Podcasts: an Open Book blog post

Welcome to Open Book Blog Hop. You can find us every Monday talking about the writing life. I hope you'll check out all the posts: you'll find the links at the bottom of this post.

Today's question: Do you do podcasts? Either as the host or as a guest? How do you prepare for them?

Podcasts are something I wish I had more time for, both as a consumer, a guest, and a potential creator. But there are only so many hours in the day! 

I seem to do more video shows, which one could argue are just another form of podcast. For example, here's a panel discussion I participated in recently with B Cubed Press, the press that published my most recent short story "No Country for Young Women" in Post-Roe Alternatives: Fighting Back. 

And here's one from this spring on Women in Horror. 

So far as audio-only programs, I've had a few guest spots. I like audio podcasts a little better than video appearances, if only because I don't have to think about what I look like and worry about whether I'm making a derp face. 

Here's my appearance on "There's stories everywhere": 

and another on Women's Writes. 

Podcasts are also publication opportunities these days. I've started to submit my work for audio publication.  My short story "Poison" was featured on Manawaker Studio's Flash Fiction podcast: 

And "Moondance" was on Night's End. 

I really enjoy these opportunities. It really makes me feel like I'm in the future to be able to talk writing with people around the world without leaving my house. 

A lot of podcast and interview shows are spontaneous, so I don't necessarily do much in the way of preparation. After years as a teacher, I'm comfortable with speaking "on my feet" without knowing too much about's coming in advance. Of course, if I'm given a list of questions or a topic, I make some notes to make sure I don't fall into a long um………… while I try to remember the name of the book I wanted to cite or something like that. 

Sometimes, if there's a reading involved, I'll practice, both to make sure that my selection fits the time limits and that I can read it aloud smoothly. 

So far, I haven't done my own podcast, but I could totally see myself doing that in the future. Maybe when I get rich and famous and quit the day job (or more likely, after I retire). I do have a YouTube channel, where I put up video readings, poetry appreciation, and writing life talks from time to time. 

How about you? Do you listen to, record, or participate in podcasts? 

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