If you’re a writer, you know that writing happens all the time, not just when you’re sitting at a desk with pen and paper. Taking in ideas and inspiration from outside sources is just as much a part of the writing process as actually writing. And any good writer knows that good writing involves a lot of good listening.
Fortunately we live in a time when endless stories and ideas are accessible right at our fingertips. One way of my favorite ways to connect with other writers and storytellers is through podcasts.
What I love most about listening to podcasts is that I can do it at times when actual writing isnt an option. When Im washing dishes or driving around, I may not be able to write but I can listen. Many of the podcasts below have helped me through my most challenging seasons of self-doubt, writers-block and discouragement.
Most of them are also just plain entertaining.
I rotate through many different shows depending on my mood and where I am in my own writing process, but the list below includes a few of my go-to podcasts for writing advice, inspiration and story ideas.
5 Great Writing Podcasts
QDT Creator Mignon Fogarty is an advocate for clarity and precision in writing. Her podcast, book and Website are filled with short and friendly tips for improving grammar and word choice in your writing. Anything worth saying is worth saying well, and Grammar Girl is your guide to getting there.
Start Here:
- Top Ten Grammar Myths (Episode #610)
- You Have a Responsibility to Write Clearly (interview with author Roy Peter Clark, Episode #774)
Write Now with Sarah Werner
Sarah is honest, kind and intelligent. She speaks with the heart of someone who knows what it’s like to experience imposter syndrome and discouragement as a writer, and her podcasts are always encouraging and educational. Her podcast is one of the reasons I finally bit the bullet and started writing again. She is also a talented writer and creator of the award-winning audio drama Girl in Space.
Start Here:
Writing Class Radio
Hosts Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz examine the challenges and joys of writing true personal stories…and the the terrifying act of sharing them. They talk about the messy, scary, hard parts of writing what is true, and they encourage their listeners to push through it all. If you’re looking for raw, honest, provoking conversations about writing, Andrea and Allison are here for you.
Start Here:
- “Writing Helps You Figure Out How You Think” (Episode #78)
- “How to Stop Procrastinating + Write Your Story” (Episode #61)
Writing Excuses
Each episode of Writing Excuses is just 15 minutes long, so you can get inspired and back to writing as soon as possible. Topics cover ever facet of writing, from the ins and outs of publishing to the less tangible topics of inspiration and creativity. Short and to-the-point, writing excuses is perfect for putting your own excuses to rest.
Start Here:
- Taking the Chance, with David Weber (episode 15.26)
- Seriously, Where Do You Get Your Ideas? (episode 10.1)
A Way With Words
“The show about language and how we use it.” Going strong since 1998, A Way With Words is an hour-long radio show where hosts Martha Burnette and Grant Barrett discuss grammar, dialects, sayings, usage, expressions and more. Funny, insightful and downright fascinating to anyone who values the power of language.
Start Here:
- Anywhere! So many episodes, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.
- “Cabin Fever” (episode #1547)
- “Yak Shaving” (episode #1548)
Other podcasts to check out
Looking for more? The podcasts below are some that have been recommended to me but have yet to make it to the top of my listening library. While I have yet to spend much time with these podcasts, they all offer some fantastic voices and ideas that are sure to be valuable.
What are you waiting for?
If you’re looking for some motivation to get writing, new ideas to inspire your current writing projects, or just something to get you thinking while you go about your day, the podcasts above will not disappoint. Grab your headphones and go listen now.