Claim OwnershipFirst Graft Podcast
Subscribed: 7Played: 50
Subscribe
© 2025 First Graft Podcast
Description
Join writer Heidi James as she chats with a special guest to explore the creative process from scratch. From the first idea, the first marks on the blank page, wrong turns, successes, making a mess and completing the first draft. Listen to conversations about craft, the creative process, fear, procrastination and the hard graft behind the artwork we love.
30 Episodes
Reverse
Send us a text In this chapter I talk to novelist and lecturer, Ariel Kahn about his wonderful novel, Raising Sparks published earlier this year by Bluemoose Books. We talk about cats, being haunted by characters, buying peppers, silencing the inner critic and giving yourself permission to write (and procrastination). Join us!
Send us a text In this episode I talk about make believe, dialogue, the minute ways characters (and all of us!) reveal themselves and paying close attention with Wendy Erskine. Wendy Erskine is the author of two short story collections, Sweet Home and Dance Move, She has been listed for the Gordon Burn Prize, the Republic of Consciousness Prize, the Sunday Times Audible Short Story Award and the Edge Hill Prize. She was awarded the Butler Prize for Literature and the Edge Hill Re...
Send us a text In this episode I talk about writing, visual art, trauma and noticing with Rose Ruane; Rose is an artist & writer who lives in Glasgow with her ever expanding collection of 20th Century kitsch. Her novels This is Yesterday and Birding are published by Corsair Books. She is chair of The Adamson Collection: work created in the art therapy studio at Netherne Hospital by individuals who were compelled to live there during the 20th century. https://www.instagram.com/regretterua...
Send us a text In this episode I talk to author of Mary and the Rabbit Dream, Noemi Kiss-Deaki about writing as a form of exorcism after a long pause, indulging in playfulness and anger as a fuel for creativity. https://www.galleybeggar.co.uk/noemi-kissdeaki-author-bio https://www.instagram.com/noemikissdeaki_author/
Send us a text In this episode I talk Amanda Mason, author of The Wayward Girls, about writing the uncanny, fear, nostalgia-washing, and art as reciprocity. https://greyhoundliterary.co.uk/authors/amanda-mason
Send us a text In this episode I talk to Cauvery about self doubt, claiming your voice, and the importance of naming in finding your characters. Born in India, Cauvery Madhavan moved to Ireland 38 years ago and has been in love with the country ever since. Her books Paddy Indian and The Uncoupling were published to critical acclaim. Her last novel, The Tainted, was chosen by Laureate Sebastian Barry for his Laureate Picks 2020. It was one of An Post Irish Book Awards’ Top Summer Reads. ...
Send us a text Welcome to First Graft! This is the mini-episode where I introduce myself.
Send us a text Talking about making the mess, getting started, procrastination and reading a sneak peek of The Sound Mirror. Simone de Beauvoir and Susan Griffin get a mention (worshipped) and I confess my one of my fears.
Send us a text In this chapter we talk about characters, truth, and not being a genius! Listeners share their procrastination tactics and I share a couple of extracts from The Sound Mirror. Join us!
Send us a text This chapter I'm talking about creative slumps, reaching out, feeling grateful for the generosity of the writing community and point of view... something that I wrestle with in the beginning of all my stories. We talk about the brilliance of James Wood, Virginia Woolf, Rose Tremain, Graham Greene and Deborah Levy.
Send us a text In this chapter I talk to award winning author Ben Myers (The Gallows Pole, Beastings, Pig Iron, Under the Rock...) about his latest novel, witchcraft, weasels, language, staying true to your ideas and much more... join us.
Send us a text Short and sweet one today... I talk about fear, being silenced and the launch of Somesuch Stories anthology which features the writing of Daisy Johnson, Sophie Mackintosh, Octavia Bright and me... as well as many more.
Send us a text Join us as we chat about point of view, class, our favourite books, Rebekah's new novel and how to win a copy of the Somesuch anthology.
Send us a text In this chapter I talk about class, writing difficult, unlikeable characters and process. In Ketchup I chat about: Olivia Sudjic's book, Exposure Dead Ink's collection of essays, Know Your Place And The TV adaptation of Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend. If you have any suggestions for my character's name, give me a shout on twitter or the First Graft facebook page!
Send us a text Hey... In Chapter nine I talk about... Books Anne Fine - Raking the Ashes Fleur Jaeggy - Sweet Days of Discipline David Seabrook - All the Devils are Here Podcast This Podcast Will Kill You And a soup... Recipe below (I swear it makes you glow like the Ready Brek kid) Plus I share a couple of monologues I wrote from two character points of view and discuss how these exercises can help get under the skin of your characters (ouch). Get in touch and tell me about your read...
Send us a text In this episode I talk about time; theory, experience, the novel, death, ageing, New Years Resolutions and writing. Pretty basic then. I am indebted to the incredible website, http://www.exactlywhatistime.com for all the information I discuss on theories and philosophies of time and I recommend you check it out if it interests you; and it should!! I also talk about: From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace The Blind Assassin ...
Send us a text I chat with Sharon about writing her novel The Handsworth Times and her forthcoming novel, Should I Fall Behind, process, confidence, social media, empathy, appropriation, Nick Cave, music playlists, swearing and more... We mention writers: Janet Frame Kit de Waal (check out their work if you haven't already) Sharon's book is available here: http://www.bluemoosebooks.com/books/handsworth-times
Send us a text Triumph, wobbles, anxiety and first draft trials... So, had recorded the charming and talented Ronan Hession, author of Leonard and Hungry Paul but the quality wasn't good enough for you beauties... hence just me this chapter. I will be recording Ronan when he's in London promoting his book. Sorry Ronan! If you would like to come on and discuss your work (ANY creative process not just literary endeavours) let me know, get in touch! Books I mention this chapter are: Dogwood ...
Send us a text Hey, How're you? This chapter we talk about writing in a colloquial voice; it's importance in reflecting diverse characters, but not misrepresenting or diminishing them. How do we do it? And do it well? I share a short extract of the first draft of The Sound Mirror, where I'm working on voice. Also I chat about the following books: Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh The Panopticon by Jenni Fagan The Colour Purple by Alice Walker The Wake by Paul Kingsnorth A Clockwor...
Send us a text Join me as I chat with Rónán about his novel, music, silence, making meaning, translation, writing and the wild creativity of family lexicons and fibs. Read this book! https://www.bluemoosebooks.com/books/leonard-and-hungry-paul
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States