WritersMosaic - In conversation

In front of an excited audience at After Hours in Bristol, Colin Grant talks to the writer and DJ Zakia Sewell about Finding Albion. Sewell’s debut nonfiction book digs deep beneath the surface of British culture to unearth the hidden stories about the country’s foundation. Sewell looks at myths and fables but also at how former colonies such as those in the Caribbean are shaping a new identity for Britain. Zakia Sewell in conversation with Colin Grant is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Ryan Calais Cameron on using theatre as a platform to create diverse, nuanced and experimental work. Ryan Calais Cameron in conversation with Delon Jessop is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

The writer of White Girls Gang reflects on the stepping stones of playwriting. Rianna Simons in conversation with Luca Newman is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

The director of Small Island reflects on being able to see the bigger picture when putting on plays and how he works with writers to tell their stories on stage. Matthew Xia in conversation with Trish Cooke is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Vayu Naidu speaks with Dr Allen Zimbler about his memoir, Kalahari Diaries: Impressions of a Desert People. Allen Zimbler in conversation with Vayu Naidu is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

John Siddique talks with Yvonne Singh about her new book INK!, which traces the lineage of global majority journalism in the UK from the 1800s to the present day in a series of seven biographies of some of British journalism's most important writers of colour. Recorded live at The Ilkley Literature Festival. Yvonne Singh in conversation with John Siddique is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Delon Jessop talks to Zena Edwards about poetry, performance and the embodiment of characters through movement. Zena Edwards in conversation with Delon Jessop is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Trinidadian novelist Celeste Mohammed reflects on her second novel, Ever Since We Small, a family saga drawing on the island’s history. Celeste Mohammed in conversation with Sophie Jai is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

At the Edinburgh International Book Festival, poet Raymond Antrobus reflects on his memoir, part essay, part poetry, part testament and investigation of missing sound. Raymond Antrobus in conversation with Colin Grant is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Jason Allen-Paisant reflects on the move from poetry into prose, in particular with his new memoir, The Possibility of Tenderness. Jason Allen-Paisant in conversation with John Siddique is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Playwright Juliet Gilkes Romero takes us from the tweet that inspired her to write The Whip through to the play’s production and performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company's Swan Theatre. Juliet Gilkes Romero in conversation with Colin Grant is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Michael Ohajuru discusses his pioneering project on John Blanke, one of the first recorded black men in British history. Michael I. Ohajuru in conversation with Michael McMillan is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Misan Harriman recalls the impact of his photographic exhibition, The Purpose of Light, which he sees as a 'testament to solidarity'. The exhibition continues at Hope 93 gallery till 8 January, 2026.  Misan Harriman in conversation with Gabriel Gbadamosi is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

British-born Cypriot poet Anthony Anaxagorou explains his determination to tackle tough subjects in his poems. Anthony Anaxagorou in conversation with Gabriel Gbadamosi is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

The poet, novelist, lyricist and physician Suhayl Saadi talks about the journey of his polyphonic novel Psychoraag. Suhayl Saadi in conversation with Bashabi Fraser is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

John Siddique talks to Ishy Din about their experience of directing and producing the new series, Mosaic Monologues, featuring six dramas commissioned by WritersMosaic. Ishy Din in conversation with John Siddique is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

The musician, producer and writer Love Ssega reflects on the power of art as activism and fighting for air. Love Ssega in conversation with Gabriel Gbadamosi is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

The novelist Catherine Johnson talks about writing fiction based on historical characters like the dancer, singer and actress Josephine Baker. Catherine Johnson in conversation with Sita Brahmachari is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

The Ethiopian-British actor, playwright and filmmaker Beru Tessema, focusing on his film Lions and his play Wolves on Road, describes how he channels his migrant experience in his work. Beru Tessema in conversation with Jonny Wright is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Dalia Al-Dujaili talks about her new book, Babylon, Albion: A Personal History of Myth and Migration, a poetic reflection on belonging that draws on Arab mythology and Islamic tradition alongside English folklore.  Dalia Al-Dujaili in conversation with Gabriel Gbadamosi is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

The author and journalist Saima Mir discusses her love for Malcolm X, moving away from rage on the page, and her approach to layered storytelling in which women gain both power and agency. Saima Mir in conversation with John Siddique is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

The poet, novelist and memoirist Mona Dash reflects on how her mother, also a poet, inspired her to become a writer.  Mona Dash in conversation with Bashabi Fraser is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

The London-based Filipino author Candy Gourlay describes illuminating gaps in history through her children's books Wild Song and Bone Talk set in the time of the Philippine-American War. Candy Gourlay in conversation with Sita Brahmachari is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

In remembrance of Leah Chillery, the playwright, screenwriter and actress who died recently, WritersMosaic shares her interview from 2021 with the writer for screen and stage Jonny Wright. Leah spills the beans on being an actor, a writer and a Northerner. Leah Chillery in conversation with Jonny Wright is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Jonny Wright riffs with Aniefiok Ekpoudom about his debut nonfiction, Where We Come From: Rap, Home & Hope in Modern Britain. Aniefiok Ekpoudom in conversation with Jonny Wright is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Tariq has made the conscious decision to always exclude 'the dirty business of politics' from his writing. Tariq Latif in conversation with Bashabi Fraser is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Anjali explores her interest in the here and now of everyday lives, the writing that makes sense of life in the smallest of details and moments, and that discloses its magic.  Anjali Joseph in conversation with Gabriel Gbadamosi is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

History is not written by historians; it's curated by them. In front of a lively audience at the Hay Literary Festival, Colin Grant talks to Imaobong Umoren about Empire with End, her curation of a new history of Britain and the Anglophone Caribbean. Imaobong Umoren in conversation with Colin Grant is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Jonny Wright talks to Isis Davis about her extraordinary journey from street gang member to actress to screen writer. Isis Davis in conversation with Jonny Wright is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Anjali Joseph talks to Rowan Hisayo Buchanan about the origins of her writing, her love of anthologies and ghost stories. Rowan Hisayo Buchanan in conversation with Anjali Joseph is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Jonny Wright talks with the writer and comedian Archie Maddocks about the TV series Crongton, his adaptation of the late Alex Wheatle's novels.  Archie Maddocks in conversation with Jonny Wright is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Colin Grant talks with the novelist, short story writer and essayist, Kit De Waal about her latest novel, The Best of Everything. Kit De Waal in conversation with Colin Grant is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

John Siddique talks to Lanre Bakare about missing history books, and how black culture and resistance outside of London have shaped UK culture. Lanre Bakare in conversation with John Siddique is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

The writer and environmentalist Diana McCaulay talks with Gabriel Gbadamosi about her new novel, A House for Miss Pauline.  Diana McCaulay in conversation with Gabriel Gbadamosi is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

In 2022, the writer Hanif Kureishi, best known for his novel the Buddha of Suburbia, suffered a terrible accident which left him with paralysing spinal injuries. He has continued to write and has since published Shattered, a memoir, about the experience. Chitra Ramaswamy talks to Ruvani Ranasinha, author of a recent biography of Kureishi, and the novelist Mohammed Hanif about Kureishi’s extraordinary writing and career.’ Ruvani Ranasinha & Mohammed Hanif in conversation with Chitra Ramaswamy is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

The actor, singer and writer Renu Arora talks to Sita Brahmachari about her creative life. Renu discusses her writing, her work on stage, her feeling of connection with Frida Kahlo, and her collaborations including the creation of The Burgundy Book, a concept album inspired by her life-changing accident and near-death experience.  Renu Arora in conversation with Sita Brahmachari is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Nick Makoha has been inspired by the work of the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat for his latest poetry. Makoha talks to fellow poet Hannah Lowe about the roots and life of the poems in the New Carthaginians. Nick Makoha in conversation with Hannah Lowe is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Talking about her journey as a poet, as well as poetry as the art of silence
and about the word and how it relates to the truth of our bodies.  Shamshad Khan in conversation with John Siddique is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Sita Brahmachari talks with the Dr Darren Chetty and Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor about their new book Beyond the Secret Garden which traces how Black and racially minoritised characters have been represented in ‘the secret garden’ of British children’s literature from its earliest stages. The interview was recorded at the end of 2024, ahead of the publication of the book.  Sita Brahmachari in conversation with Karen Sands-O’Connor and Darren Chetty is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Jason Okundaye has published his first book, Revolutionary Acts. He talks to Gabriel Gbadamosi about his drive to normalise writing about black life in his work which focuses on love and brotherhood in black gay Britain. Jason Okundaye in conversation with Gabriel Gbadamosi is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

‘The language to me growing up in Neasden felt incredibly transgressive, inherently quite violent. But there is something ecstatic about that crossing or breaking a border for, say, Arabic words to feel so at home on your tongue.’  Guy Gunaratne in conversation with Gabriel Gbadamosi is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Talking about her writing life in Aberdeen Leila Aboulela in conversation with Bashabi Fraser is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Penguin has published a new classic edition of Return to my Native Land, the Martinique-born poet Aimé Césaire’s tale of exile and homecoming​​. Recently, Jason Allen-Paisant joined Colin Grant at the London Review of Books bookshop to discuss Césaire's life and work.  Jason Allen-Paisant in conversation with Colin Grant is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

A new documentary paints a fascinating portrait of the pioneering singer and author Pauline Black who, with the band The Selecter, was central in the late 1970s to the rise of 2-tone music and the revival of Ska. The film was released earlier this year and she talked with Gabriel Gbadamosi about her career and bearing witness to historical and contemporary British racial politics. Pauline Black in conversation with Gabriel Gbadamosi: A 2-Tone Story is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

The author, screenwriter and founder of Storymix, Jasmine Richards, talks with Gabriel Gbadamosi about why she felt driven to start a studio dedicated to centring children and teens of colour in stories filled with joy and adventure. (photo by Hannah Pye) Jasmine Richards in conversation with Gabriel Gbadamosi is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Talking about writing for soap operas and the wider television industry.  Thabo Mhlatshwa in conversation with Jonny Wright is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

The poet and civil rights activist Nikki Giovanni has died. Her Penguin Modern Classics collection, published earlier this year, marked the culmination of an extraordinary career. In February, Giovanni talked with Colin Grant, about her poetry, her beautiful life and desire to go to Mars. Nikki Giovanni remembered is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

The names of the six writers who will take part in the 2025 WritersMosaic retreat have been announced. Clementine E Burnley and Amanda Vilanova from the inaugural retreat recall a magical experience and offer advice for the next cohort of writers.  Clementine E Burnley in conversation with Amanda Vilanova is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

Irenosen Okojie talks to Gabriel Gbadamosi about the alchemy of writing in the early hours and the power of stories to heal. She discusses challenging the stigma of mental ill health in literature and pouring love into Afrofuturism through her project, Black to the Future. Irenosen Okojie in conversation with Gabriel Gbadamosi is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk

‘The spoken word poem takes the shape of its context, from performance to performance, each night is different and you feel different each time you read aloud.’  Vanessa Kisuule in conversation with Gabriel Gbadamosi is an original audio series by WritersMosaic Magazine from the Royal Literary Fund. Discover more new writing at WritersMosaic.org.uk