NotebookLM is Google’s AI writing tool that mixes powerful LLMs with a simple notebook setup.
The cool part? Its podcast feature. Two AI voices (let’s call them Alex and Maya) discuss, analyze, and explore your writing projects in depth. In this guide, we’ll go step-by-step through the best 20 use cases of NotebookLM for writers.
Key NotebookLM Benefits for Writers
There are some really good reasons you should consider experimenting with NotebookLM:
- Interactive Brainstorming: Rather than just getting static responses, you can listen to two AI personalities discuss your work, offering different perspectives and insights.
- Deep Analysis: The system can process entire manuscripts or chapters, identifying patterns, inconsistencies, and opportunities for improvement.
- Consistent Feedback: The two AI voices (Alex and Maya) maintain consistent personalities and perspectives throughout your sessions.
- Natural Learning: Hearing your work discussed in conversation format helps internalize feedback and suggestions more effectively.
- Flexible Use Cases: From initial ideation to final manuscript review, NotebookLM can assist at every stage of the writing process.
Also, the tool is completely free to use right now.
20 Best NotebookLM Uses for Writers
Here are the most helpful NotebookLM Google podcast use cases for writers and authors.
1. Story Seed Development Podcast
Turning a concept into a fully fleshed-out story is one of the hardest parts of writing.
This method uses two AI voices to brainstorm and build on your ideas in ways you might not think of alone. It’s like having a brainstorming buddy—but with more structure and a focus on storytelling essentials.
As the AI voices chat, they can suggest plot twists, dive into themes, and uncover unique angles to make your story stand out.
It’s perfect for when you’ve got a cool premise but don’t know where to take it next.
How to Use:
- Input your initial story concept.
- Prompt: “Create a podcast discussion between Alex and Maya exploring the potential of this story idea. Have them discuss possible themes, conflicts, and character dynamics.”
Example Prompt:
Base concept: A librarian discovers they can hear the thoughts of book characters
Podcast format: Alex and Maya should:
- Explore 3-4 potential main conflict directions
- Discuss thematic implications
- Brainstorm unique plot complications
- Consider genre-blending opportunities2. Character Interview Deep Dive
Character development requires a deep understanding of your character’s psychology, motivations, and background.
This interview-style format creates a unique opportunity to explore your character from multiple angles through dynamic conversation.
One AI voice takes on the role of interviewer while the other embodies your character, allowing for the natural revelation of character traits and history. This approach often reveals inconsistencies in character conception and helps writers discover new depths to their characters they hadn’t considered.
The interview format is particularly effective because it forces character responses to be immediate and authentic.
How to Use:
- Provide your character’s basic profile.
- Prompt: “Create a podcast where Alex interviews Maya, who’s roleplaying as [character name]. Include a discussion of backstory, motivations, and internal conflicts.”
Example Prompt:
Character: Sarah Chen, ex-military cryptographer turned rare book dealer
Format:
- Opening segment: Basic introduction and background
- Middle segment: Deep dive into pivotal life experiences
- Final segment: Character's hopes, fears, and current challenges
Have Maya respond in character while Alex asks probing questions3. Plot Structure Analysis Show
Nailing your story’s structure is key to keeping readers hooked and delivering a satisfying arc.
This approach turns plot analysis into a fun, interactive chat that breaks down your story’s framework in fresh ways. The conversational format makes it easy to spot pacing issues, weak arcs, or missed chances for drama.
What makes it so effective is how it blends technical analysis with creative problem-solving.
One voice might stick to classic story beats and pacing, while the other suggests ways to shake things up with twists and surprises—all without losing the story’s balance.
How to Use:
- Submit your outline or story summary.
- Prompt: “Create a podcast where Alex and Maya analyze the story structure, discussing pacing, plot points, and narrative arc.”
Example Prompt:
Format: Writing craft discussion show
Focus areas:
- Identify and analyze major plot points
- Discuss pacing and tension management
- Explore subplot integration
- Suggest potential structural improvements
Have Alex focus on technical analysis while Maya offers creative alternatives4. Scene Workshop Theatre
Individual scenes are the building blocks of your story, and their effectiveness can make or break your reader’s engagement.
This workshop approach provides a unique way to analyze and improve scenes by examining them from multiple angles simultaneously.
The conversational format allows for real-time exploration of various scene elements – from technical aspects like blocking and pacing to emotional resonance and character development. What makes this particularly powerful is how it can identify disconnects between your intended impact and the actual execution.
The two AI voices can discuss alternative approaches, and point out missed opportunities for deeper emotional impact.
And suggest ways to layer multiple story elements within a single scene for maximum effect.
This approach is especially valuable for crucial scenes that aren’t quite hitting their mark.
How to Use:
- Submit a scene.
- Prompt: “Create a podcast where Alex and Maya analyze this scene’s effectiveness, discussing elements like tension, dialogue, and sensory details.”
Example Prompt:
Scene elements to discuss:
- Character voice and dialogue authenticity
- Setting and atmosphere
- Emotional impact
- Pacing and tension
Include a segment where they suggest 2-3 alternative approaches to key moments5. Theme Exploration Roundtable
Themes give your story deeper meaning and resonance, but integrating them naturally without becoming heavy-handed can be challenging.
This roundtable discussion format helps you explore how themes can be woven throughout your narrative in subtle and effective ways.
The conversation between the AI voices can reveal unexpected connections between your themes and various story elements, from character arcs to setting details. This approach is particularly effective because it helps identify opportunities for thematic reinforcement that might be missed in a simple outline or draft review.
How to Use:
- List your story’s main themes.
- Prompt: “Create a podcast where Alex and Maya explore how these themes could be developed and reinforced throughout the story.”
Example Prompt:
Themes: Identity, belonging, technological ethics
Discussion format:
- Theme introduction and relevance
- Character arc integration
- Symbol and motif suggestions
- Subplot opportunities
Have them debate different approaches to theme development6. World-Building Architecture Podcast
Creating a rich, believable story world involves countless interconnected elements that must work together coherently.
This podcast format excels at exploring these connections and their implications in a way that static world-building templates often miss.
Through dynamic discussion, the AI voices can help you discover how different aspects of your world affect each other – from economic systems to cultural norms to technological limitations. What makes this approach particularly powerful is how it can identify potential plot opportunities or conflicts naturally arising from your world’s rules and systems.
The conversation can also help spot inconsistencies or logical gaps in your world-building that might create problems later in the story.
This method is especially valuable for science fiction and fantasy writers.
How to Use:
- Provide basic world-building elements.
- Prompt: “Create a podcast where Alex and Maya explore and expand the world-building elements, focusing on consistency and unique aspects.”
Example Prompt:
Setting: Near-future Toronto where dreams are tradeable commodities
Discussion areas:
- Social implications
- Economic systems
- Technology limitations
- Cultural adaptations
Include a segment on potential plot hooks unique to this world7. Chapter-to-Chapter Continuity Check
Maintaining consistency across chapters while ensuring smooth narrative progression is one of the most challenging aspects of long-form writing.
This analytical approach uses the conversation between AI voices to track multiple elements simultaneously – character development, plot threads, emotional arcs, and pacing.
The podcast format is particularly effective because it allows for a natural discussion of how different story elements evolve and interact across chapter boundaries. One voice might focus on technical continuity while the other explores emotional progression, creating a comprehensive analysis that catches both obvious inconsistencies and subtle disconnects that might otherwise slip through.
This method is especially valuable during revision stages or when working on complex narratives with multiple storylines.
How to Use:
- Submit consecutive chapters.
- Prompt: “Create a podcast where Alex and Maya analyze the continuity between these chapters, discussing character arcs, plot progression, and pacing.”
Example Prompt:
Focus on:
- Character consistency
- Plot thread maintenance
- Pacing progression
- Emotional arc development
Have them flag potential continuity issues and suggest solutions8. Dialogue Dynamics Workshop
Effective dialogue does more than convey information – it reveals character, advances plot, and creates emotional resonance.
This workshop approach transforms dialogue analysis into an interactive experience where the AI voices can demonstrate how subtle changes in wording, rhythm, or subtext can dramatically impact a conversation’s effectiveness.
The podcast format is uniquely suited for this because the voices can actually perform different versions of the dialogue.
This approach helps writers identify common dialogue issues like redundancy, on-the-nose exposition, or lack of character voice distinction.
It’s particularly valuable for writers struggling to make their dialogue sound natural.
Or those looking to add more layers of meaning to their characters’ conversations.
How to Use:
- Submit a dialogue-heavy scene.
- Prompt: “Create a podcast where Alex and Maya analyze the dialogue, occasionally acting out alternatives to demonstrate improvements.”
Example Prompt:
Analysis areas:
- Character voice distinction
- Subtext and subtlety
- Tension and pacing
- Natural flow
Include examples of both weak and strong dialogue choices9. Character Relationship Mapping
The relationships between characters often drive the most compelling aspects of a story, yet these dynamics can be challenging to develop and track effectively.
This mapping approach uses the conversational format to explore how character relationships evolve and influence each other throughout the narrative. The AI voices can discuss both obvious and subtle aspects of relationships – from overt conflicts to underlying tensions and shared histories to unspoken assumptions.
This method allows for deeper character interaction and conflict while ensuring relationship developments feel organic.
This approach is especially valuable for ensemble casts or complex relationship webs.
How to Use:
- List main character relationships.
- Prompt: “Create a podcast where Alex and Maya analyze and suggest developments for character relationships.”
Example Prompt:
Relationship focus:
- Power dynamics
- Emotional connections
- Conflict sources
- Growth potential
Include suggestions for scenes that could strengthen these relationships10. Plot Hole Detection Unit
Plot holes can undermine reader trust and break story immersion, yet they’re often difficult to spot when you’re deep in the writing process.
This systematic approach uses the dynamic interaction between AI voices to examine your plot from multiple angles, identifying potential logical inconsistencies, timeline issues, or motivation problems that might not be apparent in a traditional review.
The conversation format allows for real-time problem-solving, with the voices able to propose and evaluate multiple solutions.
This method is especially useful during the revision phase or when working with complex plot structures.
How to Use:
- Submit your plot summary.
- Prompt: “Create a podcast where Alex and Maya systematically identify potential plot holes and brainstorm solutions.”
Example Prompt:
Analysis structure:
- Logic check
- Timeline consistency
- Character motivation review
- World-building rules adherence
Have them propose multiple solutions for each issue found11. Tension Building Masterclass
Creating and maintaining effective tension is crucial for keeping readers engaged, yet it’s one of the most nuanced aspects of storytelling.
This masterclass approach uses the interplay between AI voices to dissect how tension works at multiple levels – from sentence structure to scene pacing to overall story arcs. The podcast format is particularly effective because it allows for real-time analysis of how different tension-building techniques can be layered and combined for maximum impact.
One voice might focus on structural elements while the other explores emotional and psychological tension.
Apply this use case for scenes that feel flat or predictable.
It’s particularly useful for writers working in genres where tension management is crucial, such as thrillers, horror, or romance.
How to Use:
- Submit a scene needing tension improvement.
- Prompt: “Create a podcast where Alex and Maya analyze tension elements and suggest improvements.”
Example Prompt:
Focus areas:
- Pacing analysis
- Stake elevation
- Conflict layering
- Emotional investment
Include practical examples of tension-building techniques12. Character Arc Development Tracker
Creating satisfying and authentic character arcs means paying attention to subtle details.
This method turns character development analysis into a lively, interactive process. It helps writers see how growth happens through specific events and interactions.
AI voices can discuss both external events driving change and the internal shifts that make it believable. This approach pinpoints disconnects between the intended arc and what’s actually shown. It also checks if changes feel earned, identifies areas for deeper development, and suggests ways to make growth more natural.
It’s especially useful for complex arcs or multiple POV characters with unique growth paths.
How to Use:
- Submit character arc outline.
- Prompt: “Create a podcast where Alex and Maya analyze character development progression and suggest enhancement opportunities.”
Example Prompt:
Discussion points:
- Growth milestones
- Internal/external conflicts
- Change catalysts
- Resolution satisfaction
Include suggestions for strengthening the character's journey13. Scene Sequence Optimizer
The way you arrange your scenes can make or break your story’s flow and emotional punch.
This method uses a casual back-and-forth to play around with scene order and see how it changes the reader’s experience. The AI voices can chat about how each sequence affects pacing, tension, emotional buildup, and when key info gets revealed.
What makes this so helpful is how it tackles everything at once—one voice might focus on keeping the story logical, while the other dives into emotional and thematic vibes. It’s a game-changer during revisions, especially for non-linear stories where scene order is extra tricky.
How to Use:
- Submit scene sequence.
- Prompt: “Create a podcast where Alex and Maya analyze scene order and suggest optimal arrangements for emotional impact.”
Example Prompt:
Analysis areas:
- Emotional flow
- Information revelation
- Tension progression
- Pacing effectiveness
Include discussion of alternative arrangements and their impacts14. Subplot Integration Strategy
Subplots can make your story richer, but fitting them into the main plot without feeling clunky is tricky.
This method uses two AI voices to brainstorm how subplots can boost your narrative instead of distracting from it.
They’ll dig into how each subplot ties into your themes, builds characters, and deepens your story world.
What makes this so helpful is its ability to spot where subplots can overlap or split off for the biggest impact. The voices can chat about timing subplot beats for the best pacing, making sure each one matters, and finding natural ways to weave everything together.
It’s especially handy for juggling complex narratives or adding layers to a simple main plot.
How to Use:
- Submit main plot and subplot summaries.
- Prompt: “Create a podcast where Alex and Maya analyze subplot integration and suggest improvements.”
Example Prompt:
Focus points:
- Theme reinforcement
- Plot intersection opportunities
- Character development support
- Pacing contribution
Include specific scene suggestions for stronger integration15. Opening Hook Analysis
Your opening pages are make-or-break for grabbing readers, but they have to do a lot without feeling overloaded.
This approach uses two AI voices to analyze how your hook juggles key elements—engagement, character intro, world-building, and story questions.
Their back-and-forth dives into both the technical side and the emotional pull.
One voice might focus on craft, while the other looks at the reader’s experience. Together, they can pinpoint if your hook is doing too much, not enough, or striking the perfect balance.
It’s a game-changer for revisions, helping you fine-tune those critical first pages for maximum impact.
How to Use:
- Submit your opening scene.
- Prompt: “Create a podcast where Alex and Maya analyze the opening’s effectiveness and suggest enhancements.”
Example Prompt:
Analysis elements:
- Reader engagement
- Question raising
- Character introduction
- World establishment
Include alternative opening suggestions16. Ending Impact Maximizer
Writing a strong, satisfying ending is tough. It needs to tie up your story while packing an emotional punch.
This approach uses two AI voices to break down how well your ending hits key targets.
They’ll analyze if it wraps up plot threads, completes arcs, and sticks to your themes—all while delivering an emotional payoff.
The chat helps spot gaps between setup and payoff that could leave readers unsatisfied. It digs into whether the ending feels earned, highlights missed chances for resonance and suggests ways to improve without forcing it.
It’s perfect for revisions, making sure your ending hits hard and ties up every major thread.
How to Use:
- Submit your ending.
- Prompt: “Create a podcast where Alex and Maya analyze the ending’s effectiveness and emotional impact.”
Example Prompt:
Discussion areas:
- Resolution satisfaction
- Theme fulfillment
- Character arc completion
- Emotional payoff
Include suggestions for strengthening the ending's impact17. Setting Depth Enhancer
Settings aren’t just backdrops—they can shape theme, influence characters, and add tension.
This approach uses two AI voices to brainstorm ways your settings can do more. They’ll uncover chances to use setting details for character depth, emotional impact, and thematic power.
What makes this so helpful is its focus on maximizing setting without overloading on description.
The voices can chat about weaving in details naturally, using the environment to boost scenes, and making locations unforgettable.
It’s perfect for creating immersive, meaningful settings that go beyond just being background decor.
How to Use:
- Submit setting description
- Prompt: “Create a podcast where Alex and Maya explore ways to deepen and enrich the setting.”
Example Prompt:
Enhancement areas:
- Sensory details
- Historical/cultural context
- Character interaction
- Mood/atmosphere
Include specific scene examples using enhanced setting details18. Conflict Layer Explorer
Great stories thrive on layers of conflict that add depth and complexity.
This method uses two AI voices to explore how different conflicts—internal, interpersonal, societal, or environmental—can work together.
The conversation highlights ways to add layers without making the story feel messy or forced.
What makes this so effective is its focus on how conflicts can reinforce each other. The voices dig into balancing conflict types, making sure each one matters, and creating tension that keeps the story moving.
It’s a must-have for writers aiming to add depth or manage multiple conflicts in complex narratives.
How to Use:
- Submit existing conflicts
- Prompt: “Create a podcast where Alex and Maya analyze current conflicts and suggest additional layers.”
Example Prompt:
Discussion points:
- Internal conflicts
- Interpersonal conflicts
- Societal conflicts
- Environmental conflicts
Include suggestions for interweaving conflict layers19. Scene Purpose Analyst
Every scene in your story needs to pull its weight. It should move the plot, grow characters, explore themes, build the world, and hit emotional beats.
This method uses two AI voices to evaluate how well each scene delivers.
They’ll explore obvious and hidden ways a scene contributes to the story.
The voices can pinpoint missed opportunities, suggest ways to layer multiple purposes, and show how to boost scenes without overloading them.
It’s perfect for revisions, helping you make sure every scene earns its spot and works as hard as possible.
How to Use:
- Submit a scene
- Prompt: “Create a podcast where Alex and Maya analyze the scene’s various purposes and suggest enhancements.”
Example Prompt:
Analysis areas:
- Plot advancement
- Character development
- Theme reinforcement
- World-building
Include suggestions for adding layers of purpose20. Narrative Voice Consistency Check
Keeping a strong, consistent narrative voice is key to keeping readers hooked.
This approach uses two AI voices to check how well your narrative voice stays true while adapting to different moments.
They’ll look at word choice, tone, sentence flow, and perspective across your story.
The voices can spot subtle shifts that might distract readers and suggest ways to balance consistency with natural variations for big moments. They also help ensure each viewpoint character’s voice feels distinct and steady.
It’s especially helpful for long stories or ones with multiple POVs where maintaining voice consistency is tricky.
How to Use:
- Submit multiple passages
- Prompt: “Create a podcast where Alex and Maya analyze narrative voice consistency and suggest improvements.”
Example Prompt:
Focus areas:
- Tone consistency
- Style elements
- Point of view stability
- Voice uniqueness
Include examples of strong voice moments and areas needing alignmentI enjoy this software so much, that I made a video demo where I walk you through three powerful NotebookLM uses for writers:
Final Thoughts: NotebookLM for Writers
These 20 approaches help you unlock its full potential at every stage of writing.
Tailor the prompts to fit your style and goals. Be clear about what you need while leaving space for Alex and Maya to bring creative ideas and suggestions to the table.
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