Best Amwriting Podcasts (2025)

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453: The Ultimate How To: Write, Pitch, Maybe Publish with Kate McKean from Agents+Books 41:27

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6d ago41:27

41:27

This is the how-to book you need right now, the one with “am I ready to query” and “what does my platform need to look like” and “what if no one buys my book” and “what happens if someone buys my book”. We have a great episode, talking about creating this book, writing this book and living this book—because Kate McKean is not only a very experience…

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The Ultimate How To: Write, Pitch, Maybe Publish with Kate McKean from Agents+Books 41:27

6d ago41:27

41:27

This is the how-to book you need right now, the one with “am I ready to query” and “what does my platform need to look like” and “what if no one buys my book” and “what happens if someone buys my book”. We have a great episode, talking about creating this book, writing this book and living this book—because Kate McKean is not only a very experience…

1
#230 - Fiona Cummins 37:20

3d ago37:20

37:20

Bestselling crime thriller author, Fiona Cummins is with us this week chatting about wishing she could plot her novels, learning and then teaching with the Faber Academy and how big splashy deals don't always lead to a sustainable writing career. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 …

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Episode 474: How to Reconfigure the Fireworks with Yi Shun Lai 1:03:39

6d ago1:03:39

1:03:39

"One of the things I've done is to reconfigure the fireworks. The fireworks for me now are getting to have this thing off my desk so I get to work on something new. That's the firework," says Yi Shun Lai, an author, writer, and instructor. Our occasion for this show was an essay she wrote for Writer Magazine about "arrival fallacy," this notion tha…

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How Withholding Backstory and Context Can Actually Elevate A Story 30:00

7d ago30:00

30:00

In this inspiring interview, Bianca connects with debut author Aisling Rawle and dives into ‘The Compound’—a dark, gripping tale set in the twisted world of reality TV. She opens up about her unconventional path to publishing, the pivotal role her literary agent played, and the novel’s central themes of desire, materialism, and social critique. Ais…

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#229 - Faith Hogan 26:34

10d ago26:34

26:34

Contemporary fiction author, Faith Hogan joins us this week to chat about her career as novelist, her process and writing crime fiction as Geraldine Hogan. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple Amazon Listen to The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes, Jamie…

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Episode 473: Finding the Frame with Hampton Sides 1:10:10

13d ago1:10:10

1:10:10

"I would say my books are about three quarters research and sort of mining my research, and then one quarter writing," says Hampton Sides, author of several New York Times bestselling works of narrative history, including his latest, now in paperback, The Wide Wide Sea. It's published by Doubleday. So Hampton was great. There was a moment halfway t…

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452: The Gift of Failure: Author Version 40:14

13d ago40:14

40:14

Karen Dukess’s first book, The Last Book Party, was wildly successful by any measure—sold at auction, Indie Next pick, Discover New Writers pick… you probably read it. The second… Didn’t sell. Not as in, not very many people bought it but as in, no publisher published it. She spent the requisite couple years or so, her agent signed on but… no taker…

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The Gift of Failure: Author Version 40:15

13d ago40:15

40:15

Karen Dukess’s first book, The Last Book Party, was wildly successful by any measure—sold at auction, Indie Next pick, Discover New Writers pick… you probably read it. The second… Didn’t sell. Not as in, not very many people bought it but as in, no publisher published it. She spent the requisite couple years or so, her agent signed on but… no taker…

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One of the Best Hooks We’ve Had on a BWH Segment 35:44

14d ago35:44

35:44

Pop the champagne—it’s the 200th episode of Books with Hooks! Join hosts Bianca, Carly, and CeCe as they celebrate this major milestone with signature style and sharp writing advice. In this special segment, they dive into two fresh submissions: a gripping crime thriller and a thought-provoking book club novel. Carly and CeCe deliver expert feedbac…

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#228 - Juliet Pickering 41:57

17d ago41:57

41:57

Literary agent, Juliet Pickering returns to the podcast to chat about the things that have changed in publishing over the past few years as well as the latest stories and authors that she's looking out for! Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple Amazo…

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Weighted Down: The Complicated Life of Skip Spence with Cam Cobb 40:35

18d ago40:35

40:35

Skip Spence's life started in Windsor, but he became a poster boy for the 1960s, playing with groups like Jefferson Airplane and Moby Grape. His time in the spotlight lasted only three years, but he left a lasting impression on rock and roll. Cam Cobb is a Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Windsor and a rock journalist. Cob…

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Episode 472: Melissa Febos and the Art of Personal Exploration with 'The Dry Season' 1:10:13

20d ago1:10:13

1:10:13

"I talked to my wife, and she was like, 'You're probably tired. You've been writing this book non stop for six months, and you probably just need a break. Like, go get a gelato and chill out.' And I was like, 'I can't,' then I was like, 'All right, fine, I will.' And then I ate a bunch of ice cream and watched the Pam Anderson documentary on Netfli…

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Episode 471: The Cassidy Randall Residency at CNF Pod Continues! 1:11:10

20d ago1:11:10

1:11:10

"We are sort of drinking from a fire hose of content right now. And it makes me wonder, because I feel like I'm stuck on this wheel that I have to produce all the time. Do I even want to write for money anymore? I don't know," says Cassidy Randall, author of the book Thirty Below, and back for her second Atavist story "The Longest Journey." Writing…

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451: New Series: From Soup to Nuts 35:57

20d ago35:57

35:57

Hi! Jess here. As an author and host of this podcast, I hear “I have a great idea for a book!” a lot, and while I believe everyone has a story to tell, I’ve only been knocked over by these book pitches twice. The first was the idea for the book Raising Empowered Athletes: A Youth Sports Parenting Guide for Raising Happy, Brave, and Resilient Kids b…

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New Series: From Soup to Nuts 35:57

20d ago35:57

35:57

Hi! Jess here. As an author and host of this podcast, I hear “I have a great idea for a book!” a lot, and while I believe everyone has a story to tell, I’ve only been knocked over by these book pitches twice. The first was the idea for the book Raising Empowered Athletes: A Youth Sports Parenting Guide for Raising Happy, Brave, and Resilient Kids b…

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Bianca and CeCe Discuss The Real Sh*t No One Tells You About Writing 36:15

21d ago36:15

36:15

In this special episode, CeCe Lyra sits down with our very own Bianca Marais to explore her writing journey, with a spotlight on her latest novel, ‘A Most Puzzling Murder.’ If you’re not already familiar with her work, Bianca is the bestselling author of ‘The Witches of Moonshyne Manor’, the beloved novels ‘Hum If You Don’t Know the Words’ and ‘If …

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#227 - Olivia Maidment 25:58

24d ago25:58

25:58

Literary agent and Head of Books, Olivia Maidment joins us this week to chat about her career in publishing, her list of authors and the dos and don't of query letters! Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple Amazon Listen to The Chosen Ones and Other …

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Episode 470: Megan Baxter is Into Rewilding Her Writing 1:03:47

27d ago1:03:47

1:03:47

"I've also learned in this rewilding experiment that so much of our time as writers takes place off the page, as we're thinking about our concepts, as we're doing research, and when I actually do come to the page and have a chance to actually type out these ideas, I've done so much pre-writing over the course of the previous season that that draft …

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Should there be a body? Writing is Revising with Meg Mitchell Moore 37:20

27d ago37:20

37:20

Meg Mitchell Moore is the author of Mansion Beach, a page-turner-y multi POV summer saga with everything you could ask for: a beach, a body, rich people behaving badly but also sometimes not behaving badly, parties, drama and just enough gender-swapped Gatsby to think hard about the meaning of the American Dream. I loved it (KJ here) and I also lov…

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450: Shifting POVs, Adding or Subtracting a Body... Writing is Revising with Meg Mitchell Moore 37:20

27d ago37:20

37:20

Meg Mitchell Moore is the author of Mansion Beach, a page-turner-y multi POV summer saga with everything you could ask for: a beach, a body, rich people behaving badly but also sometimes not behaving badly, parties, drama and just enough gender-swapped Gatsby to think hard about the meaning of the American Dream. I loved it (KJ here) and I also lov…

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Concrete vs. Abstract Curiosity 43:36

28d ago43:36

43:36

In this special episode of Books with Hooks, author Kate Visser joins hosts Bianca, Carly and CeCe to share insights about her query letter for her YA fantasy novel, 'Stage of Shadows.' Carly and Cece dissect the strengths and weaknesses of Kate’s pitch, particularly focusing on character arcs, world-building, and the complexities of dual POV narra…

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#226 - Tegan Phillips and Dan O'Brien 39:56

1M ago39:56

39:56

Romance author Tegan Philips and her editor Dan O'Brien join us this week to talk about Tegan's debut sports romance novel, writing about chronic illness, why ice hockey is so successful in the romance genre and the relationship of an author and their editor. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of ever…

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May Bonus Episode 2:32:21

1M ago2:32:21

2:32:21

In the first part of this month’s bonus episode, Carly Watters interviews Anna Mitchael, an accomplished author and copywriter. Anna discusses her writing journey, experiences in magazine publishing, and the art of storytelling through vignettes. They discuss the importance of building relationships in the writing community, the unique format of vi…

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Episode 469: John O'Connor on the Meaning of Bigfoot 1:06:12

1M ago1:06:12

1:06:12

"I don't feel envy. I don't think. Maybe in some deeper and maybe even more troubling psychological level. I do feel competition with with people, competition over resources, trying to claim certain ideas, stake a claim to certain ideas before other people can, especially when you're working with the subject that's in the public sphere. You don't h…

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449: Sticking it to the Book Banners: A Glorious Tale of Pyrrhic Victory 47:37

1M ago47:37

47:37

Greetings writers! Sarina here. Earlier in May I was surfing social media, as one does, when I came across a story about children’s author Erica Perl and an ill-fated school visit. Her scheduled visit to a school was abruptly canceled. After asking a few questions, it was determined that a single parent had objected to… Well, it’s hard to say. We’l…

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Sticking it to the Book Banners: A Glorious Tale of Victory 47:38

1M ago47:38

47:38

Greetings writers! Sarina here. Earlier in May I was surfing social media, as one does, when I came across a story about children’s author Erica Perl and an ill-fated school visit. Her scheduled visit to a school was abruptly canceled. After asking a few questions, it was determined that a single parent had objected to… Well, it’s hard to say. We’l…

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How a Books With Hooks Query Became a Buzzy Debut 28:16

1M ago28:16

28:16

In this eye-opening episode, Bianca Marais interviews Jessica Guerrieri, author of 'Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.' They discuss Jessica's journey from teaching special education to becoming a published author, her experiences with addiction recovery, and the evolution of her debut novel. They discuss the intricacies of writing, the impor…

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#225 - Eleanor Pilcher 36:02

1M ago36:02

36:02

Contemporary fiction writer and award winning book marketer, Eleanor Pilcher joins us this week to chat about the release of her debut novel, her decade of experience in publishing and tips for authors who are looking to get a little bit more exposure for their books. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahea…

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Episode 468: Local Journalism and the Folly of Fame with Maggie Messitt 1:20:28

1M ago1:20:28

1:20:28

"I genuinely feel that those of us writing books need to remember that we are writing them simply because we feel the desperate need to write that particular thing. And unless I feel that way, I shouldn't be writing it because it's not for the financial benefit. It is not because it gives me more time to do things with other people. It doesn't matt…

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448: How to Focus on Work in a Chaotic World 44:00

1M ago44:00

44:00

Hi all, Jess here. This episode was Sarina’s idea, and when you listen you will understand why. It can be hard to focus on the work, whether it’s editing, world building, conjuring meet cutes, or translating research-based hope for the next generation. That said, it’s important that we keep creating and putting our words out into the world. We hope…

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How to Focus on Work in a Chaotic World 44:01

1M ago44:01

44:01

Hi all, Jess here. This episode was Sarina’s idea, and when you listen you will understand why. It can be hard to focus on the work, whether it’s editing, world building, conjuring meet cutes, or translating research-based hope for the next generation. That said, it’s important that we keep creating and putting our words out into the world. We hope…

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Leaning into Illustrator Notes & CeCe Not Minding a But, But 41:45

1M ago41:45

41:45

In this episode of Books with Hooks, Bianca, CeCe, and Carly dive into a YA fantasy romance query, breaking down what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to character arcs, high stakes, and spot-on comp titles. The hosts then shift gears to a picture book query, spotlighting the power of a strong hook and truly kid-focused storytelling. Packed wit…

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#224 - Jaysea Lynn 23:36

2M ago23:36

23:36

Fantasy romance author and TikTok sensation Jaysea Lynn joins this episode to discuss her storytelling journey—from creating a series of comedy skits on TikTok to writing a prequel novel based on that series, nearly self-publishing, and ultimately becoming traditionally published! Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free an…

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When Detroit Played the Numbers, with Felicia B. George 22:17

2M ago22:17

22:17

Felicia B. George is a native Detroiter who loves Detroit history and culture. She earned her doctorate in anthropology from Wayne State University, where she is now an adjunct professor. Her recent book, When Detroit Played the Numbers: Gambling’s History and Cultural Impact on the Motor City, was released by Wayne State University Press in 2024 a…

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Episode 467: How to Bounce Back from 'Viscerally Negative' Feedback with Will Bardenwerper 1:22:38

2M ago1:22:38

1:22:38

Will Bardenwerper grew up playing baseball and even was a member of his college team at Princeton. As a result, he has a great perspective to write about baseball as he does in Homestand: Small Town Baseball and the Fight for the Soul of America (Doubleday). That soul, in this book, is partially under attack from private equity firms gobbling up an…

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Episode 466: Katie Goh on Issues of Identity and the Trappings of Mythology 1:13:24

2M ago1:13:24

1:13:24

"Mythology can be really a dangerous thing, because mythology feels like it can't be changed, or it's always been something," says Katie Goh, author of Foreign Fruit: A Personal History of the Orange (Tin House Books). Katie Goh is a writer and editor based out of Edinburgh, Scotland. She’s also the author of the slim book “The End: Surviving the W…

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Imagining the Life of Jo Van Gogh 59:34

2M ago59:34

59:34

Joan Fernandez is a former senior marketing executive and general partner of the financial powerhouse Edward Jones. In 2018, she retired from a 30+ year career to be a full-time writer. Since leaving the corporate world, she’s become a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Author’s Guild, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA). In…

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447: Imagining the Life of Jo Van Gogh 59:34

2M ago59:34

59:34

Joan Fernandez is a former senior marketing executive and general partner of the financial powerhouse Edward Jones. In 2018, she retired from a 30+ year career to be a full-time writer. Since leaving the corporate world, she’s become a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Author’s Guild, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA). In…

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Nuggets of Wisdom from Carley Fortune and Sue Hincenbergs 55:41

2M ago55:41

55:41

In part one of this week's author interviews, Bianca sits down with Canadian superstar writer, Carley Fortune. The authors discuss her latest novel 'One Golden Summer', reflecting on her creative process, the challenges of writing under pressure, and the importance of character development. She shares insights into navigating reader expectations an…

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#223 - Heidi Swain 21:45

2M ago21:45

21:45

Bestselling romantic fiction writer, Heidi Swain joins us this week to chat about her twentieth novel, how she landed her book deals before having an agent and how she tackles writing two novels a year. 💖 Join the Patreon 🙏 Support the show and get access to the extended episodes and more! 📚 The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes 🥳 Jamie, Melissa and Noa…