Free Daily Podcast Summary
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Kelton Reid
If you’re searching for a show that pulls back the curtain on the mystique of the writing life, look no further than The Writer Files. Hosts Kelton Reid and Milena Gonzalez study the habits, habitats, and brains of the biggest and brightest authors of our time. Tune in each week to learn from bestselling and acclaimed writers on how to keep the ink flowing, the cursor moving, and avoid writer’s block.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 days ago38 min
How Acclaimed Debut Novelist Jessica Siskin Writes
Acclaimed debut novelist Jessica Siskin spoke with us about her creative career spanning fashion, viral food art, and fiction, and her debut novel LOOKS PERFECT. Jessica Siskin is an author, former fashion executive, and founder of the viral Instagram brand Misterkrisp, a popular Instagram-based business specializing in elaborate, custom Rice Krispies Treats. Her debut novel, Looks Perfect, follows a buzzy fashion designer whose relationship crumbles just as her business explodes. The book explores identity, performative culture, and what authenticity means in a hyper-visible world. Bestselling author Ali Rosen called the book, “A timely exploration of identity in the age of curated selves, Looks Perfect follows a fashion insider navigating the distance between appearance and authenticity.” Jessica Siskin earned her MFA from the New School. [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Jessica Siskin, Milena, and I discussed: Curating a new list of writerly New York City bars What it means to “swim through your feelings” The themes of image-making, authenticity, and online performance at the heart of her book Why she pivoted from food art to writing fiction When taking time off from your WIP is OK And a lot more! Show Notes: jessicasiskin.com Looks Perfect: A Novel by Jessica Siskin [Amazon] Jessica Siskin on Facebook Jessica Siskin on TikTok Jessica Siskin on Instagram Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram Kelton Reid Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 3 days ago46 min
How #1 Bestselling Novelist & Comedian Sam Tallent Writes
Bestselling author, comedian, and podcaster Sam Tallent spoke with us about his journey from self-publishing his first novel out of necessity during COVID to landing a traditional deal and hitting #1 on Amazon with his latest thriller, BRUT. Sam Tallent is a comedian who has performed more than 45 weekends per year across America, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia over the last decade. His first novel, Running the Light, is soon to be a major motion picture. His second novel and first traditional hardcover, Brut, is about a hitman forced to take an impossible job. Publishers Weekly, in a starred review, said of the author, “Tallent blends striking prose and rich characterization in this exceptional thriller centered on an ex-Marine turned hit man . . .” Nic Pizzolatto, creator of True Detective, said of the book, “A brutal story about a master killer … Brut is a work of profound existentialist beauty that depicts love, loss and the riddle of identity with such depth and power it belongs in the company of Robert Stone, Denis Johnson and Cormac McCarthy. I was blown away.” Tallent has released two major comedy specials: Waiting For Death to Claim Us (available on Amazon Prime) and The Toad's Morale (available on YouTube). He is also a frequent guest on prominent comedy networks and podcasts, including the Joe Rogan Experience and others. In addition to stand-up, he hosts the popular Chubby Behemoth Podcast. [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Sam Tallent, Milena, and I discussed: How he plans to make young men read The surprising emotional origins of Brut as a love story His literary influences The DIY ethos threading through his career His philosophy on writing discipline And a lot more! Show Notes: samtallent.com Brut: A Novel by Sam Tallent [Amazon] Sam Tallent Amazon Author Page Chubby Behemoth Podcast Sam Tallent on Twitter Sam Tallent on YouTube Sam Tallent on Instagram Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram Kelton Reid Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 1 weeks ago42 min
How Bestselling Author and Publisher Zibby Owens Writes
Bestselling author, publisher, and lit podcaster Zibby Owens spoke with us about the evolution of her media company from a podcast into a publishing house, her editorial philosophy, and her new essay collection BETWEEN CHAPTERS. Zibby Owens was dubbed “the book world’s biggest cheerleader” by the New York Times, and is the national bestselling author and editor of seven books including Blank: A Novel, Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature, and On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates, which has spent 29 weeks on the USA Today bestseller list. Her latest book, Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, consists of “…forty short, funny, honest essays…about what happens when the life you carefully built stops looking like the life you thought you'd have—and you have to figure out who you are now.” Susan Orlean said of the book, “It is as warm and engaging as morning coffee with a best friend. Zibby parses the joys and pains of midlife awakening and reinvention in these bite-sized essays, each one landing with authenticity and humor and honesty." Zibby has interviewed more than 2,000 authors on her award-winning podcast Totally Booked with Zibby and weekly TV show Totally Booked on JBS. In 2021 she founded Zibby Media with the launch of boutique publishing house Zibby Publishing and unique year-round hosted retreats and events for book lovers. In 2023, she opened indie bookstore Zibby's Bookshop in Santa Monica, CA. [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Zibby Owens, Milena, and I discussed: How her publishing team decides what to acquire The podcast Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books that launched the “Zibby-verse” Why those early book fairs in her apartment were the precursor to the LA bookstore Some early career setbacks Writing an essay collection that offers a "bookfluencer's" view of a decade of reinvention And a lot more! Show Notes: zibbyowens.com zibbymedia.com Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot by Zibby Owens [Amazon] Zibby Owens Amazon Author Page Zibby Owens on Facebook Zibby Owens on Instagram Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram Kelton Reid Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 2 weeks ago50 min
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Sharon Cameron Writes
#1 New York Times bestselling author Sharon Cameron spoke with us about her unconventional path to writing, intensive research process, giving hope to young readers, and her ninth novel UP FROM THE ASHES. Sharon Cameron is the bestselling author of nine award-winning novels, including international bestseller and Reese’s Book Club pick The Light in Hidden Places (2020), Bluebird (2021) and Artifice (2023). She is best known for immersive Young Adult historical fiction and thrillers. Her latest novel, Up from the Ashes, is based on the true story of two heroes and their resistance in the Sobibor death camp during the Holocaust. Kirkus Reviews (starred review) called it “Powerfully written...Harrowing and riveting.” A Booklist starred review said of the book, "Cameron's gripping account...carefully balances visceral descriptions of the Nazis' mind-numbing cruelty with moments of tenderness … as well as showing the prisoners' courage, resilience, and creativity... An unforgettable story of triumphant, defiant determination and hope." Sharon’s books have won the Parents’ Choice Gold Award, the Westchester Fiction Award, the Junior Library Guild’s Gold Standard Award, earned starred reviews from Booklist, SLJ, Book Page and Kirkus, and have been chosen for Indie Next Top Ten, Audible Best Books, among many others. [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Sharon Cameron, Milena, and I discussed: Using her classical piano training as a foundation for her writing How she stumbled upon inspiration for the latest on book tour The differences between dramatized reality and pure historical fiction Writing for young adults and balancing darkness with hope Her 20-year friendship with Ruta Sepetys And a lot more! Show Notes: sharoncameronbooks.com Up from the Ashes by Sharon Cameron [Amazon] Sharon Cameron Amazon Author Page Sharon Cameron on Facebook Sharon Cameron on Instagram Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram Kelton Reid Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 2 weeks ago45 min
How International Bestselling Author Meg Mason Writes
Internationally bestselling author Meg Mason spoke with us about her journalism origins, the winding road to bestseller, how to navigate bad reviews, and her latest novel SOPHIE, STANDING THERE. Meg Mason is the author of You Be Mother and the critically acclaimed Sorrow and Bliss, which became an international bestseller in 2020. Winner of the British Book Industry Book of the Year, and shortlisted for the Women’s Prize, it has since been translated into more than 30 languages. Her latest is Sophie, Standing There, set behind the scenes of a literary festival; the novel follows Sophie Pattison, a cheerful but increasingly invisible staffer whose life has quietly unraveled. A starred Library Journal review called the novel “a special treat for book lovers,” and Mason features real authors in the novel. Ann Patchett praised the book as “a moving examination of what it means to be alone in the world, and what it means to find connection…by turns, heartbreaking, hilarious, and deeply hopeful. Meg Mason is a dazzling talent.” Meg’s first career was in journalism, beginning at The Times of London, later writing for Vogue, ELLE, GQ, Sunday Style, The New Yorker’s Daily Shouts, among others. [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Meg Mason, Milena, and I discussed: The viral moment that changed everything for Sorrow and Bliss How to write in third person ventriloquist The parasocial reader-author dynamic at the heart of her new book Hanging out with Ann Patchett The discipline required to write seriously And a lot more! Show Notes: megmason.com Sophie, Standing There by Meg Mason [Amazon] Meg Mason Amazon Author Page Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram Kelton Reid Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 3 weeks ago49 min
How NY Times Bestselling Author Alma Katsu Writes
New York Times bestselling author Alma Katsu spoke with us about her 30-plus-year career in intelligence, her deep expertise in AI and social media disinformation, and her new techno-horror novel INCARNATE. Alma Katsu’s books have won and been nominated for multiple prestigious awards, including the Stoker, Goodreads Readers Choice, and International Thriller Writers, and have appeared on numerous Best Books lists, including NPR, the Observer, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Goodreads, and Amazon. Prior to becoming a full-time novelist, she spent 35 years working as a senior intelligence analyst for several U.S. agencies, including the CIA and NSA. Her latest is Incarnate, described as a terrifying reimagining of The Picture of Dorian Gray for the internet age. Library Journal wrote of the book, “A deal with the devil is reworked for the online age, with a healthy dose of body horror joining AI. The combination makes the story uniquely terrifying.” Author of Japanese Gothic, Kylie Lee Baker called it, “A deliciously addictive techno-horror that you can’t look away from.” Alma’s debut novel, The Taker, was selected by Booklist as one of the top 10 debut novels of 2011. She is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins Writing Program and Brandeis University, where she studied with novelist John Irving. [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Alma Katsu, Milena, and I discussed: Why intelligence work provided strong preparation for fiction Her evolution as a writer and path to horror How she chose Dorian Gray as a framework for her latest Her concerns with recent developments in social media and generative AI How she got a Stephen King blurb And a lot more! Show Notes: almakatsubooks.com Incarnate by Alma Katsu [Amazon] Alma Katsu Amazon Author Page Alma Katsu on Facebook Alma Katsu on Substack Alma Katsu on Instagram Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram Kelton Reid Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 3 weeks ago39 min
How Bestselling Author Isabel Cañas Writes: Part Two
Bestselling author and historian Isabel Cañas returned to speak with us about the influence of Latin American history and family lore on her writing, the stakes of historical fiction, and her YA debut, THE HOUSE OF GARDENIAS. Isabel Cañas is the bestselling and critically acclaimed author of The Hacienda, Vampires of El Norte, and The Possession of Alba Díaz. Her fourth novel is The House of Gardenias, and her YA debut. “Set in revolutionary-era Mexico, the novel follows sixteen-year-old Minerva Treviño as she escapes an abusive home and begins a new life as a lady's maid to a wealthy widow.” #1 NY Times-bestselling author Marissa Meyer said of the book, "This is gothic storytelling with teeth: a lyrical and devastating tale of one maid caught in a spiderweb of loyalty, courage, revolution, and monsters both dead and alive." Isabel holds a doctorate in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations and writes fiction inspired by her research and heritage. [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In Part Two of this file Isabel Cañas, Milena, and I discussed: “The existential dread” of the week before pub date How she came of age as a writer during the YA fantasy boom Why she pivoted to adult horror early in her career The familial inspiration behind her latest novel How she walked away from her very first YA offer And a lot more! Show Notes: isabelcanas.com The House of Gardenias by Isabel Cañas [Amazon] Isabel Cañas Amazon Author Page Isabel Cañas on TikTok Isabel Cañas on Instagram Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram Kelton Reid Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Oct 16, 202636 min
How National Book Award-Winner and NYT Bestselling Author Elizabeth Acevedo Writes
New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Acevedo spoke with us about her journey from National Poetry Slam champion to winning the the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, and her new YA novel, ANGER IS ONLY A SHADOW. Elizabeth Acevedo is a renowned poet and New York Times-bestselling author of Clap When You Land, With the Fire on High and The Poet X, which won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, and the Pura Belpré Award, among many others. Her first YA novel in six years, Anger Is Only a Shadow, is her most personal offering yet. Inspired by her experience leading poetry workshops for girls awaiting adjudication at the Youth Services Center in D.C., as well as loving and caring for someone with schizophrenia. Publishers Weekly, in a Starred Review called the book “...a striking and nuanced portrait of the realities of juvenile detention and mental illness.” Elizabeth is a National Poetry Slam champion and holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of Maryland. [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Elizabeth Acevedo, Milena, and I discussed: How she performed in ~100 poetry shows/year, visiting nearly every U.S. state over 2 years The impostor syndrome she felt during her MFA in poetry What it felt like to go from “slinging chapbooks” to having a publisher Why she still reads every novel aloud to herself before submission How she alternates between the two manuscripts in 2–3 week blocks to maintain perspective And a lot more! Show Notes: acevedowrites.com Anger Is Only a Shadow by Elizabeth Acevedo (Amazon) Elizabeth Acevedo Amazon Author Page Elizabeth Acevedo on Instagram Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram Kelton Reid Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
How I Write
A weekly look at the creative processes and habits of top writers, revealing how they turn ideas into finished work.
Don't Wait to Write - Your Pocket Writing Coach
Short exercises, mindset tips, and writing advice to help writers build confidence and share their work.
And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
A weekly conversation with influential songwriters about the creative process and behind-the-scenes realities of the music industry.
Master Fiction Writing
Stuart Wakefield
The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
A writer and two agents share practical advice on craft, publishing, and query letters for emerging authors.
The Tim Ferriss Show
Deconstructs world-class performers across diverse fields to uncover practical tools and tactics for self-improvement.
Good Life Project
Deep conversations about building a meaningful life through midlife reinventions, grounded in science and human experience.
ReThinking
Adam Grant explores how top thinkers and achievers challenge assumptions and rethink their paths to success.
The Cal Newport Show
Explores strategies for thriving mentally and professionally in a world saturated with digital technology.
The Bossticks
Unfiltered conversations with top leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts offering actionable advice for personal growth.
The Daily Motivation
Daily motivational messages featuring expert interviews and practical advice on personal growth and mindset.
The Tamsen Show
A journalist explores health, reinvention, and relationships with experts and women reshaping their lives.
About The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience
If you’re searching for a show that pulls back the curtain on the mystique of the writing life, look no further than The Writer Files. Hosts Kelton Reid and Milena Gonzalez study the habits, habitats, and brains of the biggest and brightest authors of our time. Tune in each week to learn from bestselling and acclaimed writers on how to keep the ink flowing, the cursor moving, and avoid writer’s block.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Kelton Reid.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts, any in the catalog. Basic raises that to 15, Pro to 40 and Max to 100. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
What topics does The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience cover?
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience covers topics including Education, Arts, Books, How To. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.