influential voices in the industry. They talk about the lives and work of writers, journalists, filmmakers, and even other podcasters discussing their craft and how they navigate the ever-changing landscape of their respective industries.
With a diverse range of guests and a broad scope, Longform is a must-listen for anyone interested in the inner workings of the writing world and the journey of those who have broken through the traditional barriers to make their mark.
DIY MFA
Unlock the secrets of the writing world with Gabriela Pereira’s popular podcast, DIY MFA. What began as a casual series of Gabriela delving into various writing topics has evolved into a must-listen weekly show featuring in-depth interviews with bestselling authors, debut writers, and experts in the publishing industry. Previous writers who have appeared on the show create an impressive list of authors, including Eoin Colfer, Sarah Dessen, C. J. Box, Tana French, and more!
Each episode is a journey of discovery as Gabriela, and her guest, delve into a specific aspect of writing, examining the craft, the business side, or both; all while enthusiastically discussing books, writing, and all things literary.
Write Now
Hosted by the dynamic Sarah Werner, Write Now is designed for all writers, from aspiring to professional, seeking encouragement, honest advice, and inspiration to pursue their craft. In it, Sarah talks books, chats over coffee, dives deep into ephemeral topics like truth and beauty, and also keeps discussions light with fun tangents to uplift and inspire.
Sarah’s uplifting and motivational energy is contagious, providing the perfect motivation to pick up your pen and write every day. Each episode is a source of inspiration that will help you overcome self-doubt and jump back into the writing fray with renewed energy.
Grammar Girl
Hosted by Mignon Fogarty, a former faculty member in journalism at the University of Nevada and a former science writer, Grammar Girl serves up a delicious buffet of short, friendly, and easily digestible tips on grammar, punctuation, and style.
Whether English is your first or second language, these lessons will empower you to be a more successful and confident writer, and feed your love for the English language. It’s the grammar tutor we all needed but never had, with easy-to-understand explanations and accessible information.
The Creative Penn
The Creative Penn podcast helps writers looking to self-publish take charge of their careers with confidence. Hosted by the dynamic Joanna Penn, this podcast serves up a wealth of information and inspiration covering topics like the craft of writing, self-publishing, book marketing, and how to make a living from your words.
From writing tips and tech updates, to industry analysis and interviews with top authors, The Creative Penn is an essential tool for any author looking to navigate the constantly evolving world of publishing. Joanna’s progressive and slightly rebellious mindset is both inspiring and relatable, with valuable insights and advice to help you on your self-publishing journey.
Between the Covers
Explore the literary world and expand your horizons with Between the Covers, a fortnightly podcast that offers a deep dive into the world of books and the craft of writing. This is a podcast to savour, with episodes often exceeding two hours, making it perfect for those who want to immerse themselves.
The guest list of Between the Covers is exceptional, spanning all literary forms and featuring writers from all over the world. David Naimon, the host, and his guests always have engaging and insightful banter, with curious inquiries and well-informed discussions to pique the interest of any book lover. It’s like a writer’s festival panel at your fingertips!
There are lots of podcasts out there for writers that provide a treasure trove of knowledge, motivation, and community for authors of all levels. From listening to the musings of best-selling writers to obtaining tips and tricks for productivity and promotion, there’s something for every ink-slinger; and these are just a handful of the great podcasts out there!
