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We’re a podcast for anyone who writes. Every week we talk to writers about their writing journeys and techniques, from early career debuts to self-publishers and narrative designers. We’ve featured Margaret Atwood, Jackie Kay, Sara Collins, Antti Tuomainen, Val McDermid, Sarah Perry, Elif Shafak and many more! The Writing Life is produced by the National Centre for Writing at Dragon Hall in Norwic... more

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Artwork for The Writing Life

Latest Episodes

In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, Anaïs Van Ertvelde explores what it means to write about disability through her essay collection Handicap: Een bevrijding (Disability: A Liberation), which considers both what the world tells us about disa... more

In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, Belgian author Dieter Rogiers explores how place shapes his writing, discussing both the locations where he writes and the international settings of his novels.

Dieter Rogiers is a Belgian author, film cr... more

YouTube

In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, bestselling novelist Isabel Allende shares insights into her creative process and craft, as outlined in her latest book Storytelling  – a profound exploration of the art and magic of writing.

Isabel Allen... more

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In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, debut novelist Ruthy Mason shares how she explores the creative possibilities of liminality and transformation in Death Do Us – a haunting story that peels back the veil from the institution of marriage an... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Dieter Rogiers
Belgian author, film critic and copywriter from Brussels
Episode: Writing across locations: Dieter Rogiers on research, writing formulas, and international settings
Isabel Allende
Bestselling author and subject of the interview
Author, Storytelling
Episode: The magic of storytelling: Isabel Allende on crafting stories
Ruthy Mason
Author of Death Do Us
Author, Death Do Us
Episode: Unearthing stories: Archaeology, liminality & the body with Ruthy Mason
Polly Barton
Writer and literary translator from Japanese into English
Independent translator; NCW Emerging Translator Mentor
Episode: From mentorship to literary translation: Polly Barton & Charlotte Goff on translating Nao-Cola Yamazaki’s works
Charlotte Goff
Edinburgh-based Japanese-English literary translator
Independent translator; NCW Emerging Translator mentee
Episode: From mentorship to literary translation: Polly Barton & Charlotte Goff on translating Nao-Cola Yamazaki’s works
Laurence Mitchell
Norfolk-based writer, author of Flint Country
Saraband Books / East Anglian regional writing scene
Episode: The spirit of place: Laurence Mitchell on Flint Country
Sarah L. Kaufman
Award-winning writer and Pulitzer Prize-winning critic; author of Verb Your Enthusiasm
The Washington Post (former chief dance critic)
Episode: Back to basics: Sarah L. Kaufman on Verb Your Enthusiasm
Pip Landers-Letts
Award-winning self-published author of Pyg, The Weight of What Was, Chameleon
Self-published author; works published via Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Episode: The world of self-publishing: Pip Landers-Letts on Pyg
Jem Calder
Author of I Want You to Be Happy
Faber & Faber
Episode: Writing relationships: Jem Calder on I Want You to Be Happy

Hosts

Stephanie McKenna
Co-host and writer facilitator with NCW connections, frequently guiding conversations and segments.
Peggy Hughes
Co-host with deep involvement in NCW programming and guest coordination.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 131 ratings
  • tantric meditation

    On Hannah Murrays recent episode, I’d like to share something about tantric meditation. It’s “not” magic, you need to ground yourself in your body (otherwise it’s just mind wandering) and is about using your imagination to exploring hypothetical stories. Your needs and desires play a big role. and is more about your relationship to needs and what stories can teach you.

    There’s a set of talks from an acclaimed meditation teacher (Rob Burbea from Gaia House) called the path of the imaginal. its on... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tommy Gee 123
    United Kingdom4 months ago
  • Nope

    I’ve tried this podcast twice now. Don’t know why—think I was tricked by the change of thumbnail/image. The conversations are terribly boring, waffly. Couldn’t find anything helpful or insightful.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    broadcastappeal
    Australia2 years ago
  • Nourishing a writing community

    As a writer based in Edinburgh, this podcast makes me feel like part of a wider writing community. The conversations between writers on this podcast - particularly the episode feat. Joelle Taylor, Jay Bernard, Anthony Capildeo & Gail McConnell - are so enriching and motivating, they’ve become part of my writing practice. Thank you for all you do!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    EDubhglas
    United Kingdom3 years ago
  • What a find.

    There are so many podcasts about books and writing, offering advice on different aspects of the trade. The Writing Life tackles the practicalities of getting those words down and in order and flowing and interesting and gripping ….. I could go on.

    There are so many really good discussions with people (authors) who are actually doing it and sometimes making the mistakes that we do and explaining the pitfalls.

    Well worth a listen to if you are a writer or want to be.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Wee-Stan
    Spain4 years ago
  • Great podcast!

    It is the perfect companion for everyone interested in all aspects of the book industry. Packed with insightful tips and great guests.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Novel reader
    United Kingdom4 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Guests are frequently established authors whose experiences are valuable for aspiring writers.
The discussions are viewed as motivating and community-building for writers in Norfolk and beyond.
Listeners praise the show as a calm, insightful resource for writers seeking practical craft tips.
Some episodes receive criticism for pacing or overly broad topics, but overall reception highlights depth and usefulness.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#90
United Kingdom/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#244
United Kingdom/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#146
Australia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#140
Norway/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#216
Austria/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Writing across locations: Dieter Rogiers on research, writing formulas, and international settings
Q: Can you tell me a bit more about this project, why you've chosen the Kishōtenketsu model, and why you've decided actually to set your third novel in Japan?
Rogiers explains that his story grew from memories of his mother and the belongings she left behind. A report about a Japanese woman who clears apartments after lonely deaths offered a protagonist and setting, while Kishōtenketsu suited the novel's themes of memory, loss and finding balance.
Writing across locations: Dieter Rogiers on research, writing formulas, and international settings
Q: Can you tell me a bit about the role that these residencies play in your career as a writer?
Rogiers says residencies give him the focus and routine needed to meet his daily writing target, and that he does some of his best writing away from home.
The magic of storytelling: Isabel Allende on crafting stories
Q: Why January the 8th as a starting point for your books?
It began when the family phone call from Chile arrived during holidays in Venezuela; the day felt quiet and suited to starting, and it became a ritual because it helps her emotionally and practically prepare her office and research for a new project.
Writing relationships: Jem Calder on I Want You to Be Happy
Q: Would you talk a little about what you think it is about Joey that draws her to Chuck?
He represents validation of her intellectual ambitions and offers a pathway to a life she aspires to, though the dynamic becomes more complex as the novel progresses.
Writing relationships: Jem Calder on I Want You to Be Happy
Q: That must be fun, sitting opposite from someone on the train. Are you somebody who has always written?
Calder discusses his long-running relationship with writing, noting he started young, paused during teens and early twenties, and then returned with more discipline, balancing work with creative pursuits.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Writing Life

What is The Writing Life about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful interview-focused show that centers on writers' journeys, craft techniques, and publishing realities. Episodes cover a broad range of topics—from language and style decisions and memoir writing to indie publishing, graphic novels, and genre-bending fiction—often featuring practical, experience-driven advice for aspiring authors. The format blends in-depth author conversations, craft analysis, and tips for navigating writing careers, agents, and editors, with a strong regional emphasis on the Norfolk writing community. A standout signal is its consistent pairing of seasoned authors with emerging voices, creating a mix of mentorship-style guidance and fresh perspectives, which can be especially appealing to writers at various sta... more

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To see how many followers or subscribers The Writing Life has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to The Writing Life?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Writing Life:

1. Writer's Routine
2. Essential Guide to Writing a Novel
3. Writers on Writing
4. The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers
5. Writing Excuses

How many episodes of The Writing Life are there?

The Writing Life launched 15 years ago and published 200 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Writing Life?

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What guests have appeared on The Writing Life?

Recent guests on The Writing Life include:

1. Dieter Rogiers
2. Isabel Allende
3. Ruthy Mason
4. Polly Barton
5. Charlotte Goff
6. Laurence Mitchell
7. Sarah L. Kaufman
8. Pip Landers-Letts

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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