The Six Best Podcasts for FICTION Writers

by James L. Rubart

There are a vast number of podcasts for writers—what I've tried to do is narrow it down to podcasts designed specifically for scribes of fiction.

Two disclaimers before we dive in: First, I don’t know if these are the best—just one man’s opinion, and second, the third offering down is mine, and unfortunately I’m completely biased about it being on this list.

Writing Excuses

How can you not love a podcast where their tag line is, “… fifteen minutes long because you’re in a hurry and we’re not that smart.” They are that smart. Even though they talk a lot about speculative type stories, the advice they dole out applies to all fiction.
Website  iTunes 

Helping Writers Become Authors 

For the aspiring writer as well as the vet, K.M. Weiland’s podcast offers excellent teaching. It focuses on a variety of common challenges we all face, regardless of genre.  Named one of Writer's Digest's 101 Best Websites for Writers.
Website  iTunes

Novel Marketing

Many of you know my day job is running a marketing company for authors and businesses, so I suppose it was natural to start a marketing podcast. The difference is this podcast is focused exclusively on fiction writers and we cover everything from pitching to social media to interviews with a variety of experts. I do this podcast with Thomas Umstattd, the owner of Author Media and one of the brightest men I know. Length: 10 – 20 minutes. Website  iTunes 

The Dead Robots' Society

The title alone makes it worth checking out! While the Writing Excuses podcasts are short, The Dead Robot’s Society’s are loooong. Usually more than an hour, but hey, take it on a run and promise yourself you’ll keep working out till the episode is over. TDRS covers a variety of topics relating to fiction.

Website  iTunes

The Secrets

Warning: If you like this podcast, you’re out of luck long term as it’s been moth balled (and some of the info is slightly outdated). But it’s still a great resource, especially if you’re new to listening to podcasts. Episodes are short and to the point. The Secrets tackles everything from character development and editing to the publishing world in general and a career as a writer.
Website

The Writing Show

By podcasting standards, The Writing Show is almost ancient. It started in ’05 so if you like it, lots of archived episodes to listen to. It’s packed with info for novelists, and even copywriters (which is often fiction right?)
Website  iTunes 

The Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith

Just in case your definition of fiction means writing for film or TV, this podcast might be worth looking at. Well done interviews and insight into the world of movies and the small screen. (Be forewarned, this podcast can be explicit at times.)
Website  iTunes


Okay, friends. Help me. Which fiction podcasts did I miss?

James L. Rubart is the best-selling and Christy award winning author of ROOMS, BOOK OF DAYS, THE CHAIR, SOUL’S GATE, MEMORY’S DOOR, and SPIRIT BRIDGE (May ’14). During the day he runs Barefoot Marketing which helps businesses and authors make more coin of the realm. In his free time he dirt bikes, hikes, golfs, takes photos, and occasionally does sleight of hand. No, he doesn’t sleep much. He lives with his amazing wife and two sons in the Pacific Northwest and still thinks he’s young enough to water ski like a madman. More at http://jameslrubart.com/