PODCAST · arts
Northern Voices
by Northern Voices
Northern Voices explores Northern writers (published and unpublished), storytelling and publishing. The podcast is hosted by Jen Bowden, a writer, editor and journalist with a PhD in Creative Writing from Curtin University exploring biases against the North in the UK book industry.
Episodes
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Episode 133: Joe Conroy
In Episode 133, debut writer Joe Conroy joins us to talk about his new novel, In Out. We delve into the process of writing fiction from real life, the tricky business of copyediting and why it's all about finding The One when it comes to agents and publishers. Find out more:...
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Episode 132: Publishing Unpacked – Hybrid/Partnership Publishing with Sue Reed
This week's episode is the third in the mini-series: Publishing Unpacked. In each of these special episodes I'll be joined by Northern writers discussing the publishing process from submission to publication. Today's guest is novelist Sue Reed who is here to talk about her new book, Molly McFlynn...
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Episode 131: Barbara Henderson
In today's episode of Northern Voices, I'm joined by academic and writer Barbara Henderson, Programme Leader for the BA (Hons) English: Creative and Professional Writing at The University of Sunderland. We talk about what exactly professional writing is, government cuts to arts education and why...
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Episode 130: Justine Sless
In this week's episode Sunderland lass, comedian and writer Justine Sless joins me to discuss her new novel, Before I Sing You This Song. We talk about how the book was inspired by Bobby Thompson, dispelling shame through comedy and why her ultimate goal was to return to her old secondary school…
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Episode 129: Josh Holton
On Northern Voices this week, debut novelist Josh Holton joins me to talk about his book, Fledgling, published by Conduit Books. We also delve into tenderness and masculinity, how birds and men are more similar than we realise, and why there are many advantages to being a writer from the North....
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Episode 128: Laura Strickland
In this week's episode, I'm joined by New Northern Poet Laura Strickland. We delve into getting over the shame of being a poet, writing to reflect on life's happenings and why her main ambition in her writing is to make people cry. Find out more:...
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Episode 127: Carolyn Kirby
In Episode 127 , award-winning novelist Carolyn Kirby joins me to talk about her novel Ravenglass. We delve into ideas of using fiction to explore lesser-known parts of history, the Hilda's Crime Weekend at Oxford University and exploring gender and identity in her writing. Find out more:...
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Episode 126: John Robb
In Episode 126 I chat to musician and journalist John Robb about his memoir, Punk Rock Ruined My Life. We delve into how he came to be the first person to interview Nirvana, why Blackpool is more than your average British seaside town and whether or not punk rock really did ruin his life. Find…
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Episode 125: Leah, Elizabeth and Alicia from Who Gives a Book? Magazine
This week's guests are Elizabeth, Alicia and Leah, the founders of new Northern publication Who Gives a Book? Magazine. We talk about how they came up with the idea for this new magazine, their writing and publishing aspirations and the launch of the first issue. Find out more:...
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Episode 124: Michael Stewart
On Northern Voices this week, a first as Not the Booker Prize-winner Michael Stewart joins us for a chat. We talk about his latest novel, Black Wood Women, the decline in editorial work from some publishers and how he met his wife at a conference on the Brontës. Find out more:...
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Episode 123: Victoria Ferguson
In this week's episode, I'm joined by emerging writer Victoria Ferguson to talk about her exciting new projects. We delve into the issues with accessibility in the UK publishing industry, the craft of writing folk horror and why she's writing dialect fiction set in the North East of England…
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Special Episode 122: Publishing Unpacked – Submission with Louise Powell
This week's episode is the second in the mini-series: Publishing Unpacked. In each of these special episodes I'll be joined by Northern writers discussing the publishing process from submission to publication. Today's guest is debut author Louise Powell, whose novel Underdogs was published by…
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Episode 121: Kay Inckle
In Episode 121 I'm joined by cli-fi writer Kay Inckle to talk about her new novel, Overspill. We also discuss why her main character is a wheelchair user, the lack of representation of menopausal women in fiction and why being Northern is the least of her worries when it comes to the UK…
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Episode 120: Charlie, Hannah and Henry from York St John University
In this week's episode, I'm joined by three emerging writers from York St John University's creative writing degree: Charlie Mason, Hannah Neave and Henry Wileman. We talk about the anthology they've produced, Beyond the Walls, their writing and their view of the North in the UK publishing...
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Episode 119: Claire O'Callaghan
In this week's episode, I'm joined by academic and Brontë scholar Claire O'Callaghan as we talk about the new edition of her book Emily Brontë Reappraised. We delve into why women who write are labelled mad, the power of the landscape in Northern fiction and why the recent Wuthering Heights film...
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Episode 118: Carolyn O'Brien
In this week's episode, I'm joined by historical novelist Carolyn O'Brien. We explore her latest novel, Rose and Renzo, from Northodox Press, delve into the details of writing historical fiction and discuss why publishers don't seem to realise that readers love dialect writing. Find out more:...
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Special Episode 117: Publishing Unpacked – Editorial with Shaun Wilson
This week's episode is the first in a new series: Publishing Unpacked. In each of these special episodes I'll be joined by Northern writers discussing the publishing process from submission to publication. Today's guest is debut author Shaun Wilson, whose novel Malc's Boy was published by Conduit...
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Episode 116: Frank Malley
This week's episode features sports writer and novelist, Frank Malley. We delve into his most recent novel, The Singing Spy, based on an incredible true story, how to break into journalism in the current media landscape and the process of turning historical fact into fiction. Find out more:...
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Episode 115: Steve Chambers
On Northern Voices this week, writer Steve Chambers discusses his novel, The Dark Months. We also delve into the creative arts industry in the North East, writing for Byker Grove and writing what you know. Find out more: https://zymurgy.co.uk/product/the-dark-months-by-steve-chambers/...
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Episode 114: Colwill Brown
Award-winning writer Colwill Brown joins us this week to talk about her debut novel, We Pretty Pieces of Flesh. We delve into the craft of writing dialect, why female friendships are fertile ground for fiction and how moving away from home can provide some much-needed perspective when it comes to...
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Episode 113: Dan Husband
In Episode 113, I'm joined by jack of all trades, master of pretty much all of them, Dan Husband. Poet, performer, prose writer, it seems there's little he can't turn his hand to. We talk about how writing can open the door to expression and understanding, the lack of accessibility for...
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Episode 112: Tania Hershman
In Episode 112, I chat to experimental writer and scientist Tania Hershman. We delve into merging genres, blending particle physics and writing, and why to be a writer all you need to do is write. Find out more: https://taniahershman.com/ https://taniahershman.com/its-time-a-chronomemoir/...
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Episode 111: Andrew Okey
In the first episode of 2026, novelist Andrew Okey joins me to discuss his award-winning manuscript Jacopo's Contract. We also delve into writing the north, winning writing prizes and why literary agents should be expanding their outreach beyond London. Find out more: Bluesky:...
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Episode 110: Chloe de Lullington
We end 2025 on a high with episode 110 featuring novelist Chloe de Lullington. We chat about her novel, Cacoethes, writing bisexuality and why a book set in 2015 should definitely not be considered historical fiction. Find out more: https://www.northodox.co.uk/product-page/cacoethes-paperback...
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Episode 109: Malcolm Havard
On Northern Voices today, writer and publisher Malcolm Havard joins me to talk about his many books, the highs and lows of being an indie publisher and the literary legacy of Lisbon. Find out more: https://www.malcolmhavard.com/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/malhavardwriter.bsky.social Music...
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Episode 108: Ceri Houlbrook
On Northern Voices this week, academic, novelist and folklorist Ceri Houlbrook joins me to talk about her new book, Folklore: A Journey Through Past and Present. We also delve into fantasy writing, tales of magic and mystery, and how a boggart in a park helped her begin her career. Find out more:...
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Episode 107: Alethea Lyons
This week's episode of Northern Voices features SFF writer Alethea Lyons. We delve into her The Seer of York series, why publishers need to be attuned to cultural difference and neurodivergence, and why AI is anything but 'intelligent'. Find out more: https://alethealyons.wixsite.com/stories...
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Episode 106: Benjamin Myers
In this special episode of Northern Voices, award-winning novelist and fellow Pityakker Benjamin Myers joins me to discuss his new novel, Jesus Christ Kinski. We delve into pretty much his entire backlist of novels, writing in the dialect of the North East coalfields and why English authors need…
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Episode 105: Jodie James
In Episode 105 I'm joined by Jodie James – author, publisher and writer. We talk about her publishing company, Wildflower Bay, her book The Dandy Lion, and why people from the North East are natural born storytellers. Find out more: https://www.wildflowerbay.co.uk/ Instagram:...
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Episode 104: Melanie Taylor
This week on Northern Voices I'm joined by Yorkshire lass Melanie Taylor, who is here to chat about her novel, Love Digitally. We delve into transcontinental relationships, how COVID nearly scunnered her book's success and why authors should be given more financial security from publishers. Find...
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Episode 103: Sean Watkin
In Episode 103 I'm joined by crime writer Sean Watkin as he talks about his book, Black Water Rising. We also delve into how celebrity books are a bigger threat to authors than AI, why Northern writers keep getting in their own way and how he's not the only one writing Sonic the Hedgehog fan...
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Episode 102: Sarah Handyside
This week, Northumberland-born novelist Sarah Handyside joins me to discuss her book, Instructions for Heartbreak. We also delve into female friendships and relationships, the plague of celebrity books and why publishers need to show more bravery. Find out more:...
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Episode 101: Candi Martin
This week's guest is writer and advocate Candi Martin who joins me to chat about her poetry collection Burnt Ice Cream. We also explore writing for wellness, Northern imposter syndrome and how poetry can work to address social injustice. Find out more:...
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Episode 100: Miriam Bibby
In Episode 100 of Northern Voices, equine expert and writer Miriam Bibby takes us through how her love of horses defined her career, and how horses came to put Northern history and culture on an international stage. Find out more: https://societyofauthors.org/soa-member/dr-miriam-a-bibby/...
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Episode 99: Neil McRobert
In this week's episode we head to the dark side with horror aficionado Neil McRobert. We talk about his new novella, Good Boy, why Northern writers should be aiming internationally and how he became besties with writing icon Stephen King. Find out more:...
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Episode 98: Dan Spencer
In Episode 98, I'm joined by novelist Dan Spencer. We delve into his novel, Cat Lover, writing from the perspective of a cat, the support of a good bookshop and how the process is far from over even when you've published your first book. Find out more: www.danspencerwriter.com...
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Episode 97: E. Jay Gilbert
In Episode 97, I'm joined by author and academic E. Jay Gilbert. We talk about her book Haunted: Ghost Stories and Their Afterlives, the superstitions of the North, why we need more representation of the North East in books and the linguistic ambiguity of Hagrid. Find out more:...
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Episode 96: Daisy May Johnson
In Episode 96, I'm joined by writer, baker and researcher Daisy May Johnson. We talk about her books for children, using the page to full effect and turning the tables on limitations in publishing to make them a strength for emerging authors. Find out more: https://linktr.ee/daisymayjohnsonbooks...
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Episode 95: Ella Frances Sanderson
In this week's episode, poet and performer Ella Frances Sanderson joins me to talk about being an autistic writer and workshop leader, where she gets her creative inspiration and her appearance on BBC Sounds. Find out more: https://ellasandy16.wixsite.com/aspie...
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Episode 94: Helen Aitchison
On Northern Voices this week, North-East novelist Helen Aitchison joins me to talk about her latest books. We also chat about writing as therapy, her CIC Write on the Tyne and why you don't need to have dreamed about being a writer as a child to try it in adulthood. Find out more:...
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Episode 93: Susan (S.J.) Baker with Betsy, Imogen, Madi, Lily, Bella and Zofia
This week's episode is something a little different, because as well as YA author Susan (S.J.) Baker, I'm also joined by six of her students – Betsy, Imogen, Madi, Lily, Bella and Zofia. We discuss how they're contributing to Susan's novels through editorial feedback, the lack of opportunities…
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Episode 92: Louise Cullen
In a special Tuesday episode this week, Executive Publisher at Canelo Books, Louise Cullen, joins me to discuss publishing, bias, diversity and the North. We chat about the changes in the publishing industry in recent years, her path to her current role, and unpack some of the details in my...
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Episode 91: Robert Welborn
In Episode 91, writer Robert Welbourn joins us to discuss his latest novel, Great Romances of the 20th Century. We also delve into gender inequity in writing, understanding the world through literature and how social media is destroying our happiness. Find out more:...
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Episode 90: Ken Powell
In this week's episode, novelist and educator Ken Powell joins us to talk about his writing process, the similarities between theatre and publishing and why online networking is the way to go for aspiring writers. Find out more: https://linktr.ee/kendkpowell...
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Episode 89: Quinn Clark
In Episode 89, writer, poet and access worker Quinn Clark joins us to talk about their book 365 Days of Healing. We also delve into the vibrant Newcastle writing scene, the lack of information available about publishing and why their work in progress has more tentacles than your average novel.…
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Episode 88: Naomi Kelsey
In Episode 88, HarperNorth author Naomi Kelsey comes on to talk about her novels The Darkening Globe and The Burnings. We also chat about the importance of creative writing in schools, giving female characters more agency in gothic fiction and leading by example when it comes to getting young...
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Episode 87: Nicholas Graham
In this episode, historical thriller writer Nicholas Graham discusses his novel The Judas Case. We also delve into writing authentic historical fiction, biases against partnership publishing and the limitations of a celebrity-obsessed publishing industry. Find out more:...
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Episode 86: Jack Byrne
In Episode 86, novelist Jack Byrne discusses his latest title Burning Down the House which has just been released. We also delve into class and community, Ireland and Liverpool, and how he became the first author to be published by Northodox Press. Find out more:...
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Episode 85: Abi Curtis
This week Professor of Creative Writing at York St John University Abi Curtis joins us to talk about her new novel, The Headland. We dip into everything from writing the other and speculative fiction, to becoming a professor and the joy of helping other develop their writing. Find out more:...
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Episode 84: Sharon Tyers
In Episode 84 we highlight emerging writer Sharon Tyers as she talks about writing her memoir, The Wrong Socks. As well as her published novel, Linen & Rooks, we delve into the difficulties of writing real life, the history of Leicester and giving voice to working-class women. Find out more:...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Northern Voices explores Northern writers (published and unpublished), storytelling and publishing. The podcast is hosted by Jen Bowden, a writer, editor and journalist with a PhD in Creative Writing from Curtin University exploring biases against the North in the UK book industry.
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Northern Voices
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Northern Voices have?
Northern Voices currently has 81 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Northern Voices about?
Northern Voices explores Northern writers (published and unpublished), storytelling and publishing. The podcast is hosted by Jen Bowden, a writer, editor and journalist with a PhD in Creative Writing from Curtin University exploring biases against the North in the UK book industry.
How often does Northern Voices release new episodes?
Northern Voices has 81 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Northern Voices?
You can listen to Northern Voices on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Northern Voices?
Northern Voices is created and hosted by Northern Voices.
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