I Should Be Writing

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"I should be writing" is what people say, but they rarely do it. This podcast is designed to help you get past those blocks, whether it's what your teacher told you when you were a kid, to being totally sure you'll never be as good as (FAV AUTHOR) so you might as well quit.

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Recent Reviews
  • Duvni
    Love this podcast
    Mur keeps it real and gives executable advice and straight talk. Must listen for aspiring authors
  • Jim Egbort
    :)
    Impeccable vibes.
  • XmasYvonne
    Adios
    Have enjoyed this show but as a fan of comedy I can’t listen to someone preach about what humor is acceptable. All humor is acceptable in the realm of comedy… you don’t have to listen if it offends your delicate sensibilities. Stop preaching/virtue signaling. thanks
  • Oraxis
    Your Partner in Vulnerability
    Listening to the “I Should Be Writing” podcast is a bit like having coffee with an old friend who unabashedly shares their vulnerabilities with you and reminds you that it’s okay to be imperfect. I give it four, rather than five, stars because the production quality and editing can be a bit shoddy sometimes.
  • Jazzmine2023
    Fun Writing Tips, Info, & Behind the scenes info
    Mur has an entertaining way of presenting material, methods, and tips that may help with writing and life. She is also on Twitch live streaming and Patreon too. Highly recommend.
  • 12 badgers in a human costume
    Used to be good
    Unsubscribed today after realizing this show had just become a diary of an exhausted depressed writer. It used to be filled with lots of practical advice with a great message. The episodes were infrequent but loaded with good tips. Lately the show has just become a personal speakerphone where she vents about daily frustrations that vary from political opinions to being upset about her work not being more recognized. It’s a shame, I used to really enjoy it. I hope she eventually finds happiness.
  • cs_running_man
    Mur rocks
    Great practical advice. motivation, and integrity.
  • Noel Davila
    No image
    Suggestion: put an image on Apple Podcasts. Right now there’s no image or visual branding.
  • Squishmisface
    Great podcast for professionals and aspiring writers!
    Mur Lafferty covers so many degrees of what it takes to be a writer, from the big picture to the day to day. Tune in and learn something. It’s a true pleasure.
  • DJ Daddy B
    Used to be good
    You know those TV shows that go on for years past their prime? ISBW is the podcast equivalent of that. I listened since pretty much the beginning, then Ms. Lafferty allowed her personal issues and politics to pollute the direction of the show. I get enough agenda-driven media thrown at me from every direction, so I’m choosing to opt out of this podcast. That said, I wish Ms. Lafferty all the best in her writing, and all the best for her readers. Also a thank you. ISBW helped a lot when it was a wanna be writer talking to other wanna be writers. Now it’s just, well, not helpful any more.
  • wilmasterofeverything
    Amazing writing podcast! A must for any writer.
    I should be writing is the first podcast I listened to about writing and it is really one of the best. Mur, while published, brings a humanity and candor about writing life. She talks about struggles of writing, her experiences with agents, and all around pushes the listener to not give up and keep going. Listen to this podcast and be inspired!
  • DaniSubi1
    I appreciate the authenticity
    I really love especially how podcaster opens up about depression and how it affects her writing work, yet the message is still, "We can do this, we can keep moving forward." Great insights.
  • KAHCB
    Slow
    I had high hopes for this little podcast. The author seems like a very nice person, however over 50% of the (short) podcast is ramblings of her life, what she did this weekend etc. the sound quality is not consistent but it's clear. It's also kind of all over the place. The only reason I didn't stop listening 5 min in was bc she has more 5 star comments than lesser stars. That intrigued me. Now on to the second one I downloaded and it's the same personal ramblings. Going to give it another chance.
  • Caltothelay
    Three stars
    It's super informative but I wish it was more upbeat.
  • Peter Gard
    Listener for life—this podcast changed mine!
    This podcast inspired me to take writing more seriously, to start writing every day, and to even start my own podcast. After listening to a few episodes, you'll be sucked into Mur's world and crave her next monologue. Her candid, intimate way of laying everything out for her listeners from her doubts and fears, to her giddy triumphs, makes you really feel like you're along for the ride, and like her successes could happen to you. Could not recommend this more to any and all writers out there!
  • JazzieTheBoss
    Ms. Willow???
    Her voice and personality sounds just like a language arts teacher at my school... It's kinda scary! Ms. Willow is it you?????
  • @MyFavePacker
    Mighty Mur is Magnificant
    Must listen to podcast for any want to be writer or someone who just likes to hear writers talk.
  • tinac1
    Wonderful writing advice for wannabe writers
    I’ve been listening to Mur since she was a “wannabe” writer to becoming a published author, and she has always offered solid advice and encouragement. Mur is a born teacher. I’ve cut back on most of my podcasts due to time, but this is one I still look forward to seeing in my podcast feed.
  • xxbatgirlxx
    Hope you keep going!
    I stumbled around this podcast and fell in love. Thanks to Mur I am writing agian! Thanks Mur!!!
  • bqueeen
    Fabulous writing podcast by a podcasting pioneer
    I’ve been listening to ISBW since 2005, and it is hands down my FAVORITE writing podcast (well, except for Ditch Diggers, which is also amazing). You rock, Mur. Thank you.
  • geostrophi
    My favorite writing podcast
    I really benefit from mightymurs advice, and I also just enjoy listening to her. "Cloths need to get washed, kids need to be fed." She talks about integrating the writers life along with every day family responsibilities better than anyone I know. I look forward to each new episode.
  • Criswell Weatherman
    I am not a writer, but I love ISBW
    Why would someone who is not a writer listen to ISBW? At first glance it would seem to make no sense. Well, actually, I recommend it to a lot of nonwriters, for it helps keep you motivated for anything that you wish to establish as a daily habit, or that annoying daily habit you need to break. Of course, most of what is here is specific to writing, but issues of confidence, bracketing time, and other ideas to establish patterns you are cultivating and transmuting those you are working to lose. You should be listening.
  • Stardust Tesseract
    Mur has been there
    It's great to get advice from Mur Lafferty, as she began this podcast before she was a 'professional' writer, and has continued to share stories of her life to her first big sale and beyond.
  • Spoon Slayer
    Highly Recommended for All Authors
    I adore this podcast. It's not primarily practical writing advice (it has some, but if that's what you are after go to writing excuses). Instead, what Mur emphasizes is the emotional consequences and struggled of being a professional writer. I think many of us can sympathize with her struggles and it is nice to know there are others out there going through the processes of writing and self doubt. Should be required listening for all wanna-be fiction authors.
  • Rfuerer
    Love this podcast!
    High quality, common sense advice on writing. This is now my go to podcast!
  • GPellechi
    Bow before the might of Mur!
    Mur Lafferty is the host, and now published author, who talks unashamedly about writing and her own ups and downs with the process, finding an agent, getting published and even her own life. Whatever you're suffering Mur has likely gone through and her ultimate advice - you should be writing. So grab the podcast and listen to it as you tap away at the keyboard or scribble in your notebook because you won't be disappointed.
  • Brattye
    The voice inside my head has a name now
    Mur Lafferty almost perfectly embodies that little voice in the back of my head. I've been listening to back episodes since I found this gem, and the Letter to Mur episode on April 30th is absolutely what I hear sometimes. Lafferty has a great presence and confidence as she talks, and she's been in the business long enough to know how much to say and not to say. It's one of my favorite podcasts in any subject, not just writing. Thank you Mur!
  • T13 Asps
    Great!
    I don't remember how I found ISBW, but I'm glad I did. Mur is a fantastic host and I have been consistently entertained.
  • TimToon
    Dead air.
    The host's. Meandering thought process. Asides. And halting delivery will. Drive you. Mad.
  • AlanWesK
    An Excellent PodCast
    I was introduced to this podcast through another podcast on writing. The interviews Mur provides are excellent and insightful. Her own discussions are thought provoking and full of good advice. One of the things I really like about Mur, because it is so rare, is her willingness to point people in the direction of the answer if she doesn't know it. She has pointed me in so many directions and has got me writing again, so I really appreciate her advice and openness about the process of writing and publishing.
  • mmp_photos
    You Should be Listening
    I Should be Writing bills itself as the show for wanna-be fiction writers. That is a bit of misnomer. The show is really for working wannabe fiction writers. I would call them Aspiring Authors to differentiate them from the "oh I should write a novel someday" crowd. The show alternates between two formats. First is an hour-long interview show, featuring a pre-recorded conversation with a published author, including some of the top names in genre fiction. Each of these shows is followed by a Feedback Show. In these episodes the host Mur Lafferty answers emails and tweets from her fans. I Should be Writing is less about the CRAFT of writing than it is the WORK of writing. Each episode begins with Mur updating her listeners on the status of the projects she is currently working on. This involves stories about her process - and her life. She discusses what is working and what is not, and particularly whatever creative concerns she is currently struggling with. Despite the type of episode each one ends with a pep-talk, reassuring the audience that they can do it too. They can find the time to write. They can push past creative blocks. And if they just keep at it, they can improve and be successful. Beyond the content the show is also well-produced. It has excellent theme-music and predictable structure. But for occasional sound of the dog shaking its head you would forget that it was not produced in a professional studio. That makes it all the more endearing. My one complaint is the tendency for the show to pod-fade from time-to-time. It always comes back and you're always happy to see it. But every once in a while you hit the refresh button and nothing happens. A couple weeks later you might hit it again, a little harder this time hoping to shake something loose. When you finally find a new episode posted you can't wait to hear what's been happening since the last show. I recommend the show to any aspiring creative professional regardless of their medium. Anybody who wants reassurance that the creative process is a struggle, that you do get frustrated, and ultimately if you keep at it - you get better.
  • Jessbeanster
    Inspiring Podcast
    Excellent podcast, inspiring and full of great advice. It's been great following Mur on her publishing journey, and hearing her talk about writing has helped me stay focused on getting my own writing work done.
  • Phillip C.
    Really enjoy - most of the time
    The vast majority of the time I throughly enjoy listening to Mur and she motivates me to get to writing. I just wish she would avoid the tapioca moments and spread out the production of episodes a bit. Despite not agreeing with her opinions on occassion, I will keep coming back for more!
  • Mikey Stephenson
    Tremendous Podcast
    Mur delivers what "want-to-be-fiction-writers" want to hear. She is relatable, reliable, and realistic. And not too bad a writer herself. Keep it going Mur and now I should be writing.
  • Margaret R
    Keep going, Mighty Mur
    Always enjoyable, often thought provoking, sometimes inspiring. It's great to have Mur as my podcast friend.
  • Dawglb75
    Mighty Mur Is Wonderful
    I stumbled upon this podcast and have loved every second of it. Her topics of discussion are great to hear for the beginning writer. Her advice for more advanced writers provides a great pick me up. Her interview style makes it easy to listen. Yes, she does briefly get off topic at times, but not enough to ruin any podcast and she quickly returns to the topic of the show. I will continue to listen as long as this podcast is around.
  • Brian D1122
    Meh
    A lot of incoherent rambling and at times whining
  • Karma Lee Nash
    Mighty Mur Moves Me
    I turn to this podcast when I feel like throwing my keyboard out a window. Mur does not sugar-coat the writing life, but shares her own ups and downs, with blunt honesty. Great interviews, practical advice, and a glimpse into the life of a working writer. Always on my iPod. Karma Lee Nash
  • Pixy SilverRose
    Thank-you Mur
    If you're looking for encouragement with a down-to-earth voice, this is the podcast for you. Mur has access to some great people for great interviews about the writing industry. Both she and her guests tell it like it is. And it's nice to hear how she's moving forward in her own career. I liked it so much I went into the archives and listened to nearly everything in the backlog. I've found this podcast very enlightening and motivational. It has spurred me on to get myself back on track in the things I do. So, great job, Mur!
  • WhtWizard
    Great
    Great Podcast for Readers and writers alike
  • Momma V to-be
    Like an old friend
    When I listen to this, I feel like I am chatting with a friend!
  • AintNoBumpkin
    More whining about not writing than advice about writing.
    Since Mur whines on tangents unrelated to writing, this podcast is only good when guests talk instead of her. FogCon runs March 11, yet ISBW has the ad during the March 15 show. I hope those poor advertisers got a refund for their wasted ad time.
  • Mskeet
    Great podcast
    Mur gives solid, positive, but not overly perky encouragement to anyone trying to write fiction for fun and/or profit. She actually doesn't like the same authors I like, but her advice (and that of her guests) is still helpful and listening makes me feel realistically optimistic about my pursuits. Enjoy!
  • Avinaras
    <3 Mur
    This podcast is great. It's informative and helpful, even to a sometimes writer like me. It really helped me get through NaNo 2010. Mur is fun to listen to and incredibly sweet. Highly recommended for any writer!
  • john.mierau
    A writers podcast readers & others will love
    Even of you've got no plan to write sf/f, or write at all.... Even if you're not artistically include but consume science fiction/fantasy, rpg's & other geekly pursuits with a passion... You're going to be. Fan of Mur Lafferty's ISBW! Mur brigs honesty, doubts, failures, candor in success and geeky excitement and humor (sometimes snarky) to this podcast. And after years of production she keeps it fresh by changing up release schedule and show formats -- keeping herself interested and continuing to bring you gems that explore artistic creation and the foibles of the human creators of works we love ad works we might not have fallen in love with yet!
  • Keri Orstad
    Aspiring author
    This podcast is wonderful for anyone who is or aspires to be an author. Thank you for your honest, kind, stimulating, well thought out and inspiring words Mur!
  • Calendril
    A Fantastic Resource!
    Just a great podcast for writers. Not only for the tips, interviews, and resource reviews, but also for inspiration. Mur shares the honest struggles and victories of a writer going through the same issues as the rest of us. And she does so with wit, charm, intelligence, and integrity. Yes, you should be writing, but you should also be listening to this podcast!
  • CGillespie
    Exceptional podcast for writers!
    I've been playing catch-up, listening to all the past episodes, and I have to say that Mur Lafferty is such an inspiration to me. I've enjoyed listening to her growth as a writer and I'm learning so much for my own budding writing career. She is a wonderful mentor and extremely fun to listen to! This podcast is awesome! Keep up the great work, Mur! Now...I should be writing!
  • Gehennaheretic
    Ep 144 is still not in iTunes
    I'm so looking forward to it.
  • XyZer0
    I Love ISBW
    I've been listening to this podcast for years and even though it's taken me so long to actually write a review, I really love it. Mur is awesome, honest, and it's inspiring to listen to her talk about her writing and interview other authors. This was my first writing podcast (my first podcast, actually) and it's still my number one =)
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