The Writer’s Voice: WD Recordings From the 1970s

In 2018, in a crammed cubicle space, the staff of Writer’s Digest found a box of cassette tapes from the 1970s labeled, “The Writer’s Voice.” No one at the office had a cassette player so back into the box they went. The boxed then moved with us to two different locations over the course of a few years, always placed safely with the print archives of the magazine. We still didn’t have a cassette player, but tucked into the magazines, we did find an informational sheet telling us what was on the cassettes. An interview with Isaac Asimov! Another with Gay Talese. Recordings of reknowned WD staffers and a former owner. We knew we had to find a way to listen to these tapes.

With the help of some very talented multimedia developers at Writer’s Digest’s parent company, Active Interest Media, we were able to transfer the recordings from the aged and potentially delicate cassette tapes to digital form … but would the recordings be useable? Or would they be warped from decades spent in a cardboard box at a dry and dusty office building?

We lucked out and you can now hold the result in your hands. All but a handful of recordings survived and it’s a treasure trove of timeless writing instruction, a fascinating snapshot of the publishing industry in the 1970s, and a collection of interviews that add invaluable insight about legendary writers to the historical record. Plus you’ll hear some of the voices that built Writer’s Digest including WD’s first female editor in chief, Kirk Polking, one of WD’s owners and editor of Story Magazine, Lois Rosenthal, and Alice Hornbaker, the editorial director of the Writer’s Digest School, an early precursor to Writer’s Digest University.

Not all of the audio is perfect and some of the ideas are a bit dated, but we’re thrilled to finally be able to share this extraordinary find with you. 

Here are some of the highlights: 

An Interview with Erma Bombeck, hosted by Alice Hornbaker 

Bombeck, a popular syndicated humorist, is interviewed by Alice Hornbaker. During their discussion, Bombeck discusses the importance of suburban newspapers, how many columns she writes at a time, and family reactions to her writing. Plus, she points out the importance of reading humor and observes how style projects out of people. 

An Interview with Gay Talese, hosted by John Brady 

Talese, considered to be the father of “New Journalism” writing, talks about the research and writing of his bestselling novels, Honor Thy Father and The Kingdom and the Power. He discusses his interviewing techniques, his “new journalism” style of writing, what it is, and what he is trying to do with it. 

Being a Writer with James Michener, hosted by John Hayes 

The internationally famous author reveals how a Michener bestseller is researched and written; how he develops his characters; and the kind of characters he looks for in real life. He also talks about the functions and fun of being a writer. 

Hotchner on Hemingway, hosted by A.E. Hotchner 

The bestselling author of Papa Hemingway talks about his years with Hemingway; what “Papa” was really like; his relations with his friends; how he really felt about his father and mother; his unopened letter to his father; his illness and suicide; and the lawsuit over the publication of Papa Hemingway. Hotchner also talks about his own writing and work methods. 

Isaac Asimov Talks: An Interview, hosted by Lois Rosenthal 

One of the most widely known writers talks about his writing, literary responsibilities and discipline. Asimov also gives advice for new SF writers. 

Visit The Writer's Digest Shop to see the full list of 28 recordings and learn more.