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Sunday Times bestselling author Karen Swan,  takes us on a journey through her unexpected path to authorship, from journalism to becoming a bestselling novelist. She recounts how an innocuous library visit revealed her innate storytelling gift, challenging her preconceived career notions.

We talk about the critical balancing act between creativity and professionalism in publishing, diving into the realities of the editing process and her new novel, 'All I Want for Christmas'.

All I Want For Christmas
Can she find love this Christmas?

Christmas in Copenhagen is a magical time of year but Darcy Cotterell isn’t feeling festive. Newly single, again, she's not even going home for Christmas. Instead she will be spending her holiday finishing her art history PhD. Her best friend, Freja, has other ideas. She signs Darcy up to a dating app, determined that she won't be lonely this Christmas.

Darcy agrees to three dates – but her mind is on work, not play: an unknown portrait by Denmark’s greatest painter has been found and she is tasked with identifying the woman in the painting. During her research, she encounters sexy, arrogant lawyer Max Lorensen – who happens to be bachelor number one! The attraction is instant but, knowing they must work together, they abandon the match. Or try to. But their feelings are undeniable - until Darcy discovers Max has an agenda . . .

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Our episode features a riveting chat with author Jamie West, who brings a wealth of knowledge from his theatre background to the self-publishing scene. Jamie helps us draw fascinating parallels between the theatre and publishing, emphasising the value of all entertainment forms, from popular culture to high art.

Forget the notion of "guilty pleasures"—we champion the joy of consuming art in its myriad forms and talk about his new book, Murder At The Matinee. Experience the hard work that goes into crafting stories that resonate and entertain, and being an independent publisher.

Murder At The Matinee

Renowned murder mystery playwright Bertie Carroll returns, this time in London's West End, to solve the mystery of an impossible murder and the newspaper advert that preceded it.

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Read my substack article about book piracy. 

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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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We're joined by debut author Roxie Key, who opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of releasing her first book, "The Deadly Spark." From wrestling with imposter syndrome to navigating life-changing events like pregnancy, Roxie's candid reflections offer a deeply personal look at the fears and triumphs of a first-time author.

We talk about the realities of publishing, the unexpected challenges of self-promotion and public speaking, and the vital importance of understanding that not everyone will love every book.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a seasoned author, this episode promises to equip you with insights into the multifaceted world of writing and publishing.

The Deadly Spark
Once secrets catch, they spread.

Deadly fires are lighting up Brighton, and the latest case is alarmingly close to home for DC Eve Starling. The blaze was deliberately set, and a mother and daughter didn’t make it out of the smoke.

Eve’s investigation takes her deep into her own uncomfortable past. When her key witness disappears, and with the killer always one step ahead, Eve is desperate to solve the case – whatever the cost.

But Eve has no idea how close she is to the flames, and playing with fire can get you burned…

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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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Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

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 if the keys to navigating life's unpredictable journey lie in the intersection of creativity, failure, and joy? Join me as I sit down with the multi-talented Damilare Kuku, an author and actress noted for her profound reflections on life and art.

We talk about her new novel, "Only Big Bum Bum Matters Tomorrow" and unravel how her passion for storytelling serves as a powerful tool for offloading personal burdens and finding happiness amidst online criticism.

Only Big Bum Bum Matters Tomorrow

Fresh out of university, 20-year-old Témì has a clear plan for her future: she is going to surgically enlarge her backside like all the other Nigerian women, move from Ile-Ife to Lagos, and meet a man who will love her senseless. When she finally finds the courage to tell her mother, older sister, and aunties, at the funeral of her beloved father, her announcement causes an uproar - because in Nigerian families, none of your business is private. Not even if it’s about your bumbum.

But as each of the other women try to cure Témì of what they consider to be insanity, the long-buried secrets that bind and separate them are spilled in the process. In the end, it seems like Témì might be the sanest one...

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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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Join us on a journey through the trials and triumphs of publishing, as Cameron Capello opens up about the surreal moments of recognition as a content creator. We talk about the emotional rollercoaster of reviews, the evolution of familial support, and how social media platforms like BookTok play a crucial role in building confidence and community. Get a glimpse into the creative process behind "I'll Look for You Everywhere," and enjoy a playful session of casting its characters.

Together, we explore the power of manifesting dreams and how the unlikeliest journeys, like Cameron's transformation into a TikTok sensation, redefine what it means to be a modern-day author.

I'll Look For You Everywhere
Magdalen Savoy has just finished her first year of university at Oxford, where she has finally built a life for herself away from the demons she has done everything to try to forget. But, when she can no longer ignore the growing pile of invitations to her sister’s wedding she must leave her feelings behind and return to Italy.

Theo Sinclair was the golden boy of Chivasso: athletic, intelligent, too suave for his own good. So, when he cut all ties and boarded a 5 a.m. flight to Connecticut seven years ago, no one could understand what had pushed him to leave.

Pulled back to their small Italian hometown for the wedding, Magdalen and Theo soon realize they’re no longer the children they once were. In the winding streets of Chivasso and under the burning summer sun, there are only so many corners for the two to hide behind. Confronted with the ghosts of their pasts, they must face both the growing tension between them and the long buried secrets that threaten to tear their worlds apart – secrets that could separate them for ever . . .

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Join us in 'The Writer's Inn'
This is a space that Dorothy (Koomson) and Nadine (Matheson) have set up so you can have a bit of company, fun and support while you write this November. We may extend this beyond that, but we’re just focusi

Support the show

"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
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Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

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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Welcome to a special bonus episode of The Conversation. This episode which is also available to watch on YouTube celebrates Black History Month and Black crime writers.

Join us as we bring together the brilliant minds of Dorothy Koomson, Amen Alonge and Leye Adenle for a conversation that's as enlightening as it is entertaining. Dorothy shares her fascinating journey from crafting romantic comedies to weaving emotional thrillers, while Amen reveals how a lifelong passion for crime fiction ignited his writing career and Leye adds an extra layer of intrigue, reflecting on how his Nigerian heritage influences his narrative choices and fuels his storytelling excitement.

In this episode we laugh, discuss and answer audience questions such as 'What draws a writer to crime fiction?', and 'how does one's background shape the way these thrilling stories unfold?'

With humor and camaraderie, we offer a glimpse into the minds behind your favorite crime stories and the vibrant, diverse voices shaping the future of the genre.

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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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Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

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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This week I'm in conversation with bestselling author Russ Thomas , offering a glimpse into his juggling act of writing and balancing "proper" jobs to cover bills.  Russ sheds light on the realities of publishing and the notorious "second book syndrome"—a struggle known to many authors. Listen in for tips on setting daily writing goals, the challenges of weaving complex themes, and why every book feels like a challenging yet rewarding child.

It's a candid look at the hurdles and triumphs faced by writers at all stages. chat uncovers the inherent drive to write, despite the struggle, the unexpected joy found in bookselling and Russ's latest book, in the DS Adam Tyler series, Sleeping Dogs.

Sleeping Dogs

THE LIES OF THE PAST . . .
 
When an anonymous tip lands on his desk, DS Adam Tyler is intrigued in spite of himself. The disappearance of a young mother twenty-four years ago was big news, but the case was never solved – this tantalizing new lead is something he simply can’t ignore. But the letter has set in motion a dangerous chain of events, and Tyler’s search for the truth soon leaves him fighting for his life.
 
. . . LIVE IN THE PRESENT

With Tyler out of action, DC Mina Rabbani must step up to lead the Cold Case Review Unit in his absence, retracing Tyler’s steps and uncovering his secrets to figure out what he was working on. But as she begins to put the pieces together, the case starts to hit frighteningly close to home. Without DS Tyler to protect her, Mina realizes that now she’s the one with hard choices to make.

And this time she’s on her own.

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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 to the children who are left behind when their parents seek a new life in a distant land? This haunting question forms the heart of a conversation with author Anne Hawk, who joins us to share insights from her novel "Pages of The Sea".  Together, we unravel the stories of the Windrush generation, focusing on the emotional complexities of family separation and reunion, with a personal lens drawn from our own Caribbean roots. As we reflect on these narratives, we emphasize the necessity of amplifying Black authors' voices, ensuring their stories resonate beyond the confines of Black History Month.

Anne's personal journey, marked by perseverance and unexpected twists, serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring writers. From navigating the redrafting process to the surprising turn of events leading to publication, her experience underscores the importance of self-belief and community support.

Pages of the Sea
After her mother sails from the Caribbean to England to find work, Wheeler is left with her two older sisters, three cousins and two aunts.

She couldn’t feel more alone. She longs for her mother to send for her as promised. Everyone tells her to just wait. But for how long?

In the meantime, she has to learn to get along as best she can, exploring the island with Donelle, making kites with Bounce, following the carnival through the town. But most of all she must avoid the threat of her cousin Floyd.

Set during the mid-1960s on a Caribbean Island, issues of family, migration and abandonment hang over Wheeler and her unknowable future.

A story of sisterhood, family secrets, and the sacrifices of love. No novel comes as close to this heart-breaking evocation of what it’s like to be a child left behind.

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.

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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My conversation with author Louise Swanson takes a deep dive into the realm of storytelling and the realities of the writing industry. This episode is a candid testament to the financial realities faced by writers, the comfort that comes from having an agent, and the evolving definitions of success in an ever-changing industry.

Louise shares her insights and experiences, offering a mirror to anyone who wonders about perseverance in the absence of a book deal and the art of connecting authentically with readers. And of course we talk about Louise's new book, Lights Out. 

Whether you're an emerging writer or a seasoned author, join us for an engaging discussion that promises to leave you inspired and equipped with insights to navigate the creative path ahead.

Lights Out
When darkness is everywhere, nowhere is safe...

A state of emergency has been declared in the UK. From now on, at 8pm every night, all electricity cuts out.
The Government promises it's a temporary measure. They promise they are always thinking of your safety.

But for Grace, the darkness is anything but safe.

Someone is coming into her house under its cover every night while she lies in bed upstairs, too terrified to sleep. Someone who knows her past, who knows why she has more reason to fear the dark than most...

And every morning she wakes to a new message from the intruder:

I have you in my sights. Love, The Night

But how can Grace escape, when there's nowhere safe left to hide?

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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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Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

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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We welcome Elvin James Mensah, author of "Small Joys," into our conversation, where we unravel the complexities of pursuing a writing career without the traditional backing of family support. Elvin's insights into turning personal narratives into fiction reveal the delicate balance between family expectations and creative aspirations. Together, we share the universal struggle of finding one's voice in the face of cultural and familial pressures, and the comedic irony that comes when family members, once skeptical, become your biggest cheerleaders after you find success.

Our episode goes further to address the unpredictable nature of the publishing industry and the inevitable rejections writers face. Join us for a heartfelt discussion that promises both inspiration and camaraderie for writers and readers alike.

Small Joys
‘Could I one day inspire happiness in others, the same way he seemed to do in me?’

Harley is a young queer Black man struggling to find his way in mid-noughties Britain. Returning home to Dartford, having just dropped out of an undergraduate course in music journalism, he is wracked by feelings of failure and inadequacy. Standing in the local woods one day, on the verge of doing something drastic and irreversible, his hand is stayed by a stranger: a tall husky guy who emerges from the bushes holding a pair of binoculars.

Muddy is an ebullient Mancunian whose lust for his own life makes others feel better by association. A keen birdwatcher, rugby fanatic and Oasis obsessive, he quickly becomes a devoted and loyal friend to Harley who finds his enthusiasm infectious and his dimples irresistible. In no time at all, they become inseparable. Harley starts to think that life may be worth living after all, while Muddy discovers things about himself that the lads down the rugby club may struggle to understand.
 
But when figures from the past threaten to plunge Harley back into the depths of depression, his only hope of survival is Muddy and the small joys they create together.

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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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Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

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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