Podcasting?

[Margo]

Anyone know anything they'd like to share about podcasting for writers? Examples of people you think are doing it well? Not so well? Good sources for learning how to do it right?

[hektorkarl]

For podcasts on writing, Writing Excuses is very good (mostly pro-SF writers, short 15 minute episodes).
I Should Be Writing focuses more on aspiring writers and has a decent following.
The Creative Penn is an interview-based podcast for writers (with a frequent self-publishing emphasis).

[HillaryJ]

Margo, are you looking for instructional/advice podcasts for writers, or writers podcasting?

For writers who do it well, check out John Green, Lauren DeStefano and Jeffrey Somers, all available on youtube (I think). The podcasts are entertaining, and also sometimes contain good information (especially Green).

[Margo]

Thanks, Hektor, Hillary.

I hadn't realized how vague my post was. I'm interested in podcasts where writers are sharing their work (aka building a platform/audience/brand/whatevah!).

[HillaryJ]

Margo, I seriously think it's all about the interaction, similar to many successful blogs. Green takes it to a higher level than most: http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/jo ... ook_b35172

[Sommer Leigh]

Thanks, Hektor, Hillary.

I hadn't realized how vague my post was. I'm interested in podcasts where writers are sharing their work (aka building a platform/audience/brand/whatevah!).

I'll try this again, for some reason it didn't post yesterday when I made a comment.

Fables of the Flying City: http://www.fablesoftheflyingcity.com/

Fables of the Flying City is a podcast where the author of Fables reads pieces of his story in a sort of seriel format. He sometimes has guests on, but mostly its him sharing his story. He's publishing it in graphic novel format. It's really quite good.

I am generally not a big fan of podcasts. I can't concentrate long enough to listen because I am a serious multi-tasker. I like this one though.

[Margo]

So...opinions...is podcasting a good idea for reaching new readers and establishing a good relationship with them?

[HillaryJ]

So...opinions...is podcasting a good idea for reaching new readers and establishing a good relationship with them?

My sense -- based on absolutely no science and fairly little exposure -- is that it depends on a number of factors:

1. What's your demographic? If you're writing literary historical, is your readership likely to discover you by trolling youtube or become more loyal by subscribing?
2. As with other social media, will you be able to dedicate the time to podcast/vlog regularly and entertainly?
3. Is the podcast/vlog going to be a repetition of information found elsewhere? Are you putting it on FB/website and then just repeating it aloud?

I don't know the answers to these questions. These are just some of the things I would consider.

I would think a podcast/vlog would be better for entertaining and interacting with readers after you've developed a readership, but less valuable for attracting new readers.

[Margo]

Thanks for all the input, guys.

I am seriously considering starting a weekly podcast wherein I'd read a piece of original flash fiction. I'm surprised that a number of people who've read my short story have already said they'd listen. Plus! a friend of mine who has worked in film most of his adult life has graciously volunteered to help me pick out good inexpensive equipment and teach me all the tricks for adding "honey" to my voice. (He's also great for getting the scoop on which movie stars are nice or freaking jerks or total airheads. )

[MattLarkin]

For podcasts on writing, Writing Excuses is very good (mostly pro-SF writers, short 15 minute episodes).

I like this one a lot. Sometimes the info is geared with a fantasy bent, as the authors are all speculative fiction. But it's usually entertaining regardless.