The Write Atmosphere: A Podcast for Writers

On this episode, we’re joined by Gary A. Keith. Author, essayist, and longtime Austin observer, for a conversation about the writing process behind fiction, nonfiction, and essays. We talk about where ideas come from, how stories take shape, and the differences between writing novels, political nonfiction, and personal essays.

Gary is the author of Austin Blues and The Mansions on Woodlawn Boulevard, and previously wrote exten...

In this episode, we sit down with author Elinor Tambourine to discuss the writing process, navigating creativity through neurodivergency, and what it really takes to finally get the book done. From overcoming challenges to embracing unique ways of thinking, this conversation offers encouragement and insight for writers at every stage of their journey.

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Author for over 30 years! We talk to author Matt Peterson on writing process, exploring different genres and selling your book.

Matt Peterson is the pen name for Cisco Gonzalez, an American author who writes fictional stories with a comedic twist. As a military brat, he grew up all over the place. He enjoys any well-written and funny fiction and is influenced by authors such as Christopher Moore, John Scalzi, and Martha Wells. He c...

Andrea Jo DeWerd is a book marketing strategist, publishing consultant, speaker, and founder of the future of agency LLC, the industry’s only full-service book marketing agency headquartered in Brooklyn, NY. A veteran of Big 5 publishing with more than 107 career New York Times bestsellers, Andrea has led campaigns across commercial and literary fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, business, wellness, cookbooks, and major l...

Megan Sells holds an M.F.A. in Acting and Directing from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Before joining the publishing world, they spent years developing new plays with theatre companies such as the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. That background informs their uniquely embodied, character-driven approach to editing.

They have edited over two dozen books across genres including specula...

On this episode we'll be talking with our guest Marcus Batterbury on Writing the Truth: Craft, Courage, and the Memoir Journey. We explore the path of a memoirist, from the inspiration behind his story to the lessons learned along the way. Our guest shares insights on the challenges and breakthroughs of being an author, reflections on the writing and editing process, and how to craft stories that truly resonate with readers. We als...

In this episode, we explore the power of confessional writing and how deeply personal experiences can be transformed into compelling stories that resonate with readers. We discuss the craft of turning vulnerability, memory, and lived experience into narratives that feel both intimate and universal.

We also look at breaking the norms of indie publishing—especially as a non-genre or literary author. From building credibility whi...

In this episode, we talk with a work-from-home mom and writer who has spent more than twenty years building a writing life while balancing family, freelance work, and the everyday demands of home. She shares honest insights into what it really takes to keep writing when time is limited and responsibilities are many.

We discuss practical strategies for finding time to write, prioritizing creative projects, building a freelance career...

In this episode, we talk with a former LAPD lieutenant whose unexpected second act as an Uber driver led to more than 10,000 rides—and ultimately to the memoir Chasing the Surge: Ten Thousand Rides into the American Night. What began as a post-career pivot became a powerful lens into the lives, struggles, and surprising moments shared by strangers in the back seat.
We explore how real-life encounters can become compelling ...

In this episode, we talk with author James Blakey about two important parts of building a writing career: selling books in person and publishing short stories. James shares practical advice on finding the best venues for authors, such as conventions, libraries, book festivals, and craft markets, along with tips for setting up an engaging table, interacting with readers, and perfecting your pitch. We also dive into the world of shor...

Build a brand, cultivate your audience, always have the next book poised to release: that's all, rather broad advice for authors who want to learn how to write full-time. You hear these things all the time for a reason, though; it's just a matter of figuring out how to do it all. Author and book coach Lisa Daily has collected techniques from various 7-figure authors, and is here to lay out what you need to do to take...

Beta reader feedback can be such an important tool to writers as they polish their manuscripts, and it can also be an overwhelming challenge to incorporate. From soliciting readers to receiving feedback, from internalizing conflicting perspectives to inputting the changes you decide to keep, it's a lengthy but invaluable process. Historical fiction author Beth Ford knows her way around the beta reader block, and she's here to lay o...

To get an MFA or not to get an MFA is a question that many serious writers ponder at some point in their writing careers, and there is, of course, no “right” answer; it depends on each individual writer. However, in a time when it seems like an MFA is a necessary step in a writer's career, some voices are cropping up to point out that often the opposite can be true. Acclaimed author and MFA professor Randall Silvis lays...

With each new personality test comes a fresh perspective on developing and writing compelling characters for your stories, and the Myers-Briggs Index is no exception. With four axes of personality descriptions combined into 16 distinct personality types, the Myers-Briggs Index can also be used to write character development. A.W. Baldwin, multi-award-winning author, talks through how to shape and sharpen your characters using the M...

Celebrities and social media influencers are the biggest phenomenon in influencing buying practices we've seen yet, and even just one influencer shouting out your book can completely change its sales trajectory for the better. Getting your book in front of celebrities and influencers is an interesting--not impossible--task. Emily Florence, a former entertainment publicist for shows like American Idol and Gilmore Girls as well as a ...