Podcasts for Indie Authors

My new favorite thing? Podcasts.

Holy cow, there is so much information available for writers on podcasts. Call me a slow learner, but before reading a post by another blogger, I hadn't considered podcasts as a learning tool for writers. (I wish I could remember the blogger's name who turned me on to podcasts for indie authors. If I ever find out his name, I'll be sure to update this post.)

New to podcasts? Here's what you can do:

• Go to Stitcher.com or download the free Stitcher app from the app store
• Create a Stitcher account
• Browse shows based on your interests (publishing, writing children's books, current events, whatever)
• Sift through the many choices (I typed in "Indie Publishing" and over 500 shows popped up)
• Add interesting shows to your list
• When you're ready to listen, download a show and play

The blogger-I-can't-remember had given a few suggestions, and so far I've tried four. I like them all and would highly recommend them. Here they are in the order of my preference:

1. Joanna Penn from the Creative Penn--Most of us have read Joanna's blog, The Creative Penn. Her podcasts are produced with the same topics in mind. She asks pointed questions in her interviews and boils it down for all authors--the small time and big time. Her podcasts focus on indie publishing, but there's plenty of information for all writers and publishers. Plus she has a cool accent.
2. Rocking Self Publishing--Simon, a guy who also has a cool British accent, has great interviews with successful indie authors who offer inspiration and nuts and bolts ideas. His style is relaxed and friendly. He has a great way of turning the conversation back to the topic at hand.
3. Sell More Books Show--This weekly podcast, hosted by Jim Kukral and Bryan Cohen, has a nice back and forth style. They go through the top five publishing news events from the week and offer their opinions. It's interesting to see their take on current publishing news, like Amazon's new preorder option for indies.
4. Self Publishing Podcast--This podcast, hosted by Johnny, Sean and Dave, is entertaining but packed full of colorful language--just a warning. They do a bit of self promo, but it's done in a way that gives authors ideas of what can work and what's worth trying. These guys are fearless and innovative.

Listening to podcasts is an entertaining and productive thing to do while walking or hiking. I simply download a show before my workout, then learn while I'm on the go.

Do you listen to podcasts? If so, are there any you can add to the list? Do you listen to other podcasts? Please share!

iTunes University for Writers

Have you been to iTunes University yet? It's a cool app where lectures by university professors are available for free. Here's the description from Apple:

The iTunes U app gives you access to complete courses from leading universities and other schools--plus the world's largest digital catalog of free education content--right on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. Whether you're majoring in molecular biology at a university, taking Spanish in high school, or just interested in European history, you now have a valuable tool to help you learn anytime, anywhere.

When I first heard about iTunes U, I wondered if there were any goodies for writers. And yep, there are! All you have to do is download the free  iTunes U app.

Here are some podcasts that might interest you (BTW, I couldn't bring up links on my Macbook, only on my iPhone. Operator error? Perhaps!):

Search Results for "Writing"

Writing Creatively: Fiction

Writing Creatively: Plays

Writing Creatively: Poetry

Mass Communication Writing (Blogging, Advertising)

Advanced Research and Writing

Criminal Justice Research and Writing

Search Results for "Literature"

Postcolonial Literature for Children

History of Children's Literature

Studies in World Literatures

Genres in Children's Literature

12th Grade British Literature

Search Results for "Storytelling"

Using Digital Storytelling to Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

Search Results for "Characterization"
Literary Concepts Made Easy

Search Results for "Books"

Classroom Applications for Media-rich Interactive Books

Search Results for "Book Publishing"
Continuing Studies: Writing

Search Results for "Book Marketing"
Stanford Professional Publishing Courses

And just because she's awesome...Search Results for "Austen"

The Novels of Jane Austen

The course list is huge! It was fun to search and search and search and see all that's available out there for us. Not only for writing, but for anything else that interests us. Cool, huh?

Have you heard of iTunes U? Have you listened to any of the podcasts? Or studied the course material? I'd love to hear your opinion.

photo credit