From Rejection to Sunday Times Bestseller – Lesley Kara on Craft and Persistence

This week on The Write Place Podcast, I’m joined by bestselling psychological thriller author Lesley Kara, whose debut novel The Rumour became a Sunday Times bestseller and was later adapted for television.We talk about her latest novel, Troublemaker, a tense psychological thriller set in Tunbridge Wells, and explore how grief, vulnerability and doubt shape both her characters and her storytelling.Lesley shares:The real-life influences behind TroublemakerWhy short chapters matter in suspense fictionWhat it was really like seeing The Rumour adapted for TVThe business realities of commercial publishingWriting her debut at 55 and why it’s never too lateHow social media became a creative outlet rather than a choreIt’s a practical, honest conversation about craft, resilience and staying visible in a competitive market.About Lesley KaraLesley Kara is the Sunday Times bestselling author of multiple psychological thrillers including The Rumour, Who Did You Tell?, The Other Tenant and her latest novel Troublemaker.Her debut, The Rumour, was a breakout success and has since been adapted for television. Lesley lives in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and began her publishing career in her mid-fifties after years of writing and perseverance.Topics CoveredWriting lean prose in psychological suspenseStructuring novels using three-act structureManaging pressure after a commercial breakthroughAdapting novels for screenBalancing creativity with the business of publishingBuilding community and reach through InstagramLate-start writing careersLinks🌐 Lesley Kara Website: https://www.lesleykara.com 📸 Instagram: @lesleykarawriter 📖 Troublemaker – Available now in bookshops and onlineIf You Enjoyed This EpisodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsLeave a rating and reviewShare the episode with a fellow writerWork With MeIf you’re writing your own novel and want professional support with structure, editing or publishing, take a look at my self-publishing packages and mentoring options:👉 https://wkwproductions.co.uk/selfpublishing