Writing Excuses

I have been a fan of Writing Excuses for years. I have gone back and listened to every episode from the beginning until now. In recent years, I must admit, while the later seasons were still good I had divided the overall product into two distinct eras: WB and AB, meaning “With Brandon” and “After Brandon.” After Brandon, while still worth a listen, seemed to wonder far from being the program I first discovered and loved. This year has been different and I am declaring the beginning of a third era: BOT, “Back On Track.” This season has SO been worth the wait. :)

I enjoy this podcast a great deal and appreciate how they break complex topics into bite-size, actionable recommendations. A good listen for writers but book-lovers of all stripes.

While the podcast used to be a source of great inspiration and practical writing advice, the podcast has declined in quality over the past season. One major issue is the sheer amount of time spent on ads and self-promotion. It feels like a third of the episode is dedicated to ads, pitching their latest packages or exclusive content, which detracts from the insightful discussions that once made the show so valuable. Another point of frustration is the increasingly academic tone of the podcast. I appreciate deep discussions, but the emphasis on close readings and literary analysis has become overwhelming. Many of us are busy writers who tune in for actionable advice, not in-depth dissections of texts we don’t have the time—or interest—to study. The episodes now seem geared more toward advanced literary analysis than practical, real-world writing tips. It’s clear that their target audience has shifted, and unfortunately, I no longer feel like I’m part of it. Writing Excuses has lost much of what made it engaging and accessible, leaving it a lesser version of its former self.

Used to be great. Season 1 - 10 were phenomenal! It was about listening to FRIENDS informally chat. Writing advice…yes. But bite-size. It was the chemistry of the original gang, insights (sure) plus wit mixed with quirk and jokes. Now it’s about professionals having scholarly discussion and covering the same material covered years ago. It used to be: what do you think about x? And we’d get notions and ideas. Now it’s in the style of “this is the correct way.” Not bad, but not interesting. It’s like hours and hours of an extremely boring panel discussion. Very formal. (Guests asking if it’s time for a break and the answer being “not yet. “ What? So rigid. Lol.) Ugh! In person at a conference….ok. An ongoing podcast...tedious. Plus, it feels like the original gang moved on to other things for the most part. One or two may show up now and then. I’ll find them elsewhere.