In yesterday's entry, I pointed out that part of my support system on several levels is a group of podcasts. I thought I would today go into a little more detail on the subject. There are a host of reasons I have started listening to podcasts.
The most salient one when distilled down to the most basal kernel of truth on this is encapsulated in a single word, amateur. I have to sadly admit that I am an amateur in the truest sense of the word. I wish it were not true, but wishing won't make it change in and of itself. There is an entire world that I know nothing about. I discovered that the easiest and least cost intensive way to start learning about this world was with the lowly and simple podcast.
I have found a host of podcasts that cover the craft of writing and the associated universe. I found some about writing. I found some about editing, screenwriting, genre fiction, the business of writing and much more. I found some about the publishing world in general, and some about literary agents in particular.
I have gained a host of insights into that world. I know much more today than I did before. Gathering insights, perspectives, and best practices has been helpful on a host of levels. The biggest things relate to how to produce publication quality material. Also learning what to expect, what the industry gate keepers are looking for, and how to best interface with them in the most productive fashion is always good.
In starting this education of mine, I have grasped a couple of things. There is no way to learn it all. I had no clue how much this world entails at the outset as well. As of this writing, I have barely scratched the surface, and there is so much more to learn.
Let me recommend a few of my favorites to you...
1. Ditch Diggers: It is co-hosted by Mur Lafferty and Matt Wallace. It is a brutally honest podcast about the business side of writing. On some level it is a good cop / bad cop design show. Well worth a look.
2. Shipping and Handling: It is co-hosted by Jennifer Udden and Bridget Smith. They are both literary agents at two different agency houses located in New York City. This podcast is focused on the role and function of a literary agent and the publishing process. The sheer volume of good info in this podcast on the world of publishing from the agency process is huge.
3. Geeks Guide to the Universe: It is co-hosted by David Barr Kurtley and John Joseph Adams. This show is a general show about the entire world of the world of geek. It covers fiction, movies, television, animation, and beyond. There are plenty of interviews with authors, content creators of all breeds. There are also geek panels that cover a host of items in the world of genre fiction. It is a good way to refill the tank of creativity with ideas and get a host of hints for good stuff to read, watch, and listen to...
4. The Nerdist Podcast: It is hosted by primarily by Chris Hardwick. It like Geeks Guide covers the whole world of genre fiction. It is top notch. Allow me to recommend a recent episode with Sir Ben Kingsley, which totally blew my mind.
There are a host of other podcasts out there. If you spot any other good ones let me know.
The most salient one when distilled down to the most basal kernel of truth on this is encapsulated in a single word, amateur. I have to sadly admit that I am an amateur in the truest sense of the word. I wish it were not true, but wishing won't make it change in and of itself. There is an entire world that I know nothing about. I discovered that the easiest and least cost intensive way to start learning about this world was with the lowly and simple podcast.
I have found a host of podcasts that cover the craft of writing and the associated universe. I found some about writing. I found some about editing, screenwriting, genre fiction, the business of writing and much more. I found some about the publishing world in general, and some about literary agents in particular.
I have gained a host of insights into that world. I know much more today than I did before. Gathering insights, perspectives, and best practices has been helpful on a host of levels. The biggest things relate to how to produce publication quality material. Also learning what to expect, what the industry gate keepers are looking for, and how to best interface with them in the most productive fashion is always good.
In starting this education of mine, I have grasped a couple of things. There is no way to learn it all. I had no clue how much this world entails at the outset as well. As of this writing, I have barely scratched the surface, and there is so much more to learn.
Let me recommend a few of my favorites to you...
1. Ditch Diggers: It is co-hosted by Mur Lafferty and Matt Wallace. It is a brutally honest podcast about the business side of writing. On some level it is a good cop / bad cop design show. Well worth a look.
2. Shipping and Handling: It is co-hosted by Jennifer Udden and Bridget Smith. They are both literary agents at two different agency houses located in New York City. This podcast is focused on the role and function of a literary agent and the publishing process. The sheer volume of good info in this podcast on the world of publishing from the agency process is huge.
3. Geeks Guide to the Universe: It is co-hosted by David Barr Kurtley and John Joseph Adams. This show is a general show about the entire world of the world of geek. It covers fiction, movies, television, animation, and beyond. There are plenty of interviews with authors, content creators of all breeds. There are also geek panels that cover a host of items in the world of genre fiction. It is a good way to refill the tank of creativity with ideas and get a host of hints for good stuff to read, watch, and listen to...
4. The Nerdist Podcast: It is hosted by primarily by Chris Hardwick. It like Geeks Guide covers the whole world of genre fiction. It is top notch. Allow me to recommend a recent episode with Sir Ben Kingsley, which totally blew my mind.
There are a host of other podcasts out there. If you spot any other good ones let me know.
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