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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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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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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.
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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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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?

Follow Louise Swanson

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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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.

Follow Elvin James Mensah

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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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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...

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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.
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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 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

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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 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

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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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*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.
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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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*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.

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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BlueSky: @nadinematheson.com Substack: @nadinematheson Instagram: @queennads
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"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️

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