Write Club Podcast

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. 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 Podcast, we’re joined by Melanie Blake, bestselling author and former talent agent. Melanie talks to us about her fascinating journey from working in the entertainment industry to creating the hit Ruthless trilogy, including the latest instalment, Vengeful Women.Discover how she draws inspiration from real-life experiences while crafting gripping commercial fiction, her tips for developing strong, memorable characters, and how she found her unique writing style. Listen now and take a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a bonkbuster! 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 Podcast, Mary and Beth chat with novelist and journalist Zoe Apostolides, author of The Homecoming - beautifully eerie and emotionally rich debut that has captivated us this Halloween season.Zoe talks us through:🏚️ The inspiration behind Elver House, and how physical spaces can mirror emotional and cognitive decline🧠 Memory, legacy, and dementia as central themes in her novel🐍 Why she chose eels - yes, eels! - as a recurring, unsettling symbol🦠 How writing during lockdown shaped the book’s tone of isolation📚 Her evocative writing style, route to publication, and what she’s working on nextThis episode is full of insight for writers who love atmospheric fiction, rich symbolism, and stories anchored in a strong sense of place.If you’re interested in haunted houses, slow-building dread, and the craft of writing deeply layered fiction, this is an episode you’ll love. 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

Join Mary and Beth on the latest episode of the Write Club Podcast as they chat with Harriett De Mesquita, author of The Magickal Summer of Evie Edelman. Harriett chats to us about how writing became a form of self-expression long before her adult autism diagnosis and how newfound self-knowledge has transformed her creative process.From exploring the role of voice in diary-style storytelling to discussing her experiences with synesthesia, Harriett shares how her unique perspective informs her characters and narrative. She also talks about the importance of featuring a misunderstood protagonist, her journey to publication, and offers a book recommendation for fellow writers and readers. 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 gripping episode of the Write Club Podcast, Beth and Mary sit down with international bestselling author Lucie Whitehouse to explore the dark and fascinating world of crime fiction.Lucie talks to us about her brand-new novel, The Last Witness - the third in her acclaimed Robin Lyons series - and discusses how she weaves psychological tension, moral complexity, and real-world power dynamics into every page.This episode is a brilliantly honest, inspiring conversation about balancing research with emotion, the difference between crime and psychological suspense, and how Lucie keeps her readers guessing until the very end.If you’re a fan of sharp, character-driven thrillers - or dreaming of writing one yourself - this episode is not to be missed.🎙️ Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. 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

Gytha takes us behind the scenes of her latest novel - a dark, twist-filled story of love, betrayal, and survival set in Cambridge’s shadowy academic world. She opens up about stepping away from her beloved series, the challenges of writing when real life mirrors fiction a little too closely, and how she rediscovered her creative flow.We also explore her remarkable career as a playwright, video game writer, and novelist, discuss the art of crafting killer twists, and explore what it takes to keep readers hooked across multiple books.Whether you’re a fan of Gytha’s DCI Jonah Sheen crime series or simply love a smart, propulsive thriller, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and plenty of writing 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

Originally a sell-out talk at the Bournemouth Writing Festival, Organising Chaos has become a must-attend session for writers struggling to bring structure, clarity, and confidence to their early drafts. Gary, an experienced editor and writer, and Sophie, author and director of Cadence Publishing, share how the idea was born, their top tips for re-inspiring your writing brain, and why every writer’s process looks a little different.The conversation also explores the thriving Bournemouth writing scene, the importance of creative community, and how to stay productive when motivation runs low.Whether your draft feels like a disaster or you just need a fresh push to the finish line, this episode is packed with encouragement, practical advice, and wisdom from two people who truly understand the writer’s journey.Book your spot on Organising Chaos now - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/organising-chaos-with-gary-dalkin-and-sophie-beal-tickets-1511499097489?aff=oddtdtcreator 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

Simon discusses his latest novel, The Room of Lost Steps - the sequel to The Palace at the End of the Sea - which follows Theodore Sterling’s extraordinary journey from 1930s New York to Civil War Spain.Together, they explore the immense research behind Simon’s sweeping historical duology, how he structures complex projects without losing confidence or momentum, and what it’s like growing up in the shadow (and inspiration) of a literary legend.Tune in for a fascinating conversation about history, storytelling, and the discipline of writing across worlds - both real and imagined. 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 month’s Write Club Book Club episode, Beth and Mary discuss Buckeye by Patrick Ryan - a sweeping post-war novel set in small-town America that explores love, secrets, forgiveness, and the long shadows of the past.They unpack Ryan’s richly drawn characters, the powerful sense of place in Bonhomie, Ohio, and how war, disability, and spirituality shape the intertwined lives of two families across generations. Expect a lively discussion full of empathy, literary insight, and big questions about what it means to seek redemption - and home - in an imperfect world.Perfect for readers who love multi-generational stories, heartfelt drama, and the kind of writing that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.Featured book: Buckeye by Patrick Ryan 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

Join Beth and Mary on this week’s episode of the Write Club Podcast, where we go behind the pages and into the fascinating world of writing. Our guest is the multi-talented Bibi Berki - a fiction and non-fiction writer, podcaster, and creator of the acclaimed audio series The Kiss.Bibi talks about her journey from news reporting to storytelling in novels and audio, and how her debut novel The Watch — shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Prize — gave her the confidence to explore different formats. She also discusses her latest release, The Youngster (Deixis Press, August 2025), a tense literary domestic thriller shaped by the Covid lockdowns and set in South East London.Tune in to hear Bibi on:* The influence of place and atmosphere on her writing* The emotional challenges of crafting a domestic thriller* Her approach to storytelling for audio versus print* Collaboration, creative experimentation, and her future projects* And her top book and audio recommendationsListen now and get inspired to tell your story! 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

Danny coaches teams and pitches multi-million-dollar deals to some of the world’s biggest brands, blending creativity, psychology, storytelling, and immersive experiences. He also hosts the Pitch Masters podcast and is the author of Pitch, a guide to mastering the art of selling ideas.Danny shares his journey to becoming The Pitch Guy, explores why so many people fear pitching, and reveals practical tips to help writers confidently pitch their work. From externalising your novel’s themes to flipping your mindset and enjoying the process, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to get their writing noticed. Plus, Danny shares his top piece of advice and a recent book recommendation for listeners.Danny’s book Pitch is out 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

Struggling with how to edit your novel? In this episode of The Write Club Podcast, bestselling author, editor, and mentor Sara Grant shares expert editing tips every writer needs. Sara is the author of The Ultimate Guide to Editing Your Novel: A revolutionary approach to transform your writing and co-founder of Undiscovered Voices, which has launched the careers of over 100 authors.We talk about why editing can feel so daunting, the most common mistakes writers make, and the powerful ways editing can elevate your work. Sara also tells us about her work with Storymix, co-founding Undiscovered Voices, and what a typical writing day looks like for her.If you’re a novelist or aspiring writer looking for clear, professional editing advice, this episode will help you take your work to the next level. 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

Georgie’s writing life has taken her from shadowing drug dealers in Florida City to teaching English in a Himalayan nunnery, editing publications for the Tibetan Government in Exile, and even working behind the scenes at a funeral parlour. A graduate of UEA’s Prose-writing MA, her debut memoir We Swim to the Shark (2020) chronicled her journey to overcome deep fears by travelling the world, learning to scuba dive, and attempting to swim alongside a whale shark.Her latest book, Never Had a Dad, was sparked by a trip to Scotland and grew into a fascinating quest exploring fatherhood. The project has been featured across the BBC World Service, The Times, iNews, and more, and has even been optioned for TV by a major production company.In this episode, Georgie talks with us about her unconventional path into writing, the challenges of turning personal quests into gripping memoir, and why non-fiction and adventure continue to inspire her work. We also dive into the surprising discoveries behind Never Had a Dad, her thoughts on balancing truth and storytelling, and what’s next in her creative journey.This episode of the Write Club Podcast is sponsored by Arvon.Since 1968, Arvon has been helping writers at every stage of their journey, with inspiring courses and retreats led by leading authors. Whether you’ve got just an hour, a day, or a week to spare, Arvon offers the space, support, and community to unlock your creativity.And with grants and concessions available, their courses are open to anyone who wants to write.Find out more at arvon.org. 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 month’s Bookclub episode, Mary and Beth talk all about The Stolen Child by Carmel Harrington – a gripping, emotional novel that weaves together three timelines across decades of love, loss, and mystery.From the shocking disappearance of two-year-old Robert on a Mediterranean cruise in 1983, to the lives of two orphan girls in 1970s London, and finally to 2023, where new revelations shake the Murphy family to their core – this story asks haunting questions about family, resilience, and the secrets we carry.We talk about our reading experience, the characters who captured our hearts (and the ones who broke them), the emotional punches, and the imagery that lingers long after the last page. As Carmel was our very first guest on Write Club (and our most popular episode to date!), we couldn’t resist revisiting her work. We even play an eerie excerpt from our conversation with her that sets the tone perfectly. 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, Mary and Beth are joined by the award-winning and million-copy bestselling author Faith Hogan. Faith is a USA Today bestseller, Irish Times Top Ten author, and Amazon UK #1 bestselling writer of eleven uplifting and inspiring contemporary fiction novels.She talks about her brand-new summer read, The Women At Ocean’s End – a moving story of friendship, secrets, and resilience set against the stunning backdrop of Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast. Faith shares how her character Constance came to life, why Achill Island inspired the setting, and how she balances exploring darker themes with the feel-good storytelling her readers love.We also dive into Faith’s route to publication, her creative process, and her best advice for aspiring writers. A must-listen episode full of warmth, wisdom, and inspiration. 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 Podcast, hosts Mary and Beth sit down with international bestselling author Laurie Gilmore, the queen of small-town romance and creator of the beloved Dream Harbor series. Laurie’s debut, The Pumpkin Spice Café, won TikTok Shop’s Book of the Year in 2024, and with Book 5: The Gingerbread Bakery publishing this September, her heartwarming world continues to capture readers everywhere.In this exclusive conversation, Laurie opens up about the inspiration behind her books, her love of blending sweetness and spice in storytelling, and the surprising role that food—and TikTok—have played in her success. She also shares her journey to publication, how she balances writing with the pressures of social media, and what’s next for Dream Harbor. 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, Beth and Mary are joined by novelist Hazel Barkworth, author of Heatstroke and the newly released The Drownings.Hazel takes us inside her creative process and talks about the themes at the heart of her latest novel: women’s voices, competitive swimming, and the rivalries that play out both in sport and online. We explore her character Serena’s journey, the pressures of influence and performance, and how Hazel balances meticulous craft with letting a story evolve on the page.Along the way, Hazel shares the best writing advice she’s ever received, offers her tips for aspiring authors, and gives us a peek at what’s coming next in her writing journey. 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 week’s episode of The Write Club Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome the brilliant debut novelist Daria Lavelle. Born in Kyiv, raised in New York, and now an acclaimed voice in speculative fiction, Daria brings magic, wit, and emotional depth to everything she writes.Daria’s debut novel, Aftertaste - a dark comedy about food, ghosts, and the New York culinary scene - landed in May 2025 and has already made waves for its unique blend of sharp humour, sensory storytelling, and moving reflections on grief and memory.She talks us through her 20-year journey to publication, the inspiration behind her unforgettable protagonist Konstantin, and how taste and food help her unlock creative ideas. We also discuss the challenge of balancing comedy with emotional depth, writing about loss, and her approach to the uncanny. 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 month’s Write Club book club episode, Mary and Beth dive into The Mercy Step, the debut novel from Marcia Hutchinson. Featured in the September issue of Writing Magazine, this beautifully written work of autofiction draws on Hutchinson’s own experiences, following the life of Mercy, a young girl growing up in 1960s Bradford in a household marked by violence, neglect, and silence.Through vivid imagery, emotional depth, and moments of sharp humour, Hutchinson captures both the resilience and vulnerability of a child navigating a world where safety is never guaranteed. We discuss the book’s central themes of survival, identity, and hope, explore Hutchinson’s writing style, and reflect on the scenes that stayed with us long after reading. 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 week’s episode of The Write Club Podcast, hosts Mary and Beth sit down with bestselling author Emma Cowell - a former actress, BBC presenter, and charity fundraiser turned novelist.Emma shares the story behind her latest book Under the Lemon Tree, a moving tale rooted in love, grief, and the evocative beauty of Greece. We talk about the power of setting, her sensory writing rituals (yes, she really does choose a signature candle scent for each book!), and how writing has helped her navigate personal loss in a way that resonates with readers.Under the Lemon Tree is out 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