Podcast Episodes

A writer’s journey: Vanessa Bell on book tours, friendship, and revisiting old projects

Episode 353

In this episode of The Writing Life, poet, editor, and literary activist Vanessa Bell discusses the journeys she has taken as a writer, both literally and figuratively, and her recent book tour aroun…

Published on 8 hours ago

Representation in children’s literature: Hayley Wells on The Spectacular Suit

Episode 352

In this episode of The Writing Life, illustrator Hayley Wells delves into the importance of representation in children’s books.

Hayley Wells is an Essex-based illustrator with an MA in Children’s B…

Published on 2 weeks ago

Reimagining classics: Pat Barker on the Regeneration Trilogy

Episode 351

Content warning: Mentions of rape, sexual assault, and war.

In this episode of The Writing Life, bestselling author Pat Barker shares insights about the art of retellings, and the craftsmanship and…

Published on 4 weeks ago

Writing contemporary crime fiction: Val McDermid on Past Lying

Episode 350

In this episode of The Writing Life, award-winning writer Val McDermid shares insights on writing contemporary crime fiction, and the importance of learning patience as a writer.

One of the UK’s mo…

Published on 1 month, 1 week ago

Becoming a published author: Wen-Yi Lee on representation, writing residencies, and building a readership

Episode 349

In this episode of The Writing Life, writer and Dragon Hall Cottage resident Wen-yi Lee shares insights into building a writing career, and the process of taking a project from conception to completi…

Published on 1 month, 3 weeks ago

Writing between genres: Michael Pedersen on Muckle Flugga

Episode 348

In this episode of The Writing Life, prize-winning poet and writer Michael Pedersen shares his experience writing between genres, and how pushing the boundaries of literary categories can enhance you…

Published on 2 months, 1 week ago

World building in horror fiction: Julia Armfield on Private Rites

Episode 347

In this episode of The Writing Life, prize-winning writer Julia Armfield shares insights on world building in horror fiction, and writing catastrophic and intense circumstances.

Julia Armfield's wo…

Published on 2 months, 3 weeks ago

The world of Substack: Eleanor Anstruther & Simon K Jones on serial fiction

Episode 346

In this episode of The Writing Life, writers Eleanor Anstruther and Simon K Jones discuss the world of Substack, and how they use the platform to publish and share their work.

Eleanor Anstruther is…

Published on 3 months ago

Writing love stories: André Aciman on Room on the Sea

Episode 345

In this episode of The Writing Life, bestselling author André Aciman shares the intricacies of writing romance, from the magic of first meetings to the nuances of portraying older characters falling …

Published on 3 months, 2 weeks ago

The power of language: Eimear McBride on The City Changes Its Face

Episode 344

In this episode of The Writing Life, novelist and screenwriter Eimear McBride on the power of language, and the ways literary fiction can evoke emotion and connection.

Eimear McBride is the award-w…

Published on 4 months ago