Gareth and Louise Ward on the business of bookselling and writing bestselling cosy crime.

In this episode of The Book Deal podcast, Madeleine Cleary chats with writing duo Gareth and Louise Ward, authors and owners of two Wardini Bookshops in Havelock North and Napier in New Zealand. The episode delves into the couple’s background as former police officers in the UK, their move to New Zealand, and their transition into bookshop owners and successful authors. Gareth and Louise discuss their bestselling book series, The Bookshop Detectives, their experiences co-writing as a couple, and the process of plotting and character development. They also share insights into the importance of forming relationships with booksellers, the editing process, and managing their bustling careers alongside family life. The episode concludes with their tips for aspiring authors and their reflections on the impact of their work.

Gareth and Louise's latest book in The Bookshop Detectives series is Tea and Cake and Death (1 April 2025, Penguin Random House) and is available now in all good bookstores. 

00:00 Welcome to The Book Deal Podcast

00:42 Meet Gareth and Louise Ward

01:25 The Bookshop Detective Series

02:06 Romance (or not) and Bookshops

02:54 From Police Training to Writing

04:42 Creating Garth and Eloise

05:01 The Writing Process

11:31 Life in New Zealand

13:08 Publishing Journey

15:36 Co-Writing Dynamics

16:57 Bookshop and Community

23:03 Navigating the Publishing World

28:19 Navigating Book Reviews and Critiques

30:08 Dealing with Rejections and Persistence

31:52 Vanity Publishers and Researching Publishers

34:25 The Journey of Publishing a Second Book

36:30 Balancing Writing with Other Responsibilities

45:45 Tips for Authors Approaching Booksellers

51:34 Final Thoughts and Top Tips for Authors

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