The Conversation with Nadine Matheson

In this episode of The Conversation, Nadine Matheson sits down with the multi-talented author, screenwriter, and neuroscientist Temi Oh, whose latest novel, Not With a Bang, is out now. Temi shares her fascinating journey from the world of neuroscience to becoming a published author, discussing the unique perspectives she brings to her writing from her scientific background. The conversation delves into the intricacies of the publishing process, the psychology of cults, and the complexities of family dynamics in the face of disaster.Temi’s novel centers around the Minchin family, whose lives are turned upside down on the morning of the eldest daughter's wedding when an extinction-level event occurs. As they navigate the chaos, Temi explores themes of connection, belief, and the extraordinary within the ordinary. Join Nadine and Temi for a thought-provoking discussion about the intersection of science fiction and personal storytelling, the challenges of writing under pressure, and the importance of representation in literature.Follow Temi OhBuy 'Not With a Bang'Pre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Conversation, Nadine Matheson chats with author and former immigration lawyer Ilona Bannister, who shares her unique journey from the courtroom to the world of fiction. Ilona reflects on her experiences as a solicitor and how those stories influenced her writing process, revealing the complexities of human interaction that shape both legal and narrative storytelling. They discuss the challenges of embracing a creative identity after years in a structured profession, the emotional weight of feedback on personal work, and the delicate balance between pursuing passion and financial stability.llona also opens up about her latest book, Five, exploring the themes of connection and the unexpected moments that inspire creativity. Join Nadine and Ilona for an insightful discussion on the intersections of law and literature, the importance of setting boundaries in creative work, and the realities of navigating the publishing industry.Follow Ilona BannisterBuy 'Five'Pre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Conversation, Nadine Matheson engages in a heartfelt dialogue with author Rachel Griffin, who shares her remarkable journey of transitioning from a career in healthcare to becoming a published author. Rachel reflects on her early experiences with writing, the challenges she faced in claiming her identity as a writer, and the significant impact of a life-altering concussion on her creative process. They explore how this injury reshaped her writing, leading to the whimsical and heartfelt storytelling found in her latest novel, The Sun and the Star Maker.The conversation dives deep into the realities of pursuing a writing career, the importance of self-advocacy in both the literary world and healthcare, and the delicate balance between creativity and the business side of being an author. Rachel shares her insights on the evolution of her writing style and how humor has become a vital component in her storytelling, especially after her recovery journey.Join Nadine and Rachel for an inspiring discussion that highlights resilience, the power of storytelling, and the importance of nurturing one's creative spirit amidst life's challenges.In this episode:2:53 - When did Rachel know she was a storyteller?10:30 - Her publishing journey and querying agents42:05 - The tennis fall and concussion diagnosis45:08 - 1:20:20 — Rachel tells her full concussion recovery story in detail1:00:00 - Introducing The Sun and the Star Maker1:18:40 - Rapid-fire final questionsFollow Rachel GriffinBuy 'The Sun and the Star Maker'Pre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane Casey, bestselling author of the Maeve Kerrigan crime series, joins Nadine for a wide-ranging, honest conversation about storytelling, faith, ambition, and the writing life. They talk about growing up in a convent school in Ireland, discovering crime fiction while studying at Oxford, the long road to getting published (including five rejections before her breakthrough), building an iconic series character from scratch, and why comparing yourself to other authors is a waste of energy. Jane shares her journey from being a successful editor in children's publishing to becoming a celebrated author of crime fiction. The conversation delves into the challenges of writing, 'Everything She Didn't Say' a standalone novel set in Ireland, the intricacies of character development, and the emotional toll of navigating the publishing industry. Join Nadine and Jane for an engaging discussion about the art of storytelling, the importance of authenticity in writing, and the lessons learned from both success and failure in the literary world.Follow Jane CaseyBuy 'Everything She Didn't Say'Pre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Conversation, Nadine Matheson sits down with former Detective Chief Superintendent and author Russell Wate, who has led over 100 major crime and homicide cases. Russell shares insights from his remarkable career in law enforcement and reveals how his experiences shaped his crime fiction, particularly his new novel, Getting Away With Murder. They delve into the fascinating overlap between police work and storytelling, discussing why many detectives turn to writing crime novels and the complexities of human behavior that drive these narratives. Russell also opens up about the emotional toll of investigating traumatic cases and the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life.Join Nadine and Russell for a captivating discussion that explores the intersection of real-life crime and fiction, the challenges of leadership in the police force, and the creative process behind his writing.Follow Russell WateBuy 'Getting Away With Murder'Pre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nadine takes a coffee break with debut author Erynne Rivers about Wench, her fae-drenched, romantic reimagining of the Robin Hood myth told through Maid Marian's eyes. They discuss the surreal wait between selling a book and seeing it on shelves, the historical research that shaped the world (including medieval women's erased business ownership and the physical toll of archery), and Erynne's messy-first-draft writing process, including four scrapped versions of her sophomore novel. They close on writing rituals, chronic illness and creative work, and the "word of the year" that's guiding Erynne through 2025: whimsy.Erynne's recommendations from the episode: Honey in Her Veins by Ruth Mikel, Steel Born by Taylor J. LaRue, and an upcoming gothic horror by Cece Foster.Buy Wench Follow Erynne RiversPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jo Morey spent two decades as an executive headhunter before finally writing the novel she'd dreamed about since childhood. In this episode, she and Nadine talk candidly about the realities of breaking into publishing later in life from the Faber Academy course and competition shortlists, to landing agent Madeleine Milburn after a single extraordinary weekend of interest. Jo opens up about writing with tinnitus and hearing loss, the research trips to Belize that shaped her novel The Night Lagoon (titled Lime Juice Money in the US), and why she now sees rejection as simply "subjective" rather than personal. A must-listen for anyone balancing a demanding career with a creative dream.Follow Jo MoreyBuy 'The Night Lagoon'Pre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watch as a full video episode on YouTubeMarco is in a bad mood this week, and doesn’t hold back when discussing the march of AI into audiobooks…! Plus, we chat about the depressing reaction to a book piracy site being taken down, and wonder if Canongate’s new approach to paying authors more regularly will catch on (we aren’t optimistic…)00:00 Intro00:54 Here Come The Robots - AI voices taking over?20:21 A Pirate’s Life For You? How Piracy Hurts Authors29:38 Opening the (Canon)Gates - Will The Big 5 Follow?35:50 Stranger Than Fiction - Nadine's Idea FactoryLinks:Bolinda creates AI cloned voice of Barbara Cartland[Not linking to the Piracy story as it names the site]Canongate moves to quarterly royalty paymentsAdventures in Publishing-land is brought to you by STET Podcasts - the one stop shop for all your writing podcast needs, featuring Page One - The Writer's Podcast, The Conversation with Nadine Matheson and more! Find all our shows here!Follow us on BlueskyFollow us on InstagramPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Camilla Balshaw, acclaimed author of the award winning memoir Named joins Nadine Matheson for a captivating conversation about the complexities of identity, naming, and storytelling. Camilla shares her unique journey of reclaiming her name and the cultural significance behind it, while also delving into the challenges of writing a memoir that resonates with readers. They discuss the cultural clash behind her naming (Nigerian and Jamaican heritage), the honesty required to write memoir without "settling scores," the ethics of ghostwritten celebrity memoirs, and how Camilla balanced a career in criminal law with writing. They also talk about self-care, yoga, the discipline of a writing routine and a confession involving green leather trousers.Join them for a thought-provoking discussion that highlights the power of names and the stories we tell about ourselves.Follow Camilla BalshawBuy NamedPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Candice Carty-Williams, Sunday Times bestselling and award winning author of Queenie, People Person, and creator of the BBC/Netflix series Champion sits down with Nadine to talk about her new novel, Queenie Is Working On It, the sequel to her 2019 debut. Candice shares her journey of bringing Queenie back to life, exploring the character's growth and the challenges she faces in her 30s.During their candid conversation, Nadine and Candice delve into:What the seven years between Queenie and its sequel taught Candice about herselfStarting therapy after winning Book of the Year, and the gap between public praise and how she actually feltCompartmentalising who you are as a person from who you are in your workThe exhausting, chaotic experience of showrunning Champion (including an all-night scramble to save a scene while filming in Jamaica) and developing the Queenie TV series over eight yearsHitting burnout: sleeping two hours a night, her body "giving up," and the day she couldn't function until a friend intervenedThe idea behind Queenie Is Working On It: Queenie, now 33, exploring Black women's journey to conception — fertility testing, IVF, and a topic she felt wasn't being talked aboutJoin them for an insightful discussion that captures the essence of growth, creativity, and the complexities of navigating life as a writer.Follow Candice Carty-WilliamsBuy Queenie is Working on ItPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saima Mir returns to The Conversation to mark the release of Deliverance, the closing chapter of her Jia Khan trilogy, following The Khan and Vengeance. Two crime writers, both working from lived heritage, sit down to talk about what it actually feels like to let a character go.In this episode:Ending a trilogy — the strange grief of finishing a series years in the making, and Jia Khan's evolution from her origins to a character defined by strength, complexity, and resilienceFrom the newsroom to the page — how Saima's years in crime reporting shaped the world of the booksThe double standard — why women of colour writing morally complicated characters get held to a different account than everyone else, and why seeing yourself in a story still mattersDismantling the stereotype — the tired narratives about women of colour that Saima's work sets out to challengeWhat the heroine taught the writer — what Jia Khan revealed to Saima about herself, on and off the pageAnd to close things out: favourite jokes, leaps of faith worth taking, and the strangest thing either of them turned up while researching international money laundering.Buy DeliveranceFollow Saima MirPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watch as a full video episode on YouTubeIn this episode of The Conversation Coffee Break, Nadine Matheson sits down with debut author Leigh Radford to discuss hwe gripping new novel, One Yellow Eye. Leigh shares the inspiration behind his story, which intertwines themes of love, grief, and the haunting spectre of a zombie apocalypse. As they delve into the emotional complexities of writing about terminal illness and the impact of grief, Leigh reveals how her personal experiences shaped the narrative.From her childhood memories of caring for her father to the unexpected challenges of writing during a pandemic, Leigh's journey is both poignant and relatable. The conversation touches on the nuances of character development, the importance of research, and the delicate balance of crafting a narrative that resonates with readers. Nadine and Leigh also explore the unique pressures of being a debut author and the lessons learned along the way.Join them for a thought-provoking, moving and funny discussion that examines the intersection of horror and humanity, and discover what it truly means to fight for the ones we love.Leigh Radford Recommends: The Pitt Follow Leigh RadfordBuy One Yellow EyePre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watch as a full video episode on YouTubeIn this episode of The Conversation, Nadine Matheson welcomes the talented debut author V.A. Vazquez, who shares her unique journey from a middle school teacher, off-Broadway producer to debut author. Victoria (V.A. Vazquez) opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of her debut novel, The Death Row Club, which explores the lives of the children of serial killers and the psychological complexities that arise from their upbringing.Victoria discusses the inspiration behind her book, rooted in personal experiences that forced her to reassess her life and the people in it. As they delve into the challenges of writing thrillers, the importance of community in the literary world, and the unexpected twists of the publishing journey, Nadine and Victoria remind us that every setback can lead to new opportunities.Join them for a candid conversation on creativity, perseverance, and the importance of celebrating every achievement along the way.Follow V.A. VazquezBuy The Death Row ClubPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watch as a full video episode on YouTubeOn this week's episode, we ask if the publishing industry is "blowing the bloody doors off" author rights. From Michael Caine's voice getting cloned for an epic audiobook to Hachette and Studiocanal's book to film deal, plus 250 UK publishers signing a massive AI licensing deal, we ask if any of this is good for authors.00:00 Intro01:04 Hachette/Studiocanal Deal - Good or Bad for Authors?10:40 Blow Your Bloody Ears Off - Caine's Digital Odyssey27:49 Collective AI Licenses - Selling Out Authors?34:16 Stranger Than Fiction - Nadine's Idea Factory39.40 The Final Chapter - Level Up WritingLinks:Hachette Livre and Studiocanal strike book to screen dealMichael Caine licenses voice to narrate AI adaptation of The Odyssey audiobookOver 250 UK publishers opt-in to collective AI-licensing schemeBungling career burglar caught after leaving passport photo at crime sceneAdventures in Publishing-land is brought to you by STET Podcasts - the one stop shop for all your writing podcast needs, featuring Page One - The Writer's Podcast, The Conversation with Nadine Matheson and more! Find all our shows here!Follow us on BlueskyFollow us on InstagramPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Conversation, I sit down with novelist, poet, and Shakespeare scholar Juliano Zaffino for a candid conversation about creativity, perseverance, publishing, and the stories that stay with us.Juliano’s debut novel, The Steps, is a haunting and deeply human family ghost story that follows a man who falls in love with a grieving widow and becomes entwined in the lives of his five children while sensing that something isn’t quite right beneath the surface. Published by Tramp Press, the novel blends the everyday with the uncanny in a way that lingers long after the final page.But this conversation goes far beyond the book itself. We discuss Juliano’s early years writing stories in cupboards, launching and running a curated book subscription service, self-publishing his first poetry collection, completing a PhD in Shakespeare during the pandemic, and the difficult period in 2023 when he came close to walking away from writing altogether. Along the way, we explore the realities of creative life: internal rejection versus external rejection, the pressure of tying your identity to your work, the importance of reading widely, and how unexpected moments can reignite a creative career.Follow Juliano ZaffinoBuy The StepsPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to survive 25 years on the front line of British policing and come out the other side as a Sunday Times bestselling author? In this episode of The Conversation, Nadine Matheson sits down with John Sutherland, former Metropolitan Police Commander, hostage negotiator, mental health advocate, and author of the acclaimed crime fiction trilogy featuring detectives Alex Lewis and Pip Williams.John opens up about the nervous breakdown that ended his policing career and became the catalyst for his writing, the staggering frequency of trauma that police officers face compared to the general public, and why "it's people, stupid" is the most important lesson leadership ever taught him.They also get into the making of his latest novel The Castle , a life-or-death chase thriller set in the Scottish Highlands Join Nadine and John as they explore the intersection of crime, storytelling, and the human experience, reminding us that we are all more than the worst thing we've done.Follow John SutherlandBuy The CastlePre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nadine is joined by three brilliant Black British crime writers for a special live edition of The Conversation. Together they explore the dark, thrilling, and deeply human world of crime fiction and what it means to be writing it right now.Guests:Remi Kone: TV producer (Killing Eve, Spooks) and author of the DI Leah Hutch series. Her second book, Just Kill, is out now.Mel Pennant: Solicitor and author of the Miss Hortense Mysteries. Her second book, Miss Hortense and the Last Rites, is out 2nd July.Scarlett Brade: Author of The Hive and the upcoming destination thriller The Carnival, set in Jamaica. Out 16th July.In this episode:Why crime fiction? All four writers on what drew them to the genre and why it's ultimately hopefulHow characters take on a life of their own (and refuse to do what you planned)Writing Black women front and centre not as victims or side characters, but as leadsCaribbean culture, patois, and Nine Nights: writing authentically without explanationThe subgenres of crime: procedural, cozy, psychological, destination thriller and whether we're seeing a new waveThe darkest things they've Googled for research (white paint, organ scales, and throat-cutting trajectories)What their writing and publishing journeys have taught them about themselvesBooks mentioned:Just Kill - Remi Kone (out now)Miss Hortense and the Last Rites - Mel Pennant (2nd July)The Carnival - Scarlett Brade (16th July)The Jigsaw Man, The Binding Room - Nadine MathesonPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watch The Conversation Live: Crime Writers Special Tuesday 16 June 2026 at 7pm: YouTube | Facebook | Instagram Live This week on The Conversation, Nadine Matheson is joined by the talented Elle McNicoll, bestselling author of the new novel Unapologetic Love Story. Elle shares the inspiration behind her book, which explores the life of a neurodivergent podcaster and her relationship with a surly journalist, all wrapped in a contemporary romance that defies expectations.In this engaging episode, Elle discusses the challenges of being an autistic author in a public industry, the importance of protecting one’s energy, and the ever-present specter of imposter syndrome. Nadine and Elle dive deep into the realities of writing, the pressure of public perception, and the joy of storytelling without the burden of educational expectations.Listeners will gain insight into the importance of community among writers, the nuances of navigating the publishing world, and the balance between creativity and the demands of the industry. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder of the power of love, friendship, and the stories we tell.Buy Unapologetic Love StoryFollow Elle McNicollPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watch as a full video episode on YouTubeThis week, we discuss why the publishing industry is pointing fingers at libraries for declining author incomes, but we wonder about the reasons they aren't talking about. Plus, have you heard of Elias Thorne? We talk about AI's repetition problem and why that may be good news for authors. And we revisit the thorny issue of book lists - after we criticised the Guardian's first 'Best 100 books', is their Readers' list any better?00:00 Intro01:14 Declining Author Income - Libraries to Blame?14:13 Thorne in the Machine - AI Running Out of Ideas?23:38 Guardian Top 100 - Readers vs Critics30:40 Stranger Than Fiction - Nadine's Idea Factory38.23 The Final Chapter - Horrifyingly GoodLinks:Authors Guild Looks at Why Author Incomes are in DeclineChatbots Keep Telling Stories about Lighthouse Keeper 'Elias Thorne'. We Might Know WhyWikipedia may have built the best AI writing detection guideThe Guardian Readers top 100 novels of all timePokémon Go data trained AI that could assist military drones in war zonesAdventures in Publishing-land is brought to you by STET Podcasts - the one stop shop for all your writing podcast needs, featuring Page One - The Writer's Podcast, The Conversation with Nadine Matheson and more! Find all our shows here!Follow us on BlueskyFollow us on InstagramPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Conversation, Nadine Matheson welcomes the insightful Deepa Anappara, journalist, creative writing lecturer and author of the award-winning debut novel Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line. Deepa joins Nadine to discuss her latest book, The Last of Earth, a historical novel set in 1869 that explores the complexities of imperialism through the eyes of its characters.In this captivating episode, Deepa shares her experiences navigating the literary world as a writer of color, the challenges of portraying historical figures authentically, and the impact of societal expectations on storytelling. The conversation delves into the nuances of race, representation, and the importance of diverse voices in literature, all while highlighting the personal motivations that drive Deepa's writing.Listeners will gain insight into the realities of writing during a pandemic, the role of AI in the publishing industry, and the significance of mentorship for emerging writers. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling.Buy The Last of EarthFollow Deepa AnapparaPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning author David Goodman returns to The Conversation for a Coffee Break to talk about his second spy thriller, Solitary Agents, the follow-up to his debut A Reluctant Spy. David won the McDermid New Blood Award and the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize and in this conversation, he gets honest about how lucky he was to have finished his second book before that happened.We get into the premise of Solitary Agents (what if you thought something was an exercise, but it wasn't?), the joy of finally giving fan-favourite Sally Lime her own point of view, and the two walls David hit during the drafting process and how he got through them. We also talk about the unexpected side of publishing life, the difference between being a writer and being an author, why both of us are glad we came to this in our forties, and why writing what you love will always beat chasing trends.David Goodman's Book recommendation: Rat Race by Callum McSorleyBuy Solitary AgentsFollow David GoodmanPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to walk away from a West End career, start over as a novelist and then have every major publisher turn you down before landing a three-book deal?In this episode of The Conversation, Nadine Matheson sits down with Felix Mosse, former West End actor (Les Misérables, The Book of Mormon), TV and film script editor, and now debut author of the epic fantasy The Mistral.Felix is refreshingly candid about the whole journey, the moment COVID forced him to rethink acting, what it actually feels like to sit on submission for the better part of a year, and how a decade spent shaping other people’s scripts made him a sharper and more resilient writer. He and Nadine also dig into the world of The Mistral itself: a dying divine wind, a deliberately diverse cast, and the choice to leave most of his characters’ appearances open to the reader’s imagination. It’s a warm, honest conversation about reinvention, persistence, and making peace with your inner nerd.Follow Felix MosseBuy The Mistral Listen To: Nerd Culture: Lore & Craft PodcastPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Conversation, Nadine Matheson is joined by the talented author Foluso Agbaje, whose new novel The Talk of the Party invites readers into the glamorous yet tumultuous world of high society Lagos. What does it take to leave a corporate career and survive the chaos of the publishing world.Foluso Agbaje reflects on her journey from childhood storytelling to becoming a published author, discussing the challenges of writing diverse voices and the importance of representation in literature. With insights into her creative process and the emotional rollercoaster of writing, this episode is a rich exploration of resilience, creativity, and the power of narrative. Get ready for a conversation filled with laughter, wisdom, and the undeniable magic of storytelling.Buy The Talk of the PartyFollow Foluso AgbajePre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watch as a full video episode on YouTubeThis week, we're expanding on our discussion from the last episode about the depressing HarperCollins report on children's reading habits. Author and teacher Cailean Steed joins us to break down the underlying data and explain exactly how hyper-fixating on rigid literacy metrics is actively destroying the sheer joy of reading for kids. Plus, we talk about - of course - AI, as we talk about the Commonwealth Short Story Prize winner scandal, and discuss Nobel Laureate Olga Tokarczuk response to the talk of AI involvement in her work. And we find time to talk about the Guardian's "Best books of all time" list - and make Tariq talk about football again.00:00 Intro01:08 Literacy vs Joy: Let Kids Enjoy Reading: Cailean Steed Interview22:15 Snake Oil Award - Prize-winning Pile On37:50 Tokarczuk Prize - An Ignoble Use of AI?44:02 Stranger Than Fiction - Nadine's Idea Factory52.26 The Final Chapter - Who are books lists for?Links:Literacy focus ‘actively undermining’ reading for pleasure, HarperCollins finds‘Obvious markers of AI’: doubts raised over winner of short story prizeRead The Serpent in the Grove and decide for yourselfOlga Tokarczuk has responded to the controversy over her reputed use of AIThe Guardian 100 Best Books of All TimeAdventures in Publishing-land is brought to you by STET Podcasts - the one stop shop for all your writing podcast needs, featuring Page One - The Writer's Podcast, The Conversation with Nadine Matheson and more!Follow us on BlueskyFollow us on InstagramPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'The Conversation Coffee Break', I sit down with the brilliant bestselling thriller author Lucy Clarke to talk about her brand new book The Surf House, a gripping, sun-soaked thriller set on the stunning shores of Morocco.Lucy shares the fascinating story of how she went from advertising executive to internationally published author , what it was like to be invited into the writers' room for the TV adaptations of her books, and how she wrote an 80,000-word first draft in just 17 days. We also get into the emotional rollercoaster of receiving editor's notes , the importance of finding your writing tribe and why success in publishing is never as straightforward as it looks from the outside.Lucy Clarke's Recommendation: Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaugheyBuy The Surf HouseFollow Lucy ClarkePre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're re-releasing this conversation with Marcia Hutchinson, and what a moment to do it. Since we first spoke, Marcia has won the Discover Prize at the British Book Awards 2026 and landed a shortlist spot for the Women's Prize for Fiction all for her debut novel, The Mercy Step. Oh, and The Observer called her one of the debut novelists to watch in 2025. Not bad, Marcia. Not bad at all.In this conversation, we go back to where it all began, Marcia's journey from a challenging childhood in Bradford to becoming one of the most exciting new voices in British fiction. We talk about what success really means when you've spent your life running away from things rather than running towards them, and how she's learning to slow down and actually celebrate the extraordinary thing she's achieved.The Mercy Step follows Mercy a precocious, imaginative young girl born into a chaotic household in Bradford in December 1962. Her mother is devoted to the Church, her father's temper rules the house, and Mercy finds her comfort in books, her imagination, and her beloved toy Dolly. It's a story about quiet rebellion, survival, and the fierce desire to be seen and heard.This is a conversation about resilience, creativity, and what happens when you finally let yourself believe you're allowed to win.Buy The Mercy StepFollow Marcia HutchinsonPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Conversation, Nadine Matheson is joined by the insightful former Lynne McEwan, who also writes as Eva McCrae for a conversation that covers two remarkable careers, the craft of storytelling, and why the truth about crime always begins somewhere ordinary. In this episode, they discuss Lynn's journey from a successful career as a newspaper photographer to writing compelling crime fiction, including her latest book, A Death in Glasgow.A Death in Glasgow follows Sergeant Mae MacKay as she investigates the mysterious death of a young woman, initially ruled a suicide. As Mae digs deeper, she uncovers layers of complexity surrounding the case, revealing the impact of her own past on her determination to seek the truth. Lynne shares her experiences of writing about working-class women in crime fiction, the challenges of portraying Glasgow authentically, and the importance of empathy in storytelling.Listeners will find inspiration in Lynne's reflections on overcoming personal challenges, including her hearing loss, and how it has shaped her unique perspective as a writer. This episode is a rich exploration of resilience, the power of narrative, and the intricate connections between life and art.Buy A Death in Glasgow | Pre-Order 'A Death In Glasgow' PaperbackFollow Lynne McEwanPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Conversation, Nadine Matheson welcomes the uniquely talented Will Carver, an author known for his darkly original fiction. In this episode, they dive deep into Will's latest novel, Bad Influence, a gripping tale that explores the murky waters of social media and its impact on youth culture. Bad Influence follows two young friends from different social backgrounds who stumble upon the bizarre phenomenon of 'frogging', living undetected in someone else's home. Their adventure takes a dark turn when they target a fitness influencer, leading to unexpected consequences as their lives intertwine with the reality TV world.Will shares his thoughts on the challenges of writing about contemporary issues, the delicate balance of humor and horror, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling. Along the way they discuss why social media is both essential and exhausting for authors, the "forced gratitude" culture in publishing, what it's like to be on panels at book festivals while out of pocket, and the woman who stood in a signing queue at Harrogate just to tell Will she hated his last book, which he took as a win.IThis episode is a thought-provoking exploration of creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling in a world dominated by digital distractions.Buy Bad Influence Follow Will CarverPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Conversation Coffee Break! In this episode, Nadine Matheson sits down with crime writer Martyn Waites, writing under the pseudonym C.B. Everett, to chat about his brilliant new book, The Final Chapter. The Final Chapter is a bold, genre-defying meta-thriller, two complete novels in one. It follows C.B. Everett (yes, Martyn's own pseudonym!) as he's asked to edit a mysteriously reappearing manuscript by a writer who vanished a decade ago. And the real story? It might be hiding in the footnotes. In this conversation, Martyn reveals:Why he created the CB Everett pen name — and borrowed his daughters' initials to do itThe Russian doll structure of The Final Chapter — a spy thriller inside a literary mystery📺 Getting knocked back by a TV production company — and what they got wrongThis is a warm, witty, and wonderfully candid conversation about creativity, identity, and what it means to keep challenging yourself after 30 years of writing. Martyn Waites Recommendation: PeacemakerFollow Martyn WaitesBuy The Final Chapter by CB EverettPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Conversation, Nadine Matheson is joined by the talented Lulu Taylor, a Sunday Times bestselling author known for her captivating novels. With 15 books to her name, including six that have hit the bestseller list, Lulu's latest work, A Legacy of Secrets, explores the intricate dynamics of family relationships and the weight of inherited secrets.In this engaging conversation, Lulu discusses her journey from publishing to writing, sharing insights on finding one’s voice and the challenges of ghostwriting. She reflects on the evolution of women's fiction, the impact of personal experiences on her storytelling, and the delicate balance between crafting compelling narratives and ensuring emotional resonance with readers.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the themes woven throughout A Legacy of Secrets, as Lulu delves into the complexities of motherhood, the struggle to break cycles of pain, and the search for belonging. This episode is a rich tapestry of storytelling, resilience, and the transformative power of literature.Buy A Legacy of SecretsFollow Lulu TaylorPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watch as a full video episode on YouTubeOn today's episode of Adventures in Publishing-land, we congratulate Tariq on not one but two new Longlistings, and struggle to understand a story about new research that suggests a heavy focus on literacy skills in schools is actively undermining the motivation to read for fun.Plus, the TikTok books charts have launched! What effect will they have on the industry? And as copies of Shy Girl sell for more than £100 on ebay, Tariq wonders if he should buy up as many copies as he can to fund his retirement (spoiler: he shouldn't!)00:00 Intro05:00 The Reading Paradox - Literacy Skills v Joy16:52 Top of the Toks - TikTok Book Charts Launch31:31 From Shy Girl to Prom Queen? Cancelled Book Sales Soar41:49 Stranger Than Fiction - Nadine's Idea FactoryLinks:Literacy focus 'actively undermining' reading for pleasure, HarperCollins findsTikTok releases first monthly BookTok Bestseller ListCopies of Mia Ballard's Shy Girl listed online for over £100Adventures in Publishing-land is brought to you by STET Podcasts - the one stop shop for all your writing podcast needs, featuring Page One - The Writer's Podcast, The Conversation with Nadine Matheson and more!Follow us on BlueskyFollow us on InstagramPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Conversation Coffee Break, Nadine Matheson chats with the multifaceted author Gavin Bell, whose highly anticipated novel 138 Main Street is set to release on May 7, 2026. Gavin, who also writes under the pseudonyms Mason Cross and Alex Knight, shares the intriguing story behind his latest work and the unique challenges of writing under multiple identities.In this episode, Gavin discusses the inspiration behind 138 Main Street, a gripping mystery thriller that begins with a shocking quadruple murder in a wealthy Long Island neighborhood. As the plot unfolds, listeners will learn about the complexities of investigating crimes that share a common address across the United States, and the societal implications of such events. Gavin reflects on the evolution of his characters, particularly Zoe Hill, an inexperienced police officer who finds herself at the center of the investigation.The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Gavin reveals his writing process, the importance of research, and the surprising facts he uncovered while crafting this novel. He also touches on the challenges of writing in a setting far removed from his own experiences and the creative freedom that comes with it. This episode is a deep dive into the mind of a writer navigating the intricacies of storytelling, identity, and the art of suspense.Gavin Bell's Recommendation: Crime 101Buy 138 Main StreetFollow Gavin BellPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.