The First Draft Club
A podcast to help you overcome resistance and write with more joy, clarity, and confidence. If you’re working on a novel or memoir, stick around. Whether you haven‘t written a word since your 5-paragraph essay days or you have an MFA in Creative Writing, this weekly podcast is now your favorite writing companion on your journey to finish your first draft.
- Update frequency
- every 5 days
- Average duration
- 14 minutes
- Episodes
- 139
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2025
What does a book writing coach do?
I had never heard the term "book writing coach" until I became one. What does a book writing coach do, and how might one benefit you? (Video link: https://youtu.be/7aK7hKUntAo)
S03 E05 What does a book writing coach do? [Reissue]
This episode originally aired on 2/4/2021. Due to a technical issue with Apple Podcasts deleting our episodes, this is a repost. New episodes will not have this notice.
I had never heard the term "bo…
How to Get a Literary Agent: 5 Don't's
You have to get a literary agent to sell your book, and for me, this was the hardest part of getting published. Here are the 5 big mistakes to avoid. (Video link: https://youtu.be/LQJQyeIAXo8)
S03 E04 How to Get a Literary Agent: 5 Don’t’s [Reissue]
This episode originally aired on 1/28/2021. Due to a technical issue with Apple Podcasts deleting our episodes, this is a repost. New episodes will not have this notice.
You have to get a literary ag…
The Writing Generator for People Who Aren't in 7th Grade
Ever want a writing prompt but not one written for a 12-year-old working on a Halloween story? This writing prompt generator is the only one you'll ever need to jog you out of a stuck place. (Video l…
S03 E03 The Writing Generator for People Who Aren’t in 7th Grade [Reissue]
This episode originally aired on 1/21/2021. Due to a technical issue with Apple Podcasts deleting our episodes, this is a repost. New episodes will not have this notice.
Ever want a writing prompt bu…
How much can an author expect to make on a book?
What's a book advance, how is it paid out, and how do you get a really big one? Mary covers the last taboo in publishing: money. (Video link: https://youtu.be/gcgLvai4wYk)
S03 E02 How much can an author expect to make on a book? [Reissue]
This episode originally aired on 1/14/2021. Due to a technical issue with Apple Podcasts deleting our episodes, this is a repost. New episodes will not have this notice.
What's a book advance, how is…
Can anyone write a book?
The 3 things you absolutely must have in order to write a book—at least a decent one. (Video link: https://youtu.be/kdoRLY27Too)
S03 E01 Can anyone write a book? [Reissue]
This episode originally aired on 1/7/2021. Due to a technical issue with Apple Podcasts deleting our episodes, this is a repost. New episodes will not have this notice.
The 3 things you absolutely mu…
Can I write a whole novel draft on my phone?
Can you write a whole novel draft on the Notes app on your phone? Sure—Gertrude Stein basically did.
S02 E12 Can I write a whole novel draft on my phone? [Reissue]
This episode originally aired on 12/18/2020. Due to a technical issue with Apple Podcasts deleting our episodes, this is a repost. New episodes will not have this notice.
Can you write a whole novel …
What's a book auction?
Mary covers all aspects of selling your book, from getting a literary agent to signing the contract.
S02 E11 What’s a book auction? [Reissue]
This episode originally aired on 12/11/2020. Due to a technical issue with Apple Podcasts deleting our episodes, this is a repost. New episodes will not have this notice.
Mary covers all aspects of s…
When—and from whom—should I solicit feedback?
Feedback is critical, but not until the right time. Ask too early, and it can derail you. In this episode, Mary covers when, who, and how to ask for feedback on your book draft.
S02 E10 When—and from whom—should I solicit feedback? [Reissue]
This episode originally aired on 12/4/2020. Due to a technical issue with Apple Podcasts deleting our episodes, this is a repost. New episodes will not have this notice.
Feedback is critical, but not…
How do I write a solid first draft?
Revising is necessary, but not a hundred times. In this episode, Mary talks about how to nail a solid first draft so that revising isn't a nightmare.
S02 E09 How do I write a solid first draft? [Reissue]
This episode originally aired on 11/27/2020. Due to a technical issue with Apple Podcasts deleting our episodes, this is a repost. New episodes will not have this notice.
Revising is necessary, but n…
How many literary agents am I going to have to query?
To publish with a publisher, you'll likely have to get a literary agent, which requires querying them. This episode has some bad news and some good news (you're not alone).
S02 E08 How many literary agents am I going to have to query? [Reissue]
This episode originally aired on 11/20/2020. Due to a technical issue with Apple Podcasts deleting our episodes, this is a repost. New episodes will not have this notice.
To publish with a publisher,…