Mark Stay's Creative Differences

Kathleen Whyman, author of the MOTHER OF ALL COMEBACKS, reveals how her brilliantly funny novels are a combination of real life, invention and her imagination...WE DISCUSS:Receiving her first publisher rejection, aged 10!How an encounter in the loo led to her debutBalancing writing with marketing and PR...And much more!LINKSKathleen's website Kathleen's Unboxing Video The Julie Wassmer episodeThe Amazon links below are affiliate links and I earn commission if you buy with them...Zippo by Richard CaveShrinking The Other Bennet Sister Don't Make Me Laugh by Julia RaesidePixie by Jill DawsonQualityland by Marc-Uwe KlingKatherine Priddy, These Frightening Machines A huge thanks to Emily Stay-Newton for production assistance, to Kai Stay-Newton for the edit, and Dominic Currie for the jingle.Support the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

I speak to Julie Wassmer, author of the Whitstable Pearl Mysteries and screenwriter on shows like Eastenders in a special episode, recorded LIVE at the Staines Library Hub as part of the Escalate Arts Festival.We Discuss:How Julie's TV experience affected the Whitstable Pearl MysteriesUsing dictation and writing by handThe role that libraries played in Julie's writing journeyAnd much more!(And there's a lovely bit with some horsies)LINKShttps://juliewassmer.comA huge thanks to Emily Stay-Newton for production assistance, to Kai Stay-Newton for the edit, and Dominic Currie for the jingle.And a very special thank you to the team at the Staines Library Hub, Susan Dinmore at Surrey Arts and everyone who came to the recording on the day.Support the show:Visit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiers Buy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there’s more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/Support the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

Jeremy Szal tells us how he has grown as a writer while creating the Common Trilogy, an epic space opera with 'messy, difficult emotional conflicts'.WE ALSO DISCUSS:Tips for writing short storiesAnd his experiences of Worldcon in ChinaAnd much more!LINKS:Jeremy's website: https://jeremyszal.com Tickets for the live show with Julie Wassmer: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/escalate-arts-literature-festival-mark-stays-creative-differences-podcast-tickets-1980991706521? Ghost of Yotei: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_of_YōteiStardew Valley: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stardew_ValleyAttack on Titan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attack_on_Titan_(TV_series)Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Knight_of_the_Seven_Kingdoms_(TV_series) Marty Supreme: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marty_SupremeAvatar: Fire and Ash: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar:_Fire_and_AshEyes of the Void by Adrian Tchaikovsky: https://amzn.to/3N6BcYI (this is an affiliate link and I can earn commission if you use it)Strength of the Few by James Islington: https://amzn.to/4ue7cLo (this is an affiliate link and I can earn commission if you use it)Beastars (manga): https://amzn.to/4uh3xMX (this is an affiliate link and I can earn commission if you use it)Mono (band): https://www.monoofjapan.comSigur Ros (band) https://sigurros.com Oasis (band): https://www.oasisinet.comSmall Prophets: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_ProphetsSpectators by Brian K Vaughan and artist Niko Henrichon: https://okcomics.co.uk/products/spectators-hardcover-by-brian-k-vaughan-and-niko-henrichonA huge thanks to Emily Stay-Newton for production assistance, to Kai Stay-Newton for the edit, and Dominic Currie for the jingle.Support the show:Visit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiers Buy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there’s more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/Support the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

Ellis Blackwood is the author of the brilliant Samuel Pepys Mysteries and had a previous career writing about his love of Doctor Who, David Bowie and once made a very strange video with me on Youtube (we were young and needed the money)...WE ALSO DISCUSS...Rapid Publishing & Series arcsHistorical accuracy versus storyAnd why he hates plotting (but does it anyway)...LINKSEllis Blackwood's books: https://ellisblackwood.com/Dalek, I Loved You: https://youtu.be/fdV_EAU9UiU?si=-rWkwoUcejAO2hoU  Plottr: https://plottr.com/The End of Gods Unboxing Video: https://youtu.be/wxNBVxpn2_AShire Books: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/series/shire-library/The Traitors: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Traitors_(British_TV_series)Ski Sunday: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006v8fc The Winter Olympics: https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026Public Service Broadcasting: https://www.publicservicebroadcasting.net/ Ben Elton (this is an affiliate link, so I earn money if you buy using this)A huge thanks to Emily Stay-Newton for production assistance, to Kai Stay-Newton for the edit, and Dominic Currie for the jingle.Support the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

Caimh McDonnell is the author of the Bunny McGarry trilogy (not a trilogy) and the Stranger Times series (definitely a series) and his latest RING THE BELLS is one of my favourite books of the year.In this festive special, we discuss:How travel triggers story ideasThe value of short storiesWhy calling something a trilogy is a bad ideaAnd why it's crucial to take note of when you're writing good stuff, and much more!LINKSCaimh's website: https://whitehairedirishman.com Joe Abercrombie backlist: https://joeabercrombie.comDown Cemetery Road: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_Cemetery_RoadRaye: Where is my husband? https://youtu.be/rK5TyISxZ_M?si=MrCHrv-qT5utGNGp Scriptnotes book: https://scriptnotesbook.comDeath by Lightning: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_by_LightningWish You Were Here 50th Anniversary: https://youtu.be/K6qj09OHvjw?si=yy0U7jHlvzIDqUguA huge thanks to Emily Stay-Newton for production assistance, to Kai Stay-Newton for the edit, and Dominic Currie for the jingle.Support the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

Gavin G Smith writes gripping science fiction and his latest is ALIEN CULT, a terrific murder mystery noir set in the ALIENS universe. We Discuss:Writing for other people's IP, including games and film novelisationsThe crucial difference between a consistent universe and fan serviceWhy he might enjoy research too muchAnd why it's more important than ever for authors to value their workLINKSGavin's website: https://www.gavingsmith.com/   Pre-Order The End of Gods paperback: https://witchesofwoodville.com/product/the-end-of-gods-paperback/ Mark's comic con playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo_4ntDELMUt20rTdaXBuENcRk5y4wtQX&si=--4DAUYlIHdEYzR1 WHAT'S GIVING US JOYBaldur’s Gate 3: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldur%27s_Gate_3 Where Eagles Dare: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Where_Eagles_DareBond: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_Your_Eyes_Only_(film)Paddington: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddington_(film)The Holiday: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_HolidayDie Hard: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Die_HardYoung Sherlock Holmes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young_Sherlock_HolmesRoofworld: (I earn commission if you buy via this link) https://amzn.to/4aloBKvThe Holly King by Kate Rusby: https://youtu.be/cGHkq2rE57M?si=9L2x-1S4FmVo0Rjb The Holdovers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_HoldoversThe Beatles Anthology: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles_Anthology_(TV_series)A huge thanks to Emily Stay-Newton for production assistance, to Kai Stay-Newton for the edit, and Dominic Currie for the va-jingle.Support the show:Support the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

Jeevani Charika writes award nominated romantic women’s fiction and romcoms. She’s written books on how to write romcoms, and sustaining a career as a writer and she also has an amazing YouTube channel teaching authors how to use Canva to make marketing graphics Her latest book How Can I Resist You is out now!We Discuss:What she's learned from her love of Korean dramasHow 'writing tighter' has been good for her prose styleHow oversleeping led to a breakthrough in her careerWhy she enjoys doing funky things with Canva and much more...LINKSJeevani's website: www.rhodabaxter.com  Jeevani's Canva Tips Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@jeevanicharikaJeevani's Substack: https://substack.com/@canvatips4author What's Giving Us Joy...A Merry Little Ex-mas (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81735104 T Kingfisher's books with the Paladins  (I earn commission if you click on this link): https://amzn.to/49ZV358A Mind of My Own, Kathy Burke (I earn commission if you click on this link): https://amzn.to/4ovrNGJCole Haddon’s 5am Storytalk: https://colehaddon.substack.com50 Years of Shit Robots: https://shows.acast.com/fifty-years-of-shit-robots Film Stories: https://filmstories.co.uk/category/podcast/ Pluribus: https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/pluribus/umc.cmc.37axgovs2yozlyh3c2cmwzlzaA huge thanks to Emily for production assistance, to Kai Newton for the edit, and Dominic Currie for the jingle.Support the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/Support the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

Pernille Hughes is the author of TEN YEARS, PROBABLY THE BEST KISS IN THE WORLD and PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE; novels brimming with warmth, wit and unforgettable characters. And now she's back with her new novel A COPENHAGEN SNOWMANCE, which is here to herald in Christmas. Yes, I said the C-word! What of it??WE DISCUSS:Discovering your voiceHyggeHero draftsFinding your tribeWriting on HRT and why you should lock yourself in a room with a glass of wine when writing... and much more!LINKSPernille's website: www.pernillehughes.com Writing Regency England by Jayne Davis: https://www.jaynedavisromance.co.uk/writing-regency-england/What's Giving us Joy...Celebrity Traitors: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Celebrity_Traitors Slow Horses: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slow_HorsesThe Great Pottery Throw Down: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Pottery_Throw_DownLudovico Einaudi: https://ludovicoeinaudi.com/ Vitamin String Quartet: https://www.vitaminstringquartet.com/Mr MC Grammar: https://www.mrmcgrammar.com/ Christmas on Fifth Avenue by Julie Caplin: (I earn commission if you click on this link) https://amzn.to/4paxDP1Christmas at the Scottish Lodge by Donna Ashcroft: (I earn commission if you click on this link) https://amzn.to/48zsM3VCressida McLaughlin, The Secret Mistletoe Promise: (I earn commission if you click on this link) https://amzn.to/49Af4yTHuman Croquet by Kate Atkinson: (I earn commission if you click on this link) https://amzn.to/4og65GyAlan Partridge: How Are You?: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002hcb7/how-are-you-its-alan-partridge Katherine Priddy: Matches: https://www.katherinepriddy.co.uk/home/ A huge thanks to Emily for production assistance, to Kai Newton for the edit, and Dominic Currie for the jingle. Support the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

Lucy Strange is an award-winning children’s author whose books feel like classic children’s literature, but are written in a style that is engaging and accessible for today’s younger readers. Most recently she’s collaborated with artist Pam Smy on their spooky, funny new series Lockett & Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries!Often inspired by folklore and fairy tales, Lucy combines historical settings with touches of magic and fantasy to create utterly convincing worlds in which anything might happen.And before becoming a professional writer, Lucy worked as an English teacher for fifteen years. Having also trained and worked as an actor, Lucy narrates her own audiobooks, winning the 2019 Audie Award for The Secret of Nightingale Wood.WE DISCUSS:Collaborating with illustratorsWhat Lucy learned from abridging Mary Shelley's FrankensteinWriter's Block and how to deal with itAnd how scary is too scary when writing for children?And much more!LINKSLucy's Website: https://www.lucystrange.orgThe Episode with GB Ralph: https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/2024/12/12/episode-5-with-gb-ralph-share-the-excitment/ What's Giving Us Joy...Essex Serpent, Sarah Perry: https://serpentstail.com/work/the-essex-serpent/ Instead of a Letter, Diana Athill: https://granta.com/products/instead-of-a-letter/ Once Upon a River, Diane Setterfield: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/437745/once-upon-a-river-by-diane-setterfield/9781784163631 Death at the Sign of the Rook, Kate Atkinson: https://www.kateatkinson.co.uk/books/death-at-the-sign-of-the-rook/ Buckingham Nicks: https://www.roughtrade.com/product/lindsey-buckingham-and-stevie-nicks/buckingham-nicksSuperstore: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superstore_(TV_series) Robert Redford: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_RedfordA huge thanks to Emily for production assistance, to Kai Newton for the edit, and Dominic Currie for the jingle. Support the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

GD Wright is the author of the bestselling AFTER THE STORM and INTO THE FIRE, and he’s genuinely one of the nicest guys in the business with an extraordinary tale to tell: he was a copper, then due to health issues had to retire aged 30, and if you know Gary at all you’ll know that he’s had a few challenges this year… but he’s come through and was an amazing guest on the livestream. He talks frankly his strange route to publication, creating a writing habit, how his work was optioned when he was self-published and much, much more...LINKSGD Wright's website: https://authorgdwright.comLove Never Dies: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_Never_Dies_(musical) Alien: Earth: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien:_EarthFisk: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisk_(TV_series)Ring the Bells: https://thestrangertimes.co.uk/ring-the-bells/Brett McKenzie: https://bretmckenzie.os.fanA huge thanks to Emily Stay for production assistance, to Kai Newton for the edit, and Dominic Currie for the jingle. Support the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

Bestselling and award-winning author Rowan Coleman joined me to discuss her new book Never Tear Us Apart, revealing how a family photo inspired her to research in Malta, why she wrote her next book, The Good Boy, under a pen name, then there was something about quantum physics, and ultimately she asks the question we all want an answer to in any situation: What would Charlotte Brontë do? This was a really fun chat with tons of great advice for writers.LINKSROWAN'S WEBSITE https://rowancoleman.co.ukROWAN'S SUBSTACK ON QUANTUM PHYSICS: https://substack.com/home/post/p-168285742ROWAN'S CURTIS BROWN COURSE: https://www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/course/writing-romantic-and-commercial-fictionMURDERBOT: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murderbot_(TV_series)SINNERS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinners_(2025_film) INVINCIBLE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invincible_(TV_series)HOW TO WRITE A FANTASY BATTLE BY SUZANNAH ROWNTREE: https://suzannahrowntree.weebly.com/nonfiction.htmlCMAT: https://cmatbaby.com Support the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

I had a wonderful time chatting to Nicola Whyte the debut writer of 10 Marchfield Square about how she was inspired by the nooks of London and Douglas Adams's whodunnits. We also discuss planning the middle of a novel, "soft boiled crime", designing author websites, and we get nostalgic about the Ottakars book chain and much, much more!LINKSNICOLA'S WEBSITE: http://nicolawhyte.com  PERSON OF INTEREST: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Person_of_Interest_(TV_series)ALL THE LOST SOULS BY AMIE JORDAN: https://amzn.to/4kY7nVZ MASSIVE ATTACK AND TONY COLLIER: LIVE WITH ME: https://youtu.be/o_mi7rD-_9c?si=XwCdYrJQ8T9we5Xv CULTURES: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultures_(video_game) MOTHERING SUNDAY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mothering_Sunday_(film)ROSALINE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosaline_(film)WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM THEIR FRIENDS BY STUART MACONIE: https://amzn.to/4newlSEPOKER FACE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poker_Face_(TV_series) THE BOOKS BESIDE MY BED BY PAUL ARMFIELD: https://paularmfield.com/shop/Mark Stay's Comic Con dates...PORTSMOUTH – SUNDAY 22ND JUNETENTERDEN STEAMPUNK FESTIVAL – SAT 28TH JUNEBASILDON – SUNDAY 29THLFCC FRIDAY 4TH, SAT 5TH, SUN 6TH JULYMIDLANDS COMIC CON SAT 12TH, SUN 13TH JULYGUILDFORD SAT 19TH JULYFor more dates in pop over to https://markstaywrites.com/diary-and-appearances/ Support the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

I chat with Sarah Pinborough, the bestselling and award-winning author of Behind Her Eyes about her new thriller We Live Here Now, spooky houses, her method of 'triple writing', going on tour and the lies we tell each other...LINKSThe book links are affiliate links and I earn a wee bit of commission if you buy from them.WE LIVE HERE NOW: https://amzn.to/44IfsJg LAUNCH AT WATERSTONES MILTON KEYNES ON WEDNESDAY 4TH JUNE https://www.waterstones.com/events/an-evening-with-sarah-pinborough/milton-keynes-midsummer-place?SARAH'S US TOUR: https://us.macmillan.com/tours/sarah-pinborough-we-live-here-now/  MOBLAND: https://www.paramountplus.com/gb/shows/mobland/ THE HANDMAID'S TALE: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-handmaids-tale?DOPE THIEF: https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/dope-thief/umc.cmc.2prcvu6fnh4bue7d9iaswpsw7 TUBI FOR JACK PALANCE HORROR: https://tubitv.com YOU KILLED ME FIRST BY JOHN MARRS: https://amzn.to/3SHjZUQTHE HAMLET BY JOANNA CORRANCE: https://amzn.to/45bwFuI PAM KOWOLSKI IS A MONSTER BY SARAH LANGHAM: https://amzn.to/4jRtiO2THE DEVILS BY JOE ABERCROMBIE: https://amzn.to/4djApfEANDORIT AIN'T ME BY EMILY ZECK: https://youtu.be/hPZcSGCAI9Q?si=pY_Tzxtkf9Dp_Xzl COME AND MEET MARK AT A COMIC CON https://markstaywrites.com/diary-and-appearances/Mark Chadbourn on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/chadbourn.bsky.social The Mike Shackle episode: https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/2024/12/02/episode-4-with-mike-shackle/Edit by Kai NewtonProduction assistance by Emily StayJingle by Dom CurrieSupport the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

Tracy Buchanan is the bestselling author of the Dr Vanessa Marwood thrillers and she runs one of the best author groups on Facebook and is a brilliant advocate for authors.We discuss: Which comes first: research or plot?If authors can still earn a living from writingGrowing maggots for research purposesAnd much more!My apologies for the quality of my mic for this episode. I had a dodgy connection and sound a wee bit toppy!Edit by Kai NewtonProduction assistance by Emily StayJingle by Dom CurrieLINKSTRACY'S WEBSITE: www.tracy-buchanan.com THE SAVVY WRITERS' SNUG FB GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/savvywriterssnug/ KINGDOM COME DELIVERANCE 2: https://kingdomcomerpg.com/ ASSASSIN'S CREED SHADOWS: https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/assassins-creed/shadowsLANA DEL RAY: https://youtu.be/nDYY3nJ7a0s?si=CWI1sTc_iFAnErWq CARELESS PEOPLE BY SARA WYNN-WILLIAMS: https://amzn.to/4lYWT9J (Amazon affiliate link: I earn money if you click/buy using this)SUPREMACY BY PARMY OLSEN: https://amzn.to/4lUgrfn (Amazon affiliate link: I earn money if you click/buy using this)CONCLAVE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conclave_(film) THE LAST OF US: https://www.hbo.com/the-last-of-us ANDOR: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andor_(TV_series) WRITING FOR LOVE AND/OR MONEY BY FRANK D GILROY: https://amzn.to/42VdzWT SAMANTHA FISH, SWEET SOUTHERN SOUNDS: https://youtu.be/3rhUFAdfEjA?si=tuzMbqt3YwOxREmX THE BESTSELLER EXPERIMENT EPISODE WITH ENTERTAINMENT LAWYERS ON COPYRIGHT/LYRICS ETC: https://bestsellerexperiment.com/ep32-legal-eagles/ COME AND MEET MARK STAY IN MAY 2025 AT:MAIDSTONE 4TH MAY: https://www.creedconventions.com/event/maidstone-comic-con/ BEYOND THE BOOK FESTIVAL, BRIGHTON: https://www.beyondthebookfestival.org READING 11TH MAY: https://www.creedconventions.com/event/reading-comic-con/ TONBRIDGE 18TH MAY: https://strikingevents.com/tonbridge/MCM COMIC CON LONDON 23-25 MAY: https://www.mcmcomiccon.com/london/en-us/guests/guest-profile.html?gtID=362260&guest-name=Mark-Stay HATFIELD 31ST MAY: https://strikingevents.com/hatfield/ Support the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

Nadine Matheson is the bestselling author of the DI Henley crime thrillers and presenter of the Conversation Podcast.We discuss: Writing as a plannerNadine's great tip for finishing first draftsWhy not reading the small print was great for her careerWe have a fun rant about META and book piracyAnd much more!Edit by Kai NewtonProduction assistance by Emily StayJingle by Dom CurrieLINKSNADINE'S WEBSITE: https://www.nadinematheson.com  THE KILL LIST: https://www.nadinematheson.com/books/ THE CONVERSATION WITH NADINE MATHESON PODCAST: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2085770 NADINE'S HURRICANE BERYL VIDEO: https://youtu.be/C-Ni1jsC5ek?si=vsj1JbYBS4m6zBKo NADINE'S INSTAGRAM (for sunrises!): https://www.instagram.com/queennads/ THE ATLANTIC ARTICLE ON META & BOOK PIRACY: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/03/libgen-meta-openai/682093/THE APPLE NEWS EDITION OF THE SAME STORY: https://apple.news/AiV51zQuQRiybWkFxjdjxsA THE GREEN ROOM: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiers INDIANA JONES AND THE GREAT CIRCLE: https://indianajones.bethesda.net/ TOP CHEF: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_ChefHOMICIDE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homicide:_Life_on_the_Street THE STUDIO: https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/the-studio/umc.cmc.7518algxc4lsoobtsx30dqb52 CLASSIC FM MOVIES: https://www.classicfm.com/movies/ COME AND MEET MARK STAY IN APRIL 2025 AT:HERNE BAY: https://www.phaserevents.co.uk/events/ MAIDENHEAD: https://www.bolt-events.com/maidenhead-comic-conLUTON: https://www.bolt-events.com/luton-comic-conFORT AMHERST: https://www.facebook.com/events/1289732272462565 BANBURY: https://www.bolt-events.com/banbury-comic-con SOUTHAMPTON: https://www.creedconventions.com/event/southampton-comic-con/ BEYOND THE BOOK FESTIVAL, BRIGHTON: https://www.beyondthebookfestival.org Support the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

Award-winning author Gareth L Powell takes us into the future with his latest science fiction novel Future's Edge.We discuss: Writing SF in an era when fact is in danger of overtaking fictionRunning the Stars and Sabers imprint with Jendia GammonWhy most authors now need a second jobThe importance of tea in the creative processAnd much more!Edit by Kai NewtonProduction assistance by Emily StayJingle by Dom CurrieLINKSGARETH'S BOOKS: https://www.garethlpowell.com STARS AND SABERS PUBLISHING: https://www.starsandsabers.com   UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_basic_income THE USBORN BOOK OF THE FUTURE: https://amzn.to/41Er51Y SHOW YOUR WORK BY AUSTIN KLEON: https://amzn.to/4h7PS2TON WRITING BY STEPHEN KING: https://amzn.to/4h7PS2T DANSE MACABRE BY STEPHEN KING: https://amzn.to/41lkYycTHE ORGANISED WRITER BY ANTONY JOHNSON: https://amzn.to/3F3dqse THERE ARE RIVERS IN THE SKY BY ELIF SHAFAK: https://amzn.to/4inEGQwSUTEJ SINGH, NANDINI SRIKAR: KAADAMBARI: https://sutejsingh.com/music-kaadambariMYTHIC QUEST: https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/mythic-quest/umc.cmc.1nfdfd5zlk05fo1bwwetzldy3BEST POSSIBLE PLACE, WORST POSSIBLE TIME BY BARRY SONNENFELD: https://amzn.to/4bkiEMtFILM STORIES PODCAST: https://filmstories.co.uk/podcast-page/episodes/FLINT IN THE BONES KICKSTARTER: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/flint-in-the-bones/flint-in-the-bonesCOME AND MEET MARK STAY AT:CRAWLEY COMIC CON ON 8TH MARCH: https://strikingevents.com/crawley/PETERBOROUGH COMIC CON ON 9TH MARCH: https://strikingevents.com/peterborough/MILTON KEYNES MEGA COMIC CON ON 22ND MARCH: https://strikingevents.com/milton-keynes-mega-comic-con/ BOURNEMOUTH COMIC CON ON 23RD MARCH: https://strikingevents.com/milton-keynes-mega-comic-con/Support the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

Nicola May is the author of heartwarming and funny romantic comedies, including the hugely successful Ferry Lane and Cockleberry Bay series, she’s a great champion for indie authors and she’s here to kick off 2025 with another bestseller ‘How Do I Tell You?’We discuss:Tips for writing romcomsThe key differences between self publishing, traditional publishing and digital-first publishersBalancing serious themes with heartwarming fictionAnd much more!LINKSNicola's website: https://www.nicolamay.com The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiers  Kinky Boots Musical UK Tour 2025: https://youtu.be/Qk140ZLNSU8?si=Uq7OY_irrADdHD7I  Rivals: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rivals_(TV_series) Paul Mescal in A Streetcar Named Desire: https://www.thephoenixtheatre.co.uk/shows/a-streetcar-named-desireKatherine Priddy and Simon Armitage: https://youtu.be/H4OxfhUCggU?si=h7ysPElUCMr4hx2m  Julian Barr's Worldbreaker: https://books2read.com/u/brjRLZ American Primeval: https://www.netflix.com/title/81457507 Edit by Kai NewtonProduction assistance by Emily StayJingle by Dom CurrieSupport the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

In this special festive edition of the podcast I welcome GB Ralph, author of the cozy Milverton Mysteries series!We discuss:Slow burn romanceWriting in scenes and converting them to chaptersChapter word count analysis (it gets nerdy!)Tips for book launchesTips for writing on your commute and how Gavin wrote his debut novel on his phoneWhat he learned from switching from romcoms to cozy mysteriesHow he uses deadlines to motivate his writingAnd the importance of narrators for audiobooksLINKSGB Ralph's websiteEveryone this Christmas has a Secret by Ernest Cunningham The Holly King by Mark StayOnly Murders in the BuildingArcaneMini Metro gameAllie X Last Christmas Altego Music's Wham/Chappel Roan mash-up The Penguin Beyond the Throne by Kristian Nairn Rosalie Cunningham, To Shoot Another DayDecember will be Magic Again by Kate Bush Christmas at the Airport by Nick Lowe Edit by Kai NewtonProduction assistance by Emily StayJingle by Dom CurrieSupport the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

I'm joined by Mike Shackle, author of the epic LAST WAR fantasy trilogy, and he also writes thrillers under the name Michael Dylan: we talk about the perils of writing epic fantasy when publishers are imposing word limits, the pros and cons of self publishing and traditional publishing, writing cop thriller fiction, setting a mission statement for each book, and Michael creating his own artwork! And we're also joined by Buddy. Who has a squeaky toy that has an urgent message for the world...LINKSTHE LAST WAR TRILOGYTHE WITCHFINDER CHRONICLESMICHAEL DYLAN'S DI SIMON WISE THRILLERSMIKE SHACKLE'S ARTREBECCA MILLAR EDITORIALANDREW CHAPMAN (REMEMBER HIS NAME)PRIMAL SCREAM: COME AHEADFURY OF THE GODS BY JOHN GWYNNEDAY OF THE JACKAL ON SKY UKNAUTILUS on Amazon Prime UKTHE PALIN DIARIES 1999-2009BOBBY DAZZLEEdit by Kai NewtonProduction assistance by Emily StayJingle by Dom CurrieSupport the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

Zoë is the author of Garden of Her Heart, and host of the podcast, Write Damn It! An experienced coach with more than 35 years working on mindset, Zoë shares a ton of practical advice for writers including how to deal with self-doubt and rejection.WE DISCUSS...How stand up comedy helped Zoë's writingHow to rethink your attitude to resilienceGreat tips for writing a synopsisWriters' flow and getting started each dayBuilding characters using their childhood traumaHow to get people to show up at book events, and much more...LINKSSome of the following are affiliate links and may earn me commission...GARDEN OF HER HEART WRITE, DAMN IT! PODCASTZOË'S WEBSITESLOW HORSES ON APPLE+HISTORY HITS WITH DAN SNOWTHE EXAMINERTIMESTALKERAFTER THE STORM BY GD WRIGHTTHE MOON'S A BALLOON BY DAVID NIVENBOA: WHIPLASHMY BOOKS THE GREEN ROOM ME IN CONVERSATION WITH BEN AARONOVITCH AT OXTED LIBRARYThanks to: Emily Stay for production assistance, Kai Newton for the edit & Dominic Currie for the jingleSupport the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

My special guest on the podcast this month is LJ Shepherd, author of the stunning debut novel The Trials of Lila Dalton. We discuss first lines and opening pages, the benefits of attending festivals, the book that inspired her to choose her agent, and we get sneak peek into the notebook where she first jotted down her ideas for the novel that would become her debut. Oh, and her cat Coral pops in to say hello...LINKSSome of the following are affiliate links and may earn me commission...THE TRIALS OF LILA DALTON HOPE I GET OLD BEFORE I DIE by DAVID HEPWORTHA GOD IN RUINS by KATE ATKINSONTHE WATCHMAKER OF FILIGREE STREET by NATASHA PULLEYA TRIAL IN THREE ACTS by GUY MORPUSSSCENES FROM A TRAGEDY by CAROLE HAILEYTHE CHILTERN KILLS CRIME FESTIVALTHE HANDMAID'S TALETHREE BODY PROBLEM ON NETFLIXSLOW HORSES ON APPLE+BAD MONKEY ON APPLE+DAVID GILMOUR'S LUCK AND STRANGEThanks to:Emily Stay for production assistanceKai Newton for the editDominic Currie for the jingleSupport the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

Welcome to the first episode of Creative Differences with my special guest SC Gowland. We discuss curating the short story anthology The Law of Consequences, how to write a short story, and Steve reveals the little things that have made a big difference to his writing career.I also launch the GREEN ROOM: twice-monthly live Zoom sessions with me, exclusive for Green Room members on my Kofi page.Links:SC Gowland's website where you can get the first book in the Souls' Abyss trilogy for free: https://scgowland.com/ Grab a copy of the Law of Consequences here: https://books2read.com/u/mvzrW2The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersOtoboke Beaver's song Yakitori.The Following are affiliate links and I earn commission if you buy after clicking:The Blues Brothers by Daniel De ViséFeeding the Monster by Anna BogutskayaThank you, Jeeves by PG WodehouseSupport the showVisit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiersBuy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshopAnd there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/