The Reading Room Podcast with A Writer’s Lighthouse

In this episode, the last of Season 1, we celebrate the magic and message of A Christmas Carol, published on this day, December 19, 1843! We’ll explore how Charles Dickens harnessed the power of storytelling to deliver his message of generosity, kindness, and redemption through his 5-Stave novella and inspired others to act.First, I’ll read the chapter aloud before exploring key passages with a close reading. You’ll then be given an exercise to try at home.Did you enjoy the show? If you know a fellow writer who would find this helpful, leave a review or recommendation to help grow the podcast and expand our writing community. You can also donate to the Food Cycle organisation at https://www.foodcycle.org.uk which aims to provide vulnerable people with meals and calls to keep in touch with those feeling lonely. Support the show

In this episode, we explore the world of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and how the author created a timeless children’s story, adored, adapted, and accepted by millions of readers across the world. First, I’ll read the chapter aloud before exploring key passages with a close reading. You’ll then be given an exercise to try at home.Did you enjoy the show? If you know a fellow writer who would find this helpful, leave a review or recommendation to help grow the podcast and expand our writing community. Support the show

In this episode, we explore C.J. Cooke’s The Lighthouse Witches and how the gothic atmosphere of this wonderfully immersive and compelling read has been created. First, I’ll read the chapter aloud before exploring key passages with a close reading. You’ll then be given an exercise to try at home.Did you enjoy the show? If you know a fellow writer who would find this helpful, leave a review or recommendation to help grow the podcast and expand our writing community. Support the show

In this episode, we look at the opening two chapters of Six of Crows’ by Leigh Bardugo to explore how she interweaves the multiple character storylines of her six protagonists. First, I’ll read the chapters aloud before exploring key passages with a close reading. You’ll then be given an exercise to try at home.Did you enjoy the show? If you know a fellow writer who would find this helpful, leave a review or recommendation to help grow the podcast and expand our writing community. Support the show

How to Build Fantasy Worlds: Lessons from Samantha Shannon In this episode, we look at the opening chapter of The Priory of the Orange Tree, by Samantha Shannon and how this sets the scene for the world she has created. First, I’ll read the chapter aloud before exploring key passages with a close reading. You’ll then be given an exercise to try at home.Did you enjoy the show? If you know a fellow writer who would find this helpful, leave a review or recommendation to help grow the podcast and expand our writing community.Support the show

Disclaimer: This episode contains one use of explicit language during the passage read aloud from Chapter 1 of The Night Circus.In this episode, we look at the opening chapter of The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern. First, I’ll read the chapter aloud before exploring key passages with a close reading. We’ll look at the literary devices used to create and deliver wonder and intrigue and explore the use of the second-person perspective. You’ll then be given an exercise to try at home.Did you enjoy the show? If you know a fellow writer who would find this helpful, leave a review or recommendation to help grow the podcast and expand our writing community.Support the show

In this episode, we look at chapter one of The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, by John Le Carre. First, I’ll read the chapter aloud before exploring key passages with a close reading. We’ll look at the use of dialogue to create and deliver tension and intrigue in a narrative. You’ll then be given an exercise to try at home.Did you enjoy the show? If you have a fellow writer who would find this helpful, leave a review or recommendation to help grow the podcast and expand our writing community. Support the show

Read TranscriptIn this episode, we look at chapter one of The Haunting of Hill House, by Shirley Jackson. First, I’ll read the chapter aloud before exploring key passages in detail with a close reading where we’ll look at the narrative’s structure to explore what we can learn about tone and pacing as writers. You’ll then have an exercise to try at home.Did you enjoy the show? If you have a fellow writer who would find this helpful, leave a review or recommendation to help grow the podcast and expand our writing community. Support the show

Read TranscriptIn this episode, we look at chapter one of Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte. First, I’ll read the chapter aloud before exploring key passages in detail with a close reading where we’ll look at the exposition of the narrative style and devices. You’ll then have an exercise to try at home. Did you enjoy the show? If you have a fellow writer who would find this helpful, leave a review or recommendation to help grow the podcast and expand our writing community. Support the show

Read TranscriptIn this episode, we look at chapter one of Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens. First, I’ll read the chapter aloud before exploring key passages in detail with a close reading where we’ll look at character introductions, the rhythm of the writing, and how the action propels the story forward. You’ll then have an exercise to try at home.Did you enjoy the show? If you have a fellow writer who would find this helpful, leave a review or recommendation to help grow the podcast and expand our writing community. Support the show

Welcome to The Reading Room. I’m Xeni, a writing coach, workshop host, film and publishing marketer, and storyteller. In each episode, I’ll read selected story passages aloud and analyse these as a writer; inviting you to do the same with prompts and exercises to try for yourself at home. Support the show