Write Club Podcast

How do you keep readers laughing on one page and on the brink of tears the next - for nearly three decades? In this heartwarming and insightful episode of The Write Club Podcast , our hosts chat with iconic British author Mike Gayle , whose smash-hit debut My Legendary Girlfriend launched a full-time fiction career back in 1997. Mike gives listeners an exclusive preview of his upcoming family drama, On We Go , breaking down how he builds relatable, beautifully dysfunctional characters and hits the perfect balance between humour and emotional depth. He reflects on how the publishing landscape and his writing process have evolved over 30 years, shares his top advice for debut novelists aiming for an authentic human voice, and finally solves the mystery behind his two garden sheds! On We Go is a hilarious and heartwarming new family drama from Sunday Times bestseller Mike Gayle. Get your copy today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Write Club Podcast, we are joined by Heather Morris - the globally renowned, #1 bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz - to discuss her gripping new novel, The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse. Heather shares the incredible real-life origin of her latest story, inspired by composer Cara Talvi, whose grandmother’s life was saved during the Holocaust by a courageous piano teacher in the French Resistance. She takes us behind the scenes of her meticulous historical research process, from interviewing surviving family members to walking key locations in Paris to bring the past vividly to life. Whether you’re a fan of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, a writer of historical fiction, or simply curious about the daily habits of an international bestselling author, this conversation is packed with invaluable wisdom! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Who’d have thought that your best first draft might not be written at a desk, but spoken aloud while walking your dog? In this inspiring episode of The Write Club Podcast , our hosts chat with Marcia Hutchinson , author of the 2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlisted debut, The Mercy Step . Marcia breaks down her original drafting routine - dictating up to 2,000 words per loop in her local park - and opens up about how receiving an ADHD diagnosis transformed her understanding of focus, routine, and creative energy. From her past careers as a solicitor, publisher, political activist, and Zumba instructor to writing five novels over a decade, Marcia shares invaluable insights on building stories using autofiction, leveraging feedback from writing groups, and pushing through the long haul of publication. Purchase The Mercy Step today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

How does geographic distance sharpen an author’s view of home - and how do you capture the authentic cadence of an accent on the page? In this episode of The Write Club Podcast , we are joined by Commonwealth Short Story Prize nominee and award-winning author Dwight Thompson to discuss his second novel, My Own Dear People . Born and raised in Jamaica and currently teaching at an international school in Japan, Dwight offers a deeply insightful look at writing about home from thousands of miles away. He shares how he captures the unique rhythms and voices of Jamaican dialogue, how he cultivated the self-belief needed to pursue a writing career, and whether he leans toward meticulous plotting or intuitive discovery writing. Read his beautiful second novel, My Own Dear People, now. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when you drop a high-stakes murder mystery into the middle of magical medical school final exams? In this episode of the Write Club Podcast , we chat with Hugo Award-nominated author Freya Marske to talk about her upcoming novel, Bodies of Magic (releasing in the UK on September 17th). Freya talks about how her real-world medical background shaped the authentic details, frantic pacing, and pressure-cooker environment of her new story, which follows five randomly assigned students forced to solve a crime in just five days. We spend time exploring the mechanics of story craft, looking at: * Pacing tight timelines: Managing a multi-POV narrative that takes place over just five days. * Balancing subplots: Keeping a fast-paced murder mystery at centre stage while weaving in compelling romance B-plots. * Shaping your story scope: The structural differences between building a sweeping trilogy, crafting a tight novella, and writing a standalone novel. * Career strategy: Why chasing market trends will burn you out, and how focusing on the stories you actually want to tell is the ultimate long-term strategy for authors. Plus, stick around to the end to catch Freya’s top book recommendation. Order Bodies of Magic by Freya Marske today. Enter the First 5K Novel Prize or save 50% on your Writers Online membership at writers-online.co.uk! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Struggling to make your characters feel real—or letting self-doubt freeze your typing fingers? In this powerhouse episode of The Write Club Podcast , our hosts are joined by British author and elite executive coach Robbie Steinhouse to unpack his gripping debut novel, The Process . Drawing from 25 years as a Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) trainer, Robbie spills the secrets on how to use real-world psychological archetypes to build unforgettable characters. He walks us through practical mental hacks - like taking ‘perceptual positions’ - to step directly into your characters’ shoes and write authentic, high-stakes dialogue. Plus, if you’ve ever struggled with the jump from non-fiction to fiction, or found yourself paralysed by an inner critic, Robbie’s masterclass in author mindset and state management will give you the exact tools you need to stay locked in. Buy a copy of The Process today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

How do you transition from writing short stories to publishing a full-length supernatural coming-of-age novel - and how do you define success on your own terms? In this episode of The Write Club Podcast , we had the pleasure of chatting with writer and anthology contributor Damien McKeating to talk about his debut novel, Tallulah Belle , set in the whimsical world of a fantasy burlesque theatre. Damien breaks down how entering short story competitions helped him sharpen his craft, handle feedback, and build confidence as a writer. He also opens up about his decision to self-publish Tallulah Belle , sharing a refreshing perspective on setting personal criteria for success rather than relying on commercial standards. 👉 Grab your copy of Tallulah Belle today and discover more from Damien McKeating! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

How can staying curious, practising deep reading, and ‘starting with a word’ pull you out of a creative rut and transform your manuscript? In this episode of The Write Club Podcast , we spend 50 minutes with writer, veteran teacher, and retreat leader Marilyn McEntyre to talk about her latest book, Start with a Word . Drawing on decades of teaching literature, medical humanities, and creative writing, Marilyn shares why returning to learning can be a consoling act in hard times, how slow and spoken-word reading enriches our craft, and how to get to know your narrator on a deeper level. Plus, she reveals her go-to writing exercise for pulling yourself out of a slump and discusses the profound connection between writing, spirituality, and healing. 👉 Find out more about Marilyn McEntyre's work and grab your copy of Start with a Word ! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Rahul discusses his decision to handwrite the first draft of his novel using 2B pencils and yellow legal pads to eliminate digital distractions, drawing inspiration from Toni Morrison's writing habits. He explains how the Indian railway system served as a metaphor for the country's diversity and complexity, with his protagonist Charu working in the personnel department handling grievances across the railway network. Rahul shares his writing career journey from mathematics and cricket journalism to novel writing, noting that his journalism background helped develop his understanding of pacing and character development. We also find out about his typical writing routine, which has evolved from late-night sessions to morning writing, and his current project that remains in early development stages. Get a copy of the Railsong now. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, hosts Beth and Mary from the Writing Magazine and Writers Online team sit down with R R Haywood (Richard), a powerhouse of British science fiction and horror. As an Amazon All-Star and one of the top ten most downloaded indie writers in the UK, Richard has built a massive global following with his gripping narratives, real-world grit, and signature sharp humour. Richard joins us to talk about his breakthrough post-apocalyptic series, The Undead , and what it was like to revisit, tear down, and fully rewrite his iconic debut world with over a decade of extra craft experience under his belt. Get the Book: The Undead series by R R Haywood is available now on Amazon and major retail platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Write Club, Beth and Mary are joined by Jen, the UK Lead for Kindle Direct Publishing and Amazon’s resident self-publishing expert, to celebrate a massive milestone: the 10th anniversary of the Kindle Storyteller Award. Together, we chat about the incredible evolution of self-publishing over the last decade and discuss how it has transformed from a backup plan into a top-tier choice for modern authors. Jen tells us about why so many writers are bypassing traditional routes to claim total creative control and tap into higher earning potential. We also speak on the life-changing impact of the award, spotlighting the success stories of past winners and finalists who used the prize to secure mainstream validation and career momentum. Tune in for expert, insider strategies on how to deeply understand your target audience, ensure your formatting meets industry standards, and organically build a reader community. For more information on entering the Kindle Storyteller Award visit - http://www.amazon.co.uk/storyteller?ref_=kdpuk_ST26_P1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, hosts Beth and Mary from the Writing Magazine and Writers Online team chat with David Cairns , the Baron of Finavon. David has a remarkably diverse background - from training as an accountant and working as a technology entrepreneur to living across four continents - all of which feeds into his rich, worldly perspective on writing history. David joins us to give us an insight into his latest release, The Case of the Hydegild Sacrifice , the gripping fourth instalment in his popular Major Gask Mysteries series. As always, we wrap up the episode with David’s top book recommendation to add to your reading pile, alongside a sneak peek at what’s next in his writing pipeline! The Case of the Hydegild Sacrifice by David Cairns is available now at all major book retailers. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to the Write Club Podcast , where we take you behind the pages and into the fascinating world of writing! In this episode, hosts Beth and Mary from the Writing Magazine and Writers Online team sit down with Julia Bell , Professor of New Writing at Birkbeck, University of London, and the author of Radical Attention and the acclaimed new book, Between the Lines – Life Lessons from the Creative Writing Workshop . Together, we chat about why studying the craft of writing is inherently a study of human nature, and how the modern workshop serves as a vital antidote to a fractured, fast-paced world. Plus, stay tuned until the very end to hear Julia’s top book recommendation for your reading list! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to the Write Club Podcast with Mary and Beth from the Writing Magazine and Writers Online team! This week, we are taking you behind the pages with the brilliant Matthew Sullivan , the award-winning, New York Times -featured author of Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore . We dive deep into his gripping new release, Midnight in Soap Lake - a book so addictive we’ve been sneaking chapters all week! Matthew shares his incredible story from growing up in a family of eight kids and working as an indie bookseller to teaching creative writing for 20 years. Midnight in Soap Lake is out now. Grab a cup of tea, get comfortable, and join the club! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

This week on The Write Club , Mary and Beth chat with Simon Mason , a writer whose career has spanned every corner of the book world - from Managing Director at David Fickling Books to Fellow of Creative Writing at Oxford Brookes University. We explore his latest Ryan and Ray Wilkins thriller, The Dangerous Stranger , and discover how a ‘trailer park boy’ and a privately educated detective became one of crime fiction’s most effective, friction-filled duos. Simon shares how the personal conflict between his protagonists mirrors the stark social contrasts of Oxford itself. In this episode, we discuss: * The Wilkins friction: Why Ray and Ryan shouldn’t work on paper, and why that makes them so compelling on the page. * Messy play vs. composition: Simon’s unique take on the creative process and how to balance raw imagination with structured storytelling. * The rhythm of crime: How a lifelong obsession with the poetry of Dylan Thomas influences the dialogue and linguistic energy of Simon’s prose. * Fixing boring drafts: Simon shares his go-to tricks for injecting life back into a scene when the energy starts to lag. * The publisher’s perspective: Whether a career working with other authors in major publishing houses actually improves your own writing. Get a copy of Simon Mason’s latest mystery, The Dangerous Stranger, now. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

“Blunt wasn’t the least of the Cambridge spies - he was the most dangerous of them all.” This week on The Write Club , Mary and Beth go behind the curtain of the ‘Great Game’ with literary agent and author Piers Blofeld . Piers is a staple of the publishing industry and a beloved columnist for Writing Magazine , but his latest venture has taken him into the dark, dusty archives of MI5. His debut book, Master of Lies , shatters the official narrative of Anthony Blunt, revealing a triple-cross reality where intelligence reached the desks of Hitler, Stalin, and Churchill simultaneously. In this episode, we discuss: * How to write rigorous non-fiction that reads like a high-stakes thriller. * The specific files that proved the official history of the Cambridge Spies was a fabrication. * Piers switches hats to tell us exactly what agents are looking for in the 2026 market. * How to approach an agent, w hat defines a perfect author-client relationship, and the common mistakes to avoid in your query letter. Give the episode a listen, and check out Piers’ new non-fiction book here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Can writing a poem make you a better novelist? According to Cathi Rae, the answer is a resounding yes . In this episode, Cathi joins Beth and Mary to discuss her Writing Magazine series, ‘An Introduction to Writing Poetry.’ We chat about the ‘old question’ of whether to rhyme, the benefits of spoken word events, and how to find your specific starting point when the page is blank. In this episode, we explore: * The accessibility gap: How to change the narrative around ‘difficult’ poetry. * The prose connection: How poetry helps you master rhythm and tension in any form. * The power of voice: Cathi’s work as a sustainable stylist and campaigner for the visibility of older women. * Publishing & performance: Practical tips for getting your books out there and finding an audience. Get yourself a copy of Writing Elegies For Dead Men I Didn’t Meet by Cathi Eae This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Write Club , Beth and Mary sit down with award-winning author Alice Jolly to discuss her latest novel, The Matchbox Girl . Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Vienna, the story explores the complex legacy of Dr. Asperger through the eyes of a neurodivergent ghost narrator. Alice takes us behind the scenes of her extensive research process, explains why she chose such a unique narrative voice, and shares her philosophy on why writers should never shy away from the ‘grey areas’ of history. We also chat about her prolific career across plays, memoirs, and short stories, discussing how to choose the right ‘shape’ for your next big idea. Buy Alice Jolly’s latest novel, The Matchbox Girl, here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

How do you transition from writing someone else’s life story to becoming a bestselling thriller author? In this episode of The Write Club , Beth and Mary are joined by the brilliant Ruth Kelly , author of the gripping new psychological thriller, The Afterparty . A Richard & Judy Book Club favourite, Ruth shares the secrets behind her ‘just one more chapter’ pacing and how her background as an award-winning journalist and ghostwriter shaped her approach to fiction. We dive into the dark themes of power and secrets, the essential mindset for successful ghostwriting, and Ruth’s top advice for turning a strong idea into a finished manuscript. If you want to know how to balance factual realism with heart-pounding drama, this episode is for you. Buy The Afterparty: The Most Heart-Pounding Thriller For Winter 2025 From The Bestselling, Richard & Judy Book Club Pick Author This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

How do you maintain a 30-year career that includes over 2,000 published short stories and 35 novels? In this episode of The Write Club, Mary and Beth sit down with our newest columnist, bestselling author and tutor Della Galton. Della pulls back the curtain on her incredibly prolific process, sharing the “secret sauce” behind relatable humour in rom-coms and her top tips for writers struggling to find their audience. She talks to us about the importance of in-person workshops, why being ‘naturally organised’ is a writer’s greatest superpower, and what you can expect from her upcoming appearance at our Leeds Creative Writing Weekend. Check out One in a Million : A BRAND NEW poignant and heartwarming story from Della Galton This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe