Write Club Podcast

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