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The Hidden Lives of Writers

Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard
Writing Process
South Africa
South African Literature
Nthikeng Mohlele
Johannesburg
Khaya Dlanga
Apartheid
Historical Fiction
Creative Writing
Grief
Storytelling
Joanne Fedler
Young Adult Fiction
John Van Der Ruit
Children's Literature
Life Is Like That Sometimes
The Whale's Last Song
Music
Cozy Crime
An Act Of Murder

How and why writers write. Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel are working writers - and their favourite people are writers. Join them as they dive deep into HOW and WHY successful writers write. Mail us at hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes74Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Arts

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Artwork for The Hidden Lives of Writers

Latest Episodes

Busisekile Khumalo is the bestselling author of the Harvard Wife series of novels, as well as the standalone book, Nomaswazi, and a new series published by Jonathan Ball Publishers, including Rubies & Rain and Sunshine & Shadows.

Busisekile joins ... more

YouTube

Zakes Mda is one of South Africa's best known and most awarded writers. He is a novelist, playwright, short story writer, and painter. A Professor Emeritus of English at Ohio University, Zakes now lives and works in Johannesburg.

He joins Fiona Sny... more

YouTube

Nadia Davids is an award-winning playwright, novelist, and short story writer. She won the Caine Prize in 2024 for her short story 'Bridling'. Her latest novel CAPE FEVER has been released to great acclaim, published by Simon & Schuster.

Nadia joi... more

YouTube

Damon Galgut is one of South Africa's most distinguished writers. He won the Booker Prize in 2021 for The Promise, which was his third novel to be shortlisted for the award.

Damon joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about how writing se... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Busisekile Khumalo
Author of the Harvard Wife series and Nomaswazi; self-published then traditionally published in South Africa
Quela Books
Episode: S07 E10 Busisekile Khumalo
Zakes Mda
Author, playwright, poet, and artist
South Africa
Episode: S07 E09 Zakes Mda
Nadia Davids
Playwright and novelist, author of Cape Fever
Author of Cape Fever; PEN South Africa past president
Episode: S07 E08 Nadia Davids
Damon Galgut
Writer and Booker Prize winner
Author
Episode: S07 E07 Damon Galgut
Marguerite Poland
Author and historian specializing in South African history and African languages
Author / Historian
Episode: S07 E06 Marguerite Poland
David Cornwell
Novelist, screenwriter, and musician
Author of Like It Matters and Hell Of A Country
Episode: S07 E05 David Cornwell
Karen Jennings
Author of Finding Soutbeck, Travels with My Father, Crooked Seeds, 1st of December
Author
Episode: S07 E04 Karen Jennings
Jassy Mackenzie
Author of the Jade de Jong series and ghostwriter for a long-time company
Author, ghostwriter for thriller series
Episode: S07 E03 Jassy Mackenzie
Mike Nicol
Author of Mace Bishop series, Fish Pescado series, and Falls the Shadow
Pan Macmillan (publisher)
Episode: S07 E02 Mike Nicol

Hosts

Fiona Snyckers
Host of The Hidden Lives of Writers; co-host focusing on writing craft, publishing perspectives, and author journeys.
Gail Schimmel
Co-host of The Hidden Lives of Writers; concentrates on editing, storytelling techniques, and author development.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 17 ratings
  • Loved your Margie Orford interview!

    It inspired me to read the book which I devoured over the weekend. So resonant of the story of my, and so many of my friends’ lives.

    And the creative tips - the dedicated space and the story board - are most helpful.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jackie Standish-White
    South Africa2 years ago
  • Fascinating podcast about local authors

    I’ve just stumbled across this podcast and so glad I did!

    I listen to a lot of book-related podcasts but it’ such a nice change to have one featuring local writers. We don’t get to learn enough about our local authors and this really fits the bill!

    And my TBR pile is groaning under the weight of every episode!

    Thank you Fiona and Gail!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LollyjSA
    South Africa2 years ago
  • Great podcast for writers

    I am enjoying Fiona and Gail discussing life as writers, interviewing writers and sharing writers tips. I’m excited for season 3

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PhillyBeth1
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Guests and topics are consistently aligned with writing craft and publishing insights.
Listeners value practical tips and writer-focused conversations from seasoned hosts.
Positive take on discovering local authors and expanding TBR lists.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#195
South Africa/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

S07 E06 Marguerite Poland
Q: What role does curiosity play in your work and life as a writer?
Poland highlights curiosity as the core driver of her long career, keeping her engaged and motivated beyond commercial concerns, and she cites it as key to staying energized and creative.
S07 E06 Marguerite Poland
Q: What drives your approach to history when writing fiction or non-fiction about real people?
She emphasizes responsibility, authenticity, and avoiding patronizing or overly simplistic depictions, arguing that writers must be truthful and respectful to the lives they portray, even when it involves tackling uncomfortable or controversial subjects.
S07 E06 Marguerite Poland
Q: How has your writing week been?
Poland describes an extraordinarily busy period of researching and writing, balancing intense archival work with ongoing projects and the pressure of deadlines, while maintaining personal routines and family interruptions.
S06 E06 Zibu Sithole
Q: Zibu, you know what's going to happen now? We are going to ask you to tell us about your writing week.
My writing week has been hectic with deadlines, but I still manage to write at least 2,000 words every morning; I homeschool my son and structure my days around flexible work despite the year-end fatigue.
S07 E01 Sally Andrew
Q: What does rejection teach you as a writer?
Rejection is reframed as essential practice; each refusal becomes motivation to revise, resubmit, and keep moving forward, turning setbacks into growth opportunities.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Hidden Lives of Writers

What is The Hidden Lives of Writers about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Listeners tend to be writers, aspiring authors, and readers with a strong interest in craft, publishing, and storytelling. The show centers on the practical and emotional aspects of writing, with guests ranging from memoirists to novelists and editors. It often covers the writing process, editing, promotion, and the personal journeys behind successful books, highlighting authentic storytelling, creativity, and resilience. A standout trait is the hosts' focus on local and contemporary writers, plus practical tips like journaling, storytelling room setups, and marketing strategies that feel actionable for aspiring guests and sponsors alike.

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How many listeners does The Hidden Lives of Writers get?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Hidden Lives of Writers?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Hidden Lives of Writers:

1. PAGECAST
2. The Waterstones Podcast
3. Backlisted
4. The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
5. Writer's Routine

How many episodes of The Hidden Lives of Writers are there?

The Hidden Lives of Writers launched 3 years ago and published 74 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 The Hidden Lives of Writers?

Recent guests on The Hidden Lives of Writers include:

1. Busisekile Khumalo
2. Zakes Mda
3. Nadia Davids
4. Damon Galgut
5. Marguerite Poland
6. David Cornwell
7. Karen Jennings
8. Jassy Mackenzie

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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