best podcasts on creative writing

Podcast Review

The 11 Best Writing Podcasts

I n 1959, Jack Kerouac sat down at his typewriter and compiled a haphazard list of thirty “guidelines” for writing. His nuggets of wisdom included such zingers as “Blow as deep as you want to blow” and “Struggle to sketch the flow that already exists intact in mind.” Whether Kerouac would have done the podcast circuit to promote “ Belief and Technique for Modern Prose ” is a question lost to history, but the enduring fetishization of the writing process shows that sources of creativity have always been elusive. Writers’ secrets are coveted like truffles amongst hungry pigs.

We all know that talking about writing is easier than actually writing. Listening to the podcasts on this list won’t substitute sitting down and putting words on paper. But it is impossible to deny that whether you are a freelance journalist or a budding novelist, the process of looking for inspiration can be a lonely one. This is where writing podcasts can become a useful resource to support your creative practice. Or, if you’re going to procrastinate, at least do so by listening to one of these 11 podcasts for writers to inspire your work.

DIY MFA Radio

We’ve all gone through a period of writer’s block. Desperate for inspiration, we might research prestigious graduate programs, hungry for the affirmation that an MFA promises. But times are changing, and having a degree is not necessarily a prerequisite of success. High tuition fees are putting many writers off the concept, so it is no wonder that other platforms are stepping up. Gabriela Pereira is not claiming that her podcast, DIY MFA Radio, is a complete replacement for a grad program, but her popular show provides a toolkit for writers seeking to diversify and strengthen their craft. If you can get past being referred to as a “word nerd” in the first thirty seconds, each episode of the show delves into most questions in writing or publishing that you’ve always wanted to ask. Through interviews with the likes of Jojo Moyes, Brenda Jackson, and Steve Berry, DIY MFA substitutes a seminar for soundwaves. The show explores everything from the obvious (“How to Turn Characters Into People”) to the useful (‘An Inside Look at Tropes in Literature’) and the unexpected (‘Crafting an Amish Romance’). The best part: no student debt.

Longform Podcast

Many career journalists dedicate their lives to longform writing. Chronicling the development of such writers and storytellers is Longform , an interview podcast prioritizing the slow burn of creative nonfiction in an internet age that rewards clickbait. A recent surplus of episodes featuring writers promoting books and novels isn’t necessarily a drawback. It’s perhaps symptomatic of the recent resurgence in book sales , hardly something to be disappointed about. With a broad scope and a diverse set of guests, Longform does a great job covering a changing industry — especially the way people previously excluded from magazine writing have broken onto the scene.

The Writer’s Voice

For nearly a century, The New Yorker has been publishing some of the best new fiction, from extracts of the latest Ben Lerner novel to short stories by Rachel Kushner and Elif Batuman. But here’s a secret: you need neither a subscription nor spare time to enjoy new prose. The Writer’s Voice is part of the magazine’s excellent podcast catalog, which includes shows dedicated to both fiction and poetry as well as The New Yorker Radio Hour . What makes The Writer’s Voice different is suggested in its title. These writers are reading their own work, giving each an additional layer of intimacy. Sure, it’s no indie show. But the prestige attached to the magazine attracts some of the best writers working today. If you’re a contemporary writer interested in how “our moment” is represented on the page, this is the podcast you should be listening to.

The Underground Writing Podcast

Describing the aim of Underground Writing, the organization’s executive director, Matt Malyon, writes: “We use creative writing as a shovel. . . And the soil, prepared by the literature, is pliant.” An accomplished and poignant example of how writing can create a positive impact beyond bookshop shelves, Underground Writing is a creative writing program that serves migrant, incarcerated, and other at-risk groups in northern Washington. The long hours involved in completing a book can breed solipsism, even egotism. Although sometimes necessary to finish a project, these feelings often make the process isolating. Listening to The Underground Writing Podcast reminds us that, at its core, writing has the capacity to inspire hope. We don’t need fancy grad programs to create something with substance. Writing belongs to everyone — even, and perhaps especially, the disadvantaged. Created by Malyon alongside Alvin Shim, the project has continued to produce podcast content throughout the pandemic, giving a platform to voices often forgotten in the noise.

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The Writer Files

With episodes like “How to Write a Book in One Month” and “5 Things Only Serious Writers Do,” The Writer Files is a response to our obsession with productivity. The show features a combination of interviews with writers on the minutiae of their routines and analyses of the science behind creativity, tapping into behavioral techniques with the aim of making its listeners more efficient writers. Some might argue that using neuroscience to deconstruct the magic behind writing risks turning artists into automatons, yet it is undeniable that The Writer Files fills a hole in the discourse around career writing. Occasionally, we must abandon the romanticization of the lonely writer scrawling longhand into a notebook, uninhibited by modern workloads. The episode on “ Busting the Myth of the Starving Artist ” is an important conversation about writers having the right to live a healthy life. We do not have to die for our art, and The Writer Files is an important reminder.

Between the Covers

Between the Covers is a writing podcast with literary clout. Brought to us by the publisher and literary journal Tin House , the show is hosted by David Naimon, a softly spoken modern sage who may or may not be the most knowledgeable person in the genre, though this fact has yet to be verified. The show’s standing as a platform for diverse writers and sharp, reflective conversation makes it the perfect gateway drug for a first audio hit of high-brow literature.

Even if you came for its reputation, you’ll stay for the show’s mini-series “Crafting with Ursula,” where writers discuss their own craft alongside the work of science fiction writer Ursula Le Guin. Le Guin’s masterful world-building proves a perfect vessel for conversation on topics ranging from nature writing to the poetic form. Current and innovative, Between the Covers provides writers with an anchor to a world of its own making, a world that is unapologetically literary .

Sponsor Working Drafts: A Writing Podcast

Novelist/humorist/coffee enthusiast Ted Fox (SCHOOLED, DATE WEEK) talks with other writers about their work—not so much the books they’ve published (although those definitely come up) but more what they’re writing right now, aka their works in progress, their working drafts, their open Word documents making them want to throw their computers out a window. Covering the good, the bad, and the daunting word counts, these are conversations about the craft of writing meant to be both fun and helpful. New episodes released each month (okay, most months) on the 15th.

Writing Excuses

Writing Excuses is a punchy, fifteen-minute podcast that focuses on the craft behind creative writing. The success of the show, now on its seventeenth season, is down to the dynamism of its presenters. Each one a working writer, the hosts represent a wide range of interests and genres, offering ideas on hundreds of writing topics. Have you ever wondered how to use food as a creative device? Do you know how to you write a character who is out of their depth? In many ways Writing Excuses is delightfully old-school, yet it also reflects emerging and important trends in writing, such as gender, writing “the other,” and using sensitivity readers. Episode highlights include their recent live recorded shows, where the hosts’ crosstalk is funny and engaging; combined with the frequency of their episodes, Writing Excuses is a solid resource.

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

Let’s talk about rejection. For the emerging writer, failure inevitably precedes publication. To continue writing is a feat of daily endurance not dissimilar to running a marathon wearing nothing but a loincloth that reads “desperate for industry acceptance” across one’s butt cheeks. The answer, for those hungry for affirmation, might be a prestigious graduate program. But having a degree is by no means a guarantee for success. Plan B? Sorry to break the news, but the odds of winning a literary prize are very low. So what does a new writer do? This question, and plenty of others like it, are answered in The Shit No One Tells You About Writing , a podcast that provides a toolkit for writers seeking to understand a publishing world that is often impenetrable.

Host Bianca Marais knows exactly how to answer the tough questions; she’s a best-selling novelist herself. Alongside industry insiders, Marais never sugarcoats the road to publication, instead offering useful and realistic advice that leaves writers with a better sense of the chaotic industry they’re determined to be a part of. The best part? Her co-hosts Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra critique two query letters in every episode, just in case you weren’t suffering enough.

Supercontext

A self-proclaimed “media autopsy,” this cult podcast by Christan Sager and Charlie Bennett was not overtly aimed at aspiring writers. The goal of Supercontext — which ran from 2016 to 2020 — was to understand why a book, television show, film or album was made, forgoing performing plot analysis or becoming a Cliffnotes hack-job to instead place media in its cultural context. Supercontext was a show that was hard to categorize, encompassing both mainstream and indie genres. Much like the podcast Philosophize This! (the similarity in tone and quality should also be noted), Supercontext relied almost exclusively on the support of its listeners who helped decide that topics became episodes. The podcast was a textbook example of how, as with writing, building a fanbase through authenticity is still achievable today. The show exemplified an important lesson for budding authors and screenwriters: how your writing is consumed will determine whether you can produce more.

The VS Podcast

Here’s a conundrum for the reviewer: The VS Podcast is easy to describe and yet impossible to describe. Playful, engaging, and original, this is a podcast that straddles the lines between poetry, politics and talk show. So where to start? Well, I can safely tell you VS. , as it is also known, is a podcast from The Poetry Foundation, the folks behind Poetry Off the Shelf and Poem Talk . VS. can even be called a radical, queer poetry podcast. But while this show employs a lot of labels, its strength comes from its fluidity. Effervescent and courageous, VS. moves between poetic genres and challenges outmoded ideas about art and identity. With an emphasis on BIPOC art, the show amplifies the voices of marginalized poets and marginalized poetics, engaging with a diverse range of voices. In making space for experimental work, the show is a powerful resource for writers seeking inspiration beyond established boundaries.

Writers, Ink

Hosted by three bestselling authors, Writers, Ink will make you feel better about that unfinished manuscript on your flash drive. A show about the business of writing, each episode interviews a working writer to explore an aspect of being a professional in today’s industry. The advice is rarely romantic. Arguably, that’s part of the appeal. Many writers, especially those balancing the demands of modern life with their creative practice, are frustrated with the mythology figures like Kerouac perpetuate. Writers, Ink is ideal for those looking to establish a career in writing but who don’t have the luxury of unlimited time to make it happen. As a tool to increase productivity, listening to an episode is probably healthier than developing a caffeine habit, but nobody is saying you can’t do both.

Alice   Florence   Orr  is a staff writer for  Podcast Review  and is based in Edinburgh . Her work has appeared in  Scottish Review ,  Like The Wind , and  Nomad Journal . You can connect with her on  Twitter  or  Instagram .

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20 Best Creative Writing Podcasts

• The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers
• Creative Writing Life
• First Draft | A Dialogue on Writing
• Write, Publish, and Shine
• The Inner Loop Radio | A Creative Writing Podcast
• Become a Writer Today
• Creative Writing Club
• Early Work with Rhys James
• New Writing North
• Selected Prose
• The Creative Writer's Toolbelt
• Passion for Creative Writing
• English Literature Analysis for the HSC with Tim Macintyre
• 88 Cups of Tea
• Story Craft
• Lana M. 'Rochel Author | Carol of the Wings, Vintage Folk Patchwork Tale
• The Underground Writing Podcast

Creative Writing Podcasters

• Creative Writing Podcasts Newsletter

Creative Writing Podcasts

Here are 20 Best Creative Writing Podcasts worth listening to in 2024

1. The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

2. Creative Writing Life

3. First Draft | A Dialogue on Writing

4. Write, Publish, and Shine

5. The Inner Loop Radio | A Creative Writing Podcast

6. Become a Writer Today

7. Creative Writing Club

8. Early Work with Rhys James

9. New Writing North

10. Selected Prose

11. The Creative Writer's Toolbelt

12. Passion for Creative Writing

13. English Literature Analysis for the HSC with Tim Macintyre

14. 88 Cups of Tea

15. Story Craft

16. Lana M. 'Rochel Author | Carol of the Wings, Vintage Folk Patchwork Tale

17. The Underground Writing Podcast

• Screenwriting Podcasts
• Writing Podcasts
• Copywriting Podcasts
• Creativity Podcasts
• Short Story Podcasts
• Playwriting Podcasts

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The Podcasting

Top 20 Best Creative Writing Podcasts to Inspire and Educate Writers

In this writing world, inspiration can strike at any moment. Whether you’re a professional novelist or an aspiring poet, creative writing podcasts provide a treasured supply of motivation, guidance, and storytelling expertise. These audio gems collectively feature authors, poets, screenwriters, and literary professionals sharing their insights, discussing the craft, and granting a window into the creative process. In this article, we’ve curated 20 best creative writing podcasts that promise to ignite your creativity and improve your writing skills. 

Writing Excuses

“Writing Excuses” is a treasure trove of writing hints and tricks hosted by bestselling authors Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal, and others. Each episode is a rapid master class in several writing factors, making it best for busy writers on the go.

The Creative Penn Podcast

Joanna Penn hosts “The Creative Penn Podcast,” exploring the intersection of creativity and commercial enterprise in the writing world. Her company delves into self-publishing, marketing, and the artwork of storytelling.

The Writers’ Co-op

Join hosts Jacqui Lipton and Samantha Wallen as they dissect the world of publishing, supplying insights on contracts, copyright, and the whole thing in between.

The Bestseller Experiment

Mark Stay and Mark Desvaux are on a mission to write and market a bestseller. This podcast files their trip while offering interviews with famed authors.

For storytelling enthusiasts, “The Moth” is a must-listen. It elements actual humans sharing their private memories in front of a stay audience, showcasing narrative electricity.

The New Yorker

Fiction Dive into the world of literature with this podcast, where modern-day authors study and discuss short stories from The New Yorker’s archives.

The Horror Writers Podcast

If you are a fan of horror writing, this podcast provides insights, interviews, and discussions on the craft of scaring your readers 

The Writers Panel

Ben Blacker invitations enterprise authorities to talk about the commercial enterprise of writing for TV, film, comics, and more. Gain precious insights into the world of visible storytelling.

The Manuscript Academy

A valuable resource for aspiring authors, The Manuscript Academy offers guidance on querying, writing, and navigating the complex publishing world.

The Dead Robots’ Society

This podcast is devoted to supporting aspiring authors in navigating the challenges of writing, publishing, and advertising their work, with a focus on science fiction and fantasy genres.

Helping Writers Become Authors

Host K.M. Weiland affords realistic writing advice, exploring the artwork of storytelling, persona development, and plot structure.

The Write Practice

From prompts to writing exercises, “The Write Practice” targets to sharpen your writing capabilities through realistic instruction and inspiration.

First Draft

A Dialogue on Writing: Sarah Enni interviews distinguished authors about their writing journeys, providing an intimate glimpse into their innovative processes.

DIY MFA Radio

Hosted by way of Gabriela Pereira, “DIY MFA Radio” is a writing workshop in podcast form, protecting a variety of factors of writing, from personality improvement to world-building.

The Guardian Books Podcast

Stay up to date on the modern day in the literary world with discussions, e-book recommendations, and creator interviews from The Guardian.

The Literary Disco

Join three pals as they dissect books, share their studying experiences, and discover the world of literature actively and enticingly.

The History of Literature

Delve into the world of primary literature with host Jacke Wilson as he explores the testimonies and authors that have formed our literary history.

Story Grid Podcast

Shawn Coyne and Tim Grahl discuss the art of storytelling and the use of the Story Grid technique to analyze books, movies, and more.

The Poetry Foundation Podcast

For poetry enthusiasts, this podcast presents a deep dive into the world of verse, providing readings, discussions, and interviews with modern-day poets.

The Well-Storied Podcast

Kristen Kieffer shares actionable recommendations on the writing process, publishing, and marketing, supporting writers to flip their thoughts into well-crafted stories.

Whether you are searching for writing advice, writer interviews, or inspiration, these 20 innovative writing podcasts have you covered. From dissecting the artwork of storytelling to exploring the publishing industry, there is something for writers of all genres and levels. So, plug in your earbuds, hit play, and let these podcasts be your companions on your writing journey, assisting you in sharpening your skills, finding new perspectives, and igniting your innovative spark. Happy listening, and may additionally your writing endeavors be ever extra inspired! 

About Author

Aloysia Pramodh is part of our The Podcasting Research Team which is a dynamic and passionate group of young researchers who are dedicated to exploring the world of podcasting. Whether you’re a podcast creator, a marketer, or simply a curious listener, the work of The Podcasting Research Team can provide valuable insights into the trends and best practices in the podcasting world.

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The best writing podcasts to foster creativity in 2024 .

Senior Content Marketing Manager

February 16, 2024

In 1959, Jack Kerouac took to his typewriter and typed a spontaneous list of thirty ‘guidelines’ for writing, offering gems of advice such as “write what you want bottomless from the bottom of the mind” and “write in recollection and amazement for yourself.” 

We don’t know if Kerouac would have embraced the podcast circuit to share his Belief and Technique for Modern Prose .

But we know the writing process is endlessly fascinating and elusive, and writers’ secrets are sought after.

Talking about writing often seems more straightforward than actually writing. While listening to the podcasts recommended here won’t replace sitting down to write, it can help you overcome the isolation of seeking inspiration, whether you’re a creative writer or an aspiring novelist. 

That’s why writing podcasts are so valuable. They offer support, guidance, and encouragement for your creative efforts.

Writing podcasts are audio programs that explore the many aspects of writing, from the craft to the lifestyle. 

They are essential tools for anyone looking to enhance their creativity, refine their skills, or find community in the sometimes lonely writing endeavor. 

By tuning into these podcasts, you can learn from other writers’ experiences, learn new techniques, and stay motivated throughout your writing journey.

Different Types of Writing Podcasts

1. write-minded, 2. the creative penn podcast, 3. grammar girl quick and dirty tips for better writing, 4. the writers’ hangout, 5. self-publishing school, 6. the writer files, 7. london writers’ salon, 8. the power of storytelling, 9. writing around the kids, 10. creating happy writers, 11. beautiful writers podcast, 12. the drunken odyssey with john king, 13. the creative writer’s toolbelt, 14. the big gay fiction podcast, 15. writer’s routine , 16. well-read black girl, 17. helping writers become authors, how to use writing podcasts for inspiration and learning, grow your writing career with clickup, brush up your creative skills with writing podcasts, common faqs.

Writing podcasts come in various flavors, catering to the diverse needs and tastes of the writing community. 

Here are some of the main types of podcasts about writing and what they can offer you:

• Instructional podcasts: These podcasts offer practical advice on improving writing skills, covering topics from grammar to story structure. They provide a wealth of knowledge accessible to beginners and experienced writers
• Inspirational podcasts : These podcasts are designed to motivate you by sharing success stories and delivering pep talks. They serve as a source of encouragement, fostering the resilience and creativity needed to face the challenges inherent in your writing career
• Genre-specific podcasts: If you wish to dive into the nuances of writing within particular literary categories such as mystery, romance, or science fiction, genre-specific podcasts are meant for you. They provide insights tailored to writers seeking to refine their craft within specific genres 
• Author interviews: These podcasts offer an intimate look into the lives of bestselling authors, giving you a glimpse of the creative processes and experiences that shape their work. This gives you a behind-the-scenes perspective on the art and profession of writing
• Community-oriented podcasts: These podcasts establish virtual spaces for writers to connect and share their diverse journeys and insights. They actively guide you on your path, serving as beacons for those seeking to master their craft and find creative fulfillment

Now that you know the different types of podcasts, you can choose the one that best suits your preferences. 

To help you further, we have compiled a list of the year’s best podcasts, providing valuable insights to refine your writing skills and spark inspiration. 

Top Ranking Writing Podcasts

No matter where you are in your writing journey, we’ve curated a list of the 17 best writing podcasts of this year to get the creative juices flowing:

Hosted by Brooke Warner from She Writes, the world’s largest online community for women writers, and Grant Faulkner from National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), Write-minded is a weekly podcast that offers a dynamic blend of writing advice, craft-focused discussions, and industry insights. 

In each episode, the hosts conduct engaging interviews with writers and publishing professionals, accompanied by a mini-feature exploring current trends in the publishing world. 

Whether you’re an aspiring author or an established writer, Write-minded delivers a compelling mix of creative inspiration and business insight. 

Recent episodes feature Stephanie Foo discussing the challenges of writing about trauma and A.M. Homes sharing insights on the craft of characterization, making it an invaluable resource for writers at all stages of their journey.

Must-listen episodes

• How to Be Self-Revealing in Memoir When You’re Not In Real Life , featuring Dr. Brian H. Williams
• The Future of the Book , featuring Maja Thomas
• The Subtle Art of Attunement and Its Bearing on Our Writing , featuring Baron Wormser

What listeners say

I can’t stop listening. If you are a writer, you won’t be able to either.

Hosted by Joanna Penn , a successful indie author and entrepreneur, The Creative Penn Podcast provides insights into writing, self-publishing, book marketing, and also how to make a living with your writing. 

Each episode covers topics ranging from genre exploration to the technical aspects of publishing aimed at helping authors understand the book industry. 

Joanna often invites guests like Mark Dawson and Orna Ross, who share their expertise on specific subjects, offering listeners actionable advice to apply to their writing and publishing endeavors.

• A Creative Approach to Generative AI in Book Cover Design with James Helps
• Facing Fears, and Writing Unique Characters with Barbara Nickless
• How Generative AI Search Will Impact Book Discoverability in the Next Decade with Joanna Penn

The mix of audience and the style of the podcast (monologue followed by interview) make it entertaining. Very highly recommended.

Mignon Fogarty , the voice behind Grammar Girl, offers short, friendly tips to improve your writing. Covering grammar, style, and usage, each episode dives into common writing errors and stylistic nuances that can make or break your work. 

The podcast helps writers of all levels clean up their prose and communicate more effectively, making it one of Writer’s Digest’s 101 best websites. 

Guests like linguists and authors discuss language evolution and writing best practices, making complex language rules accessible to everyone.

• Technology changes how we write. Who was the first Goody Two Shoes?
• The psychology (and language) of time. Commas are like people on the subway. Fox chores.
• Why English has silent letters. Dayjamas

The Grammar Girl podcast is the best!!! I especially like the parts about how English has changed over time.

The Writers’ Hangout is a space for writers to share stories, challenges, and victories. 

It’s hosted by various members of the writing community, including PAGE Social Media Director Sandy Adomaitis and co-host Terry Sampson . Each episode dives into different aspects of the writing life, from overcoming writer’s block to exploring creative processes. 

The podcast offers community and practical advice, helping writers feel less isolated.

One of the notable guests featured on the show is the screenwriter Matias Caruso, whose inclusion holds particular significance. As a self-taught screenwriter from Argentina, Caruso brings a unique perspective and journey to the podcast. 

His story of mastering English and screenwriting skills independently amidst cultural and linguistic challenges is inspiring and relatable for aspiring writers globally. 

By featuring Caruso’s insights, the podcast not only enriches its content with diverse experiences but also highlights the inclusivity and encouragement it aims to foster within the creative community.

• How Writers Find Their Agents And Managers
• 7 Quick Tips for Creating Memorable Character Names
• Billy Wilder’s 10 Crucial Tips To Write A Great Screenplay

Podcasts like these are exactly what I need when I’m taking a writing break. It feels like you’re in the space with them and enjoying the conversation.

Chandler Bolt hosts the Self-Publishing School podcast, which focuses on how to write, publish, and market your books effectively. 

Each episode provides step-by-step guidance on self-publishing, making it a valuable resource for authors at any career stage. 

Chandler and his guests, including successful self-published authors such as Joanna Penn and Derek Murphy, discuss strategies for book launches, marketing, and building an author brand, offering listeners a blueprint for self-publishing success.

• Mastering Marketing and Book Promotion with Dr. Joe Vitale
• Portable Stories, Great Case Studies, And Writing Books People Share with Joey Coleman
• The Story Blender: How I Sold 1 Million Copies Of My Novels with Steven James

This is a good podcast for anyone who wants to write a book, no matter what their situation in life is.

Kelton Reid studies the habits, habitats, and brains of famous writers to understand what makes them tick. 

The Writer Files covers everything from productivity hacks to the psychological challenges of writing, offering insights into how successful writers overcome common obstacles. 

Guests have included bestselling authors such as David Sedaris and Gretchen Rubin, who share their routines, writing techniques, inspirations, and tips for maintaining creativity and productivity.

• How to Land a Book Deal with Agent & Author Lucinda Halpern
• How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Jim Butcher Writes
• The Art and Craft of TV Drama with Aaron Tracy

If you’re a writer (and even if you’re not), you’ll find listening to The Writer Files to be time well spent

Hosted by writers and co-founders of the London Writers’ Salon , Matthew Trinetti and Parul Bavishi , this podcast invites listeners into the world of writing workshops and literary discussions. 

Each episode explores the craft of writing through conversations with authors, editors, and literary agents, offering practical advice and inspiration. 

The London Writers’ Salon supports writers in honing their craft and finding their community, with guests discussing topics relevant to both new and experienced authors.

• Writing Love Stories, Building Strong Characters, Mastering Young Adult Novels, From Musician to Writer with David Arnold
• Navigating & Succeeding in Self-Publishing, Pros and Cons of Traditional Publishing, Writing Sales Copy, Amazon Categories, Building an Audience, Handling Rights, Hiring Help with Gwyn Bennett
• Writing & Reading as Tools for a Meaningful Life, Writing Big Idea Nonfiction, Learning from Literary Greats with Benjamin Hutchinson

It’s very thought-provoking. I loved it!

The Power of Storytelling , hosted by former journalist and PR expert Nicola J. Rowley , explores the art and impact of storytelling across various mediums. 

The different episodes cover how stories are crafted, shared, and received, offering insights into narrative techniques that captivate audiences. 

The podcast explores the question, “How can my story impact my life and other people’s lives?”

Guests, including renowned journalists, authors, and speakers, share their experiences and tips for creating compelling stories, making it a valuable resource for writers looking to enhance their narrative skills. 

• Onto your next Chapter with Sarah Walker
• Create a Legacy: Write your Story with Abigail Horne
• Unlock the Power of Storytelling , Nicola J. Rowley’s Journey

Inspiring conversations about the power of storytelling. Nicola is a great interviewer drawing out the stories of her guests.

Writing Around the Kids is a podcast designed by Anna Jefferson and Sam Johnson for writers navigating the complexities of parenting alongside their creative endeavors. 

Each episode offers strategies for effective time management, establishing clear boundaries, and enhancing creativity even amid family chaos. 

A highlight of the series is the participation of Elizabeth Haynes, a former police intelligence analyst residing in Norfolk with her husband and son. 

On the podcast, Elizabeth shared her insights on the liberating experience of writing across genres and the creative freedom of drafting without a predefined plan, particularly highlighting her participation in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). 

Her journey from drafting her first novel in the month-long writing challenge (NaNoWriMo) to becoming a published author in 37 countries is not only motivational but also filled with practical tips for listeners who are striving to balance their passion for writing with their responsibilities as parents.

• Writing/Life Balance November with Nicola Williams, Jacqueline Roy, and Annie Garthwaite
• Writing & Motherhood panel discussion with Jo Clegg, Rosie Walker & Nicola Gill

Loved it so much, great ideas.

Creating Happy Writers focuses on the joy and fulfillment writing can bring. The podcast is for writers of non-fiction and business books. 

Hosted by Steph Caswell , each episode explores ways to maintain the passion for writing, overcome self-doubt, and embrace the creative process. It also aims to educate, inspire, and empower writers with the necessary tools.

Guests, including authors, psychologists, and creativity coaches, offer insights into staying motivated and happy in your writing practice, making it a source of inspiration for writers seeking to reignite their passion.

• How to Make Time to Write Your Business Book in 2024
• 10 Lessons I’ve Learned From 10 Years of Writing
• Irresistible Introductions: Hooking Your Reader From Page On e

Steph Caswell eloquently shares phenomenal value in these bite-sized podcasts. Well, worth a listen if you run your own business, and want to stand out within your niche. Or if you have any other reason to be writing a non-fiction book.

Linda Sivertsen hosts Beautiful Writers Podcast , featuring intimate conversations with some of the most beloved authors and creative minds. 

Each episode dives into the writing process, publishing industry insights, and the personal journeys of guests like Elizabeth Gilbert and Brené Brown. 

The podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of writing, providing listeners with inspiration and practical advice from those who have found significant success in their writing careers.

• How to Write a Book (& Actually Finish It!) with Marie Forleo
• Answering the Biggest Questions that Stump Writers with Cheryl Strayed & Nia Vardalos
• A Top Lit Agent & Writer on Togetherness with Jennifer Rudolph Walsh & Dani Shapiro

Great advice, inspiration, and lessons here. A treasure!!!

The Drunken Odyssey , hosted by John King , is a podcast about writing that combines literary discussion, interviews, and the occasional writing workshop. 

John and his guests, including poets, novelists, and essayists, discuss the nuances of writing, the importance of literature, and the joys and struggles of the creative process. 

The podcast stands out for its eclectic mix of content, from in-depth literary analysis to lighthearted conversations about the writer’s journey.

• A Discussion of Kathleen Alcott’s Emergency , with Samantha Nickerson
• A Discussion of Myhouse.wad for Doom , with Michael Merriam

The Drunken Odyssey is a brilliant podcast! I love that we get sneak peeks into the minds of authors and what it’s like to live that life.

Andrew J. Chamberlain hosts The Creative Writer’s Toolbelt , offering practical, tangible advice to writers looking to hone their craft. Although he hasn’t released a new episode since October 2022, the nearly 200 earlier episodes are full of helpful knowledge and tips for writers.

Each episode focuses on specific aspects of writing, such as character development, setting, or plot, providing listeners with tools and techniques to enhance their storytelling. 

Guests include authors, editors, and literary agents who share their expertise and experiences, making complex writing concepts accessible and actionable.

• Getting the marketing basics right with Written Word Media’s Clayton Noblit
• Trust the process that gives you joy! with Jessie Kwak
• Make your reader feel smart with Jessica Brody

This is my favorite podcast on creative writing and I’ve listened to every episode. Andrew’s method of explaining concepts and techniques is straightforward and easy to understand.

Hosted by Jeff Adams and Will Knauss , The Big Gay Fiction Podcast celebrates gay romance fiction and offers insights into the writing and publishing of LGBTQ+ stories. 

Each episode features interviews with authors, reviews of recent works, and discussions on trends within the genre. 

Guests, including popular authors like TJ Klune and Gregory Ashe, share their writing experiences, providing inspiration and advice for authors in or supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.

• Empowering Readers and Storytellers with Subscriptions
• Timothy Janovsky’s Time Traveling Rom-Com
• Tales of “Vices” and “Restless Rogues” with Jess Everlee

I have found some wonderful authors & books thanks to these two. Highly recommended!

Dan Simpson hosts Writer’s Routine , a podcast that explores the daily routines of successful writers to uncover how they achieve their goals. 

Each episode offers a glimpse into the writing habits that foster productivity and creativity, with guests discussing their schedules, workspaces, and methods for overcoming writer’s block. 

Authors like Ian Rankin and Lisa Jewell have shared their routines, offering useful insights for listeners looking to optimize their writing practices.

• How to plan and write historical fiction with D.V. Bishop
• Why the biggest barriers to writing are your own excuses with Denzil Meyrick
• How to write around a day job with Alex Hay

I love this podcast. Great tips and insights from varying writers that really help inspire and empower.

Well-Read Black Girl , hosted by Glory Edim , features conversations with Black women writers, highlighting their work and exploring themes of representation, diversity, and identity in literature. 

Each episode celebrates the contributions of Black female authors to the literary world, with guests discussing their writing processes, inspirations, and the importance of Black voices in storytelling. 

Guests have included luminaries like Jesmyn Ward and Tayari Jones, making it an empowering listen for writers and readers alike.

• Brit Bennett on Writing Confidently
• Gabrielle Union on Writing Her Truth
• Zeba Blay Brings Healing to the Page

This is an inviting space for listeners to hear from influential authors and public figures, but in a way that’s welcoming.

K.M. Weiland hosts Helping Writers Become Authors, a podcast that offers advice on crafting compelling stories. 

Focusing on story structure, character arcs, and themes, Weiland provides listeners with the tools they need to improve their writing. 

Through solo episodes and conversations with guests, the podcast dives into the technical aspects of writing, offering clear, actionable tips that writers can apply to their work to create more engaging and compelling stories.

• Writing Multiple Plotlines: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Market a Book: 6 Steps from a Full-Time Author
• Do’s and Don’ts of Time Management for Writers

Although I work in a completely different writing genre, Helping Writers Become Authors has become my most valued writing guide

Want to listen to podcasts for writers but unable to find the time? Start by scheduling podcast-listening time into your daily routine. 

Starting the day on an inspirational note with a writing podcast during breakfast or your morning routine can set a positive tone for a productive day of writing. 

Your daily commute, whether driving, walking, or using public transport, is a perfect opportunity to absorb new writing ideas and information, turning travel time into a learning session. 

Scheduled breaks are also a prime time to engage with a podcast, providing a relaxing escape that keeps your mind actively involved with writing. 

Besides, you can combine podcast listening with exercise or household chores and transform these routine tasks into enjoyable and educational moments. 

Wind down at the end of your day with a few minutes spent listening to a writing podcast. Select episodes that inspire or relax you and prepare your mind for the next day’s writing tasks. For episodes that strike a particular chord, dedicating time to active listening and note-taking can also help you reflect on and apply the insights gained to your writing. 

This structured approach to integrating podcasts into your daily activities keeps you connected to the broader writing community and ensures a continuous stream of motivation and learning.

Jotting down key points, interesting phrases, or writing prompts mentioned in the podcast is a great way to consolidate your learnings. Also, try to incorporate new techniques or vocabulary you learned into your writing.

To boost your writing career, you need more than talent and dedication. The right tools can help streamline your creative process and make you more productive. That’s where ClickUp comes in.

ClickUp is a comprehensive platform that caters to writers who want to refine their workflows and step up their creativity. 

With ClickUp Docs and ClickUp Brain , you can access advanced features to optimize your writing tasks and skills.

Create beautiful docs, wikis, and more

ClickUp Docs is an all-in-one workspace where writers can draft, edit, and organize their documents. 

If you engage in heavy research and note-taking, consolidate your material in these documents and organize them well. You can also create wikis while working on larger writing projects.

Connect your tasks, docs, people, and all your company’s knowledge with AI  

ClickUp Brain’s AI capabilities act as a writing assistant , offering an innovative solution to overcome writer’s block. It can generate outlines, summaries, or prompts, kickstarting the writing process for any task. 

This feature also functions as an outline generator , helping you structure your ideas and develop a coherent flow for your pieces. 

It enables content teams to deliver blog post ideas or product teams to create product documents and design user-testing studies in seconds!

Use writing and content calendar templates to stay organized and meet deadlines 

ClickUp also provides content writing templates that simplify the creation of various types of content, from blog posts to technical documentation . 

These templates are an excellent resource for writers looking for a structured start to their projects, ensuring consistency and quality across their work.

Additionally, ClickUp includes content calendar templates , making it easier for writers to plan and track their publishing schedules. This organizational tool is crucial for maintaining a consistent output and meeting deadlines.

For writers keen on continuous learning and improvement and time management, integrating productivity podcasts and ClickUp can provide support and inspiration for a flourishing writing career. 

Whether you’re seeking advice, inspiration, or simply the comfort of knowing you’re not alone in your writing challenges, there’s a writing podcast out there for you! Podcasts for writers are not just about information—they’re catalysts for creativity, connecting writers worldwide in a shared journey.  

One way to make the most out of your creativity today is using ClickUp. It’s your go-to platform for boosting productivity and simplifying workflows so you can focus on your craft. 

It offers a unified space to craft, save, and manage creative projects and documents. As one of the best writing tools and creative partners out there, ClickUp shines whether you’re collaborating with a team, sharing feedback, providing content writing services , or working independently on a project.

ClickUp is free to try, so why wait? Sign up today and discover how it can transform your writing process, dial up productivity, and enhance collaboration.

1. What are the best podcasts for writers?

This question has no definitive answer, as different podcasts may appeal to different writers depending on their preferences, goals, and interests. Depending on factors such as topic and genre, format and style, and the hosts and the guests invited, you can search for podcasts that suit your needs and tastes.

2. How do you use podcasts to inspire your writing?

Podcasts can be a great source of inspiration for your writing, as they can expose you to new ideas, perspectives, and stories. 

Listen to podcasts featuring writers you admire and want to learn the art of writing. You can listen to their stories, challenges, and successes and apply their tips and techniques to your work.

3. What’s the best podcast for professional writers?

This question depends on your personal preferences and goals as a professional writer. Some of the podcasts that can be helpful for professional writers include High-Income Business Writing Podcast , The Writers’ Co-op , and The Copywriter Club .

Questions? Comments? Visit our Help Center for support.

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The Best Writing Podcasts for All Aspiring Authors

No matter where you are in your creative journey, take a moment to explore some of these insightful writing podcasts that will guide you from first draft to publication.

While writing is a craft often undertaken in solitude, you don't have to feel like you're alone while embarking on your creative journey. There are so many steps to the writing process, from strengthening your writing skills to forming story ideas, from drafting and revisions to pursuing publication. Luckily, there is a podcast out there for nearly every phase of this path. These podcasts offer a range of information, gentle inspiration, community encouragement, facts and strategies for navigating the publishing industry, and insight and wisdom from authors who have built successful careers on bestselling books.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Hosted by Mignon Fogarty, aka Grammar Girl, internet personality and bestselling author, this award-winning podcast offers fast, accessible tips and tricks to improve your writing and communication. Along the way, it also dives into some of the mysteries of the English language, why we say and write the things we do, and the origins of some of the most interesting phrases, words, and grammatical constructions. If you're a voracious reader who may not have extensive experience or formal education in writing, Grammar Girl will help you sharpen your technical skills while keeping you engaged.

The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

Kelton Reid is fascinated by writers—their habits, processes. and brains. On each episode of this podcast, he interviews a different writer about their creative life, how they stay productive, and their secrets for overcoming writer’s block. Guests include bestselling authors spanning a variety of genres and styles— John Scalzi , Emma Donoghue , Dennis Lehane , Jay McInerney , and Andy Weir among them—as well as TV and film writers. Occasionally, Reid turns over the mic to guest hosts like journalist Adam Skolnick , short story writer Robert Bruce, and neuroscientist Michael Grybko. Follow The Writer Files to hear from a wide range of writers, or simply peruse the archives to find your favorite author.

A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over

Since "tough," "through," and "dough" all end in O-U-G-H, why don't they rhyme? Why do we say "That's bananas!" to describe something wacky instead of "That's pineapples!"? If you're a word nerd, this podcast is for you! Cohosted by journalist Martha Barnette and linguist Grant Barrett, A Way with Words ponders and probes all sorts of interesting phrases, grammatical structures, and slang from all over the world. Weekly episodes also welcome callers to share their questions, insights, and stories about language, meaning that you'll learn a lot about not only words but also about different regional vernacular and cultural understandings.

Write Now with Sarah Werner

Struggling to find the right healthy and fulfilling balance of work, life, and writing? On Write Now , award-winning podcaster and writer Sarah Werner and an assortment of creative guests offer encouragement, candid advice, and practical tips and techniques to help you let go of excuses, self-doubt, and guilt in order to make time and mental space for writing—every day. While warm and inviting, playful and uplifting, this podcast is serious about placing a priority on writing in your life.

The Writers Panel

If your writing goals and dreams tend to focus on film and television projects, then The Writers Panel is essential listening. Hosted by Ben Blacker, this podcast offers a mix of panel discussions and intimate interviews with the writers, producers, and showrunners behind some of the best known, most acclaimed movies and shows. Writing for film and TV is a collaborative and unique process, and insiders from Jordan Peele ( Get Out ) to Amy Sherman-Palladino ( The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel ), from Vince Gilligan ( Breaking Bad ) to Natalie Chaidez ( The Flight Attendant ) talk about the business, the craft, the challenges, and what keeps them inspired and motivated.

Deadline City's Podcast

If you're an aspiring author, publishing may seem like big, overwhelming, mysterious world. On Deadline City , hosts Dhonielle Clayton and Zoraida Córdova, New York City-based authors with 40 books published or under contract between them, pull back the curtain and simply talk about all things publishing—defining your genre, the editing process, reading reviews, the pros and cons of pen names, and industry trends and news, including the unsettling surge in book banning. They also let listeners in on lots of insightful, funny, and honest conversations about their own publishing journey.

This Creative Life with Sara Zarr

Sara Zarr is the author of 10 books, including both works of fiction and nonfiction. Her debut novel, Story of a Girl was a National Book Award finalist. On her podcast This Creative Life , Zarr talks with writers of all kinds about writing and what it means to be a writer juggling a full-time job, relationships, kids, and other obligations. Their wide-ranging conversations touch on everything from the creative process and the psychology of writing to the business side, alternatives to traditional publishing, finding and connecting with an audience, and taking advantage of social media. Guests include authors such as Faith Gardner , Laurel Snyder , Mike Jung , and Preeti Chhibber .

Write-minded: Weekly Inspiration for Writers

Hosted by Brooke Warner of She Writes, the world's largest online community for women writers, and Grant Faulkner of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), this weekly podcast offers a helpful blend of writing and craft-focused advice as well as industry insight. Each episode features an interview with a writer or publishing industry professional, followed by mini feature exploring a trend in the publishing world. Whether you're an aspiring author or a working writer, Write-minded offers a great mix of creative inspiration and business insight. Recent guests include Stephanie Foo on the challenges of writing about trauma and A.M. Homes on the craft of characterization.

Writer's Routine

Looking for inspiration both practical and creative from real working writers? Writer's Routine is a podcast specifically designed to glean perspective from the lives and habits of successful writers. In each episode, host Dan Simpson interviews a writer about their daily routines, their writing process, and the lifestyle choices that support their literary lives. Everyone from novelists to journalists to poets have been interviewed, and past guests include Dervla McTiernan , Sara Blaedel , Ken Follett , and Zen Cho . With more than 200 episodes to explore, there's no shortage of thoughtful advice housed in this podcast.

Helping Writers Become Authors

With more than 500 episodes, Helping Writers Become Authors is one of the most comprehensive writing podcasts out there. Host K.M. Weiland is passionate about giving writers the tools they need to take their career from aspiring to published author. Each episode looks at a micro-element of the craft, from opening a story to creating cohesive structure to developing believable characters. This podcast tends to focus on a topic for three to six episodes, allowing Weiland to break it down in depth and then talk about how to leverage those elements to market your novel. This is the perfect listen for writers looking to sharpen their skills to craft a story that an agent will buy and the right audience will love.

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

Honing your craft skills as a writer is important—but so is understanding the wider literary market and your place in it. Joanna Penn is the bestselling author of fantasy, thriller, and nonfiction books, and in this long-running podcast, she dives into the nuances of the publishing industry. The Creative Penn covers everything from how to find your niche in the book world to how to build and sustain a long-term career, along with looking at publishing trends and hot-button topics, including auto-narration of audiobooks. With insights from special guests like physician turned internationally bestselling medical thriller author Tess Gerritsen , this podcast is critical listening for anyone determined to make a comfortable living off their creative writing.

The First Draft Club

Created and hosted by author and writing coach Mary Adkins, The First Draft Club aims to help you overcome whatever creative blocks you might be facing and write with more clarity, more confidence, and less stress. It's meant for anyone working on a novel or memoir, even if your last written work was an essay for English class. Filled with pep talks, helpful hacks, mini workshops, and writing assignments, this weekly podcast gives you the tools and know-how you need to complete your first draft and troubleshoot any problems that might come up along the way—because, as Adkins believes, writing should be a source of joy, not agony.

The Self Publishing Show

Eager to dive into the wide world of self-publishing? Hosted by Mark Dawson, a successful self-published author, and James Blatch, a former reporter who recently self-published his debut thriller, this podcast is not only an invaluable resource for emerging authors but also a fun exploration of the exciting innovations and opportunities in the self-publishing sphere. With more than 300 episodes to explore, you can pick and choose which topics will be most helpful to you or immerse yourself in the knowledge found in the archives. Episodes range from 40 to 60 minutes and oftentimes feature guest authors, both self- and traditionally published. The Self Publishing Show also offers some great craft resources, plus brand- and wealth-building pointers.

Kobo Writing Life Podcast

From Kobo, one of the world's biggest Ebook platforms, this podcast offers invaluable insights into self-publishing and the Ebook market. The Kobo team has curated a collection of resources, from the latest information about how to create a Kobo best seller, based on Kobo's sales metrics and platform affordances, to interviews with successful bestselling indie authors about everything from writing your way across mediums to word-of-mouth marketing. Kobo Writing Life has an archive of 300-plus episodes, ranging in length from 45 to 60 minutes, and many conversations are adapted from Kobo's Facebook community, which listeners are welcome to participate in.

Between The Covers : Conversations with Writers in Fiction, Nonfiction & Poetry

Hosted by David Naimon of Tin House Books, a prominent independent publisher, Between the Covers offers probing long-form conversations with writers on the craft of writing. Along with plenty of nuts and bolts craft talk to satisfy any writer looking to build their toolbox, the conversations often turn philosophical as the writers dig into the whys of writing. With more than 200 episodes featuring bestselling authors such as William Alexander and Becky Chambers , there's so much here for writers of all experience levels and styles to explore. As a bonus, this podcast has a recurring feature of special interest to science fiction and fantasy writers called Crafting with Ursula, exploring the influence of the great Ursula K. LeGuin on the genre and its particular craft elements.

88 Cups of Tea

88 Cups of Tea is more than a writing podcast. Rather, it aims to be a community for writers looking for connections and encouragement. While episodes offer craft and publishing advice, the main focus is on the emotional life of the writer—how to find ideas, cultivate a creative life, and stay motivated to keep writing and publishing in the face of rejection. Host Yin Chang often interviews prominent figures in the children's and YA literary sectors, from authors like Stacey Lee , Kelly Yang , and Sara Zarr to industry professionals like agents and editors.

Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast

In one of the year’s most anticipated new podcasts, Michelle Obama brings listeners deeper into the world of her bestselling memoir, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times . Where the audiobook initiated a dialogue with listeners on some of life’s biggest challenges—from building lasting relationships and meaningful success to overcoming obstacles and navigating identity—the podcast will explore these themes and more with an esteemed selection of friends and luminaries. In intimate recordings from her star-studded book tour, the former First Lady draws on her trademark humor, warmth, and compassion to elicit moments of startling insight and vulnerability from guests including Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Tyler Perry, and Conan O’Brien. The result is a series of searching conversations that will leave you feeling smarter, inspired, and, yes, lighter.

Get Your Creative Juices Flowing with These Inspiring Audiobooks

Thriving as a creative person can be challenging, especially when it's so easy to get bogged down with the realities of life. These audiobooks are sure to help guide you through a creative block, or re-inspire the artist within!

The Best Fiction Podcasts

Lose yourself in our favorite scripted podcasts. These immersive, binge-worthy listens cover a variety of genres, ensuring there’s a fiction podcast for everyone.

Guide to Pseudonyms & Pen Names

Here's everything you ever wanted to know about pseudonyms, including how to choose one, the legal ramifications, and famous author pen names.

The Essential Works of Toni Morrison

Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison left behind a legacy of powerful books. These are her most essential listens.

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Blog • Perfecting your Craft , Understanding Publishing

Posted on Apr 26, 2019

30+ Writing Podcasts You Should Be Listening To

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 the 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 off 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 ).

Have we missed out your favorite podcast? Drop a message in the comments below and let us know!

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.

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The Best Writing Podcasts

To be the best storytellers possible, we must embark on a never-ending journey of self-discovery. We must commit ourselves to constant learning. And we must be willing to take risks to find our true creative selves. This journey will take us to the tops of mountains, the valleys below, and sometimes through deep, dark woods. We’ll encounter beautiful, lush vistas and trudge through desert wastelands. The good news is that we don’t have to take the journey alone.

This adventure is where podcasts come in handy.

Podcasts can be a treasure trove of knowledge and motivation for writers. They offer tools to help us on our journey. Podcasts provide practical advice on refining our writing techniques, constructing engaging plots, and developing unforgettable characters. They delve deep into the nuances of the publishing industry, keep us updated about market trends, and guide us through the business side of being an author.

Listening to writing-related podcasts is like joining a virtual community of fellow writers, where we can glean from like-minded individuals' experiences, triumphs, and struggles. We can draw inspiration from other writers' journeys, gain confidence from their success stories, and learn valuable lessons from their challenges.

Podcasts can also provide us with a keen understanding of contemporary literary genres and trends. They allow us to study successful novels and accomplished authors and give us a deep analysis that is often instrumental for our growth as writers. And for those who find marketing our work a daunting task, some podcasts provide expert advice on book promotion, audience engagement, and platform creation.

Writing can often be a solitary pursuit, and the mental wellness topics covered by many podcasts remind us that it's okay to seek balance, prevent burnout, and prioritize our well-being.

In this round-up, we explore the top podcasts to which every author should consider subscribing. These podcasts have been carefully curated to provide a balance of inspiration, practical advice, industry insights, and mental support.

Let’s get started.

• The #AmWriting Podcast - Join Jessica Lahey, KJ Dell'Antonia, and Sarina Bowen as they offer entertaining yet actionable advice across all genres.
• Amie Kaufman On Writing - In this podcast, bestselling author Amie Kaufman guides you through crafting stories and answers a new writing-related question each week.
• Book Riot - The Podcast - In this weekly podcast, the hosts offer fresh insights into the coolest and most relevant topics in the literary world.
• The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers - This podcast by Joanna Penn will arm you with the necessary knowledge to successfully navigate the ever-evolving publishing world.
• The Creative Writer's Toolbelt with Andrew Chamberlain - This podcast is a gateway to practical advice, creative techniques, and inspirational interviews that will revolutionize your writing process.
• Deadline City - In this podcast, two prolific authors unravel the industry's mysteries and share their unique insights into creating books.
• DIY MFA Podcast - Elevate your writing from good to great with industry insider advice from bestselling authors and master writing teachers.
• Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with James Thayer - Step into the writer's workshop with James Thayer as he navigates the art of novel crafting and offers a hands-on guide to story development, scene construction, and masterful sentence writing.
• Fated Mates Romance Novel Podcast - Join the captivating world of top-rated romance genre bestselling author Sarah MacLean, and critic Jen Prokop as they delve deep into the genre and into fighting the patriarchy, one romance novel at a time.

• Fiction Writing Made Easy with Savannah Gilbo - Join Savannah Gilbo for weekly tools, tips, and strategies to navigate your writing journey, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned author.
• First Draft with Sarah Enni - Tune in for enlightening conversations with storytellers, exploring their creative processes and the professional aspects of their artistic journey.
• Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing - Get your weekly dose of writing improvement with Grammar Girl, a five-time winner of the Best Education Podcast.
• Helping Writers Become Authors with K.M. Weiland - Let this podcast be your guide to crafting compelling characters and polished prose.
• How Do You Write with Rachael Herron - Join bestselling author Rachael Herron as she unravels the mysteries of the writing process.
• In Writing With Hattie Crisell - Dive into the studies of various writers with journalist Hattie Crisell and gain invaluable insights into their writing habits, motivations, and unique approaches.
• I Should Be Writing with Mur Lafferty - Kick your writing blocks to the curb with this motivational podcast.
• Lit Match with Abigail K. Perry - Embark on a journey to find the perfect literary agent for your writing career with the insightful and tailored advice of this podcast.
• Longform Podcast - Join Aaron Lammer, Max Linsky, and Evan Ratliff for intimate conversations with writers, journalists, and filmmakers who delve into their work routines and methodologies.
• The Manuscript Academy #MSWL - Let this podcast, which offers enlightening dialogues with agents, editors, and writers, be your compass in the publishing journey.
• Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield - Join Stuart Wakefield, a certified book coach, and accomplished writer, as he shares his deep understanding of storytelling drawn from 26 years of experience.
• The New Yorker Fiction Podcast - Enjoy insightful monthly readings and conversations with Deborah Treisman, the renowned fiction editor of the New Yorker.
• Nightvale Presents Start With This - With this podcast by Jeffrey Cranor and Joseph Fink, your creativity will be sparked while they guide you in crafting stories through engaging writing assignments.
• Novel Marketing with Thomas Umstattd Jr. - Tune into the world's longest-running book marketing podcast. Thomas Umstattd Jr. and industry experts offer insights to help you build your platform, sell more books, and make an impactful change through writing.
• NPR's Book of the Day - Dive into a compact podcast guide to the best contemporary writing, featuring authors addressing the pressing questions of our times or offering a refreshing escape.
• The Rebel Author Podcast - Ignite your inner rebel with a motivational podcast that offers industry news, tips, tricks, and tools to elevate your creative business to the next level.
• Self-Publishing Advice & Inspirations - Alliance of Independent Authors - Get your twice-weekly dose of advice and inspiration with the Self-Publishing Advice & Inspirations Podcast.
• Self-Publishing Insiders with Draft2Digital - This podcast delivers weekly interviews covering self-publishing topics to help you build and grow your author career.
• The Self Publishing Show Podcast - Join best-selling self-published author Mark Dawson and aspiring writer James Blatch as they explore the world of self-publishing, providing actionable tips drawn from Dawson's successful marketing strategies and personal experiences.

• The Shit No One Tells You About Writing - Featuring Bianca Marais, Carly Watters, and CeCe Lyra, this podcast provides emerging writers with insights into the publishing industry, interviews with key figures in the book market, and critiques on query letters and opening pages.
• Six Figure Authors - Lindsay Buroker, Jo Lallo, and Andrea Pearson share their experiences and industry insights as authors from the inception of the e-reader revolution.
• So You Want to be a Writer with Valerie Khoo - Valerie Khoo, CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre, hosts this podcast and provides practical writing techniques and insider insights into how authors break into the industry.
• SPA Girls Podcast - The SPA Girls' weekly show offers information, tips, and advice for newcomers to self-publishing and shows the positive side of the self-publishing world.
• Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing - Join Mark Leslie Lefebvre as he explores inclusive and collaborative opportunities for writers and publishing professionals.
• Story Grid Writing Podcast - On this podcast, Shawn Coyne, a seasoned editor, and Tim Grahl, an aspiring writer, delve into the components of great storytelling.
• Story Nerd - Hosted by Valerie Francis and Melanie Hill, this show simplifies story theory for writers and analyzes storytelling principles through weekly film examples.
• Subscriptions for Authors by Ream - With this podcast, you’ll get help for authors trying to monetize their fiction and build reader communities through weekly discussions with pioneering authors.
• Tim Clare’s Death Of 1000 Cuts - This podcast provides motivational rants, writing exercises, interviews with authors, and detailed critiques of the first pages submitted by listeners to enhance writing skills and enjoyment.
• Tin House Between the Covers - Featuring in-depth interviews with today's best writers, both established and up-and-coming, this podcast aids authors in fiction, nonfiction, and even poetry.
• Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright - Authors Jami Albright and Sara Rosett discuss the journey of self-published authors, sharing lessons and celebrating indie creativity.

• Write-minded Podcast - Brooke Warner and Grant Faulkner offer weekly inspiration to writers, discuss challenges, and share the latest book industry trends.
• Write Now with Sarah Werner - This podcast delivers daily encouragement and advice to writers seeking balance, with themes including books, coffee, rainy days, and more.
• The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience - Kelton Reid studies renowned writers' habits and shares secrets of productivity and creativity to keep the words flowing.
• WriterSpark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of Writing - Melissa Bourbon shares her journey from reader to bestselling author and provides lessons to help writers grow and succeed in the industry.
• Writer’s Routine - This podcast explores writers' daily routines and strategies to uncover their success in writing and publishing bestsellers.
• Writing Excuses - This is a fast-paced weekly podcast discussing writing techniques and the business aspects of writing.
• The Writing Life - National Centre for Writing - A podcast for writers at all stages, featuring interviews with authors discussing their writing journeys and techniques.
• Your Daily Writing Habit with ChristineInk - Christine "Ink" Whitmarsh shares expert writing secrets and aims to inspire and assist others in writing and completing transformative books.
• Your Next Draft with Alice Sudlow - Alice Sudlow guides transforming a first draft into a publication-ready book and offers weekly editing tips and strategies.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, fellow writers—Our curated list of top podcasts that every author should consider following. Each one offers its unique flavor of wisdom, inspiration, and advice to help you on your writing journey. Whether you're looking to hone your craft, get insights into the publishing industry, find marketing strategies, or simply need inspiration and community, these podcasts have you covered.

Remember, writing is a journey, not a destination, and with these podcasts, you've got some excellent companions for the ride. Happy listening and even happier writing!

The Best Writing Podcasts to Listen to in 2023

Last updated on December 29th, 2022

If you’re a writer looking for advice, inspiration, and motivation, podcasts are a great way to get it. With so many writing-related podcasts out there (we looked at 238 for this article!), knowing which ones are worth your time can be challenging. That’s why we’ve rounded up our own and our  readers’ favorites of 2022  on a range of topics that you should start listening to in 2023.

The popularity of podcasts continues to grow, with forecasts for listener numbers in the US to surpass 160 million in 2023. The top two podcast listening apps continue to be dominated by Apple Podcasts and Spotify ( as of Nov. 2022 ):

Whether you’re a copywriter, screenwriter, novelist, or aspiring freelance writer, these podcasts offer valuable guidance and insight into the writing process. From grammar and character development to plot pacing and prose polishing, you’ll find something new to learn and hopefully some inspiration with each episode. So tune in today and get ready to become a better writer!

Our criteria for this list is that the podcast is highly recommended/rated/reviewed, which generally means it’s been around for a while, and it is still active with a new episode released in the last 90 days (as of Dec. 2022).

The Creative Writer’s Toolbelt

Best for creative writers looking for practical advice and encouragement to help them improve their writing.

The Creative Writer’s Toolbelt is a podcast that focuses on giving practical advice and encouragement to creative writers. Each episode explores an aspect of writing technique with examples and interviews with successful writers across different mediums such as books, TV, comics, and more.

Hosted by British writer and mentor Andrew J. Chamberlain, the podcast covers topics such as story structure, technique, genre, process, and industry design with 30-60 minute episodes, including discussions on story, style, and character development. The podcast is officially on hiatus, but Andrew occasionally releases new episodes.

Best for emerging authors interested in finding an agent who represents Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction, and YA.

This podcast is hosted by book coach and developmental editor Abigail K. Perry with the purpose of aiding authors in finding the perfect literary agent to further their writing and business careers. Writers interested in finding an agent for Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction, and YA may find this particularly beneficial, but all writers may learn from this insight.

Each week she interviews a literary agent discussing their manuscript wishlist, requirements for submission, and their approach to working with authors. Additionally, Abigail and editor/book coach Savannah Gilbo come together to analyze and discuss the effectiveness of an opening chapter from a chosen book.

Review highlights

Listeners have found Abigail’s analysis of first chapters and interviews with agents incredibly helpful for their own writing and editing businesses. Many appreciate the podcast’s accessible approach and the valuable insight into the craft and business of writing. All in all, the podcast is praised for being a valuable resource for authors seeking representation or publication.

The Creative Penn

Best for aspiring or experienced authors who want to learn more about the writing, publishing, book marketing, and creative entrepreneurship process.

The Creative Penn Podcast, hosted by award-nominated and New York Times bestselling author Joanna Penn, offers weekly advice and information to authors wanting to go down the self-publishing route. Penn, an international speaker and creative entrepreneur, shares her experiences and interviews professionals in the field, covering topics such as developing craft and finding inspiration, publishing options, book marketing, and creative entrepreneurship. She frequently interviews well-known authors and professionals in the field.

Each episode lasts 45-60 minutes and includes show notes and a full transcript. The podcast has been downloaded millions of times across 228 countries, making it one of the most successful in its field.

Listeners praise Joanna Penn for her joyful, lovable style, positive attitude, comprehensive and reliable information, and excellent curation and analysis. They appreciate her progressive and rebellious mindset and willingness to dive deep into topics. Her guests are praised for providing insights into the business and craft of publishing. Listeners also praise the podcast for providing useful notes and transcripts.

Write-minded

Best for writers who are looking for a supportive and honest community to help them overcome creative blocks and to find their unique voice and story.

Write-minded is a podcast designed to provide writers with inspiration and advice to help them navigate the ups and downs of the writing life. Hosted by Brooke Warner of She Writes and Grant Faulkner of NaNoWriMo, each episode features an interview with a professional from the writing industry.

Topics range from addressing writer’s block to taking risks, dealing with fear, and finding one’s own voice. Each episode has a takeaway emphasizing the belief that everyone is a writer and that everyone’s story matters. Writers struggling with creative blocks will benefit from the conversation, assurance, and advice offered.

Listeners appreciate the thoughtful and inspiring content presented by knowledgeable hosts. The episodes are informative, motivating, and engaging, introducing many amazing writers to the audience. The topics discussed include memoir writing, marketing, publishing, and book trends, providing invaluable insight to aspiring authors. The reasonable length of the episodes makes it easy to fit in during the day, and the quality and variety of content are appreciated.

Helping Writers Become Authors

Best for aspiring fiction writers who want to gain actionable advice and mentorship from an experienced author .

K.M. Weiland hosts the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast, providing writers with practical advice and guidance on topics such as story structure, novel outlining, crafting characters, and honing prose. Each episode is roughly 15-20 minutes long and full of actionable tips and techniques.

With over 600 episodes, Weiland – an award-winning and internationally published author – is a great mentor for anyone looking to improve their writing craft. Her blog also offers posts on creativity, lifestyle changes that protect creativity, and more. Whether you prefer reading or listening, this podcast offers a great way to take your writing to the next level.

The podcast provides well-researched and impactful craft wisdom that has improved listeners’ writing. Many listeners found the content concise, expert advice, beneficial and inspiring. Listeners also appreciate the short length of each episode and the fact that there is no filler or unnecessary information; a “writing class on the go.”

Best for writers looking for an immersive experience to hone their writing and publishing skills.

DIY MFA is a podcast hosted by Gabriela Pereira and producer and co-host Lori Walker, offering insight and advice for aspiring writers. Through interviews with bestselling authors, master writing teachers, and publishing industry insiders, listeners (who they call “Word Nerds”) will gain tools and techniques to take their writing to the next level.

Replicating an MFA lecture series, past guests have included Delia Ephron, Fran Hawthorne, Terena Elizabeth Bell, and Jojo Moyes. Along with discussions about the craft and business of writing, topics range from unique characters to tropes in literature, and more. Whether you’re trying to finish a draft, craft a story, or make that publishing dream a reality, DIY MFA is a resource to help you achieve your writing goals. All without taking out any student loans!

Listeners appreciate Gabriela’s enthusiasm and ability to ask insightful questions and draw out brilliant insights from her interactions, as well as her expert guests for offering useful advice and diverse perspectives on the creative writing journey. They also enjoy the humor and helpful content and highly recommend the podcast to others. The podcast is seen as a great resource for authors, providing helpful tips and advice on writing and collaboration.

Write Now with Sarah Werner

Best for aspiring or professional writers looking for honest and inspiring advice on pursuing their passion and creating a healthy work/life/writing balance .

Write Now is an inspirational podcast hosted by Sarah Werner that provides encouragement and advice to help aspiring writers of all levels pursue their passions. It features conversations about the writing life, including struggles, breakthroughs, and tips, as well as topics like burnout, idea stealing, and affirmations for writers.

Sarah offers a personal touch, with a relatable and honest tone, and conversations with other writers in her “Coffee Breaks” segments. Listeners can get the motivation they need to stay on top of their writing goals and balance their work, life, and writing.

Listeners appreciate the insightful advice and information Sarah and her expert guests provide. Listeners have found the podcast immensely helpful, inspiring, uplifting, motivating, and compassionate. They have found the short episodes particularly inspiring and appreciate Sarah’s openness and vulnerability in sharing her journey. Many have recommended the podcast to others, describing it as a “therapy session” and a “writing therapist.”

Between the Covers

Best for readers and writers looking for deep insights into the creative writing process and who want to hear conversations with some of the top authors in the world.  Or those with long commutes!

The podcast Between the Covers, hosted by David Naimon and presented by Tin House, is a long-form literary show which features in-depth interviews with writers from various genres. These conversations explore the creative process behind successful books and sometimes last two hours or more. Praised by the Guardian, Book Riot, the Financial Times, and BuzzFeed, the show has become a go-to for writers and readers who want to learn more about literature.

The podcast also includes a special mini-series, “Crafting with Ursula,” which discusses the work of science fiction writer Ursula Le Guin. Through these conversations, Between the Covers provides a unique insight into the world of writing and literature.

Listeners highlight the in-depth conversations, thoughtful questions and preparation, and educational value of the podcast. David’s meticulous preparation is often commended, and the episodes are widely regarded as the most intelligent, deep, and generative conversations available.

A Way with Words

Best for an audience who enjoys language, culture, and the nuances of expressions and words and who has an appreciation for language and its history.

A live, stimulating call-in radio show and podcast discussing language, including its evolution, debates, and variations. Hosted by author/journalist Martha Barnette and linguist/lexicographer Grant Barrett, the show invites callers to share their insights, questions, and stories about new words, old sayings, slang, family expressions, language change, varieties, word histories, linguistics, regional dialects, word games, grammar, books, literature, and writing.

In addition to listening on your favorite podcast app, the show is also broadcast on many local NPR radio stations .

Listeners of A Way with Words praised the show for its entertaining and educational content, diverse topics, passionate hosts, and ability to bring people together. Educators, radio station programmers, and linguistics experts have also expressed their appreciation for the show, calling it one of the best on public radio, a fantastic resource, and an excellent opportunity to engage with the English language.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Best for anyone who wants to brush up on their grammar, punctuation, and writing style or to gain a deeper appreciation for the English language.

Grammar Girl is a popular podcast from Mignon Fogarty offering insight into English grammar, punctuation, storytelling, and other aspects of writing. Whether you are a first- or second-language speaker of English, this podcast will help you become a better and more successful writer.

Episodes feature tips for grammar basics and more detailed writing advice, usually lasting less than 15 minutes, and are accessible on many audio platforms. Listeners can enjoy learning about how grammar has developed historically over time and understanding how to apply the rules and when to break them.

Listeners appreciate the podcast’s informative yet fun content that is easy to listen to and follow. They enjoy Mignon’s storytelling and find her lessons valuable and practical. They praise the podcast for its clear and concise information that is up-to-date and highly relevant. Additionally, the 10 to 30-minute format was appreciated for fitting into everyday life. However, some do complain about the ads-to-content ratio.

Contributing Writer

Molly Rittenhouse

Molly has a passion for writing and helping others improve their writing skills. She is a strong advocate for clear and concise writing, and she enjoys helping others find their voice and improve their writing. When she’s not busy writing, Molly enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exploring new places, and reading good books.

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37 Of The Best Writing Podcasts Available: Listen Now!

If you want to improve your writing skills, spend a little time learning from the other writers who host podcasts.

I regularly spend an hour or two a week listening to top shows like the Creative Penn so I can learn what’s working in publishing and get craft advice. I also share my insights on the Become a Writer Today podcast.

So what should you listen to?

Take a look at some of the best podcasts on writing and learn more about how they can help your creative work! Of course, the podcasts aren’t in order of best to worst.

Because they’re too hard to rank! Let’s dive in.

• 1. Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
• 2. The Career Author 
• 3. A Way With Words
• 4. The Segilola Salami Show
• 5. I Should Be Writing

6. The Writing Life Podcast 

• 7. Portfolio Life by Jeff Goins
• 8. StoryADay
• 9. The Story Grid Podcast
• 10. So You Want to Be A Writer?
• 11. StoryCorps
• 12.You’re Wrong About 
• 13. The Literary Salon
• 14. Minorities in Publishing
• 15. Writing Class Radio
• 16. The Drunken Odyssey with John King
• 17. Ditch Diggers
• 18. Mythcreants Podcast
• 19. The Copywriter Club Podcast
• 20. Happier by Gretchen Rubin
• 21. Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach
• 22. Helping Writers Become Authors
• 23. Between the Covers
• 24. The Creative Penn Podcast
• 25. The Writing University Podcast
• 26. Beautiful Writers Podcast
• 27. First Draft: A Dialogue On Writing
• 28. Savage Lovecast
• 29. Write-minded
• 30. Dead Robots’ Society
• 31. Create If Writing
• 32. Writing Excuses
• 33. The Subtext 
• 34. The Writer Files

35. Mark Dawson’s Self-Publishing Formula

36. story studio podcast, 37. become a writer today, the final word on the best writing podcasts.

1.  Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

This podcast is designed to help writers who are looking to improve their knowledge of the English language. Episodes offer listeners advice on how to weave interesting details into their stories while also remaining grammatically correct.

Some of the most popular recent episodes target grammar myths and strategies for tackling writer’s block and becoming a better writer.

2.  The Career Author 

Hosted by Zach Bohannon and J. Thorn, this podcast seeks to host helpful conversations that will help aspiring writers. Episodes focus on creativity, writing, marketing, and the growth of self-publishing.

Specific episodes have focused on soliciting feedback from peers, finding a mentor, and exploring the pros and cons of a publishing deal.

3 .  A Way With Words

This is an NPR podcast that discusses language through different historical lenses. By taking a look at writing from different cultural perspectives, writers will have the opportunity to explore different methods of storytelling.

Episodes also focus on slang, new words, semantics, and eclectic topics in the world of writing.

4.   The Segilola Salami Show

Segilola Salami is a mother and author who tackles topics related to books and publishing. The podcast is equal parts entertaining and educational as it welcomes guests of all backgrounds in the writing industry.

Guests share their stories of how they got from the beginning to where they are now via publishing novels.

5.   I Should Be Writing

Hosted by Mur Lafferty, this is an award-winning podcast that frequently features authors who have a new book coming out. The goal of this podcast is to inspire new writers to believe in themselves and start writing.

Popular episodes talk about rejection in the publishing industry and the problems of naming a character after a living person.

This podcast caters to all writers. Hosted by the National Center of Writing, the podcast interviews writers of all backgrounds regarding their writing journeys, their techniques, and their styles.

Guests include everyone from early-career self-publishing writers to narrative designers.

7.   Portfolio Life by Jeff Goins

Author Jeff Goins hosts this podcast and explores topics regarding life, artistry, and collective work. The podcast features inspirational messages that encourage writers to follow their dreams and build a writing career.

The podcast also follows the journeys of different writers and shows there is no one way to make a living writing. When I got started blogging, Jeff Goin’s blog and his podcast served as inspiration for what’s possible

8.   StoryADay

This podcast challenges writers to discover how much they are capable of writing in a month. The podcast explores how writers can become more committed to their craft with short, 15-minute episodes.

Writers will get writing prompts , creativity challenges, and published posts focusing on the writing process.

9.   The Story Grid Podcast

This podcast is hosted by veteran author Shawn Coyne and writer Tim Grahl, who calls himself a struggling writer. This podcast explores ways to create a story and the craft of writing a book.

As a unique twist, the podcast critiques the works of the hosts, seeking to provide serious insight with a humorous twist that keeps the audience entertained.

10.   So You Want to Be A Writer?

This extensive podcast is hosted by authors Allison Tait and Valerie Khoo. With more than 250 episodes, this is a versatile podcast that explores all aspects of writing, including publishing.

Whether listeners want to learn more about the latest trends in publishing or would like tips on how to grow their writing business, this podcast will touch on it at some point.

11.   StoryCorps

For those who are looking for inspiration from interesting stories, this NPR podcast focuses on interviews with individuals from all backgrounds. The podcast doesn’t focus directly on writers but instead tells stories that could serve as a source of ideas.

Most of the conversations tackle difficult, compelling topics that can act as a platform for a new story.

12. You’re Wrong About 

In writing, fact-checking is a must, and this podcast will teach writers how to fact-check quickly and accurately.

That applies even if you’re self-publishing a book.

Hosted by journalists Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall, the team tackles events that have been misinterpreted through the imagination of the public.

The podcast is helpful for those who write fiction, mystery novels, and, of course, news articles.

13.   The Literary Salon

Damian Barr hosts this podcast where authors read excerpts from their books in glamorous locations. There is always a live audience and the podcast provides listeners with a chance to hear some of the best stories in the world told live.

Okechukwu Nzelu recently read a passage from his second book, titled The Private Joys of Nnenna Maloney .

14.   Minorities in Publishing

This podcast focuses on issues related to a lack of diversity in writing. Listeners are encouraged to focus on the impact of not only what they write but also what they don’t.

The podcast explores ways to tackle tough issues in society through writing.

15.   Writing Class Radio

This podcast serves as an invitation to a writing class. Listeners can hear advice from experts who share helpful tips on storytelling. Episodes tackle everything from inspiration to developing an identity to finding an agent.

16.   The Drunken Odyssey with John King

This is a podcast hosted by John King, a literary reviewer, and discusses how writers can foster a sense of community and encouragement. The podcast also tackles challenging issues in the writing process, mostly geared toward story and novel writers.

17.  Ditch Diggers

Mur Lafferty and Matt Wallace provide advice to writers with deadlines. The goal is to help writers press through upcoming deadlines while still paying the bills. While the podcast has some popular language, this is helpful for writers who are just getting started in the field.

18.   Mythcreants Podcast

This is a weekly podcast that provides an opportunity for writers to geek out on fantasy and sci-fi stories while trying to uncover ways to find fresh, new, creative ideas. Episodes tackle everything from writing about conflicts in stories to how to explain a point of view and character development.

19.   The Copywriter Club Podcast

This is a podcast for copywriters, subject matter experts, and technical writers. This is a growing niche in writing, and the podcast offers resources for writers who seek to make a living in this business.

The podcast also tackles common issues that copywriters and editors might encounter.

20.   Happier by Gretchen Rubin

Gretchen Rubin, a bestselling author, hosts this podcast. In her episodes, she focuses on the life of a writer and trying to find joy in the writing process. The podcast features interviews from numerous bestselling authors who share habits that have made them successful in the industry.

21.   Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach

Ann Kroeker is a writing coach and she hosts this podcast to help writers hone their talent. She provides practical tips, insights, and inspiration. Episodes tend to last about fifteen minutes and focus on fast solutions to common writing issues.

This might include proofreading, cutting down a manuscript, and character development.

22.   Helping Writers Become Authors

KM Weiland, an award-winning author, hosts this podcast and provides advice to aspiring writers. Tailored to those who want to write novels, the podcast provides practical advice on numerous topics related to story structure.

23.   Between the Covers

This is a literary radio show hosted by David Naimon. The podcast features in-depth conversations with writers from a variety of genres and backgrounds. Episodes usually last an hour and explore details of the creative writing process behind some of the top books in the world.

24.   The Creative Penn Podcast

The Creative Penn Podcast focuses on writing, publishing, book marketing , and making a living through writing. Led by Joanna Penn, who is an award-nominated New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author, podcast episodes are posted every Monday.

I’ve listened to this show for years and am a Patreon supporter. It’s one of the best writing podcasts. Joanna features interviews, inspiration, and information on writing, self-publishing, entrepreneurship, and book marketing.

25.   The Writing University Podcast

This podcast features recordings of famous talks from bestselling writers, poets, essayists, and other featured guests who provide lectures at the University of Iowa’s Summer Writing Festival. Some of the top talks on this podcast explore the power of emotions, mixed feelings, and controversial ideas in writing .

26.   Beautiful Writers Podcast

This podcast features conversations with some of the top writers in the world. Hosted by Linda Sivertsen, some of the authors to come on the show include Dean Koontz and Elizabeth Gilbert.

The episodes are detailed and feature anecdotes from some of the top creative minds in the industry.

27.   First Draft: A Dialogue On Writing

Hosted by Mitzi Rapkin, this is a literary podcast that has been on the air for five years. Episodes feature in-depth interviews with writers in a variety of genres who share some of the impressive messes that made up their first drafts.

The podcast is a conversation about the author’s topics while also providing a deep dive into the writing craft from beginning to end.

28.   Savage Lovecast

Hosted by Dan Savage, this podcast focuses on exploring the lives of human characters in stories. Episodes focus on how to develop and explore romantic relationships in writing.

The podcast encourages writers to use real-life experiences to inform their fiction because reality is often more interesting anyway.

29.   Write-minded

This podcast releases new episodes weekly and is hosted by Brooke Warner (from She Writes) and Grant Faulkner (from NaNoWriMo). Each episode has a theme that is built around an interview from someone in the writing industry.

Each episode has a takeaway, but the podcast wants listeners to learn that everyone can become a writer, and their stories always matter.

30.   Dead Robots’ Society

This is a fun podcast that shares insights that are usually tailored toward those who would like to write novels. The podcast explores the writing process from word choice to sequels, trilogies, and more.

They also explore interesting topics in fiction writing ranging from fantasy to science fiction, thrillers, and mystery novels.

31.   Create If Writing

This podcast is geared toward creatives, writers, and bloggers who seek to build an online platform without being labeled as snobby or smarmy. Hosted by Kirsten Oliphant, episodes focus on everything from coming up with fresh ideas to digital marketing and publishing deals.

32.   Writing Excuses

This podcast is hosted by writers who offer quick tips for tackling problems in writing. Podcasts are only 15 minutes long, but they are packed full of content.

With 13 seasons, past episodes have covered structural issues in writing, telling stories in different genres, and tips for outlining a new story.

33.   The Subtext 

This podcast focuses on playwrights who want to talk about some of the most controversial topics in playwriting. Hosted by The American Theatre, a general-circulation magazine that focuses on theater, the podcast talks about topics that irk, agitate, inspire, and motivate.

The podcast seeks to uncover what makes writers tick.

34.   The Writer Files

The Writer Files are hosted by Kelton Reid and focus on exploring the habits of some of the top writers in the world. Reid also interviews writers of all backgrounds, providing listeners with a chance to check out the minds of accomplished wordsmiths in various genres.

I’ve taken several of Mark’s courses over the years and he’s a knowledge guy about writing and book marketing. He’s also sold over a million books! 

On his writing podcast, which he co-hosts with James Blatch, Mark features case studies, interviews and best practices.

This popular podcast is hosted by Johnny B. Truant, Dave Wright and Sean Pratt. It’s an informal show that covers self-publishing, the craft and everything going on the the host’s creative lives.

The authors write everything from science fiction to books with practical writing advice. I also recently interviewed them .

Humble-brag alert!

If you are looking for a podcast that will help you learn about how to start and build a profitable career through writing, then check out my show

I feature interviews from best-selling authors who share some of their own writing tips, marketing strategies, and publishing advice. I also cover topics like how to write a book.

I was also featured in Feedspot’s top 20 creative writing podcasts .

These are a few of the best podcasts about writing. As you can see, there’s a lot to choose from. I usually listen to one or two shows while out for a run or in the gym using the Pocketcasts app.

Each podcast has a unique approach to writing, so check out a few of them and learn more about they can improve your approach to your work.

Bryan Collins is the owner of Become a Writer Today. He's an author from Ireland who helps writers build authority and earn a living from their creative work. He's also a former Forbes columnist and his work has appeared in publications like Lifehacker and Fast Company.

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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…

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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!

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The 41 best writing podcasts every writer should subscribe to right now

Writing is rewarding, but often-lonely work. Podcasts are a great way to learn, get inspired, and find community. Whether you’re a copywriter, creative writer, blogger, author, UX writer, or content writer, honing your craft will help you land better jobs and find fulfillment in your work.

We’ve rounded up the 40 best podcasts for writers and organized them into categories to help you find your next listen. These podcasts will teach you how to make a living as a writer, how to become a better writer, how to become a published author, and all about the history language itself.

No matter what kind of writer you are or what aspirations you have, this list of writing podcasts has you covered.

How to make a living as a writer

1. freelance writing coach.

In their new podcast, Freelance Writing Coach , Kaleigh Moore and Emma Siemasko share how they’ve built fulfilling, six-figure freelance writing businesses. They cover the ins and outs of writing and what it really takes to be in business for yourself. Listening to it feels like you’re talking to a wise friend.

They talk openly and honestly about setting rates, client boundaries, creating digital products, loneliness, and much more. Each episode is 30 minutes long and they release an entire season of episodes at once—you’ll want to binge it!

Who should listen:

Freelance writers looking to build fulfilling and lucrative careers who are tired of advice that feel outdated or inaccessible.

Where you can listen:

2. High-Income Business Writing Podcast

Hosted by Ed Gandia, High-Income Business Writing helps ambitious freelancers reach six-figures by teaching you how to get better clients, earn more in less time, and bring more freedom and ease into your business. It’s a no-fluff, actionable podcast.

Episodes include case studies, interviews with experts in the field, and a range of quick tips and ideas for writers and copywriters. Ed shares a few 2-5 minute clips each week along with monthly 30-60 minute interviews.

You’re committed to building a six-figure business as a writer and are looking for advice from experts who have done the same.

3. Create If Writing

Create If Writing helps writers and bloggers build an authentic platform online. Host Kirsten Oliphant interviews experts on the ups and downs of list-building, social media marketing , advertising, and content strategy.

Kirsten is a self-published author with 11 years of blogging experience. She has a wealth of experience that she’s keen to share with others. Episodes are 30-60 minutes long and released weekly.

Writers and bloggers who are keen to build their own audience or platform online.

Where to listen:

4. 7-Figure Small with Brian Clark

Previously called Unemployable, 7-Figure Small is a podcast by serial digital entrepreneur Brian Clark. With 20 plus years of experience, Brain shares actionable tips and strategies for freelancers looking to build a personal enterprise. While this podcast isn’t strictly about writing, it’s invaluable for those looking to understand the changing landscape of content creation as well as what it takes to earn seven-figures.

Episodes include interviews with successful creators and entrepreneurs such as Seth Godin, Tim Ferriss, Jenny Blake, Kathleen Shannon, and Gary Vaynerchuk. Brian also shares solo and roundtable style episodes to discuss industry trends. Episodes are 30-90 minutes in length.

Anyone interested in transitioning from freelancing to entrepreneurship and is wondering what it takes to earn seven-figures in today’s digital landscape.

5. The Writing Coach Podcast with Rebecca L. Weber

Rebecca L. Weber, the host of The Writing Coach Podcast , coaches you on the skill development and mindset shifts needed to become a successful independent writer . She’s committed to teaching freelancers how to succeed by learning how to identify the wants and needs of your audience, your editors, and yourself.

Topics covered include how to deal with imposter syndrome, how to improve time management, how to stop procrastinating, how to pitch your work, how to get out of a cycle of under-earning, and how to find meaning in your work. Episodes are 5-30 minutes long and make a great break in your work day.

Freelance writers struggling with overwhelm, imposter syndrome, writer’s block, and marketing your work.

6. Creative Class

Creative Class is a podcast for freelancers. While not specifically for writers, it offers valuable and actionable advice on every aspect of building a business as a freelancer. You’ll learn about how to price your services, how and when to build products, how to attract better clients, and how to protect yourself legally.

Co-hosted by Kaleigh Moore, a writer and six-figure business owner, and Paul Jarvis, an author with 20+ years of freelance experience, this podcast is a must listen for anyone who is self employed. Episodes run from 15-30 minutes.

All freelance writers and content creators who struggle with the ins and outs of running a business including marketing themselves and pricing their products or services.

Copywriting and content strategy

1. the copywriter club podcast.

The Copywriter Club Podcast is the go-to podcast for in-depth interviews with expert copywriters. Co-hosted by Kira Hug and Rob March, each week they share a new in-depth interview with a successful copywriter or content creator. It’s the closest you’ll get to being able to hang out with these successful writers yourself.

Their guests share copywriting advice, best practices, what rates to charge, how to build sales funnels, and how to market yourself. Each episode is 60-90 minutes.

Freelancers wanting inspiration to help you think bigger and take your writing business to the next level.

2. Copy That Pops

Copy That Pops explores the intersection of writing, psychology, and business. Host Laura Petersen is a math and psychology teacher turned best-selling author and entrepreneur who teaches you how to ethically apply the principles of persuasion to your writing.

Topics include brainstorming book ideas, self-publishing, writing and launching an Amazon bestseller, and the psychology of copywriting. Laura shares bite-sized 5-10 minutes episodes along with longer 60 minute episodes.

Writers interested in how they can use psychology to help them write better and self-publish books that sell.

3. Good Copy, Bad Copy

From Radix Communications, Good Copy, Bad Copy is a B2B copywriting podcast for technology writers. Episodes are dense and dive deep on topics you won’t find elsewhere.

Topics covered include telling stories with data, managing stakeholders, content for the public sector, and applying Lean-Agile practices to B2B content creation. Episodes are 30-60 minutes in length and feature interviews with prominent writers in the tech industry.

B2B copywriters in technology marketing looking for in-depth advice and trend exploration.

4. Copy Chief Radio

Copy Chief Radio is focused on sharing timeless, effective copywriting and marketing tactics along with what’s trending in the ever-changing landscape of marketing. Host Kevin Rogers does a good job of balancing fundamentals with current trends.

Episodes feature inspiring and instructive interviews with freelance copywriters who are forging their own paths in their respective fields. Episodes are 20-60 minutes long and released every other week.

Freelance copywriters and marketers looking for actionable advice from those a little further ahead on the path.

5. Writers of Silicon Valley

Writers of Silicon Valley is a podcast on all things UX writing, content design, and content strategy. Hosted by Patrick Stafford, it uncovers the growing and lucrative world of writers who work closely with design teams to build remarkable software products.

Patrick interviews successful UX writers from Figma, Netflix, Adobe, Google, Spotify, Dropbox, and other tech giants. Episodes are 30-60 minutes long and a new one is released each month.

Anyone looking to break into the profitable tech writing niche of UX writing.

How to become a better writer

1. longform.

Longform has been around since 2012 and is one of the best known writing podcasts out there. It features interviews with writers, journalists, filmmakers, and podcasters to uncover how they do their work. It’s hosted by Aaron Lammer, Max Linsky, and Evan Ratliff.

They interview writers from around the world in a wide range of industries. Episodes feature interviews with journalists, editors, authors, and podcast hosts from recognizable publications like Radiolab, The Washington Post, Wired, and The Verge. Episodes are 30-70 minutes long.

Anyone curious about the process and career arc of other writers. You’ll find this podcast inspiring, engaging, and expansive.

2. Write Now with Sarah Werner

Sarah Werner is an award-winning podcaster and writer and the host of Write Now . Write Now is a podcast for aspiring and professional writers who are looking to pursue their passion and build a healthy work-life balance.

Sarah shares encouragement, advice, and inspiration that’ll encourage you to write every day and face the emotional and mental pitfalls that come along with establishing a regular writing practice. Episodes are released weekly and are roughly 30 minutes long.

Aspiring and professional writers looking for a regular dose of encouragement and support that feels like it’s coming from a friend.

3. I Should Be Writing

I Should Be Writing is an award-winning podcast for new writers. Hosted by Mur Lafferty, it’s been around since 2005 and now also streams live on Twitch. Mur uses the show to document the ups and downs of building a writing career by sharing stories from her own life and interviewing others.

Mur Lafferty is a talented, engaging host and it’s easy to get hooked on her show. She focuses mostly on the emotional roadblocks you’ll find as your writing career progresses. Episodes are 20-40 minutes long.

New writers who are unsure how to start and keep going in their writing careers.

4. 10-Minute Writer’s Workshop

The 10-Minute Writer’s Workshop was an interview series from NHPR that gave a behind the scenes look at how great writers develop their craft. While it’s no longer being produced, there are two years and 60 episodes worth of archives for you to listen to.

The podcast featured bestselling authors and Pulitzer Prize winning writers such as Jennifer Egan, Dan Brown, Krista Tippett, Roxane Gay, and Celeste Ng. At 10 minutes each, these quick listens are a great way to take a break and give yourself a boost in your work day.

Aspiring and professional writers who are curious about the careers and processes of their favourite authors.

5. Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

As the name suggests, Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing is an educational podcast sharing short, actionable tips to improve your writing . This five-time award winning podcast is hosted by Mignon Fogarty and boasts an archive of over 600 episodes for you to browse through. Consider it your friendly guide to the English language.

Each episode contains tips on grammar, punctuation, style, history, and even the business of writing. Episodes are 10-20 minutes long and released weekly.

Writers who have English as their first or second language who want short, easily digestible tips to improve their writing.

6. DIY MFA Radio

DIY MFA Radio host Gabriela Pereira shows you how to take your writing from average to awesome with this MFA speaker series style radio show. She interviews bestselling authors, writing teachers, and publishing industry insiders to uncover the tools needed to develop your craft.

Each episode digs deep on an element of the craft of writing, the business or writing, or both. Past guests include Delia Ephron, Tana French, and Guy Kawasaki. Episodes are 45-60 minutes long.

Aspiring or published authors who want to fine tune their craft and better understand the publishing world.

7. 88 Cups of Tea

88 Cups of Tea is a podcast and online community that shares a wealth of writing inspiration, resources, and author and agent interviews. It’s run by a group of creative writers who are upbeat, uplifting, and truly invested in bringing more joy to the process of writing.

They discuss overcoming rejection, lifestyle habits to support your heart and soul, and what it means to build a life as a creative. Episodes are 40-75 minutes long. Their website has essays, articles, and an archive of over 200 past episodes for you to explore.

Personal and professional writers who want inspiration and encouragement to pursue their creative path.

8. Writers Who Don’t Write

Co-hosts Jeff Umbro and Kyle Craner started the Writers Who Don’t Write podcast to overcome their own fears of writing. It slowly grew into a multi-year project that helped other writers tell their own stories of overcoming difficulties in their careers. Each interview is vulnerable and inspiring.

They’ve interviewed Tim Urban, Mark Manson, Stephanie Danler, Claire Messud, and many other successful writers. Episodes run 30-75 minutes.

Anyone who’s currently feeling challenged in their writing career and wants a reminder that they’re not alone.

9. The Portfolio Life with Jeff Goins

The Portfolio Life is a podcast hosted by author, blogger, and entrepreneur Jeff Goins. He shares ideas and advice to help creatives discover their voice and pursue work that matters. While not solely focused on writing, this podcast is wonderful inspiration for writers who are eager to turn their craft into a business.

The podcast features both solo episodes and interviews with other creatives. Topics covered include building your first product, identifying the kind of creator you are, gaining traction as a creative, and the secret to innovative work. Episodes are 15-75 minutes long.

Writers who want to build a business doing work that matters to them and makes a difference to others.

10. Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach

Anna Kreoker’s self-titled podcast Anna Kroeker, Writing Coach helps writers at all stages find motivation. She teaches you how to identify and reach your writing goals while having fun and staying creative. Anna shares ideas and inspiration that you can immediately apply to your work.

Anna shares solo episodes and interviews with other publishing professionals. Episodes are anywhere from 10-60 minutes and feel like an encouraging boost from a personal coach.

Aspiring and professional writers who are looking to improve their process, be more productive, and stay inspired. Anna will help you build practices that support your work.

11. First Draft: A Dialogue on Writing

First Draft: A Dialogue on Writing is a literary podcast featuring in-depth interviews with fiction, non-fiction, and poetry writers. Host Mitzi Rapkin talks with her guests about their work, how they approach their craft, and the literary arts in general. It’s a celebration of creative writing in its many forms.

Guests of the show include Elizabeth Gilbert, Dani Shapiro, Saeed Jones, James Salter, and many more well-known and emerging writers. Each episode is between 30-60 minutes and new interviews are released weekly.

Creative writing lovers and aspiring authors who are curious about the art of bringing their words to print.

12. StoryADay

StoryADay offers short episodes to help you learn how much you're capable of writing in a month. Host Julie Duffy encourages you to write every day and teaches you how to keep that commitment up for the rest of your life.

Each episode is 10-20 minutes long and focuses on one topic and one writing assignment. Topics covered include how to focus, building persistence, getting feedback, leaving a legacy, and how to get unstuck.

Professional writers who want to build a daily, lifelong writing practice.

13. Writing Excuses

Learn better writing techniques quickly in these fast-paced, short episodes from Writing Excuses . The show is hosted by Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler and it’s a long-time favourite for many writers.

They cover a range of informative and interesting topics such as poetic language, publishing pitfalls, audiobook narration, writing endings, and dealing with discomfort. Episodes are roughly 15 minutes long and released weekly.

Any writer eager to improve their writing technique and prefers short-form podcasts.

14. Story Grid Podcast

The Story Grid Podcast teaches you how to become a better storyteller. Co-hosts Shawn Coyne, the author of Story Grid, and Tim Grahl, a self-proclaimed struggling writer, discuss the ins and outs of what makes great writing.

The podcast features interviews with authors, instructional episodes where they take you through an aspect of storytelling, such as the Hero’s Journey, and literary analysis where they breakdown well known books chapter by chapter. Episodes are 10-60 minutes long.

Writers interested in improving the developmental arc of the stories they tell.

15. The Mythcreant Podcast

As the name alludes, Mythcreants is a podcast for storytellers of fantasy and science fiction. The hosts geek out on all aspects of writing fantasy and science fiction and have a great time doing it. The show is entertaining, informative, and always leaves you with something to think about.

Topics covered include bias-free language, flat characters, fan fiction, crafting satisfying resolutions in your stories, and more. Episodes are 30 minutes long.

Writers of fantasy and science fiction who want to impact the genre.

16. The Writing Life

Produced by the National Centre for Writing, The Writing Life is a podcast for writers of all descriptions. It’s focused on the writing journeys and techniques of well known authors. They talk about early careers, self-publishing, and narrative design.

They’ve interviewed literary giants like Margaret Atwood, Sara Collins, Antti Tuomainen, Elif Shafak, and others. Episodes are 30-75 minutes long and released weekly.

Writers who want to learn about the early careers and journeys of the authors they love.

Linguistics and the history of language

1. lingthusiasm.

Described as “joyously nerdy” by Buzzfeed, Lingthusiasm is a linguistics podcast hosted by Gretchen McCulloch and Lauren Gawne. They explore the roots and impact of language in a delightful, deep, and engaging way.

Topics include the value of small talk, how translators approach text, the versatility of language, and why spelling is hard. New episodes are released monthly and average 40 minutes in length.

Anyone ready to nerd out on the history and possibilities of words, language, and how we communicate.

2. Because Language

Because Language (previously called Talk the Talk) is a social sciences podcast about linguistics and the science of language. It’s hosted by Daniel Midgley, Ben Ainslie, and Hedvig Skirgård. They interview writers, educators, linguists, and social scientists to explore how words shape the world we live in.

This podcast is an accessible and fun way to learn about linguistics. You’ll learn plenty of facts that will impress your friends, improve your writing, and make you more aware of the world around you. Episodes are between 60-120 minutes long.

Writers wanting to keep up to date with the world of linguistics and how it shapes our culture.

3. The History of English Podcast

The History of English is a chronological history of the English language examined through the historical events that have shaped the development and spread of the language. Each episode is incredibly detailed and well researched. Written, hosted, and produced by Kevin Stroud, this podcast is a hidden gem for history and language lovers alike.

Kevin began the podcast in 2012 by exploring the roots of English among the herding culture of the Indo-Europeans and their migration throughout Europe and Asia, and is now covering the emergence of Modern English in the wake of the printing press. Episodes are roughly 60 minutes long and new ones are released every month.

History lovers who enjoy learning about language through storytelling.

4. Lexicon Valley

Lexicon Valley is a Slate podcast hosted by linguist, professor, and author John McWhorter. It explores questions about why we speak, read, and write the way we do. Episodes are entertaining, instructive, and strangely delightful.

Topics covered include syntax, etymology, neurolinguistics, language pet peeves, and how languages die. Each episode is roughly 60 minutes long and new ones are released every week or two.

Anyone fascinated by why and how we communicate as well as how language shapes culture.

5. A Way With Words

A Way with Words is a light-hearted radio show about language and linguistics. Co-hosts Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett talk with callers from all over the world to examine language through the lens of family, history, and culture. They talk about slang, riddles, old sayings, new words, common expressions, regional dialects, folklore, and all types of literature.

A Way with Words has been published since 1998 so there’s a huge wealth of archives to explore. Episodes average 60 minutes in length.

Language and linguistics lovers who want to know everything about words and how we use them.

How to become a published author

1. minorities in publishing.

Minorities in Publishing is a podcast hosted by publishing professionals Bev Rivero and Jenn Baker to explore diversity (or lack thereof) in the publishing industry. They interview writers, editors, agents, marketers, illustrators, and publishers who work both independently and in-house.

They talk about both the larger systemic issues of marginalized representation in the media and guests’ personal experience navigating their respective fields. Episodes are between 30-60 minutes long and new interviews are released monthly.

Emerging, marginalized writers who are looking to better understand and navigate the world of publishing.

2. The Bestseller Experiment

Co-hosts Mark Stay, an author and screenwriter, and Mark Desvaux, an entrepreneur and recording artist, share what it takes to write and market a best selling book. The Bestseller Experiment interviews publishers, editors, writers, and social media specialists who have had chart-topping success to learn how they did it.

Topics covered include everything from writing to publishing to marketing. Interviews are roughly 60 minutes long. They also share short 3-10 minute “Deep Dive” episodes to give you quick hits of actionable inspiration.

Aspiring authors interested in writing, self-publishing, and marketing a bestselling book in just one year.

3. AskAlli: Self-Publishing Advice Podcast

The Alliance of Independent Authors’ Self-Publishing Advice Podcast covers every aspect of self-publishing for beginners through to advanced writers. Director and co-host Orna Ross interviews successful self-published authors to share the most up-to-date information on this rapidly changing industry.

Episodes are posted twice weekly and range from 10-40 minutes in length. They feature inspiring interviews, actionable advice, and analysis of industry trends.

Aspiring authors wanting to self-publish their own fiction, non-fiction, or poetry books.

4. So You Want to be a Writer

So You Want to be a Writer is a podcast from the Australian Writers’ Centre. It’s hosted by two successful journalists and authors, Valerie Khoo and Allison Tait. They share trends, opportunities, and the occasional piece of gossip in the publishing industry.

In their “Writer In Residence” series they interview published authors to uncover exactly how they got their big break. You’ll learn practical writing tips and get an insiders look at the industry. Episodes are 30-75 minutes long.

Writers who want to know what it takes to break into the publishing industry.

5. Dead Robots’ Society

Dead Robots’ Society is a group of aspiring writers who interview other aspiring writers on their journey to becoming published authors. It’s hosted by Justin Macumber, Paul Elard Cooley, and Terry Mixon.

Longtime fans of the show enjoy the hosts for their honesty, camaraderie, and wit. It offers listeners solidarity and encouragement to continue writing. With a wealth of experience between them, there’s also a ton of valuable advice throughout.

Writers and aspiring authors who are feeling isolated and want some company on their journey to being published.

6. Helping Writers Become Authors

Helping Writers Become Authors does what it promises, helps you write and edit a book that agents and readers will buy. Host K.M. Weiland talks about finding inspiration, crafting engaging characters, outlining and structuring novels, and editing.

The show pays particular attention to helping you write a novel that you’re not only proud of but also sells. She goes deep into character arcs, honing your storytelling skills, and how to develop your cognitive functions to become a better thinker and writer. Episodes are 10-20 minutes long and released weekly.

Aspiring novelists who want to improve the quality of the stories they tell and create something an agent will buy.

7. Write or Die Podcast

The Write or Die Podcast shares the gritty truth of what it takes to become an author. Hosted by authors Claribel A. Ortega and Kat Cho, this podcast features the stories of writers who have gone through it all in order to now live out their dreams. It offers solidarity and inspiration to aspiring authors.

This podcast is sharp, funny, and doesn’t shy away from the more taboo aspects of writing and publishing. Episodes are released weekly and average 60 minutes in length.

Aspiring authors looking for support and the unvarnished truth on their writing and publishing journey.

8. Book Marketing Mentors

The Book Marketing Mentors podcast teaches you how to build and execute your book marketing plan. Hosted by bestselling author Susan Friedmann, it focuses on simple, proven techniques that you can implement yourself to streamline your marketing efforts.

Susan interviews other bestselling authors to discuss finding your niche, getting over the fear of selling, marketing as an introvert, and leveraging technology in an overwhelming world. Episodes are 30 minutes long and released weekly.

Authors wanting to take the business of publishing and marketing their book to the next level.

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9. The Creative Penn Podcast for Writers

The Creative Penn Podcast will help you navigate self-publishing and book marketing and teach you how to make a living with your writing. Host Joanna Penn will show you it’s possible to reach your dreams and become an author.

Joanna is a joyful host who interviews other authors to discuss the craft of writing, the business of being a writer, and how you can make a living through your books. Episodes are 30-60 minutes long and released weekly.

Aspiring authors who want to understand their options for self-publishing, book marketing, and creative entrepreneurship.

Writers never stop learning and growing. Podcasts are a wonderful, free way to help you develop your craft, build your business, and remind yourself you’re not alone. Give one or all of these podcasts a listen to find your new favorite.

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Writers get their inspiration from all sorts of places — real life, current events, favorite books, other writers, their own imagination, and more recently: podcasts. Podcasts about writing have been around practically as long as podcasts themselves have been, (with the longest-running writing podcast on this list airing for the first time in 2005!) and they’re the perfect dose of advice, inspiration, and motivation — especially for working writers on the go . Because let’s face it: while most of us aspiring and/or working writers would love to pause our daily lives in favor of losing ourselves in a writers’ workshop for weeks, months, or even years at a time, for many writers that’s not so realistic. These podcasts — as helpful as a creative writing workshop itself, in many ways — might be the next best thing. (With the added bonus of not having to worry about your GPA and your muse showing up in a timely manner.)

Featuring the experiences of hundreds of writers working in every genre; practical tips on everything from grammar and character development to plot pacing and prose polishing; advice on what to do once you finally do have a manuscript worth publishing; and so much more, here are 20 podcasts just as good as a creative writing workshop — no homework (or tuition) required.

Magic Lessons

While we writers aren’t yet sure about a season three yet (though we’re keeping our fingers crossed) Magic Lessons with bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert features two seasons worth of creative inspiration. Offering advice, hope, and plenty of to-do lists to all sorts of artists — not only writers, but painters, photographers, dancers, and more — Magic Lessons will leave you motivated to recommit to that creative project of your own.

Helping Writers Become Authors

Author and mentor K.M. Weiland is the mastermind behind Helping Writers Become Authors , a podcast that covers every in-and-out of the writing process: from idea generation and character development, to plot structuring and prose polishing, to fighting writers’ block and sustaining your story across the long expanse of a novel. If you love Weiland’s podcast, be sure to check out her tweets too — for when you don’t have time for an entire episode, she still offers tons of tips and writing prompts in 140-characters or less.

So You Want to Be a Writer

Co-hosted by published journalists and authors Valerie Khoo and Allison Tait, So You Want to Be a Writer covers all sorts of things you'll want to know about today’s publishing world: writing opportunities, publishing trends, author gossip, and the latest and greatest news in writing, blogging, and publishing. Khoo and Tait also offer their own analysis of current publishing news, in addition to writing tips.

The Narrative Breakdown

Though The Narrative Breakdown isn’t currently broadcasting new episodes, there’s a library of 52 info-packed past episodes available for you to enjoy. Co-hosted by Cheryl Klein and James Monohan, The Narrative Breakdown features discussions on the craft of writing and covers topics for working fiction writers, children’s book authors, screenwriters, playwrights, and more.

I Should Be Writing

You should be writing — but first, check out the podcast I Should Be Writing , hosted by science fiction author Mur Lafferty. Airing for over 10 years, regular episodes range from five minutes to over 90, and in addition to covering an expansive range of topics concerning the craft, business, and career of writing, Lafferty also features tons of interviews with authors of a new or forthcoming work.

Dead Robots’ Society

Inspired by Mur Lafferty’s podcast (see above) Dead Robots’ Society describes themselves as “a gathering of aspiring writers, podcasting to other aspiring writers” — so you know you’re in good company. With playful and compelling titles like “So Many Bobs!” and “Care and Feeding of Narrators” each episode features writing insights for fiction and novel writers.

Writing Excuses

With over 120 episodes around 20 minutes each, Writing Excuses will keep you in short, inspirational podcasts for weeks (or longer.) Hosted by Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal, Howard Tayler, and Daniel Wells, Writing Excuses offers fast-paced and effective talks and tips about writing techniques and the writing life.

The Writing University Podcast

If you can’t actually enroll in the famed Iowa Writers Workshop yourself, then this podcast might just be one of the next best things. The Writing University Podcast offers a library of recordings of events affiliated with the Iowa Writers Workshop, including craft talks, author readings, and various events hosted during the Iowa Summer Writing Festival.

Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach

Offering practical advice and easy-to-follow tips to writers of all ages and genres, Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach is a podcast designed to boost creativity, productivity, and confidence in your craft. Airing for the first time this April and hosted by writing coach Ann Kroeker (obviously), this podcast offers solutions for a wide range of writing issues and concerns — usually in ten minutes or less.

Writing Unblocked with Britney M. Mills

Running 70 episodes long, Writing Unblocked with Britney M. Mills is the podcast for writers struggling with writers’ block. Mills interviews published authors while sharing her own insights and advice on the craft of writing, encouraging you to stick with your work, push past challenges, and publish the book of your dreams.

Learn about the writing craft, business, and life from some of the best writers working today. Particular to non-fiction writers and journalists, the Longform podcast features lengthy interviews with writers, focusing on new or noteworthy work and digging deep into how each writer got their start and where they’re going now.

First Draft: A Dialogue on Writing

Featuring cannot-miss guests like writers Elizabeth Gilbert, Celeste Ng, Ann Patchett, and tons of other award-winning and bestselling contemporary literary greats, First Draft: A Dialogue on Writing is all about the excitement, creativity, energy, and inevitable pitfalls of the first draft. Host Mitzi Rapkin interviews a different author during each episode, who share firsthand experience on the ins-and-outs of getting through that beautiful, messy first draft.

Write Now with Sarah Werner

Taking your writing off the page and into your life, Write Now, an inspirational podcast hosted by Sarah Werner, will help you find the necessary, healthy balance between work, life, and — of course — writing. Filled with encouragement, practical advice, and tons of inspiration, Write Now will leave you feeling more passionate and in better control of all the things you have to juggle in your average day.

Creative Writing Career Podcast

Designed for aspiring writers in all genres, the Creative Writing Career Podcast features visual effects artist Stephan Bugaj, videogame writer Justin Sloan, and author Kevin Tumlinson, who share their thoughts, experiences, and tips for writing books, movies, video games, and more.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

We can talk about the writing life and the beauty of craft all day long, but without the nuts-and-bolts mechanics of grammar, punctuation, and basic writing style, you’re not going to get very far. Good thing you can listen to Grammar Girl’s (aka: Mignon Fogarty’s) podcast offering “Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing.” Plenty of helpful tips on great storytelling, structure, voice, and more are included too.

A Way With Words

A National Public Radio program, A Way With Words is a podcast perfect for writers and word-nerds. Exploring language through the lens of history, culture, and family, A Way With Words features fun and funny conversations between radio show co-hosts Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett and callers from around the world, asking questions about linguistics, slang, new words, jokes, riddles, word games, grammar, old sayings, word origins, regional dialects, family expressions, speaking and writing well, and more.

Beautiful Writers Podcast

Writer Linda Silversten (aka: “Book Mama”) hosts the Beautiful Writers Podcast — an ongoing and in-depth conversation on writing, publishing, and creativity. Featuring tons of amazing guest writers, including Arianna Huffington, Elizabeth Gilbert, Brené Brown, Anne Lamott, Glennon Doyle, Dani Shapiro, and so many more, every episode includes advice and personal anecdotes from each author.

10 Minute Writer’s Workshop

If you’ve ever wondered how great writers like Salman Rushdie, Roxane Gay, Jonathan Safran Foer, Caitlin Moran, Emma Donoghue, Colson Whitehead, Judy Blume, and others manage to get all their brilliant thoughts out of their heads and onto the page, the 10 Minute Writer’s Workshop will answer exactly that — all in around ten minutes or less.

The Creative Penn Podcast

Hosted by author Joanna Penn, The Creative Penn Podcast offers a series of hour-long episodes about everything related to writing and publishing. From advice on finding and maintaining your initial inspiration, to tips on developing your craft, to information on publishing and marketing your work, Penn pairs her own words with guest interviews.

The Newbie Writers Podcast!

220-plus episodes long, The Newbie Writers Podcast! is hardly a newbie to podcasting. Inspired by the motto: “Because talking about writing shouldn't be boring!” The Newbie Writer’s Podcast! is an upbeat and informative podcast designed to help you figure out what to do with your great book idea. Author interviews (and the occasional digression) are featured.

The 10 Best Writing Podcasts for Storytellers and Aspiring Authors

Alison Doherty

Alison Doherty is a writing teacher and part time assistant professor living in Brooklyn, New York. She has an MFA from The New School in writing for children and teenagers. She loves writing about books on the Internet, listening to audiobooks on the subway, and reading anything with a twisty plot or a happily ever after.

View All posts by Alison Doherty

Ready for a list of the ten best writing podcasts? Writing is often such a solitary endeavor. It’s you and the blank page or the white screen and…nobody else. This feels especially true when you’re unpublished (me raising my own hand and waving it around wildly). Writing podcasts offer so many helpful tips, bits of important information, and insight into both writing and publishing as professions.

They can also make you feel less alone on your writing journey.

After I graduated from my MFA program, I turned to podcasts to stay connected to the writing community. I’ve learned so many things from listening to these hosts and their many, many guests. From what a revise and resubmit means to advice about how to get unstuck when writer’s block hits. And really, the most important thing I’ve learned is that there is no one way to be a writer. Literally everyone’s pathway through the writing life has looked different. Through queries, rejections from editors, and countless new drafts, I’ve returned to podcasts when I feel alone or unmotivated. They’ve also inspired me when my writing is going well.

From interview shows to read-alongs to publishing advice, there is a best writing podcast that fits every stage of the writing process. Get creative! Feel inspired! And start listening to the writing podcast of your choice!

First Draft with Sarah Enni

This began in 2014, when host Sarah Enni took a cross country road trip to interview her favorite YA writers. Since then, it’s expanded to interviews with writers in lots of mediums, genres, and categories. Sarah’s interviews go back to writers’ childhoods and cover every part of her guests’ creative and publishing journeys. As a writer herself, Sarah brings a lot of insight into how different everyone’s writing path can be. Her break off miniseries, Track Changes , is a must listen for writers looking to publish. It goes through all the nitty gritty details of the traditional publication process. She’s got it all covered, from agents to contracts and advances to marketing and publicity.

Grammar Girl: Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

If you love getting into the small details of writing or are looking to brush up on your grammar rules, this is the writing podcast for you. Episodes are usually short in the 10–20 minute zone and cover subjects ranging from semicolons to eliminating adverbs to the grammar of pirate lingo. Some episodes also feature short interviews with authors. And with over 700 episodes, this backlist will keep your ears busy for a long time.

Writer’s Routine

Get inspired by learning about the daily routines of working writers! Dan Simpson hosts this interview show, where he asks published authors to describe how they structure their daily routines to maximize their creativity. One thing that comes across is how different authors can be in terms of how often they write, what times, and many other factors. This writing podcast truly shows there is no one recipe for success. Instead, it’s about finding out what process works best for you as a writer.

Hosts Jessica Lahey, KJ Dell’Antonia and Sarina Bowen all have amazing writing advice for writers and journalists. This podcast is a mix of interviews and advice episodes, with topics ranging from craft tips to publishing advice to discussions of how to build a writing community. They also explore a wide variety of writing categories instead of staying in just one lane. From memoir to fiction to food journalism to so many other types of writing. There is so much to learn from this writing podcast.

Deadline City

Authors Dhonielle Clayton and Zoraida Córdova talk about writing, editing, publishing, and many different aspects of the writing life. They often bring on their friends and colleagues to discuss everything from the future of publishing to burnout to professional jealousy. Between them they have 40 books published or under contract, so these are two experienced authors that all writers should listen to!

DIY MFA Radio

Gabriela Pereira wants to make the MFA experience more accessible through her weekly writing interview podcast. Her interviews with authors, agents, editors, and other publishing industry professionals are crafted to mirror an MFA speaking series. This podcast mixes discussions about writing as a craft with talk about publishing as a business, with some really impressive guests like Emma Straub , Sarah Dessen, and Jojo Moyes.

The Self Publishing Show

Mark Dawson is a best-selling self published author. He’s created successful marketing, publicity, and sales strategies for his books that have let him quit his 9 to 5 job. Mark hosts this podcast with James Blatch, a newer author who represents the debut writing experience. With over six years, and 300 episodes, of tips and advice, this is one of the best writing podcasts to listen to for writers interested in self publishing.

Fated Mates

Romance writers should definitely check out the Fated Mates podcast. It is hosted by romance author Sarah MacLean and romance critic Jen Prokop. Their first season they did a read-along of Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series . Since then they’ve covered pretty much everything in the romance world, from read-alongs on their favorite romance novels, book trope recommendations, and discussions of trends in romance publishing. As an added plus, Sarah and Jen are hilarious, fiercely feminist, and so much fun to listen to every week!

88 Cups of Tea

This is one of my favorite writing podcasts. Host Yin Chang interviews creative storytellers in each episode. While the show began with a high concentration of YA authors as guests, the focus expanded to include authors from many categories along with screenwriters, filmmakers, poets, copy writers, literary agents, and more. Yin Chang is such an authentic host that it leads to really deep and nuanced conversations. The podcast is currently on a hiatus, while Yin Chang combats food insecurity among Asian American elders in NYC through Heart of Dinner. However, there are over 100 episodes in the podcast’s backlog to listen to while waiting for 88 Cups of Tea to return.

Book Riot: The Podcast

Stay up to date with publishing trends and news with this weekly talkshow hosted by the editors of Book Riot. From pandemic reading habits to publishing house merges to changing sales numbers, this is a really good podcast for writers who want to stay in the know. For more information on weekly new book releases check out All the Books . Or if want to keep yourself up to date on specific genres, listen to Hey YA for young adult info, Read or Dead for mysteries and thrillers, When in Romance for romance writers, and finally SFF Yeah! for information about science fiction and fantasy.

I predict you will find a new favorite among this list of the best podcasts for writers. But if you are looking for more, I suggest perusing this list of bookish podcasts for more literary listening fun!

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The long and short-form of it: podcasts that will teach you how to write

Whether you are plotting, drafting, staring at a blank page, or keen to get tips from the pros … if you want to be an author, there’s a podcast for that

New Yorker Fiction

In this monthly podcast , a celebrated writer selects a short story from the New Yorker’s archive to read and discuss with the magazine’s fiction editor, Deborah Treisman. The pleasure here lies as much in the pairings of authors with material as it does the stories themselves: Margaret Atwood reading Alice Munro, or Andrew Sean Greer reading Dorothy Parker, or Tessa Hadley reading John Updike. There is much to be learned about the craft and discipline of short fiction writing from the subsequent discussions, too. A recurring point: fewer words is always better. Also, check out The New Yorker: The Writer’s Voice , where writers read their own stories.

Approaching its 10th anniversary, the Longform podcast is a weekly hour-long interview with a nonfiction writer about their work, practice and personal philosophies. When it was founded in 2012, as a co-production of Longform.org and the Atavist magazine, co-hosts Max Linsky, Evan Ratliff and Aaron Lammer drilled down into aspects of the craft such as note-taking and revising drafts. These days the scope of their warm, considered conversations has broadened to be as much about life as about writing. Dig into the archives to hear from greats such as Gay Talese, Renata Adler, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Ariel Levy, Ira Glass, Michael Lewis, George Saunders, Susan Orlean and Robert McKee.

Much of their advice applies to all writers, but for a podcast with a fiction slant, check out First Draft .

In Writing With Hattie Crisell

Now in its fourth series , for this pod Hattie Crisell, a contributing editor of Grazia magazine, interviews writers of all kinds about “how they write, why they write, and what they can teach us about doing it better”. There are lessons for everyone who works with words and stories here, from bona fide publishing powerhouses Curtis Sittenfeld and David Nicholls to comedians, playwrights, critics and even songwriters. Crisell is an engaging interviewer who puts her subjects at ease so that they speak freely and frankly about the realities of life as a full-time writer – not least the horror of the blank page. Those just starting out might be heartened to hear that it never gets easier. Writer’s Routine and The National Writing Centre’s The Writing Life are two more UK interview podcasts focusing on the day-to-day.

Start With This

Start With This is like a look inside the engine room of the hit podcast Welcome to Night Vale, as co-creators Jeffrey Cranor and Joseph Fink aim to help you “put your ideas in motion”. Each episode discusses a challenge or an aspect of writing – from scene-setting to plotting, finding one’s voice to overcoming perfectionism – before setting the listeners two practical assignments relevant to the subject: “something to consume” and “something to create”. The series concluded last month but, with episodes totalling an entire day and a half, Start With This presents an accessible, supportive step towards starting and extending a regular writing practice. Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach is another podcast with practical exercises (with the added bonus of bitesize episodes as short as 15 minutes).

Between the Covers

With episodes often in excess of two hours, this fortnightly “literary radio show” is one to sink into rather than blitz on your commute. But when you have time to invest, Between the Covers will expand your horizons, in both the exceptional curation of the interviewees – spanning all literary forms, all over the world – and the depth of their conversation. Even if you are not familiar with the works being discussed, host David Naimon will pique your interest. He is patient, never presumptuous, curious and well-informed. This podcast is like the best writer’s festival talk you’ve ever been to, fitting in with your schedule and with no unedifying Q&A session at the end.

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30 Inspiring Podcasts for Creative Minds

Sometimes unlocking your own creativity and getting your creative juices flowing again takes some inspiration.

Which can be hard to come by these days, so we hear.

So, for the times when you need it most, we want to offer a source of inspiration for creatives from creatives.

And we want to offer that inspiration in the form of podcasts.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist or an experienced creative professional, today’s blog is giving you a list of our favorite creative podcasts to ignite your imagination, help you wind down after a busy day, and help you along on your artistic journey.

What is a Creative Podcast?

So, what exactly goes on in a creative podcast? 

Creative podcasts are programs that explore and discuss everything creative, from harnessing your creativity to your artistic endeavors to your own creative process.

These podcasts often feature interviews with creative professionals, artists, designers, writers, and other innovators who provide insight into their work, experiences, and the strategies they use to nurture and express their creativity.

So, if that sounds like just the dose of inspiration and advice you need, read on for our pick of the best 30 podcasts for creative minds!

The 30 Best Podcasts for Creatives to Listen to

You’ve waited long enough.

In no particular order, here are our top 30 creative podcasts for you to listen to while you work, during your commute, or just to wind down after a long day of creating!

1. After the Jump

After the Jump is a design-focused podcast hosted by Grace Bonney, author of Design*Sponge at Home.

Though it concluded its run way back in 2018, you can still listen to episodes online if you’re in need of a creative boost or just want to hear some insight about the lives and experiences of entrepreneurs, designers, and artists, and listen to some very interesting guest interviews!

Check out After the Jump for everything from business strategies, career challenges, and personal stories from artists just like you!

2. Creative Rebels

Hosted by David Speed and Adam Brazier, Creative Rebels explores the journeys of creatives, entrepreneurs, and challenges faced by those in the creative industry.

If you’re looking for inspiring interviews with creative people like you who have rebelled against the 9–5, then this is the podcast for you!

The last episode premiered in Feb of 2022, and you can check it (and other episodes) here on the Creative Rebels Spotify.

3. A Beautiful Anarchy

A Beautiful Anarchy describes itself as “a heart-felt kick-in-the-pants podcast for everyday creators and anyone who’s ever mud-wrestled with their muse.”

Hosted by David duChmin, this program features 15-minute podcasts that explore the joy and struggles that come with creative careers and the creative life in general.

Though duChimm stopped production of his podcast after the pandemic, there are still 80 episodes out there and you can listen to them here on A Beautiful Anarchy’s episode guide !

4. TED Radio Hour

The TED Radio Hour aims to “explore the biggest questions of our time with the help of the world’s greatest thinkers.”

It’s hosted by Guy Raz and covers a huge range of topics, everything from science, technology, creativity, innovation, and personal development. So, if you’re looking for a dose of inspiration and some thought-provoking discussions, TED Radio Hour is a current program with its latest episode dropping on November 10th, so expect more to come! 

You can listen to the newest episode and all others here on NPR’s TED radio hour site .

5. The Unmistakable Creative

If it’s inspiration and life lessons you crave, then The Unmistakable Creative may be your jam.

Hosted by Srinivas Rao, The Unmistakable Creative shares inspiring stories from the most creative minds and offers practical advice to its listeners from sources like other creatives, entrepreneurs, change-makers, and self-described misfits.

There are over 1,000 episodes with more coming out consistently, so if this podcast sounds like something you’d enjoy, you can check out episodes on the Unmistakable Creative’s website.

6. Never Not Creative

The Never Not Creative podcast is hosted by Andy Wright and Sara Nguyen and aims to be a community that supports creatives across the globe.

According to their website, Never Not Creative is “dedicated to improving the mental wellbeing of people working in creative businesses, teams, and alongside the creative industry."

They interview creatives, mental health experts, and consultants to share stories and advice linked to bettering mental health across the creative community. 

So, if your creative mind could use some soothing, you can listen to all episodes here on the Never Not Creative website .

7. Accidental Creative

Accidental Creative, hosted by Todd Henry, is a hugely popular weekly podcast that provides tips and interviews with top thinkers, leaders, and artists.

This podcast has been going strong since 2005 and there are tons of episodes to listen to with plenty more on the way (the latest as of this writing dropped on November 13th).

You can give them a listen here on the Accidental Creative website .

8. Magic Lessons

Hosted by Elizabeth Gilbert (bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love), Magic Lessons is a hit podcast designed to help aspiring artists overcome their fears and create more joyfully!

There are over 200 episodes of Magic Lessons for you to listen to, featuring conversations with a variety of guests, including artists, writers, and creative thinkers.

If it’s advice and guidance aimed at a creative person like you that you need, then head over to Magic Lesson’s website for access to all past episodes!

9. Meet the Creatives

Meet the Creatives is a podcast that “seeks to bridge the gap between entry-level creative professionals and the industry’s best.”

Host Rob Johnston aims to use his podcast as a platform to help build a creative community that connects thousands of entry-level creatives from around the world, featuring guests from companies like Facebook, Sesame Street, Nike, and more.

If you’re new to creative work and looking for a solid source of inspiration, advice, and wisdom, you can check out all of Rob’s episodes on Meet the Creative’s episode guide !

10. Being Freelance  

Designed with the freelancer in mind, Being Freelance offers its listeners tips, business advice, and life hacks from freelancer to freelancer.

The program, hosted by Steve Folland, features insightful interviews with freelancers from a variety of industries and explores their experiences, challenges, and any advice they have about succeeding in the freelance world.

So, whether you’re new to freelancing or just looking for additional insight and advice, you can check out Being Freelance on its website at that link. It’s been going strong since 2015, so there are plenty of episodes for you to catch up on!

11. On Design

On Design strives to bring its listeners “insightful conversations with design’s most inspiring figures, from designers and artists to creative directors, entrepreneurs and everybody in between.”

Hosted by Justyna Green, this podcast features down-to-earth interviews with inspiring figures in art and design, connecting guests with listeners by finding common ground between them.

It’s been featured in the top ten design podcasts in the UK for four years running, so it’s a popular program! Check out all of its episodes here on On Design’s episode site .

12. The 21st Century Creative

Creative Coach and poet Mark McGuinness hosts The 21st Century Creative to help you succeed as a creative professional amid the demands, distractions, and opportunities of the 21st century.

Each episode of The 21st Century Creative features insight from Mark and the guests that he interviews, including artists, writers, performers, commercial creatives, directors, and other creative thought leaders.

And if you like to get involved in your podcast, each episode also features a Creative Challenge issued by one of Mark’s guests at the end of each episode!

The program is currently in its 5th season so there are plenty of episodes to enjoy! Find them here on The 21st Century Creative’s website .

13. The Creative Condition

The Creative Condition is a podcast that tackles the real-world challenges that creative people face. 

Host Ben Tallon invites a variety of guests in the creative industry to his show to have open and honest conversations about the industry, their creative process, mental health, and more.

If you’re looking for valuable stories, experiences, and advice to help you maximize your creativity, you can check it out here on The Creative Condition’s Soundcloud page .

There are over 200 episodes available with more to come, so there’s plenty to keep you busy!

14. The Creative Introvert

Like to work solo?

The Creative Introvert might just be for you.

As suggested by its name, this program, hosted by Cat Rose, is designed for creatives, makers, artists, and entrepreneurs who prefer to work alone.

The Creative Introvert tackles everyday relatable topics like battling fear, increasing your confidence, self-promotion without feeling sleazy, and overcoming procrastination.

Sound like you? Check out Cat’s podcast on The Creative Introvert’s Frolic website.

15. James Taylor’s SuperCreativity Podcast Show

The SuperCreativity Podcast Show is a weekly podcast where host, James Taylor, brings on guests to discuss all aspects of creativity, innovation, and the world of ideas.

So, if you enjoy listening to conversations with creative thinkers, innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, authors, educators, and more, this is the podcast for you. 

The latest episode dropped in 2022, but there are still over 300 episodes to enjoy. You can find them here on SuperCreativity’s Spotify page .

16. 99% Invisible

99% Invisible is a sound-rich narrative podcast hosted by Roman Mars.

Its goal is to put the focus on “the thought that goes into the things we don’t think about —the architecture and design that shape our world.”

If you’re curious about exploring the differences between how you view the world and how Roman’s guests, including architects, designers, engineers, and more view the world, then this could be an enlightening podcast for you!

There are over 430 episodes with more dropping every week. You can listen to them here on 99% Invisible’s episode archive .

17. Art for Your Ear by The Jealous Curator

Art For Your Ear is a creative podcast bringing you stories from host Danielle Krysa’s (aka The Jealous Curator) favorite contemporary artists.

If you have a love for gossip, then this is the podcast for you. Art For Your Ear brings you the inside-scoop, behind-the-scenes details, and hilarious stories from the “artiest” people The Jealous Curator can find, including full-time artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and more.

It’s been going on since 2018 and shows no sign of stopping, so check out the latest episodes here on the Art for Your Ear preview site .

18. How to Fail

If you’re a creative, you know from experience that things don’t always go the way you think they will.

Luckily for you, How to Fail, with host Elizabeth Day, is a podcast that “celebrates the things that haven’t gone right.”

This weekly program features an interview with creative minds like artists, musicians, designers, Jane Goodall (no, really!), and others who explore the lessons they learned from their failures and how failing taught them how to better succeed.

Bottom line: Don’t be afraid to fail.

If this is a lesson you need to learn, then check out the newest episode and all previous ones here on How to Fail’s episode preview site .

19. Make It Then Tell Everybody

If comics are your thing, then you’ll love Make It Then Tell Everybody, hosted by Dan Berry.

This podcast focuses on comic artists and illustrators, what they do, and how they do it. It wrapped up its run in March of 2023, but there are still plenty of episodes to keep you busy.

Check them out here on Make it Then Tell Everybody’s episode archive .

20. Adventures in Design

Adventures in Design is a daily talk show that “explores people who have designed happiness into their creative professional lives.”

Hosted by Mark Brickey, it aims to keep its listeners entertained, educated, and inspired while they “create a better designed world” for themselves.

So, if you’re looking for a daily morning talk show for creative minds, this is the one for you! Each episode is about an hour long and there are tons available to keep you listening for months.

Check them out on Adventures in Design’s Soundcloud page !

21. The Collective Podcast

The Collective Podcast brings you weekly episodes of “informative and honest discussions with creative industry leaders from around the world.”

Host Ash Thorp aims to explore common creative struggles like work/life balance and share the experiences of influential creatives like designers, visual effects artists, writers, painters, programmers, and more!

If this sounds like your jam, you can check out all 240 plus episodes on The Collective Podcast’s website.

22. Chasing Creative

“It’s about chasing what makes you feel alive.”

So says The Chasing Creative Podcast, designed to speak to creatives who are struggling to find the time to do their art and inspire them to make creativity a priority in their everyday lives.

Hosted by Ashley Brooks, this program talks to regular creatives just like you who have insights and actions into steps you can take today to make your creative plans happen.

If you’re looking for a creative pep talk to start getting back to what makes you feel alive, then you can check out all of Chasing Creative’s seven seasons (and counting) in this episode archive here.

23. Creative Pep Talk

Speaking of creative pep talks …

Creative Pep Talk, with host Andy J. Pizza, is a podcast designed to give you just that! The show features monologues and conversations with creative powerhouses including artists, actors, designers, and more! 

Because, according to their website, “on the creative journey it’s easy to get lost … sometimes you just need a creative pep talk.”

If that resonates with you and your busy life, you can check out all 400 plus episodes on the Creative Pep Talk’s episode page and get the inspiration and reassurance you need!

24. Scratching the Surface

Scratching the Surface, with host Jarrett Fuller, is a podcast all about design, theory, and creative practice.

Each episode features in-depth conversations with creative minds, such as designers, architects, writers, academics, artists, and theorists about how design shapes culture.

If you’re craving some intellectual and thought-provoking conversations, you can check out all 200 plus episodes here on Scratching the Surface’s episode guide with new episodes releasing every other Wednesday!

25. We Can Rebuild Her

… we have the technology.

No, really, we do. We Can Rebuild Her, hosted by writer and comedian Viv Groskop, is a podcast for those looking to reinvent themselves in the wake of the pandemic.

The program features intimate conversations with a variety of guests with discussions ranging from everything about managing change, assessing risk, switching jobs, changing habits, and anything else about reshaping your life.

If you could use some insight and wisdom about recent changes in your life, then learn where to listen on the We Can Rebuild Her website !

Viv also hosts a podcast called Own the Room where she speaks with inspirational women about tips and tricks to brilliant speaking and getting the attention you deserve! 

26. The Creative Penn

The Creative Penn is a website from Joanna Penn (could there be a more perfect name for a writer?) that teaches aspiring authors how to write, publish, and market their books like champs — and make a living doing it!

She also hosts a podcast including interviews, inspiration, and other valuable bits of information about writing and creativity, publishing options that are out there, creative entrepreneurship, and more.

There are over 700 episodes with new ones dropping every Monday. You can check them out here on The Creative Penn’s website !

27. You’re Booked

Another podcast aimed at aspiring authors, You’re Booked is a program for “literary nosy parkers who would like the chance to snoop around their favorite author’s bookshelves.”

Hosted by Daisy Buchanan, this podcast features intimate conversations with guest writers and discusses everything from the books they read under the covers to their favorite reading memories.

If you’re a writer looking for some inspiration and entertaining literary conversation, you can check out all 150 plus episodes here on the You’re Booked episode guide .

28. The Creative Boom Podcast

The Creative Boom Podcast is a program focusing on helping creatives like you to build a “booming” creative career!

Hosted by Kat Cowan, this podcast features candid conversations with creatives from all walks of life to uncover the secrets to their success as well as hear their advice, funny stories, and honest wisdom.

There are 100 episodes even available for you to listen to as of this writing, so check them out here on The Creative Boom’s website .

29. Conversations of Inspiration

Looking for some inspiration for those days when it feels like there’s just no point?

Conversations of Inspiration is just the breath of fresh air you need. This program features powerfully honest and soulful stories of those who were brave enough to make the break and start doing what they love.

Hosted by Holly Tucker, Conversations of Inspiration gives its listeners insight and motivation from a wide variety of entrepreneurs and creatives. If they can do it, so can you, friend. 

There are plenty of episodes available to get you started and you can listen to them here on Holly & Co’s website .

30. Design Matters

Design Matters, hosted by Debbie Millman, is a podcast that has been going strong since 2005.

According to its website, Design Matters is “the world’s first podcast about design and an inquiry into the broader world of creative culture through wide-ranging conversations with designers, writers, artists, curators, musicians, and other luminaries of contemporary thought.”

It’s been a prominent voice in the design community and features interviews with notable figures in the design industry and beyond discussing everything from creativity, culture, professional experiences, creative processes, and more!

There are tons of episodes to listen to so if you’re eager to get into fellow creative’s heads, you can listen here on the Design Matters website .

<div class="c-blog_comp-cta cc-component-2"><div class="c-blog_comp-cta-left"><div class="c-blog_comp-cta-left-wrap"><img src="https://global-uploads.webflow.com/61cdf3c5e0b8155f19e0105b/63695243d096983691046ac3_Potential-Creative.png" loading="lazy" alt="" class="c-blog_comp-cta-left-img"></div></div><div class="c-blog_comp-cta-right cc-dark"><div class="c-blog_comp-content"><div class="c-text-wrapper cc-mb-32"><div class="c-title-4 cc-bold"><strong>Like to work as a freelancer with consistent income?</strong></div></div><div class="c-text-wrapper"><div class="c-text-2">Designity's collaborative model is designed to give you all of the perks of being a freelancer without the income instability.<br></div></div></div><div class="c-blog_comp-wrapper"><a href="http://designity.com/creatives" target="_blank" class="c-button w-button"><strong>Join Our Creative Community</strong></a></div></div></div>

Looking for a Creative Community of Your Own?

Did we miss any of your favorite podcasts?

Let us know!

And if talking about all of these creative podcasts has inspired you to take on more work with more clients from all types of different industries, then we have a suggestion for you.

Why not consider joining us at Designity?

Designity is made up of the top 3% of US-based talent and we’re always looking for talented new creatives to join our community.

As a Designity Creative, you’d enjoy competitive pay, a consistent workload with a variety of different clients, and the freedom to work remotely from anywhere with WiFi access.

In fact, the only downside we can think of is that you won’t have a morning commute to spend listening to all of your favorite podcasts.

Is that a tradeoff you can live with? If so, why not put your skills to the test and apply today ?

We can’t wait to see what the future brings.

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Creative Directors Make the Difference

Creative resources

15 must-hear podcasts for creatives in 2024.

If you're a current or aspiring full-time creative, you no doubt have found that inspiration doesn't always strike on its own. So if you're looking for some daily listens to help infuse your day with creative inspiration, you're in luck. 

From tips for small business owners to mental health advice to get you through the tough days, there are a host of incredible podcasts available to help you in your creative life and inspire you to reach new heights. 

No matter what your taste, we’ve rounded up our picks for the 15 best podcasts of this year that will get the creative juices flowing.  

After the Jump 

After the Jump is all about life after you've made the "jump" into being a full-time creative entrepreneur, host Grace Bonney shares the good, the bad, and the ugly of chasing your dreams and hopes to inspire a new generation of independent artists to succeed, with a little help from the wisdom and insight of those who've walked the path before them. 

• Number of Reviews on Apple Podcasts: 66
• Average Star Review (out of 5): 5
• Link to Stream  

Creative Rebels

Creative Rebels feels a bit like hanging out in the basement of that fun but a little quirky, creative kid from school who wants to enthusiastically dig into their favorite topics. This high-energy podcast is a fun listen and packs in a lot of interesting insight into each episode as well. 

• Number of Reviews on Apple Podcasts: 42
• Link to Stream

Ted Radio Hour

Being creative means staying tuned into the world around us and letting that help feed our inspiration. A great way to do that is to tune into the Ted Radio Hour and listen to inspiring stories from people across the world who encourage us to look a little more closely, listen a bit better, and embrace what we do not know. 

• Number of Reviews on Apple Podcasts: 18,773
• Average Star Review (out of 5): 4.5

Never Not Creative

The Never Not Creative podcast is an extension of the Never Not Creative community, which is a fantastic community built on inspiring creators to never give up and keep reaching for their dreams. From productivity tips to inspiring mental health advice, this podcast feels like stepping into a community center built just for creatives. 

• Number of Reviews on Apple Podcasts: N/A
• Average Star Review (out of 5): N/A

Magic Lessons

This podcast hosted by bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert is packed full of inspiration to carry you through your day as a creative with a smile on your face. Featuring some all-star guests like Neil Gaiman, the theme of this podcast is to follow Elizabeth along on her quest to help aspiring artists overcome their fears and live more fulfilling lives as creatives. 

• Number of Reviews on Apple Podcasts: 1,210

Being Freelance

If you’re looking to be a full-time creative, it is more than likely you’ll end up freelancing at some point in your career. Being Freelance is a great podcast to prepare you for the challenges of freelancing and help you navigate them, and should be on any creative person’s regular listening list. 

• Number of Reviews on Apple Podcasts: 31

The 21st Century Creative

This podcast is just all-around awesome. It not only includes a wealth of important information about being a working creative and interviews with leading artists and creatives, but it also poses weekly creative challenges to its listeners. This is the perfect podcast to get you inspired, motivated, and actually out there DOING the stuff you've been putting off. 

• Number of Reviews on Apple Podcasts: 59

The Creative Condition 

Another round-table style discussion on the nature of the creative industry, this podcast, hosted by illustrator and writer Ben Tallon, is a wealth of information, humor, and inspiration. A great listen for people who want to feel just a little less alone in their creative journey. 

• Number of Reviews on Apple Podcasts: 313

Create together remotely, in real time

The creative introvert.

Are you a creative that prefers solo work over group collaborations? This is your podcast. Host Cat Rose has built an insightful, empathetic podcast that helps introverts succeed as creatives in a world that demands things from creatives that introverts might shy away from, like self-promotion. 

• Number of Reviews on Apple Podcasts: 41

The Daily Creative with Todd Henry

A great podcast for getting through the creative doldrums, host Todd Henry shares a wealth of tips on how to stay creative, productive and get the work done that you've wanted to complete. If you're a creative that struggles with starting projects and never finishing them, this is a must-listen. 

• Number of Reviews on Apple Podcasts: 33

The Jealous Curator: Art for Your Ears

This podcast gives some of the most successful contemporary artists a platform to talk about their art, their creative process, and what life is like as a full-time artist. This is a great listen for not only people that are in the visual arts but any creative looking for a spark of inspiration.  

• Number of Reviews on Apple Podcasts: 421

How to Fail

To succeed means to fail many times, and this podcast is out to help creatives learn from the failures of others. It’s a celebration of this necessary part of the creative process, and so much can be learned from the many guests that discuss their failures and how they ultimately helped them to succeed. 

• Number of Reviews on Apple Podcasts: 493

Make It Then Tell Everybody

This podcast is designed to help creatives get “unstuck” during their creative journey, Make It Then Tell Everybody is aimed at comic and illustration artists, but the storytelling advice and creative tricks of the trade are invaluable for young creatives of all genres who are finally breaking into the world of professional creation. 

• Number of Reviews on Apple Podcasts: 70

Adventures in Design

This is a daily "talk show" style podcast that is designed by creatives for creatives. Topics cover the whole range of the creative experience, from inspiration to marketing, and there's always something fresh and fun going on. 

• Number of Reviews on Apple Podcasts: 341

The Collective Podcast

Hosted by designer and director Ash Thorp, this bi-weekly podcast hosts honest discussions with creative professionals around the world who share their personal experiences as a working creative. Covering all forms of art and media, this is a great listen to get insight into the minds of some of the most influential creatives in the world. 

• Number of Reviews on Apple Podcasts: 109

No matter what stage of your creative career you may be navigating, there’s tons of information to be found in these podcasts to help you work smarter and gain a greater understanding of the creative industry as it continues to shift and evolve.

Looking for more podcasts to check out? Here are some other recommendations:

• Best podcasts for musicians
• Best game design podcasts
• Top filmmaking podcasts
• Best animation podcasts

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Share this article, evelyn trainor-fogleman.

Evelyn Trainor-Fogleman is a writer based in New York City. After over half a decade in the film industry, she came back to her Journalism roots to write for a variety of media outlets about subjects including technology, business, marketing, and social and environmental justice.

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How to Write about Difficult Topics in Memoirs The Writing Podcast

Writing a memoir likely will dredge up some difficult memories. For some writers, the pain of these memories might slow down the process of writing, like it did for Cheryl Landes, author of The Best I Can Do. It took Cheryl nearly two decades to complete her memoir. In this episode, Cheryl offers advice for structuring a memoir after years of being stuck. She also shares strategies for relieving tension and writing complex characters that the reader will cheer for.   Great Moments in the Episode 4:57 –   9:37    How painful memories lead to procrastination, and how to push through. 10:05 – 13:30    Creating a scene list to develop a structure for a memoir. 12:40 – 14:44    Identifying scenes that capture a reader’s imagination. 14:45 – 16:18    How to write a memoir in which readers will root for the protagonist (you). 16:47 – 18:22    Creating an invisible character in a memoir to create tension. 18:25 – 19:58    How simple scenes can become pivotal, profound scenes. 21:05 – 23:58    How to provide relief in an emotionally heavy memoir. 23:59 – 25:33    How to weave in flashbacks in a memoir. 25:34 – 28:18    How to honestly portray characters in your memoir without villainizing them. 28:19 – 30:33    How writing a book can change you and your perspective on the world. 30:34 – 34:09    Advice for writers who are stuck in the memoir writing process.   Words of the Episode dolce far niente: (n) The 'sweetness of doing nothing'; pleasant relaxation in carefree idleness inure: (v) to become accustom to something, especially something unpleasant.   Connect with Cheryl Website: https://tabbycatco.com/about-cheryl-technical-writer/     Follow Journey Sixty6 https://www.journeysixty6.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/journeysixty6/  https://www.youtube.com/@journeysixty6writingforpub 

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Estelle Erasmus

How to Resist the Temptation of AI When Writing

Whether you're a student, a journalist, or a business professional, knowing how to do high-quality research and writing using trustworthy data and sources, without giving in to the temptation of AI or ChatGPT , is a skill worth developing.

As I detail in my book Writing That Gets Noticed , locating credible databases and sources and accurately vetting information can be the difference between turning a story around quickly or getting stuck with outdated information.

For example, several years ago the editor of Parents.com asked for a hot-take reaction to country singer Carrie Underwood saying that, because she was 35, she had missed her chance at having another baby. Since I had written about getting pregnant in my forties, I knew that as long as I updated my facts and figures, and included supportive and relevant peer-reviewed research, I could pull off this story. And I did.

The story ran later that day , and it led to other assignments. Here are some tips I’ve learned that you should consider mastering before you turn to automated tools like generative AI to handle your writing work for you.

Identify experts, peer-reviewed research study authors, and sources who can speak with authority—and ideally, offer easily understood sound bites or statistics on the topic of your work. Great sources include professors at major universities and media spokespeople at associations and organizations.

For example, writer and author William Dameron pinned his recent essay in HuffPost Personal around a statistic from the American Heart Association on how LGBTQ people experience higher rates of heart disease based on discrimination. Although he first found the link in a secondary source (an article in The New York Times ), he made sure that he checked the primary source: the original study that the American Heart Association gleaned the statistic from. He verified the information, as should any writer, because anytime a statistic is cited in a secondary source, errors can be introduced.

Jen Malia, author of  The Infinity Rainbow Club  series of children’s books (whom I recently interviewed on my podcast ), recently wrote a piece about dinosaur-bone hunting for Business Insider , which she covers in her book Violet and the Jurassic Land Exhibit.

After a visit to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Malia, whose books are set in Philadelphia, found multiple resources online and on the museum site that gave her the history of the Bone Wars , information on the exhibits she saw, and the scientific names of the dinosaurs she was inspired by. She also used the Library of Congress’ website, which offers digital collections and links to the Library of Congress Newspaper Collection.

Malia is a fan of searching for additional resources and citable documents with Google Scholar . “If I find that a secondary source mentions a newspaper article, I’m going to go to the original newspaper article, instead of just stopping there and quoting,” she says.

David Nield

Adrienne So

Reece Rogers

Your local public library is a great source of free information, journals, and databases (even ones that generally require a subscription and include embargoed research). For example, your search should include everything from health databases ( Sage Journals , Scopus , PubMed) to databases for academic sources and journalism ( American Periodical Series Online , Statista , Academic Search Premier ) and databases for news, trends, market research, and polls (t he Harris Poll , Pew Research Center , Newsbank , ProPublica ).

Even if you find a study or paper that you can’t access in one of those databases, consider reaching out to the study’s lead author or researcher. In many cases, they’re happy to discuss their work and may even share the study with you directly and offer to talk about their research.

For journalist Paulette Perhach’s article on ADHD in The New York Times, she used Epic Research to see “dual team studies.” That's when two independent teams address the same topic or question, and ideally come to the same conclusions. She recommends locating research and experts via key associations for your topic. She also likes searching via Google Scholar but advises filtering it for studies and research in recent years to avoid using old data. She suggests keeping your links and research organized. “Always be ready to be peer-reviewed yourself,” Perhach says.

When you are looking for information for a story or project, you might be inclined to start with a regular Google search. But keep in mind that the internet is full of false information, and websites that look trustworthy can sometimes turn out to be businesses or companies with a vested interest in you taking their word as objective fact without additional scrutiny. Regardless of your writing project, unreliable or biased sources are a great way to torpedo your work—and any hope of future work.

Author Bobbi Rebell researched her book Launching Financial Grownups using the IRS’ website . “I might say that you can contribute a certain amount to a 401K, but it might be outdated because those numbers are always changing, and it’s important to be accurate,” she says. “AI and ChatGPT can be great for idea generation,” says Rebell, “but you have to be careful. If you are using an article someone was quoted in, you don’t know if they were misquoted or quoted out of context.”

If you use AI and ChatGPT for sourcing, you not only risk introducing errors, you risk introducing plagiarism—there is a reason OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is being sued for downloading information from all those books.

Audrey Clare Farley, who writes historical nonfiction, has used a plethora of sites for historical research, including Women Also Know History , which allows searches by expertise or area of study, and JSTOR , a digital library database that offers a number of free downloads a month. She also uses Chronicling America , a project from the Library of Congress which gathers old newspapers to show how a historical event was reported, and Newspapers.com (which you can access via free trial but requires a subscription after seven days).

When it comes to finding experts, Farley cautions against choosing the loudest voices on social media platforms. “They might not necessarily be the most authoritative. I vet them by checking if they have a history of publication on the topic, and/or educational credentials.”

When vetting an expert, look for these red flags:

• You can’t find their work published or cited anywhere.
• They were published in an obscure journal.
• Their research is funded by a company, not a university, or they are the spokesperson for the company they are doing research for. (This makes them a public relations vehicle and not an appropriate source for journalism.)

And finally, the best endings for virtually any writing, whether it’s an essay, a research paper, an academic report, or a piece of investigative journalism, circle back to the beginning of the piece, and show your reader the transformation or the journey the piece has presented in perspective.

As always, your goal should be strong writing supported by research that makes an impact without cutting corners. Only then can you explore tools that might make the job a little easier, for instance by generating subheads or discovering a concept you might be missing—because then you'll have the experience and skills to see whether it's harming or helping your work.

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