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Artwork for QWERTY: A Podcast for Writers on How to Live the Writing Life

QWERTY: A Podcast for Writers on How to Live the Writing Life

Marion Roach Smith
Memoir Writing
Language
Memoir
Mid Air
Other People's Words
Writing Process
Trauma
The New York Times
Mental Illness
New York
Baseball
The Only Way Through Is Out
Queer Identity
Hal Schrieve
Miss Morgan's Book Brigade
The Paris Library
Grief
Friendship
Starry Field
Americana Music

Welcome to Qwerty, the podcast for writers on how to live the writing life. Host Marion Roach Smith interviews the best writers in all genres to discover their process. Qwerty is by, about and for writers and explores the real challenges of writing and the steps anyone can take to become a better storyteller. Listen in for writing tips, publishing advice and encouragement on how to live the writin... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes153Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BooksArtsHow ToEducation

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for QWERTY: A Podcast for Writers on How to Live the Writing Life

Latest Episodes

Jon Kinally is a long-time writer for television who, along with his writing partner, Tracy Poust, has written for such TV shows as Will & Grace, Ugly Betty, 2 Broke Girls as well as many others. Over the years, they have received several Emmy nomina... more

Khadijah VanBrackle's debut novel, Fatima Takes the Cake, brings us to the intersection of culture, gender and religion and throws in some baking, which is a very fun addition. Her new novel, My Perfect Family, gives us an intergenerational narrative... more

The author and writer J. E. Thomas is an award-winning freelance journalist, whose first bok, Control Freaks, was a People Magazine Summer Must-Read as a Best of the Best pick by the Black caucus of the American Library Association. Her new book is T... more

Writer and author Joanna Choi Kalbus was born in North Korea and emigrated in wartime to The United States as a child, speaking no English. She was immersed in the California school system before the existence of English as a second language programs... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Jon Kinally
Writer known for TV shows and author of the memoir 'I'm Prancing as Fast as I Can.'
Permuted Press
Episode: Ep. 152 Jon KInnally
Khadijah VanBrackle
Writer and author currently focusing on diverse narratives in young adult literature
Holiday House Books
Episode: Ep. 151 Khadijah VanBrakle
Tia Levings
New York Times bestselling author and educator
St. Martin's Press
Episode: Ep. 148 Tia Levings
Calliope Nicholas
Co-director and manager of residency programs at Millay Arts
Millay Arts
Episode: Ep. 147 Calliope Nicholas
Melissa Hafting
Ecologist, bird guide, author, and photographer with a focus on bird conservation and youth engagement in birding.
British Columbia Young Birders Program
Episode: Ep. 146 Melissa Hafting
Bridgett M. Davis
Author and filmmaker, known for her memoirs and essays.
HarperCollins
Episode: Ep. 145 Bridgett Davis
Shannon Downey
Founder of Badass Cross Stitch, activist, artist, and author of Let's Move the Needle.
Badass Cross Stitch, Story Publishing
Episode: Ep. 144 Shannon Downey
Callan Wink
Author of the novel "August" and a collection of short stories "Dog, Run, Moon".
Spiegel and Grau
Episode: Ep. 143 Callan Wink
Jessica Gutierrez
Author of A Product of Genetics and Day Drinking, A Never Coming of Age Story.
Tiny Reparations House, a division of Penguin Random House
Episode: Ep. 142 Jessica Gutierrez

Host

Marion Roach Smith
Host and author specializing in writing and memoir, providing insightful interviews with various writers and emphasizing the intricacies of the craft.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 164 ratings
  • Qwerty is awesome

    I love listening to the podcasts. I’m an emerging writer and often hear wonderful tips and advice to advance my writing journey. I even listen to the Gardening podcast now since I heard Marion’s sister on Qwerty.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Emerging writer
    Canada23 days ago
  • warm personality

    i love marion roach smith’s voice, questions and (graphic) memoirs, what a great theme for a podcast! i wish the Netherlands would catch up with other countries to give more spotlight to graphic memoir books - because we love them and are ready for them, as well as background from its makers. xox chanti colorintact

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ChantiBhanti
    Netherlandsa month ago
  • The best interviewer

    Marion Roach Smith is a no nonsense pro in every sense of the word. She does indepth homework on every single person she interviews, poses relevant and thoughtful questions, digs deep for answers and conversations that enlighten listeners, and has a delightful sense of humour. Every episode is a treat!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CarmenRK
    Canada3 months ago
  • New and loving it

    I just took my first class with Marion this week so I’m diving headlong into the podcast now. Every one I’ve listened to has given me strength, fresh ideas, and a feeling of camaraderie. Well done!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lunagirl75
    United States8 months ago
  • Love it!

    Love this podcast. I have learned so much.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MaximumSoul
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many reviews commend the podcast for its practical advice and encouragement for writers at all levels, suggesting a strong sense of community among listeners.
Listeners appreciate the insightful and informative discussions about the writing process, often highlighting Marion's skillful interviewing techniques.
The show is noted for its diverse range of guests, providing a wealth of perspectives on writing, which listeners find both inspiring and educational.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#177
Australia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#228
Ireland/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ep. 151 Khadijah VanBrakle
Q: What is the value and intent of having a sensitivity reader?
Khadijah described a sensitivity reader's role as crucial for ensuring respectful representation, especially when writing about experiences differing from her own.
Ep. 151 Khadijah VanBrakle
Q: Did you have to give yourself permission to do that, to write precisely from where you are?
Khadijah explained she had to have a conversation with herself and her family about addressing true issues in her books, acknowledging the importance of authenticity in her storytelling.
Ep. 143 Callan Wink
Q: How do you discern what form you might like to use for something that starts to interest you?
Wink talks about how his preference has shifted from writing short stories to focusing on novels, but he still sees short story elements slipping into his novels.
Ep. 143 Callan Wink
Q: What do you think happens to us and to the tale when we put it away?
Wink explains that putting away work allows familiarity to fade, making it easier to identify areas of improvement and shortcomings upon revisiting it.
Ep. 143 Callan Wink
Q: What about the poetry? What was and is its appeal?
Wink refers to poetry as his initial interest in writing, appreciating its brevity and the immediate sense of accomplishment in completing a piece, although he later recognized his strength in storytelling instead.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast is designed for writers and those interested in the writing process, featuring engaging conversations with accomplished authors across various genres. The discussions focus on the intricacies of writing, offering insights into personal journeys, creative challenges, and the art of storytelling. Episodes often highlight the emotional and practical aspects of writing, providing listeners with actionable advice about craft, publication, and personal growth within the literary field. With its blend of encouragement and expert guidance, it stands out as a supportive resource for aspiring and established writers alike.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Writers on Writing
2. The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience
3. On Being with Krista Tippett
4. Writer's Routine
5. Everything Happens with Kate Bowler

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 6 years ago and published 153 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Jon Kinally
2. Khadijah VanBrackle
3. Tia Levings
4. Calliope Nicholas
5. Melissa Hafting
6. Bridgett M. Davis
7. Shannon Downey
8. Callan Wink

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