In this episode of The Conversation, I'm joined by the talented author Nina Bhadreshwar, whose latest novel, The Day of the Roaring, dives deep into the complexities of identity, resilience, and the stark realities faced by urban youth. We discuss Nina's incredible journey from Barnsley to California, her experiences in the publishing industry, creating her own magazine and the challenges of being an underrepresented voice in literature.

Nina shares her candid thoughts on the importance of maintaining integrity in storytelling and the significance of crafting authentic characters. We explore the struggles she faced while writing her debut and the lessons learned from navigating the intricacies of the publishing world. With humor and honesty, she reflects on the need for a resilient nervous system in the arts and the transformative power of embracing one's unique voice.

Join us for an engaging conversation that highlights the beauty of creativity and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Don't miss out on Nina's insightful perspectives and her exciting new release!

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📗OUT NOW 'THE SHADOW CARVER' - Inspector Anjelica Henley Book 4

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This week, we’re unpacking the controversy surrounding Emerald Fennell’s "Wuthering Heights" adaptation. From historically inaccurate corsets to Margot Robbie’s "raunchy" take on Cathy, we debate how far a retelling can stray before it loses the source material entirely.

Plus, we look at how one writer used AI to publish 200 novels in a single year, allegedly earning six figures. But is she a writer? And after a century of dominance, are paperbacks shuffling toward extinction?

00:00 Intro

01:25 200 'Books' A Year - The AI Romance Gold Rush?

12:48 Pulp Fiction No More - The Death of Paperbacks?

23.35 Raunchy Brontë - Straying Too Far From the Source?

37:38 Off Script: Stranger Than Fiction

43:15 Final Chapter - Best RomComs

Links:

Can AI Chatbots Write Romance? NY Times Article

The Death of the Mass Market Paperback?

How Different Is Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” Compared to Emily Brontë’s Book?

Adventures in Publishing-land is brought to you by STET Podcasts - the one stop shop for all your writing podcast needs, featuring Page One - The Writer's Podcast, The Conversation with Nadine Matheson and more!

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Joining me for a coffee break is debut author, M.K. Oliver who shares the inspiration behind his unique protagonist, Lala Rook, a stylish North London mother with sociopathic tendencies, navigating the complexities of family life while employing unconventional methods to achieve her goals in 'A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage'.

Join us as we explore Oliver's creative process, from the initial spark of an idea to the challenges of writing in a first-person female voice. He reflects on the importance of character development and how Lala's unexpected actions continually surprised him throughout the writing journey. We discuss the balance between humor and darkness in storytelling, as well as the significance of empowering readers to embrace their individuality.

Oliver also opens up about the transition from teaching to writing full-time, the joys and challenges of the publishing world, and the thrill of receiving his proof and final copies. With insights into the writing process and the importance of community among writers, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the art of storytelling.

Don't miss out on M.K. Oliver's debut novel, A Sociopath's Guide to Successful Marriage, and stay tuned for more from this exciting new voice in fiction!

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I am thrilled to welcome Sunday Times Bestselling Author Jennie Godfrey, author of the 'The List of Suspicious Things' and her new book, 'The Barbecue At No. 9' to 'The Conversation'. Jennie shares her inspiring journey from a corporate HR director, redundancy, bookseller to a bestselling author, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped her path, including the impact of the pandemic on her writing career.

During our candid conversation, Jennie Godfrey opens up about the challenges of following up her debut novel, List of Suspicious Things, and the pressure of second book syndrome. We dive deep into her creative process, discussing the importance of reading widely, the role of music in her writing, and how she navigates the complexities of storytelling while staying true to real-life events.

Jennie also shares her thoughts on the transformative power of sobriety and how it has influenced her writing journey. With humor and honesty, she reflects on the lessons learned from her experiences, emphasising the significance of taking breaks and prioritizing mental health in the fast-paced world of publishing.

Join us for an enlightening discussion that highlights the beauty of creativity, the importance of resilience, and the joy of storytelling.

Buy 'The Barbecue at No.9' and 'The List of Suspicious Things'

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Today I'm joined by K. Anis Ahmed. Anis shares his compelling journey through the world of writing, reflecting on both the triumphs and challenges he faced along the way. From his early days as an aspiring writer to navigating the complexities of the publishing industry, K. Anis Ahmed offers valuable insights that resonate with both seasoned authors and those just starting out.

During our engaging conversation, K. Anis Ahmed recounts the harsh realities of receiving critical feedback on his work, the emotional toll it took, and how it ultimately shaped his resilience as a writer. He emphasises the importance of building a supportive network and seeking constructive criticism, highlighting that rejection is often a stepping stone to growth and improvement. K. Anis Anmed also shares his thoughts on the significance of finding one's writing voice and the value of perseverance in the face of adversity.

We delve into his latest novel, Carnivore, which explores the life of a migrant in New York City, blending themes of ambition, identity, and moral dilemmas. Anis's unique perspective on storytelling and his ability to create relatable characters make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the art of writing and the complexities of the human experience.

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Hardback | Pre-Order Paperback (26.03.26)

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In this week's episode of Adventures in Publishing-land, we dive into the heated debate surrounding Val McDermid and the use of sensitivity readers to revise backlist titles. Should books be treated as historical artifacts, or is updating them a necessary step for modern audiences?

Plus, we’re tackling two massive shifts in the industry: We break down the "Brave New World" report, which reveals a staggering 86% of creators are already seeing their earnings hit by Gen AI. And the Literacy Crisis: Are we losing a generation of readers? We discuss the alarming reports of Gen Z arriving at college unable to read full sentences and what "scanning" culture means for the future of the book.

00:00 Intro

01:00 Brave New World? AI Already Impacting Creatives

16:23 Editing the Past - Should Old Books Be Revised?

27:52 Can't Read or Won't Read? Is There a Gen Z Literacy Crisis?

39:33 Stranger Than Fiction

44:40 Final Chapter

Links:

All 2.4m of Britain’s creative workers are at risk — and we know why

Brave New World? Justice for Creators in the age of Gen AI

Val McDermid was assigned ‘sensitivity reader’ to cut offensive language from old books

Gen Z are arriving to college unable to even read a sentence—professors warn it could lead to a generation of anxious and lonely graduates

Adventures in Publishing-land is brought to you by STET Podcasts - the one stop shop for all your writing podcast needs, featuring Page One - The Writer's Podcast, The Conversation with Nadine Matheson and more!

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Welcome back to 'The Conversation Coffee Break with Nadine Matheson'. Today, we're taking a break with the insightful Philippa Found, author of the thought-provoking book, It's Complicated: Collected Confessions of Messy Modern Love. Philippa shares her journey of collecting 250 anonymous confessions that delve into the complexities of modern relationships, from dating to breakups and everything in between.

Throughout our engaging conversation, Philippa reflects on the importance of creating a judgment-free space for people to share their stories, especially during the isolating times of lockdown. She discusses how her project began as an art initiative and evolved into a powerful collection that resonates with readers on a deep, emotional level. We explore the nuances of love, the struggles of self-acceptance, and the impact of societal expectations on our personal narratives.

Join us as we uncover the layers of Philippa's work, her motivations behind the book, and the profound connections readers have made with the stories shared within its pages. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the messy, beautiful reality of love in all its forms.

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In this episode of The Conversation with Nadine Matheson, we welcome the multifaceted Ivy Ngeow a talented author, architect, and interior designer. Ivy shares her unique journey as a creative, exploring how her background in design influences her writing process. She discusses how storytelling has always been a part of her life, from entertaining her younger brothers with imaginative tales to challenging the narratives found in literature.

As Ivy delves into her experiences, she reflects on the struggles of finding her voice as a writer and the importance of perseverance in the face of rejection. With over 80 rejections for her first book, she emphasizes the significance of resilience and the need to view each piece of writing as a separate entity, much like a cake that evolves over time.

Join us as we explore Ivy's latest novel, In Safe Hands, a gripping psychological thriller that tackles themes of identity and the complexities of modern life. Ivy's candid insights and relatable anecdotes make this episode a treasure trove of inspiration for aspiring writers and fans of literary fiction alike.

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In this episode of The Conversation with Nadine Matheson, we welcome the talented author Viola van de Sandt, who shares her journey from aspiring storyteller to published novelist. Viola discusses her debut novel, The Dinner Party, a captivating exploration of identity, self-discovery, and the chaos of a dinner party gone awry.

In this engaging conversation, Viola reflects on her early days of storytelling, the challenges of writing in a fragmented structure, and the emotional rollercoaster of navigating the publishing world. She shares her thoughts on the importance of perseverance in the face of rejection and the significance of finding the right support system in her writing journey. Viola's candid insights into her creative process and her experiences with imposter syndrome resonate deeply with anyone pursuing a creative path.

Join us as we delve into the complexities of character development, the nuances of storytelling, and the joy of writing that connects us all. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration for aspiring authors and fans of literary fiction alike.

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We're back! On this week's episode, we discuss the show everyone is talking about - The Traitors! With crime author Harriet Tyce's appearance, we chat about the impact it has had on her book sales, and also wonder which reality show we would choose to go on to boost our publicity (there is also some spoiler discussion about this season of the UK Traitors, so be careful if you are not up-to-date!)

Plus, we talk about big money's interest in Romantasy, and whether that will crowd out the market for other genres, and also discuss the rapid rise of scam marketing emails that are being sent to authors thanks to AI…

00:00 Intro

01:34 Dollars & Dragons - Is Big Money Skewing Fiction?

16:52 The Flattery Trap - Predatory Promo Offers

27:30 Killer Marketing? - The Traitors Effect

44:14 Off Script - Nadine finds another stranger than fiction story for inspiration

49:33 Off Script - Final Chapter: What we've been watching and reading

Links:

Chernin Group invests in Romantasy publisher Entangled

Authors hit with deluge of scam emails from fake marketers

Why crime writers make good Traitors contestants

Adventures in Publishing-land is brought to you by STET Podcasts - the one stop shop for all your writing podcast needs, featuring Page One - The Writer's Podcast, The Conversation with Nadine Matheson and more!

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