Author Podcast Interviews 5 Steps to Improve Your Writing

I get it—finding author interviews that actually spark your interest can feel like searching for your favorite snack at the back of an overstuffed fridge. There are tons of podcasts out there, but who has the time to sift through the dull chit-chats to uncover those hidden gems?

Stick around, though, and I’ll show you exactly how to find podcasts hosting fascinating author conversations that’ll inspire your writing, boost your creativity, and maybe even make you forget about checking your phone every two minutes.

Ready to become an author-interview-podcast pro? Here’s how in five easy steps.

Step 1: Listen to the Best Podcasts Featuring Author Interviews

If you’re diving into author podcast interviews, the best way to start is to tune in to the most engaging and respected podcasts that regularly chat with authors.

One standout is Fully Booked by Kirkus Reviews, well-known for entertaining and informative author interviews.

If you’re into more academic or niche content, check out The MIT Press Podcast; they do insightful author conversations about science, tech, and culture.

For those who enjoy relaxed conversations, you might appreciate podcasts like Talk is Jericho, where authors feel comfortable sharing behind-the-scenes secrets, writing habits, and personal stories about their publishing journey.

An actionable tip: subscribe to multiple podcasts, sample their latest episodes, and see which interviewing styles and topics resonate with you.

• Pay attention to how hosts structure their questions—are they open-ended or specific?
• Notice guest selection—do podcasts stick to bestselling authors or mix it up with new and niche authors?
• Are episodes typically short and dense, or are they longer and conversational?

Finding favorites early helps you get into the habit of learning consistently from these author interviews, ultimately improving your own writing skills and approach to publishing.

Step 2: Understand What Makes an Author Interview Podcast Engaging

So, what actually keeps listeners hooked on author interview podcasts? It boils down to a few key elements.

First, great interviewing—hosts who listen carefully, ask thoughtful follow-ups, and facilitate real conversations tend to keep their audience engaged longer.

Next, authenticity is essential; listeners appreciate honesty and vulnerability, when authors open up about personal setbacks or doubts they’ve faced during their publishing journey.

Another crucial factor is variety in content. Mixing up genres, styles, and backgrounds of authors helps podcasts reach loyal, varied audiences rather than just fans of one niche.

Also, incorporating useful and practical insights is a big hit, especially if listeners are aspiring authors themselves. For example, listeners love episodes where authors dish out useful tips like effective methods to get a book published without an agent or secrets to handling challenging plots.

Finally, consistency is key. Popular podcasts tend to stick to a regular release schedule, keeping listeners anticipating the next episode and building a consistent audience base.

Step 3: Identify Popular Platforms Where You Can Find Author Podcast Interviews

Okay, where do you go to find these awesome author interview podcasts? Luckily, there are several straightforward platforms.

Spotify remains one of the most user-friendly sources, and it hosts countless author podcasts across different genres—plus, it’s convenient, mobile-friendly, and reliable.

If you’re an Apple user, Apple Podcasts is another convenient place to find tons of high-quality author interview episodes.

For more curated selections targeting authors and book-lovers, Feedspot often publishes great lists like the top author podcasts to follow, helping you discover voices you wouldn’t otherwise stumble upon.

YouTube can also be surprisingly helpful, especially if you enjoy video podcasts or author interviews in panel formats—it’s like seeing conversations unfold up close and personal, not just audio.

Few quick tips:

• Check these platforms regularly, as podcast creators frequently update content weekly or even daily.
• Use playlist and subscription features on platforms to organize your favorites.
• Remember, with over 55% of Americans tuning in to a podcast monthly (Infinite Dial 2025), there’s no shortage of fresh author insights waiting for you!

Step 4: Use the Right Keywords to Discover More Author Interviews and Writing Podcasts

Picking the right keywords is crucial if you want to find quality author interview podcasts quickly.

Start with general phrases like “author interviews,” “author podcasts,” or “writing tips podcasts” to begin your search on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

You can also be specific by adding genres or themes, for example, searching “science fiction author interviews,” or “podcasts with fantasy writers” can give direct hits for your favorite genres.

Try to pair the word “interview” with specific author names you’re interested in—typing “Margaret Atwood interview podcast” or “Neil Gaiman author interview” often helps you zero in effectively.

Don’t ignore variations in language and synonyms: besides “writers,” use terms like “novelists,” “storytellers,” or “biographers” to widen your search.

A helpful tip: creating search alerts or subscribing to channels tagged by your chosen keywords saves you extra time looking around every week.

Want to spice up your own stories? Consider exploring these horror story plot ideas mentioned by podcast guests, which can inspire and refine your storytelling approach.

Step 5: Learn How Listening to Author Interviews Can Help Your Writing and Publishing Journey

Wondering whether spending your precious free time listening to podcasts can really boost your chances of success as a writer?

The answer: definitely!

When authors share their experiences in podcasts, you’ll pick up useful insights about avoiding common writing obstacles or effective strategies for finishing manuscripts.

Guests usually talk openly about their writing techniques and writing routines, like balancing their novels with day jobs or overcoming creative blocks—real-life tips anyone can relate to.

You’ll likely find writers explaining step-by-step how they succeeded in their publishing journey, from traditional publishing methods to self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP.

Because podcasts often provide actionable advice, listeners walk away with practical guidance, for example, tips to increase book sales on Amazon, strategies for marketing novels effectively, or even specific details about formatting books professionally.

Plus, just listening to authors talk can put you in the right frame of mind; their confidence and experiences can help motivate you to keep moving forward, even on difficult writing days.

Step 6: Take Smart Notes While You Listen to Author Interviews

Here’s a game-changing tip: always jot down notes while listening to your favorite author podcast episodes.

Avoid writing down everything; instead, pick the gems that directly relate to your current writing project or publishing questions.

You can use your phone’s note-taking app or simple paper and pen; the important thing is to keep it quick and easily accessible.

Consider splitting your notes into categories—one for writing strategies, another for useful publishing tips, and maybe a third for inspiring quotes you heard.

This method saves you from needing to listen to the entire podcast again, and helps you take immediate action.

Regularly check or refresh your podcast notes, especially when you’re struggling with motivation or want to implement a specific writing trick you’ve learned.

Give this strategy a try: Listen to an interview about how to publish without an agent, write down the distinct steps the author advises, and use those insights the next time you’re polishing a manuscript.

Step 7: Follow Podcast Hosts and Authors on Social Media Platforms

One smart way to deepen your engagement with author podcasts is to connect directly with hosts and authors on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Most podcast hosts promote upcoming episodes, share extra content, or give you sneak peeks before the full episode releases.

Plus, following authors featured in the episodes you’re listening to helps you stay updated about their new writing or publishing projects, and lets you engage directly by asking questions or leaving comments.

This follow-up process can sometimes lead to direct interactions or additional learning opportunities through live Q&As, webinars, or virtual events hosted by the authors themselves.

Quick hint: Engage genuinely and respectfully, and you might even create a strong network of fellow writing enthusiasts and professionals willing to help you on your publishing journey.

Step 8: Implement Ideas You Gather from Author Interviews Right Away

Listening and taking smart notes is awesome—but applying what you learn is where the real magic happens.

If you heard an author suggest trying out specific scheduling techniques—like writing sprints or daily word count goals—experiment immediately and track your progress.

Did a podcast guest share effective editing tricks, like reading your manuscript aloud or using helpful proofreading software? Try them out and find out which really improve your finished project.

The sooner you act on a practical strategy you heard in a podcast, the faster you’ll understand if it’s right for you or if you need to tweak the idea to fit your style.

Always remember, real improvements to your craft or publishing success won’t come just from consuming information—it depends on how quickly and efficiently you put those great podcast ideas into practice.

Step 9: Share Your Favorite Author Podcasts and Episodes with Your Writing Community

Sharing your favorite podcast episodes within your writing or literary social circles is beneficial both ways.

When you recommend great episodes or hosts, you help your friends discover useful strategies, inspiring stories, and entertaining conversations.

Likewise, your peers can recommend podcasts and guests you might have missed, making sure you have a fresh supply of resources and inspiration.

Next time you find an episode that perfectly addresses an issue you or a fellow writer face—like overcoming writer’s block, improving character arcs, or understanding publishing trends—take a moment to share it.

Simple acts like forwarding a link in your Facebook writing group, tweeting your favorite snippets, or even casually mentioning it at your next virtual meetup can enhance everyone’s experience with author podcasts.

Step 10: Consistently Discover New Podcasts and Stay Updated with the Author Community

Author interviews change constantly, with new podcasts appearing weekly and writers sharing constantly evolving experiences and tips.

Since 55% of Americans age 12+ listened to podcasts monthly and over 104 million tune in weekly (Infinite Dial 2025), there’s definitely no shortage of content to explore.

Make a habit of regularly checking lists of trending podcasts published by sites like Feedspot or exploring suggestions from platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts to avoid getting stuck in the same shows.

Experiment with variety—listen to interviews with authors from genres you don’t normally read, or from cultural or international backgrounds totally outside your experience.

This habit not only keeps your skills sharp and your inspiration high, but it also ensures you stay well-rounded and informed about broader trends shaping the literary and publishing world.

Plus, with the average podcast listener enjoying 5–6 episodes weekly (Edison Research, Infinite Dial 2025), you’ll find plenty of fresh voices for your writing journey—while making the most of limited downtime in your busy week!

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