The Writing Life
National Centre for WritingWe’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
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 200 | Founded | 15 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ArtsBooksEducationHow To | |||
Listen to this Podcast
Latest Episodes
In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, novelist, poet and Associate Professor of Creative Writing Sam Meekings shares the process behind writing his latest book, Wonder and Loss: A Practical Memoir for Writing about Grief, which interweaves mem... more
In this episode of The Writing Life, Trinidadian writer Celeste Mohammed reflects on the role of family, mythology, and Caribbean folklore in her writing.
Celeste has been a lawyer since 2001 but she has been telling stories all her life. A native o... more
In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, novelist and essayist Matt Greene shares the process of writing his latest novel, The Definitions – a work of dystopian fiction which interrogates and plays with the relationship between language, memory a... more
In this episode of The Writing Life, Singapore-based writer Choo Yi Feng shares his approach to writing speculative fiction.
Choo Yi Feng is an intertidal explorer, climate activist, ecologist and fiction writer. The Waiting Room is his debut short ... more
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Reviews
- 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 Podcasts1broadcastappeal
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 Podcasts5EDubhglas
United Kingdom2 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 Podcasts4Wee-Stan
Spain3 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 Podcasts5Novel readerUnited Kingdom3 years ago - Wonderful podcast
I only discovered this podcast two weeks ago & am really blown away by it. Every episode is a gem. The hosts are thoughtful, questions penetrating & what an incredible array of guests! From those starting out to those well-established. This is a great resource for writers (and readers!) at any stage of their journey. I’m a writer recently moved to Norfolk so am extra grateful as it’s bringing more intellectual sparkle to the place.
Apple Podcasts5clemochkaUnited Kingdom3 years ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #66 | United Kingdom/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #164 | United Kingdom/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #179 |  New Zealand/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #197 |  Hong Kong/Arts/Books |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
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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 show focused on writers at all stages of their careers, with hosts from the National Centre for Writing guiding conversations about craft, publishing journeys, and the realities of making a living in literature. Episodes spotlight a wide range of writers—from debut authors to established voices—exploring process, world-building, research, and the practicalities of getting words from page to publication. A notable strength is the emphasis on actionable craft guidance, career transitions, and the writing life, often supplemented by industry context and mentorship. Listeners tend to be aspiring authors, educators, and industry professionals who value deep-dive conversations with diverse storytellers and practical tips fo... more
Where can I find podcast stats for The Writing Life?
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How many listeners does The Writing Life get?
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What are the audience demographics for The Writing Life?
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How many subscribers and views does The Writing Life have?
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Which podcasts are similar to The Writing Life?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Writing Life:
1. Backlisted
2. The New Yorker: Poetry
3. Poetry Unbound
4. The New Yorker: The Writer's Voice - New Fiction from The New Yorker
5. On Being with Krista Tippett
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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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Writing Life?
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What guests have appeared on The Writing Life?
Recent guests on The Writing Life include:
1. Sam Meekings
2. Celeste Mohammed
3. Ayanna Lloyd Banwo
4. Matt Greene
5. Choo Yi Feng
6. John Osborne
7. Lewis Buxton
8. Julia Crouch
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.