The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

176

Arts #143, Books #48

“Learn how acclaimed writers keep the ink flowing, the cursor moving, and avoid writer’s block.”Each week, host Kelton Reid chats with guests like Nobel Prize winner Abdulrazak Gurnah, on life after becoming a laureate; #1 New York Times bestselling author, Emily Henry on her past life as a YA mid-lister; Celebrated author, Walter Mosley, on his conflicted feelings after winning a National Book Award; NY Times bestselling author, Lisa Scottoline, on what she learned from literary lion Philip Roth; #1 NY Times bestselling author Dennis Lehane on what he borrowed from Clint Eastwood; and bestselling author, Matt Haig, on the process behind his novel, The Midnight Library, and serial guest hosts: neuroscientist Michael Grybko, journalist Adam Skolnick, and short story writer Robert Bruce.

How #1 Sunday Times Bestselling Ghostwriter Marie Ellis Writes
Jun 6, 2025 – 38:25
How NY Times Bestselling Author Hanif Abdurraqib Writes
May 30, 2025 – 33:48
How NY Times Bestselling Author Laura Munson Writes
May 23, 2025 – 55:13
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Tomi Adeyemi Writes: Redux
May 16, 2025 – 33:38
How Acclaimed Debut Novelist Emily Everett Writes
May 9, 2025 – 37:39
How Award-Winning Writer & Producer Arvind Ethan David Writes
May 2, 2025 – 37:26
How Founding Editor of the LA Review of Books Tom Lutz Writes: Part One - Redux
Apr 25, 2025 – 52:42
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Susannah Cahalan Writes
Apr 18, 2025 – 38:15
How NY Times Bestselling Author Emma Knight Writes
Apr 11, 2025 – 34:09
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Carley Fortune Writes - Redux
Apr 4, 2025 – 35:42
How Acclaimed Debut Novelist Jeanette Horn Writes
Mar 28, 2025 – 34:46
How Award-Winning Journo & The Atlantic Writer Olga Khazan Writes
Mar 21, 2025 – 34:44
Bonus: Matt Haig Reads an Excerpt from 'The Midnight Library' on Storybound - Redux
Mar 14, 2025 – 31:39
How NY Times Bestselling Author Matt Haig Writes - Redux
Mar 7, 2025 – 41:05
How Bestselling Author & Literary Agent Betsy Lerner Writes
Feb 28, 2025 – 38:22
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Ernest Cline Writes: Part Two - Redux
Feb 21, 2025 – 32:30
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Ernest Cline Writes: Part One - Redux
Feb 14, 2025 – 30:02
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Marissa Meyer Writes
Feb 7, 2025 – 34:44
How Psychology and Neuroscience Prof. Kurt Gray Writes
Jan 31, 2025 – 34:20
How #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Robert Crais Writes: Part Two
Jan 24, 2025 – 33:53
How #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Robert Crais Writes: Part One - Redux
Jan 22, 2025 – 31:26
How NY Times Bestselling Author L.M. Elliott Writes
Jan 17, 2025 – 39:38
How Award-Winning TV Writer & Novelist Georgia Jeffries Writes
Jan 10, 2025 – 49:48
How NY Times Bestselling Author Ann Napolitano Writes: Redux
Dec 27, 2024 – 46:41
How to Finish the First Draft of Anything with Jeff Goins: Redux
Dec 20, 2024 – 43:35
How NY Times Bestselling Author Penn Cole Writes
Dec 13, 2024 – 42:47
How PEN/Bellwether Award-Winner Fabienne Josaphat Writes
Dec 6, 2024 – 35:28
14 Timeless Storytelling Principles with Author Douglas Vigliotti: Part One
Nov 29, 2024 – 53:44
How NY Times Bestselling Author Christina Lynch Writes
Nov 22, 2024 – 38:53
How Award-Winning & Bestselling Author A.M. Homes Writes: Redux
Nov 15, 2024 – 34:31
How 'It's Always Sunny' Creator and Star Rob McElhenney Writes: Redux
Nov 8, 2024 – 39:29
It’s a Matter of Taste: Part Two with Jeff Goins
Nov 1, 2024 – 01:00:13
It’s a Matter of Taste: Part One with Jeff Goins
Oct 25, 2024 – 01:01:16
How Bestselling Crime Novelist Walter Mosley Writes: Redux
Oct 18, 2024 – 33:19
Creative Idiots with Jeff Goins
Oct 11, 2024 – 01:01:30
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Anne Lamott Writes
Oct 4, 2024 – 37:03
How NY Times Bestselling Author Ashley Audrain Writes: Redux
Sep 27, 2024 – 31:22
How Critically Acclaimed Debut Author Bryan VanDyke Writes
Sep 20, 2024 – 40:42
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Mark Oshiro Writes
Sep 13, 2024 – 43:01
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Emily Henry Writes: Part Two - Redux
Sep 6, 2024 – 36:19
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Dennis Lehane Writes: Redux
Aug 30, 2024 – 35:53
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Jennifer Lynn Barnes Writes: Part Two
Aug 23, 2024 – 42:06
How Award-Winning Author Alex Temblador Writes
Aug 16, 2024 – 37:30
How to Plan, Write & Publish Nonfiction with Hungry Authors Hosts Ariel Curry & Liz Morrow: Part Two
Aug 9, 2024 – 32:56
How Bestselling Author Natalie Goldberg Writes
Aug 2, 2024 – 35:19
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Lev Grossman Writes
Jul 19, 2024 – 35:24
How Lauded Debut Author Isabel Banta Writes
Jul 12, 2024 – 38:45
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Jodi Picoult Writes
Jul 5, 2024 – 36:53
How Critically Acclaimed Author Tracy O'Neill Writes
Jun 28, 2024 – 36:45
Living the Dream with Jeff Goins
Jun 21, 2024 – 01:04:46

Recent Reviews

Cameron_BC

AIPAC ads 👎

I had enjoyed these interviews but will be unsubscribing after hearing a pro-trump ad break sponsored by AIPAC. I don’t want to listen to a show that profits from AIPAC.
Mssng Vwls...

Cut the Fluff

Just do it.
Kristina Lucia

A great podcast for writers

This is a wonderful podcast for writers! Hearing the conversations of these writers is truly amazing.
Essovaro

Very informative

I have ADHD so listening to this episode let me understand that I am not the only one struggling to sit down and write. It also helped with some suggestions I could use.
Tess Enterline

A great listen!

If you’re a writer (and even if you’re not), you’ll find listening to The Writer Files to be time well spent. Kelton Reid knows how to interview a writer and keeps it interesting.
1979Camaro

My Favorite Podcast on Writing

Just began listening to the show, starting from the first episodes and absolutely love it. Such a fantastic show for writers.
James McAndrew

The Best

Consistently the best podcast for aspiring writers. High-powered guests, with poignant questions posed by an intelligent host.
irma0408

Best podcast for aspiring writers

This is one of my favorite podcasts to listen to that gets into the behind the scenes of accomplished writers’ habits and working lives. And an additional benefit - Kelton’s smooth husky voice is like honey melting the jagged crevices off an English muffin. One suggestion for my own interest, wish that every author/writer was asked what books they are currently reading, or what books on writing made them biggest impact in their writing journey. I’m always looking for book recommendations! Thanks for all the work you do Kelton!
Defends

Politics Intrudes on Programming

The BLM propaganda and other political statements are not why I listen to the podcast. Surface and uninformed opinions with left wing slant detract from the content. Boo politics. The show has some quality interviews but the unnecessary political announcements make it a low priority for listening.
Maliboogal

The Podcast for Writers

This is definitely the podcast for writers! No longer are car rides spent wasting time- instead thought provoking questions on how someone changed writing focus or how they focus on writing allows us to hear the answers to the questions we would ask if given the opportunity. Kudos- and my TBR list gets longer with each episode!
Moriah Brown

Favorite podcast!

I’m currently obsessed with this podcast and it’s definitely the best podcast for writers that I’ve listened to. Would highly recommend!
Nancy AEF

The Writer Files

Thank you so much for your presentation of interviews with authors. It is exactly what I want. To learn about their process. I am so happy to have found you.
hair62

thank you

i’m so grateful for this podcast!!!!
Dmuma

Good Questions and Great Guests

Every episode I’ve listened to has given me some really useful information. Also entertaining. :)
Food Fiction

Awesome Inspiration

When I’m a little stuck or just need a little affirmation, I listen to The Writer’s File. Inevitably, I get what I need and get over the hump. Thank you!
Mauirce

Great Writing Tool

This podcast has been extremely helpful to my writing process. Thank you to all the authors and Kelton for inspiring the creators to write daily. My favorite segment is the superhero stories and the brunch dates. Keep up the great work!!!
AC780308

It would be nice

If he thought before he spoke. The hemming and hawing is really irritating.
Sushi_pie

Great free resource for any writer

I found this while browsing on Spotify podcasts, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite podcasts. Kelton interviews bestselling and well known writers across both fiction and non-fiction. The content offers very useful advice.
bandtrash🗑

Very interesting:)

I found this podcast looking for something to put on as background noise. I love it and always listen when I work on my writing. Hearing the experiences of other writers and authors is very interesting and sometimes inspiring. I also really enjoy hearing about their writing process and the process successful writers use to make their work.
agentprovocateur234

Good except

For masculine vocal fry.
Glenn K1

Love listening.

Enjoy the honesty and observations. Not your average cookie cutter writer's podcast.
Edgyice

Hits the nuts & bolts. Fantastic!👍

Great ‘cast, best one I’ve found on the topic. Hits the nuts & bolts and Stays on message. Doesn’t lose focus and start getting bogged down in ‘coffee chatter’ that can be all too frustrating. Excellent ... 5⭐️s 👍
Khaleesi-O's

It's okay.

I really enjoyed this podcast when I first discovered it, but lately it just sort of annoys me. It's always the same questions read directly from the script, and the host seems really bored/uninterested in the guests. There's been a number of times that a guest has given a great answer, but instead of following them up for more, he just sort of "uh-huh great"s and moves to the next question on the script. Meh.
Laura McK

Pretty Good

He makes the mistake a lot of podcasters make. He talks too much. Give more of the floor to the guest. Podcasters don’t need to share about how they relate to each answer the guest gives to a question. A couple of times is fine.
ZinZin1233

Great show for writers

If you are a writer or an aspiring writer, this show makes you feel like you're not alone in the world. The show is chock full of motivational stories, great tips, and amazing guests. I tune in every week.
Maeby215

The podcast i've been searching for

As an aspiring author I have been searching and searching for a way to get into the nuts and bolts of writer's styles. This is exactly that. Where, when, how, ritual, and hardware of writers! Perfect. I will say that if you listen to a bunch of these in a row the intro music gets to be a bit much.
DebraTorres1

Want to be a writer?

I often listen to this podcast on my lunch break. It’s such an incredible opportunity to get into the minds of successful writers. I’m learning that my dream to be a novelist isn’t that far reaching. These are normal people, just like you and me. Thanks Kelton, for giving me the chance to understand what it takes to be a writer and for letting me into the lives of men and women who have already marked the path.
GLR Writer

If You Write Anything, Listen to this Podcast

What a great idea. Bring on writers, ask them all the same questions and get at the heart of what makes them keep the cursor moving and the ink flowing. Learning the process that these diverse writers use can only help all us writers who dream of getting our words read and our ideas spread. This is my favorite writing podcast and look forward to it every week.
cjearly

Really insightful

Great show, great guests and a great host! Definitely worth tuning into every week.
Iphonedoyou

Awesome

This is the writing podcast I've been looking for. Fun and practical. Win-win.
jerodmorris40

Glad we turned this series into a podcast

Back when I was editing Copyblogger articles, these were some of my favorite pieces to work on. I am really glad Kelton decided to launch this as a podcast on Rainmaker.FM. Not only does his voice rival Robert Bruce’s (did I type that out loud?), but the questions are perfect to get guests to open up and allow us to learn something valuable.
Trees1A

Great format and informational

I really like the length of the interviews. Enough time to get some great Q&A and hold me captive. I definitely appreciated the type of questions from the host and the honesty from the interviewees. I'm not personally a writer but I think the topic transcends genera.