Christmas is nearly with us and most will have some time off work, either over Christmas or the New Year. In anticipation I thought I would list out some of my favourite podcasts for you to look at over the holidays.

The Creative Penn

Joanna Penn has been an inspiration and online mentor from me for a number of years. She really is a great example of what you can do if you really want it!

She began her writing career over 10 years ago now, and it was through writing non-fiction she found her way into the publishing world. She was in a job she hated and wanted a way out.

She wrote a book about getting out of the corporate life, doing what you love and getting paid for it. That led the way for her to become a public speaker, a blogger, a podcaster and, ultimately, a novelist.

She never thought she’d be able to write a novel, but realised there are worlds of fiction out there that don’t need to be Booker or Pulizer prize winners, they just need to be well told stories.

She now has a back catalogue of over 20 books.

The Self Publishing Formula

This is hosted by Mark Dawson and James Blatch. Their podcast is for authors who want to publish independently.

They are interesting in that each of them come from a different perspective. Mark Dawson writes thrillers and is extremely prolific. He has a vast back catalogue covering at least two series and a number of stand-alone books. He’s also writes non-fiction titles and runs courses for authors.

James Blatch has written his first historical novel and published it this year. He is a great example of putting what they preach into practice and time will tell if he is successful or not!

Alliance of Independent Authors

ALLi is a non-profit association for self-publishing authors. They offer a number of memberships schemes for which you will receive access to legal advice, speaking opportunities, forums, member discounts, and a quarterly magazine.

Importantly, they also advocate for indie authors and some of their campaigns include protecting the global digital rights for authors, promoting a code of standards, and encouraging The Establishment to open up to indie authors and what they can bring to the table.

KM Weiland

Weiland hosts a weekly podcast and has an excellent website called www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com. She looks closely at the craft of writing and has a number of excellent books on story and scene structure.

She is currently one of my favourites and I recommend you have a look at her work.

The Book Launch Show

This podcast is hosted by Tim Grahl, a marketing expert and public speaker. He shares tactics and strategies you can use when you’re ready to launch your book.

The Worried Writer Podcast

This is hosted by another writer based in Scotland, Sarah Painter. She is by nature a worrier and speaks to other authors who struggle with self-doubt and procrastination. Her podcast is billed as Creative Writing For The Timid. As a lot of writers are introverts, this may resonate with you!

I hope these podcasts offer some easy listening over the festive period. It’s a nice way of keeping your hand in, when you don’t have time to do the actual writing! You need to stop making excuses not to keep creating!

Let me know if you manage to listen to any of them, and what you thought. Also, let me know if you’re favourite isn’t listed here, I can always include it next time.