Write Club Podcast

In this episode Beth and Mary discuss The Drownings by Hazel Barkworth. The Drownings is an atmospheric new novel about competition, obsession and influence.

We discuss the parallels between competitive swimmers and social media influencers, women’s power, anger and safety and Barkworth’s intriguing use of language.

In this heartwarming and insightful episode of the Write Club Podcast, we sit down with bestselling children’s author Amy Sparkes. From picture books to middle grade fiction, Amy’s magical storytelling has captivated young readers across the UK and beyond - with her books even featured on CBeebies Storytime and shortlisted for major awards like the Roald Dahl Funny Prize.

Amy chats with Beth and Mary about being a busy mum-of-six to becoming an award-nominated author, her passion for encouraging aspiring children’s writers, and how she co-founded the Writing Magazine Picture Book Prize. We also explore the origins of her enchanting StoryGodmother brand and her work producing the Writing for Children pages for Writing Magazine.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Sarah Forbes Stewart, a literary powerhouse and the brilliant mind behind The Lighthouse Children’s Literary Consultancy. Sarah has shaped the literary world as a former Fiction Editor at Scholastic Children’s Books and Senior Editor at Floris Books, where she worked on global phenomena like The Hunger Games and Captain Underpants.

In this episode, Sarah dives into her creative journey - from poetry and children’s fiction to her captivating debut adult novel, Aren’t We Lucky. Narrated by Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton, Derry Girls) and available exclusively as an audiobook, the novel explores class, privilege, and the complexities of female friendship.

Discover Sarah’s writing process, her thoughts on crafting compelling stories across genres, and her advice for aspiring writers.

In this episode of the Write Club Podcast, we’re joined by the talented Stephanie Burgis, author of the bestselling Queens of Villainy trilogy. Stephanie shares her journey into the magical world of 'romantasy,' offering insights into crafting captivating characters, immersive fantasy settings, and unforgettable love stories.

Discover the inspiration behind her work, her advice for aspiring romantasy writers, and an exclusive sneak peek into her exciting upcoming projects.

Don’t miss this enchanting conversation with Stephanie and the team at Writers Online!

In this episode of the Write Club Podcast, we sit down with award-winning producer, author, and advocate Renay Richardson. Renay discusses the journey behind her acclaimed podcast and book, Human Resources: Slavery and the Making of Modern Britain, delving into the surprising stories of everyday objects and places that reveal the lasting impact of slavery on modern Britain.

She also shares insights into her creative process, the challenges of collaboration, and advice for writers tackling complex topics.

Join us for this thought-provoking conversation!

In this episode of The Write Club Podcast, Beth and Mary dive into the gripping world of psychological thrillers as they discuss The New Neighbours by bestselling author Claire Douglas.

The conversation unpacks the novel’s twists and turns, the power of unreliable narrators, and how weather can act as a character to heighten tension. They also reflect on the challenges of creating relatable characters, unexpected red herrings, and the emotional impact of heart-racing moments within the story.

If you love psychological thrillers, compelling discussions, and behind-the-scenes insights from a masterful storyteller, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of the Write Club Podcast, Mary and Beth chat with Carl Gorham, acclaimed TV and radio writer, journalist, and author of the award-winning memoir The Owl at the Window. Carl discusses his upcoming sequel, My Life in a Garden, a heartfelt and humorous exploration of life’s challenges and triumphs through the lens of refurbishing a house and garden. He shares insights on the parallels between writing and gardening, the transition from screenwriting to book publishing, and how writing helped him process difficult moments. Carl also offers advice for aspiring authors, reflects on his creative process, and leaves listeners with an inspiring book recommendation. My Life in a Garden is out now.

Join Beth and Mary from Writers Online as they chat with Sunday Times bestselling author and president of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, Sue Moorcroft. Sue shares her journey from childhood library visits to becoming a globally celebrated novelist.

Explore how her past careers shaped her storytelling, the themes of love, family, and community that inspire her work, and her tips for aspiring writers. Plus, get a sneak peek at what’s next for Sue and her top book recommendation.

Listen now and let us know your favourite takeaway!

In this episode of The Write Club, we’re exploring the world of climate fiction with the brilliant John Ironmonger, author of The Notable Brain of Maximilian Ponder, the international bestseller Not Forgetting the Whale (The Whale at the End of the World), and his latest companion novel, The Wager and the Bear.

Join Beth and Mary as they chat with John about what climate fiction (or "cli-fi") is and why it's a powerful tool for addressing the climate crisis, how a tiny Cornish village became the backdrop for his story of global catastrophe and much more.

In this episode of The Write Club, we sit down with the brilliant Ian Ayris, author of three novels, two novellas, dozens of magazine articles, and over forty short stories. With a career spanning fiction, mentoring, and education, Ian brings a wealth of experience to the table. As a Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund at the University of East London and a regular columnist for Writing Magazine, he’s dedicated to helping writers at all levels improve their craft.

Join us as Ian shares his journey to becoming a writer, from discovering his voice to navigating the path to publication. He reflects on the influence of East London in his stories, offers advice for aspiring authors, and provides practical tips on overcoming obstacles, developing characters, and refining your craft.