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Artwork for The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

Kelton Reid
Writing Process
Creativity
Writing
Creative Writing
Journalism
Publishing Industry
Storytelling
Publishing
Art
Creative Process
James Mcbride
Screenwriting
The Grandest Game
The Midnight Library
Crazy Spooky Love
Character Development
Mental Health
Romantic Comedy
Emma Knight
Comedy

If you’re searching for a show that pulls back the curtain on the mystique of the writing life, look no further than The Writer Files. Hosts Kelton Reid and Milena Gonzalez study the habits, habitats, and brains of the biggest and brightest authors of our time. Tune in each week to learn from bestselling and acclaimed writers on how to keep the ink flowing, the cursor moving, and avoid writer’s bl... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes510Founded11 years ago
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Artwork for The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

Latest Episodes

New York Times bestselling author and Shakespeare Professor Emeritus, Eloisa James, spoke with us about balancing literary scholarship with romance writing, leaving academia to write full-time, and her new “gothic adjacent” novel, THE LAST LADY B.

E... more

New York Times bestselling author and Knopf Executive Editor, Jenny Jackson, spoke with us about balancing life as an #authormom, editing bestsellers, finding standalone books, and her anticipated second novel, THE SHAMPOO EFFECT.

Jenny Jackson is t... more

Critically acclaimed novelist and entertainment podcaster, Bobby Finger, returns to speak with us about his weekly word counts, wedding DJs, Who? Weekly, and his latest beach read WE ARE GATHERED HERE TODAY.

Bobby Finger is the author of The Old Pla... more

Journalist, hit entertainment podcaster, and debut novelist, Bobby Finger, spoke to me about writing for Jezebel, turning a screenplay into a novel, and his debut, "The Old Place."

Bobby Finger is a writer and co-host of the popular celebrity and en... more

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Recent Guests

Bobby Finger
Acclaimed debut novelist, journalist, and co-host of Who Weekly
Who Weekly / Jezebel (past)
Episode: How Acclaimed Debut Novelist and Podcaster Bobby Finger Writes: Part One - Redux
Catherine Kurtz
Critically acclaimed debut novelist and food writer; painter and visual artist; judge and educator in chocolate tasting
Author of Feast; Guild of Food Writers; International Chocolate Awards
Episode: How Critically Acclaimed Debut Novelist & Food Journo Catherine Kurtz Writes
Meg Shaffer
Best-selling author of The Lost Story, The Wishing Game, and The Book Witch
Author
Episode: How Bestselling Author Meg Shaffer Writes
Darby Bozeman
Acclaimed debut author, Summer's Never Over
Self / Berkley (Penguin Random House)
Episode: How Acclaimed Debut Author Darby Bozeman Writes
John Kenney
New York Times best-selling and award-winning author
Author — I See You've Called In Dead; previously advertising executive
Episode: How NY Times Bestselling Author John Kenney Writes
Ruta Sepetys
Number one New York Times bestselling author, historical fiction writer, and author of YOU, THE STORY, A Writer's Guide to Craft Through Memory
Penguin Random House (Viking division)
Episode: How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Ruta Sepetys Writes: Part One - Redux
Rosie Walsh
New York Times bestselling author
Author
Episode: How NY Times Bestselling Author Rosie Walsh Writes: Part One
Krista Ritchie
New York Times bestselling author, co-author of Addicted to You and related series
Krista Ritchie (author)
Episode: How NY Times Bestselling Authors Krista & Becca Ritchie Write
Becca Ritchie
New York Times bestselling author, co-author of Addicted to You and related series
Becca Ritchie (author)
Episode: How NY Times Bestselling Authors Krista & Becca Ritchie Write

Hosts

Kelton Reid
Host of The Writer Files; longtime interviewer of writers; focuses on writing processes, career strategies, and industry insights.
Milena Gonzalez
Co-host who joins for interviews; helps steer conversations toward craft, publishing, and industry trends.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 431 ratings
  • Ad overload

    Great content and guests but within 30mins I’ve already had about 7-10 ads. It ruins the listening experience and is jarring. The ad experience once again ruins everything.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    jay6620
    United Kingdom5 months ago
  • I want to testify about Dark Web blank atm cards which can withdraw money from any atm machines around the world. I was very poor before and have no job. I saw so much testimony about how Dark Web hackers send them the atm blank card and use it to collect money in any atm machine and become rich.

    Email : rickatmcardoffer@gmail.com

    They also sent me the blank atm card. I have used it to get 90,000 euro. withdraw the maximum of 5,000 euro daily. The Dark Web is giving out cards just to help the ... more

    Podchaser
    4
    blessgnellybom
    7 months ago
  • Hello everyone, I am Sam Harrison from LA, Connecticut. I want to recommend Mr. Brian Stone and his team who has had to deal with these internet swindlers, I lost my entire savings after investing in a cryptocurrency platform, I was told I would gain huge profits from my investment not knowing they were setting me up for a huge scam. If you have had a similar experience, I strongly recommend you contact brienstone02@gmail.com or WhatsApp him +1 (336)257-8835. as they were able to recover all my ... more

    Podchaser
    5
    samharrisonn99
    7 months ago
  • Best podcast for writers

    I’ve listened to a bunch of writing podcasts over the years since starting my writing journey, and none of them grip me like TWF. I love the format of this podcast, the range of talented creatives being interviewed, and, of course, Kelton Reid, who always does a phenomenal job interviewing his guests and asking the questions I most want answered. I’ve gained so much from being a regular listener.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bby.G.
    United States9 months ago
  • Excellent Interview

    I really enjoyed the Jeneva Rose interview episode. The hosts were great together; they sounded completely genuine and unscripted, which made for a much better listen. Their questions were a great mix of entertaining and educational. The way they wrapped up, with a thoughtful recap of all the highlights, was a fantastic final touch.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MonicaGS
    United States9 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners praise the range of guests and practical writing tips.
Insightful interviews with deep craft-focused questions.
Ads and pacing get criticized by some; balance between content and sponsor reads varies.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#168
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#137
Canada/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#129
Singapore/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#219
Singapore/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#244
New Zealand/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How Critically Acclaimed Author & Podcaster Bobby Finger Writes: Part Two
Q: What's your number one tip to other writers when developing a character?
Write as much as you can, including scenes that may not survive the final draft, to truly get to know the character and to inform future storytelling, rather than relying solely on biographical notes.
How Critically Acclaimed Author & Podcaster Bobby Finger Writes: Part Two
Q: If you could have dinner with any author from any era, who would you choose and where would you go?
Finger would choose Anne Tyler, at Yellow Rose in New York's East Village, reflecting on how her work gave him confidence as a novelist and shaped his own writing voice.
How Critically Acclaimed Debut Novelist & Food Journo Catherine Kurtz Writes
Q: If you could have dinner at your favorite place in the world with any author from history, who and where would you go?
She would dine with Colette in 1920s Paris at La Rotonde for a classically French experience, paired with cheese, bread, champagne, and perhaps chocolate truffles, highlighting her love for sensory, culture-rich settings.
How Acclaimed Debut Author Darby Bozeman Writes
Q: Did you have certain expectations, an ideal agent or publisher that you had your heart set on? Just talk a little bit about that.
Darby discusses how she connected with her agent Hannah after starting Summer's Never Over in early 2023, and how the collaboration with Hannah and editor Lisa played a pivotal role in shaping the book for its eventual publication with Berkley/Penguin Random House.
How Bestselling Author Meg Shaffer Writes
Q: If you could have dinner and drinks at your favorite place in the world with any author from any era, who are we taking and where are we going?
Shaffer imagines sharing a riverside meal with Ray Bradbury in Astoria, Oregon, at a restaurant overlooking the Columbia River, to discuss inspiration and book magic, blending the author's imaginative approach with Shaffer's own love of place.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

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

A thoughtful deep-dive series that pulls back the curtain on the writing life, exploring the habits, environments, and cognitive tricks that help authors stay productive and beat writer's block. Conversations span craft, research, publishing challenges, and the evolving dynamics of the literary world, often including behind-the-scenes looks at how successful writers plan, revise, and manage public attention. Notable throughlines include immersive research, collaboration with editors and fellow writers, and practical tips for sustaining a long, creative career across genres. The show often features high-profile authors, industry insight, and neuroscience-informed approaches to creativity, making it useful for writers, editors, and marketers ... more

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this podcast launched 11 years ago and published 510 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. Bobby Finger
2. Catherine Kurtz
3. Meg Shaffer
4. Darby Bozeman
5. John Kenney
6. Ruta Sepetys
7. Rosie Walsh
8. Krista Ritchie

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