- Skip to main content
- Skip to header right navigation
- Skip to site footer
The Creative Life
Coaching for creatives
Ten of the best podcasts for writers
There are so many podcasts about writing now, covering the craft, the business, the pleasures – and the pain. Here are ten of the best.
So let’s talk about writing.
It’s a process that is interesting to virtually no one except other writers. Luckily, there are a lot of us. And podcasts talking about writing seem to increase by the week now. So you know, I also often recommend specific episodes or mention new podcasts in my bi-weekly newsletter for creative professionals .
But these are some of my favourites, covering the craft and the business of writing, the pleasures and the pain. What are yours?
1. In Writing with Hattie Crisell
Each episode sees British journalist Hattie Crisell go deep with a writer over 60 minutes. She’s an excellent interviewer who does her research, so she asks great questions and gets a good rapport with each guest. There are gems, new ways of thinking about writing, in every episode. I loved novelist Maggie O’Farrell talking about why she has two desks – each for a different project; Lucy Prebble on how the Succession writing room works; and Charlie Booker and James Acaster just being their brilliant comedic selves.
2. Write Now with Sarah Werner
If you’re feeling lonely on your writing journey, this is the place to go. Most of these short (around 15-minute) podcasts are monologues about the writing life, filled with wisdom, vulnerability and discussing the kind of blocks and insecurities that will be familiar to most writers. There are occasional guest interviews, and these are wonderful too. But mainly it’s Sarah Werner , talking with warmth, humour and searing honesty about her own struggles and those of the writers she knows and works with. Whatever your challenge is right now, she’ll have an episode that can help.
3. The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
The format here is the star. The first segment is Books With Hooks, and involves author and creative writing teacher Bianca Marais and literary agents Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra critiquing query letters and the opening pages of works submitted by authors hoping to get representation. If you’re interested in getting an agent or submitting your work for publication, this is a treasure trove of information, insight and intelligent criticism gently focussed on making each author better. It’s followed by more conventional interview with a writer or someone involved in the publishing business. While this is always interesting, the first section is pure gold.
4. The Offcuts Drawer
Host Laura Shavin is a British actor, comedian and also a voiceover artist. She interviews writers about the scripts that never got made, the work that was rejected, rewritten or otherwise never published: then gets fellow actors to read excerpts. It’s comforting to know how many top writers have work that never found an audience. Lisa Jewell’s episode offers down-to-earth insights into the novel-writing and editing processes; Val McDermid showcases her usual dry, self-effacing wit (I want to see her unmade minimalist TV cop drama); the scriptwriters leave you awestruck that anything ever gets made for the screen at all, when so many obstacles lie in wait.
5. The Creative Penn
Joanna Penn is a successful independent author of both fantasy thrillers and non-fiction books about writing and self-publishing. Her long-running podcast sees her discussing new developments in the world of publishing and what they might mean for independent authors especially in the first part of the show, then often chatting with another author about the business and process of writing.
If you like this, you might also enjoy The Self-Publishing Show , hosted by successful indie thriller writer Mark Dawson.
6. Writing Excuses
Long-running podcast offering short but information-packed 15-minute episodes in which a guest writer or the rotating list of writer/hosts discuss the business but mainly the mechanics of writing fiction. Is it acceptable to change the geography of a real city to suit your plotline? And you do you build believable worlds? How do you name a non-existent plant or animal? Do side-characters need their own story arc? And how do you make non-human characters convincing? Worth looking at for the titles alone: a recent episode was called The Gun On The Mantel is Actually a Fish .
7. Writer’s Routine
Dan Simpson is a children’s TV presenter and he brings that somewhat breathless, bumptious style to his interviews with authors. He doesn’t seem to read a great deal – his 2020 target was 20 books, which doesn’t seem a lot if you’re talking to writers regularly. But with over 200 episodes so far he’s managed to secure interviews with big names like Ian Rankin, Ken Follett. Kate Mosse and Joanne Harris, all talking about how, where and when they write; the tools they use; and even what fonts they choose to write in.
8. The Writer Files
Host Kelton Reid has an odd habit of sighing when he’s thinking, which sometimes gives the impression he’s bored with the whole thing. Which can’t be true, because he has kept this going for seven years now, interviewing hundreds of interesting writers. I’ve discovered lots of new (to me) books via these 30-minute episodes, most recently crime writer Tana French. Stand-out episodes include Always Sunny co-creator/star Rob McElhenney giving great advice to anyone wanting to break into TV comedy, but also writers in general; and the brilliant Walter Moseley’s thoughts on writing Los Angeles.
9. Literary Friction
This one is a happy new find for me, as there are 120 episodes to catch up on. It’s as much about intelligent reading as writing. Literary agent Carrie Plitt and her friend, the academic and writer Octavia Bright, interview a writer about their latest book. They then have a more general discussion about the genre/theme (they are fearsomely well-read), before they and the guest each recommend a book. I’ve only listened to a handful of episodes so far, but each led me to order at least one new book (Maggie Nelson’s On Freedom was the latest). I usually binge on a new podcast, but I might have to ration these out!
If you like authors (and other creators) talking about books they love, there’s also Daisy Buchanan ’s entertaining podcast You’re Booked . Daisy examines her guest’s bookshelves, and asks about the books that inspire and entertain them – happily including popular fiction as well as more high-brow literature.
10. Longform
Each weekly episode of this long-running podcast sees a non-fiction writer talking in-depth about the story behind their stories. Having worked as a journalist for 30 years, I’m passionate about longform stories, and the need to give writers the space to stretch out and really tell the tale they researched. But this is about more than news reporting. Hosts Aaron Lammer. Max Linsky and Evan Ratcliff ask great questions and gently encourage discussion of craft, ethics, insecurities, career progression, and the challenges of telling the truth in a world addicted to lies.
And finally..
Neil Gaiman is one of my favourite authors. He also happens to be very wise about the creative process. So his appearance on The Tim Ferriss Show is well worth a listen. Every morning, from 8-9am I follow Gaiman’s advice and sit at my desk. For that hour, I can stare into space, or I can write. Nothing else. The writing usually wins…
Related Posts
Your next year: start it well by taking a dream day
No more dusty, neglected goals and resolutions. Now that spring is here, start fresh with a better way to plan your year (and your life)
The best tools for writers in 2023
All you really need to write is a pen and paper. But this list of tools and resources will help you do more – and earn more from your work
The beginner’s guide to selling your work to shops
For artists and makers, selling your work to shops can be a valuable income stream. Here’s how to do it.
The best books I read in 2022
Books I read this year that are worth sharing
Reader Interactions
11th July 2022 at 5:18 pm
Rankin and Billingham big favourites in this house, Christopher, so looking forward to checking this out.
11th July 2022 at 4:31 pm
This list is great, although, it does lack a live streaming YouTube podcast! Made for the Writing Community, featuring over 200 episodes, LIVE every Thrusday. The likes of Iain Rankin, Sarah Pinborough, Mark Billingham, Julia Donaldson, Dom Joly, Adele Parks, John Kennedy, Max Brooks, and many more, have appeared and loved the show. Wink wink…. The Writing Community Chat Show!
What do you think?
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
TRY OUR FREE APP
Write your book in Reedsy Studio. Try the beloved writing app for free today.
Craft your masterpiece in Reedsy Studio
Plan, write, edit, and format your book in our free app made for authors.
Blog • Perfecting your Craft , Understanding Publishing
Posted on Apr 26, 2019
30+ Writing Podcasts You Should Be Listening To
About the author.
Reedsy's editorial team is a diverse group of industry experts devoted to helping authors write and publish beautiful books.
About Martin Cavannagh
Head of Content at Reedsy, Martin has spent over eight years helping writers turn their ambitions into reality. As a voice in the indie publishing space, he has written for a number of outlets and spoken at conferences, including the 2024 Writers Summit at the London Book Fair.
Well… don’t try to listen to all these writing podcasts — or you’ll never get any writing done!
With the massive popularity of audiobooks and podcasts, you could easily say that we’re in an era of ‘peak audio content ’ — and for book fans and budding writers, there’s never been a better time to get intimate advice from a range of voices. To celebrate the second season of Reedsy's Bestseller podcast , we’re giving you the skinny on some of the best writing podcasts around.
Publishing and Self-Publishing
Publishing a book is no easy feat. And if you choose to do it yourself by going down the independent publishing route , there’s a lot you’ll need to learn about marketing, design, and distribution. Thankfully, you won’t be short on great advice from those who have done it before.
Bestseller by Reedsy
Hosted by Casimir M. Stone, Reedsy’s podcast follows a single author over a season, charting their journey to becoming a self-published author. Covering both practical writing tips and anecdotes, each episode aims to cut through the BS and make self-publishing less daunting. The latest season centers on Bella Falls, the bestselling author of the indie Southern Charms cozy mystery series.
SPA Girls Podcast
Short for “Self-Publishing Authors,” the SPA Girls Podcast covers a lot of ground. Some episodes are devoted to writing craft and encouragement, while others look closely at publishing topics like Facebook advertising, Amazon metadata, and more.
The Creative Penn
As one of the leading voices of independent publishing, Joanna Penn is as close as you can get to an apostle in the self-publishing world. She’s racked up over 400 episodes and played host to countless guests including Reedsy’s Emmanuel Nataf who talks about the role blockchain will play in the future of publishing. Yawn. (Just kidding, Emmanuel!)
The Self Publishing Show
This one’s a master-and-apprentice-style podcast from Mark Dawson , the author of the John Milton novels (a popular series of self-published thrillers). He and co-host James Blatch bring on some of the heaviest hitters in independent publishing — and on occasion, Dawson will take a deep dive into the complex parts of digital book marketing like Amazon ads for authors.
Kobo Writing Life Podcast
From the team behind Kobo’s author platform, the KWL podcast gives you access to some of the brightest minds in indie publishing, while also providing a first look at new developments on Kobo.
The Bestseller Experiment
What started as an attempt to reverse-engineering a bestselling novel (with the advice of big-name guests like Ian Rankin, Michael Connolly and Joanne Harris) has since outgrown its one-year mission. Approaching its 200th episode at the time of writing, the Bestseller Experiments continues to attract some of the most insightful guests in publishing.
Sell More Books Show
Author (and friend of Reedsy ) Bryan Cohen co-hosts this show with veteran online marketer Jim Kukral that’s focused on just one thing. You guessed it: selling more books! If you’re looking for tips on getting the most out of your Amazon listing or managing your mailing list, you don’t need to look any further.
The Book Marketing Show
Writer and book marketing guru Dave Chesson (also a friend of Reedsy ) is one of the most enthusiastic personalities and focused minds in indie publishing. In his show, he and his guests offer up marketing strategies and practical hacks that could help you go from being a starving artist to a publishing success story.
Wordslinger
The hugely prolific author of the Dan Kolter archeological thrillers also happens to be a podcast host whose mission is to inform, inspire, educate, and entertain. He also has a real knack for booking interesting guests… such as this episode with Reedsy co-founder Ricardo Fayet where they talk about the tricky issue of discoverability.
Helping Writers Become Authors
Another prominent voice in the online writing community, author K.M. Weiland guides writers through the creative process of writing a book. Now in its tenth year, her podcast shows no sign of slowing down, with new episodes dropping each week.
Bestseller , Season 2 Episode 2: The People v. Cozy Mysteries
If you’re into writing, there’s a good chance you love to read, right? Here are a few shows that can help you find better books (and read them more mindfully).
What Should I Read Next?
In each episode, host Anne Bogel invites a new guest to chat about books: what they love, what they hate, and what you, gentle listener, should be reading next. Bogel has since recorded over 180 episodes as of this article.
Between the Covers
This Portland-based production is created in association with Tin House , one of America’s leading literary magazines. Leveraging the prestige of this association, host David Naimon converses with acclaimed authors like Marlon James and provides a platform for a diverse set of newer voices.
Literary Friction
Literary Friction is both a) a superb pun and b) one of the most innovative and culturally on-the-nose podcasts out there today. Hosts Carrie Plitt and Octavia Bright have a splendid rapport and razor-sharp instincts for conversational topics — though they’re helped by their range of diverse and fascinating guests.
Harry Potter and the Sacred Text
Or, to be more accurate — it’s an English class where the only books on the syllabus happened to be written by J.K. Rowling . In each episode, hosts Vanessa Zoltan and Casper ter Kuile focus on a different scene from the canon and discuss it through the prism of a chosen theme.
Dead Author’s Podcast
Though now on permanent hiatus, this comedy podcast sees H.G. Wells, science fiction icon, using his time machine to interview authors from the past (played by comedians the likes of Maya Rudolph and Ben Schwartz). Most of the time, the guests know very little about the authors they’re playing, but the episode featuring L. Ron Hubbard (Andy Daly) is as weird and funny as it is meticulously researched.
Bestseller Addendum 1: Choice Words for First Drafts (with Brett Putter)
Now let’s take a look at a few shows that concentrate on the craft of writing — writing podcasts that examine the artistic side of being an author.
Write Now with Sarah Werner
A show with a greater focus on self-care than most of the other entries here, Write Now with book coach Sarah Werner is a healthy mix of practical advice, interviews with authors, and positive creative affirmations.
Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
The Internet’s #1 authority on whether it’s who or whom , Mignon Fogarty (aka Grammar Girl) also has a podcast aimed squarely at anyone with a fascination for words — which, surely, is all of us.
88 Cups of Tea
Hosted by actor Yin Chang (from TV’s Gossip Girl ), 88 Cups of Tea is a writing podcast with a slight YA bent (that occasionally takes a diversion in the world of TV). The eclectic guests range from bestselling authors like Meg Cabot, to top literary agents and the man who translates Murakami’s works into English!
Writers Who Don’t Write
Have you ever struggled with writer’s block? Well you’re not alone. Hosts Jeff Umbro and Kyle Craner started this podcast as a way to get over their writing fears, only for it to evolve into something much more ambitious. Their most recent episode was in late 2018, but there’s still a mountain of archived episodes featuring guests like Andy Weir ( The Martian ) and Lev Grossman ( The Magicians ).
DIY MFA Radio
Host Gabriela Pereira guides listeners through deep conversations, homing in on practical steps to help writers develop their skills. With her signature upbeat style and deep well of literary knowledge, Pereira offers listeners an immersive MFA-style experience (without the accompanying student debt). Recent guests have included Sara Dessen, Jojo Moyes, Eoin Colfer, and Orson Scott Card.
The Creative Writer’s Toolbelt
Writer and creative coach Andrew J. Chamberlain is the host of this writing podcast. He’s ghostwritten award-winning biographies and published a number of titles under his own name as well. He has since adapted this long-running show into a book titled The Creative Writer’s Toolbelt Handbook (a little wordy if you ask us).
Writing Excuses
If you’re tired of too many hour-plus podcasts filling up your feed, you need to check out Writing Excuses . Now in its eleventh year, the show’s evolving panel of hosts (which has included fantasy bestseller Brandon Sanderson) takes the listener through a new topic each season and drills into specifics in bite-size chunks.
The Am Writing Fantasy podcast
Hosted by two bestselling authors, who have published more than twenty books between them, this great podcast releases new episodes every single Monday. It’s chock-full of good practical information on writing, publishing, and marketing of books. With a pitch of humor sprinkled on top, it’s even entertaining (or tries to be 😊).
The Drunken Odyssey with John King
Each episode, writer John King welcomes a new guest for a lively, uncensored literary discussion. Don’t know where to start? We recommend the episodes with novelist Elliot Ackerman , poet Denise Duhamel , or publishing superstar David Sedaris .
I Should Be Writing
The road to publishing success is often long and winding, something that Mur Lafferty knows better than most. Her podcast is a semi-confessional and highly personal account of her career as a genre author — which recently reached new heights with multiple nominations for her novel Six Wakes , and a commission to write the novelization of Solo: A Star Wars Story .
Beautiful Writers Podcast
If you want a bit of star power in your audio content, check out Linda Sivertsen’s show. Her celebrity guests have included the likes of Tom Hanks, Candice Bergen, Abby Wambach, and Anne Lamott.
First Draft: A Dialogue on Writing
This weekly interview show from host Mitzi Rapkin largely focuses on authors, with the occasional poet, screenwriter, playwright, or musician joining her on the mic for an insightful chat on the art of storytelling.
Shawn Coyne’s Story Grid is one of those writing books that most new novelists own — and on which almost all writers have a strong opinion, one way or another. In his podcast, the veteran editor is joined by ‘struggling author’ Tim Grahl to discuss the finer points of the craft. If you can't get enough of The Grid , there's a spin-off program called Editor Roundtable where five editors analyze stories according to Shawn's methods.
Writing Class Radio
Now in its seventh season, Writing Class Radio is the brainchild of writers Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. They read stories, talk to editors, and encourage listeners to submit their own stories — much like a real writing class!
The Secret Library Podcast
Prolific book podcaster ( bookcaster ?) Caroline Donahue interviews authors and figures from the publishing world and gets deep into the nitty-gritty of creating the books that we all love. Recent guests include Jasper Fforde, Susan Orlean, and Diana Gabaldon.
So You Want to Be a Writer
If you like your podcasts to a little more antipodean, the Australian Writers' Centre official podcast might be your cup of tea (or dollop of Vegemite).
The Writers Panel
Ben Blacker of The Thrilling Adventure Hour lets his listeners eavesdrop into conversation with some of the biggest names in television writing. If you dream of writing TV drama, or are just a Netflix addict, you’ll want to tune in for his talks with the likes of Vince Gilligan ( Breaking Bad ), Amy Sherman-Palladino ( Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel ) and Damon Lindelof ( Lost ).
3 responses
Peter B Dudley says:
14/05/2019 – 18:32
I listen to most episodes of the Taylor Stevens Show. She's a thriller writer and she shares her struggles with being a writer and gives advice on writing better stories.
Zack Urlocker says:
24/05/2019 – 18:54
I've listened to several of these shows but for my money, The Bestseller Experiment is a cut above. It's got the right mix of practical advice, good interviews, inspiration and humor.
Frank D says:
08/10/2019 – 14:07
A Writer’s Life Podcast is the most honest podcast on writing. And the funniest.
Comments are currently closed.
Continue reading
Recommended posts from the Reedsy Blog
100+ Character Ideas (and How to Come Up With Your Own)
Character creation can be challenging. To help spark your creativity, here’s a list of 100+ character ideas, along with tips on how to come up with your own.
How to Introduce a Character: 8 Tips To Hook Readers In
Introducing characters is an art, and these eight tips and examples will help you master it.
450+ Powerful Adjectives to Describe a Person (With Examples)
Want a handy list to help you bring your characters to life? Discover words that describe physical attributes, dispositions, and emotions.
How to Format a Book in Google Docs in 7 Simple Steps
While there are much better alternatives, here's how you can format a book in Google's popular writing app.
How to Plot a Novel Like a NYT Bestselling Author
Need to plot your novel? Follow these 7 steps from New York Times bestselling author Caroline Leavitt.
How to Write an Autobiography: The Story of Your Life
Want to write your autobiography but aren’t sure where to start? This step-by-step guide will take you from opening lines to publishing it for everyone to read.
Join a community of over 1 million authors
Reedsy is more than just a blog. Become a member today to discover how we can help you publish a beautiful book.
We have an app for that
Build a writing routine with our free writing app.
1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.
Enter your email or get started with a social account:
IMAGES
VIDEO