What I'm listening to: A few of my favorite writing-related podcasts

Whether you're seeking inspiration or commiseration, you'll find it here.

Photo by Juja Han on Unsplash

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Hi! Hope your holiday season was happy and healthy!

I don’t know about you, but whenever I see someone wearing AirPods it takes all my willpower not to run up and ask what they’re listening to. Whether it’s music, an audiobook or a podcast, I’m always on the hunt for a recommendation.

With that in mind, I thought I’d share some of the podcasts I’ve been enjoying lately. Most focus on writing and/or feature author interviews, making my bookworm heart swell exponentially.

If you’re thinking about writing a book, deep in a draft, or an avid reader who’s interested in an author’s backstory, I hope you find these as engaging as I do!

You Should Write a Book

I’ve been a fan of Camille Pagán’s since I saw her speak at the 2019 American Society of Journalists and Authors conference. A bestselling author of 10 books, master coach, and founder of Even Better Co., Pagán offers practical and empowering advice to help writers reframe their roadblocks and get back to work.

Writerly Lifestyle

I’m happily hooked on this podcast hosted by David Gwyn, a writer who is querying his thriller. If you don’t have a ton of time to listen, check out his 5-Minute Writer Series episodes. His full-length interviews with authors Rob Hart & Jessica Payne are among my favorites.

A Bookish Home

Librarian and host Laura Szaro Kopinski has a knack for asking her guests the questions I’m thinking moments after they pop into my head. One of my favorite episodes is her interview with Matt Bell, author of REFUSE TO BE DONE: HOW TO WRITE AND REWRITE A NOVEL IN THREE DRAFTS, which I found incredibly helpful. (She asked if he’s planning a series of craft books, which I, too, wanted to know. Here’s hoping she planted a seed!)

Dear Lonely Writer

I would listen to this podcast for host Eden Boudreau’s soothing voice and the warm intro music alone. But it’s Eden’s insight and palpable empathy for authors that keeps me coming back. Her understanding stems from the fact that she’s walked the walk. Her memoir CRYING WOLF will be released in March 2023.

Bookable Space

Bringing the literary salon to you, award-winning author and podcaster Yvonne Battle-Felton not only interviews novelists, she encourages them to read from their work, providing listeners with a unique experience that doesn’t require leaving the house. Ideal for chilly winter evenings!

Turning Writers Into Readers

Author and book coach Emma Dhesi and her guests help listeners navigate everything from carving out time to write to crafting the dreaded synopsis. Removing the intimidation and providing inspiration, Emma specializes in helping beginning writers boost their self-belief.

Second Act Success

Career coach and podcast host Shannon Russell interviews women who are pursuing their passions. While she doesn’t chat exclusively about books, a few of my favorite episodes include her chats with authors Carola Lovering (TELL ME LIES, CAN’T LOOK AWAY) and Karin Freeland (THE INS & OUTS OF MY VAGINA). Shannon hopes to write a YA novel someday and I am so ready to read it!

#AmWriting

Authors Jessica Lahey and KJ Dell’Antonia host this podcast, which has been helping writers with all aspects of the craft since 2016. Episodes are full of actionable advice but have the delightful feel of eavesdropping on a chat between good friends.

QWERTY

Memoir coach and author Marion Roach-Smith’s podcast as well as her online classes were a must-listen for me as I drafted my memoir, SAD SACKED. A recent highlight includes listening to Anna Quindlen talk about how writing improves your life.

Moms Don’t Have Time To Read

Author, publisher, and all-around book champion Zibby Owens hosts this daily (how does she do it?!) podcast, which features authors writing in just about every genre. Zibby’s enthusiasm is infectious. I haven’t gotten to it yet but her episode with Rob Delaney about his memoir, A HEART THAT WORKS, is next on my list. I also loved her interview with my pal Julie Vick, author of BABIES DON'T MAKE SMALL TALK (SO WHY SHOULD I?), which makes a perfect gift for new parents.

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

Hosted by author Bianca Marais, this podcast is split into two sections. During the first segment, Books with Hooks, co-hosts and literary agents Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra from P.S. Literary Agency read and critique query letters. In the second half of the episode, Marais interviews authors, agents, and editors, asking all the things listeners want to know.

The Bookshelf Odyssey

Art, host of The Bookshelf Odyssey, is always on the hunt for his next great read. Join him as he interviews writer across a range of genres. One of my recent favorites episodes is his chat with screenwriter and novelist, Matt Witten, whose novels, THE NECKLACE and KILLER STORY, will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Care to share some of your favorite podcasts? I’m all ears!