Every once in a while I get sucked into an advertisement for a writing conference…ten days….in a beautiful retreat house…overlooking a lake…in Guatemala…eating organic food…practicing yoga…for $3,000 (housing and travel not included.) Yikes! Price tags like this are good reality checks. Seriously, what does it take to grow in your writing craft? Pen, paper, butt in chair, and some opportunities to get feedback on your work. I also listen to a variety of podcasts (all free!) that keep me inspired and keep me learning. Here are my current favorites:
My new favorite. This well-edited podcast (good editing goes a long way in podcasting!) takes you inside a writing class to hear the students respond to different writing prompts. You can also respond to the prompt and post on their website. This podcast also includes helpful interviews of writers reading their work and explaining the decisions they made as they wrote and edited.
PodLit: The Podcast of Creative Nonfiction
Lee Gutkind, the editor of Creative Nonfiction, is the host. His interview-style feels a bit awkward to me. But I appreciate the information that is shared through this podcast and the people interviewed.
Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
I should listen to this podcast more. There is great content here. And the podcasts are short. I just find myself enjoying the other podcasts in this list more.
The Fail Safe: A podcast about writing and failure.
I love the concept of this podcast–the way it explores how successful writers grapple with and learn from failure. It is hosted by the Iowa Writers’ House and Draft: the Journal of Process. Also, the soundtrack is hilarious. Give it a listen.
I am a huge fan of Brevity and everything they produce. Allison K. Williams is a great host / interviewer for their podcast. I always get something out of these and eagerly anticipate each new podcast.
I don’t know that I’ll ever be good enough to get accepted to the Tin House writing conference. In the meantime, I will listen to the presentations and lectures that are given at the conference through their podcast. This is an excellent, free resource for continuing education.
Teri McDowell Ott 