Write Club Podcast

Join Mary and Beth as they dive into the second episode of Write Club’s Book Club series! This month, we’re spotlighting The Best of Everything by the acclaimed British-Irish author Kit de Waal.

Discover the story of Paulette, a single mother navigating love, loss, and unexpected connections, in this beautifully written novel that explores the transformative power of kindness. Beth and Mary are joined by special guest Eden Barnes, owner of Next Chapter Books in Leeds, to discuss their favourite moments, standout characters, and the emotional depth of the story.

Grab a cup of tea, your favourite notebook, and join us as we celebrate storytelling at its finest!

This week, we’re joined by bestselling author, freelance writer, and self-publishing expert Simon Whaley! Known for his book One Hundred Ways For A Dog To Train Its Human and his insightful Business of Writing feature in Writing Magazine, Simon shares his journey to full-time writing, the balance between self-publishing and traditional publishing, and what keeps him inspired.

Don’t miss this insightful and inspiring conversation.

In this inspiring episode, we continue our conversation with Amanda Marples, author of The Healing Workbook: Tips and Guided Exercises to Help Overcome Trauma. Amanda shares the journey behind her impactful book, including her route to publication and what inspired her to write it.

We explore further into Amanda’s creative process, discussing her writing routines, including her experience with Morning Pages from The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, and how she balances her multifaceted roles with her passion for writing.

In Part 1 of this inspiring episode, we’re joined by Amanda Marples - a mental health professional, mentor, published author, and the creator of Reconcile Creative, a mentoring service tailored for neurodiverse writers.

Amanda shares her journey as a neurodiverse writer, the challenges and triumphs she’s faced, and how her unique perspective fuels her creativity. We speak about the mission behind Reconcile Creative, discussing the importance of inclusive support systems in the writing world.

Join us next week for Part 2 of this inspiring and insightful conversation.

This week on Write Club, we’re joined by Northern Irish crime writer James Murphy!

James is the author of the gripping Farset Investigations series and the psychological thriller How To Be Dead. He’s also the host of the podcast A Life of Crime (Writing), a mentor for aspiring writers, and a driving force behind the Northern Ireland Festival of Writing.

In this episode, James shares his journey from school principal to author, his creative process, and how music influences his storytelling. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at the adaptation process for turning James' novel How To Be Dead into a short film and his advice for breaking into the crime-writing genre.

This week on Write Club it's our first-ever Bookclub episode! Join Mary and Beth as they discuss the powerful debut novel Nesting by Roisin O’Donnell, recently longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction.

Nesting tells a gripping story inspired by the complexities of home, independence, and survival during crisis. With rich themes, evocative imagery, and unforgettable characters, this novel has left a lasting impact on readers.

Listen through to the end to find out how you can win a copy of Nesting and join in on the conversation!

Haven’t read it yet? Pick up your copy now and come back to enjoy this spoiler-filled discussion.

In the latest episode of Write Club, we’re joined by the multi-talented Alex Davis - author, creative writing tutor, media lecturer, workshopper, and events coordinator.

Alex explores the world of genre fiction, sharing his passion for horror, sci-fi, and fantasy, as well as his experiences teaching aspiring authors. We chat about common challenges writers face, tips for tackling genre fiction, and the rewarding aspects of being a creative writing tutor.

Plus, Alex gives us the inside scoop on two exciting upcoming events: Spring Haunts 2025 and Strange as Folk 2025.

In Part 2 of our conversation with bestselling author Carmel Harrington, we delve deeper into the creative process behind her 13 captivating novels.

Carmel shares her thoughts on exploring sub-genres, how to navigate genre expectations as a writer, and the recurring themes that tie her stories together.

We discuss where her characters come from, the balance between inspiration and reality, and what’s next for her as an author. Plus, Carmel offers invaluable advice for aspiring writers and reveals her must-read book recommendation.

To top it off, she treats us to a reading from the first page of her latest novel, The Stolen Child.

In the debut episode of Write Club, we sit down with bestselling author Carmel Harrington, whose novels, including The Girl from Donegal, The Lighthouse Secret, and her latest domestic thriller, The Stolen Child, have captured the hearts of readers across the globe.

Carmel shares the real-life event that inspired her gripping new novel, offers a glimpse into her writing routine, and reveals how she crafts the twists that keep readers hooked. She also dives into genre expectations, the themes that run through her 13 books, and the joys and challenges of balancing life as a writer.

Join us for Part 1 of an engaging and insightful conversation with one of the most versatile and talented voices in fiction today.