Best Novel Writing Challenge Podcasts (2024)

1
Writing as Healing, with Caitlin Shetterly 35:36

33m ago35:36

35:36

Caitlin Shetterly, author of Pete and Alice in Maine, shares her return path to writing fiction after years in nonfiction. A major medical event in the winter of 2020 to 2021 aligned so perfectly such that she experienced the same kind of healing as in the story she was telling. This episode is for all the writers who feel like life has caught them…

1
Romantasy & Fourth Wing with Sarah Skilton 1:13:29

1h ago1:13:29

1:13:29

Some call it Romantasy, some call it Dragon Corn (except replace the C with a P). Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is hotter than dragon’s breath, and so of course we have to see if we can figure out why it’s so popular. Sarah Skilton joins me to discuss “love triangles,” indescribable pain that we would actually like described, War College, and how…h…

1
Ep 74 - Creating an Indie Romance Audiobook with Melissa Whitney and Harlow Wilde 48:52

2h ago48:52

48:52

Send us a Text Message. "It's been fun to kinda see (Melissa's writing) evolve also in the narration I have done for her....her stories get better and better with time. It's the same with narration too." Romance author Melissa Whitney Author and narrator Harlow Wilde are a dynamic duo when it comes to audiobooks. We discuss the changing production …

1
7 Tips for Balancing Multiple Writing Projects with Marissa Meyer 41:02

1h ago41:02

41:02

In this bonus craft episode, Marissa shares her seven best tips and strategies for balancing multiple writing projects. Discussed in this practical episode: how many projects she works on at any given time and what stage in the process they are at, how she prioritizes, what she does in the times when she isn’t or can’t be drafting, and so much more…

1
Write Shorter Books? Here's the scoop on that... 26:49

43m ago26:49

26:49

Send us a Text Message. Episode Summary Beth and Lisa discuss their summer activities and insights from the ALA conference, emphasizing the need for shorter middle-grade books and adaptability in writing. They also announce changes to their podcast format for improved content quality. Key Discussion Points Summer Vacation Reflections: Beth and Lisa…

1
The Truth About Book Coaching with Author Accelerator CEO Jennie Nash 31:37

1h ago31:37

31:37

In this episode of the Write It Scared Podcast, it’s my pleasure to welcome the inspiring Jennie Nash, CEO of Author Accelerator, to discuss her journey from writing instructor and author to successful book coach and business leader. Jennie illuminates the transformative power of book coaching, emphasizing the importance of individual attention and…

1
Meet the formidable, feisty, factory sisterhood who went on strike and made history. 1:15:02

11h ago1:15:02

1:15:02

Send us a Text Message. This July marks the 136th anniversary of the matchwomens strike at Bryant & May match factory in London's East End in 1888. Exposing the truth of the ‘poor waif matchgirl’ historian Louise Raw fills us in on the true story of the vibrant working class women who downed tools, went on strike and changed the course of history. …

1
Episode 112 - Engage 29:57

20h ago29:57

29:57

Right then. This week has been a bundle of activity. I am working on a new cabinet for the gear to ride around town in. I am also working on getting neat little places in town to play. Plus, in preparation for this month's Beats & Brews, I started a brand new Main Stage 3 Concert file. The first half hour of this file is exactly what I recorded for…

1
Audrea Lim, FREE THE LAND & Carleen Madigan, THE BACKYARD HOMESTEAD 56:18

22h ago56:18

56:18

In this episode, we sit down with Audrea Lim, author of Free the Land: How We Can Fight Poverty and Climate Chaos. Audrea traces the connections between land commodification and many of America’s most pressing issues: ecological collapse, climate change, systemic racism, gentrification and economic inequality. Through powerful examples and thoughtf…

1
If You Are a Diligent Drafter… 3:43

4d ago3:43

3:43

Are you a DILIGENT DRAFTER? This episode is for those writers who are self-disciplined, super organized, know exactly where the story is going... and still have trouble sitting down to write. Not sure what your writing persona is? Take the quiz here! https://www.the60daynovelwritingchallenge.com/writers-quiz Send us a Text Message. What to do next……

1
Ep 73 - Audible Impact: Cultivating Listeners for Audiobooks with Karen White 58:01

5d ago58:01

58:01

Send us a Text Message. "If you're just starting out, I personally would recommend waiting (to invest in audiobooks) until you have a full series that...is selling well. ...If the series isn't working, you're not going to know that until the series has been out for a while." As an author and narrator, Karen White knows what it takes to get into lis…

1
Behind the Book: Insider Tips from Editor Hannah Kimber on Crafting Standout Submissions 45:03

5d ago45:03

45:03

Send us a Text Message. Episode Summary: Hannah Kimber, associate editor at Andrews McMeel Publishing, shares insights on making book submissions stand out and the detailed acquisitions process. She emphasizes the importance of sensitivity readers, understanding market trends, and open communication between authors and editors. Guest Bio: Hannah Ki…

1
Three Unhelpful Writing Assumptions to Release Right Now! 14:50

6d ago14:50

14:50

In Episode 17 of the Write it Scared podcast, book coach Stacy Frazer explores three common unhelpful writing assumptions that could be holding you back from crafting your best book. Stacy shares insights into why the belief that writing should be easy is not only false but dangerous, discusses the unrealistic expectation that first drafts should b…

1
“‘Forget that number and you don’t exist,’ the Kapo at Auschwitz told me.” 92-year-old Ivor Perl on surviving the horrors of the Holocaust. 52:56

7d ago52:56

52:56

Send us a Text Message. Ivor was just 12 years old when he was taken to Auschwitz. He survived with the help of his older brother, but the rest of his family were murdered in the Holocaust. He was brought to England in November 1945 as one of a group of orphans, and started forging a new life. Ivor built a successful clothes manufacturing company; …

1
Episode 111: Free flowing Cool Vibes 32:52

8d ago32:52

32:52

I have an idea. Its a simple idea, its sort of a rehash of the direction I was moving in a year ago, or eighteen months ago (its sort of nebulous my connection between time space and concepts). The general idea is setting up my gear so that I can free flow through numerous different soundscapes. There will be a progression of intensity and tempos a…

1
July 4 Special: Danielle Allen, OUR DECLARATION 33:49

8d ago33:49

33:49

In this conversation with Writer’s Voice host Francesca Rheannon, political theorist Danielle Allen talks about two core ideas at the heart of our nation’s Declaration of Independence: freedom and liberty. How are they aligned? How are they different? And can they contradict each other? Listen to a clip on YouTube We re-air our 2014 interview with …

1
The Writing Persona Quiz 1:54

12d ago1:54

1:54

Ever wonder what kind of writing persona you have? Or what motivates you to write? Or even what the hidden pitfalls of those are? (Because they exist!) Announcing the Writing Persona Quiz! This brand new quiz from Tally Ink will tell you exactly what kind of writer you are, and the ways you can take advantage of those strengths. Take the quiz here!…

1
ENCORE EPISODE: Library Joy and Inclusivity: Mychal Threets on the Transformative Power of Libraries 30:22

13d ago30:22

30:22

Send us a Text Message. Mychal Threets is a librarian currently collaborating with PBS Kids. He's known for his viral videos highlighting library joy. At the time of this recording he was the Supervising Librarian for Solano County Library. Mychal began his journey with libraries at a young age, getting his first library card and job at the same br…

1
The Art of Crafting Middle-Grade Fiction with Author Janet Fox 41:12

13d ago41:12

41:12

Delve into the intricacies of writing for middle-grade readers with award-winning author and book coach Janet Fox and host Stacy Frazer. Janet shares her journey from writing for her dyslexic son to becoming a mentor for aspiring writers, offering invaluable insights into the importance of understanding your audience and creating resonant character…

1
Two Memoirs: Francine Prose, 1974 & Gail Godwin, GETTING TO KNOW DEATH

14d ago

—

In this episode of Writer’s Voice, Francesca Rheannon welcomes back acclaimed novelist, essayist, and now memoirist, Francine Prose. They dive into Prose’s latest work, 1974, a memoir that revisits her time in San Francisco during a pivotal year in American history. Then, In a deeply introspective conversation, Gail Godwin opens up about the pivota…

1
Episode 110: Up All Night (Theme and Variations) 32:46

19d ago32:46

32:46

I wrote a song. Then I remixed the song. Then I decided that several more genre remixes of the song would be fun. It was. And here is the Song and its remixes. Figure out which one was the first version.By n8k99

1
TWE 348: Costume Historian Karan Feder Explores Barbie® as a Cultural and Fashion Icon in Barbie Takes the Catwalk 23:32

17d ago23:32

23:32

In this episode, costume historian Karan Feder’ talks about her deep dive into 40 years of Barbie's standout fashion moments—a lá legendary designer looks from Chanel, Pucci, Halston and Oleg Cassini on everyone from Twiggy to Barbra Streisand to First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy brought together in her book "Barbie Takes the Catwalk” with TWE Podcast …

1
How to Handle Negative Reviews 5:37

20d ago5:37

5:37

When authors get negative reviews, the first instinct is to feel bad because someone didn't like what we wrote. However, not all negative reviews are alike, and we can't approach them all the same way. The troll reviews are very different from the ones with constructive criticism. This episode is for people who are concerned about their negative re…

1
Owning Your Writing Career with Tomi Adeyemi - Children of Anguish and Anarchy - The Legacy of Orisha 54:22

19d ago54:22

54:22

Marissa chats with award-winning author of CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE, Tomi Adeyemi, about her new third book in the Legacy of Orisha series, CHILDREN OF ANGUISH AND ANARCHY. Also discussed in this episode: the inspiration for Tomi creating The Writer’s Roadmap courses for writers, feeling like you’re finally a career writer, transitioning from a l…

1
ENCORE EPISODE: Queen of the Beach Read, Author Hannah McKinnon 32:02

20d ago32:02

32:02

Send us a Text Message. Hannah McKinnon is an award-winning author of eight women's fiction and beach read novels with Simon & Schuster. Her notable titles include The Summer Club, (July 23rd), Message in the Sand, The View from Here, Sailing Lessons, The Summer House, Mystic Summer, and The Lake Season. Her latest release, The Darlings, came out o…

1
Romance Adaptations & Genre Perceptions: Teaching The Hating Game 1:00:59

19d ago1:00:59

1:00:59

Ever wondered how "The Hating Game" fares in a classroom setting? Dr. Diana Filar is back to discuss her experiences teaching The Hating Game book and film in a class about popular genre fiction. We discuss the challenges of translating romance novels into films, how stereotypes of genres are formed and challenged, and what it's like introducing no…

1
Unlock Your Character's Inner World with Interiority 20:26

20d ago20:26

20:26

Welcome to episode 15 of the Write it Scared podcast! Today, we're doing a deep dive into writing character interiority. Discover what interiority is, how to use it effectively in your writing, and when to use it to convey your character's true emotions, motivations, and inner states. I'll share examples to illustrate how offering readers glimpses …

1
Resurgence 30:38

26d ago30:38

30:38

The week's episode is a return to the prodigious creativity. I took a break off last week as I was super involved in operating a fly wire system in the theatre and preparing for a N8K99 show. This week, I am facing the dearth of a long known friend who was a fixture in the local scene here in Jax. Loads of people knew her and the overwhelming flow …

1
Uncovering Hidden Histories: Claire Wills on Family Secrets and National Scandals 57:43

22d ago57:43

57:43

Episode Description In this episode of Writer’s Voice, host Francesca Rheannon sits down with acclaimed author Claire Wills to discuss her deeply personal and historically insightful book, Missing Persons or My Grandmother’s Secrets. Wills shares her journey of uncovering family secrets surrounding an “illegitimate” pregnancy in 1950s Ireland and e…

1
The Parkinson’s Law Paradox 3:39

29d ago3:39

3:39

Have you ever heard of Parkinson's Law? If not, it's the law that work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion. AKA, if you give yourself a whole day to do something, it will take you all day to do it. Did you know that writers experience a paradox with Parkinson's Law? In today's episode we take a look at a common time manageme…

1
ENCORE EDITION! Insider Secrets to Getting Your Book Published, with editor Erinn Pascal 33:50

28d ago33:50

33:50

Send us a Text Message. ENCORE EDITION! (One of our favs from season 2!) Erinn Pascal is the Senior Editor for Kids Books and Licensing at Andrews McMeel Universal. She has previously held editorial positions at Scholastic, Disney, and Simon & Schuster. Erinn grew up in Pembroke Pines, Florida, and holds a BFA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing…

1
Why We Love Heists and the Benefits of Co-Writing - Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka - Heiress Takes All 46:26

26d ago46:26

46:26

Marissa chats with the husband-and-wife writing team of Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka about their latest YA adventure heist novel, HEIRESS TAKES ALL. Also discussed in this episode: the process of cowriting and the division of labor that resembles a marriage, carefully and consciously casting a heist book’s ensemble of characters, bene…

1
Writing Spooky Novels for Kids with Author Wendy Parris 33:49

27d ago33:49

33:49

On this episode of the Write It Scared Podcast, I talk with Middle-Grade Horror Novelist Wendy Parris about her writing journey–from zero background in writing to learning all the things to publishing a novel that now sits in over 300 libraries, with another due out in September of 2024! It's hard to believe she almost gave up, and the thing that s…

1
Meet the fur coat gangsters: Notorious Victorian girl gang who hid stolen jewellery in knickerbockers, carried razors wrapped in lace handkerchiefs and used a hatpin to blind anyone who crossed them 31:51

29d ago31:51

31:51

Send us a Text Message. Swathed in luxurious fur coats, wearing diamond rings as a knuckledusters and hats to hide their stolen wares, Britain's most notorious all-female gang ruled the tenements of Waterloo and Elephant and Castle and earned the respect of Soho's most feared underworld bosses. In this fascinating conversation, bestselling author B…

1
How To Stop A Pipeline: Jonathan Mingle, GASLIGHT 55:18

1M ago55:18

55:18

What did a group of ordinary citizens find out when they managed to stop a huge gas pipeline from being built? We spend the hour with Jonathan Mingle talking about his book, Gaslight: The Atlantic Coast Pipeline And The Fight For America’s Energy Future. It’s the story of how a diverse group of citizens came together to fight a pipeline proposed by…

1
#347: Natalie Jenner on Reinventing Herself, Writing and Her Bestselling Historical Fiction Books 36:19

1M ago36:19

36:19

A lively discussion with two bestselling authors, TWE host Laura Munson and Natalie Jenner who talks about giving up on writing for 10 years, reinventing herself and what brought her back to write two bestselling historical fiction novels, The Jane Austen Society and Bloomsbury Girls, and now her latest book, “Every Time We Say Goodbye,” which take…

1
Ep 72 - Narrative Flow: Building Emotional Arcs with Kimberly Packard 45:53

1M ago45:53

45:53

Send us a Text Message. "I try to write really fierce, headstrong characters...but at the same time, it's ok to be vulnerable. It's ok to say I don't have all the answers." Author Kimberly Packard lovingly calls women's fiction the "trash can punch" genre since it has a little bit of everything, and while her characters and novels run the gamut wit…

1
Release the Pressure 4:37

1M ago4:37

4:37

Not all pressure is good. Whether you're facing deadlines, word counts, or critter feedback, too much of the wrong kind of pressure can mess with your writing mindset. This episode covers why working under pressure is not always the right choice, and ways to release that pressure if you find it building up. Send us a Text Message. What to do next… …

1
Ask Me Anything! Marissa Meyer Talks Writing, Books, Life, and More for our 200th Episode Celebration! 1:06:37

1M ago1:06:37

1:06:37

In this 200th (!) episode of The Happy Writer Podcast, Marissa (with some help from Joanne) answers many of your burning questions. Topics discussed: dealing with burnout, crafting three-dimensional characters, writing to trends, co-writing, balancing writing with parenting, and so much more. Also included: much-anticipated updates on TLC productio…

1
ENCORE: Insider Insights with Editor Sara Schonfeld 41:53

1M ago41:53

41:53

Send us a Text Message. ENCORE EDITION! (PLEASE NOTE: All comments and opinions in this podcast are strictly Sara's own.) In the latest episode of Writers with Wrinkles, we're thrilled to host Sara Schonfeld, an editor at HarperCollins, specializing in middle grade and YA literature. Our discussion spans the joys and challenges of editing, insights…

1
Cold Hearted by Heather Guerre 50:09

1M ago50:09

50:09

Do you love scent marking, some healthy jealousy, and a beautiful and believable mix of internal and external romance in your paranormal werewolf romance? Get your parka and bundle up for "Cold Hearted" by Heather Guerre, the first book in the Tooth and Claw series, in discussion with foremost vampire defender, Dame Jodie Slaughter. We explore were…

1
Writing Through Emotional Challenges 9:05

1M ago9:05

9:05

In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, we discuss the difficulties writers face when their personal emotional wounds intersect with their storytelling. I offer practical advice, including prioritizing mental well-being, writing lean, summarizing or skipping emotionally charged scenes, channeling emotions, taking breaks with accountability,…

1
Two Great Beach Novels: Victor Lodato, HONEY & Kimberly Belle, THE PARIS WIDOW 57:03

1M ago57:03

57:03

We talk with Victor Lodato about his terrific new novel, Honey. It’s about an octogenarian who is trying to come to terms with her life — her childhood growing up in a Mafia family in New Jersey and her adulthood trying to escape it. Then, we talk with Kimberly Belle about her new thriller, The Paris Widow. The novel takes a look at the illicit tra…

1
The Hope of a New System 30:15

1M ago30:15

30:15

Episode 108: The Hope of a New System This week's episode is a new journey in a new direction, or an old direction revisited. I can not remember which way we've already been at this point. I have gotten a little frustrated with some perceived staleness on my part. Programming beats and bass lines and all the other parts note by note on the grid has…

1
On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, veteran Mervyn Kersh shares his extraordinary experience of the Normandy landings and his role in the liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. 53:38

1M ago53:38

53:38

Send us a Text Message. Mervyn Kersh recently celebrated his 99th birthday. Nearly a century of life on earth and what a life he has had. The hair may have turned silver, but he still has the same twinkle in his eye that he had as a young man. I went to visit Mervyn at his immaculate home in Cockfosters, which he shares with his two cats, and over …

1
TWE 346: Allison Pataki Finds Margaret Fuller— the Forgotten Trailblazer for Women's Rights and Literary Muse — in Her New Historical Novel 36:22

1M ago36:22

36:22

Best-selling author Allison Pataki talks about "Finding Margaret Fuller," her new historical fiction about this forgotten nineteenth-century journalist, women’s rights activist and muse for literary greats. Podcast host: Laurie McAndish King. ========================================== Learn More about The Women’s Eye Online Magazine and Podcast: We…

1
Author Entrepreneurship with Dave Moreno 24:10

1M ago24:10

24:10

Business coach and entrepreneur Dave Moreno joins me on the podcast to talk about how and why authors should approach writing (and the results of writing) like a real business. We discuss business mindset for authors, core messages and values, run tasks versus grow tasks, and all sorts of other golden nuggets for authors who really want to understa…

1
Contemporary Challenges and "Unlikeable" Protagonists - Alexene Farol Follmuth - Twelfth Knight 44:05

1M ago44:05

44:05

Marissa chats with Alexene Farol Follmuth about her latest contemporary coming-of-age YA romance, TWELFTH KNIGHT. Also discussed: some of the differences between self and traditional publishing and how the two can come together in a career, crafting the ‘unlikeable female character’, using Shakespeare for source material, structuring a romance diff…

1
The 31 Day Build Your Author Platform Challenge is NOW! 27:03

1M ago27:03

27:03

Send us a Text Message. Key Discussion Points: 1. Summer Slump in Writing: Beth and Lisa discuss how summer activities can lead to a writing slump and share personal experiences and tips for overcoming it. 2. Character Development: Lisa shares her struggle with her character's emotional journey and how understanding her character's background helpe…

1
Consuming Desires: Cannibalism and Hunger in Romance 50:28

1M ago50:28

50:28

“What is a greater expression of love than eating someone else or wanting to consume and have that person in a way that no one else can have?” Dr. Nicola Welsh-Burke joins to delve into the intriguing topic of cannibalism in romance novels. We explore the intersection of food, eating, and sexuality, discuss the metaphorical use of cannibalism in li…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Novel Writing Challenge Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide