When I coach newbie writers they always ask me what it’s really like to be a writer. Things like how I knew how much to charge; how I made boring topics interesting; how I find work, and how I feel after writing one of my pieces, which often are very personal.

These conversations made me realise how secretive writers’ lives have been in the past, most likely due to high competition and low paying rates across the industry.

But times are changing. Now, writers are opening up about how they make a living writing and what experience is needed to get ahead. They’re being honest about how long it takes to write a piece (days!) and what influences their writing style.

After writing one of my pieces I’m often so emotionally and physically exhausted that I don’t see anyone for days. I lay around napping and watching Netflix.

I also put as much time and effort into writing pieces, say on garden hoses, for my clients as I would writing one of my own pieces. Most writers don’t do this and this is why they struggle to get work referred to them.

And as much as I wish I could write personal pieces only, the bulk of my income comes from my copywriting, digital marketing and business coaching work. The upside is I meet a lot of amazing people through this work and each job helps me improve my writing skills.

There is so much to learn including industry language, style guides, structure, tone and voice, standard rates, the list goes on. But this is what makes it interesting and challenging. This is why I love being a writer.

So do you want to know what goes on behind the scenes as a writer? These podcasts can help.

Writing Excuses

Writing Excuses is a 15-minute fast-paced, educational podcast for writers, by writers. The show is hosted by Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal, Howard Tayler, and Dan Wells, with guests featured from time to time. The podcast will help you become a better writer.

Start with episode 10.1: Seriously, Where Do You Get Your Ideas?

Your Creative Life

Your Creative Life is co-hosted by Vanessa Carnevale and Kimberley Foster. The podcast connects writers, authors, publishing professionals and creative entrepreneurs to explore topics designed to help writers feel uplifted about the writing process and living a creative life.

Start with Episode 041: Writing Emotional Books with Karma Brown

Penmanship

Penmanship is a podcast about Australian writing culture, hosted by Andrew McMillen. It features in-depth, one-on-one interviews with Australian writer’s who share insights about their career and inner life.

Start with Episode 30: Kate Hennessy

I Should Be Writing

Mur Lafferty hosts I Should Be Writing, a podcast about a writer going from wanna-be to pro. Mur focuses on the emotional road blocks every writer faces in their career.

Start with Episode 362: Glossary of writing terms and Helen Lowe Interview

The Creative Penn

Joanna Penn hosts The Creative Penn Podcast, a show that covers interviews, inspiration and information on writing and creativity, publishing options, book marketing and creative entrepreneurship.

Start with Episode 275: How To Write 50,000 Words In A Month With Grant Faulkner

 

What writing podcasts do you listen to? Let me know in a comment.

 

Featured image from Pexels.