The Conversation with Nadine Matheson

Send us a text

Ever wondered how authors navigate their identities, genres and maintaining a writing career? Join me in conversation with Harriet Evans, the Sunday Times best-selling author, renowned for her heartwarming family dramas like 'A Place for Us' who is stepping into new territory with her latest work. Under the pen name Harriet F. Townsend, she unveils a thrilling twist in her career with 'D is for Death', a captivating cozy crime murder mystery.

From the complexities of the murder mystery genre to the challenges of ghostwriting for celebrities, we cover it all.

D is for Death
1935. Dora's on the first train to London, having smuggled herself out of the house in the middle of the night to escape her impending marriage. But unluckily for her, Dora's fiance is more persistent than most and follows.

As Dora alights at Paddington station, she is immediately forced to run from the loathsome Charles Silk-Butters. She ducks into the London Library to hide and it is there, surrounded by books, where she should feel most safe, that Dora Wildwood stumbles across her first dead body.

Having been thrown into the middle of a murder scene, it's now impossible to walk away. Indeed, Dora's certain she will prove an invaluable help to the gruff Detective Inspector Fox who swiftly arrives on the scene. For as everyone knows, it's the woman in the room who always sees more than anyone else: and no one more so than Dora herself...

Follow Harriet Evans

Books are meant to be read, not banned!  10,000 books were banned in the last US academic year. Read the Guardian article and remember to buy a banned book and share it with a friend. 

Support the show

"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
https://ko-fi.com/nadinematheson

Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

Follow Me:
www.nadinematheson.com

Threads: @nadinematheson
Facebook: nadinemathesonbooks
Instagram: @queennads
TikTok: @writer_nadinematheson
BlueSky: @nadinematheson.bsky.social

Send us a text

What does it take to transform from a humble bookseller into a Sunday Times best-selling author? Join me as I chat with B P Walter, who shares his extraordinary journey and the realities behind the success story.

B P Walter candidly opens up about the book industry’s often-hidden complexities, from navigating early rejections to understanding the crucial role of supermarkets in a book’s success. We recount both the thrill and the anxiety surrounding book launches, especially during the unprecedented times of the pandemic. Walter’s reflections on working in bookstores and the unique experiences that shaped his career provide an eye-opening look into the literary world’s inner workings.

Listeners will particularly enjoy hearing about B P Walter’s prolific year, with the release of three distinct books,  including his latest novel, 'The Garden Party' and his foray into the horror genre with “Scuttle".

Scuttle
Your worst nightmare is about to come true…

When an overnight camping trip in the woods on Halloween night goes wrong, and a girl ends up dead with what looks like animal wounds, the whole neighbourhood is shocked.

How did it happen?

And more importantly what was it that killed her?

Follow B P Walter

Support the show

"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
https://ko-fi.com/nadinematheson

Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

Follow Me:
www.nadinematheson.com

Threads: @nadinematheson
Facebook: nadinemathesonbooks
Instagram: @queennads
TikTok: @writer_nadinematheson
BlueSky: @nadinematheson.bsky.social

Send us a text

What if achieving literary success doesn't erase self-doubt? Best-selling author Amanda Prowse joins us to share her remarkable journey from the streets of East London to becoming the writer of 35 books. Despite her impressive accomplishments, Amanda opens up about her ongoing struggle with imposter syndrome, revealing how her working-class background and challenging education initially made her question her potential. Her story is a powerful reminder that perseverance and passion can break down even the most stubborn barriers.

Amanda and I explore the unexpected kindness within the publishing industry and the camaraderie that exists among authors. From the emotional depth of her new novel "Swimming to Lundy" to the humorous moments of discussing preferences for gravy on chips, Amanda's experiences offer a rich tapestry of insights into the writing process and personal growth. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a fan of her work, this conversation promises to inspire and uplift, proving that success is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

Swimming to Lundy
Tawrie Gunn feels stuck. She’s spent her whole life in the same seaside town with her beloved Nana and grief-stricken mum, all of them still reeling in different ways from the tragic loss of Tawrie’s dad at sea. Desperate for a change, she challenges herself to take up wild swimming—every morning, no excuses, from March till September.

Daring to take the plunge with the ‘Peacock Swimmers’, Tawrie feels alive in a way she’s never known. Suddenly it seems she might be able to step outside her comfort zone after all and let life surprise her—perhaps even dream of a future beyond the shores of Ilfracombe? Especially when, one day, she spots a man in a pink linen shirt who seems as eager for a new start as she does.

But it turns out taking risks on land is a little different from wading into the sea. Can Tawrie face her fears head-on and find her way to happiness? She knows it’s never too late to pursue your hopes and dreams, but it might be easier said than done…

Follow Amanda Prowse

Support the show

"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
https://ko-fi.com/nadinematheson

Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

Follow Me:
www.nadinematheson.com

Threads: @nadinematheson
Facebook: nadinemathesonbooks
Instagram: @queennads
TikTok: @writer_nadinematheson
BlueSky: @nadinematheson.bsky.social

Send us a text

*The Best of Season 2 of The Conversation with Nadine Matheson - Part 2*

This week, we're bringing you the best of my conversations with some of the most talented and celebrated authors in the industry. Join me as I sit down with award-winning and best-selling authors Femi Kayode (ep.41), Harriet Tyce (ep.62), Jo Callaghan (ep.68), Kellye Garrett (ep.71),  Kia Abdullah (ep.36) and S.J. Watson (ep.64) 

What if launching your debut novel during a global pandemic turned out to be a surreal rollercoaster ride? How do repeated rejections shape resilience and career decisions in the long run?  We'll share personal stories that highlight the importance of persistence and the valuable lessons learned when goals are reassessed. Together, we’ll explore how these experiences ultimately pave the way for success, touching on the unexpected boosts from platforms like BBC2's "Between the Covers" and the transformative influence of BookTok in the modern publishing landscape.

We also discuss the pressures authors face in a rapidly evolving industry, the value of community support, the significance of celebrating small wins and how to manage unexpected success that is more than you could imagine.

Don't miss this engaging and insightful episode, showcasing the highlights of Season 2. Tune in and listen to the wisdom and experiences of these remarkable authors.

The Conversation with Nadine Matheson needs your support and it would be  lovely if you bought me a cup of coffee on ko-fi.com

You can also support the podcast on Patreon. 

Support the show

"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
https://ko-fi.com/nadinematheson

Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

Follow Me:
www.nadinematheson.com

Threads: @nadinematheson
Facebook: nadinemathesonbooks
Instagram: @queennads
TikTok: @writer_nadinematheson
BlueSky: @nadinematheson.bsky.social

Send us a text

*The Best of Season 2 of The Conversation with Nadine Matheson - Part 1*

This week, we're bringing you the best of my conversations with some of the most talented and celebrated authors in the industry. Join me as I sit down with award-winning and best-selling authors S.A. Cosby (ep.58), Tim Glister (ep.56), Dorothy Koomson (ep.54) , Derek Thompson (ep.38), Erin Kelly (ep.63) and Saima Mir (ep.74).

In this special episode, we dive deep into the world of writing, discussing everything from the sting of rejection to the art of creating unforgettable characters. We also cover the importance of book covers, the challenge of being pigeonholed as an author, and the realities of book deals and advances. You'll also hear about some of the most interesting (and sometimes unexpected) questions these authors have faced at book festivals.

Don't miss this engaging and insightful episode, showcasing the highlights of Season 2. Tune in and listen to the wisdom and experiences of these remarkable authors.

The Conversation with Nadine Matheson needs your support and it would be  lovely if you bought me a cup of coffee on ko-fi.com

You can also support the podcast on Patreon. 

Support the show

"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
https://ko-fi.com/nadinematheson

Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

Follow Me:
www.nadinematheson.com

Threads: @nadinematheson
Facebook: nadinemathesonbooks
Instagram: @queennads
TikTok: @writer_nadinematheson
BlueSky: @nadinematheson.bsky.social

Send us a text

What if you could turn the highs and lows of your writing journey into your most compelling material? Join Nadine Matheson in the season finale of the Conversation Podcast as she welcomes her mentor, award-winning author Sarah Hilary. Together, they unlock the secrets behind Sarah's bestselling book, "Someone Else’s Skin," and discuss the emotional rollercoaster of the publishing world. From the excitement of auctions to the challenges of balancing vulnerability with confidence, Sarah's story is one of grit and triumph.

Sarah and Nadine explore the crucial role of perseverance, the transformative power of storytelling,  the heartfelt importance of preserving personal narratives and Sarah Hilary's new book, Sharp Glass.

Sharp Glass
The last thing she remembers is standing outside the empty house. One she was employed to pack, ready for removal. Her job is her life. It is her compulsion to take care of an owner’s precious possessions, to do whatever it takes to help them move on. Now she is cold, dirty, damp, trapped in its cellar with no chance of escape, miles from anywhere. His prisoner.

And then he returns.

Her captor believes she holds the answers to why a young girl was murdered a year ago. He refuses to let her go until she reveals her secrets. But he doesn’t know she has hidden depths, and an anger she works hard to control.

The battle lines are drawn. They are the only two people who can solve the mystery of the dead girl. But when the truth is revealed, whose life will shatter?

Follow Sarah Hilary

Support the show

"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
https://ko-fi.com/nadinematheson

Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

Follow Me:
www.nadinematheson.com

Threads: @nadinematheson
Facebook: nadinemathesonbooks
Instagram: @queennads
TikTok: @writer_nadinematheson
BlueSky: @nadinematheson.bsky.social

Send us a text

What happens when the fear of failure keeps you from pursuing your true passion? Leeanne O'Donnell opens up about her fascinating journey from documentary filmmaking and psychotherapy to finally embracing her dream of becoming a writer and the release of her debut novel, Sparks of Bright Matter.

We promise you'll gain insights into the struggles of overcoming perfectionism and the deeply personal nature of sharing creative work. Leanne's story covers her early ambitions, her diverse career path, and her reflections on deferring adulthood, all while providing invaluable lessons for anyone on their own creative journey.

Sparks of Bright Matter
When ambitious apprentice chemist and secret alchemist Peter Woulfe is tasked with caring for a mysterious illustrated book, the Mutus Liber, he quickly realises that the grimy underworld of Georgian London is even more dangerous than he first believed.

Soon the book is stolen by the light-fingered Sukie and Peter finds himself being pursued by threatening men who are willing to do anything to get the book back. Where in teeming London might Sukie be found? Why is Peter so enthralled by her? And what is it about the Mutus Liber that is so enticing? As the search for the book becomes an urgent game of cat and mouse, it seems that the key to Peter's present dilemma might only be found in half-remembered events from his childhood, and then further back still, in the mists of Irish myth.

Follow Leeanne O'Donnell

Support the show

"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
https://ko-fi.com/nadinematheson

Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

Follow Me:
www.nadinematheson.com

Threads: @nadinematheson
Facebook: nadinemathesonbooks
Instagram: @queennads
TikTok: @writer_nadinematheson
BlueSky: @nadinematheson.bsky.social

Send us a text

Join us as we sit down with author Ed James to talk about his multifaceted publishing journey—from traditional to self-publishing and everything in between—as well as his candid thoughts on embracing messy first drafts and the painstaking process of rewriting entire novels.

Discover strategies for balancing work-life commitments while maintaining creativity, and understand the necessity of treating writing as a business with structured planning, effective marketing, and targeted advertising. Don't miss this episode for a blend of practical tips and inspiring insights into the disciplined yet passionate life of a writer.

With Soul So Dead

The chase is on – and time is running out.

Holly Fenwick thought she had left her nightmare behind.

Twelve years ago, she narrowly escaped the clutches of a brutal serial killer.

Now, while she films a documentary in Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders, to recover from her ordeal and rebuild her life, she spots a figure eerily similar to her former captor. She rushes in, only to find no trace of the man but a chaotic crime scene – and a missing woman.

Before he was a cop, DI Rob Marshall worked as a criminal profiler on Holly’s case. Now based over the border in Scotland in the new Behavioural Sciences Unit in Gartcosh, Marshall joins the investigation on his old patch, but all he has are questions.

Was Holly's return to the crime scene a mere coincidence? Is her story the figment of a traumatised mind? As the investigation unfolds, Holly is forced to confront her deepest fears and the possibility that the killer has marked her as his next target. And Marshall must consider the possibility his absolute truth might not be so certain.

Follow Ed James 

Support the show

"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
https://ko-fi.com/nadinematheson

Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

Follow Me:
www.nadinematheson.com

Threads: @nadinematheson
Facebook: nadinemathesonbooks
Instagram: @queennads
TikTok: @writer_nadinematheson
BlueSky: @nadinematheson.bsky.social

Send us a text

What happens when a maternity leave transforms a hobby into a bestselling career? Join us as we sit down with Sunday Times and New York Times Bestselling author Ruth Ware, the mastermind behind "The Woman in Cabin 10," and uncover her fascinating journey from aspiring writer to literary sensation. Ruth opens up about the childhood conversations that ignited her passion, the determination that propelled her second book to success, and the unique challenges of transitioning from YA to adult fiction. This episode offers an inspiring look at how personal experiences and the right timing can lead to unexpected triumphs and her new novel, One Perfect Couple.

One Perfect Couple

Five beautiful couples.
One deadly game.
Who will escape alive?

Lyla Santiago has spent months working on a research project that could be the key to getting a permanent job in her field.
So, she can’t really drop everything to go to a desert island with her actor boyfriend Nico to film One Perfect Couple, a new reality TV show that Nico is sure will lead to his big break – can she?

Two weeks later, Lyla finds herself boarding a boat to an isolated luxury resort in the Indian Ocean.

The rules of the game are simple. Ten strangers have to survive together on the island - and the last couple standing scoops the prize.
There will be sun, sea, laughs and plenty of flirting.
What could possibly go wrong?

But when a huge tropical storm cuts them off from everything, the group must band together.
As tensions run high and fresh water runs low, Lyla realises that someone is playing this game for real – and they'll stop at nothing to win.

Ten might have arrived, but who will survive to the end?

Follow Ruth Ware

Support the show

"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
https://ko-fi.com/nadinematheson

Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

Follow Me:
www.nadinematheson.com

Threads: @nadinematheson
Facebook: nadinemathesonbooks
Instagram: @queennads
TikTok: @writer_nadinematheson
BlueSky: @nadinematheson.bsky.social

Send us a text

Ever wondered what it takes for a dream to withstand the test of time? Author Michael Wood joins me, Nadine Matheson, on the Conversation to share his two-decade-long writing journey. Despite discouraging advice and numerous rejections, Michael's story is a testament to resilience and perseverance. We talk about his early days in journalism, the trials of being an introvert at book festivals,  the changing landscape of publishing finally welcomed his work.

Listeners will get a sneak peek into my latest book, "The Kill List," soon to be released in North America. I'll also share some personal updates, including my ongoing efforts to support my parents in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. Michael and I have a light-hearted discussion about our excitement for the "Beetlejuice" sequel and reminisce over iconic props from the original movie. Amidst the laughter, we touch upon the emotional highs and lows of receiving feedback, the importance of encouragement in realizing unseen potential and his new novel, Vengeance is Mine.

Vengeance is Mine
A GRUESOME MURDER

Twenty years ago, a young girl vanished from a quiet street in Northumberland. When her body was found in an attic close to her home, the whole neighbourhood was shocked.

A DEVASTATING SECRET

For her entire life, Dawn Shephard has never known her father. But when news breaks that a murderer is about to be released from prison, her mother has no choice but to reveal his identity.

THE ORIGINS OF EVIL

As Dawn digs into her father’s history, she lands on a chilling connection. And the closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous it becomes. Just how far will she go to discover if a killer’s blood runs through her veins?

Follow Michael Wood

Support '#RaiseTheRoof - A GoFundMe Campaign

On 1 July 2024 my parents home in Bellevue South, Carriacou, Grenada suffered devastating damage as a result of Hurricane Beryl. I was with my parents, Joslyn and Jeff Matheson, when the destructive hurricane ripped off my parents roof, blew out windows and destroyed furniture, and personal belongings. This was the most frightening experience of our lives as we barricaded ourselves in a room as the roof, doors and windows were destroyed by the 150mph winds. It’s a miracle that our home is still standing. You can see videos of the devastating damage on my social media pages. 

We’re now commencing the clear up and the slow path to reco

Support the show

"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
https://ko-fi.com/nadinematheson

Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

Follow Me:
www.nadinematheson.com

Threads: @nadinematheson
Facebook: nadinemathesonbooks
Instagram: @queennads
TikTok: @writer_nadinematheson
BlueSky: @nadinematheson.bsky.social