The Writing Community Chat Show

This week on The Writing Community Chat Show, we were honoured to welcome back one of the UK’s most beloved authors — Adele Parks MBE. With over five million copies sold, novels translated into 31 languages, and a career spanning a quarter of a century, Adele is a true literary powerhouse.Her brand-new book, Our Beautiful Mess, has just been released, marking an astonishing 25th novel in 25 years. It’s an extraordinary milestone, and one we couldn’t wait to celebrate with her.Our Beautiful Mess.In her latest novel, Adele brings back Connie, the heroine from her very first book Playing Away. But now, 25 years later, Connie’s life looks very different. She’s still with her husband, preparing for Christmas with her daughters home — until one new arrival stirs old ghosts.When her daughter Fran introduces her new boyfriend Zac, Connie is instantly unsettled. He reminds her of the one man who nearly destroyed her marriage decades earlier. As family secrets begin to unravel, Adele delivers another of her trademark gut-punch twists in a story that is as much emotional family drama as it is gripping thriller.This is Adele at her finest — exploring love, motherhood, secrets, and the terrifying lengths a parent will go to in order to protect their family.The Interview.In our conversation, Adele shared:* What it feels like to look back over 25 years of writing.* The challenges and joys of sustaining such a long and successful career.* Why she chose to revisit Connie and how the character has evolved.* How themes of motherhood, family dynamics, and secrets shape her work.* Her advice to writers on discipline, longevity, and embracing change.It’s a warm, insightful, and inspiring chat with an author who has become a cornerstone of contemporary British fiction.👉 Watch the full interview here:And if you’d like to revisit our first interview with Adele, where we talked about her journey into writing and the beginnings of her career, you can watch it here:❤️ Support The Writing Community Chat ShowAs many of you know, The Writing Community Chat Show is now a Community Interest Company (CIC) – a non-profit dedicated to supporting authors and creatives through interviews, workshops, competitions, and community projects.If you enjoy what we do and would like to help us continue growing, please consider supporting us:👉 Donate via PayPal.Every contribution goes directly back into keeping the show alive and helping us build opportunities for writers everywhere.Thank You.Whether you’re tuning in live, watching back on YouTube, or listening on the podcast, thank you for being part of our community. By sharing, commenting, and subscribing, you’re helping other like-minded readers and writers find the show and join us in celebrating voices like Adele Parks.Our Beautiful Mess is out now — and Adele Parks shows us once again why she’s one of the UK’s most treasured storytellers.THE WRITING COMMUNITY CHAT SHOW - TOGETHER AS ONE WE GET IT DONE.

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🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.

• 📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.
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Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

This week on The Writing Community Chat Show, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting Katherine “Kat” Kingsley— on one of the most exciting days of her career: the launch of her brand-new novel, The Serpent’s Bride.Dark, romantic, and deliciously dangerous, this novel takes readers deep into a world of vampire clans, mafia power struggles, and forbidden love. But Kat’s journey to release day is just as compelling as the story she’s put on the page.From Fanfiction to Fantasy Worlds.Like many authors, Kat started out writing fanfiction — a space where creativity thrives and stories can be shared freely with passionate readers. But instead of staying there, she built on that experience to create her own original worlds and characters.Her move into fantasy and romance wasn’t just a change of genre — it was a bold step into telling stories that are wholly her own, and The Serpent’s Bride is the thrilling proof of how far she’s come.The Allure of Villain Romance.One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation was Kat’s take on the villain romance trend. Unlike straightforward good vs. evil tales, her stories blur the line between right and wrong, exploring morally grey characters who challenge our expectations of love, loyalty, and desire.Kat shared how she balances dark themes with emotional truth — and how one unforgettable moment of receiving hate mail actually deepened her understanding of how readers interpret the line between fantasy and reality.Writing Without a Map.Not every author outlines their books. Some prefer to “pants” — writing by the seat of their pants and letting the story unfold as it comes. Kat proudly claims her place in the pantser camp, and in our interview she offered thoughtful advice for writers who embrace spontaneity in their process.Her personal definition of success? It’s not about sales charts or reviews. It’s about finishing the work, putting it into the world, and connecting with readers who find themselves changed by the story.Watch the Full Interview.Our chat with Kat is full of insights, inspiration, and a lot of fun. If you’re curious about writing dark romance, navigating fan reactions, or launching a book on release day, you won’t want to miss it.👉 Watch the interview on YouTube❤️ Support The Writing Community Chat ShowThe Writing Community Chat Show is now a Community Interest Company (CIC) – a non-profit dedicated to supporting authors and the wider writing community.If you’d like to help us continue interviewing incredible writers like Kat Kingsley, hosting workshops, and creating opportunities for authors, please consider supporting us:👉 Donate via PayPal.Every contribution keeps the show alive and helps us build a stronger community for writers everywhere.✨ Kat Kingsley’s The Serpent’s Bride isn’t just a book — it’s proof that stories born from passion, perseverance, and imagination can transform into something unforgettable.Buy it here.Thank You for Your Support.Whether you’re tuning in live, catching up on YouTube, or listening on the podcast, we’re so grateful to have you with us. Your support means the world. By sharing the episode, leaving a comment, and subscribing, you’re not just helping us — you’re helping other like-minded writers and readers discover the show and join this amazing community. Together, we can keep growing and supporting authors everywhere. 💙

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🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.

• 📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.
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Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

This week on The Writing Community Chat Show, we sat down with someone whose life’s work is all about courage, compassion, and transformation. Renee Zukin is an author, educator, coach, and mental health advocate with more than 20 years of experience helping others do the inner work that sparks outer change.Her book, Every Day I’m Brave: Cultivating Resilience to Gain Freedom from Fear (Wonderwell Press, Aug 8, 2025), is a powerful exploration of what it means to face fear, lean into resilience, and live more consciously in today’s complex world.Why Renee Zukin Writes About Bravery.Renee’s background is as rich as it is inspiring. She’s worked in education, studied multiple psychological and healing modalities, and created workshops and programs designed to help others harness the written word as a tool for empowerment.What makes Renee unique is her belief that writing isn’t just about storytelling, it’s about healing. Through writing, she says, we can process fear, rediscover resilience, and move toward freedom.Every Day I’m Brave.In Every Day I’m Brave, Renee doesn’t shy away from the difficult truths. Fear is real. Life is messy. But she argues that we all have the tools to meet that fear with courage, to practice bravery in small, daily acts that ultimately transform our lives.The book is part memoir, part guide, and entirely rooted in Renee’s mission: to cultivate resilience and create a ripple effect of compassion in the world.What We Talked About on the Show.During our conversation, Renee opened up about:* How she overcame her own fears and learned to live bravely.* Why writing is one of the most powerful tools for self-healing.* The role of mindfulness and restorative justice in her work.* The challenge of writing a deeply personal book.* What she hopes readers will take away from Every Day I’m Brave.It’s a conversation filled with honesty, warmth, and practical wisdom, and one that left me feeling inspired to face our own fears with just a little more courage.Watch the Full Interview.You can catch the full episode with Renee Zukin here, or on our YouTube channel:👉 Watch the interview❤️ Support The Writing Community Chat Show.The Writing Community Chat Show is now a registered CIC (Community Interest Company) a non-profit dedicated to supporting authors and the wider writing community.If you enjoy what we do and want to help us keep growing, please consider supporting us:👉 Donate via PayPalEvery contribution goes directly into keeping the show alive, supporting authors, and building opportunities for creatives everywhere.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribe

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Connect With The Community

🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.

• 📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.
• ✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack
• 🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: PayPal.Me

Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

When life feels overwhelming, we often reach for stories that make the world feel lighter, warmer, and a little more magical. That’s exactly what bestselling author Ciara Blume offers her readers and why she’s become one of the most talked-about voices in cozy fantasy today.Her Natural Magic Series didn’t just land well with readers, it exploded. In less than six months, her debut racked up over 2 million page reads and more than 1,000 glowing reviews, quickly climbing Amazon bestseller charts in multiple categories. That’s the kind of success many authors dream of… but Ciara did it while starting her author career at midlife.And that’s what makes her story so powerful.Midlife Magic: Reinvention & Creativity.While many people see midlife as a point of slowing down, Ciara saw it as the perfect moment to dive in. As her son left for college, she set out to build the author career she’d long imagined. With her background as a copywriter and a Creative Writing degree from Johns Hopkins, she brought a rare mix of storytelling skill and business savvy.But she also brought perspective. Instead of rushing to secure a traditional publishing deal, Ciara chose indie publishing as her first choice, a decision that gave her creative control, flexibility, and the ability to build her author business on her own terms.Why Cozy Fantasy Matters Right Now.Ciara’s books are uplifting, humorous, and occasionally magical — the very definition of cozy fantasy. But this isn’t just escapism. History shows that whimsical, enchanting fiction often thrives during times of division and stress. Alice in Wonderland and The Narnia Chronicles appeared during turbulent eras, offering readers something restorative.Ciara’s stories pick up that mantle. They feature themes of found family, second chances, and women reclaiming their inherent magic at any age. In a world where many of us feel disconnected, her novels remind us of the healing power of wonder.Watch Our Interview with Ciara Blume.This Friday on The Writing Community Chat Show, we’ll sit down with Ciara to talk about:* Why cozy fantasy is more radical than it looks.* How fiction can serve as self-care and reduce stress.* The challenges and triumphs of building a book business at midlife.* Why natural magic resonates so deeply with modern readers.Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a lover of fantasy, or someone who just needs a little spark of enchantment, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.💡 Support Authors, Support CreativityThe Writing Community Chat Show is now a registered CIC (Community Interest Company). That means we’re not-for-profit, and our mission is to support authors, creatives, and community projects. If you’d like to help us continue bringing you inspiring conversations like this one, you can donate here:👉 https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCSAnd don’t forget — the Amazon Kindle Storyteller Award is open! If you’re an author, this is your chance to enter one of the most exciting competitions in publishing and win £20,000!:👉 http://amazon.co.uk/Storyteller

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🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.

• 📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.
• ✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack
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Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

Georgina Moore is an author and seasoned book publicist with a long-standing career in the publishing industry. She worked behind the scenes managing publicity for major authors such as Patrick Gale, Penny Vincenzi, and Maggie O'Farrell before writing her own debut novel, The Garnett Girls. This novel is a family drama set on the Isle of Wight that has received praise from authors like Lucy Foley and Jill Mansell.✍️ The Insider's Journey: From Publicist to Bestselling AuthorIn a recent live stream, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Georgina Moore, a name well-known to industry insiders and now celebrated by readers worldwide. Having spent years as a top-tier publicist, she's expertly managed campaigns for literary giants, yet it was during the quiet of lockdown that she penned her own story, stepping from the wings into the spotlight as a debut novelist.A New Chapter: Stepping Into the SpotlightGeorgina's transition from promoting other people’s work to creating her own wasn't without its challenges. As she shared in our interview, despite her extensive experience, she initially battled imposter syndrome. She notes, however, that her colleagues and friends were quick to remind her that a publisher's significant investment in The Garnett Girls was proof of its worth. This insightful conversation sheds light on the anxieties and demands that come with the publishing journey, even for those who have navigated it for years.From the Isle of Wight to Eel Pie IslandShe also delves into her latest novel, River of Stars, which is a dual-timeline story. Inspired by her own life on a houseboat, the novel features a 1960s timeline with a young woman's romance with a rock star and a modern-day narrative with her and her granddaughter on Eel Pie Island.Visit her website here.Moore's passion for creating authentic, relatable characters shines through, particularly her commitment to featuring strong female characters over 40 to combat the misrepresentation of this age group in fiction.Advice for Aspiring AuthorsFor all the aspiring writers in our community, Georgina's advice is clear and encouraging: get your words down on paper and write with passion. She suggests ignoring current trends and focusing on the story you are driven to tell. She also stresses the importance of community, emphasising that networking at events and connecting with other writers is crucial for sharing ideas and receiving feedback in an otherwise isolating field.Watch the interview here!

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🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.

• 📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.
• ✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack
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Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

Laura Gaddis's journey to becoming a published author is a testament to perseverance and passion. While she always loved writing, she initially pursued a more "practical" career, earning a master's in clinical psychology and working in the field for 14 years. It was after a period of burnout that she decided to pivot back to her true calling, enrolling in an MFA program and reigniting her writing career. A crucial part of this journey was her personal blog, which she started in 2010. Laura believes blogging was instrumental in helping her develop her voice and the discipline of writing for an audience, setting the stage for her future work.The Story Behind Mosaic.Laura's debut memoir, Mosaic, is a powerful and heartfelt account of a five-year period of her life. The book chronicles her journey through immense grief and hope, including pregnancy loss and mental health struggles, ultimately leading to the birth of her daughter. Laura explains that she had to include all these elements to tell a complete story, which is why she named the book Mosaic, as it's a collection of different pieces that come together to form a whole. She discussed the challenging process of turning such personal experiences into a book, highlighting that while writing can be a form of processing trauma, it is not a substitute for therapy.A Life Dedicated to Community and Coaching.Beyond her own writing, Laura is deeply committed to nurturing other writers. She serves as a writing instructor at Miami University and runs a community writing program at the Oxford Community Arts Center. She also works as a writing coach, finding inspiration in her students and clients. Laura's advice to aspiring writers is simple but profound: "just keep going." She believes that true success in writing isn't about external metrics, but about achieving your own personal goals, like publishing a book or helping others with their stories.What's Next for Laura?The interview also provided a sneak peek into Laura's upcoming projects. She is currently working on a historical fiction novel, and she shared her insights on the differences between writing fiction and memoir.Engage and Support The Writing Community.The Writing Community Chat Show is now a registered non-profit, dedicated to supporting authors and sharing their stories. If you enjoy this kind of content, please consider supporting the show through our PayPal link.Don't Miss Out!You can watch the full interview with Laura Gaddis on the Writing Community Chat Show's YouTube channel: We highly encourage you to listen to the podcast, watch the interview, share it with your friends, and engage with the video by liking and commenting. Your support helps like-minded people find our show.A Special Opportunity for WritersThe Writing Community Chat Show is partnered with Amazon for this year's Kindle Storyteller Award 2025. This contest offers a £20,000 prize fund and an Audible audiobook deal for self-published authors. Entries are open until August 31, 2025, and you can find more information and enter at amazon.co.uk/Storyteller. Your story could be the next big winner!

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🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.

• 📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.
• ✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack
• 🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: PayPal.Me

Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

We recently had the pleasure of hosting international bestselling author J.L. Witterick on The Writing Community Chat Show, a show recently ranked among the top 10 writing podcasts in the UK. In a wide-ranging and insightful conversation, Jennifer, a master of emotional depth and compelling narratives, shared her journey from a high-stakes career in finance to becoming a globally recognized author. The interview offered a glimpse into her creative process and the powerful themes of her work.Check out her website here.From Finance to Fiction: A Journey of PassionJL Witterick's career path is a story of its own. She was a successful professional in the investment world, even co-founding her own firm, before a documentary inspired her to make a life-altering change. She revealed that her motivation stemmed from the profound emotional connection her books created with readers, a feeling she found more meaningful than the world of finance. Her belief that "anyone can learn to do anything if they want it badly enough" is a powerful message for aspiring writers from any background. Her debut novel, My Mother's Secret, was a testament to this, becoming a worldwide sensation and being translated into 10 languages.The Creative Process: Authenticity and EmotionDuring our chat, JL offered some invaluable advice for other authors. She emphasized that her writing is driven by passion rather than strategy, and that every story, regardless of genre, must feel authentic and be well-researched. She believes the key to a successful novel is creating characters that readers truly care about. She also revealed that her next novel, Stronger, is about 80% complete and is based on a true story from Taiwan. When asked for her most important advice to writers, she offered a classic truth: "everyone's first draft is shit," reminding everyone that perseverance is key.Exploring "The Truth"The conversation also delved into her latest book, You Can't Take the Truth, a young adult dystopian romance. JL described the novel as being about the "transformational power of love." The story is set in a society where people use a dream-inducing drug called "The Truth" to escape their mundane reality. She explained that the love story between the main characters, Flo and Day, serves as the anchor for the plot, which explores themes of appearance versus reality. Her writing style is fast-paced and focuses on the core identity of her characters, making her books accessible and engaging for a broad audience. The book is available now on Amazon. BUY IT HERE.Watch the interview here! Or head over to YouTube. Please consider liking the video, leaving comments, and subscribing. It will help like-minded people find us.📢 A Word from Our Sponsor – Amazon KDPWe’re thrilled to have Amazon KDP sponsoring The Writing Community Chat Show! KDP gives authors the tools to self-publish eBooks and paperbacks and reach readers all over the world. Whether you’re just starting out or already have a few books under your belt, KDP makes it possible to share your story without giving up creative control. They are running the Amazon Kindle Storyteller Award which is an incredible opportunity to win some rediculous prizes. Including £20,000. Simply by adding a keyword as you upload your manuscript to KDP. Watch the video to find out more.Enter here!💙 Support Our Non-Profit CICAs many of you know, The Writing Community Chat Show is now officially a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). Our mission is to support authors and creatives through interviews, workshops, competitions, and community projects.Running the show takes time, effort, and resources — from live streaming and editing, to event hosting and outreach. If you enjoy what we do and want to help us continue providing a platform for authors, please consider donating directly to our PayPal. Every contribution goes right back into growing the show and supporting the writing community.📌 Donate here: PayPal.me/TheWritingCommunityEven the price of a coffee makes a difference in helping us keep the lights on, the mics live, and the conversations flowing.

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🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.

• 📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.
• ✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack
• 🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: PayPal.Me

Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

Art Bell helped create Comedy Central, ran Court TV, and is now the author of What She’s Hiding, a gripping noir thriller that fans of Harlan Coben and Laura Dave will devour.In this episode, Art takes us behind the curtain of his career and creative journey:* How he helped launch one of the most iconic comedy brands in television history.* The high-stakes reality of running live courtroom coverage on Court TV.* Why he turned his storytelling talents to fiction and how real-life experiences shaped his debut thriller.* His advice for anyone looking to transition between creative mediums (or completely reinvent themselves).* His thoughts on the Amazon Kindle Storyteller Award — and why opportunities like this matter for writers everywhere.👉 Watch on YouTube here:🎧 Listen on the podcast: Listen here or on any of you preferred podcast platforms. 📚 What She’s Hiding by Art BellFor readers of Harlan Coben and Laura Dave, What She’s Hiding is a gripping modern-day noir thriller featuring a hotshot lawyer unexpectedly drawn into a web of violence and intrigue by the ex-wife he hasn't spoken to since their bitter divorce, written by the former president of Court TV.The day Henry Gladstone, a lawyer at a white-shoe Manhattan law firm, met Leslie Dunlop, he knew she was trouble—but he couldn't say no. Their steamy affair became a marriage filled with secrets and lies that collapsed as spectacularly as it began.Cut to today: Leslie, who Henry hasn’t heard from since their divorce, bursts into his office and announces that if he doesn’t hand over a quarter-million dollars, they’ll both be killed. Henry dismisses her story as a stupid attempt to steal his money and—despite his still-smoldering desire for her—tells her to get lost. But when he comes home to find his apartment ransacked, he begins to think this time Leslie may be telling the truth. And now that he desperately needs to find her, she’s disappeared again.In a harrowing journey through the glittering heights and shadowy corners of New York City, Henry assembles a team that includes his best friend Aiden, a private investigator named Gabriella, and Aiden’s ex-wife Emma, to track down a missing engagement ring, stay one step ahead of the Russian mob, and uncover the secrets of Leslie’s past. As the screws turn tighter and tighter, Henry must learn who he can trust to uncover the truth…before it’s too late.In What She’s Hiding, Art Bell masterfully weaves a noirish tale of suspense and emotional turbulence as a dangerous woman draws Henry ever further into a high-stakes game that neither one of them may survive.BUY IT HERE!💬 Join the ConversationThis episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories and valuable insights for writers and creatives. Whether you’re a fan of thrillers, true crime, or inspiring journeys of reinvention, this is one you won’t want to miss.👉 Watch the interview now on YouTube: [insert YouTube link]🎧 Or listen on the podcast: [insert podcast link]We’d love to hear what you think — leave a comment below and share your biggest takeaway from Art Bell’s story.Thank you, as always, for supporting The Writing Community Chat Show. Whether you’re a free subscriber or a paid member, you’re part of a movement that’s helping us grow our new CIC, fund workshops for authors, and support creatives around the world.🏆 The Amazon Kindle Storyteller Award – A Chance for Authors to ShineOne of the most exciting opportunities for writers right now is the Amazon Kindle Storyteller Award, a prestigious annual prize that celebrates outstanding storytelling. It’s open to anyone publishing in English through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and is designed to highlight incredible new voices across all genres.Not only does the winning author receive a £20,000 cash prize, but they also get marketing support and the chance to reach millions of readers through Amazon. Finalists and shortlisted authors also gain massive visibility, making it an incredible opportunity for indie and traditionally published writers alike.📚 Whether you’re working on your debut novel or are a seasoned author, this is your chance to showcase your work to a global audience.👉 Find out more and enter here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/storyteller?ref_=kdpuk_ST25_P2CJ & ChrisThe Writing Community Chat Show

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribe

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Connect With The Community

🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.

• 📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.
• ✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack
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Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

Last night, we were joined LIVE by none other than Louise Candlish – the Sunday Times and internationally bestselling author behind Our House, Our Holiday, The Only Suspect, and her latest thriller A Neighbour’s Guide to Murder.Louise’s books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies, won multiple awards (including the British Book Awards Crime & Thriller of the Year and the Capital Crime Fingerprint Award), and even made it to TV with the smash-hit ITV adaptation of Our House starring Martin Compston and Tuppence Middleton.But more than the accolades, Louise’s secret weapon is her ability to find danger in the everyday, crafting stories that feel all too real. And in this interview, she told us exactly how she does it.One viewer left this comment: “Awesome interview!”Her latest book, A Neighbour’s Guide to Murder, does exactly that. At its heart is the age-gap friendship between Gwen and Pixie – two neighbours who form an unlikely bond that soon spirals into scandal and, inevitably, murder. BUY IT HERE!Community questions.One of the joys of our live shows is hearing YOUR questions. So it was great to see so many tune into the live show from the various platforms we shared it to. What would really help us grow is if those people, and you, could like the YouTube video, leave a comments, and share it. This will help like-minded people find the show.Support The Writing Community Chat Show.We’ve recently become a non-profit, dedicated to supporting authors and bringing interviews like this to you free, every week.If you enjoy what we do and want to help us keep growing, you can donate here:👉 https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCSEvery donation (big or small) goes directly back into the show, covering streaming costs, equipment, and helping us reach even more writers and readers. Thank you.The Kindle Storyteller Award 2025 is Open – and We’re Official Partners!We’re proud to announce that The Writing Community Chat Show is an official promotional partner for this year’s Amazon Kindle Storyteller Award.This award is one of the biggest opportunities in self-publishing, open to anyone who publishes a new, unpublished book on KDP between 1 May and 31 August 2025.What’s at stake?🥇 £20,000 cash prize👀 Your book in front of industry pros – including 2024 winner JD Kirk, who was just on our show🌍 Massive visibility on Amazon’s dedicated Storyteller Award pageIt’s free to enter, you keep all your rights, and it might just change your career.👉 Read the full entry details here.Catch up on the full interviewIf you missed it live, you can watch the full conversation with Louise Candlish right now on YouTube:🎥 Watch the replay here »Trust us, you’ll come away inspired – whether you’re a crime fiction fan, a writer yourself, or just love hearing how great storytellers do what they do.Thank you again to Louise Candlish for such an open, engaging, and inspiring chat. And thank YOU for tuning in, asking questions, and being part of this incredible community.📣 Authors! Want your book seen by thousands?We’re dropping our YouTube ads to give YOU the spotlight!🎥 We’ll play your book trailer on The Writing Community Chat Show, and include your links everywhere – in the podcast description, YouTube description, and our Substack article.👉 Why does this matter?All funds from this promotion go directly back into supporting our non-profit, helping us:✨ Provide free author interviews and exposure for indie writers.✨ Run writing workshops that inspire and educate.✨ Grow a supportive global community for authors.💌 Spaces are limited!DM us or email [email protected] to book your spot today.📚 Your book gets seen. Our community grows stronger.#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #AuthorsOnYouTube #IndieAuthor #BookPromoTogether as one, we get it done.– CJ & Chris, The Writing Community Chat Show#LouiseCandlish #AuthorInterview #OurHouse #CrimeFiction #PsychologicalThriller #TheWCCS #KindleStorytellerAward #AmazonKDP #SuburbanNoir

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Connect With The Community

🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.

• 📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.
• ✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack
• 🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: PayPal.Me

Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

We’ve got a treat for you in this episode from the Harrogate Crime Writers Festival.Chris Hooley sat down with the award-winning author and screenwriter, Attica Locke — and what followed was a masterclass in storytelling, culture, and creative boldness.From discussing the nuances of American society and writing across different perspectives, to sharing book recommendations, hard truths, and golden advice for aspiring writers — this is an interview not to be missed.🎥 Watch it now on YouTube:🎧 Prefer audio? Listen on any podcast platform — just search The Writing Community Chat Show.👇 Or do both, right here on Substack. You can hit play, leave a comment, and help us grow by liking and sharing this episode.We’re proud to bring conversations like this to your screen and speakers. Whether you’re deep into your own novel, dabbling in screenwriting, or just love hearing from some of the best voices in storytelling — this one’s for you.Let us know what hit home for you in this one.What would you ask Attica Locke if you had five minutes with her? Drop it in the comments!👉 Like, share, and support indie podcasting by hitting the heart. It really helps.#AtticaLocke #CrimeFiction #HarrogateCrimeWritersFestival #TheWCCS #TheWritingCommunityChatShow #WritingAdvice #AuthorInterview #Screenwriting #Podcast #WritersOfSubstack

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribe

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

Connect With The Community

🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.

• 📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.
• ✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack
• 🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: PayPal.Me

Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.