From debut authors to Pulitzer Prize winners, Writers on Writing tackles a little of everything — novels, short stories, memoir, poetry, and more, as well as interviews with agents and publishers.
Unlike other shows dedicated to discussing books, we focus on the art, craft, and business of writing. Writers appreciate the opportunity to talk about the artistic elements of their job — the thousands of decisions that must be made to produce a manuscript. There’s no aspect of craft, creativity, and publishing we don’t explore.
We’ve hosted well over 1,500 authors on the show including Elizabeth Strout, S.A. Cosby, Ann Patchett, Amor Towles, and George Saunders. Expert advice from some of the industry’s top writers allows us to offer a show that’s been called “your own personal MFA program” (with no financial strain).
Host: Barbara DeMarco-Barrett
Host: Marrie Stone
Music and sound editing by Travis Barrett
Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or your favorite podcast app.
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EPISODES
(2001 - present)
Elizabeth Strout and Dawn Anahid MacKeen
Pulitzer Prize winning novelist and short story writer Elizabeth Strout joins Marrie Stone to talk about her latest novel, My Name is Lucy Barton. She discusses recurring themes in her work, her intense interest in character over plot, how she constructs novels through scenes, and more.
In the second half, Dawn MacKeen joins to share her grandfather's story of surviving the Armenian genocide. The Hundred-Year Walk: An Armenian Odyssey is part memoir, part reportage, and part historical research. Dawn discusses why this book is more relevant today than ever, what it took to uncover the story, and the power of perseverance.
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(Broadcast date: March 30, 2016)
In the second half, Dawn MacKeen joins to share her grandfather's story of surviving the Armenian genocide. The Hundred-Year Walk: An Armenian Odyssey is part memoir, part reportage, and part historical research. Dawn discusses why this book is more relevant today than ever, what it took to uncover the story, and the power of perseverance.
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(Broadcast date: March 30, 2016)
Maya Lang and Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney with co-host Nicole Nelson
Maya Lang, author of The Sixteenth of June, talks with co-host Nicole Nelson about the challenges of writing a story that takes place all in one day, her experience searching for an agent, and basing her novel on Ulysses.
In the second half, Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney, author of The Nest, talks about how the story came to her beginning with a scene that captured her imagination, how voice for the book came naturally (but structure presented a challenge), and how time pressures can work to one's advantage.
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(Broadcast date: March 23, 2016)
In the second half, Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney, author of The Nest, talks about how the story came to her beginning with a scene that captured her imagination, how voice for the book came naturally (but structure presented a challenge), and how time pressures can work to one's advantage.
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(Broadcast date: March 23, 2016)
Amy Gottlieb and Anna Winger with Nicole Nelson
Debut novelist Amy Gottlieb, author of The Beautiful Possible, talks with co-host Nicole Nelson about finding inspiration from a childhood of listening to her mother's friends, using poetry to sustain her when she felt bogged down by the novel, and working with characters who wouldn't let go.
In the second half, Anna Winger, author of the novel This Must be the Place and co-creator and writer of the Sundance drama series Deutschland 83, talks about pushing the limits of credibility in the name of creating suspense, combining the visual with narrative in telling a story for television, and how writers can find common experiences with various types of characters, even those with lives very different from their own.
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(Broadcast date: March 16, 2016)
In the second half, Anna Winger, author of the novel This Must be the Place and co-creator and writer of the Sundance drama series Deutschland 83, talks about pushing the limits of credibility in the name of creating suspense, combining the visual with narrative in telling a story for television, and how writers can find common experiences with various types of characters, even those with lives very different from their own.
Download audio.
(Broadcast date: March 16, 2016)
Kristina McMorris and Ruty Sepetys
Marrie Stone chats with historical fiction novelist Kristina McMorris about her latest novel, The Edge of Lost. Kristina shares her research process, her fascination with history, her secrets to effective dialogue, her relationship with minor characters, and more.
In the second half, Ruta Sepetys returns to the show to talk about her latest YA novel, Salt to the Sea. Ruta discusses how fiction can convey a greater range of truths than non-fiction, why the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff remains a relatively unknown event, how she creates compelling characters, and more.
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(Broadcast date: March 9, 2016)
In the second half, Ruta Sepetys returns to the show to talk about her latest YA novel, Salt to the Sea. Ruta discusses how fiction can convey a greater range of truths than non-fiction, why the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff remains a relatively unknown event, how she creates compelling characters, and more.
Download audio.
(Broadcast date: March 9, 2016)
Elizabeth Marro and T. Jefferson Parker with B.D. Barrett on Writers on Writing
Elizabeth Marro, author of Casualties, and T. Jefferson Parker, author of Crazy Blood talk with B. DeMarco-Barrett about point of view, beginnings, promotion, and more. Both authors will be featured at the Pen on Fire Speaker Series & Salon on March 8, 2016. More info here.
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(Broadcast date: March 2, 2016)
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(Broadcast date: March 2, 2016)
Mary Rakow and Suzanne Redfearn
Theologist and novelist Mary Rakow joins Marrie Stone on "Writers on Writing," KUCI-FM 88.9 to discuss her latest novel, This Is Why I Came. She shares her personal history with religion, the importance of the Bible for secular readers, what sustained her on her decade-long path with the novel, the importance of language, and more.
In the second half, Suzanne Redfearn shares her latest book, No Ordinary Life. She shares her experiences with the publishing industry, branding, compelling narratives, the difference between writing and storytelling, and more.
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(Broadcast date: February 24, 2016)
In the second half, Suzanne Redfearn shares her latest book, No Ordinary Life. She shares her experiences with the publishing industry, branding, compelling narratives, the difference between writing and storytelling, and more.
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(Broadcast date: February 24, 2016)
Christopher Castellani & Noy Holland with Barbara DeMarco-Barrett
Christopher Castellani, author of The Art of Perspective: Who Tells the Story, and Noy Holland, author of the novel Bird join Barbara DeMarco-Barrett to discuss their books and the art and business of writing.
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(Broadcast date: Feb. 17, 2016
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(Broadcast date: Feb. 17, 2016
Yann Martel and Tessa Hadley on with Marrie Stone
International bestselling author Yann Martel (Life of Pi) talks about his latest novel, The High Mountains of Portugal. He shares his deep interest in the subject of faith and grief, talks about playing the form of the novel, and writing in the aftermath of success.
In the second half, Tessa Hadley joins to discuss her latest work, The Past. She talks about the origins of her stories, why families and houses create compelling fiction, her work at The New Yorker, and her long road to success.
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(Broadcast date: February 10, 2016)
In the second half, Tessa Hadley joins to discuss her latest work, The Past. She talks about the origins of her stories, why families and houses create compelling fiction, her work at The New Yorker, and her long road to success.
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(Broadcast date: February 10, 2016)
Rachel Cantor and Tracy Robert with Nicole
Novelist Rachel Cantor, author of Good on Paper, talks to co-host Nicole Nelson about the finer points of the art of translation, her approach to writing complex child characters, and the benefits of taking advantage of artists' colony residency opportunities. Then Tracy Robert, author of the novel Flashcards and The Curse of Ambrosia, talks about the role of setting in her work, her experience following her story into a dystopian world, and her advice to embrace messiness, recognizing it as a prerequisite for creating art.
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(Broadcast date: February 3, 2016)
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(Broadcast date: February 3, 2016)
Jean Thompson and Michael Czyzniejewski
Novelist and short story maven Jean Thompson joins Marrie Stone to give decades worth of writing advice and share a preview of her forthcoming novel, due in June 2016. Jean discusses finding the telling details, how to approach new work, when to abandon things that aren't working, and much more. Jean in the author of six novels and six short story collections. Her collection Who Do You Love was a finalist for the National Book Award.
In the second half, writer and professor Michael Czyzniejewski joins to talk about his collection, I'll Love You For the Rest of My Life: Break-up Stories. He also shares his awesome blog, Story 366, where Mike reviews a new short story every day in 2016. Check it out. He is full of wonderful writing advice, as well as some incredible story recommendations.
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(Broadcast date: January 27, 2016)
In the second half, writer and professor Michael Czyzniejewski joins to talk about his collection, I'll Love You For the Rest of My Life: Break-up Stories. He also shares his awesome blog, Story 366, where Mike reviews a new short story every day in 2016. Check it out. He is full of wonderful writing advice, as well as some incredible story recommendations.
Download audio.
(Broadcast date: January 27, 2016)
Ryan Gattis and Jen Beagin
Ryan Gattis, author of All Involved, talks to Nicole Nelson about the energy in his work discovered by writing in first person, the challenge of authenticity, and the way talking to people -- and really listening -- can be as useful as getting an MFA. Then debut novelist Jen Beagin, author of Pretend I'm Dead, talks about her preference for third person (even when journaling), how she uses dialogue as a point of entry to a story, and the importance of knowing your inner critic's sleeping habits, so that you can build your writing practice around those hours.
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Ryan's TedX talk "Pain and Art: Write What you Honestly Know."
(Broadcast date: January 20, 2016)
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Ryan's TedX talk "Pain and Art: Write What you Honestly Know."
(Broadcast date: January 20, 2016)
Eric Weiner and Sari Wilson
Eric Weiner, author of The Geography of Genius, joins Marrie Stone to offer ideas about sparking creativity. While we can't all be geniuses, we can all benefit from techniques that stimulate genius ideas. From walking to collaborating, traveling to drinking a little, there are a number of practices writers and artists can use to further their craft.
In the second half, Sari Wilson talks about her debut novel, Girl Through Glass. Drawing on inspiration from her own youth, Sari discusses why certain subjects won't leave writers alone, how ballet helped and hurt her as a writer, the conflicts between the corporeal woman and the spiritual woman, and the best advice Grace Paley ever gave her.
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(Broadcast date: January 13, 2016)
In the second half, Sari Wilson talks about her debut novel, Girl Through Glass. Drawing on inspiration from her own youth, Sari discusses why certain subjects won't leave writers alone, how ballet helped and hurt her as a writer, the conflicts between the corporeal woman and the spiritual woman, and the best advice Grace Paley ever gave her.
Download audio.
(Broadcast date: January 13, 2016)
Wendy Lesser and Kevin Hazzard on Writers on Writing
Wendy Lesser, editor of The Threepenney Review and author of Why I Read, and Kevin Hazzard, author of A Thousand Naked Strangers: A Paramedic's Wild Ride to the Edge and Back talk with Barbara DeMarco-Barrett about the art and business of writing--what else?
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(Broadcast date: Jan. 6, 2016)
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(Broadcast date: Jan. 6, 2016)
Marie Lu and Ellen Hopkins
New York Times bestselling young adult authors Marie Lu, The Rose Society, and Ellen Hopkins, Traffick, join Marrie Stone. They talk about writing in a series, deplorable characters, writing banned books, and more.
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(Broadcast date: December 30, 2015)
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(Broadcast date: December 30, 2015)
Our annual Christmas show, with readings and music. Readers: Barbara DeMarco-Barrett, Jill Amadio, and Mike Conlon. Readings of traditional, classic, and contemporary Christmas writing.
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(Broadcast date: Dec. 23, 2015)
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(Broadcast date: Dec. 23, 2015)
Bruce Bauman and Sanderia Faye with Nicole Nelson
Novelist Bruce Bauman, author of Broken Sleep joins Nicole Nelson to talk about writing dialogue, balancing tragedy with humor, and the good that can come of letting your characters take control.
In the second half, debut novelist Sanderia Faye, author of Mourner's Bench talks about finding the voice for her story in the form of eight-year-old Sarah, the surprises she found when researching the Civil Rights era history of her home town in Arkansas, and the importance of having confidence and especially to, as her teachers advised her along the way, "keep writing."
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(Broadcast date: December 16, 2015)
In the second half, debut novelist Sanderia Faye, author of Mourner's Bench talks about finding the voice for her story in the form of eight-year-old Sarah, the surprises she found when researching the Civil Rights era history of her home town in Arkansas, and the importance of having confidence and especially to, as her teachers advised her along the way, "keep writing."
Download audio
(Broadcast date: December 16, 2015)
Anthony Marra and Karen Bender on with Marrie Stone
Anthony Marra, author of the collection The Tsar of Love and Techno, joins Marrie Stone to talk about his draw to Russia and Chechnya, the importance of humor, writing to music, the short story form, and more.
In the second half, Karen Bender shares her new collection, Refund. She talks about living in New York after 9/11, parenting, money, aging and lots of tips and tricks on craft.
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(Broadcast date: December 2, 2015)
In the second half, Karen Bender shares her new collection, Refund. She talks about living in New York after 9/11, parenting, money, aging and lots of tips and tricks on craft.
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(Broadcast date: December 2, 2015)
Lisa Gornick and Elizabeth Tallent on Writers on Writing
Lisa Gornick, author of Louisa Meets Bear, joins Marrie Stone to talk about whether her book is novel or linked short stories. She talks about structure, character, revision, and all the things necessary to write effective novels and short story collections.
In the second half, short story writer Elizabeth Tallent returns with her first collection in over two decades. She talks about Mendocino Fire, how her writing has changed over time, and more.
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(Broadcast date: October 28, 2015)
In the second half, short story writer Elizabeth Tallent returns with her first collection in over two decades. She talks about Mendocino Fire, how her writing has changed over time, and more.
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(Broadcast date: October 28, 2015)
Ann Beattie and Ron Rash
Short story author Ann Beattie, The State We're In: Maine Stories, joins Marrie Stone to talk about why Maine, although home, remains a mystery to her. She discusses compelling women, the danger of linked short stories, and more.
In the second half, Ron Rash returns to the show to discuss his latest novel, Above the Waterfall. He shares his thoughts on the importance of place, redemption, and his reluctance about embracing the "southern writer" label.
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(Broadcast date: October 21, 2015)
In the second half, Ron Rash returns to the show to discuss his latest novel, Above the Waterfall. He shares his thoughts on the importance of place, redemption, and his reluctance about embracing the "southern writer" label.
Download audio.
(Broadcast date: October 21, 2015)
Colum McCann and John Freeman on Writers on Writing
Colum McCann joins Marrie Stone to talk about his latest novella and short story collection, Thirteen Ways of Looking. He talks about his attack in New Haven, how it's impacted his writing, what remains important to him, and what single novel he returns to again and again.
In the second half, John Freeman talks about editing the anthology, Tales of Two Cities, The Best and Worst of Times in Today's New York. He discusses the NY housing crisis, the juxtaposition of wealth in NY, treating people with dignity, and how homelessness can divide a family.
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(Broadcast date: November 18, 2015)
In the second half, John Freeman talks about editing the anthology, Tales of Two Cities, The Best and Worst of Times in Today's New York. He discusses the NY housing crisis, the juxtaposition of wealth in NY, treating people with dignity, and how homelessness can divide a family.
Download audio.
(Broadcast date: November 18, 2015)