Looking for creative writing podcasts?

Here is a HUGE LIST of creative writing podcasts. These are some good, great, and just-plain-Awesome podcasts that help motivate and inspire. Not only that, but they’re also entertaining!

1. Dead Robots’ Society

@DRSPodcast

Being aspiring writers themselves, all of the hosts have had some sort of writing experience. They know what they’re talking about and they know the challenges first-hand. It’s actually quite nice, hearing others who have gone, or are currently going through, the same things that the majority of the listeners are going through.

Who are the Hosts?

It is currently being hosted by Macumber, Terry Mixon, and Paul E. Cooley. They make a great team, and they’re certainly dynamic. They have an air that’s very relaxed, laid-back, and relatable.

Gathering on a weekly basis, they come together for the better of all aspiring writers willing to listen to what they have to say. And you should certainly be willing.

What Topics Are Covered?

Obviously, the hosts talk about their challenges, losses and victories. They also do genre book reviews, industry analysis, and provide writing tips. To top it all off, they conduct author interviews, with an emphasis on how they managed to get their start.

This may sound like a lot of other podcasts out there, but it’s actually all done with an emphasis on writer career beginnings. It is all intended to help people cultivate the good techniques, hobbies, and connections that help build a career.

Our Take

This podcast may be aimed at aspiring novelists, primarily, but the information provided is valuable for all aspiring writers, regardless of what they’re writing. The hosts are well-versed in all aspects of writing because they’re all aspiring writers themselves. It adds a layer of relatability for the listeners.

Add the fact that all interview guests are awesome writers, from other creative writing podcasts, TV, publishing, etc. and you have an awesome podcast.

Despite sounding like another literary podcast dedicated to writing tips and reviews, the Dead Robots’ Society podcast is very much it’s own. It aims to improve and aid, and it does it well. Listeners can feel a sense of comradery, knowing they’re not alone in their positions. All in all, it flows, comes off clear and organized, and engages you, making you want to listen to more.

If you’d like to know more about the Dead Robots’ Society podcast, and listen to it, check out iTunes! It’s free, informative, and entertaining to listen to. Won’t you give it a try?

2.The Beautiful Writers Podcast

#BeautifulWritersPodcast

One has to wonder, why is it that most writers’ podcasts these days have one host? Isn’t it better when there’s 2-3 people, all feeding off each other’s energy? One host is good, but when the host is rather boring, then…the whole podcast is too.

Overview of The Beautiful Writers Podcast

That’s not something to worry about with The Beautiful Writers Podcast, hosted by Danielle LaPorte & Linda Sivertsen, founders of The Beautiful Writers Group. Rated 5 out of 5 stars from a total of 45 people, it’s considered one of the most helpful and entertaining podcasts for female writers available on iTunes today.

Built on the fact that writing is very much a solitary endeavor, the group strives to empower writers with a sense of comradery. Their explanation of it says it all:

” Forget apathy, excuses, overwhelm, or writer’s block. This is consistent. Your refuge. The place you go to refuel and breathe vitality — and compassionate accountability — into your writing life.”

They’re known for motivating and helping writers blog, write books, and get some pretty amazing publishing deals, all while feeling a little less lonely while doing it. And now, they also have a helpful podcast!

What It’s All About

LaPorte and Sivertsen interview bestselling authors, industry experts, and other creatives on topics like writing (obviously), publishing, deal-making, and more. They provide smart advice, insider success stories, insider failure stories, and more. They don’t hold back when talking about huge mistakes, publishing stories, shortcuts, etc. Anything you want to know about, in an honest manner. These two ladies will cover the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Who Should Listen In

This podcast is great for writers who just need some advice, ideas, and motivation to make something happen. Even writers who are driven and focused can benefit from the ideas mentioned. No one is above a little entertaining advice that’s surprisingly helpful and welcome, even if you think you might not need it.

Who Are the Hosts?

And no, these two ladies aren’t just some average giddy women trying to motivate you with some recycled call-to-action words. Danielle LaPorte is actually a bestselling author, former business strategist, and a weekly writer on her own website, which has been named one of the best sites for women. Meanwhile, Linda Sivertsen is also a bestselling autor, a former ghostwriter, and blogger at Book Mama. She also hosts popular writing retreats in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.

This means that not only do they know what they’re talking about, they also know how to get you to listen. Their dynamic is entertaining, but that doesn’t mean they hold back on what matters, like the tough interview questions they ask their guests. They offer humor and sincerity to their guests and get it back in return, hence providing an impactful, entertaining, and informative podcast for anyone who cares to listen.

Final Takeaways

New episodes of The Beautiful Writers Podcast are released the third week of every month, and are available for free on their website, or on iTunes. Listen from your computer, iPad, car, or phone as you walk your dog. It’s time to get things done and enjoy doing it! No more excuses! Get to writing!

Oh, and boys, don’t consider this for females only. Men need a little advice and motivation too!

3.The Secrets Podcast for Writers

If you’ve been looking for a creative writing podcast dedicated to making writers better at their craft, then The Secrets Podcast for Writers just might be a suitable candidate. With an emphasis on the basics, this podcast looks to improve even the simplest of steps, before touching on anything too complicated.

Michael A. Stackpole, the creator of the podcast, is a writer in his own right, with numerous books in publication. Using his past experience, he takes it upon himself to discuss strategies that can help writers improve, as well as any struggles that they’ll find along the way. In some episodes, he may discuss expected topics, such as story arcs and character development, but in others, he’ll give insider information on getting published.

It might sound like The Secrets Podcasts for Writers only appeals to serious writers, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The podcast aims to help even the most casual of writers and hopefully inspire everyone to continue writing, despite the hardships. While serious writers can benefit from the information provided, those who consider writing more of a hobby can also find this podcast interesting.

The introduction to the podcast, admittedly, is rather hilarious, with the strange voices. However, once Stackpole begins, things take on a more serious turn. The information really draws the audience in, as his voice washes over you. Rather than making the information seem dire and overwhelming, his voice serves as a way to keep your head as you jot down valuable notes.

If you haven’t taken a look at this podcast, you definitely should. Any writer will enjoy it and learn some valuable information that is needed both to enjoy the hobby more and to build a career. Check it out on iTunes for free, and let us know what you think!

4.The Narrative Breakdown

If you write creatively, either professionally or as a hobby, you should already know that writing can be a tedious, difficult, and yet rewarding experience. Developing a gripping story arc, intriguing characters, and hateful villains is harder than it seems. But perhaps one of the hardest things is creating a believable narrative. It’s a challenge to focus on each individual character style and keeping them all consistent, let alone, make it good

For those of you trying to improve on creating a narrative, or who are just brushing up on your skills, The Narrative Breakdown Podcast is worth listening to. Cheryl Klein and James Monohan focus on screenwriting, playwriting, literature, children’s books, and more, bringing you some valuable tricks of the trade.

The Details

Each episode focuses on breaking down narrative, and analyzing why something works (or why it doesn’t). Using popular movies, novels, TV shows, and short stories, Klein and Monohan entertain and inform, the audience. Together, they have a great chemistry that keeps the listeners engaged, all the while teaching them something new and exciting.

They understand a simple rule that has been long forgotten: people focus and learn better when they aren’t aware that they’re learning. While the podcast aims to improve your narrative, it’s also very much conversational. Klein and Monohan don’t examine story elements in a dull way, it comes off casual, like a conversation between two writer friends.

Our Personal Take

Adding guests to the show is a nice addition to Klein and Monohan’s already engaging chemistry. Guests are very much experts in their own fields and they offer some perspectives that Klein and Monohan may not be capable of. The way they’re interviewed adds to the creative writing podcasts, since the questions asked vary from basic to more in-depth subjects.

The topics covered while providing meaning and thought-provoking observations are kept light and even funny. It’s an entertaining podcast to listen to. It’s educational, but captivating. Rather than rambling on about a tip and diving in from a dry angle, they use funny illustrations to get the point across effectively.

What makes this writing podcast better are all the references provided. Movie references, novel illustrations, and so on. Rather than just throwing out ideas and tips, they further strengthen their arguments with examples that most creatives, movie-goers, and readers, would actually understand. While being effective, it also creates a layer of relatability with the listeners, a connection that ensures a loyal fanbase/audience.

In Summary

The Narrative Breakdown Podcast isn’t your average educational podcast — it’s a casual experience. While teaching the audience new tips, and providing some deep observations, they manage to keep things light and even fun, for the listeners. This is the perfect podcast for people who don’t want to feel like they’re actively learning or listening to something dull and tedious.

If you want to learn more about the podcast, please check out their website. And don’t forget to check out the actual podcast, available for free on iTunes.

5.The Literary Salon

Damian Barr knows what’s important to bookworms and writers: the literature! There’s plenty of podcasts that aim to improve your writing by listing techniques, but there’s never enough podcasts where you can listen to writers do what they do best: share their work with the world.

That’s probably why Barr decided on a glamorous podcast, The Literary Salon. Bringing back some long-lost nostalgia about the fancier side of being a writer, he focuses on the simple process of listening to people do what they do best, and letting others share in the experience.

What Does The Literary Salon Cover?

In a nutshell, Damian Barr’s addicting podcast focuses on guest authors who read their work for the listeners. The latest and greatest works out there, all read from their respective authors, all with the push of a button on your iPad, phone, or computer! Authors that have been featured include Jojo Moyes, Bret Easton Ellis, John Waters, etc.

You might be wondering, however, if the name is indicative of anything, or if it’s just a quirky podcast title. The best part about it is that it’s named after the ambiance the podcast is recorded with. Barr and the authors sit and read in glamorous locations, like proper writers of the days of yore. The glam, the literature reading, and Barr and a live audience sitting quietly, taking it all in.

Learning Through Entertainment

If you don’t know by now, the worst thing a writer can do, apart from never writing, is never reading. Not only is it a form of entertainment, just like watching a movie, but it’s a way to keep fresh. Writers can learn techniques from other writers, find those sparkling moments that stand out more than others, and alter them to fit their own style. Keeping fresh is important in the writing industry, where competition abounds.

The Mental Break You Need

Often times, writers take on heavy workloads. Articles, novels, scripts, blogs, etc. There is always so much to do, that it becomes easy to get a little overwhelmed. Taking a break is a must, or else you run the risk of getting burnt out.

The great thing about The Literary Salon is that it provides that mental break that you want and need. Just hearing another writer read his/her works is enough to inspire and entertain, allowing you to finally take that mental break that could rejuvenate your outlook.

Summary

If you’ve been missing the glamorous days of being a writer, The Literary Salon is the perfect way to bring that sense of yore back. As a listener, you’re thrown into the world of the author at hand, reading their work out loud for Barr, a live audience, and you. The glamorous locations, and the relaxation that comes with being read to, is a tough feeling to beat.

If you want to learn more about the writing podcasts (like this one), check out the website. And don’t forget to listen to it on iTunes – all episodes for free.

6.Writing Excuses

@writingExcuses

A little confidence can go a long way. You get the girl, the job, the car, the TV…and, maybe, you even get to write that story that you’ve been too insecure to write before.

Writing Excuses is a podcast that gives you confidence. Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal, Howard Tayler and Daniel Wells come together to discuss writing techniques in 15 minutes or less. Seems short, but that’s because they know what the focus is: you actually writing something once the 15 minutes are up.

The podcast is tailored to target writers and those who want to be writers. Each episode is short, inspirational and focused on making you confident in your skills and in your ability to write a good story. The topics are diverse and the speakers are engaging. In essence, while it may be the shortest podcast you’ve come across, it’s also one of the most impactful.

To add depth to their content, they arrange to have a diverse group of guests hosts, making the content pop even further. The episodes are well-constructed, as they have to be, judging by the length of time given per episode. They assign tasks that help writers improve and they never sway from the topic at hand, keeping the audience focused on what matters.

This podcast has gotten 4.5 out of 5 stars on iTunes. It’s known for being inspirational and helpful while staying focused on getting people to write. While short, the episodes are aimed at getting listeners to pick up a pen or head for the keyboard. Will you be one of them?

7.Grammar Girl

We’ve all heard of Grammar Girl, correct? It’s the best site for all your grammar questions (other than us, obviously), and it’s jam-packed with information. Hence, it should come as no surprise that there is, in fact, a Grammar Girl Podcast!

The podcast is much like the site in that it seeks to help writers with the editing process. There are short tips that help with grammar, punctuation, style, etc. There’s even business tips that help you become a more successful writer, which is fairly unexpected. Clearly, there’s more than one side to this grammar girl.

Provided by the Quick and Dirty Tips website, the podcast is available through iTunes, but it also features some episodes only found on the site. That being said, it’s worth your while, since there are 26 helpful episodes on iTunes alone, all featuring a whopping 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 1,128 reviewers. That’s rather impressive for a grammar Nazi.

Furthermore, the episodes are as clear and helpful as one would expect them to be, hence the high ratings. The podcast is helpful even for those who have a firm grasp on grammar and punctuation since a lot of the tips are things that aren’t so obvious to everyone. Rather than having to sift through minutes of constant rambling, G.G. takes it upon herself to be quick and to the point with her advice, a rarity among podcasts.

If you’d like to know more, please check out the links provided, and don’t forget to check out Grammar Girl. Everything is free and meant to help even the best of writers.

8.Creative Writing Podcast

Lately, we’ve been all about finding creative writing podcasts that help writers, not just merely entertain them. The Creative Writing Podcast, courtesy of American Writers, is a great one for writers looking to improve their skill level. It covers topics such as characterization, narrative, plot development, dialogue, conflict, setting, literary archetypes, and more. More importantly, it aims to help writers of all levels, not just beginners, which means there’s something for everyone.

It has become an issue among these writing podcasts to provide some rather mindless, empty advice that has been heard time and time again. Advice such as “write, or think about writing constantly,” or better yet “when you think you’re done editing, edit some more.” These are things that, although true and helpful, every writer, even beginning writers, already know. The Creative Writing Podcast is different in this sense. It does not focus on pep talks or recycled advice. It focuses on what actually gets you to improve, knowing full well that it is ultimately up to you to learn and practice dedication.

One of the few podcasts that actually does this, The Creative Writing Podcast provides original writing samples to get a message across. They provide an overview of what works, what doesn’t, and then proceeds to explain why using writing samples that illustrate the points they’re trying to make. This means that rather than just talking about writing, they place a strong emphasis on actual writing techniques and help writers truly scrutinize their own style. It is enough to motivate most writers to improve, even with something as little as just one episode.

That being said, the opening to the podcast is probably a little off the beaten path, with rock music playing for just a little too long. However, once you laugh that off, it really does get serious. Host, Tom Occhipinti, really does dive right in after the intro. He says what he will and won’t do, and outlines the topic at hand. Then he makes his points, always providing background information, examples, and alternatives. He tells you how to do something, showcasing every step. Perhaps more importantly, he explains the advantage of using certain techniques over others. Never once does he claim that writers should only use his methods, he simply outlines his, and clearly states what advantages and disadvantages lie waiting at the end.

Occhipinti has a very clear, calming voice, which is not at all distracting. All your attention is directed toward the content, which is what The Creative Writing Podcast is all about—the content. There are snippets of background music here and there, that help draw the listeners into what Occhipinti is explaining. For instance, if he’s talking about noir fiction, he’ll play music that fits the timeframe. It’s surprisingly entertaining. Episodes run roughly 30 minutes long, some more, some less, but overall, they’re pretty easy to listen to. Time flies, especially if you take notes. Which you should!

The Creative Writing Podcast, brought to you by American Writers, is available on the site, and iTunes, for free. If you’re looking for ways to improve your creative writing, this podcast is a fantastic tool to utilize.

9.Writer’s Group Podcast

It’s no secret that writing is a very lonely thing to do. It’s you, a pen and paper (or computer) and not much else. The music playing is background noise. There’s no one around, and even if there is, they’re not important as you’re fleshing out character details.

Things like writer’s groups come and go, as most writers find themselves not longing to attend, opting for writing in a lonesome setting.

And yet, there are the few relics out there who value a sense of understanding and friendship, despite the realization that writing is so solitary. Every so often, there’s a group of writers who…stays a group for a long time.

One such group is The Writer’s Group Podcast, an LA-based group of screenwriters that began — easily enough — meeting weekly in 2009, as a way to learn, motivate, and feel a sense of comradery. Dane Reade, the group’s founder, leads the group of storytellers, authors, filmmakers, and screenwriters, as they talk published novels, short stories, screenplays, web series, and more.

What’s Discussed in The Writer’s Group?

Topics covered include movies (The Force Awakens episode is pretty amazing) and your odds of making it as a writer. Time management, motivation, and inspiration are all covered. They don’t shy away from the more difficult topics either, like “are screenwriters and artists delusional or not?”

The Experience

Once you get past the terrible, rather odd introduction music, the host — Dane Reade — begins the overview of who they are and what they’re all about. He is very focused and informational. His voice is clear and easy to follow along.

He makes an emphasis on the challenges and struggles of writing, explaining how everyone goes through them, including those in the writer’s group, and that they can help shed some light on their own outcomes. They try to provide a sort of guide on what to do, or even what not to do. In essence, the podcast helps provide a sort of starting point for lost writers and a method of madness for the more established ones.

Episodes run around 45 minutes to an hour and are jam-packed with helpful information. But it’s not serious: the group knows how to keep things light and funny. They don’t put it past themselves to poke fun and make light of hard topics.

Takeaways

It’s a sad reality: most writer’s groups don’t last too long. In fact, groups of people tend to crumble when faced with other responsibilities, loved ones, or other social events and gatherings, etc. It is a part of human nature to want some meaningful social interaction but easily walk away from it once it’s available.

This is the exact opposite of The Writer’s Group Podcast, a group that has been around for 7-8 years running. As Reade describes, “aside from major holidays, I have spent every Monday evening since with a collection of creative, talented, smart, opinionated and driven people.”

When listening to this podcast, you’re not just listening to a group of writers who feel like they need to be heard, you’re listening to a group of friends that have learned through experience, and each other. These are people willing to share with a large audience, to not only incorporate others but also to establish a connection that can prove fruitful for the listeners.

If you would like to learn more about The Writer’s Group Podcast, please visit their website. And remember to listen for free on iTunes!

10.Beyond Your Blog

If you’re a blogger seeking publication outside of small blogs, including your own, and want to publish on the larger sites, then search no more. What you should listen to is Susan Maccarelli’s Beyond Your Blog. We’ve provided information on several helpful podcasts here on Literative, but none quite like this.

What Does Beyond Your Blog Cover?

Because the blog started as Maccarelli’s personal pursuit to being published outside of her blog, she knows the topic in and out. Extending that knowledge to others who know what that position is like was logical. Hence, Beyond Your Blog became a very helpful blog detailing all things aiming at improving writing skills, and chances of being published by bigger publications.

There’s episodes on specific major publications, that are jam packed with information on requirements, so bloggers can keep it all in mind when submitting work. Information on submission etiquette is covered, as well as any freshly announced submission opportunities.

But Maccarelli doesn’t just cover the surface information on Beyond Your Blog. She also asks the tough questions every blogger wants to know. Things like payment, response time, and reasons why we should bother submitting to certain sites. In essence, she asks “what can you do for bloggers?”

Essentially Doing Some Job Hunting For You

Maccarelli is great at finding sites that are looking for frequent, or even guest, bloggers. Rather than having to go scour the internet alone, without any aid, she offers a helping hand. These are sites that you’d want to write for, bigger publications, like The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Redbook and more. There’s even niche websites about parenting, being unmarried, saving money, etc.

Asking The Burning Questions

Everyone wants to know how much they’re potentially getting paid, or when they’ll be hearing from an editor, but few have the courage to actually ask. Maccarelli talks to editors and finds out for you, providing the information upfront. She digs for website information, like how they started, who their audience is, and why bloggers should care. So in the end, you can make your own judgement call.

Summary

Getting lost in a sea of helpful writing podcasts, looking to encourage writers, give them tips, and offer insight, is easy. There’s tons of them. But all the information in the world is useless if you don’t line up work. Ultimately, that’s what it comes down to, and that’s what Beyond the Blog podcast looks to do: line up work opportunities you can look over and submit to, if it suits you.

If you’ve been looking for a podcast that can help you land valuable work, get your name out there, and encourage you to keep blogging, then this podcast is it. Susan Maccarelli has been there, done that, and is looking to provide all the helpful information, and connections, she’s made on her own personal journey.

If you’d like the helping hand, listen to the podcast on iTunes for free, and check out the Beyond Your Blog website.

11.The NoSleep Podcast

Every week we have a new podcast for you to check out, and we think this might be a favorite. The award-winning NoSleep Podcast is a collection of short horror stories originally found on the NoSleep forum on Reddit. Dating back to 2010, Reddit users would, and still do, post original stories, creating a sort of online campfire.

As its popularity grew, members decided to create a podcast for the forum. The popularity continued to skyrocket, with the best of the original stories being read out loud by David Cummings, a forum member and host for the podcast.

There’s a new episode available every two weeks, filled with narrative and atmospheric music that will definitely leave you with no sleep. The stories are disturbing, and often contain language and descriptions of violent or frightening situations, so it is best enjoyed by mature audiences.

It is important to note, however, that the podcast works in seasons, of which they are now on #6. Those new to the podcast have a lot of catching up to do, but it isn’t very strenuous since all of the stories are so immersive. Furthermore, each story is a standalone, so you could skip around and select stories you feel like listening to, rather than listening to it in structured form.

Run time depends on the story at hand, but average at about a half hour. Many of the stories start off normally, almost innocently, only to build up into terrifying tales filled with creepy basements, items moving by themselves, monsters, murder and more. The background music matches the story arcs, while David Cumming’s voice sucks you into the narrative.

If you would like to learn more about The NoSleep Podcast, please check out their website or follow their Twitter.

12.The Leviathan Chronicles

If someone told you that a former Wall Street employee wrote a thrilling, addicting story, would you believe it? We probably wouldn’t have beforehand either, but then we encountered New York born and raised Christof Laputka, writer and creator of The Leviathan Chronicles. With only two seasons available, well over 3 million episodes have been downloaded all over the world.

This sci-fi podcast is unlike any other creative writing podcasts we’ve ever come across, in that it is an actual story series, with each season serving as a “new book” in the series, and each episode being a new chapter. Season 1 has 25 episodes while Season 2 has 13. There are also several Special Edition Episodes.

The story line is exciting, making it hard to put down, quite frankly. A hidden city called Leviathan lies deep within the Pacific Ocean and is home to immortals seeking to create a utopia over 1,000 years ago. Despite living in peace for centuries, and influencing the world so as to advance humanity, they soon find themselves threatened by a dark secret. This dark secret could be the end of humanity altogether, immortal or not.

The only hope for the world is a young genetic scientist living in New York who discovers that she is descended from a group of immortals that rebelled against Leviathan and who now are engaged in a global civil war with them. Not only is she the only one that can stop this war and save everyone, but she’s also the primary target of a government agency, The Blackdoor Group, who’s mission is to exterminate all immortals.

The podcast itself is a marvel. With well over 60 actors involved, The Leviathan Chronicles features professional sound effects and an original soundtrack. It was launched in April of 2008 and has gained an enormous following since then. Most places in the story are based on real locations, favorites of Laputka. More episodes are added on a periodic basis, to meet the high demand.

If you would like to know more about this podcast, please visit their website, and check out their Twitter. The Leviathan Chronicles is available for free from their website and on iTunes.

13.We’re Alive

If you love The Walking Dead, you’ll love “We’re Alive—A Zombie Story of Survival.” This ongoing podcast, created by Wayland Productions, is one of friendship and loyalty, with survivors of a zombie apocalypse coming together and struggling to fortify a safe haven known as Tower. The world has changed, zombies have taken it over, claiming it as their own. Human decency is no longer a requirement.

The podcast features movie-quality sound effects and performances, making it immersive and thrilling. The music is terrifying, but in a very pensive manner, one that is reminiscent of the desolation and isolation caused by a zombie apocalypse. The voice actors are in tune with the characters, each taking on a tone and personality of their own. Perhaps, more important than all of this, however, is the level of detail put into the story, with visual imagery and effects that bring it all together.

Army Reserve Soldier Michael Cross narrates the story, telling how he used to be a normal college student until the world turned upside down. The way he describes it alone, saying how he expected a bombing or terrorist attack, but soon saw a news report of zombies 20 miles away from the campus, makes it feel real, like it could happen at anytime, anywhere. Traffic soon takes over, panic and violence reins, until the police forces get overrun.

Currently, the podcast is created by Wayland Productions, and distributed through CD and digital downloads by Blackstone Audio, as well as the Nerdist Podcast Network. Originally a TV pitch in 2009, creator Kc Wayland failed to convince producers, but he didn’t lose hope. He soon created the script into an audio drama, not knowing how well it was going to be received. Running for a total of 4 seasons, the podcast ended in July 2014, but not before building a large fan base. A spin-off, called “We’re Alive: Lockdown,” is currently in post-production (being edited).

If you’d like to learn more about the podcast, please visit the podcast website, and follow their Twitter. “We’re Alive – A Zombie Story of Survival,” is now available for free on iTunes.

14.Living With Literature

The “Living With Literature” Podcast is a breath of fresh air. It isn’t about specific works or stories, it’s about the authors themselves—the voices behind the stories. It’s something that people lose sight of too often, the person behind the works. A collection of radio interviews, “Living With Literature,” explores the minds and goals of people in art, humanities, science and scholarship, who have impacted the way people think and live, both locally and globally.

The focus of the podcast is to examine the literature that these people have read at crucial moments in their lives. The hope is to understand the people themselves, as well as the writing and thoughts that have changed them and their methodology. Through edited and intercut readings of the chosen literature, the podcast dives deep into the minds of creatives, unlocking the experiences and knowledge that not only lead to great people but great writing.

This podcast is made possible by host Muriel Murch and with the help and generosity of Pete Horner, composer and performer of Letter of A‘s musical theme. Anyone who listens to the podcast will enjoy it if they’re looking to reflect on the background of art, and the makings that a person needs in order to write beautifully. It is calm, serene, and informative—filled with surprise and reflection around every corner.

Check it out on iTunes for free now or look through Murch’s website for more information.

15.Grammar & Writing Advice

We’re changing things up this week (again) so as to demonstrate that literary podcasts don’t always have to consist of an old man reading a classic story out-loud. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course, but there should be a sense of variety when it comes to the things we read, listen to and even watch. That variety can expand horizons, teach you something and make everything fresh and new again.

This week, we’re focusing on the Grammar & Writing Advice Podcast brought to us by Scribendi. As you may have guessed by now, it consists of grammar tips and writing advice. Now, it may sound boring, and not at all what you’d normally listen to for the sake of entertainment or relaxation, but the podcast is useful. If you’re an author, student, or if you work in business or the corporate world, then this is an invaluable tool to have. Government clients and people learning English as a second language can also benefit from this podcast. Even something as tedious as resume editing can become a breeze with Grammar & Writing Advice.

It’s best to think of the podcast as a style manual, like an MLA Handbook, and a dictionary combined. People with important projects coming up, or those simply trying to improve upon their skill set, would love it. Creative writing podcasts topics include, but are not limited to “How to Write A Great Thesis Statement,” and even “Bringing Your Plot to a Good Resolution.” Everything from the boring to the highly creative is covered.

Also, it is important to note that Scribendi is known for their affordable and fast professional editing and proofreading services. They’re available 24/7, and may come in handy when you’re sweating over a work, or school project. Check it out, and make sure to listen to the podcast if it’s up your alley!

16.SHL

Yes, it’s another H.P. Lovecraft post. We recognize we may have a problem, but frankly, it’s a healthy addiction. It could be worse!

This week’s podcast is called Supernatural Horror In Literature (SHL), and if it sounds familiar, that’s because it is named after the essay by the same name, written by Lovecraft himself. First published in 1927, in The Recluse magazine, the essay was originally written between November of 1925 and May of 1927, but was later revised in 1933-1934. In it, Lovecraft examines weird fiction and gothic novels drawing conclusions by citing the works of many an author, including Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edgar Allan Poe (he has his own chapter in the essay), Ambrose Bierce, Lord Dunsany, Arthur Machen and more.

Oddly enough, yet expectedly judging by Lovecraft’s tendency to cause reactions, the essay was received with mixed reviews. M.R. James called it offensive, but Edmund Wilson praised it, despite not being a Lovecraft fan.

But what about the podcast?

Host Charly Crawmer reads out the works referenced in the essay, all after a creepy, very Lovecraftian introduction. His voice is calm, meditated and controlled, making the horror stories chill the listeners even more. He provides information on the story and the author, but the main focus is the narrative. His voice is not one for everyone, potentially coming off monotone at times, but frankly, it’s one of our personal favorites.

If you would like to learn more about the podcast, please visit the website. Don’t forget to listen to the podcast for free on iTunes!

17.Broadway Bullet

It might not be strictly about literature, but let’s remember: literature creates a path for theater. While both are hemispheres apart, they’re also the same in the sense that it draws the audience in and takes them to another world.

This week’s podcast is Broadway Bullet: Theatre from Broadway, Off-Broadway And Beyond. This is considered the number one broadway-related podcast out there, featuring interviews with actors, artists on the rise, and even designers and writers. Keyword there, “writers.” The podcast sheds light on what it means to be behind the scenes, and beyond, as well as the writing that goes into broadway productions.

The podcast covers theatre on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and even independent theatre. Music is examined, in light of how it fits in a production and story. The story is examined as being the focal point, with all the lights, effects, sounds, and music being methods of tying everything together, making the story come alive visually. Essentially, taking a written medium, and making it visually striking enough to captivate. That’s not easy to do!

If you’d like to learn more about this podcast, and get a glimpse into the inner workings of Broadway and theater, check out their website, or check out the podcast on iTunes!

18. Jedi Journals

May the Force be with you.

Everyone wishes they could be strong in the Force, but since that’s not exactly possible, the anticipation for The Force Awakens is just mounting. To celebrate, we have a special Weekly Podcast, titled, Jedi Journals: Star Wars Literature Podcast.

This monthly podcast covers the past, present, and future of Star Wars literature, with each episode covering commentary and discussion about all the comics, encyclopedias, magazines, guides, novels, coffee table books, etc. Well, you get the idea. Now, let us be the first to point out that this means they have a lot of ground to cover. Have you stopped to count all the Star Wars books you’ve ever so much as seen? That’s a lot of material.

Furthermore, the podcast is entertaining. Not only is the content amazing, of course, but they offer listener giveaways and even conduct author interviews. They also review the latest Lucasfilm offerings, from licensed publishers, like Titan Publishing and Dark Horse Comics.

Not surprisingly, the podcast is made possible by loyal fans and is rated one of the top iTunes podcasts around. The episodes are recorded with a live online audience, and then later put on iTunes for free, so everyone can listen on their own time. How generous. Hosted by Justin Bolger and Erik Blythe, the podcast is lively, informative, entertaining, and wonderfully geeky.

If you haven’t checked it out yet, we suggest you do. Listen on iTunes, or check out their website for more information!

19.SnapShot 7

Speaking bluntly, traditional reading is a dying medium. Buying books in a proper bookstore is a stretch these days, with people opting for more audio books, podcasts, and ebooks, like Kindle. Not that this is a terrible thing, if anything, it’s just a new way to read the same material. Same content, new medium.

The real issue lies in the place most people aren’t focusing on. Adults are reading. It’s the younger generations that are picky about reading. They often gravitate toward other interests, rather than reading.

But there are solutions: something that introduces new books to teenagers, and helps grab hold of their short attention spans. There’s SnapShot 7, the podcast for teenagers by teenagers (and some adults). It features short reviews of teen reads that are popular now along with those that are on the rise. Real teenagers are behind this, 7th grade and beyond. These books have actually been read by the staff behind the podcast and have their approval. In fact, they don’t mention anything that they rate as less than 4 out of 5 stars.

The podcast is aimed to teens, so it’s not exactly adult-friendly. As we listened to it, we felt a little old, to be honest, because the hosts are, in fact, kids. They carry themselves well, and clearly, and the podcast is very organized and detailed. There’s a lot to be gained, between their helpful natures and the books they’ve suggested. Altogether, it makes for the perfect podcast for every teenager we know and love. It’s ideal for those already looking to read, but don’t know which books to pick out.

Check out SnapShot 7, and let us know what you think! Hopefully, that teenager that you know loves it.

20. Crime Writers On Serial

We’re pretty excited about this one. Upon listening to the Crime Writers On Serial podcast, we were transported to a world of noir crime and mystery. Snappy music and some red lipstick were missing, but we lost ourselves in the stories all the less.

This podcast is hosted by Kevin Flynn and Rebecca Lavoie, two true crime co-authors, who sit down with noir novelist, Toby Ball, and journalist-turned-investigator, Lara Bricker, and discuss all sorts of crime topics. They discuss the Serial Podcast, as well as “Crime of the Week,” journalism, justice, storytelling, and even pop culture. They’ve even covered the show, True Detective.

You might be wondering what this has to do with literature. While the podcast looks to explain and question crime, it also dissects TV shows and books that relate to crime. Stories are analyzed, both from a writer’s perspective, and investigator perspective. Even the journalistic angle is covered.

The podcast hosts are clear and concise, the topics engaging. It’s no wonder that fans donate to keep Crime Writers On Serial afloat. They opt not to do commercials because they enjoy being supported by fans. It “helps them make a better podcast,” as Flynn described in “WTF, True Detective? Plus, We Answer Your Questions!”

If you wish to learn more, don’t forget to check out their website, and listen to the podcast for free on iTunes!

21. Meet The Author

Meet The Author, the iBooks podcast by Apple, is a must-hear. In a collaboration with the Apple Store, they bring listeners interesting interviews with authors currently selling their books through iBooks.

Nonfiction, fiction, Neil Gaiman, Mario Batali, etc. The authors range from beyond famous, to the lesser known and upcoming. All the interviews explore more about the authors and their work and lives, with an emphasize their latest releases.

The podcast itself is everything you’d expect from Apple. The content is intriguing, and podcast is clear and concise, and the overall experience is addicting. It gives readers and listeners a chance to feel closer to authors, hearing them talk and answer questions, crack jokes and explain their writing process.

Perhaps the more exciting difference between this podcast and other podcasts is that there is video to go along with it. It’s not just about hearing the authors, it’s about seeing them, analyzing their mannerisms. Podcast subscribers can enjoy seeing author’s faces light up as they talk about something dear to them. It makes them relatable.

If you’d like to hear and watch this podcast, check out iTunes. It’s free, and it’s awesome. It’s the perfect podcast for those chilly, holiday nights of relaxation, as well as for those lazy Sunday’s. For writers, this podcast is inspirational, showcasing other writers who have gained recognition.

Don’t miss out, check it out now!

22. The Writing Show

Meant for writers of all types, fiction, poetry, songs, screenplays, reports, games, etc. The Writing Show podcast was a great resource. Note, the use of the past tense, since the podcast ended after a seven-year run. The creators wanted to pursue other projects, but the show’s episodes are still available to any writer who wants to listen, all for free.

Providing information and inspiration for writers of all kinds was the ultimate goal of the podcast. Host Paula B. was engaging and helpful, always focusing on entertaining, helping, and engaging writers. With a run time of approximately 45 minutes to just over an hour, depending on the topic at hand, the podcast was/is a valuable tool jam-packed with tips and tricks for everyone, from the published, seasoned author, to the ones just starting out.

Overall, the podcast holds a 4 ½ star rating on iTunes, making it a pretty high rating. When looking over the episode list, it makes sense, because the topics are valuable. There are even workshops, each with a specific purpose, for instance, helping writers capture readers’ attention.

While the podcast may have ended, the show went on for years, so there are tons of episodes to sift through, each filled with tips that help even the best of writers. It is unfortunate that the show isn’t putting out new episodes, but it does still hold its place as one of the top writing podcasts on iTunes.

If you would like to learn more, please visit their website, and listen to the podcast on iTunes!

23. Tanglewood Tales

Nathaniel Hawthorne, known for The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables, is known for being a little dark in his writing. However, what you may not know is that he wrote two books geared toward teaching children more about literature, more specifically, mythology.

A Wonder-Book for Girls & Boys was designed as a book within a book, with the narrator being a young college student by the name of Eustace Bright. Eustace reworked classic mythology tales and told them in a way that children could understand. His second book was Tanglewood Tales.

Also filled with mythology, but reworked to be kid-friendly, Eustace was back, and this time, he brought more stories. Ancient heroes overcoming monsters never sounded sweeter. In it were six stories:

Theseus & Minotaur

The Odyssey

The Pomergranate Seeds

The Pygmies

The Dragon’s Teeth

Jason & The Golden Fleece

Reading both books in tandem is a fantastic way of exposing children to mythology. However, this is a podcast article! Why read it, when you can listen to it? The Tanglewood Tales by Nathaniel Hawthorne Podcast is the book, read out-loud by a teenager. There is no distracting music, there are no fancy sound effects, it’s simply a teenager reading something out loud, clearly and immersively, for children. It creates the impression you’ve attended story time at a local library.

But of course, if you want to listen in on it for yourself, that’s fine too. No one said it had to be just for children. We won’t tell!

Check out the Tanglewood Tales Podcast on iTunes and let us know what you think!

24. I Should Be Writing

Every so often, there’s a much-needed podcast that reminds writers to just do what they do— write. It seems obvious, but there are days, weeks, months, or even years, where a writer seems to go on hiatus. It can be anything—life problems, finances, time constraints, dating, etc.

But see, the thing is that a writer needs to write regardless of life. In fact, to be a writer, one needs to write even when it feels wrong. You’d be surprised at the level of excellence that can come from those moments. Plus, writing is more than a hobby, or a livelihood—it’s a lifestyle. To forsake your writing is to squander your creativity.

I Should Be Writing, by Mur Lafferty is a podcast unlike any other. A collection of writing interviews and how-tos come to us from a science fiction writer who’s still learning, struggling and trying to get published. She lightly pats listeners on the back reminding them to write more often in a friendly way.

Her approach is simple: a podcast about writing leads to more writing. When the focus is entirely on the craft, more tends to get done, because the attention is tunneled and a level of jealousy over her experience dances in the mind of the listeners. Hearing her experiences helps an urge stick, like a nudging voice.

Her clear voice lets her personality shine through, making the podcast a joy to listen to. Not only is it helpful, it’s inspiring and entertaining. With 4.5 out of 5 stars on iTunes, this one’s worth looking into.

25. Knifepoint Horror

Continuing off from last week’s supernatural horror podcast, we’d like to introduce Knifepoint Horror, available on iTunes, Apple podcasts, and the Knifepoint Horror website. Created by Soren Narnia, a simple, elusive man, this podcast is sure to send chills down your spine.

Much like his stories, Narnia prefers to keep an air of mystery. Despite having a Twitter, and a website, he doesn’t display bio info. What is known, however, is that he is the author of all the stories on Knifepoint Horror, and he’s even published a book for the series, called “The Complete Knifepoint Horror,” available in paperback from Amazon.

A complete contrast to his hilarious Twitter feed, Narnia crafts thrilling, disturbing, often horrific stories for the podcast. With most episodes being a half hour long, and others being well over an hour, the stories include ghosts, zombies, cults and more. Told in a traditional fashion, his voice resonates with a first-person narrative in your ears. No other character’s thoughts are explored, no dialogue is given, and it creates an illusion of listening to uninterrupted confessions. The experience is terrifying, yet thrilling.

But perhaps the best part about the podcasts is how connected to his listeners/readers Soren Narnia actually is, despite his elusiveness. His fans created a Facebook page for Knifepoint, as a tribute, and he licenses his work so that anyone can take it and rework it as they see fit, even for profit.

If you would like a scare before going to sleep, make sure to download the entirely free episodes of Knifepoint Horror. Narnia’s voice is immersive, even mesmerizing, while the stories take your mind through a seemingly visual experience.

26. Clarkesworld

The American online fantasy and science-fiction magazine known as Clarkesworld Magazine has a podcast that every bookworm would benefit from hearing. Known for their numerous awards ranging from the Million Writers Award for Best New Online Magazine, to Hugo awards for best semiprozine, the magazine opted for an audio medium, as an extension of their online presence.

And it worked.

Much like the magazine, The Clarkesworld Podcast is composed of stories that have been nominated for several awards. For every episode, they choose one from the magazine, and read it out-loud, so readers can have two different mediums in which to enjoy the stories.

The Clarkesworld Podcast also provides information about the author and the person reading the story, so readers can look the story up in the magazine itself, or search for the author’s social media accounts.

If you’re looking for an award-winning podcast, full of attention-grabbing stories, then this podcast is for you. If somehow you’re not keen on the genres beforehand, you just might be after listening to Clarkesworld.

27. A Writer’s Life

Just like you’re expecting a dissection of A Writer’s Life, I lied in the darkness, the opening classical music resounding in my ears, expecting an aged literary critic, or professor, to mentor me. That was my expectation, and frankly, what I awaited.

Instead, what I got was Dan Black, and what you’ll get is a dissection of Black as a representation of the modern writer.

After the music faded away, the voice of a man in his mid-thirties filled the dark room. He spoke of literary geniuses as much as he cursed like a sailor. He sounded nothing like the professor I had expected, but slowly, it all made sense to me: a dissection of A Writer’s Life is a dissection of Dan Black, the unexpected host. Unexpected, but needed. Like a breath of fresh air, he is everything you don’t associate as a writer, but everything you expect from a writer of our era.

Gone were the pretentious airs, the hoarse, deep Gandalf voice, and the expectation of literary excellence. What I heard was, as he described himself, an “exploration of how a writer gets better, from the inside out.” Never claiming to know everything, or anything at all, Black leads with opinion and clarifies he is talking to himself, to get himself to be himself, to get his writing to be better. This podcast is, in all essence, the rants of a writer who understands that we all know nothing, and that the only way to get better is to question everything and seek more from our craft.

In each episode, Black leads with a personal example, something he’s had to face, usually relating to his writing process. From there, the branches of thought disperse into self-doubt, general questions, opinions, background information about other writers, and helpful tips. The most powerful and helpful of all Black’s content, however, is the thing he never says: he wants to grease the wheels of thought in your mind, to get you to think not like the writer you wish you could be, but like the writer you are.

A simple self-embrace is everything. Sometimes, to get better, we have to get in touch with who were currently are, ever-changing, ever contradictory. As millennials, Dan Black and his self-thinking podcast is everything a modern writer has to face.

If you would like to learn more about Dan Black and A Writer’s Life, please follow the podcast’s Twitter, and check out the website.

28. Raven Edition

This week’s podcast is a mouthful: The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Raven Edition. As you might suspect, is an entire podcast dedicated to everything Edgar Allan Poe ever wrote. Keeping things simple, the podcast aims to simply provide an audio version of the stories and poems. This means there is no dissection, literary background, or author information given.

While it might sound boring, or even too simple, the podcast is quite addicting. The narrator’s voice is calm, clear, and collected while the story wraps the listener’s attention around its finger. There’s no background noise, or music, creating a more serene atmosphere for the listeners.

Each episode is roughly around 15 to 30 minutes, for the most part, with the few exceptions that last an hour. They have chosen the best works by Poe, some of his most popular, and also those that are lesser read, yet still golden. In all essence, the podcast could teach many others, leading with simplicity in such a confident way.

The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Raven Edition podcast may have a long title, but that’s as complicated as it gets. Upon hearing it, you may feel as though someone has just picked up your dusty Poe collection and began reading to you. The effect is relaxing, enlightening in its simplicity, and more than anything, respectful of Poe’s stories.

If you would like to know more about the podcast, please check it out on iTunes or LibriVox for free.

29. Literature Lab

As you may know by now, every week we have a podcast to consider, each one related to literature somehow, whether it be about a specific author, or an array of writers. This time, the creative writing podcast chosen, Literature Lab, is a little different. This podcast is by professors, for other professors, literary enthusiasts, readers, writers, and more. It’s purpose is to tackle the tough questions, and even those often overlooked, such as why we should still read literature during such a modern time when it may be considered relatively unimportant comparatively speaking, Yeats and the Irish revival, dissections of the Gothic novel, adventures in close reading, the secret lives of genres, and more.

Rather than a take on story dissection, or a read aloud, Literature Lab aims to get people to think about what they read, and really understand the process behind the act of reading and writing. It aims to get people to dissect themselves, their opinions, and their choices about what they read. Surprisingly, despite it not necessarily being for everyone, the podcast isn’t dry. It isn’t a mere rant of boring opinion, it’s actual interviews with professors with proper backgrounds and valuable information, shedding light on otherwise overlooked, yet important questions.

Again, the podcast isn’t for everyone. Literature Lab is best appreciated by those who have literary backgrounds, or at the very least, enjoy literature, and want to know more about the process and facts behind it. Each episode brings something new to the table, something interesting, but people who don’t enjoy this kind of information would find themselves tuning out.

If you want to think about what you’re reading, or learn more about literature as a whole, from a more general perspective, Literature Lab is worth checking out. Make sure to listen to the podcast on iTunes, or their website, and follow their Facebook.