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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
Screenwriting
James Mcbride
The Grandest Game
The Midnight Library
Crazy Spooky Love
Character Development
Romantic Comedy
Mental Health
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 weeklyEpisodes518Founded11 years ago
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Artwork for The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

Latest Episodes

New York Times bestselling author, filmmaker, and decorated chef Eddie Huang spoke with us about his origins as a writer, the pivot from memoir to autofiction, and the personal transformation behind his debut novel COME UNDONE.

Eddie Huang is a chef... more

#1 New York Times bestselling author and two-time Newbery Medal winner Kate DiCamillo spoke with us about overcoming rejection early on, her workmanlike process, and how she stays grounded after more than 25 years in the craft.

Kate DiCamillo is a c... more

Acclaimed debut novelist Austin Taylor spoke with us about the pressure cooker of Harvard life, studying AI law in the heart of Silicon Valley, and the inspiration behind her debut set in the biotech startup world of NOTES ON INFINITY.

Austin Taylor... more

New York Times bestselling author Jessica Knoll spoke with us about her career trajectory from magazine editor to novelist and screenwriter, the allure of dark romance, and her latest erotic thriller, HELPLESS.

Jessica Knoll is the New York Times be... more

Key Facts

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

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Recent Guests

Eloisa James
New York Times bestselling author and Shakespeare professor emeritus
Shakespeare and Romance author
Episode: How NY Times Bestselling Author Eloisa James Writes
Jenny Jackson
New York Times bestselling author and editorial director of fiction at Alfred A. Knopf
Penguin Random House / Knopf
Episode: How NY Times Bestselling Author & Publishing Exec. Jenny Jackson Writes
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

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
    8 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
    8 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 States10 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 States10 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
#218
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#49
Singapore/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#129
Singapore/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#147
Argentina/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#149
South Africa/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#184
Argentina/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How NY Times Bestselling Author & Publishing Exec. Jenny Jackson Writes
Q: What guides your sense of a manuscript's potential beyond the author's voice?
She emphasized wanting books that are hard to compare, with resonance and originality, rather than formulaic choices that fit a familiar template, highlighting the importance of fresh, standalone voices over archetypes.
How NY Times Bestselling Author & Publishing Exec. Jenny Jackson Writes
Q: How has your writing time changed since you wrote Pineapple Street, given your growing responsibilities and family life?
She described shifting from writing in early mornings and evenings to writing in longer blocks when possible, often taking long weekends or vacations to focus, and balancing parenthood with a demanding publishing role by carving out time in chunks rather than daily small sessions.
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.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
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?

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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How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 11 years ago and published 518 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. Eloisa James
2. Jenny Jackson
3. Bobby Finger
4. Catherine Kurtz
5. Meg Shaffer
6. Darby Bozeman
7. John Kenney
8. Ruta Sepetys

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