I like the podcast overall, but do wish she would split up the updates and news into a separate episode. I’m very much a “get to the point” listener, and fast forwarding through half of each episode isn’t practical. However, that is my only complaint. Production quality is good, and it’s clear she puts a lot of effort into every episode.

All I can say is I adore Joanna, look forward to listening even when the topic or guest doesn’t really relate to what I’m doing, it’s always fun to join in for the ride. Also a rec for new listeners: the first 20 minutes are always updates, some personal but also news and resources so listen to that each episode at least if you don’t have interest in the main topic or interview.

I love this podcast! Joanna is intelligent, articulate, and a delight to listen to. She is generous in sharing her research, knowledge, and experience. She is a talented interviewer. She asks great questions and is not afraid to challenge her guests but always does so respectfully. Best of all she doesn’t get political (thank you thank you, Joanna, for not going there). 5 stars, highly recommend!

I love listening to Joanna’s podcast. She talks with a wide variety of experts in the author ecosystem. Her encouragement to be more human and more authentically yourself really resonates with me.

Joanna is really one of the founding authors of self-publishing. Her solo episodes and interviews provide for a lovely listening experience that leaves you inspired and excited to apply all that you've learned. Thank you Joanna!

Nuanced and incredibly helpful insights about writing and publishing are some of the reasons I keep listening. Penn is gifted at seeing future trends and changes. Her insights into the ways the industry is changing is next-level, and her information is practical and helpful. It is a delight to listen!

This podcast is always insightful and I enjoy the interview portion. Great advice that has helped me with my writing!

Joanna Penn is informative and generous with her knowledge and expertise of writing. I always learn something from her.

Joanna Penn has year in and year out provided quality content and advice for both aspiring and published authors. She is the absolute gold standard for writing and publishing advice. It is amazing that she’s generated 700 episodes of a podcast while simultaneously writing and publishing her own work. If you are new to writing, you can’t do better than following the Creative Penn. Her consistency and commitment to producing quality content will inspire you, if nothing else does.

As a totally blind author, I find this podcast quite helpful. The resources are always given out. Well, things are spelled out nicely, websites, easy to determine from what is said. IM grateful and appreciative of this podcast. I hope to find the email address online as I was not able to understand it fully when it was said out loud and I would love to send an email with my comments and answer to the questions on the show. that might be something to think about when saying the email address. Spell it out. Thanks and have a great day.

Joanna Penn’s podcast is absolutely the best source out there for authors today, particularly independent authors. She has terrific guests whose topics cover the gamut from craft to marketing to business strategies, and beyond. It’s must-listen material for anyone interested in writing and publishing.

There are many episode titles that sound like you'll garner a wonderful education listening to this podcast. Well, maybe. First you have to go through no less than 25 minutes and as long as 30 minutes of nonsense. She talks about what she's doing personally, what conferences she's going to, and so on. This may be of interest to those who know her but none of it will help improve your writing. Just when you think she's about to get to the subject, she reads listener reviews and talks about the pictures they sent her. Then the show begins...oh wait, no! We now must hear her overlong advertisements. When her guest does finally show up you may get a 5 - 10 minute discussion about the subject she promised but then they're off on more tangents. I thought for sure the first episode I listened to was an anomoly, but no. That's her show. You may get good information from The Creative Penn, I'm sure there's much to learn in her over 300 episodes but if you want to spend an hour each week improving your craft there are far better options than wasting your time on this.

Joanna Penn always exceeds my expectations when it comes to giving me value for my time and money spent for her products.

I downloaded an episode wanting to learn tips on writing a particular genre. The first 25 minutes of the show had nothing to do with the episode title/stated focus. I can understand how some listeners may have found that intro info helpful but suggest making that content its own episode with a title noting this.

Joanna Penn is THE podcast for independent authors. Every episode is filled with information covering trends and tips and inspiration. Always upbeat and interesting, Joanna is a shining light in the sometimes confusing and scary world of the entrepreneur author. Thank you, Joanna!

Joanna has created an incredible podcast full of conversations to inspire, trends to follow, and tips to learn. I’ve listened to quite a few, from John Truby’s interview on story genres to episodes about integrating AI. A must-listen for any budding or established writers!

Joanna has been doing this show for over 10 years and has been guiding and inspiring independent authors to success. All authors must follow The Creative Penn!! Thanks for everything Joanna! You’re awesome!

This podcast pushes me past my comfort zone and challenges me to try new tools! My author journey would not be nearly as much fun or fruitful without Joanna Penn!

Joanna is my go-to for almost anything industry-wide in the writing world, past, present and future. Sounds like an exaggeration until you listen to an episode. There is no one who is as well read or experienced as she is. Fantastic!

Joanna is a pillar of indie publishing. Thank you so much for continuing to share your point of view in this ever changing business. You have left a mark on so many writers, and I count myself lucky to have found your work. Your books and podcast have likely shaved years of research off of my journey, and I am grateful.

I love Mondays because I so look forward to Joanna’s podcast -packed with useful info. Whether you’re am Indy or trad author, this is a must-inspiring and motivating!

I listen to the creative penn podcasts every day during my walk . Sometimes I have to stop and write things down on my phone so I don’t forget before I get home. You have wonderful guests and you’re so helpful too, Joanna. Thanks for continuing to show struggling writers the path to writing and publishing. Warmly, Vonnie Kennedy

Many things occur to me while I’m listening to this podcast Number one is that every single person here seems to have extraordinary privilege They talk about maids and buying ads and ROI and are using marketing lingo which are things that people who are on the lower end of the pay scale (or who have NO online biz background) might not be familiar with so I have a feeling that these people are talking down to an awful lot of authors who have maybe written ONE book, or none yet. It’s absolutely ridiculous that a person cannot get a lot of sales out of one book. They have to write 80 before they can really get any “traction”. This may be just a complaint against the industry as a whole rather than the podcast but still… Too much lingo —maybe label podcasts for beginner novice and advanced also speaking to Amazon there should be something that Amazon was to begin with — someone selling books and only books online better than Amazon

I have been listening to Joanna's weekly Creative Penn podcast for several years now (also her "in-betweenie episodes" on tech and futuristic topics). I can't imagine starting my week without listening to her personal catchup, her sage advice and her wonderful interviews. She excels at directing her guests to talk about the most pertinent aspects of the topic, and she guides the conversation in such a way that the topic is fully fleshed out at the end of 30-45 minutes. Since she has such a large audience, she can afford to be picky about her guests, so you're assured of getting the best on a particular topic. Do start listening to The Creative Penn every week, if you don't already do so. Well worth it!

I’ve been a listener of the show for years, it just keeps getting better. If you are or want to be in the self-publishing world, this podcast should be on your weekly schedule. There’s something for all types of self-published authors here!

Required listening for anyone interested in self publishing.

Thank you for sharing your travel experience with Dubai and the call to the faithful. I’m a Muslim and I loved hearing that you felt grateful because that’s the foundation of our belief- gratitude. Thank you for your words and it’s a pleasure listening to your podcast. I am very grateful for you snd your work for the writing community. Aishah

If you had to choose one source for comprehensive information for independent authors, this is it. Joanna Penn’s episodes cover the gamut. She does thorough research and distills the best of it into expertly composed, engagingly delivered episodes that cover the gamut of perennial and emerging must-know topics. Her transcripts and other show notes are incredibly useful resources. I’ll be mining them for years to come.

Joanna Penn is a great podcast host. I love her futuristic content, and she interviews a broad spectrum of guests on all aspects of writing, publishing, and promoting books. My go-to podcast for inspiration and information for authors. Thanks Joanna!

Love Joanna’s and her guests’ take on the business and craft of publishing!

If you’re a writer, you need to hear what Joanna Penn has to say. Novelists, non-fiction authors, poets, and comic book creators, traditionally published, self-published, or unpublished, this podcast is for you! Joanna has guidance for you wherever you are on your writing or publishing journey. She’ll keep you up to date on the latest news, expand your horizons, and brighten your spirits with her positivity and adorable British accent.

The rest wouldn't fit and there is a lot more. Keep in mind, I’m 12 The Anarchy I will tell you the tale of the American’s 2nd civil war. The USA had taken control of South, Central, and North America The civil war started when we voted for new president. It ended in an exact tie then a group of people riled up some non-voters and pressured them into voting for Kalan Salter so Kalan won by 217 votes. But the voters for Ben Lackey were outraged. Ben was an instigator kind of president who, if threatened, would attack with full force. Kalan, on the other hand, was an arbitrator, a man who would go around problems or conflicts if he could. Since Ben barely lost he was extremely angry so he decided to split America in two just like 1860. He made his own country called the Union of States and Territories or the UST. The USA has lost billions of dollars with the creation of the UST. Unfortunately because Kalan Salter was an arbitrator he disliked war and was against battling with the UST. But Kalen was pressured by the legislature and fueled by his anger that Ben just ripped his country apart and declared war on the UST. Ben had the west of America which had the Air Force Headquarters so he had many planes. And Ben immediately sent the planes to Kalan after he declared war. Kalan had boats and Infantrymen. After a few months of war the middle of the old USA was a dystopia. Poking your head out of your tent was considered an act of great bravery because anything moving would be shot on sight by the military of the UST. The center of the broken world we call America was just a large junkyard of barbed wire and tents and broken down houses. It was filled with troops whose minds have been molded to think killing innocent people was for the best. No matter where you look you only see guns and grenades and all you can hear is gunfire and bombs bursting and the blood curdling screams of the brave men who are dying. The UST is winning this terrible war but Kalan has changed. He won’t back down. He is getting courageous. Maybe even too courageous for his own good. After some time of war Kalan gave a speech. Most if not all people there thought that he would end the the everlasting battle called war but he actually said, “We will be releasing a bomb upon the UST'' A few hours after the speech, the people in the middle of the USA (which people now call the Center Grounds) saw a plane fly over them a drop a bomb. And when it hit the ground there was a flash of light and a burning explosion and anyone within a mile was killed by the blast. Anyone who was outside the blast radius was horrified by the bomb and even the USA soldiers who were in the Center Grounds felt the need to retaliate. This act was showing that Kalan was getting desperate. He was not a very good military leader and has squandered most of his resources and all he has left is some planes and many bombs. The Center Grounds had joined together and created the Central Region or the CR. They nominated Cole Pendleton for leader. The CR and the UST have become an alliance against the USA. The government of the USA is starting to doubt the leadership of Kalan. While the government was holding an election to replace Kalan the CR and UST attacked. Soldiers threw canisters of tear gas into the Main Hall and soldiers filed in and kidnapped Kalan and the two nominees for leader. And then the UST and CR executed all 3. After 20 minutes people could finally grasp the situation and they figured out the had no good leader. They had been kidnapped by UST and CR Soon the CR was now part UST. The USA had no choice but to surrender to the UST. Everyone was under the central government but the US was torn apart and the American dream was shattered. Everyone was a servant to the UST. America was now a dictatorship. The followers of the old USA were disgusted by this terrible turn of events and riots were underway. Soon, after many riots, armed guards were stationed in every neighborhood. Screams of terror rang out whenever guards searched someone’s house and found plans to leave the UST or plots to assassinate Ben, the new dictator. Random arsons started happening and Ben claimed “It has nothing to do with me. There is a random arsonist in our midst” but no one believed him. A man named James had started many riots and was against Ben. In fact when the military burned his house down a singed paper came floating down it had the last part of a poem he wrote. It read, “And after this I will always strive For peace, and freedom, and everyone’s lives” This situation was becoming more and more hopeless. Everyone who was brave enough to fight was immediately shot down. (To be continued)

This podcast delivers first-class information every week and Joanna is always there. It’s like having a constant friend who never lets you down. Much appreciated!

I tuned into the episode on World Building and it took over 20 minutes for her to begin the subject!

Joanna, host of the Creative Penn podcast, highlights all aspects of writing and more in this can’t miss podcast! The host and expert guests offer insightful advice and information that is helpful to anyone that listens!

Besides being entertaining, the information in this podcast has put more money in my bank account... I'm a patron for life!

When I finish my Middle Grade Novel series, podcast and non-fiction books on Parenting I will have to give a lot of the credit to Joanna Penn for not only her informative interviews and professional experience, but for her encouraging and fun personality. I never miss a week.

This is one of the few podcasts I listen to every time it is released. Joanna combines hot-off-the-press updates from the creative business community with engaging interviews and thoughtful questions and tips about writing books and running a publishing business. Highly recommended to authors, entrepreneurs and even tech enthusiasts!

Maybe it’s just the episode I’ve listened to after deciding to check out the creative pen after hearing her speak over on the story studio podcast. 23 minutes in and the actual information this episode was supposed to be about (outlining a novel) actually starts. Before that it felt like a constant loop of advertisements. I will circle back on a new episode and will change my review if this was an anomaly, the actual interview portion was good, it just could have been done in a more concise manner.

Joanna is knowledgeable, professional and a delight. Her advice is sound, and delivered in an encouraging manner. Love this podcast!

I discovered this podcast a couple of weeks ago and have already listened to several episodes! I thoroughly enjoy the host’s voice, her interview manners, her questions and answers etc.. she’s is knowledgeable and knows how to convey that to the listener. I’m a new author - working on editing my very first middle grade book. So I’m devouring any episode she has on editing and self and traditional publishing. I love her advice and that of her guests! Brilliant!

I have listened now for 1.5 years, every week. Frankly, I judge other podcasts using her podcast as the standard. Few measure up. Her knowledge, communication skills, curiosity, and authenticity are a joy and a gift. I love this podcast!

I started listening to this podcast, and I am a beginning writer which this has helped so much! She gave me confidence that I can actually do this especially with me having a disability (without her actually saying it) (I process things more slower in my mind than others). When I am feeling down her confidence boasts myself back up. The point is anything accomplished is never going to be easy, but it is NOT impossible. Thank you for helping me see I can actually be a writer!

I first checked out The Creative Penn years ago when it interviewed one of my favorite authors, Rachel Aaron. Since then I have been absolutely hooked. The host, Joanna Penn, is just so positive and encouraging. I think it’s safe to say that had she not been there to show me the ropes of indie publishing, I would not have had the guts to take my creative future into my own hands. With my third novel coming out next month, I figured it was past time to thank Joanna with a 5-star review.

Can't say enough about how helpful Joanna Penn's podcast has been to help me rejuvenate my mature self-publishing business and take it to the next level. There's plenty here for new writers, too, but if you're starting to experience career fatigue managing lots of titles, this podcast is invaluable. I highly recommend becoming a patron on Patreon so you have access to the catalogue of Q&A episodes. Thank you, Joanna!

I love everything about this podcast. I love her news and notes in the beginning. I love how she can get in depth interviews done with BOTH the host and her guest very comfortable with each other. I love Joanna's British (Australian?) accent. I love ... What's that? For a second there, I thought my wife was behind me reading this review... she's not. All is well. I just love everything about Joanna's podcast. Natural, informative, funny and up-lifting.

Joanna, your podcast has inspired me in so many ways. Not only do I listen regularly, I take notes on all the advice given by you and your amazing guest hosts. Listening to your show feels like having a conversation with a friend about our book journeys. Please keep doing all that you do for authors everywhere.

I wish I had started listening to this podcast years ago. Excellent, and extremely useful info. I feel much more confident with my marketing plan for the coming year.

One of my new favorite podcasts. Interesting/useful interviews. Lots of food for thought for writers. Love how the host keeps us in the loop on trends in publishing, including tech trends that will affect writers. Highly recommend!

Every episode provides something useful to help better me as an author or to help better my business. I also look forward to the weekly updates of what’s happening in the publishing industry. This podcast is a must listen for me!