Podcasts for writers
Last Friday night my friend and fellow writer, Caitlin, asked me which writing podcasts I listen to. My answer: none. I do have an iPod and I do listen to it while I’m working on websites, but at the moment, I tend to have music playing rather than podcasts. This is a situation that should probably be remedied as, in the past, I’ve found podcasts to be a great source of online advice, information and entertainment.
What are podcasts?
Podcasts are basically digital audio files which you can download and listen to on a portable audio player (such as an iPod) or on your computer. Like bloggers, podcasters often create a series of podcasts on a particular topic. Subscribing to a podcast allows you to automatically download the latest podcast in the series.
While I’ve only ever used iTunes, there are a number of other software solutions out there which allow you to subscribe and listen to podcasts from your computer.
The BBC Radio website also has a good overview of podcasting for beginners.
Where can I find lists of podcasts?
There are a number of podcast directory sites dispersed through the world wide web, including Podcast.net and Podcast Alley. On these sites you can search for podcasts by genre or keyword. Once you’ve found a podcast that you’d like to subscribe to, you copy its feed URL into your podcast software. Then all you have to do is find time in your schedule to listen.
Your thoughts
Do you have any favourite writing-related podcasts? Do you recommend an alternative podcasting client to iTunes? Leave a comment and let me know.
The Writing Show - with Paula B and Creative Screenwriting Magazine are 2 great podcasts. Lots of excellent and timely information. Just search for them in the podcasts section of the iTunes store.
Thanks for your suggestions Millar - I’ll look them up!
I recommend I Should Be Writing by Mur Lafferty.
She recommends The Secrets by Michael J. Stackpole, but I’ve not really got into it.