Tag Archives: writing advice

Podcasts for Writers

Posted on by
Reply

I had so many lovely comments on my Helpful Blogs for Writers blog post that I thought I’d write about another resource which I’m also finding invaluable – Podcasts! I feel like writing podcasts are becoming more and more popular and I’m so happy about that. I love a podcast – it’s so nice to have something fun and engaging to listen to whilst on a walk or long journey. A lot of them have useful tips in too.

This is by no means exhaustive and I’m always looking for new recommendations so let me know.

1. In Suspense Pod

Podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6MJVV1m3CKK-UmrU6WVOdw

Twitter: @InSuspensePod

If you follow me on Twitter @RhiBarnsley then you will have seen me go on about this podcast before. I found this on YouTube randomly one afternoon and I’ve listened to every episode they’ve put out. It’s presented by Lauren North and Lesley Kara who are both fantastic authors in the psychological suspense genre.

Each episode focuses on a different aspect of writing (including writing in later life and whether writing courses are helpful). Most of the guests are in the suspense/thriller genre but even if you aren’t writing or interested in the genre, the tips and discussions on the podcast will be helpful. Highly recommended!

2. Honest Authors’ Podcast

Podcast link: https://t.co/MceYaeq3F8?amp=1

Twitter link: @HonestAuthors

This was recommended to me by another author on Twitter and I’m so glad. The Honest Authors’ Podcast is presented by best-selling authors Holly Seddon and Gillian McAllister (both in the suspense/thriller genre).

Each episode either features a guest or a discussions between Holly and Gillian where they discuss their own writing and answer questions. They have a huge amount of episodes available on so many different topics. They recently did an episode where they had an agent round table which was fascinating. Another great podcast to add to your list!

3. The Write and Wrong Podcast

Podcast link: https://linktr.ee/writeandwrongpodcast

Twitter: @WriteandWrongUK

I have only just come across this podcast but I’m really enjoying listening to the episodes. Each episode features a guest from the writing world – including authors and agents from a range of genres. The podcast is hosted by writers Emma-Louise and Jamie. The podcast is fairly new but they already have lots of great content up. Well worth giving them a listen and showing them some support!

4. JoinedUp Writing Podcast

Twitter: @JUPodcast

Podcast link: https://joinedupwritingpodcast.wordpress.com/

I think this is the longest running podcast on the link – 7 years! Hosted by crime writer Wayne Kelly, this podcast has 154 episodes so you are sure to find something you like. The podcast features interviews with agents, authors, editors, publishers and more.

5. Write-off

Podcast link: https://shows.acast.com/write-off-with-francesca-steele/episodes/

Twitter: @francescasteele

From the longest running podcast in this post to the shortest running. Write-Off is presented by award-winning journalist and writer Francesca Steele. Episodes feature authors who talk about their experience of rejection and self doubt. As a writer who hopes to one day be published, self doubt is already something I’m experienced so I think this is great idea for a podcast.

That’s it for now although I’m sure there are loads out there which I haven’t come across yet. Feel free to drop any links below and I’ll update the post.

Happy writing (and listening),

Rhi

Helpful Blogs for Writers

Posted on by
Reply

Authors are, in my experience, so generous with their time. I’ve been working on my novel for a few months and have come across incredibly helpful tips and blogs from authors. A lot of these have valuable advice, particularly when it comes to finding an agent and the publishing process.

I approach writing my novel like I approach any task at work. I research it as much as I can. I spend a lot of time researching what makes agent submissions successful with the hope that one day I will be successful too. Quite a few of these are from thriller writers (because that’s my genre) but the tips are useful no matter what genre you are writing in.

I’ve rounded up some of the best blogs below:

1. Phoebe Morgan

Phoebe Morgan is an editor at Harper Collins and an author in her own right (in the thriller genre). Her most recent novel The Wild Girls is due to be published later this year and is fantastic (I read an ARC via NetGalley). Her blog has useful tips detailing her journey and how she got published. My favourite articles are those demystifying the editing process here and how to get a literary agent here.

2. Charlotte Duckworth

She doesn’t update it anymore but Charlotte has some great posts on her blog. Charlotte is also a thriller writer. Her most recent novel is The Perfect Father. My favourite posts are How I got my book deal here and Things that make me cry about publishing (and things that don’t!) here.

3. Allie Reynolds

Allie is a recent debut thriller writer (her novel Shiver is great). Allie has a great post on how she found her agent and includes the query letter she sent (incredibly valuable!) here.

4. Laure Van Rensburg

Laure has a debut novel, The Downfall, coming out in 2022. Laure’s blog has some super useful posts such as How to find an agent here and Submitting to agents here.

5. The Story Grid

The Story Grid, created by Shawn Coyne is a model of story telling. It’s really useful for learning about how to structure your novel and there are some great posts (and podcasts) where they look at the method in practice.

6. Holly Craig

Holly is a writer who has a very helpful blog about the writing process. She is currently in the process of editing her novel with her agent. My favourite posts of hers are Who should edit your work? here, From MS Submissions to Contracts: How I made it there here and a useful post on submitting to agents with a template query letter here.

7. Stephanie Wrobel

Stephanie is the author of The Recovery of Rose Gold. Her website has some useful posts for writers including where to get query letter / novel feedback here and a whole series on how she found her agent here.

8. Nicola Martin

Nicola is the author of Dead Ringer. She publishes some super helpful posts on writing. My favourites are 6 Things to know if you want to write a novel this year here and How to get your book published here.

If you know any other helpful writing blogs, please let me know and I’ll add them to the list. I hope this post proves useful for any other aspiring writers.

Until next time,

Rhi