What does it really take to succeed as an author in today's publishing landscape? Bestselling writer John Marrs doesn't hold back in this refreshingly candid conversation about the realities behind his thirteen-book career journey.

From writing his first five books on trains and during lunch breaks to receiving 80 rejections (some with just "NO" written in red marker), John Marrs demolishes the myth of overnight success and the perfect writing environment. His path from self-publishing to having "The One" adapted for Netflix reveals both the highs and unexpected challenges of reaching a wider audience.

With remarkable honesty, John Marrs discusses the business decisions that shaped his career, including his transition from speculative fiction to psychological thrillers because "you've got to go where the money is." He explains why he still doesn't have a literary agent despite his success, how he approaches marketing and social media promotion, why he prefers Instagram over public appearances and his new novel, You Killed Me First. 

You Killed Me First

Three women. Three smouldering secrets. Who will make it out alive?

It’s 5 November, and a woman awakens to a nightmare. Bound and gagged, she lies trapped in the heart of a towering bonfire. As the smoke thickens, panic sets in – she’s moments away from being engulfed in flames. How did it come to this?

Rewind eleven months: Margot, a faded TV star, and her long-suffering friend Anna watch as glamorous Liv and her flawless family move into their street. The three women soon fabricate the perfect pretence of friendship, but each harbours her own deadly secret – and newcomer Liv senses something is terribly wrong beneath the polished exteriors.

As cracks widen in the veneer of perfection and lies escalate out of control, tension ignites. Bonfire Night is approaching and someone is set to burn…But who will it be?

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We all have dreams we've postponed  and creative passions set aside while we handle life's practicalities. Award winning author Elissa Soave knows this struggle intimately. Having started law school at just 16, she spent decades in a profession that never quite felt right before finally pursuing her writing dreams in her mid-40s.

"Anybody can say 'not yet, not yet' but at some point you have to say no, I'm actually now going to prioritise what I like to do with my time," Elisa shares in our candid conversation about her journey from law to literature. This powerful sentiment forms the emotional core of our discussion about her new novel "Graffiti Girls" which follows four middle-aged women who decide to break the law by spray-painting feminist messages across their small Scottish town.

Elissa also reflects on representation, deliberately centering working-class characters from small towns because "they are not represented enough in literature."  For anyone who's ever thought "someday I'll follow my passion," this episode serves as both inspiration and gentle challenge. Your time is finite. What brings you joy?

Graffiti Girls

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🗳️Vote for my book 'The Kill List'  to be on the Theakston’s Old Peculiar Crime Novel of the Year shortlist!  

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In this illuminating conversation with crime author Marnie Riches, we dive deep into the unpredictable world of professional writing and publishing. With remarkable candor, Marnie shares the rollercoaster journey that's taken her from writing children's books under a pseudonym to becoming an award-winning crime novelist with 22 publications to her name.

"Writers are gamblers," Marnie reveals early in our discussion. "Even on days where we don't love writing because it is a grind, there's always the gambler in us thinking next time, next time, the next spin of the wheel." This gambling analogy perfectly captures the persistent hope that keeps authors going through rejection, disappointment, and the countless variables beyond their control.

Our conversation takes fascinating turns as we discuss the politics of book covers, the challenges of switching genres, and how class background shapes risk-taking in creative careers and her latest novel, "The Gardeners Club," a cozy crime mystery that represents yet another pivot in her versatile career. 

The Gardeners Club

Gardening is dirty work – but should it be deadly?

When Gill Swanley decides to take up gardening to fight a midlife malaise, she never expected it to become quite such a dangerous hobby.

Pushing herself to 'get out there', Gill picks herself up the secateurs and joins the Bromley Botanists. Here she finds a seven-strong group whose main agenda is how to win the coveted Golden Trowel for best community club of the year.

But when a dead body turns up in the community greenhouse, they suddenly have more serious matters to consider than victory. They must uncover whether their arch-rivals, Croydon, are taking things to another level or whether someone more dangerous is targeting their rag tag group.

Can they dig up the truth before someone else is left pushing up the daisies?

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What makes the difference between a forgettable story and one that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the final page? Best-selling author and playwright Greg Mosse reveals the secret early in our conversation: "Boring books are finished by their writers, and good books are completed by their readers, because there's space for the reader's imagination within the story."

This philosophy of collaborative storytelling runs throughout our conversation as Greg shares his remarkable journey from contemplating army life to becoming an acclaimed writer of both cozy mysteries (The Maisie Cooper Mystery Series)  and futuristic thrillers (The Alex Lamarque Thriller Series). We also talk about creating authentic characters across different genres and his new novels, The Coming Fire and Murder at the Wedding. 

Whether you're an aspiring writer seeking craft advice, a reader curious about how your favorite stories come to life, or simply someone who appreciates thoughtful conversation about creativity and identity, this episode offers warmth, wisdom, and a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a versatile storyteller.

The Coming Fire

First came the darkness.
Then the storm.
Now Alex has no choice: it's time to face the fire.

Following a fighter jet crash in the Haitian hinterland, special agent Alex Lamarque is taken captive by a violent, drug-addled gang, the only authority in this lawless territory.

Unknown to Alex, his lover Mariam Jordane has escaped the deadly flood of her home valley in the Pyrenees. But Mariam, along with Alex's mother Gloria, is trapped on the wrong side of the world, facing a crescendo of dangers: the AI viruses crippling the digital state; the breakdown of law and order; and unexpected, terrifying news from a Paris observatory.

And four thousand kilometres to the south, in the remote Sahara, the consequences of the cataclysm

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"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
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You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you’ll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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What happens after you get that coveted book deal? 

Award-winning author Tariq Ashkanani pulls back the curtain on the publishing industry with refreshing honesty, revealing the unexpected challenges and disappointments that come after signing with an agent. From the marketing struggles that leave authors shouting into the void to the strange disconnect between publicity budgets and actual book sales, Tariq and Nadine explore the parts of the writer's journey rarely discussed in public.

But this conversation goes deeper than industry talk. Tariq shares the creative spark behind his deliciously dark new thriller The Midnight King, revealing how he crafts villains with psychological depth and finds those perfect "pockets of darkness" within everyday normality. 

For readers of The Midnight King, crime fiction enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the realities of creative careers, this conversation offers both practical wisdom, laughs and the encouragement to trust your creative instincts.

The Midnight King

'This is a work of fiction. This is not a confession.' Lucas Cole is a bestselling writer. He is also a father, a widower, and a beloved celebrity in his small town. He is an unassuming man ­- tall, thin and quietly friendly. Lucas Cole is also a serial killer.

Nathan Cole has known the truth about his father since he was ten years old. Too terrified to go to the police, he ran away from home as soon as he was able, carrying the guilt of leaving his sister behind. But when Lucas is found dead in a dingy motel room, Nathan returns to his childhood home for the first time in seventeen years. It's there he finds The Midnight King, his father's final unpublished manuscript, a fictionalised account of his hideous crimes, hidden in a box of trinkets taken from his victims. Trinkets that include a ribbon belonging to a missing eight-year-old girl who disappeared only days before his father's death.

Now, Nathan must deal with the consequences of keeping his father's secret. But it may not be as simple as finding a lost child. For The Midnigh

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What makes a truly compelling story? In this deeply insightful episode, I sit down with Alex Hay, author of the award-winning "The Housekeepers" and the newly released "The Queen of Fives," to explore the psychology behind writing con artists and morally complex characters.  From learning how to pitch effectively to understanding the complex retail landscape that determines a book's success, he offers rare insights into the business side of creativity.

 Whether you're a writer seeking inspiration, a reader curious about the creative process, or simply drawn to stories of persistence and resilience, this conversation offers something deeply meaningful. Listen now to discover why Alex believes the best writing comes from mining your own imagination and pursuing what truly lights you up as a storyteller. 

The Queen of Fives

They whisper her name in every corner of town. The lady with a hundred faces, a thousand lives.
Five moves, five days - for such are the rules of her game.

1898. Quinn Le Blanc, London's most talented con woman, has five days to pull off the seemingly impossible: trick an eligible duke into marriage and lift a fortune from the richest family in England.

Masquerading as a wealthy debutante, Quinn is the jewel of the season. Her brilliant act opens doors to the grand drawing rooms and lavish balls of high society - and propels her into the inner circle of her target: the corrupt, charismatic Kendals.

But as she spins in and out of their world, Quinn becomes tangled in a dangerous web of love, lies and loyalty. The Kendal family all have secrets of their own, and she may not be the only one playing a game of high deception...

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You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you’ll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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What happens when you realise your life's potential extends far beyond your current path? Multi-award winning luxury business strategist and author Elizabeth Solaru faced this exact moment while working as a microbiologist, sparked by a mundane conversation about courgettes that made her question everything. Her remarkable journey from laboratory technician to luxury cake artist serving royalty demonstrates how recognising your untapped potential can transform your entire existence. With unflinching honesty, Elizabeth reveals the pivotal moments that shaped her career trajectory, from resigning without a backup plan to cold-calling her way into elite circles with nothing but determination and £40 in the bank. 

Elizabeth tells her story and gives advice in her new book, The LUXpreneur. Whether you're considering a career pivot, starting a business, or simply feeling that there should be more to your professional life, Elizabeth's journey offers both practical wisdom and the permission to believe in possibilities beyond your current circumstances. What potential within you is waiting to be unleashed?

Check out her stunning luxury cakes🎂

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The LUXPreneur: How To Build A Luxury Brand

The LUXPreneur: How to Start and Build a Successful Luxury Brand offers a comprehensive exploration into the world of luxury entrepreneurship. Authored by Elizabeth Solaru, this book addresses the pivotal question: "How do I find affluent clients?" Drawing on two decades of experience in catering to high-end clientele globally, Solaru provides an in-depth analysis of luxury entrepreneurship and client psychology.

The book categorizes various types of luxury entrepreneurs and delves into the distinct psychologies of luxury clients. It offers practical guidance on locating these clients both online and offline, and mastering the nuances of selling to them. Readers will uncover the strategies luxury brands employ to create allure and learn how to tailor their approach to different segments of luxury buyers, from aspira

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"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
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What does it really take to survive as a professional author? In this refreshingly honest conversation, bestselling and award winning Maz Evans  of 'Who Let the Gods Out' and I pull back the curtain on the realities of writing for a living.

"We aren't writers floating around in scarves," Maz declares with her characteristic wit. "We're business people running a business." This sentiment sets the tone for a discussion that reveals the genuine struggle behind the glamorous facade of publishing success. From the physical toll of deadline weeks (surviving on Uber Eats and forsaking personal grooming) to the mental exhaustion that accompanies creating a 100,000-word manuscript, both authors share their unfiltered experiences. Yet despite the challenges, Maz Evan's passion for storytelling remains undimmed. Maz shares details about her new comedy crime novel "That'll Teach You". 

For anyone who loves books or dreams of writing them, this conversation offers valuable perspective on what sustains authors through rejection, financial uncertainty, and creative doubt. As Maz perfectly summarizes: "The biggest success is staying in the game."

That'll Teach Her

A headmistress is dead. The circumstances are suspicious.
And as every parent knows, being on the school group chat can be murder...

As educators go, Claudia Stitchwell makes Miss Hannigan look like Miss Honey.
But when the reviled headteacher drops dead in the school hall, a group of sceptical parents suspect the nut allergy explanation doesn't add up - they believe someone wanted to teach Miss Stitchwell a lesson.

Only four people could have killed Stitchwell: Hattie, the adored school cook; Kiera, the hard-working teaching assistant; Clive, the loathed school bursar and Ben, the popular deputy head. All of them are liars... but only one is the murderer.

Piecing together evidence from the daily drama and drudgery of the parents' group chat, local press, police reports, school newsletters, and good, old-fashioned

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"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
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What happens when the voice of a character is so powerful it shatters years of self-doubt? Finnish author Maarta Kaukonen never thought she could write a novel until the night she heard her protagonist Ida, a 20-year-old serial killer, speak to her so clearly that she had to get up and record the words. This moment transformed everything for Kokkonen, who struggled with learning disabilities as a child and spent years believing becoming an author was impossible.

In this captivating conversation, Maarta and I explore how the limiting stories we tell ourselves can prevent us from pursuing our dreams, and how sometimes the right catalyst can break through those barriers. Maarta Kaukonen's journey from film critic to internationally published author (her debut "Follow the Butterfly" has now sold in 15 countries and been optioned for television) demonstrates that creative paths rarely follow straight lines.

Follow The Butterfly

Can she cure a killer?

Renowned therapist Clarissa Virtanen isn't afraid to explore the darkest side of humanity. Haunted by the death of a young patient, she will do whatever it takes to save the most vulnerable.

But when Ida - angry, damaged and seemingly suicidal - walks into her office, Clarissa may have met her match. For Ida has secrets. Murderous secrets, which mark her like a bloodstain.

Somehow, Clarissa must find the key to unlock Ida's past. So she makes a bargain with her - six months to stop Ida taking her own life. But what if she has entered a game more deadly, and more evil, than she could ever imagine?

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"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
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You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you’ll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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In this captivating episode, Mari Hannah, a bestselling author and former probation officer, takes us on a journey through her unique path to success in the literary world. She reveals how her earlier career as a probation officer, has deeply influenced her storytelling, allowing her to craft authentic narratives that resonate with readers. With her sixteenth book, 'Her Sister's Killer', Mari delves into the emotional challenges of character development, the significance of prologues, and the intricate relationship between writing and real-life experiences.

Join us as we explore the ups and downs of her publishing journey, including personal anecdotes that highlight both the triumphs and struggles she faced along the way. Mari Hannah shares her perspective on the ever-evolving crime fiction landscape, emphasising the importance of resilience and a strong belief in oneself while navigating the complexities of the publishing industry. 

Whether you’re a budding writer or a devoted reader, there's something for everyone in this engaging conversation. Remember to subscribe and join our community for more inspiring conversations.

Her Sisters Killer

What brings people together often throws them apart, especially when it involves family. Newly promoted Inspector Frankie Oliver has been consumed by rooting out her sister's killer and bringing them to justice. But when new evidence comes to light, and her former boss DCI David Stone embarks on an investigation into the tragic unsolved murder without her knowledge, the ties that bind them begin to fray.

After decades without answers, who knows where the trail might lead? And will knowing the answers be the very thing that breaks Frankie irreparably?

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"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
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You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you’ll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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