The Basement Office

In an effort to keep my resolution to write more in 2011 an to keep this site updated, I’ve begun to listen to a few podcasts related to writing during my work commute.

I’ve perused a few and two really stand out as podcasts that keep me interested and motivated.

My favorite by far is Writing Excuses.  Their tag line “15 minutes long because you’re in a hurry and we’re not that smart.” caught my attention right away and the size of the podcast lends itself well to tackling one subject per episode.  Brandon, Dan and Howard are engaging and entertaining.  They are accomplished authors who still project an approachable image.  The information is clear, concise and backed by personal experiences.   I listen to about 2-3 episodes each day right now during my drive to and from work and I’m very glad that there is a large number of episodes built up in iTunes  (I’ve gone and downloaded them from the start.  I’m currently listening to season 4 while the site lists season 5, episode 23 as current).

The sometimes frantic pace of Writing Excuses is just right to get you all worked up and eager to put word to a page.  The writing prompts at the end of each episode seal the deal for me.  I wish I could find a listing of all their writing prompts so I could pick and choose when I sit down to write something.

A very close second is Mur Laferty’s I Should Be Writing podcast.  Ms Laferty podcasts from her personal day to day experience of writing.  I find her voice soothing and her chosen subjects each week engaging.  I get a lot of decent information there.  The length of each episode is longer than Writing Excuses, but the format is split between what’s going on in Ms Laferty’s writing life and projects and an interview (sometimes) and various aspects of writing.  The pacing is slower than Writing Excuses, but this isn’t a bad thing.

This podcast is one I just plain like.  It inspires me like Writing Excuses in general (in a different, less frenetic way). The podcast is polished and comfortable.  It’s extremely easy to listen to.

My only (very selfish) quibble is that currently, Ms Laferty’s writing success takes away some of the charm that the earlier podcasts had for me.  The early podcasts, had a beginner quality, a feeling that “oh…she’s just a little bit further than I am in writing.”, which inspired me a lot.  I would easily get the feeling that if I worked just a little harder and was just a bit more serious, I could be as the same place!   That carrot that was very real to me and compelling, which I find is not quite as much there in the later podcasts.   I did say it was a very selfish thing because I am so happy she is enjoying success in the field and I  draw a lot of good inspiration from that.

Dear readers, if you enjoy the podcasting medium and you’re looking for something to feed your interest in writing, you can’t go wrong with these podcasts.   Join the discussion and post your own suggestions!  I’d be happy to hear from you.