ADWIT: The Audio Drama Writers' Independent Toolkit

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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 [email protected], 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

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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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected], 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

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Hello!

We continue our chat with...

• Brendon Connelly of Circles
• Emily Inkpen of Alternative Stories and The Dex Legacy
• Flloyd 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 [email protected] 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’

FINAL DRAFT -$199-$249

FADE-IN SOFTWARE - UNDER $80 LIFETIME PASS

MARK-UP LANGUAGE - FOUNTAIN

STICK ON WALL INDEX CARDS / POSTIT NOTES

KINDLE SCRIBE £200-£400

HIGHLAND 2

Thank you for listening! And please, let us know what you think. 

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 [email protected], 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

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 Circles
• Emily Inkpen of Alternative Stories and The Dex Legacy
• Flloyd Kennedy of Am I Old Yet? and Baked Off!
• Shannon K. Perry of Oz 9 and Audiotocracy Podcast Production

Does 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 [email protected], 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

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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 - [email protected] - 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 [email protected], 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

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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 [email protected], 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

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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 [email protected] 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 [email protected], 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

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 [email protected] 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

DuskWolf by killyourpepe

Almelem from Gideon Media

Can You Help Me Find My Mom? from The Truth 

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 [email protected], 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

Click here to tell us what you think!

Get

Started

The blank page stares back at you. Your fingers hover uncertainly. That familiar anxiety creeps in—but what if there was a better way to begin?

Our latest episode delves into the sacred ritual of writing preparation—those crucial moments before creativity flows. We explore how simple affirmations like

 "I am ready" 

can mentally prepare you for the creative journey ahead. Your physical environment matters tremendously; we discuss getting comfortable and creating the perfect writing space ambience that signals to your brain it's time to shift from everyday thinking to creative mode.

Surprisingly, hydration emerges as a key component of successful writing sessions. Having water or your beverage of choice nearby serves multiple purposes: maintaining brain function, creating natural pause points, and establishing a small reward system as you work #science!

 "Take a sip" becomes more than just practical advice—it transforms into a moment of celebration for your progress. Go. You. 

We tackle the deeply personal nature of writing tools, whether you prefer pen and paper, keyboard, or speech-to-text applications (not blood). The focus isn't on having the "correct" implement but ensuring whatever you choose feels natural and removes barriers between your thoughts and their expression. When writer's block inevitably strikes, we offer practical strategies: consider the opposite of what might happen next, shift to another character's perspective, or simply get up for a rejuvenating walk.

Throughout it all, we emphasize self-kindness in your creative process. The gentle encouragement woven throughout reminds you that writing shouldn't be punishing. By approaching your craft with patience, curiosity, and kindness rather than judgment, you create the ideal internal environment for creativity to flourish.

Ready to transform your writing experience? Listen now, and don't forget to subscribe for more creative inspiration in your podcatcher of choice when our NEXT ADWIT EPISODE releases next week!

Do you want more of these CALM WRITING eps? Let us know!

We're happy to oblige

Happy Writing!

Sarah and Lindsay💜

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 [email protected], 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

Click here to tell us what you think!

Ever wonder what happens to all those brilliant audio drama ideas that never make it past the "what if" stage?

After reviewing our listener survey (thank you to everyone who participated!), we've gained valuable insights into what you need most from ADWIT. The results were clear: 80% prefer straightforward, consistent episodes focused on practical writing advice rather than elaborate productions with fictional narratives. We hear you, and we're shaping our content accordingly!

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our Discord server, a community space where audio drama enthusiasts can share ideas and support each other through creative challenges. 

Throughout this episode, we explore the invisible aspects of the writing process. As Sarah beautifully puts it, "Writing isn't just the act of putting words onto a pad or screen. It's the work, the cerebral time you give yourself." Whether you're walking your dog while contemplating character development or researching historical settings, all of it contributes to your craft.

For those looking to dive deeper into production aspects, we recommend excellent resources like Indie AF, Atypical Artist Resource Guide, and 11th Hour Audio. Each offers unique perspectives and guidance for turning your script into a polished audio drama.

Join us in our mission to help writers finish their scripts and share their stories with the world. Connect with our community on Discord, and let's transform those "what ifs" into "yes, ands" together!

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: 

Edict Zero

Bloody Disgusting Podcast Network

The Amelia Project

Alt Stories

The Automatics 

Podnews

INDIE AF

Quirky Voices Presents

Atypical Artists’ Resource Guide

Multitude Productions' Resource Guide

Bombs Always Beep by K. C. Wayland

11th Hour Audio

Silly Old Bear

Wireless Theatre Company

You're invited to chat with us on the ADWIT Discord Server.  What is Discord? This may help: Discord for Podcasters: Engagement Without Exasperation. 

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 [email protected], 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