The End of an Era
Wrapping the Secret Library Podcast
Nine years and over 250 Episodes.
When I first started the show, I wondered if we’d run out of things to talk about after a dozen episodes. We didn’t. For the first three years, we released an episode every single Thursday no matter what.
In the beginning of the show, no one was talking about the behind-the-scenes of writing and publishing, and it was exciting to speak to more and more writers about their experience creating their books. I could not be more grateful for the connections and community this show has built.
Season 11 will be our final one. Here’s Why.
My intention in building the Secret Library was to build a reference room full of useful conversations that would support, inform, and inspire people who dream of writing books. While many episodes were timed to align with a book’s release, the conversations were timeless.
In crossing the 250 episode line with Season 11, the reference library feels complete. I have noticed myself straining to come up with a new angle to discuss, something that would feel fresh and groundbreaking to an aspiring writer. Over the past few months, I’ve begun asking myself a new question:
What if it’s time to end the show? What if the show is COMPLETE?
I’ve been feeling a pull to wrap the show for a while, if I’m honest. We did one season in 2024, rather than our usual two. And as I began season 11, there was a sense of completion in the conversations, rather than the expansion of breaking new ground. It’s been bittersweet, recording these episodes, knowing there won’t be more.
Graduation from the SLP
In addition, I created and launched this show when I was in my 30s. I’ve since crossed into my 40s and am now facing an even bigger decade soon. The amount of change and discovery this has created has been hard and delightful at the same time.
In reaching 250+ episodes, I feel I’ve done Caroline of 2016 proud. But now I want to look at who we all are now as a community and to think about new projects that may serve us going forward.
There are still three more episodes coming from the SLP: two interviews and a final wrap-up episode I am absolutely bursting to share. In a surprise twist, I won’t be closing with a solo episode, but rather one in which I’m interviewed by a friend I met when she was a guest. (Super-fans will know her as the kick-off interview for Season 8, if you want to go on a treasure hunt 🔎) This episode is a wonderful tribute to the show over the past nine years, and I hope you love listening. Stay tuned for that!
The Secret Library Podcast will remain available to listen to indefinitely
The section here on Book Alchemy and on all the places you listen will remain live. I refer to these episodes constantly, recommending them to clients and students, as well as friends. This library is so precious to me, and I know it will continue to play a role in the community as long as I have one.
Thank you
For those of you who have listened from the beginning, or those who’ve joined more recently, I am so grateful to have connected with you through this show. It has been an honor to create it for you.
Let’s Celebrate: Favorite episodes or moments?
I’d LOVE to know which episodes were your favorites and if you have favorite memories about the show. As part of celebrating the Secret Library, please leave any of these or additional thoughts in the comments.
It would mean the world to me to know what the show has meant to you.
What’s next?
The prospect of having more bandwidth without a podcast to produce has already got my mind whirring. (Although at a more sustainable pace. See: not in my 30s anymore)
One shift I am keen to make is dedicating more of my time to my own writing. I have a novel in progress and a nonfiction book I’m excited to work on and I want to give these projects solid attention to make them the best they can be.
However, a big part of my fuel is this community, and I have multiple ideas for new projects for Book Alchemy starting in June.
Members: Get all the details about potential new projects in our live this Friday!
Members: Scheduled Live post is here.
Not yet a member? You can join us here:
Wow, Caroline! This is big news. As a regular listener for years, and as a guest last season, I've been grateful for your candor, insights, wonderful guests, and absolutely beautiful voice. I think I told you I consider you the Krista Tippett of literary podcasts? While I am sad to see the Secret Library end, moving on is a wise move for your spirit and your own writing. I am confident that you'll always be a precious literary light, finding ways to brighten all of our journeys.
Caroline, your podcast has made a profound difference in my life. In 2020, during the pandemic lockdowns, I listened to so many SLP episodes. There, I found comfort and community during a time of great isolation and uncertainty. In the years since, I've continued to listen eagerly, knowing that your guests and your excellent insights would likewise make me feel less alone as a writer. And there are so many incredible takeaways: Taking my character to a bookstore? Yes, please. And "Just do the next indicated thing." Brilliant!
Some of my favourite episodes include those with Ruth Reichl, Sarah Selecky, Chip Cheek, Jacqueline Winspear, Amy Cooper-Wright, Natalie Goldberg...but the list goes on...
Thank you so much for this gift of a podcast.