Writing Excuses - A Podcast About the Art and Business of Writing
Writing Excuses
“Fifteen minutes long, because you’re in a hurry, and we’re not that smart.”
What is it?
Writing Excuses is a podcast dedicated to exploring the art and business of writing. Hosted by pro writers Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal, Dan Wells, and writer/cartoonist Howard Taylor, Writing Excuses has been recording since 2008. Now in their 14th season--with each season having approximately 50 episodes (new episodes once a week, on average)--the main cast subs in and out with guest podcasters, including likes of Patrick Rothfuss, Nalo Hopkinson, and Scott Lynch.
Despite the tagline, episodes of Writing Excuses usually run around twenty minutes. Each episode is centered around a topic such as Pacing, The Business of Writing, Side Characters, etc. Episodes typically include a relevant book recommendation half-way through, and a writing prompt at the end.
Writing Excuses can be found for free through their website (linked below) or on any podcast app. I have an Android phone and use the Google Podcasts app, which I highly recommend!
Why You Should give it a listen
Listening to Writing Excuses will give you the lingo and knowledge to sit down and talk shop with the pros. I didn’t start attending conferences and conventions until years after I had begun listening to the podcast. When I did, I found that I already had a lot of the information the introductory panels were covering--because I had learned it on Writing Excuses. If you don’t have the time or money to make it to panels at conventions, podcasts--and Writing Excuses in particular--are a great way to fill that gap in your learning.
Where Should I Start?
If you’re not 100% sold, feel free to cherry pick! Look through their topic tags to find something of interest or search through their guest list.
I personally really enjoyed Patrick Rothfuss’ episode as well as the one done by Scott Lynch. Before Mary Robinette joined the cast as a co-host in Season 6, she was a guest and wowed the others with her insights (more posts on Mary Robinette’s wisdom to come!).
Generally, early seasons tend to focus on writing for beginners, whereas more recent seasons go deeper into specific topics. Season 11 departs from the typical format and spends the entire season focusing on Elemental Genres (Wonder, Idea, Adventure, Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Humor, Relationship, Drama, Issue, Ensemble).
These are pro writers with years of experience teaching writing, learning from each other and exploring ideas along with you. So next time you’re doing the dishes, cleaning, or folding laundry, consider throwing on an episode. Learn, listen, and enjoy!
About page: https://writingexcuses.com/about-2/about/
List of past guests: https://writingexcuses.com/guests/
Alumni picks: https://writingexcuses.com/start-here/alumni-picks/
