ADWIT: The Audio Drama Writers' Independent Toolkit

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Want there to be more good audio drama? Lindsay and Sarah do. Each episode, they'll discuss an aspect of audio drama, examples from current audio drama podcasts, and writing exercises so writers can play along. Join Sarah Golding and Lindsay Harris Friel on a voyage of discovery on the seas of audio drama podcasts. 

  1. 05/30/2025

    Tying Up Loose Ends: Short Topics For Your Audio Drama Writing Practice

    Click here to tell us what you think! Here are all the short yet important topics that don't justify their own episode, yet make a difference for writers. Ever wondered what truly stops creative writers from finishing their audio dramas? It's the invisible barriers we construct for ourselves. For our season finale, we tackle those stubborn obstacles head-on, offering practical solutions to help you move your scripts from perpetual development into production. Money concerns often top the list of excuses, but we challenge the notion that compelling audio drama requires significant funding. Some of the most gripping stories focus on intimate human relationships rather than elaborate productions. We explore how to craft scripts that match your available resources while maintaining creative integrity.  Perhaps the most insidious barrier is our emotional attachment to our work. We lovingly but firmly remind you that "your script is not a baby"—treating it as precious and untouchable prevents necessary growth and revision. Through personal stories of creative "disasters" that ultimately strengthened our craft, we demonstrate why finishing projects and embracing feedback matters more than perfection. We also dive into practical advice for crafting podcast descriptions that entice listeners, approaching producers with your work, and finding community members who will hold you accountable. The audio drama world is filled with creators eager to collaborate—you simply need to connect with them. Remember: the biggest obstacles to creating great audio drama exist primarily in your mind, and we're here to help you overcome them. Get the scoop on audio drama news, opportunities, creative resources and more with The Fiction Podcast Weekly newsletter. For more info, visit The Podcast Host's Fiction Podcast Weekly.  Want to get in touch? You can send us a text message with the link at the top, email us at writersadwit@gmail.com, join our Discord server, or visit our website at adwit.org. Share the love. Please write a review on Podchaser or on Apple Podcasts. Thank you! Sarah and Lindsay

    50 min

  2. 05/23/2025

    The Power of Feedback: Transforming Your Audio Drama Through Table Reads

    Click here to tell us what you think! Table reads are an essential tool for audio drama writers to hear their work aloud and gather feedback for improvement before production. The process helps identify issues with dialogue, pacing, and storytelling that may not be apparent on the page. • Type of table reads: in-person versus video conferencing, each with benefits and challenges • Finding participants: seek people with strong reading comprehension, not necessarily professional actors • Preparation: provide scripts 24+ hours in advance, include pronunciation guides if needed • Technical considerations: choose appropriate platforms, plan for time zones, prepare for technical hiccups • Soliciting feedback: use the Liz Lerman Critical Response Process for constructive critique • Handling feedback: distinguish between actionable feedback and unhelpful criticism • Rewriting process: take a break after the read, consider rewriting from memory • Celebrating completion: recognize the achievement of finishing a draft and braving feedback Send us your table read experiences at writersadwit@gmail.com and join our Discord to continue the conversation! Ah Gwan! Thank you for listening! We would love your support in getting this to folks so please do share it - and also….review! We truly hope these episodes are useful - email us on writersadwit@gmail.com with any thoughts or suggestions with our hearty thanks! Remember to #CelebrateTheWin!  Happy writing! Sarah and Lindsay Links mentioned in the show Julie Hoverson’s Discord group for reading  scripts Sivan Raz Director Liz Lerman critical response process Conference Connection tools ALITU Cleanfeed Zoom Riverside Discord Squadcast Google Meet Get the scoop on audio drama news, opportunities, creative resources and more with The Fiction Podcast Weekly newsletter. For more info, visit The Podcast Host's Fiction Podcast Weekly.  Want to get in touch? You can send us a text message with the link at the top, email us at writersadwit@gmail.com, join our Discord server, or visit our website at adwit.org. Share the love. Please write a review on Podchaser or on Apple Podcasts. Thank you! Sarah and Lindsay

    1h 4m

  3. 05/17/2025

    Writer Tools of the Audio Drama Trade - Part Two

    Click here to tell us what you think! Hello! We continue our chat with... Brendon Connelly of CirclesEmily Inkpen of Alternative Stories and The Dex LegacyFlloyd Kennedy of Am I Old Yet? and Baked Off!Shannon K. Perry of Oz 9 and Audiotocracy Podcast Production.... about their writing tools of choice for audio drama scripts. Some  strategies to keep in your back pocket:  • Pronunciation guides with bold words in scripts help actors with difficult or made-up words • Voice actors need clear notation for vocalizations (grunts, sighs, gasps) or they won't exist in the audio world • Creating banks of reaction sounds provides useful resources for editing • The importance of actors truly listening rather than just waiting to deliver their lines • Audio drama is arguably "the most visual medium" because it creates images in listeners' minds • Research shows listeners have stronger physiological responses to audio than visual media • Remote recording challenges include actors working at 2AM when it's quiet enough • Modern audio scripts need better notation systems for sound design elements like "helmet on/off" • Writing tool preferences vary widely: Google Docs for collaboration, index cards for structure visualization • Color coding scenes helps track tension levels and plot arcs throughout episodes Contact us at writersadwit@gmail.com with your preferred writing tools and experiences and to share any thoughts on these episodes or ping us a review! Thank you! Tools discussed and listed in the show SCRIVENER - £50 GOOGLE DOCS - FREE CELTX - $240 FOR 2 ‘SEATS’ Get the scoop on audio drama news, opportunities, creative resources and more with The Fiction Podcast Weekly newsletter. For more info, visit The Podcast Host's Fiction Podcast Weekly.  Want to get in touch? You can send us a text message with the link at the top, email us at writersadwit@gmail.com, join our Discord server, or visit our website at adwit.org. Share the love. Please write a review on Podchaser or on Apple Podcasts. Thank you! Sarah and Lindsay

    40 min

  4. 05/09/2025

    Audio Drama Writing Software, Tools and Formatting: Won't Someone Protect the Widows and Orphans?

    Click here to tell us what you think! The day a software developer creates software for audio drama scriptwriters that has BBC Radio Drama-style formatting, the option to include line numbers on the script page, page numbers, and a reasonable price, a zillion scriptwriters will give them wads of money hand over fist. Until that fateful day, audio drama writers will debate which software, strategy, or tool spins their story into gold.  Fortunately, ADWIT, The Audio Drama Writers' Independent Toolkit, gathers a cornucopia of experienced audio drama podcast writers to share their software and formatting experience, preferences, and strategies. In fact, we shared so much, this is the first part of the conversation. Part 2 is on its way. Let us help you on the path to the right tool for your story. What do audio drama podcast scriptwriters need to craft a script that anyone can proudly hand to a production team, knowing they'll understand it? We sat down with seasoned experts, including:  Brendon Connelly of CirclesEmily Inkpen of Alternative Stories and The Dex LegacyFlloyd Kennedy of Am I Old Yet? and Baked Off!Shannon K. Perry of Oz 9 and Audiotocracy Podcast ProductionDoes font size matter? What about blank space? Won't someone please think of the widow and orphan protection? We explore these questions so you can improve your fiction podcast writing.  Get the scoop on audio drama news, opportunities, creative resources and more with The Fiction Podcast Weekly newsletter. For more info, visit The Podcast Host's Fiction Podcast Weekly.  Want to get in touch? You can send us a text message with the link at the top, email us at writersadwit@gmail.com, join our Discord server, or visit our website at adwit.org. Share the love. Please write a review on Podchaser or on Apple Podcasts. Thank you! Sarah and Lindsay

    53 min

  5. 05/02/2025

    Mastering Character Dialogue: Beyond the Words

    Click here to tell us what you think! Welcome to another jam packed episode of ADWIT with Lindsay Harris-Friel and Sarah Golding! Dialogue is the lifeblood of audio drama, serving both the author's intent to move the plot forward and revealing what characters truly want. We explore how effective dialogue communicates information while entertaining the audience and avoiding the pitfalls of unnecessary exposition. • Good dialogue has two essential jobs: communicating what the author wants and what the character wants • Audio storytelling creates stronger physiological responses than visual media, according to research by University College London • Dialogue doesn't need to spell everything out – trust the audience to fill in blanks with their imagination • All dialogue should move the story forward into future action, not dwell in the past • "The Dark End of the Mall" by The Truth podcast demonstrates masterful dialogue techniques • Small talk can establish character dynamics but should be minimal in audio drama Writing exercise: Create a standalone podcast episode based on the folktale about the woman who always wore a ribbon around her neck (see below or research!) focusing on the wedding night conversation between the two main characters. A LINK TO The Green Ribbon   ...But there are many!  Send your script excerpt to our Discord channel - here Or ping to our email - writersadwit@gmail.com - thank you Links Talked about herein! The Dark end of the mall - The Truth Podcast John Yorke Into the woods – a five act journey into story That's no moon  Hitchikers Guide To The Galaxy Audible commissioned UCL survey info Sherlock Holmes What is a beat? The Automatics by Lindsay! Give me away Wireless DEAD LONDON Talking points written by Lindsay Harris Friel.  Edited by Sarah Golding. Music by Vince Friel. HAPPY WRITING! Get the scoop on audio drama news, opportunities, creative resources and more with The Fiction Podcast Weekly newsletter. For more info, visit The Podcast Host's Fiction Podcast Weekly.  Want to get in touch? You can send us a text message with the link at the top, email us at writersadwit@gmail.com, join our Discord server, or visit our website at adwit.org. Share the love. Please write a review on Podchaser or on Apple Podcasts. Thank you! Sarah and Lindsay

    45 min

  6. 04/26/2025

    Plot vs. Pants? Try The Skort Method of Audio Drama Script Craft.

    Click here to tell us what you think! Sarah Golding and Lindsay Harris Friel dive into the great debate of audio drama writing: whether to meticulously outline your story or write by the seat of your pants. Though this debate may never be solved, Lindsay proposes a third option: the skort method. The skort method of story planning gives you the freedom of pantsing, helps you set up structure for an outline, and has pockets for later research.  Outlining benefits writers because it shows the entire story structure, helps you set up plot twists, and conserves your creative energy. "Pantsing" creates excitement and momentum but can lead to continuity errors and unfinished projects.The "Skort Method" combines both approaches: write a broad summary first, then detail individual scenes.Breaking scripts into episodes works best at natural decision points where characters face meaningful choices. Cliffhangers are most effective when characters have to choose something right before a break, with consequences revealed after the story returns to the audience.Write an entire season or story before you start production to avoid creative burnout.Consider using sensitivity or beta readers to understand your script's impact before production. Talking points written by Lindsay Harris Friel Edited by Sarah Golding Music by Vince Friel Additional Resources: Give me Away Almelem Scrivener The Muppets Mayhem The Goon Show  Get the scoop on audio drama news, opportunities, creative resources and more with The Fiction Podcast Weekly newsletter. For more info, visit The Podcast Host's Fiction Podcast Weekly.  Want to get in touch? You can send us a text message with the link at the top, email us at writersadwit@gmail.com, join our Discord server, or visit our website at adwit.org. Share the love. Please write a review on Podchaser or on Apple Podcasts. Thank you! Sarah and Lindsay

    31 min

  7. 04/18/2025

    Character Breakdowns That Jump Off the Page

    Click here to tell us what you think! Sarah and Lindsay explore how to craft character breakdowns that genuinely serve audio drama production, focusing on vocal qualities and core characteristics rather than irrelevant physical attributes and other animals.  • Character breakdowns serve many key purposes including concisely guiding actors/casting directors, showing character relationships, and informing technical production choices if deftly employed. • Effective breakdowns include vocal qualities, status, relationships, and intentions rather than physical appearance • Consider what "singing voice part" might match your character (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone) or orchestral instrument a character might be to instantly convey vocal quality • Script clues like sentence length, punctuation, vocabulary choices, and verbal tics help create distinctive character voices • Characters are distinguished by what they want and how they pursue it— objectives - some are direct "blunt instruments," others subtle and calculating • Great characters may have internal conflicts between their public and private selves • A character web showing relationships and conflicts helps visualize how characters interact  • Focus on what drives characters, their objectives, and the barriers they face Links for ADWIT EP 303 John Yorke Into the woods - a five act journey into story Hamlet to Hamilton - Emily C A Snyder WASTELAND - The Dex Legacy TUMBLR page - F**k yeah character development - worksheets a plenty Maslow's hierarchy of needs pyramid - oxygen food shelter sleep... Join our Discord community! Find the link in the show notes. Write to us at writersadwit@gmail.com with your thoughts and examples of effective character breakdowns. Get the scoop on audio drama news, opportunities, creative resources and more with The Fiction Podcast Weekly newsletter. For more info, visit The Podcast Host's Fiction Podcast Weekly.  Want to get in touch? You can send us a text message with the link at the top, email us at writersadwit@gmail.com, join our Discord server, or visit our website at adwit.org. Share the love. Please write a review on Podchaser or on Apple Podcasts. Thank you! Sarah and Lindsay

    50 min

  8. 04/11/2025

    From Idea to Outline: Make Your Audio Drama's Story Sustainable

    Click here to tell us what you think! Ideas constantly surround us—emerging from single words, current events, or  persistent questions. From Rajiv Joseph finding a newspaper article about a Bengal tiger killed by American soldiers (which eventually became a Broadway play starring Robin Williams) to Lynn Nottage crafting "Ruined" as a commentary on conflict minerals powering our smartphones, we examine how to refine these ideas into compelling fictional narratives using real-world connections. While concepts like Space Pirates might initially excite us as creators, what matters is premise—the underlying message giving a story significance beyond its setting. We demonstrate how seemingly different stories (Star Trek TOS: "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield" and Arthur Miller's "A View from the Bridge") can share the same fundamental premise about understanding those different from ourselves. We introduce practical tools like audio mood boards—collections of sounds, music, and contextual elements that help steer your idea toward an outline. We also tackle crucial questions about sustainability: Do you have the resources to write and produce your concept? Will the format work for audio? And we explain what it means when a story has "legs."  Connect with us through writersadwit@gmail.com or join our Discord server to continue the conversation about transforming your creative sparks into actionable outlines. Next episode, we'll dive into plotting versus "pantsing" approaches to storytelling! Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo (Dramatists Play Service) Ruined (Dramatists Play Service) One Flea Spare (Broadway Play Publishing) Let That Be Your Last Battlefield on Memory Alpha A View From The Bridge from BBC Bitesize Sample audio drama inspiration board on Milanote Sound effects from freesound.org: Guitars in Auditorium by kevp888 Soundwalk In Black-Forest Thunderstorm by RandomRecord19 German Forest by duck37fm Get the scoop on audio drama news, opportunities, creative resources and more with The Fiction Podcast Weekly newsletter. For more info, visit The Podcast Host's Fiction Podcast Weekly.  Want to get in touch? You can send us a text message with the link at the top, email us at writersadwit@gmail.com, join our Discord server, or visit our website at adwit.org. Share the love. Please write a review on Podchaser or on Apple Podcasts. Thank you! Sarah and Lindsay

    39 min
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Want there to be more good audio drama? Lindsay and Sarah do. Each episode, they'll discuss an aspect of audio drama, examples from current audio drama podcasts, and writing exercises so writers can play along. Join Sarah Golding and Lindsay Harris Friel on a voyage of discovery on the seas of audio drama podcasts. 

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