You're listening to PodQuesting, where we're on a quest to conquer the realm of fiction podcasts. Welcome back to PodQuesting. In today's episode, we are diving in to a slight change, but a meaningful one, and that is the shift in the direction of this podcast. So when I first launched podcasting, it was an open playground, a place to explore different podcast formats, genres, and ideas. I experimented with a DCU -themed show, dove into episodes about curiosity, and just let my
interests lead the way. It was all part of the process, figuring out what kind of stories I wanted to tell and what kind of podcaster I really am. But something changed along the way, and that something was fiction. When I started working on my fiction podcast, I found myself genuinely excited not just about writing the story, but about building the world, designing soundscapes, learning how to tell a story with nothing but
audio. It pulled me in more than anything else I had done before, and over time I've realized that this is what I want to pursue more seriously. So from here on out, podcasting is going to shift its focus primarily to documenting my journey into fiction podcasting. This means you can expect more episodes on topics like story structure, sound design, character development, and the challenges of serialized storytelling. It's going to be a creative deep dive into what it takes
to make narrative audio. That said, not everything is changing. I'll still be exploring broader podcasting topics like audience research, promotion strategies, tech tools, and behind -the -scenes insights. Because those are relevant no matter what kind of podcast you're making. But if you're a finance podcaster, for example, you might notice more fiction -specific discussions than before. Ultimately, this shift reflects where my passion is right now, and I want to bring you along for
the ride. Whether you're a fellow fiction podcaster, thinking of starting one, or just curious about how this all works, I hope you'll stick around. So with all that said, let's dive into a fiction -focused topic for today's episode, and that is the top five things I've learned so far from making fiction podcasts. So at number one, that
is, fiction podcasts are huge. There's a massive audience out there, and there are also a lot of fiction podcasts already being made, and that might sound intimidating, but to me, it's actually encouraging. It means people want this kind of content. The audience exists. You just have to find your place in it. Number two, it's a lot of work. Like, a lot. You're not just recording
audio. You're building an entire world, crafting a story, creating characters, editing sound, and keeping people engaged all the way through. You don't have a guest to help carry the conversation. It's all on you as the writer and the creator. You have to start strong and end strong. And I don't just mean from episode one to your finale. I mean from the beginning of every episode to
the end. That's something I'm striving for. Not saying I've nailed it yet, but it's a goal I keep in mind with every scene I write and record. Now at number three, marketing is still everything. No matter what kind of podcast you make, finding your audience is hard. But when your show is something niche like a noir urban fantasy, or a unique audio drama, it's even harder. General podcast listeners might not jump into a fiction podcast series the same way they would with a
finance or mental health show. Those have a more obvious appeal to a wider audience. So I've already been focusing on building a community around my shows. It's early days, but I can already tell it's going to be a key part of growing an audience. that actually sticks around. At number four, we have sound design takes time. This one's obvious, but worth saying. Fiction podcasting requires a whole different level of editing. You're not just cutting out ums and adding an
intro. You're layering effects, ambience, music, voice acting. But if you're like me and you actually enjoy that part, it's not a problem. But I can definitely see how it could be overwhelming if editing isn't your thing. At number five, cover art matters a lot. Yeah, yeah, don't judge a book by its cover. But let's be honest, we all do. If you're scrolling through a podcast directory and something has cool, eye -catching artwork,
you're way more likely to click on it. And with fiction podcasts, this is even more important. Think about how people choose movies. Half the time, it's based on the poster or the Netflix thumbnail. Your cover is your first impression. So make it count. So those are just a few things I've picked up while making two fiction podcasts and developing a third. If you're thinking about starting your own fiction podcast, I'd love to
hear from you. Leave a voicemail over on the podcasting website or join our Discord at Wolfshield Media. Link in the show notes. Or head over to the Wolfshield Media website. And if you want to check out my current fiction shows, head over to Wolf Show Media. You can listen to The Jack Moore Chronicles and Trapped Within right now. Thanks for listening, and until next time, keep questing.