I just took my first class with Marion this week so I’m diving headlong into the podcast now. Every one I’ve listened to has given me strength, fresh ideas, and a feeling of camaraderie. Well done!

Love this podcast. I have learned so much.

I belong to a couple writing groups and when other writers are asking for tips on writing, editing, drafts, story/theme, etc. I always find myself saying “Ya know, Marion just interviewed someone on her podcast about this!” I love her interview style and tendency for blending encouragement with craft. Thanks for producing this!! - Joan

Marion’s interview with Matt Mendez was exceptional. We should all listen to his wise words regarding the difference between a writer and an author in this time of book banning. So helpful. Also his “mechanic’s” approach to editing is fun and insightful. Great work Matt and Marion!

Just listened to Marion‘s interview #108 with Allison K. Williams (GuerillaMarketing). There were so many takeaways in weaving elements of Marion’s The Memoir Project with Allison’s Seven Drafts (both their books are heavily marked up!). Marion’s algebraic formula: it’s about “x” as illustrated by “y” as told by “z” — struck a cord between my computer science and writing selves :-) SOME Takeaways: You can’t make it better by yourself. There’s a time for emotional support for your project, but there comes a time when you need to have outside help to make it the best it can be. From Allison’s theater experience—it’s not your job to cry, it’s your job to make the audience cry. Between drafts, you can still be writing. Take portions from your memoir or things that didn’t make the cut and spin them into something that is culturally relevant (Letters to the Editor, Op-Eds, Personal Essays, blog posts, etc.) When reading other books notice when you love a piece of writing. Analyze what makes it so compelling: details, bookend, metaphor, a new clue. Then try to use that technique in your writing. Sometimes writing memoir is energizing, other times a slog. Keep the focus on finding the right words that will help people who need to hear them. When you print out and read a draft after letting it sit for awhile, mark and cut it up. Rearrange. Then re-type it. If your eyes glaze over when retyping, readers’ eyes will glaze over too. 52 card pick up: write one sentence to describe a scene and put it on an index card. Throw all the index cards up in the air. Let them land. Then search for the one that needs to come first. Then next. Until the end. There may be cards left on the floor that don’t belong in the book anymore. I listened to this while walking on the treadmill and pausing (a lot) to add notes on my iPhone :) I highly recommend QWERTY, as well as Marion’s book—The Memoir Project and her classes. The same with Allison‘s book—Seven Drafts and her webinars. Thank you both!

I thoroughly enjoy Querty & Marion’s conversational, and extremely intelligent interviewing skills. This most recent episode with Michele Cushatt was just beyond! Not only did it fill me with awe for how she is handling her struggles, it inspired me to continue to write about my own difficult past. Thank you for continuing to produce such a consistently compelling show. - Stacey Morris

Thank you for continuing to provide incredibly valuable interviews specific to writing and so helpful to writers. I also appreciate your ability to keep the conversation moving. Your sense of timing and pacing make each episode a fantastic use of my time and attention. Please don’t stop!

Marion comes to the interview prepared. She reads the book, and asks deep, probing questions that provoke true conversation. Her podcast has diverse topics, and though she asks the same one or two questions of the people she interviews, each conversation is unique, delightful and filled with insight and useful information.

I inevitably wish the episodes were longer because Marion never lingers in the shallow end of the pool. She dives deep, and her guests love the excellent questions, the invitation to think about structure, audience, and thesis. Often they say no one has asked them this question. Marion draws out of them ideas they themselves want to remember for the future. She has an infectious passion for teaching and learning.

Marion never fails to conduct her podcast interviews in a way that brings out the craft details, process details, and the joy of the creator.

Loved this episode with Bryan. It's filled with practical advice and as a fellow mediator, it was so great to hear him mention TM.

Marian’s show is professional (well produced) efficient (no time wasting chit chat) funny (she’s got a great sense of humor) And best of all instructive (most of her questions to writers are essentially how did you do this?) It makes a good listen.

I love this podcast! Marion Roach is an expert interviewer and selects interesting authors with diverse backgrounds. The podcast is entertaining as well as inspiring. Suitable for writers in all genres.

Without exception I learn something new from each of Marion’s podcast interviews. I like the relaxed conversational style between her and the authors.

Marion Roach Smith never fails to deliver to her audience, never. The audience is writers and her podcast addresses writers of all levels in each episode. If you are not an accomplished writer, you feel no shame here. You are left inspired. I feel Marion is there for everyone from beginner to accomplished writer and also for the just curious. She asks the right questions with a deep inquiring mind on various topics and perspectives. You may roar with laughter with her, or like me, sometimes pop out the dictionary, but it’s all good. It’s always good. How wonderful to learn, be inspired and be entertained all at once. Have a listen. (I took the time to Google how to write this review, so you know I like it.)

Marion Roach Smith is known for teaching memoirist, but this podcast is aimed at writers of all genres. Marion, a former journalist, is a skilled interviewer. Her delight in these discussions, which almost all include her heart laugh, is infectious and makes you want to return to your own writing project. I’ve been a loyal listener since episode one.

Marion, host of the QWERTY podcast, highlights all aspects of writing and more in this can’t miss podcast! The host and expert guests offer insightful advice and information that is helpful to anyone that listens!

Love the guest authors Marion interviews. I learn something new from each session! Thanks Marion for this innovative way of showing writers how to improve their essays, blogs, articles, Op Ed’s and books.

This podcast is such an incredible tool in my writing life. Marion Roach Smith really knows how to ask questions and is creating deep learning sessions in these conversations.

this podcast is amazing! as a new writer, (when does somebody get the call themselves a writer?) I am devouring this podcast and everything else I can get my hands on because writing is such an amazing daunting process! This podcast couldn’t have come at a better time I thank you so much! I will recommend it wherever I go! thank you thank you thank you!

I listen to every episode and always come away inspired. Marion delivers so much value to listeners with her incisive questions and commentary, offering tips and insights. Highly recommend to writers of all genres and levels!

Thank you.

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite podcasts. I enjoy listening for the wealth of information given for anyone who wants to write.

Entertaining, provocative and insightful. The hosts are smart and quick. The guests are well-published authors who offer real writing insight. It’s a lot of fun.

Marion and David are such a yin yang duo! The conversations make feel like you are part of the conversation and they make you embrace the peaks and valleys of writing with gusto! It’s positive and filled with gratitude. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!

The hosts are funny, intelligent, and like a married couple--but in a Ricky-Lucy good way! Great guests so far. Worth subscribing.