In the last decade or so, podcasts have become a popular way to consume content and information.
Usually delivered as an episodic series, its purpose is usually to educate, inform, and entertain the listener.
Since its conception in 2004, podcasting has evolved into an art form that has taken media personalities, content creators, and listeners by storm.
Today, you can find almost every niche of topics covered in a podcast, including music, investigative, theatrical, conversational, and non-fiction.
The point is podcasts are meant to deliver information, which brings us to the question: why should writers like you listen to podcasts?
For starters, being a writer can be a difficult and lonely profession and listening to a podcast is one way to help motivate, inspire, and educate you on the craft of writing.
There are so many choices out there that help you become a better writer; unlike the usual articles, audiobooks, podcasts deliver content in a conversational manner instead of narrative.
So, which podcasts should writers listen to?
1 – Story Grid
Aspiring authors must take time to listen to Shawn Coyne’s Story Grid.
Nobody knows story like Shawn and in his podcast he breaks down scenes to see why they work, giving you incredible information and insight into one of the world’s best storytellers and editors.
His podcast also provide helpful information on how to write compelling stories that please readers and publishers alike.
It’s one of the best resources for writers who want to avoid wasting time writing books with shallow storylines.
Coyne is backed up by Tim Grahl, who usually plays the role of a learner armed with questions that a newbie or inexperienced writer normally asks.
2 – Dead Robot’s Society
This podcast deserves more credit than it gets. Its intended audience is writers who find it difficult getting over a hump.
They talk about everything that’ll help in improving an inexperienced writer’s routine.
This podcast is a creation of Justin Macumber, who currently hosts the show with Terry Mixon and Paul E. Cooley.
3 – The Creative Penn
One of my favourite podcasts is The Creative Penn podcast.
The brains behind this one is Joanna Penn, who discusses a wide range of topics that include how to successfully market your books, writing techniques, and creativity. With over 500, episodes, Joanna has one of the longest-running podcasts and interviews all types of experts in the field.
Penn’s podcast is one of the best to listen for both beginner and expert writers alike. She is an advocate for self publishing and gives you plenty of tricks and tips on how you can become successful.
4 – Writing Excuses
This podcast epitomizes diversity when it comes to writing advice.
Hosted by Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal, Howard Tayler, and Daniel Wells, these guys aren’t afraid to cross the controversial line due to their frank and realistic approach.
They talk about becoming a better writer while telling their audience in the face what they’re doing wrong.
5 – The Self-Publishing Show
As the podcast’s title suggests, the focal point of conversation is teaching would-be authors and writers how to self-publish their work.
Author Mark Dawson and James Latch also offer conversational tips on creating content in the digital age.
Their episodes include writing interactive children’s books, writing a trailer, and more.
6 – The Pen Addict
This isn’t a podcast on how to improve your writing, but we’re putting it here for the sake of honouring those who stick to the tradition of pen and paper.
Sue Brown and Brad Dowdy are the hosts of this podcast, which covers pen-related topics.
If you’re an artist or writer who uses pens and notebooks for your work, then this podcast is perfect for you.
These two discuss in detail pens that are ideal to use when writing your own stories or manuscripts.
7 – The Creative Writer’s Tool Belt
This podcast talks about ways of implementing the craft of writing into your daily life. It also covers topics like the proper use of grammar.
We’re in awe how the host, Andy Chamberlain, manages to cram a ton of valuable writing tips in such short episodes.
But who’s complaining?
8 – Create If Writing
Hosted by Kirsten Oliphant, the podcast helps bloggers and writers build a platform for their talent.
Like most other podcasts on this list, the show invites accomplished writers to tell their stories of success and failures.
This one is more of an appeal to a struggling writer’s emotions, seeking to build inspiration to do better.
9 – Shipping and Handling
Bridget Smith and Jennifer Udden talk about the challenges of writing in a question-and-answer format.
So, expect them to gather questions from listeners and answer them in every new episode.
This podcast is perfect for young writers who are just getting started in their careers.
It’s also great for writers stuck in the middle of their novel, seeking advice on how to continue without feeling pressured or rushed into doing so.
10 – Helping Writers Become Authors
K.M. Weiland nailed it when it comes to delivering short episodes with so much meaning in them.
This podcast is unique because the host focuses on her personal journey as an author instead of inviting guests to talk about their experiences.
She’s a prolific advisor for writers who lack confidence in the trade.
Weiland’s journey could very well be a blueprint for others.
Whether you’re an aspiring author, writer, blogger, or creative, you need to listen to these podcasts as an alternative, albeit convenient, way to learn valuable lessons in your craft.
They don’t take up much of your time, and you get to listen to them anywhere and anytime you want.
Joel Mark Harris graduated from the Langara School of Journalism in 2007. Joel is an award-winning journalist, novelist, screenwriter and producer.
He has ghostwritten numerous books in all types of genres including true life crime, business, memoir, and self help. With over 1,000 blog posts to his name, he has helped hundreds of business owners scale their business and increase their visibility. You can email him at info@ghostwritersandco.com
