it’s been a while since my last blog, and I’m thrilled to be back with you. Today, I want to dive into a topic that has consumed much of my creative energy lately — fiction podcasts. But before we get into that, let me catch you up on what I’ve been working on.

Life Updates

Since my last episode, life has been busy. Between work, the holidays, and managing my other podcasts, I had to step back from Podquesting temporarily. One of the biggest projects I’ve been working on is my fiction podcast, which originally started as Jack’s Chronicles but has since evolved into The Jack Moor Chronicles. Later, I’ll share why I made this title change.

The History and Evolution of Fiction Podcasts

Fiction podcasts, or audio dramas, may seem like a new trend, but they actually have deep roots in the history of audio storytelling. Long before podcasts existed, radio dramas dominated the airwaves in the 1930s and 1940s. Shows like The War of the Worlds and The Shadow captivated audiences, painting vivid scenes through sound alone.

With the rise of television, radio dramas faded, but their storytelling techniques lived on. Audiobooks gained popularity, offering another way for audiences to experience stories on the go. Then came the podcasting boom in the mid-2000s, which paved the way for fiction podcasts to make a comeback. Shows like Welcome to Night Vale, The Magnus Archives, Limetown, and Alice Isn’t Dead introduced audiences to immersive, serialized audio storytelling in a fresh way.

What’s exciting about fiction podcasts today is their evolution as an art form. They’re no longer just stories with sound effects — they’re experiments in storytelling, blending traditional narratives with innovative audio techniques.

Why Fiction Podcasts Are Gaining Popularity

According to Edison Research, fiction podcasts have seen a steady increase in listenership over the past few years, with no signs of slowing down. But what’s driving this growth?

1. Immersive Storytelling — Fiction podcasts transport listeners into new worlds using sound design, voice acting, and layered narratives.
2. Convenience — Listeners can enjoy these stories anytime, whether commuting, working out, or relaxing at home.
3. Escapism — Fiction podcasts provide a unique way to escape reality and experience compelling stories in an intimate, audio-driven format.

How I Started My Fiction Podcast

My journey into fiction podcasting began almost by accident. I started writing just for fun, and before I knew it, I had the first episode of my podcast. Initially, I didn’t plan on creating a full-fledged fiction podcast, but after uploading that first chapter, I realized how much I enjoyed it.

One of the unique aspects of The Jack Moor Chronicles is the way I approach storytelling. Instead of having a fully mapped-out plot, I write one chapter at a time, only moving forward after releasing the current one. This makes the story feel improvised and keeps the creative process exciting. I’m also exploring ways to involve listeners, such as allowing them to submit ideas or vote on plot twists.

Why I Changed the Title

Originally, my podcast was called Jack’s Chronicles, but after some research, I realized there were multiple books and projects with similar names. To improve search engine optimization (SEO) and stand out, I changed the name to The Jack Moor Chronicles. This decision wasn’t easy — titles carry a lot of weight in storytelling. However, I wanted a title that felt unique and better represented the mysterious and evolving nature of the story.

How Fiction Podcasts Differ from Other Podcast Genres

Fiction podcasts differ from other podcast genres in several key ways:

• Scripting — Unlike conversational or interview-based podcasts, fiction podcasts require detailed scripting to maintain narrative flow.
• Sound Design — Music and sound effects play a crucial role in setting the tone and immersing listeners in the story.
• Editing — More extensive post-production work is required to blend voice acting, ambient sounds, and effects seamlessly.

Is a Fiction Podcast a Good Medium for Writers?

If you’re a writer wondering whether fiction podcasting is worth it, my answer is a resounding yes. Here’s why:

1. Built-in Deadlines — Releasing episodes regularly keeps you accountable and motivated to keep writing.
2. Audience Feedback — Unlike traditional publishing, you can get real-time reactions from listeners and adjust your storytelling accordingly.
3. Experimentation — Fiction podcasts allow you to test new ideas, develop characters over time, and refine your storytelling skills in a dynamic way.

Should You Start a Fiction Podcast?

If you love storytelling and want to explore a creative medium, fiction podcasting is a fantastic option. The genre is growing, and audiences are eager for fresh narratives. However, it’s important to recognize that it requires more than just writing — you’ll need to handle recording, editing, and marketing as well.

Balancing Multiple Podcasts and a Full-Time Job

Since my last episode of Podquesting, I’ve been focused primarily on The Jack Moor Chronicles, releasing one chapter per month. This schedule has been manageable alongside my full-time job, but I’m working on streamlining my process to release more episodes across my different podcasts.

Both Podquesting and Curiosity Overload have taken a backseat, but I plan to continue producing episodes for both. I’m also considering launching another fiction podcast, possibly with a less frequent release schedule to keep things balanced.

Managing multiple podcasts while working full-time is a challenge, but I’ve found a few strategies that help:

• Setting Priorities — Identifying which projects need the most attention and focusing on them.
• Time Blocking — Dedicating specific time slots for podcasting to stay consistent.
• Saying No — Avoiding projects that don’t align with my overall goals.

Final Thoughts

Fiction podcasts are an exciting and evolving form of storytelling, blending the best of radio dramas, audiobooks, and modern podcasting. Whether you’re a writer looking for a new creative outlet or a listener searching for immersive stories, there’s never been a better time to dive into fiction podcasting.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. If you’re interested in fiction podcasts or thinking about starting your own, I hope this article has given you some insights. Don’t forget to check out The Jack Moor Chronicles and my other shows. Until next time — keep questing!