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

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 weeklyEpisodes529Founded11 years ago
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BooksArtsEducationHow To

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

Latest Episodes

#1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Aveyard spoke with us about her journey from USC screenwriting to publishing, her writing process, and her upcoming adult fantasy debut, TEMPEST.

Victoria Aveyard is the #1 New York Times bestselling aut... more

Acclaimed debut author Kevin C. Morris spoke with us about exploring the Alaskan coastline in search of a mysterious island, his query and publishing journey, and the resultant novel UNTAMED COAST.

Kevin C. Morris is an engineer, and journalist (wit... more

New York Times bestselling author Sarah Pinborough spoke with us about her approach to plotting twists, the stark difference between writing novels and screenplays, and her latest THEY SAY A GIRL DIED HERE.

Sarah Pinborough is the New York Times and... more

New York Times bestselling author Nina Simon spoke with us about her unconventional career path, low-overhead creative lifestyle, and her sophomore novel MY SISTER IS GOING TO KILL ME.

Nina Simon is the bestselling author of the hit novel Mother-Dau... more

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Recent Guests

Raphael Montes
Number one international best-selling Brazilian thriller writer; screenwriter and showrunner
Brazilian author
Episode: How #1 International Bestselling Author Raphael Montes Writes
Karin Slaughter
Number one New York Times bestselling author, prolific crime thriller writer
Author
Episode: How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Karin Slaughter Writes
Kevin Wade
Novelist, veteran screenwriter, former Blue Bloods showrunner
Author and screenwriter
Episode: How Acclaimed Author & Screenwriter Kevin Wade Writes
Gillian McAllister
New York Times bestselling author
Author, Gillian McAllister Ltd.
Episode: How NY Times Bestselling Author Gillian McAllister Writes
Abbie Emmons
Storytelling expert and author
Abbie Emmons / Make Your Story Matter
Episode: How to Make Your Story Matter with Storytelling Expert Abbie Emmons
Laura Moriarty
New York Times bestselling author and creative writing professor at the University of Kansas
University of Kansas
Episode: How NY Times Bestselling Author Laura Moriarty Writes
Sarma Melngailis
Best-selling memoirist, chef, former restaurateur
Author of The Girl with the Duck Tattoo
Episode: How Bestselling Author Sarma Melngailis Writes: Part Two
Daniel Kraus
New York Times bestselling author, screenwriter, and Pulitzer Prize winner
Author (The Sixth Nik, Whalefall, Angel Down)
Episode: How Pulitzer Winner & NY Times Bestselling Author Daniel Kraus Writes
Eddie Huang
New York Times bestselling author, filmmaker, chef
Author of Come Undone; BaoHaus
Episode: How NY Times Bestselling Author Eddie Huang Writes

Hosts

Kelton Reid
Host of The Writer Files
Milena Gonzalez
Co-host

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 436 ratings
  • AI app’s advertised

    I am really disappointed that this podcast - which I like so much- is advertising for an app that uses AI to turn books of your choice into audiobooks into a voice of your choice.

    Incredibly disappointing for a show like this not to be in solidarity with audiobook actors.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    alittlespaced
    Canada2 months ago
  • Motivating!

    This podcast provides interesting tips, hacks and encouragement based on how authors write. I enjoy hearing about the backstory of authors.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Travis Ketterman
    United States2 months ago
  • 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 Kingdom7 months ago
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Listeners Say

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

Ad saturation and interview pacing are common feedback themes.
The format balances craft insights with behind-the-scenes publishing realities.
Listeners appreciate high-caliber guests and thoughtful questions from the host.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#148
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#89
Canada/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#219
United Kingdom/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#236
Canada/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#227
Italy/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#79
South Africa/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How Acclaimed Author & Screenwriter Kevin Wade Writes
Q: Kevin, can you talk about going from writing for TV and film to writing novels?
Transitioning to novels required embracing a much larger word count, the freedom to explore characters' inner thoughts, and the need to shift from terse, action-driven screen dialogue to longer, more reflective prose, all while maintaining momentum and a clear sense of place.
How NY Times Bestselling Author Laura Moriarty Writes
Q: If you could have dinner or drinks with any author from any time and your favorite place in the world, who are we taking and where are we going?
I would choose Robert Louis Stevenson for his adventurous spirit and literary genius, and we would likely go to an Indian restaurant to share vibrant conversation about storytelling, place, and the craft of writing.
How Newberry Medalist and #1 NYT Bestselling Author Kate DiCamillo Writes
Q: Did you always want to be an author?
No; writing found me later, in college, and reading and storytelling were the keys that kept me moving forward.
How Newberry Medalist and #1 NYT Bestselling Author Kate DiCamillo Writes
Q: And speaking of rejections, we saw that you've had 473 rejection letters before your first book was published. Are these like rejections from agents and publishers?
They started with short stories published in literary journals; the point is that persistence matters, and many rejections don't define talent or luck, but continuing to show up and do the work eventually leads to success.
How Pulitzer Winner & NY Times Bestselling Author Daniel Kraus Writes
Q: When did you feel a shift in your writing career after Whalefall, Angel Down, and The Sixth Nik?
I felt a gear shift when Whalefall clicked into a new level of confidence and momentum, which carried through to later works, making the writing process feel more fluid and less hindered by self-doubt.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

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

This show pulls back the curtain on the writing life, interviewing bestselling and acclaimed authors about craft, process, and the realities of publishing. Episodes typically center on how guests approach storytelling, author routines, research, and career arcs, with deep dives into craft topics like structure, voice, revision, and the intersection of technology (e.g., AI) with authorship. Listeners likely include aspiring writers and publishing professionals seeking practical takeaways, realistic timelines, and insights into building sustainable writing habits. A standout is the strong emphasis on discipline and routine (e.g., two-pages-a-day approaches, long-form projects, and multi-book strategies) paired with candid, behind-the-scenes a... more

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this podcast launched 11 years ago and published 529 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. Raphael Montes
2. Karin Slaughter
3. Kevin Wade
4. Gillian McAllister
5. Abbie Emmons
6. Laura Moriarty
7. Sarma Melngailis
8. Daniel Kraus

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