Writer's Routine

146

How do the best writers get to work?


In every episode, we'll chat to an author about what they do through a day. Where do they work? What time do they start? How do they plan their time and maximise their creativity, in order to plot and publish a bestseller?


Some are frantic night-owls, others roll out of bed into their desks, and a few lock themselves away in the woods - but none have a regular 9 to 5, and we'll find out how they've managed it.


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Recent Episodes
  • M.G. Leonard, author of 'Hunt for the Golden Scarab' - British Book Award Winner discusses making your work stand out, an ideal working day, and living your research
    May 8, 2025 – 56:49
  • Hanna Thomas Uose, author of 'Who Wants to Live Forever' - Debut writer discusses getting specific with questions, going back to study, and the pressure of a good ending
    May 1, 2025 – 53:39
  • Robert Whitlow, author of 'Guilty Until Innocent' - Suspense Thriller author discusses keeping characters fresh, being relaxed about getting the words done, and why the secret is consistency
    Apr 17, 2025 – 57:44
  • Jennifer Saint, author of 'Hera' - Sunday Times Bestseller discusses writing what you know YOUR readers will love, teasing yourself into work, and the point of mythology
    Apr 10, 2025 – 1:01:57
  • Paul S. Edwards, author of 'The Triton Run' - Sci-Fi writer discusses working anywhere, being inspired but not derivative, and finding the right path to publication
    Apr 3, 2025 – 45:03
  • Julia Raeside, author of 'Don't Make Me Laugh' - Journalist discusses writing angry, tricking yourself to work, and telling another's story
    Mar 28, 2025 – 56:22
  • Rosaria Giorgi, author of 'The Less Unkind' - Thriller writer discusses working with The Umbrella Assassin, plotting non-linearly, and writing what you know
    Mar 21, 2025 – 52:59
  • James Alistair Henry, author of 'Pagans' - 'Green Wing' writer discusses learning from sitcoms, the joy of finishing, and a slow pace of life
    Mar 14, 2025 – 51:59
  • Maz Evans, author of 'That'll Teach Her' - Crime and Children's Bestseller discusses why everything comes from character, celebrity authors, and the only rule she has
    Mar 7, 2025 – 1:03:23
  • Imran Mahmood, author of 'Finding Sophie' - Crime writing lawyer discusses our changing attention span, pursuading a jury, and getting the words down
    Feb 28, 2025 – 52:14
  • Nick Newman, author of 'The Garden' - Award-nominated writer discusses changing audiences, feeling guilty, and balancing plot and prose
    Feb 21, 2025 – 1:08:00
  • A.F. Steadman, author of the 'Skandar ' series - Bestselling children's author discusses why experience makes things tough, a frantic five years, and trying to find your voices
    Feb 14, 2025 – 43:37
  • Laurie L. Dove, author of 'Mask of the Deer Woman' - Mystery Thriller writer discusses keeping busy, magical realism, and sneaking up on the story.
    Feb 7, 2025 – 47:24
  • Peyton Corinne, author of 'Unloved' - Romance author discusses becoming a BookTok bestseller, marketing yourself, and happy endings
    Jan 31, 2025 – 1:02:32
  • Eowyn Ivey, author of 'Black Woods, Blue Sky' - Pulitzer Prize finalist discusses magical realism, why success isn't relevant, and being tempted to write again
    Jan 24, 2025 – 48:54
  • Stephen Spotswood, author of 'Dead in the Frame' - New York Times award winner reveals what he learned from writing plays, solving mysteries like a reader, and physical fitness helping mental creativity
    Jan 17, 2025 – 57:52
  • Grady Hendrix, author of 'Witchcraft for Wayward Girls' - Horror writer discusses what readers actually want, making every word count, and why questions make horror scary
    Jan 10, 2025 – 1:08:13
  • Cathy Hayward, author of 'The Secret of the Brighton House' - Multitasker discusses dual timelines, mining trauma, and the 5 AM Club
    Dec 20, 2024 – 46:32
  • Daniel Sellers, author of 'Murder on Skye' - Crime writer discusses a through schedule, writing 3 books a year, and the change that FINALLY got him published
    Dec 13, 2024 – 1:04:34
  • Nayantara Roy, author of 'The Magnificent Ruins' - TV Executive and writer discusses comfortable sanctuaries, learning from your debut, and being influenced by culture
    Dec 6, 2024 – 56:51
  • Niall Williams, author of 'Time of the Child' - Star of Irish Literature discusses what makes a good day, the perfect opening sentence, and why he keeps writing
    Nov 29, 2024 – 42:58
  • Steven Veerapen, author of the 'Anthony Blanke' series - Historical fiction author and academic discusses morbid curiosity, sparse writing environments, and Tudor love
    Nov 22, 2024 – 50:48
  • Alex Pavesi, author of 'Ink Ribbon Red' - Thriller writer discusses why his characters will do what he wants, the routine that finally got him published, and murder mysteries
    Nov 8, 2024 – 59:27
  • Sarah Easter Collins, author of 'Things Don't Break on their Own' - Author and painter discusses showing and not telling, poetry focusing prose, and bringing themes together
    Nov 1, 2024 – 47:51
  • Louise Swanson, author of 'Lights Out' - Award-winning author discusses pseudonyms, being strict, and improving through rejections
    Oct 24, 2024 – 49:54
  • Gareth Rubin, author of 'Holmes and Moriarty' - Mystery thriller writer discusses getting Sherlock Holmes right, playing with timelines, and getting bored of the craft
    Oct 17, 2024 – 58:03
  • Molly Green, author of 'Courage for the Cabinet Girl' - Wartime novelist discusses starting early, honouring women, and building a train carriage
    Oct 10, 2024 – 41:18
  • Jodi Picoult, author of 'By Any Other Name' - Forty million copy Bestseller discusses writing for therapy, forgetting your readers, and who Shakespeare really was
    Oct 3, 2024 – 50:17
  • Ciar Byrne, author of 'A Deadly Discovery' - Gardening journalist and author discusses balancing work, starting early, and a strange path to publication
    Sep 26, 2024 – 51:55
  • Jack Strange, author of 'Look Up, Handsome' - Rom-com author discusses finding the right genre, representation, and being inspired by Hallmark movies
    Sep 20, 2024 – 50:51
  • Catherine Gray, author of 'Versions of a Girl' - Award-winning journalist talks switching to fiction, giving characters flexibility, and why taking a break from alcohol boosts creativity
    Sep 12, 2024 – 54:11
  • J.M. Hall, author of 'A Clock Stopped Dead' - Cosy Crime writer discusses working in long-hand, retirement changing things, and how working as a teacher helps tell stories
    Sep 5, 2024 – 59:50
  • Santa Montefiore, author of 'The Deverill Chronicles' - World-renowned bestseller discusses finally finding success at home, getting it written before getting it right, and why she needs spirituality
    Aug 29, 2024 – 53:30
  • Alan Rhode, author of 'The Eagle and the Cockerel' - Journalist, Lawyer and Author discusses political thrillers, writing in a second language and why concentration is subjective
    Aug 22, 2024 – 49:28
  • Catherine Steadman, author of 'Look in the Mirror' - Actor turned bestselling thriller writer discusses career pivots, character nuances, and why word count doesn't matter
    Aug 15, 2024 – 46:20
  • Milly Johnson, author of 'The Happiest Ever After' - Bestselling Romance Writer discusses keeping the concentration up, why greeting cards help novels, and how to keep the plates spinning
    Aug 8, 2024 – 54:27
  • B.P. Walter, author of 'The Garden Party' - Crime writer discusses escaping and being distracted, publishing horror, and making characters nuanced
    Aug 1, 2024 – 1:06:12
  • Amy Neff, author of 'The Days I Loved You Most' - Debut writer discusses spending 10 years with characters, getting over rejection, and why editing needs help
    Jul 25, 2024 – 49:34
  • Julietta Henderson, author of 'How to Get a Life' - Richard and Judy Book Club pick talks scattered scenes, finding the story thread, and why writing doesn't get any easier
    Jul 12, 2024 – 49:13
  • Shaun Bythell, author of 'The Diary of a Bookseller' - Scotland's most famous bookseller discusses editing diaries, why everyone loves a bookshop, and style guides
    Jun 13, 2024 – 47:24
  • Jonny Sweet, author of 'The Kellerby Code' - Screenwriter and Author discusses jokes influencing novels, why guilt is useless, and dealing with praise
    May 30, 2024 – 45:34
  • Kate Storey, author of 'The Memory Library' - Book Club author discusses why a change of genre means a change of name, whether outlining curbs creativity, and why she watches for jokes
    May 23, 2024 – 45:45
  • Alina Khawaja, author of 'Maya's Laws of Love' - How to avoid tangents which block your ideas, dealing with rejections, and trying to get better
    May 16, 2024 – 48:14
  • Samuel Burr, author of 'The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers' - Mystery writer talks about learning from making TV, spying for inspiration, and how the business actually works
    May 9, 2024 – 1:01:34
  • Caz Frear, author of 'Five Bad Deeds' - Thriller writer discusses the pressures of doing everything, getting into the right mindset, and making your day better
    May 2, 2024 – 1:00:06
  • Chioma Okereke, author of 'Water Baby' - Poet and Author discusses writing without genre, changing how you plot, and performing poetry
    Apr 25, 2024 – 54:16
  • Paul Carlucci, author of 'The Voyageur' - Acclaimed author discusses moving from short stories to novels, by inspired by fact, and learning grammar
    Apr 18, 2024 – 57:23
  • Kerry Andrew, author of 'We Are Together Because' - Award winning composer and writer discusses the search for the perfect word, imagining the worst, and finding what you really want
    Apr 11, 2024 – 54:21
  • Daisy Goodwin, author of 'Diva' - TV producer and screenwriter discusses thorough research, historical fiction, and creating legendary TV shows
    Apr 4, 2024 – 52:10
  • Max Moyer, author of 'Zodak - The Last Shielder' - Fantasy author talks world-building, stopping for 18 years, and why you don't need to be completely original
    Mar 29, 2024 – 51:24
Recent Reviews
  • green mountain cabin
    Excellent
    Always excellent questions that draw each writer out. I love listening to this podcast. One of the very best.
  • Con FB
    I’m inspired
    I look forward to hearing these authors share tips and advice, but also how they approach their stories from the first inkling. Dan is an excellent interviewer, conversational and willing to let guests meander a bit. By paying attention and following up, he mines some gold! The listener is never shortchanged.
  • Sarah1122332211
    Motivational
    Such a great podcast. Has helped me get motivated and back in the writing habit. Maybe I’ll be on the show one day!
  • Anonymous little meepmouse
    Great interviewer, Limited interviewees
    Great interviewer, he makes each one interview organic and not repetitive. I do wonder why every single author interviewed is a full-time author, which biases them to being stay-at-home parents and/or relatively economically privileged. Most published authors do still have a day job, so it doesn't feel like a representative sample.
  • Svkenn
    Excellent interviews
    I really appreciate Dan’s thoughtful questions that are not a fixed set, but vary with each guest based on what is shared. The pace and content of the episodes is excellent.
  • Lord's Bounty Farm
    Helped me say yes I can and will write :)
    Thank you Dan this is very helpful God bless you :)
  • Words are Wonderful
    Fantastic Podcast
    Writer’s Routine is one of my favorite podcasts on writing. Even though Dan asks basically the the same questions to his guests the interviews are authentic and organic. It feels like an informative question and answer conversation that flows. I have learned so much from the variety of authors.
  • rhinocwriter
    One of the very best podcasts!
    I love this podcast & the way Dan conducts the interviews. Always look forward to Fridays and a new episode. Keep up the great work Dan.
  • ba3424
    5 Stars
    Dan is a fabulous and entertaining interviewer. He always asks the follow-up questions I’m wondering and allows his guests to shine. I’ve learned some very valuable tips along the way.
  • MiepMary
    Interesting and helpful
    It’s always interesting and enjoyable to take a peek into other writers’ lives. I often get some usable tips or inspiration or at least validation of my own writing process. The interviewer is good at asking the questions and then allowing the authors to really open up. Glad I found this podcast.
  • Erin Fagan
    Engaging interviews!
    Dan Simpson’s a great interviewer and I’m really enjoying learning how all these different writers handle their writing routine. Definitely a fun podcast!
  • BRreazy
    Love this podcast
    A necessity for writers of all stripes. So much insight.
  • Nikki McMillan
    Love all episodes & congrats on getting married!
    Long time fan of your show. Love listening to your interviews during my walks and long drives. Very inspiring and interesting to listen to as an aspiring writer. Enjoy your honeymoon in Hawaii! I’m sure your audience will survive while you take a very well deserved break for a month or so for your wedding and honeymoon. Congrats!🏝️🌺
  • Finn'sDad
    Great insight for authors of all genres
    Dan does a terrific job demystifying the work of being an author though insightful and fun interviews that explore practical author routines and journeys. Well done!
  • Belle&kitty
    Such an Amazing Podcast
    I started this podcast from the beginning about a month ago. I am 15 episodes in and I love it! It’s amazing to see how successful this podcast has become. In the first episodes, you can tell Dan is unsure if his podcast will take off, and it makes me laugh that one of his episodes is recorded in his car (quality is still amazing). Well, he did it and I’m loving it! I hope you love it too!
  • andcon85
    Best
    Dan is a top man.
  • isabellex3
    Such a great podcast
    Wonderful host, wonderful content
  • Storytellerclaire
    Great stuff!
    I love this podcast. Great tips and insights from varying writers that really help inspire and empower. It’s always wonderful to hear a successful author describe doing something you’ve been telling yourself is the ‘wrong’ way. I love it and often recommend it to others.
  • EdwardJRoberts
    Great fun and lots of help!
    The best part of this show is hearing that there is no ONE way that works. Whenever I am doubting myself, this show keeps me moving forward. It has also created an interest in other genres for me. Check it out!
  • Richard SoCal
    Great guests, the questions I need addressed
    Working on my first novel, I plow through craft books and with this show Dan offers super helpful guests and the best craft questions! As I listen, it feels like I told Dan in advance what I would ask the guest.
  • gkMoberg
    Writers Routine - a winner
    Charming and always revealing, this show is tops on my list
  • An American named Kay
    Writer’s routine is part of my routine
    I love listening to Writer’s Routine. The podcast is entertaining, as well as informative. In every episode, I learn some thing that gives me insight into my own writing process and comfort to know I am not alone. It’s wonderful to know that some of the most successful writers have experienced the same fears, insecurities and struggles as the unpublished among us. Writer’s Routine has become part of my routine. I listen on the drive to and from my daily yoga class and by the time I get home, I’m full of ideas and inspiration and can’t wait to get back to work on my current project.
  • Runner bda
    Great pacing; invaluable information.
    Started from the beginning and every episode provides a new insight.
  • KelsListens
    Listen!
    Listen and notice your writerly engines move in the best way.
  • T-Mo1
    Great writing motivation!
    Perfect listening for getting you in the mood for working on your own manuscript. This is my very favorite writing podcast of the plethora out there.
  • stevesteve1414
    So great
    I love his accent and the way he gets to the bottom of his questions is just amazing I will definitely be watching the next one
  • TDawgyDogg
    A One of a Kind Show!
    Being a writer, I constantly find myself sifting through podcast after podcast trying to find the diamond in the rough. The first ever writing podcast truly enjoyed (to the point of binging) was Writer’s Routine. The interviewees are always interesting, and always have different, quirky routine. The host, Dan Simpson, is always polite (never interrupting his guests), maintains a humorous and sunny attitude, and is super attentive to his excellent production work. A definite and strong recommend, for authors and non-writers alike!
  • aeis17
    Sexist questions toward female authors
    The authors are wonderful, but it’s hard to listen to episodes when the host asks sexist questions about how female authors can write while raising children, while the male authors are not asked about such things. There’s also a tone in his voice of incredulity when interviewing women that’s not there when he does the same for men.
  • Defends
    Excellent
    Precisely what I was looking for. Methods and environments of successful writers. Excellent.
  • Jesus is fun
    Author Margie McCormick
    Love this podcast!
  • BYoak
    Dr
    Redr RS try f RT u t u Fr t de Red X us there yuetdd frets rader ft try red fry yf but fry fry try rz
  • ILoveTwinPeaks
    My favorite podcast!
    Love the host and all the fun and interesting interviews!!!
  • ARu_1010
    Helpful
    Great practical advice and interesting conversations. Well done.
  • MarsBarsPlanet
    Not enough diversity in success
    I really loved this until it was the same thing over and over again. Solution over and over again for writing success was to marry well or have inheritance and definitely be white. the one time he had a person of color it was such a hard scrabble story of a lawyer who had tons of kids and multiple jobs that it was just depresssing. Love you Dan but please find diverse successful authors.
  • Keeganhughes
    Love Writer’s Routine and Dan Simpson!
    Great inspiration and tips for writers - always fun, uplifting and encouraging! Plus I find new books to enjoy!!Thank you Dan!!
  • Grierhax
    The very best podcast for writers !
    Thank you Dan for your latest episode with Joanna Cannon. I have listened to all of your programs, but this particular one I replayed and listened to back to back. I feel this was your best. I can’t wait to get hold of her books and start to follow her work. This interview for some reason spoke volumes to me. I loved her thinking on procrastination saying, “it’s amazing how your mind will unwind if you just give it time.”I anxiously await each new program at the end of each week. Information gleaned here is well worth anyones time who struggle with a story and will only find relief by writing it out. Thank you Dan for your good work.
  • cynlinh
    5 Stars
    I am a routine/process junkie because I am a wannabe writer. Best podcast!
  • estherru
    Makes solitary work feel so communal
    I cannot count the amount of times I’ve burst into happy tears realizing there are others who care about the nuances of font choices and have figured out their own unique creative flow. Thank you, Dan Simpson, for your genuine enthusiasm for your guests and their craft. I feel so seen and encouraged in mine. (And extra motivated for publication because I wanna get niche on the pod with you!)
  • gabriellabriana
    My trick to writers block
    Love listening to published writers talk about their routines and the difficulty of writing. Great way to combat writers block for me.
  • gabjbr
    An important archive
    Dan Simpson is building such an important archive of writing processes and workflows. An invaluable resource for anyone who writes! Discovering your process is such an important part of the writing life and this podcast is endlessly inspiring in this regard. Thanks Dan!!
  • 2yrEliteTasker
    Not run of the mill
    I stopped listening to podcasts because they were all the same. Stumbled across this looking for David Baldacci interviews. Subscribed. The host is great. However, some of the writers do not interview well. You know, like when Trump's niece was interviewed about her book? But for the most part the podcast is very informative. Hearing how each has their own way of doing things puts less pressure on me. Some people believe everything is textbook. I had one "writer" in LA argue that my final draft was my first draft. After I sent her links to S. King and J. Patterson talking about how many drafts they write before complete, she shut the F up.
  • hair62
    thank you
    i just found this podcast! i have written 2 books, one was published and one was self published. now i’m learning so much that’s helping me direct my writing better. thank you!
  • Elizabeth, OR
    Favorite Writing Podcast
    I absolutely adore this podcast. I listen to it when I go walking or when I’m stuck on a writing project. Each time I listen I am reminded that I am connected a familial network of writers. We’re all in this together!
  • Podcast2020Listener
    Very enjoyable!
    Lovely podcast that gives interesting insight and keeps the listener wanting more.
  • Mark Oppenheimer
    This published author loves this show!!
    So let me say this as a professional author, currently on book tour, driving down the California coast, keeping company with episodes of this podcast: even as someone 20 years into my career, I’ve seldom been asked questions as savvy and smart as the host asks here. His guests are lucky, and we the listeners are even luckier. For aspiring writers … and those who have made it but are still working on our craft, every day.
  • Texaspatriot
    My new favorite podcast!
    I just found this podcast this week and have already listened to several episodes. It’s my new favorite podcast. Please keep the episodes coming!
  • Mott E.
    Quality
    I find too many people think they can write well, and don’t. So too, too many podcasters think they can talk about writing well, and can’t. This was an excellent interview, asking the right questions of an excellent author. I bought his book.
  • Richard in California
    Devoted listener!
    After publishing two successful books on technology, I decided to take some time to learn the art of writing fiction, and began to consult many sources on writing, books, online interviews, websites, to generally educate myself about this challenging and wonderful art form. There are many excellent books to consult, from Edith Wharton’s “The Art of Fiction,” Steven King’s “On Writing,” etc., and endless online interviews, and websites that are rich with information. One source that I have been consulting on an almost daily basis, however, is this excellent podcast. When I am relaxing, or taking a walk, I go back to these interviews again and again, because they contain so many interesting ideas, and because this constant exposure to the honest thoughts and strategies of these successful writers is so helpful for practical ideas, and for inspiration. Over time, you feel that you have joined the world’s greatest support group, because all of these writers are speaking so pragmatically about dealing with the challenge of conjuring a good story, and getting it down on the page. By focusing on the practical strategies, Dan Simpson’s interviews focus useful strategies for the listener’s own work— you’ve got the best group of mentors and consultants available. “Writers” no longer belong to some other world, with their mysterious powers, and unknown pathways to success: They are now your friends, sharing their hard won wisdom for how to do it all. They are inviting you to join the club. In short: Highly recommended. This is an essential resource for exploring the craft of writing.
  • royalty28
    Amazing!
    I truly love this podcast. On days when I’m not in the mood for writing I always find inspiration when I have a listen. Keep up the great work.
  • camokam
    Inspiring!
    I’ve listened to dozens of episodes and get something from each one of them. I think my writing has benefited but, more, my work habits have benefited. I’ve been so inspired to think about HOW I write. Thanks!
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