Whether you’re driving or cleaning, there’s nothing better than getting some on-the-go instruction. As you work on your next draft, fill your head with expertise from people who have been there before with these can’t-miss episodes on craft from the Write-minded podcast, co-hosted by Brooke Warner and Grant Faulkner.

Gain some insight from author Ben Purkert on the art of writing characters who are not always perfect, and at times, even unlikeable. This episodes dives into the many ways heinous acts are at the heart of good storytelling and if done skillfully, makes characters even more memorable. This is where craft comes in, to make an unlikable character one that is ultimately the most interesting.

Creative Writing Fellowship recipient Maggie Smith breaks conventional form in her memoir, You Could Make This Place Beautiful, discussing narration, structure, and her poet-informed writing approach in this interview, where she also expresses surprise at the book’s massive success. Tune in for insightful storytelling discussions.

This episode, gearing up for National Novel Writing Month, urges listeners to embrace the idea that attempting to write a novel is the most effective approach, emphasizing effort over outcome, while guest Kayvion Lewis suggests writing what excites you; also, don’t miss the recommended Book Trend featuring Dave Chesson’s YouTube video on Amazon’s recent category changes, titled “INSANE Amazon Category Change.”

This episode of Write-minded explores the challenges of writing about family, featuring guest Rebecca Carroll. Carroll is a writer and cultural critic who candidly shares her experiences with family fallout, her readership, literary influences like Toni Morrison, and thoughts on trans-racial adoption, offering a glimpse into how she brings radical honesty to the page.

Joined by New York Times bestselling author David Yoon, known for Frankly in Love, in a candid and humorous conversation addressing the complexities of race, culture, and identity in YA literature, as well as exploring his mission to enhance visibility for writers of color, and discussing his approach in doing so.

A bonus craft-oriented episode, Grant and Brooke interview thriller writer Andrea Bartz, delving into her writing process, including the Pomodoro Method, setting fake deadlines, and crafting discovery drafts—a perfect episode to kickstart your writing journey and a reminder of the unacknowledged knowledge writers possess.

This week, dive into discussions on aesthetic changes in writing, exploring how writers can invite change into their process and the evolving aesthetics of beloved authors. Grant and Brooke, along with guest Lan Samantha Chang, delve into writing, MFA programs, the writing-about-writing market, and the transformative power of taking time away from your work.

This week’s episode is perfect for writers reflecting on plotting—whether they love, hate, or avoid it—featuring guest Jean Hanff Korelitz, author of The Plot. The conversation delves into literary vs. commercial fiction, Jean’s take on Stephen King’s plotting advice, and her favorite books with writers as protagonists, making it a must-listen for all writers.

Revisit two compelling memoir episodes with authors who offer valuable lessons on good writing, storytelling, and creating enduring experiences. Featuring Rebecca Carroll and Jeannine Ouellette, memoirists who take their writing craft to the next level.