For this week, I’ll switch it up and list some of the podcasts (here for some writing books) which have helped immensely over the years. We don’t always have time to sit and absorb a book, but podcasts have been integrated into our lives over the last decade, and on a commute or while folding laundry, it’s great to get a dose of writing advice or hear others discuss the craft.
There are a TON of other podcasts out there that are amazing. I’ve listened to more than the few below, but as with novels, not every podcast will work for every writer. These are the ones I’ve consistently gotten the most out of over the years, and I find myself returning to where I need a little in-ear pep talk or advice.
The Genre Hustle
While this podcast is no longer going (it ended at the start of the pandemic) and I fear the day they stop hosting it. However, this is a great podcast; almost every episode has gems of writer knowledge. Marketed as “your online writing group,” the podcast members focus each show on a specific topic, which is great if there is something you’re struggling with in particular. Shows that focus on “First Act,” “Setting,” “Magic Systems,” etc. Everything from plot structure to writing nuts and bolts to setting up writing habits. The show has enough hosts to get a wide range of methods and ideas on approaching various aspects of the craft.
The show, per the name, focuses mainly on Genre fiction and within this Fantasy, Sci-fi, and occasionally horror. However, in the general topics on craft, like how a midpoint functions in a story, these episodes can apply to any book regardless of the genre. Those not writing in the genre can skip the genre-specific episodes, but plenty is still here to sink your teeth into.
Highly recommend this podcast for as long as it’s hosted. Always a great listen.
Writing Excuses
When writers talk of podcasts about writing craft, ‘Writing Excuses’ tends to come up. Formed by Brandon Sanderson and several of his writing colleagues it’s now in its 18th season, and as you can guess, they’ve covered a ton of ground. A lot of the episodes from the early seasons have sound quality issues, but with such a long-running show, you can find topics on almost anything. This show also focuses on genre fiction, mainly SSF, though again, with such a breath to the catalog, there is something for every writer.
The show’s motto is “15 minutes long because you’re in a hurry, and we’re not that smart.” And they mean it. Each episode stays within the 15-20 minute range with few exceptions. They keep it tight, get in and get their hands dirty and then leave with ‘homework.’ Admission time, I don’t do the exercises because I’m usually in the middle of a project and don’t want to sidetrack myself. However, they’re great for getting into the craft. Just don’t feel bad if you don’t do them either.
I often find the episodes too short. I’m just getting into the topic, and then it’s over. This is all personal preference, but this podcast is excellent for those with little time who want some craft/writing talk and great writing exercises.
Overall, Writing Excuses is not my favorite podcast. Over the years, Brandon Sanderson grew in fame and officially stepped away from the podcast in their newest season. The other hosts are good, some better than others, so if you connect with the content, it’s always an informative listen.
World Building for Masochists
If Writing Excuses heirs on the side of too short, WBfM is on the other end of the spectrum. Many of the episodes go towards the hour-long mark and can run aground on tangents. Each episode focuses on an aspect of world-building and usually, they have a guest on to talk about this specific concept in their own work. The hosts are knowledgeable on various topics and will help ignite your imagination.
With over 100 episodes and counting, there’s bound to be a few focused exactly on some element of your current WIP. Or listen in order and let it wash over you. My methodology is skip it when they go into topics I will never cover in my world-building.
Suggestion: Episode 73! While listening to them discuss world-building, I often thought, “But when and for how long do you world-build?” This episode finally digs deep into how these writers incorporate world-building into the writing process. Because let’s be honest, wording building is only part of getting the novel done. The concept of ‘world builders’ disease’ or those who get so far down the rabbit hole they never actually write the novel is a real issue. It all depends on the kind of story you’re writing. More world-building up front is probably good if it will be a 10+ book series. However, if you’re focused on a single book, there’s a point where you must stop world-building and just write the darn thing.
This podcast is in my top five, but I realize some won’t take to the long format or might get overwhelmed. I always go back to the hollow iceberg approach. Flesh out three specifics to the world/culture. Really ask how these inform the story, then fill everything else in on the fly.
Your mileage may vary.
The Sh*t no one tells you about writing
This is an excellent podcast for those who want a lot of detail on the query letter process and the first ten pages. Each episode starts with a segment they call “books with hooks,” where two agents read a query letter and give advice on what works and what doesn’t, along with talking about issues or compliments about the first ten pages of the book. Even for those long off from the query process, letting your mind absorb the information in this podcast is perfect for getting to the query letter, as you’ll already know more than most about what to do and what to avoid.
Then each episode features an interview with a published author. They focus the discussions on how these authors got their agents, got their first book deal, and often some craft topic on what the author is especially good at in their writing. These interviews can get inspiring and help during those periods of imposter syndrome. However, I’ve often found the craft discussion on the lighter side and haven’t found much to implement in my writing. Which is fine. I don’t really come to this podcast for that, anyway.
Suggested for those a year or less out from the querying process or getting ready for the tranches. And you can submit your query letter and first pages to the podcast, and they might select it for the show. Which is a plus.
The Bestseller Experiment
This show started off with a simple premise: the creators aim to write a best seller. The early episodes focus on the aspects of the novel writing process and then usually feature a guest who also talks about the specific elements of the authors’ journey.
I found the beginning episodes to the point where they publish the book helpful. The guests provided great insight, and it was beneficial to see the two authors writing habits and how they went about crafting the book.
After they published it (self-published on Amazon), the show kind of lost its way and went to more of just a typical interview format of authors, which isn’t what I look for in my writing podcasts. Listening to an author mainly discuss their books with little craft or deep dives into writing habits isn’t helpful to me (most of the time). So approach this one with a grain of salt. Like with all podcasts, listen as long as you get something out of it, and if you listen to multiple episodes in a row where you’re not getting what you want. Then stop. That’s my philosophy.
Also a general warning, looks like the two hosts have turned this podcast into a whole cottage industry for themselves. My suggestion is the podcast only. I have no experience with any of their other endeavors.