Everything You Need To Know About The Writer
- Oliver Smuhar
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 9
How many episodes is the series?
Season 1 consists of 13 episodes. A second season has already been outlined, adding another 16 episodes to the story.
What genre is The Writer?
The Writer is a character-driven narrative drama blending psychological tension with dystopian world-building. Think Full Metal Jacket meets Arcane, with a touch of The 100.
What makes The Writer different from other audio dramas?
It begins with a single question, the ‘what if’ that sparked the series. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, you can feel it: tensions are rising, societies are strained, and every day World War III feels less like a dark fantasy and more like a plausible future. The Writer dares to ask, What if it actually happened? And this question isn’t just a hook; it’s the driving force behind the story, something listeners will be eager to explore.
Why should YOU listen to The Writer?
It’s an experience. You’ll hear professional, cinematic audio design; follow a twisted story guided by an unreliable narrator; meet memorable characters who’ll stay with you long after you’ve finished listening; and step into a dystopian world that feels uncomfortably, and irresistibly, similar to our own.
Is the podcast series suitable for younger listeners?
If The Writer were a TV show, it would sit comfortably at an MA15+ rating. While the series may appeal to many teens, especially boys around 15-18, much like how my mates and I were drawn to the first Deadpool back in high school, it does contain mature themes, strong language and intense moments that aren’t suited for younger audiences.
Why did O.R. Smuhar create The Writer?
I work in book marketing, and like many in the industry, felt the hardships of 2025; one of the worst years for publishing, with paperback sales plummeting while audio and digital formats surged. That’s when it hit me: audiobooks are the future. I’d been toying with a World War III–inspired story for some time, sparked by events like when the U.S. negotiated a peace deal between Israel and Gaza. Though I’m not particularly political, I found myself lost in this fictional war I’d imagined, asking: How would I survive if I were drafted? That “what if” became the seed for The Writer.
Why set the story set in an imagined WWIII?
Some of the greatest stories in literature, film and television take place during wartime. Full Metal Jacket explores the Vietnam War, Band of Brothers portrays World War II, Saving Private Ryan, Taxi Driver, The Hurt Locker, and my all-time favourite, Apocalypse Now, all examine the cost of war. Knowing this, I’d be a fool to deny that great storytelling and the struggle for the future are deeply intertwined. But instead of looking back, I asked myself: why not look forward? It might make a great story, as Talia would say.
How realistic is the series’ depiction of war?
I’d say it’s about 50/50. To appeal to a global audience, I avoided making any real-world country the villain. Instead, the series features The Ruskibar Dominion, a coalition of people from around the world seeking a “grand restart” for humanity. At the same time, many elements are grounded in reality: the draft, bootcamp, front-line combat, near-death experiences and bullets whizzing overhead. The Writer blends fiction with factual aspects of warfare, creating a world that’s both imaginative and believable.
Where can I stay in the loop?
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🌐 Website: https://www.littleearproductionslep.com
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