Writing for podcasts

What is the course about?

This is a hands-on introduction to podcasts and the different styles of writing that they require. We’ll be looking at different genres of audio, from short scripted drama to free-flowing discussion shows, and examining the writing required for each.

Please note: this course includes a 1-hour lunch break.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone can be used if you don't have a computer but please note the experience may be less optimal.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

Fundamentals of writing for a podcast will be covered, from the planning stage through to sponsor messages and social media promotion for your finished episodes. The course is aimed at those interested in understanding how podcasts are made, as well as those who are interested in making their own.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

—Understand exactly how your favourite podcasts are made.
—Turn your own ideas and research into a script to record.
—Tailor your writing to the different styles required to produce a podcast.
—Start writing for your own podcast.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an introductory level course and requires no previous experience writing for podcasts or radio. You should be able to read and write fluently in English, and be enthusiastic about listening to and discussing podcasts.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

—Talks and tutor-led discussion about the principles of writing for podcasts.
—Class writing exercises.
—Pair and group work.

All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.

For classes longer than one day regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.

City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No other costs. Do bring basic writing materials and any ideas you might have for your own podcasts.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You may be interested in enrolling on one of our other creative writing courses such as Ways into playwriting, or Writing fiction. Check out our website for details of our full course offer.

All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter.