I will be launching a podcast within the next month. Sooner if someone wants to come over my house and set things up for me.
My vision is a 15-30 discussion about writing from the perspective of an author with some experience in the industry who still has a lot to learn. My goal is to provide content that will appeal to both writers who want to hear from a fellow author (something we don’t get to do often enough) and readers who might appreciate a peek behind the publishing curtain.
Though the format is not set in stone, I am envisioning three or four segments, looking something like this:
Segment one would be a peek into my life as a writer via a monologue on the latest issues surrounding my career. This past week, for example, I could have discussed a debate over a foreign book jacket, a translation issue with my Italian publisher, the struggles with my current manuscript and the pressures of a multi-book deal, the difficulties finding time to write with a six-week old infant in the home, my trouble in finding a satisfying end to a picture book that I am writing and much more. I would never be at a loss for topics for this first segment, as each week presents new and interesting challenges for me as an author.
The second segment would deal with a broader topic related to writing, reading or publishing. I might discuss a specific book that I have read, an opinion on the state of publishing, a commentary on a proposed writing strategy, and perhaps an interview with the many authors, agents, editors, film producers, sales reps and bookstore owners who I have gotten to know over the past five years.
The third segment would be one in which I answer questions posed by readers related to the industry or my work. I receive these kinds of questions almost daily, ranging from understanding the finances related to publishing, finding an agent, working with an editor, starting or finishing a book, and more.
This is just a proposed format. I am open for any suggestion that you may have to offer.
Here is my challenge to you:
First, I need a name for this podcast, and thus far I have come up with nothing.
Second, I’m looking for any feedback in terms of my proposed format or content. Is there anything you would like to see me add, remove, or alter in any way?
Best of all, I have prizes to offer.
Anyone who offers a suggestion of any kind will be entered into a drawing. Three randomly chosen winners will receive a signed copy of the UK edition of my novel MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND, which will go on sale in the United States on August 21 of this year.
Even better, if I actually use the name that you have recommended for the podcast, I will send you a signed copies of all three of my books: SOMETHING MISSING, UNEXPECTEDLY, MILO and the UK edition of MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND.
You can send me suggestions by commenting on this post, by contacting me through Facebook or Twitter, or by sending me an email at matthewdicks@gmail.com.
The drawing for the books will be held on July 28.
Thanks for your help and good luck!
I know that the name would have to be something that harkens back to writing/publishing, but I think that the name “Something Unexpectedly Imaginary” would be fun.
I think the format you suggest would be good, especially if you can get guest stars to join you- podcasts are interesting when they are conversational.
Title for Podcast. When Your Imaginary Friend Comes Knocking:)
Sheree,
Congratulations! You are the random winner of my podcast naming contest! Not sure if you will see this comment, so I’ll be posting the winners on the blog as well, but if you see this, email me your mailing address and I’ll get your signed copy out to you this week!
Thanks, guys! Hadn’t thought of including titles of my books in the title of the podcast. Something I will definitely consider.
Dicking around
Clever Dicks
the welcome Matt
ok I know they suck but I already have signed copies of all your books
.
Advice from Dicks on Writing and Publishing
I’d like to know more about traditional vs. self-publishing.
Alright Matt – I enjoy coming up with possible names so here’s my list. They’re not all home runs, but maybe one of them will inspire you to your final name:
How to Get Published (Dry, but to the point)
How Knot Two Right
Unknown to Published in 99 Easy Steps
Get it to Press
Press It – with Matt
Duress to In Press
Inkling
My personal favorite so far is the last one. I’ll let you know if I come up with any others. (I’m sure you’re just DYING to see more after that…)
Take care,
Sam
Thanks, guys! I have added your names to the lists of possibles (even your’s, Hope). Liking a few. Thinking I might have to combine some ideas.
Potential titles:
Welcome, Matt
Matt’s chats
Writing MD
Not written in stone
The Soul of Writ
A Piece of Work
Imagination Station
Elements of My Style
Pen to Paper
Visible Inklings
Paper Work
I like your thoughts on your podcast. Let me know when it starts, please. If you want more ideas, I can do that, too.
Thanks, Linda! I love some of those ideas!
I am at a loss for a name for your podcast, but I have 2 thoughts. First, have seething in the name relevant to your states goals of discussing the writing and publishing to make it easty to find in iTunes and the like. Second, interviews are great, as I find the more interesting podcasts to be conversations rather than monologues (although I have heard you and find you very interesting).
Sorry! Please don’t seethe in your name. Small keyboard, late in the day
How about “Hanging Brain”? (or hanging brain with matt dicks)
Makes a reference to your last name (in a juvenile and inappropriate way), but also insinuates a casual but intelligent podcast. and its memorable
Thanks, Marc. You must know how much I enjoy “juvenile and inappropriate.” It has been added to the list and certainly intrigues me.
I am not very clever so I have no ideas on a title but of those already suggested I think the first is the most fun and the one I would be most interested in downloading without knowing anything else.
Format sounds great! I really do think three segments work well as a template for podcasts.
Thanks for the feedback, Helen. I’m looking forward to getting this thing off the ground soon!