Best Amwriting Podcasts (2025)

1
Should there be a body? Writing is Revising with Meg Mitchell Moore 37:20

1d ago37:20

37:20

Meg Mitchell Moore is the author of Mansion Beach, a page-turner-y multi POV summer saga with everything you could ask for: a beach, a body, rich people behaving badly but also sometimes not behaving badly, parties, drama and just enough gender-swapped Gatsby to think hard about the meaning of the American Dream. I loved it (KJ here) and I also lov…

1
450: Shifting POVs, Adding or Subtracting a Body... Writing is Revising with Meg Mitchell Moore 37:20

1d ago37:20

37:20

Meg Mitchell Moore is the author of Mansion Beach, a page-turner-y multi POV summer saga with everything you could ask for: a beach, a body, rich people behaving badly but also sometimes not behaving badly, parties, drama and just enough gender-swapped Gatsby to think hard about the meaning of the American Dream. I loved it (KJ here) and I also lov…

1
Episode 470: Megan Baxter is Into Rewilding Her Writing 1:03:47

1d ago1:03:47

1:03:47

"I've also learned in this rewilding experiment that so much of our time as writers takes place off the page, as we're thinking about our concepts, as we're doing research, and when I actually do come to the page and have a chance to actually type out these ideas, I've done so much pre-writing over the course of the previous season that that draft …

1
Concrete vs. Abstract Curiosity 43:36

2d ago43:36

43:36

In this special episode of Books with Hooks, author Kate Visser joins hosts Bianca, Carly and CeCe to share insights about her query letter for her YA fantasy novel, 'Stage of Shadows.' Carly and Cece dissect the strengths and weaknesses of Kate’s pitch, particularly focusing on character arcs, world-building, and the complexities of dual POV narra…

1
#226 - Tegan Phillips and Dan O'Brien 39:56

5d ago39:56

39:56

Romance author Tegan Philips and her editor Dan O'Brien join us this week to talk about Tegan's debut sports romance novel, writing about chronic illness, why ice hockey is so successful in the romance genre and the relationship of an author and their editor. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of ever…

1
May Bonus Episode 2:32:21

5d ago2:32:21

2:32:21

In the first part of this month’s bonus episode, Carly Watters interviews Anna Mitchael, an accomplished author and copywriter. Anna discusses her writing journey, experiences in magazine publishing, and the art of storytelling through vignettes. They discuss the importance of building relationships in the writing community, the unique format of vi…

1
Episode 469: John O'Connor on the Meaning of Bigfoot 1:06:12

8d ago1:06:12

1:06:12

"I don't feel envy. I don't think. Maybe in some deeper and maybe even more troubling psychological level. I do feel competition with with people, competition over resources, trying to claim certain ideas, stake a claim to certain ideas before other people can, especially when you're working with the subject that's in the public sphere. You don't h…

1
449: Sticking it to the Book Banners: A Glorious Tale of Pyrrhic Victory 47:37

8d ago47:37

47:37

Greetings writers! Sarina here. Earlier in May I was surfing social media, as one does, when I came across a story about children’s author Erica Perl and an ill-fated school visit. Her scheduled visit to a school was abruptly canceled. After asking a few questions, it was determined that a single parent had objected to… Well, it’s hard to say. We’l…

1
Sticking it to the Book Banners: A Glorious Tale of Victory 47:38

9d ago47:38

47:38

Greetings writers! Sarina here. Earlier in May I was surfing social media, as one does, when I came across a story about children’s author Erica Perl and an ill-fated school visit. Her scheduled visit to a school was abruptly canceled. After asking a few questions, it was determined that a single parent had objected to… Well, it’s hard to say. We’l…

1
How a Books With Hooks Query Became a Buzzy Debut 28:16

9d ago28:16

28:16

In this eye-opening episode, Bianca Marais interviews Jessica Guerrieri, author of 'Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.' They discuss Jessica's journey from teaching special education to becoming a published author, her experiences with addiction recovery, and the evolution of her debut novel. They discuss the intricacies of writing, the impor…

1
#225 - Eleanor Pilcher 36:02

12d ago36:02

36:02

Contemporary fiction writer and award winning book marketer, Eleanor Pilcher joins us this week to chat about the release of her debut novel, her decade of experience in publishing and tips for authors who are looking to get a little bit more exposure for their books. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahea…

1
Episode 468: Local Journalism and the Folly of Fame with Maggie Messitt 1:20:28

15d ago1:20:28

1:20:28

"I genuinely feel that those of us writing books need to remember that we are writing them simply because we feel the desperate need to write that particular thing. And unless I feel that way, I shouldn't be writing it because it's not for the financial benefit. It is not because it gives me more time to do things with other people. It doesn't matt…

1
448: How to Focus on Work in a Chaotic World 44:00

16d ago44:00

44:00

Hi all, Jess here. This episode was Sarina’s idea, and when you listen you will understand why. It can be hard to focus on the work, whether it’s editing, world building, conjuring meet cutes, or translating research-based hope for the next generation. That said, it’s important that we keep creating and putting our words out into the world. We hope…

1
How to Focus on Work in a Chaotic World 44:01

16d ago44:01

44:01

Hi all, Jess here. This episode was Sarina’s idea, and when you listen you will understand why. It can be hard to focus on the work, whether it’s editing, world building, conjuring meet cutes, or translating research-based hope for the next generation. That said, it’s important that we keep creating and putting our words out into the world. We hope…

1
Leaning into Illustrator Notes & CeCe Not Minding a But, But 41:45

16d ago41:45

41:45

In this episode of Books with Hooks, Bianca, CeCe, and Carly dive into a YA fantasy romance query, breaking down what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to character arcs, high stakes, and spot-on comp titles. The hosts then shift gears to a picture book query, spotlighting the power of a strong hook and truly kid-focused storytelling. Packed wit…

1
#224 - Jaysea Lynn 23:36

19d ago23:36

23:36

Fantasy romance author and TikTok sensation Jaysea Lynn joins this episode to discuss her storytelling journey—from creating a series of comedy skits on TikTok to writing a prequel novel based on that series, nearly self-publishing, and ultimately becoming traditionally published! Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free an…

1
When Detroit Played the Numbers, with Felicia B. George 22:17

20d ago22:17

22:17

Felicia B. George is a native Detroiter who loves Detroit history and culture. She earned her doctorate in anthropology from Wayne State University, where she is now an adjunct professor. Her recent book, When Detroit Played the Numbers: Gambling’s History and Cultural Impact on the Motor City, was released by Wayne State University Press in 2024 a…

1
Episode 467: How to Bounce Back from 'Viscerally Negative' Feedback with Will Bardenwerper 1:22:38

22d ago1:22:38

1:22:38

Will Bardenwerper grew up playing baseball and even was a member of his college team at Princeton. As a result, he has a great perspective to write about baseball as he does in Homestand: Small Town Baseball and the Fight for the Soul of America (Doubleday). That soul, in this book, is partially under attack from private equity firms gobbling up an…

1
Episode 466: Katie Goh on Issues of Identity and the Trappings of Mythology 1:13:24

23d ago1:13:24

1:13:24

"Mythology can be really a dangerous thing, because mythology feels like it can't be changed, or it's always been something," says Katie Goh, author of Foreign Fruit: A Personal History of the Orange (Tin House Books). Katie Goh is a writer and editor based out of Edinburgh, Scotland. She’s also the author of the slim book “The End: Surviving the W…

1
447: Imagining the Life of Jo Van Gogh 59:34

23d ago59:34

59:34

Joan Fernandez is a former senior marketing executive and general partner of the financial powerhouse Edward Jones. In 2018, she retired from a 30+ year career to be a full-time writer. Since leaving the corporate world, she’s become a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Author’s Guild, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA). In…

1
Imagining the Life of Jo Van Gogh 59:34

23d ago59:34

59:34

Joan Fernandez is a former senior marketing executive and general partner of the financial powerhouse Edward Jones. In 2018, she retired from a 30+ year career to be a full-time writer. Since leaving the corporate world, she’s become a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Author’s Guild, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA). In…

1
Nuggets of Wisdom from Carley Fortune and Sue Hincenbergs 55:41

23d ago55:41

55:41

In part one of this week's author interviews, Bianca sits down with Canadian superstar writer, Carley Fortune. The authors discuss her latest novel 'One Golden Summer', reflecting on her creative process, the challenges of writing under pressure, and the importance of character development. She shares insights into navigating reader expectations an…

1
#223 - Heidi Swain 21:45

26d ago21:45

21:45

Bestselling romantic fiction writer, Heidi Swain joins us this week to chat about her twentieth novel, how she landed her book deals before having an agent and how she tackles writing two novels a year. 💖 Join the Patreon 🙏 Support the show and get access to the extended episodes and more! 📚 The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes 🥳 Jamie, Melissa and Noa…

1
Episode 465: Miranda Green Searches for the Harm 1:20:06

30d ago1:20:06

1:20:06

"You want to be able to nab the details, but then you also want to be able to tell the story of why this matters and who's harmed by this, and finding the harm is oftentimes the hardest part of investigative reporting," Miranda Green, an investigative reporter. Her latest piece is for The Atavist Magazine titled "All That Glitters" about the seedy …

1
Reading a Book Contract 47:33

30d ago47:33

47:33

Jess here with Sarina Bowen to help simplify and demystify author contracts. Let’s start off with a wonderful resource called The Authors Guild. They have sample contracts on their website The Authors Guild Sample Contract Sarina made a lovely outline to prepare for the episode (because of course she did) so I’m dropping that here. * You’re not “se…

1
446: Reading a Book Contract 47:33

30d ago47:33

47:33

Jess here with Sarina Bowen to help simplify and demystify author contracts. Let’s start off with a wonderful resource called The Authors Guild. They have sample contracts on their website The Authors Guild Sample Contract ONE You’re not “selling” your book. You’re licensing it. TWO Grant of rights Term length Which territories Which formats Territ…

1
The Problem with the Blank Canvas Protagonist 44:13

1M ago44:13

44:13

In this episode of Books with Hooks, hosts Bianca, CeCe, and Carly first review a query letter for literary fiction, providing insights on emotional depth in character relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity in plot points and the importance of avoiding the blank canvas protagonist so readers can be engaged and connect with …

1
Writing When You're Not Okay - WN 167 26:43

1M ago26:43

26:43

How do we cope as writers when life hits us with illness, injury, grief, or overwhelm? This week, we’re exploring what helps, what hurts, and what’s at stake when we find ourselves "not-okay," and how we can navigate those challenges with care and creativity. Thank you for listening! For show notes and a full transcript of this episode, please visi…

1
#222 - Simon Mason 28:18

1M ago28:18

28:18

Adult crime/thriller/mystery and children's author, Simon Mason is on the podcast chatting about his latest works as well as his experiences over three decades of writing and working within the publishing industry. 💖 Join the Patreon 🙏 Support the show and get access to the extended episodes and more! 📚 The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes 🥳 Jamie, Mel…

1
April Bonus Episode 49:01

1M ago49:01

49:01

In the first part of this bonus episode, Bianca interviews Lauren Ling Brown, author of 'Society of Lies.' They discuss Lauren’s journey to publication, the intricacies of writing dual perspectives and timelines, and the importance of social commentary in her work. Lauren shares insights into her writing process, the challenges of character develop…

1
Limbo Moon with Peter Hrastovec 26:50

1M ago26:50

26:50

Born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, Peter Hrastovec is the author of three books of poetry, In Lieu of Flowers, Sidelines and There Will Be Fish, which we covered on a podcast episode in May of 2022. Peter is the current Poet Laureate of Windsor, and he has contributed to several anthologies, most recently, Where the Map Begins. Limbo Moon is his …

1
Episode 464: John Glionna is a Clown Who Makes Balloons That Kids Don't Like 58:09

1M ago58:09

58:09

"We're sadistic motherf*ckers," says John Glionna, @johnglionna on the Instagrams. John is a longtime journalist and author of No Friday Night Lights (Bison Books). He made a name for himself at the Los Angeles Times pursuing what would be called "Glionna stories," stories about invisible people who have rich lives all their own. In this episode we…

1
Novel Writing for Journalists with the NYT's Elizabeth Harris 42:34

1M ago42:34

42:34

When a former NYT journo who now writes novels (that would be me, hi) gets together with a current NYT journo now writing novels, they—we!—cannot stop talking about the challenges, advantages, schedules, pros and cons of book leave and what it is about fiction that lights some journalists up, and turns some off. It’s the good, the bad and the overc…

1
445: Novel Writing for Journalists with the NYT's Elizabeth Harris 42:33

1M ago42:33

42:33

When a former NYT journo who now writes novels (that would be me, hi) gets together with a current NYT journo now writing novels, they—we!—cannot stop talking about the challenges, advantages, schedules, pros and cons of book leave and what it is about fiction that lights some journalists up, and turns some off. It’s the good, the bad and the overc…

1
An Ingenious Query Hack 30:57

1M ago30:57

30:57

In this informative author interview, Bianca connects with debut novelist Sarah Damoff to discuss her novel, ‘The Bright Years’ which explores the complexities of family dynamics and addiction. Sarah shares her journey through the publishing landscape, the challenges of finding the right agent, the ingenious query hack she used, and the evolution o…

1
#221 - Abigail Johnson 27:31

1M ago27:31

27:31

Contemporary fiction author, Abigail Johnson is here to chat about writing her first novel and the journey to publication. Abigail shares her experiences of writing courses and being short and long listed for several awards before finding her agent. 💖 Join the Patreon 🙏 Support the show and get access to the extended episodes and more! 📚 The Chosen…

1
Episode 463: Leah Sottile on Building Scenes, Sagging Middles, and the Fever Dream of the American New Age 1:03:19

1M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

"It's kind of a mix of reporting to the very last minute to put off writing, and then when I have to write, having a panic attack, and then, like, booking a hotel room for a week and not leaving that room. This is the thing I have done until I figure it out," says Leah Sottile, in a live event at Gratitude Brewing. She is the author of Blazing Eye …

1
444: The Business of Being a Writer 49:55

1M ago49:55

49:55

Hi #AmWriting listeners, Jennie here! Today, I'm talking to Jane Friedman, who is one of the most trusted voices in the world of publishing. She has advised and served organizations such as Writers Digest, The Chicago Manual of Style, The Editorial Freelancers Association, the Alliance of Independent Authors, and the National Endowment for the Arts…

1
The Business of Being a Writer 49:55

1M ago49:55

49:55

Hi #AmWriting listeners, Jennie here! Today, I'm talking to Jane Friedman, who is one of the most trusted voices in the world of publishing.She has advised and served organizations such as Writers Digest, The Chicago Manual of Style, The Editorial Freelancers Association, the Alliance of Independent Authors, and the National Endowment for the Arts,…

1
Why Plot and Specificity are a Query Letter's Best Friends 49:35

1M ago49:35

49:35

In this episode of Books with Hooks, hosts Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra welcome querying author Debbie Whittall to discuss her query letter for her debut novel, 'Linda/Linda.' Carly and CeCe address the challenges of representing a quiet novel in a query format. The discussion transitions to the pages of the manuscript, highlighting t…

1
The Power Of A Mastermind Group - WN 166 24:25

2M ago24:25

24:25

I tend to get weird looks when I say I'm in a Mastermind group, but my writing career wouldn't be where it is today without them. In this week’s episode, we'll talk about what these are, what they do for you as a writer, and how to start and structure your own Mastermind group. For show notes and a full transcript of this episode, please visit: htt…

1
#220 - Sarah Harman 23:53

2M ago23:53

23:53

Contemporary fiction writer, Sarah Harman is here to chat about her debut novel, which she describes as a satirical thriller. Sarah shares the details about the nine way auction the book ended up in the UK as well as another auction in the US and a bidding war for the TV rights which were eventually secured by the team behind Disney FX's 'The Bear'…

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