Write for Your Life Podcast
By 70Decibels
To listen to an audio podcast, mouse over the title and click Play. Open iTunes to download and subscribe to podcasts.
Podcast Description
Iain Broome and Myke Hurley talk writing, reading and all things digital. Expect thoughts, advice, nonsense and guests.
| Name | Description | Released | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
S02E16 - Waterstones, Amazon And Judging A Book By Its Cover | In this week's episode, Iain and Myke talk about book covers and the many factors you need to consider when designing one! They also cover the announcement on Monday from Waterstones, the UK's largest chain of bookstores. They've struck a deal with Amazon to sell Kindles and the industry is up in arms about it. Imagine! Show Notes: - welivehere.co.uk - The Book Seller: Waterstones Is Kissing Their Customers Goodbye Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by: Squarespace, the secret behind exceptional websites. Go to squarespace.com/70decibels to start your free trial and use the offer code '70decibels5' at checkout to get 10% off your first order. And Pear Note for Mac and iPad. The app that allows you to integrate text notes with audio, video and slides to ensure you never miss a thing. Find out more at Usefulfruit.com | 23 5 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
2 |
S02E15 - How We Read Now | Iain and Myke talk about reading in this episode. Specifically, they look at how many of us feel obligated to keep up with our reading, whether it's via our RSS reader or pile of novels by the bedside table. What about you? How do you read now? - Nerdgap: Why I Quit RSS - Cooking With Brett And Myke - The Bro Show - Booktwo: Stop Lying About What You Do Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by: Squarespace, the secret behind exceptional websites. Go to squarespace.com/70decibels to start your free trial and use the offer code '70decibels5' at checkout to get 10% off your first order. And Pear Note for Mac and iPad. The app that allows you to integrate text notes with audio, video and slides to ensure you never miss a thing. Find out more at Usefulfruit.com | 17 5 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
3 |
S02E14 - Finding your writing rhythm | In this shorter, slightly secret midweek episode, Iain talks about the importance of rhythm when you're writing, and encourages you to examine every single syllable. He goes on to use three extracts from his novel, A is for Angelica, to show you what he means. Show notes - Enter The Broome Cupboard Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by: Squarespace, the secret behind exceptional websites. Go to squarespace.com/70decibels to start your free trial and use the offer code '70decibels5' at checkout to get 10% off your first order. And Pear Note for Mac and iPad. The app that allows you to integrate text notes with audio, video and slides to ensure you never miss a thing. Find out more at Usefulfruit.com | 15 5 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
4 |
S02E13 - Tumblr, Pinterest And The Search For Perfection | Myke is back and ready to talk writing. Well, he's ready to listen to Iain talk about editing his novel, why he's decided to give Pinterest a go, and why he might yet pack up his Tumblr site and go home. Listen up. Expect singing and owls. Not at the same time. Show Notes: - WFYL: You Do Other Things When You're Not On The Internet - pinterest.com/iainbroome - Broomeshtick - In An Ideal World - Websites For Writers Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Squarespace, the secret behind exceptional websites. Go to squarespace.com/70decibels to start your free trial and use the offer code '70decibels5' at checkout to get 10% off your first order. | 3 5 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
5 |
S02E12 - Ways to help a fellow writer | Iain flies solo this week with Myke caught up in some nasty bee-related business in London. Speaking of which, topics include the London Book Fair, remembering to say something, and ways that you can help a fellow writer friend. There is also much nonsense. What do you expect? I was on my own for half an hour. Show notes - London Book Fair - Book marketing for beginners: say something Download link Subscribe in iTunes | 19 4 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
6 |
S02E11 - Research, Writing and Plausability | This week's episode is all about research. Not just how much you need to do, but how to choose which parts of it to include in your writing. Turns out that it all comes down to telling a good story and ensuring its perfectly plausible at the same time. Challenging business! Sponsors: - Drafts, the quick way to capture and share ideas - Instacast, the easiest way to listen to Podcasts on-the-go | 12 4 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
7 |
S02E10 - Why self-publishers need to be amazing | This week Iain is joined by Gary Smailes of the marvellous Bubblecow. They talk about the current 'golden era' of self-publishing and how all self-publishers really need to be amazing. It's a great insight from Gary, someone who has seen all sides of publishing and really knows his onions. Get listening! Show notes Bubblecow Gary Smailes | 5 4 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
8 |
S02E09 - 10 Killer Ways To Have A Brilliant Blog | Iain and Myke talk blogging - at last! Do you have a blogging philosophy? What platform should you be using? Can you write formulaic blog posts and keep your integrity? Oooh, controversial. All this and more in this exciting episode of the Write for Your Life podcast. Show Notes: - writeforyourlife.net - mykehurley.net - WordPress - Tumblr - Blogger | 29 3 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
9 |
S02E08 - A Case Of The Blurbs | In this week's episode Iain chats to Myke about the process of writing a blurb for his novel (tricky!). The boys also cover the challenge of finding a regular time to write amongst the madness of everyday life (also tricky!). Show Notes: - Iain's Blurb - mykehurley.net - Patrick Rhone - The Creative Penn - First Today Press - Contact Us | 22 3 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
10 |
S02E07 - Published | Iain makes an exciting announcement in this episode - his novel will be published later this year! He talks to Myke about how it all came about, what happens next and the three key traits that have helped him along the way. It's essential listening for anyone who wants to write and be published. Show Notes: - WFYL: A Very Special Announcement - The Bookseller: Legend Press Aqcuires 'Stylish' Debut - Shawn Blanc: Fanatics - IainBroome.net - Facebook.com/iainbroomeauthor | 15 3 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
11 |
S02E06 - Lord Broome Of Facebookshire | In this week's episode Iain and Myke talk about the iPad 3 and how much impact its fancy new screen will have on the reading experience. Iain then tells his story of Facebook-related woe and reflects on the dilemmas that come with trying to present yourself online in an orderly fashion. Show Notes: - Apple's iPad Video | 8 3 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
12 |
S02E05 - The Technometer | This week Iain and Myke discuss World Book Day, thinking like a business and the upcoming iPad 3 announcement, which may or may not include a brand spanking new version of Microsoft Office. For the iPad. Imagine! Show Notes: - World Book Day - Fuel Your Writing: That Book You Are Writing? It's A Startup | 1 3 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
13 |
S02E04 - You Can See the Whites of Their Eyes | This week Iain and Myke talk about the benefits of performing at spoken word nights. Can you pluck up the courage to read your work in front of an audience? You should - it's ace! The chaps also have a good old chinwag about the merits and otherwise of Apple's iBooks Author. Warning: some minor windypops occurs. Show Notes: - Cooking With Brett And Myke - Portmanteau - Words Aloud - The Bro Show - Who Writes For You (Randy Murray) - The Creative Penn (Joanna Penn) - Iain's Audioboo | 23 2 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
14 |
S02E03 - It's No Sacrifice, Just A Simple Word | This week's episode of the Write for Your Life podcast is all about sacrifice. What needs to go if you're going to get that book finished? How are you going to give that project - the one that means everything to you - the time and attention it deserves? Also: Elton John. Show Notes: - Elton John: Sacrifice (Lyrics) - Write for Your Life: 'Why great writing takes great sacrifice' - Words Aloud | 16 2 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
15 |
S02E02 - Myke Records Podcasts | In this week's exciting episode of the Write for Your Life podcast, Iain talks you through the basic principles of plain English. He also tells you why they'll make you a better writer. And that it's okay to start a sentence with the word 'and'. Show Notes: - @70Decibels - Native and the Name - How to write in plain English - Path - Path apologise in plain English - @iainbroome - Write for Your Life - Iain's Audioboo - @imyke - Contact 70Decibels This week's episode of Write for Your Life is brought to you by Phraseology, a powerful writing and editing application for the iPad. | 9 2 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
16 |
S02E01 - Not as you'd expect | Welcome to the second series of the Write for Your Life Podcast. Now that this show is part of the 70Decibels network we've decided to make some changes. The Podcast will now be hosted by Iain Broome and Myke Hurley and we are going to be focusing on other aspects of writing, like blogging for example. In this episode Iain and Myke introduce themselves, explain how they got to where they are and talk a little about where the show is going in the future. Myke also drops a medium-sized bombshell... Show Notes: - The Workshop - Sheffield Hallam University - The Bro Show - Enough - Minimalmac.com - First Today Press - The Podcasting Project - Write for Your Life - @iainbroome - @imyke | 1 2 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
17 |
#33 A sense of perspective | In this episode of the Write for Your Life podcast, the first of 2012, I talk about some of the life trials and tribulations of the last month or so and how I've tried to keep perspective. I then go on to relate that way of thinking to writing, and look at why it's important to keep your head together at all times! | 6 1 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
18 |
#32 If you don't have time, you don't have time | This episode comes to you from my local supermarket. I've been feeling bad about not having time to write recently. But with a huge house move underway, lots of high-pressure projects on at work and a wife with a gall stone operation on the horizon, maybe I shouldn't be so hard on myself. And maybe, if you've got a lot going on in your non-writing life, shouldn't be either. | 1 12 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
19 |
#31 Use your commute | We all lead such busy lives that we never get chance to think or be bored. In this episode, I suggest using your commute to switch off and let your thoughts run wild. Or to get stuck into some serious reading. | 29 11 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
20 |
#30 Get motivated, stay motivated | In this episode I'm joined by the marvellous Rob Mills to discuss the perils of writing motivation (or lack thereof). Fortunately, we've both had plenty of experience in the area, so there's plenty to talk about. | 24 11 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
21 |
#29 Cleats, car parks and writing with intent | We all have have the occasional lapse in confidence, but it's important to keep writing with intent and conviction. Just like cycling with cleated pedals. Honestly, it's exactly the same. | 14 11 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
22 |
#28 Writing and disappointment | Writing, I'm afraid to say, is pretty much a process of constant disappointment. It comes in many forms and from a wide range of sources, but it's something you have to learn to deal with as a writer. I this episode, I talk about how and why. | 10 11 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
23 |
#27 Hey writers! Why would you not be on Twitter? | I recently spoke to a bunch of design students about social media and the opportunities it brings when you're looking to build a career. The same principles apply to writers - you don't need to be on Twitter to get published or shift copies, but what an opportunity. Why would you not take it? | 27 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
24 |
#26 Two ideas are better than one | It's easy to think that when you have a good idea for a piece of writing, that's your job done. But most great pieces of work have two ideas. | 24 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
25 |
#25 Two audio tools for writers - Dropvox and Audioboo | Sometimes you just want to dictate an awesome idea, sometimes you want to publish your thoughts to the world. Dropvox and Audioboo provide two excellent ways of doing those very things. | 18 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
26 |
#24 Getting a writing job - project, projects, projects | Iain talks about what it takes to get a writing job. Basically, professional experience and good qualifications are fine, but it's what you do outside of those things that will catch an employer's eye. What do you do simply because you choose to do it? What have you created that no one else has? These are the things that will make the difference and get you noticed. | 10 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
27 |
#23 The space in between | A few thoughts on productivity for you. If you're losing time, it's probably not hours or days, it's the minutes you spend doing unnecessary tasks. It's your meddling with nonsense. The fiddling about. Much better to think about work, life and the space in between. Then figure out which bits are most important. | 5 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
28 |
#22 Going solo and double spaces | A quick look at the future of the podcast followed by some sound advice for all those people who use a double space after a full stop. Honestly. | 3 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
29 |
#21 How to start your own podcast | In this episode, I'm joined by podcast expert, Myke Hurley. We talk about all aspects of starting a podcast, from what gear to get to the software you need, plus how to then get your episodes online. | 7 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
30 |
#20 Ideas, beating writer's block and the science behind your muse | Iain is joined by author's mentor and wizard of lightbulb moments, Tom Evans. Topics include the idea of the muse and whether there is such a thing, understanding what success and failure actually means, plus Tom answers a few of Iain's writing own concerns! Fascinating stuff, folks. | 25 8 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
31 |
#19 Writing lyrics, writing fiction | On this week's episode of the Write for Your Life podcast I'm joined by Joe Rose, musician, singer and the songwriter behind the marvellous, Native and the Name. We talk about writing songs and how the process has some similarities with writing fiction. Who'd have thought? | 17 8 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
32 |
#18 Writing to a set structure, Kindle Cloud Reader and Bruce the mechanical shark | Iain is joined by Rob Mills, studio manager and copywriter for Bluegg design agency and author of Designing the Invisible, published by Five Simple Steps. They talk about writing to a set structure and how it can determine your approach. There is also talk of Amazon. And Sharks. | 11 8 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
33 |
#17 Seven-week books, airport writing and announcing the Write for Your Life shop | Iain and Manuela discuss the ins and outs of writing a book in seven weeks. You might even call it an argument. This episode also features regular feature, Our favourite things, where Manuela goes for the new Heathrow Laureate and Iain announces the upcoming Write for Your Life shop. | 3 8 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
34 |
#16 For love or money: what motivates you to write? | Iain and Manuela talk about what motivates them to write, although the conversation gets heavily sidetracked into the whys and wherefores of independent publishing! Some great contributions from the Twitter crew too. | 7 7 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
35 |
#15 Getting funky with rhythm and prose | Iain goes solo to talk about rhythm in writing, specifically when it comes to prose. He even reads a bit of his novel to show you what he means. Imagine. Also, some talk of the suspended John Llewellyn Rhys Prize for 2011 and a near-crowdfunding. | 30 6 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
36 |
#14 Large writing projects, Olympic poetry and Unbound | Iain and Manuela talk about what it's like to be faced with a large, daunting writing project, a new poetry festival to coincide with the Olympics next year and an interesting new service for authors called Unbound. | 1 6 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
37 |
#13 Don't be scared to change direction | Iain and Manuela talk about the tough decisions writers have to make when they need to change direction with their work. In 'Our Favourite Things', Iain also talks about Keeping it Straight, a new book by Patrick Rhone. | 4 5 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
38 |
#12 Do as you're told: the submission process for writers | Iain and Donna Sørensen talk about the process of submitting work to literary agents, magazine, publishers and competitions. Other topics include the Do Lectures and how not to receive criticism of your writing. Contains minor horseplay. | 6 4 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
39 |
#11 Writing advice and upcoming changes to Write for Your Life | Iain talks about the tricky nature of offering advice to writers and looks ahead to upcoming changes to the site. | 24 3 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
40 |
Hypergraphia - do you feel compelled to write? | Iain and Manuela talk about the compulsion to write (or lack thereof). Regular feature, our favourite things looks at the iPad 2, Random House and World Book Night. | 10 3 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
41 |
Being a writer, being a brand | In this podcast, Iain and Manuela revisit the thorny topic of personal branding for writers (and other artists too). Should you behave yourself or is it better to be a social media maverick? Also, this week's 'favourite things' include National Book Night and a post on metadata by Enhanced Editions. | 24 2 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
42 |
Libraries (our wonderful libraries) and the best rejection letter ever | Iain is joined by widely published children's author, Kathryn White, to discuss the proposed closure of so many of the UK's public libraries. Iain also shares his favourite thing this week - a rejection letter sent to Gertrude Stein. Incredible. | 10 2 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
43 |
Writing confidence: how to deal with it and how to get it back | In this latest podcast Iain talks about writing confidence, including how to deal with a lack of it and what you can do to get your confidence back. He also plugs Read & Trust, a new group of writers who you really rather might like. | 27 1 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
44 |
Writing and place, famous writers' pubs and (sort of) hate mail | Iain and Manuela talk about the idea of 'place' and how it can be used in different ways in your writing. A new feature, 'My favourite thing...' sees chat about drinking holes of famous writers and Iain's first blogging-related hate mail. | 13 1 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
45 |
The iPad for writers: how it feels, why I recommend it and the applications I use | A writer's eye view of the iPad, including what it's physically like to write with and what applications to use. | 2 11 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
46 |
Glassesgate, green publishing and defending literary agents | Iain looks at the dramatic theft of Joanthan Franzen's spectacles and whether e-readers are in fact greener than printed books. He also defends the role of literary agents, editors et al in a changing industry. | 7 10 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
47 |
Reading at and setting up a spoken word event | In this episode Iain chats to Manuela Boyle about spoken word nights, including how to set one up and the benefits of performing your work. He also talks arts funding with Donna Sørensen from the Irish Writers Centre in Dublin. Regular feature, 'In the news', covers tips for a better physcological approach to writing. | 28 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
48 |
Copywriting versus creative writing | Episode 2 of the Write for Your Life podcast sees Iain and Manuela discuss the merits and complications of combining both a copywriting and creative writing career. Other topics include writing distractions, blogging every day (or otherwise) and the future of Write for Your Life. | 11 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
49 |
Me, me, me! | The first ever Write for Your Life podcast, which gives you a bit more background about, erm, me (Iain) and a spoken word rendition of last month's most popular post. | 8 2 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 49 Episodes |
Customer Reviews
Fantastic, Informative work.
This podcast is a great addition to the website. I love Write for Your Life. Iain Broome is hugely influential for writers of any kind, and his wisdom is often applicable to those the write personal blogs, as well as professional writers.
I not only highly recommend this podcast, I implore you to listen.
More importantly, subscribe to the website as well as the podcast. You'll be a better writer for it.
Great listen
I'm not even a writer or have any intention of writing a book, however, I do read a lot so find this podcast really informative on the amount of effort which goes into a published book.
Easy listening, and very enjoyable.
Listeners also subscribed to

- The Literary Salon
- Damian Barr
- View In iTunes

- Bailey's Writing Tips
- Morgen Bailey
- View In iTunes

- The Novel Experience
- Nicola Furlong
- View In iTunes

- The Creative Writing Podcast
- Monique stone
- View In iTunes






