Best Writing Podcasts 2026: Craft, Inspiration & Career Advice for Writers
Writing podcasts offer invaluable guidance for novelists, journalists, screenwriters, and anyone passionate about the written word. Whether you're working on your first draft or your fifteenth book, 2026's best writing podcasts provide craft lessons, publishing insights, author interviews, and the inspiration to keep writing.
Why Writing Podcasts Are Essential
Writing podcasts help you:
- Learn craft: Story structure, character development, dialogue, and style
- Overcome blocks: Practical advice for getting unstuck
- Navigate publishing: Agents, editors, self-publishing, and marketing
- Find inspiration: Hear how successful authors work
- Build community: Connect with other writers
Best Writing Craft Podcasts
1. Writing Excuses
Why it's great: Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal, and team deliver 15-minute masterclasses on writing craft. "15 minutes long, because you're in a hurry, and we're not that smart."
Best for: Fiction writers, especially sci-fi/fantasy
Topics: Plot, character, worldbuilding, revision, publishing
Format: Short, focused episodes with homework prompts
2. The Creative Penn Podcast
Why it's great: Joanna Penn covers the full spectrum of author business: writing craft, publishing, marketing, and making a living as a writer. Practical, business-focused.
Best for: Self-published authors and hybrid authors
Topics: Book marketing, AI for writers, indie publishing
3. The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
Why it's great: Bianca Marais and CJ Lyons dish honest, unfiltered advice about the writing life, publishing realities, and industry truths.
Best for: Writers who want real talk, not sugarcoating
Vibe: Frank, funny, encouraging
Best Author Interview Podcasts
4. The New Yorker: Fiction
Why it's great: Celebrated authors read and discuss short fiction from The New Yorker archives. Literary deep dives with masters of the craft.
Best for: Literary fiction writers and short story lovers
Format: Story reading + author conversation
5. Fresh Air with Terry Gross (Author Episodes)
Why it's great: Terry Gross is one of the best interviewers alive. Her author conversations reveal creative processes, personal histories, and book inspirations.
Best for: Learning about authors' lives and creative journeys
Notable episodes: Stephen King, Margaret Atwood, Ta-Nehisi Coates
6. Longform Podcast
Why it's great: Interviews with journalists, authors, and long-form writers about their craft and careers. Essential for narrative nonfiction writers.
Best for: Journalists and nonfiction writers
Topics: Reporting, research, writing process, journalism careers
Best Story & Narrative Podcasts
7. Selected Shorts
Why it's great: Professional actors perform short stories by great writers. Hear how skilled prose sounds when performed. Essential for understanding voice and rhythm.
Best for: Fiction writers studying narrative voice
Format: Live performances from Symphony Space
8. The Moth
Why it's great: True stories told live without notes. Perfect for learning storytelling structure, pacing, and emotional impact.
Best for: Understanding story structure and emotional beats
Lessons: How to hook listeners, build tension, deliver payoffs
Best Screenwriting & Scriptwriting Podcasts
9. Scriptnotes
Why it's great: John August and Craig Mazin (Oscar-nominated screenwriters) discuss screenwriting craft, Hollywood business, and writing careers. The gold standard for screenwriters.
Best for: Screenwriters and TV writers
Topics: Three-act structure, dialogue, pitching, representation
10. Draft Zero
Why it's great: Australian screenwriters break down movie scripts with detailed analysis. Fantastic for learning structure and technique.
Best for: Screenwriters studying produced scripts
Format: Deep-dive script analysis
Best Genre-Specific Writing Podcasts
11. The Fantasy Inn Podcast
Why it's great: Covers fantasy and science fiction writing, publishing, and fandom. Great for spec-fic writers.
Best for: Fantasy and sci-fi authors
12. Crime Writers On...
Why it's great: Mystery Writers of America's podcast features crime and thriller writers discussing craft, research, and the genre.
Best for: Mystery, thriller, and crime writers
Best Writing Life & Productivity Podcasts
13. The Bestseller Experiment
Why it's great: Two writers try to write a bestseller while documenting the entire process. Honest, funny, and instructive.
Best for: Authors curious about the publishing journey
Topics: Writing process, editing, publication, marketing
14. The Writer Files
Why it's great: Rainmaker Digital's podcast explores how successful writers work, manage time, and stay creative.
Best for: Understanding writers' habits and routines
Best Publishing & Industry Podcasts
15. The Book Marketing Show
Why it's great: Practical marketing advice for authors. Covers email lists, social media, launches, and promotional strategies.
Best for: Self-published authors and indie publishers
How to Choose Writing Podcasts by Goal
Learning Craft
- Fiction: Writing Excuses, The New Yorker Fiction
- Screenwriting: Scriptnotes, Draft Zero
- Nonfiction: Longform Podcast
- Storytelling: The Moth, Selected Shorts
Building a Career
- Self-publishing: The Creative Penn, The Book Marketing Show
- Traditional publishing: The Shit No One Tells You, agent episodes
- Journalism: Longform Podcast
- Screenwriting: Scriptnotes
Finding Inspiration
- Fresh Air (author interviews)
- The New Yorker: Fiction (literary excellence)
- The Moth (storytelling power)
By Writing Type
- Novels: Writing Excuses, The Creative Penn
- Short stories: The New Yorker Fiction, Selected Shorts
- Screenplays: Scriptnotes, Draft Zero
- Journalism: Longform Podcast
- Genre fiction: Writing Excuses, genre-specific podcasts
What You'll Learn from Writing Podcasts
Craft Fundamentals
- Story structure (three-act, hero's journey, scene-sequel)
- Character development and arcs
- Dialogue writing
- Point of view and voice
- Pacing and tension
- Revision strategies
Publishing Knowledge
- How to find agents and editors
- Query letter writing
- Self-publishing vs. traditional
- Book marketing strategies
- Rights and contracts
Writing Process
- Outlining vs. pantsing
- Daily word count goals
- Overcoming writer's block
- Balancing writing with life
- Research methods
Career Development
- Building author platforms
- Making a living as a writer
- Navigating the industry
- Networking and community
Building Your Writing Education
For Beginning Writers
- Start with: Writing Excuses (accessible craft lessons)
- Then: The Moth (storytelling fundamentals)
- Deep dive: Genre or format-specific podcasts
For Published Writers
- The Creative Penn (business and marketing)
- The Shit No One Tells You (industry realities)
- Fresh Air (staying inspired)
For Aspiring Screenwriters
- Foundation: Scriptnotes (craft and industry)
- Analysis: Draft Zero (script breakdowns)
- Inspiration: Writer interviews
Tips for Getting the Most from Writing Podcasts
Active Listening
- Take notes: Jot down key insights and exercises
- Do the homework: Many podcasts include writing prompts
- Apply immediately: Try new techniques in your current project
- Revisit favorites: Re-listen to episodes when facing specific challenges
Balance Learning & Writing
- Set limits on podcast consumption (don't let learning replace writing)
- Use podcasts during commutes, not prime writing time
- Choose 2-3 favorites; don't try to keep up with everything
Using PodBrief for Writing Podcasts
Writing podcasts accumulate quickly. PodBrief helps you:
- Find relevant episodes: Search by craft topic (dialogue, revision, etc.)
- Read key insights: Get main lessons without full listen
- Build learning paths: Queue episodes by skill area
- Track favorites: Bookmark episodes to revisit
Writing Podcast Communities
Many writing podcasts have active communities:
- Writing Excuses: Discord community, annual cruise/workshop
- The Creative Penn: Active Facebook group
- Scriptnotes: Screenwriting community
Related Topics
Start Your Writing Education
Whether you're drafting your first pages or polishing your tenth manuscript, 2026's writing podcasts offer the guidance, inspiration, and community to help you succeed. Browse all writing podcasts on PodBrief to find your mentors in audio form.
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