6 More Podcasts Aspiring Writers Should Subscribe To (Part 2)
In a previous post, we composed a list of a few podcasts aspiring writers should check out. This opened up a whole different side of podcasts that I didn’t even know existed; writers who have tips they want to share with other writers who are on a similar journey to completing their novel. As someone who is just recently discovering the joys of author interviews and writing outlines, I have found myself diving into a lot of different podcasts, all of them helping me become a better writer.
If you found inspiration in our previous list, here are a few more podcasts aspiring writers should take a look at that will inspire you to open your notebook (or that blank Word document you have been avoiding) and start writing.
Grammar Girl with Mignon Fogarty
Last year, I took a copyediting course at university, and I found myself amazed at all of the grammar rules and linguistic facts that I didn’t even know existed. Since then, I find myself geeking out over how we construct sentences to create coherent stories (and that’s something I never thought I’d say). In this podcast, host Mignon Fogarty, founder of the Quick and Dirty Tips network, goes over grammar rules and tips such as spelling, the Oxford comma, and more. There are also interviews with authors about their craft. No matter what you’re struggling with in your draft, or if you just want to find out something cool about language, there is a podcast episode with a ton of knowledge every aspiring writer should have.
Write Now with Sarah Werner
Let’s be honest: a lot of us don’t have the privilege of being able to write full time. We’re trying to balance regular jobs while also trying to finish that first draft. One of my biggest obstacles is trying to find time to write in between classes, work, and everything else life throws at me. Sarah Werner helps writers through this obstacle in her podcast. Whether you’re a beginner or starting work on your sixth manuscript, Werner advises on how to balance work and life with writing.
Werner not only tackles the practical things like scheduling but also the emotions that come with being a writer. She answers questions of self-doubt with realistic encouragement and tips for how to work through fears you may have about being a writer. She also brings on guests for different perspectives.
Writing Excuses with Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal, Howard Tayler, & Daniel Wells
This podcast has a powerhouse of hosts: award-winning fantasy writer Brandon Sanderson; Hugo Award winner Mary Robinette Kowal; illustrator Howard Tayler; and horror writer Daniel Wells. The four authors come together once a week to discuss the how-to of writing genre fiction. While a lot of writing podcasts focus on general writing tips, this one stuck out to me because of its focus on genre fiction. Science fiction, fantasy, and horror are growing in popularity, and it always helps to learn from the experts.
Another thing that drew me to this podcast was the length of the episodes. Each episode is around 15 minutes long, which is great for people who don’t have the time to sit and listen to an hour-long episode or maybe don’t have the attention span for it. And you would be surprised by how much you can fit into that short amount of time.
The Writer Files with Kelton Reid
Who better to talk about writing than those who have mastered it? Host Kleton Reid interviews writers about productivity and creativity in their own words. I always love listening to writers talk about their craft; each writer has their own process that helps them get to the finish line. And hearing from people who have finished a manuscript and had it published also serves as inspiration whether I am still in the outlining phase or deep into revisions. What makes this podcast so special is that Reid studies what the writers do regularly to promote creativity and productivity. A major part of being a writer is being self-motivated, and Reid helps untangle what that means.
Past guests of this show include writers Andy Weir, author of the bestseller The Martian and Emma Donoghue, author of Room and writer of the Oscar-winning screenplay. Reid also interviews the founder of WIRED magazine Kevin Kelly and journalist Adam Skolnick.
The Self-Publishing Show with Mark Dawson and James Blatch
Once you get to the stage where your book is ready to go out into the world, you have to make a major decision: do I go the traditional publishing route of getting an agent and being picked up by a publisher or do I publish on my own? Mark Dawson and James Blatch discuss the latter option in their podcast. Many authors go through the self-publishing route and find success, while others find themselves at a loss for how to get their books into the hands of readers. Dawson, who has found great success in self-publishing his books, shares his tips and tricks with Blatch, who is on his own journey of self-publishing for the first time. The dynamic between these two makes for a podcast that is informational and eye-opening.
As someone who is studying publishing at university, I find self-publishing as something that I am always trying to find out more about. With the advances in technology and help from companies like Amazon and Google, self-publishing is becoming a tool that many authors are using, and with great results.
Minorities in Publishing with Jennifer Baker
This is another podcast that focuses on publishing, however, Jennifer Baker looks at the industry through the lens of an advocate. In interviews, Baker, who is a writer and editor, discusses the lack of diversity in the publishing world and how that affects the books we read. As writers, we need to know what is going on in publishing houses, and Baker is giving us an inside look at what is or isn’t being done to diversity publishing houses, from the Big Five to independent houses.
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About Sydney Logan
Sydney is a student, writer, and poet who calls Maryland and Boston home. When she isn’t tweeting or writing, you can find her snuggling her cat and figuring out how to make the world a more peaceful and equitable place. You can find her on Instagram at @syd.kristen