In this episode of The Write Place Podcast, I’m joined by Dan Howarth, returning for his third appearance on the show.

We talk about Lionhearts, a brutal, timely novel that sits somewhere between social realism and psychological horror. Dan discusses the real-world event that sparked the story, why he chose to write from inside the head of an angry, dispossessed protagonist, and the risks of tackling themes like online radicalisation, nationalism and moral compromise in fiction.

We also dig into Dan’s writing discipline, why he writes every weekday without fail, the value of routine over motivation, and how indie publishing has given him the freedom to follow darker, stranger ideas without compromise.

This is a frank, thoughtful conversation about responsibility in storytelling, creative discomfort, and what it really means to keep going as a writer.

Topics Covered

• The real incident that inspired Lionhearts
• Writing every day vs waiting for inspiration
• Why Dan values freedom over validation in publishing
• Indie publishing, creative control and long-term thinking
• Knowing when a book is finished and when it is not

Dan Howarth is a fiction writer from the North of England, known for dark, unsettling stories that sit at the edges of horror, crime and social realism.

He is the author of several novels and novellas, including Lionhearts, Last Night of Freedom, and Territory, as well as numerous short stories published in magazines and anthologies. His work often explores anger, masculinity, isolation and the quieter horrors of everyday life.

Dan has been shortlisted for multiple writing awards, including the Northern Writers’ Awards, and his fiction has been published by both independent presses and as self-published work. He is also the editor of the Dark Missives anthology series.

Alongside fiction, Dan writes candidly about the realities of the writing life on his Substack, Hard-Earned Writing Lessons, where he shares practical, no-nonsense reflections on discipline, doubt and persistence.

Books Mentioned

• Lionhearts
• Last Night of Freedom
• Territory

Find Dan Online

• Substack: Hard-Earned Lessons in Writing
• Instagram / X / Bluesky: @danhowarth20

About the Podcast

The Write Place Podcast features honest, long-form conversations with writers about craft, persistence and the realities of building a writing life.

If you’re working on a book and want practical help getting it finished, published or back on track, you can find details of my writing courses, mentoring and self-publishing services at:
👉 wkwproductions.co.uk

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