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PODCAST · arts

SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS

by Elena Lappin

Host Elena Lappin in conversation with leading and emerging authors about the stories behind their books. Publicity: Katherine Stroud Audio producer: Tom Pooley Original music score copyright: Tom Pooley Email: [email protected] Instagram: @shoptalkwithwriters Newsletter: /s/shop-talk-with-writers-newsletter Connect with us here or on our website https://shows.acast.com./shop-talk-with-writers Thank yo

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 3, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Ep.32: STEPHANIE SY QUIA

    A Private Man with Stephanie Sy Quia Stephanie Sy Quia talks to host Elena Lappin about her debut novel, A Private Man, and the personal history that shaped it. The conversation moves between family memory, Catholicism, generational trauma, dementia, and the challenge of writing fiction that…

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  2. Ep.31: DJAMEL WHITE

    Irish debut novelist Djamel White joins host Elena Lappin to discuss his soulful novel All Them Dogs, a Booker Prize longlisted book set in contemporary West Dublin gangland. The conversation covers the author's love of reading, the raw voice and momentum of the novel, and the social and…

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  3. Ep.30: ELI ZUZOVSKY

    Exploring Identity and Conflict in Eli Zuzovsky's Searing Debut Novel MAZELTOV Host Elena Lappin speaks with writer and director Eli Zuzovsky about his novel Mazeltov, a queer coming of age story set in Israel against the backdrop of war and collective trauma. The conversation focuses on how...

  4. Ep.29: CLAIRE FULLER

    Hunger & Thirst: An Exploration of Art, Memory, and the Paranormal Host Elena Lappin in conversation with novelist CLAIRE FULLER about her latest novel Hunger & Thirst, weaving themes of art, memory, and the supernatural, in a 1980s setting. Claire Fuller shares insights into her creative…

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  5. Ep. 28: LUCY CALDWELL

    Summary In this episode, acclaimed novelist and short story writer Lucy Caldwell speaks to host Elena Lappin about her new short story collection DEVOTIONS, exploring themes of love, death, spirituality, and the power of storytelling. She shares insights into her writing process, influences, and...

  6. Ep. 27: LILY KING

    Discover how acclaimed novelist Lily King uses emotional journeys and present tense to craft authentic, compelling stories. In this episode, Lily King discusses her writing process, the emotional core of her novels, and her reflections on love, life, and how her experiences shape her…

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  7. Ep.26: EDEN McKENZIE-GODDARD

    SHOW NOTES Host Elena Lappin in conversation with novelist Eden Mckenzie-Goddard about his debut novel SMALLIE - a powerful love story and a multigenerational tale of family, loss, and identity. The novel intertwines personal heritage with the political realities faced by Caribbean immigrants in...

  8. Ep.25: SHARON GLESS

    Summary: Award-winning American actress Sharon Gless (Cagney&Lacey co-star) in conversation with host Elena Lappin about her powerful memoir APPARENTLY THERE WERE COMPLAINTS (Simon&Schuster).. Key topics: Sharon Gless’s childhood experiences and the impact of her parents’ divorce How acting…

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  9. Ep: 24: MARGARET BUSBY

    Elena Lappin explores the remarkable life and work of Margaret Busby, in conversation with the pioneering publisher, editor, and author, through her personal stories, insights on publishing, and reflections on music and culture. A celebration of the publication of Margaret Busby's new book PART…

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  10. Ep.23: FRANCIS SPUFFORD

    In this in-depth interview with host Elena Lappin, novelist and non-fiction writer Francis Spufford discusses his latest novel NONESUCH, set during the London Blitz, blending historical detail with supernatural elements. He explores London's layered history, character development, and the…

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  11. Ep.22: JULIAN BORGER

    Summary In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, Guardian foreign correspondent Julian Borger tells host Elena Lappin about his book I SEEK A KIND PERSON: MY FATHER, SEVEN CHILDREN AND THE ADVERTS THAT HELPED THEM ESCAPE THE HOLOCAUST. He discusses his family's past and the stories of other...

  12. Ep.21: MOIRA BUFFINI (Part 2)

    Summary In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin engages in a deep conversation with novelist Moira Buffini about her works, particularly her novels 'Songlight' and 'Torchfire.' Buffini reflects on the themes of trust and division in her fictional town of North Haven, drawing...

  13. Ep.20: MOIRA BUFFINI (PART 1)

    Keywords dystopian fiction, telepathy, Songlight, Torch Trilogy, character development, creative writing, Moira Buffini, storytelling, female empowerment, world-building Summary In this wide-ranging conversation, acclaimed novelist, playwright and screenwriter Moira Buffini discusses her…

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  14. Ep.19: GARY GULMAN

    Summary In this conversation with host Elena Lappin, Gary Gulman discusses his memoir 'Misfit', reflecting on his journey as a writer and comedian. He shares insights into the writing process, the importance of storytelling, and the influence of teachers and mentors in his life. The discussion…

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  15. Ep.18: ANN MORGAN

    Show Notes/Summary In this episode, host Elena Lappin welcomes novelist and international book blogger Ann Morgan to discuss her thought-provoking new book, Relearning to Read: Adventures in Not Knowing. The conversation delves into the transformative power of reading and the importance of…

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  16. Ep.17: BEN MARKOVITS

    Summary Host Elena Lappin interviews acclaimed novelist Ben Markovits about his Booker-shortlisted novel THE REST OF OUR LIVES. Tom's wife Amy had an affair many years ago, and now that their youngest daughter is leaving home, Tom is supposedly ready to end his marriage. But will he? Markovits...

  17. Ep. 16: CHARLOTTE MENDELSON

    Keywords Charlotte Mendelson, Wife, lesbian marriage, relationships, narcissism, family dynamics, literature, emotional complexity, storytelling, character development, contemporary fiction Episode Summary In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, bestselling novelist Charlotte Mendelson…

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  18. Ep. 15: ARMAND D'ANGOUR

    Summary In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin engages with Armand Dungour, a professor of classics, to explore the themes of love as presented in Plato's Symposium. D'Angour discusses the historical context of the text, the various perspectives on love presented by its...

  19. Ep. 14: DANIEL KEHLMANN

    Summary In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, bestselling German-Austrian author Daniel Kehlmann speaks to host Elena Lappin about his latest novel, The Director, which explores the life and work of Austrian director G.W. Pabst during the Nazi regime. Kehlmann delves into the complexities of...

  20. Ep.13: COLM TÓIBÍN

    Notes: Summary In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lappin engages with acclaimed Irish novelist Colm Tóibín, discussing his latest work, Long Island, a sequel to Brooklyn. The conversation explores Tóibín's writing process, the significance of silence in dialogue, the evolution…

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  21. Ep. 12: SARAH MOSS

    Keywords Sarah Moss, Ripeness, identity, memory, immigration, belonging, family, writing, creativity, genetics, love, women’s lives, parents, ballet Summary In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin converses with bestselling author Sarah Moss about her new novel, Ripeness. The...

  22. Ep. 11: ANDRÉ ACIMAN

    In the latest episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin engages in an illuminating conversation with the acclaimed novelist and memoirist André Aciman. Known for his deeply moving narratives and exploration of themes such as belonging, memory, and love, Aciman shares insights into his...

  23. Ep. 10: CAROLINE O'DONOGHUE

    Caroline O’Donoghue is one of the most talented and original writers on the British literary scene. In 2018, I interviewed her for a different podcast, about her excellent debut novel Promising Young Women. I loved that novel’s deep seriousness, along with its provocative humour and cinematic...

  24. Ep. 9: MEGAN HUNTER

    We recorded this podcast with Megan Hunter at Pritchard & Ure, an unusual bookshop/cafe/gallery in Camden, above a garden centre. It’s a place that feels both buzzy and peaceful, and not unlike this author, full of surprises. Before we sat down to talk, Megan enjoyed the books on display…

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  25. Ep. 8: FIONA SCARLETT

    Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribe SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS is a unique conversation with each author, about the stories behind their books. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors...

  26. Ep.7: JOHN BANVILLE

    Elena Lappin interviews Booker-winning Irish novelist at home in Dublin about his life's work, and his most recent crime novels. THE DROWNED is published by Faber. Includes a reading from THE DROWNED by John Callanan. Read more on elenalappin.substack.com Enjoy and comment! Thank you. Get full...

  27. Ep.6: DIANE OLIVER, CHERYL OLIVER, ALBA DE CESPEDES, ANN GOLDSTEIN

    Elena Lappin interviews Cheryl Oliver about her sister, Diane Oliver (1943-1966), author of NEIGHBORS AND OTHER STORIES; and Ann Goldstein, about her translation of Italian novelist Alba de Cespedes (1911-1997), author of THERE'S NO TURNING BACK from 1938. Literary rediscoveries of important...

  28. Ep.5: TOM LAMONT

    Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribe SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS is a unique conversation with each author, about the stories behind their books. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors...

  29. Ep.4: TESSA HADLEY

    Elena Lappin interviews Tessa Hadley Tessa Hadley's novella The Party is published by Jonathan Cape. The Party Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribe SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS is a unique conversation with each author, about the stories behind their books. Subscribe to...

  30. Ep. 3: Naomi Westerman, Author of 'Happy Death Club'

    Buy Happy Death Club by Naomi Westerman 2-Part Halloween Special with playwright and writer Naomi Westerman Interview by Elena Lappin Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribe SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS is a unique conversation with each author, about the stories behind...

  31. Ep. 1: DENISE DORRANCE

    POLAR VORTEX is a funny, moving, deeply personal and original graphic novel by cartoonist and writer Denise Dorrance. She talks to Elena Lappin about how she found a way to create art out of dealing with her mother’s dementia - during an ice storm. POLAR VORTEX is published by New River (UK) and...

  32. Ep. 2 CHIGOZIE OBIOMA

    THE ROAD TO THE COUNTRY is Chigozie Obioma’s third novel, set in the time of Nigerian Civil War. In this podcast, we talk about how writing about a traumatic past can help us understand, and perhaps change, the present. Elena Lappin’s Substack on Chigozie Obioma: elenalappin.substack.com Credits:...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Host Elena Lappin in conversation with leading and emerging authors about the stories behind their books.

Publicity: Katherine Stroud

Audio producer: Tom Pooley

Original music score copyright: Tom Pooley

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @shoptalkwithwriters

Newsletter: /s/shop-talk-with-writers-newsletter

Connect with us here or on our website https://shows.acast.com./shop-talk-with-writers

Thank yo

HOSTED BY

Elena Lappin

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS have?

SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS currently has 32 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS about?

Host Elena Lappin in conversation with leading and emerging authors about the stories behind their books. Publicity: Katherine Stroud Audio producer: Tom Pooley Original music score copyright: Tom Pooley Email: [email protected] Instagram: @shoptalkwithwriters Newsletter:...

How often does SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS release new episodes?

SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS has 32 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS?

You can listen to SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS 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 SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS?

SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS is created and hosted by Elena Lappin.
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