The Write Atmosphere: A Podcast for Writers

On this episode of The Write Atmosphere, we sit down with Dakota, Head of the Children's Book Department and a passionate advocate for storytelling. Based in Brooklyn, Dakota guides authors through every stage of the publishing journey, from manuscript development to interior design, helping bring stories to life through a collaborative, creative, and joyful process.

On this episode of Write Atmosphere, I’m joined by Philadelphia-based writer and author Fredricka R. Maister, whose personal essays and articles explore the full spectrum of human experience—from everyday moments to life-altering events. Her work has appeared in publications including The Baltimore Sun, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Chicago Tribune, HuffPost, The Writer, Brevity Blog, and many others...

Finding the right editor can be one of the most important decisions a writer makes—but many authors aren't sure where to start or what to expect from the process. In this episode, I'm joined by a professional writer and editor for an in-depth conversation about all things editing. We discuss the different types of editing, how to know when your manuscript is ready for an editor, where to f...

Writing a great book is only part of the journey. In this episode, Tal joins us to discuss what comes next: marketing, sales, and getting your book into readers' hands. Drawing on his experience in entertainment, sales, and training, Tal breaks down the step-by-step process authors can follow to promote their work, explore different marketing options, and build a strategy that fits their goals...

In this episode, we talk with author Linda Fifer about her writing process, publishing journey, and the realities of bringing a book to life. Linda shares insights from her transition from a 44-year career in healthcare to becoming a full-time author, along with lessons she's learned through writing and publishing multiple novels. We also discuss her upcoming release, Jesus Lemonade, and what...

On this episode, we’re joined by Gary A. Keith. Author, essayist, and longtime Austin observer, for a conversation about the writing process behind fiction, nonfiction, and essays. We talk about where ideas come from, how stories take shape, and the differences between writing novels, political nonfiction, and personal essays. Gary is the author of Austin Blues and The Mansions on Woodlawn Bouleva...

In this episode, we sit down with author Elinor Tambourine to discuss the writing process, navigating creativity through neurodivergency, and what it really takes to finally get the book done. From overcoming challenges to embracing unique ways of thinking, this conversation offers encouragement and insight for writers at every stage of their journey. Subscribe to the Atmosphere Press YouTube Chan...

Author for over 30 years! We talk to author Matt Peterson on writing process, exploring different genres and selling your book. Matt Peterson is the pen name for Cisco Gonzalez, an American author who writes fictional stories with a comedic twist. As a military brat, he grew up all over the place. He enjoys any well-written and funny fiction and is influenced by authors such as Christopher Moore,...

Andrea Jo DeWerd is a book marketing strategist, publishing consultant, speaker, and founder of the future of agency LLC, the industry’s only full-service book marketing agency headquartered in Brooklyn, NY. A veteran of Big 5 publishing with more than 107 career New York Times bestsellers, Andrea has led campaigns across commercial and literary fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, business, wel...

Megan Sells holds an M.F.A. in Acting and Directing from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Before joining the publishing world, they spent years developing new plays with theatre companies such as the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. That background informs their uniquely embodied, character-driven approach to editing. They have edited over two dozen books a...

On this episode we'll be talking with our guest Marcus Batterbury on Writing the Truth: Craft, Courage, and the Memoir Journey. We explore the path of a memoirist, from the inspiration behind his story to the lessons learned along the way. Our guest shares insights on the challenges and breakthroughs of being an author, reflections on the writing and editing process, and how to craft stories that...

What really happens after you finish your manuscript? This episode covers working with an editor, navigating the marketing cycle, and learning to trust your publishing team to bring your book to life.

In this episode, learn how to create a standout book cover. Covering design basics, common mistakes to avoid, and simple strategies to help your book actually sell. Want to work with Laura Duffy? Find out more about Laura and her work at lauraduffydesign.com

In this episode, we explore the power of confessional writing and how deeply personal experiences can be transformed into compelling stories that resonate with readers. We discuss the craft of turning vulnerability, memory, and lived experience into narratives that feel both intimate and universal. We also look at breaking the norms of indie publishing—especially as a non-genre or literary author....

In this episode, we talk with a work-from-home mom and writer who has spent more than twenty years building a writing life while balancing family, freelance work, and the everyday demands of home. She shares honest insights into what it really takes to keep writing when time is limited and responsibilities are many. We discuss practical strategies for finding time to write, prioritizing creative p...

In this episode, we talk with a former LAPD lieutenant whose unexpected second act as an Uber driver led to more than 10,000 rides—and ultimately to the memoir Chasing the Surge: Ten Thousand Rides into the American Night. What began as a post-career pivot became a powerful lens into the lives, struggles, and surprising moments shared by strangers in the back seat. We explore how real-life encount...

In this episode, we talk with author James Blakey about two important parts of building a writing career: selling books in person and publishing short stories. James shares practical advice on finding the best venues for authors, such as conventions, libraries, book festivals, and craft markets, along with tips for setting up an engaging table, interacting with readers, and perfecting your pitch....

In today’s world, readers are understandably turning more and more to ecofiction. For authors, the question of how to write good nature-centered fiction is an important one to ponder, so they can help their readers care about the natural world. Book coach Erin Radniecki explains what makes good ecofiction and what pitfalls to look out for in your own writing.

There's no one right path to writing poetry; each poet will find what works for them. But if you're struggling with the craft, attending events with other writers or opening your thoughts up to the simplest gratitudes could be just what you need to invigorate your practice. Poet and writing tutor Susan Taylor shares her advice on just how to approach this.

Build a brand, cultivate your audience, always have the next book poised to release: that's all, rather broad advice for authors who want to learn how to write full-time. You hear these things all the time for a reason, though; it's just a matter of figuring out  how  to do it all. Author and book coach Lisa Daily has collected techniques from various 7-figure authors, and is here to lay o...

Beta reader feedback can be such an important tool to writers as they polish their manuscripts, and it can also be an overwhelming challenge to incorporate. From soliciting readers to receiving feedback, from internalizing conflicting perspectives to inputting the changes you decide to keep, it's a lengthy but invaluable process. Historical fiction author Beth Ford knows her way around the bet...

To get an MFA or not to get an MFA is a question that many serious writers ponder at some point in their writing careers, and there is, of course, no “right” answer; it depends on each individual writer. However, in a time when it seems like an MFA is a necessary step in a writer's career, some voices are cropping up to point out that often the opposite can be true. Acclaimed author and MFA pr...

With each new personality test comes a fresh perspective on developing and writing compelling characters for your stories, and the Myers-Briggs Index is no exception. With four axes of personality descriptions combined into 16 distinct personality types, the Myers-Briggs Index can also be used to write character development. A.W. Baldwin, multi-award-winning author, talks through how to shape and...

Celebrities and social media influencers are the biggest phenomenon in influencing buying practices we've seen yet, and even just one influencer shouting out your book can completely change its sales trajectory for the better. Getting your book in front of celebrities and influencers is an interesting--not impossible--task. Emily Florence, a former entertainment publicist for shows like Americ...

As an author of ten novels, AJ Eversley is no stranger to the manuscript drafting and editing process. She's seen her fair share of filler words, excessive info-dumping, and flat characters. But that also means she has developed techniques to spot these flaws in her first draft and correct them for an iron-strong final draft. She shares some of her tried-and-true strategies with us in this epi...