Northern Voices

This week's episode is the first in a new series: Publishing Unpacked. In each of these special episodes I'll be joined by Northern writers discussing the publishing process from submission to publication. Today's guest is debut author Shaun Wilson, whose novel Malc's Boy was published by Conduit Books. We delve into the whole editing process, from making structural changes to proofreading, defining your style and having the confidence to push back against editorial changes. Find out more: https://substack.com/@smwwriting https://www.conduitbooks.co.uk/books/p/malcs-boy Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/smwwriting.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/conduitbooks.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smw_writing https://www.instagram.com/conduitbooks Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

This week's episode features sports writer and novelist, Frank Malley. We delve into his most recent novel, The Singing Spy, based on an incredible true story, how to break into journalism in the current media landscape and the process of turning historical fact into fiction. Find out more: https://shorturl.at/aRwwY https://shorturl.at/2TCa9 Bluesky: @frankmalley.bsky.social X: @MalleyFrancis Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

On Northern Voices this week, writer Steve Chambers discusses his novel, The Dark Months. We also delve into the creative arts industry in the North East, writing for Byker Grove and writing what you know. Find out more: https://zymurgy.co.uk/product/the-dark-months-by-steve-chambers/ https://haydngrey.co.uk/the-writing-desk-steve-chambers/ Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

Award-winning writer Colwill Brown joins us this week to talk about her debut novel, We Pretty Pieces of Flesh. We delve into the craft of writing dialect, why female friendships are fertile ground for fiction and how moving away from home can provide some much-needed perspective when it comes to writing place. Find out more: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/460689/we-pretty-pieces-of-flesh-by-brown-colwill/9781784745578 https://colwillbrown.me/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_colwill_ nstagram.com/chattobooks Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In Episode 113, I'm joined by jack of all trades, master of pretty much all of them, Dan Husband. Poet, performer, prose writer, it seems there's little he can't turn his hand to. We talk about how writing can open the door to expression and understanding, the lack of accessibility for working-class writers and why community is at the heart of everything in the North. Find out more: https://shorturl.at/Eoli5 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/husbandmaterialpoetryandprose/ Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In Episode 112, I chat to experimental writer and scientist Tania Hershman. We delve into merging genres, blending particle physics and writing, and why to be a writer all you need to do is write. Find out more: https://taniahershman.com/ https://taniahershman.com/its-time-a-chronomemoir/ https://taniahershman.substack.com/podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/taniahershman.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tania_hershman_writes https://www.instagram.com/guillemotpress Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In the first episode of 2026, novelist Andrew Okey joins me to discuss his award-winning manuscript Jacopo's Contract. We also delve into writing the north, winning writing prizes and why literary agents should be expanding their outreach beyond London. Find out more: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/andrewokeyauthor.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewokey4/ Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

We end 2025 on a high with episode 110 featuring novelist Chloe de Lullington. We chat about her novel, Cacoethes, writing bisexuality and why a book set in 2015 should definitely not be considered historical fiction. Find out more: https://www.northodox.co.uk/product-page/cacoethes-paperback Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdelull.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeinthechlolane Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

On Northern Voices today, writer and publisher Malcolm Havard joins me to talk about his many books, the highs and lows of being an indie publisher and the literary legacy of Lisbon. Find out more: https://www.malcolmhavard.com/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/malhavardwriter.bsky.social Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

On Northern Voices this week, academic, novelist and folklorist Ceri Houlbrook joins me to talk about her new book, Folklore: A Journey Through Past and Present. We also delve into fantasy writing, tales of magic and mystery, and how a boggart in a park helped her begin her career. Find out more: https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526180377/ https://www.waterstones.com/book/winters-wishfall/ceri-houlbrook/9781785305511 https://www.herts.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-masters/ma-folklore-studies Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cerihoulbrook.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/manchesterup.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cerihoulbrook/ https://www.instagram.com/manchester_university_press Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

This week's episode of Northern Voices features SFF writer Alethea Lyons. We delve into her The Seer of York series, why publishers need to be attuned to cultural difference and neurodivergence, and why AI is anything but 'intelligent'. Find out more: https://alethealyons.wixsite.com/stories https://brigidsgatepress.com/product/the-somnia Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alethearlyons.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/brigidsgatepress.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alethearlyons https://www.instagram.com/brigidsgatepress Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In this special episode of Northern Voices, award-winning novelist and fellow Pityakker Benjamin Myers joins me to discuss his new novel, Jesus Christ Kinski. We delve into pretty much his entire backlist of novels, writing in the dialect of the North East coalfields and why English authors need to take more risks in their writing. Find out more: https://www.benjaminmyerswriter.com/ https://www.bloomsbury.com/au/jesus-christ-kinski-9781526663436/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/benjaminmyers76.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benmyers76 https://www.instagram.com/bloomsburypublishing Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In Episode 105 I'm joined by Jodie James – author, publisher and writer. We talk about her publishing company, Wildflower Bay, her book The Dandy Lion, and why people from the North East are natural born storytellers. Find out more: https://www.wildflowerbay.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiejwrites https://www.instagram.com/wildflowerbaypublishing Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

This week on Northern Voices I'm joined by Yorkshire lass Melanie Taylor, who is here to chat about her novel, Love Digitally. We delve into transcontinental relationships, how COVID nearly scunnered her book's success and why authors should be given more financial security from publishers. Find out more: https://foxandinkbooks.com/book/love-digitally/ https://www.liverpool-literary.agency/authors/melanie-taylor Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/foxandinkbooks.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/liverpool-lit.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookishmelaniet https://www.instagram.com/foxandinkbooks https://www.instagram.com/liverpool_literary_agency Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In Episode 103 I'm joined by crime writer Sean Watkin as he talks about his book, Black Water Rising. We also delve into how celebrity books are a bigger threat to authors than AI, why Northern writers keep getting in their own way and how he's not the only one writing Sonic the Hedgehog fan fiction. Find out more: https://seanwatkin.co.uk/ https://www.canelocrime.com/books/black-water-rising-sean-watkin/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/seanwatkinauthor.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/canelobooks.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanwatkinauthor https://www.instagram.com/canelo_co Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

This week, Northumberland-born novelist Sarah Handyside joins me to discuss her book, Instructions for Heartbreak. We also delve into female friendships and relationships, the plague of celebrity books and why publishers need to show more bravery. Find out more: https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/sarah-handyside/instructions-for-heartbreak/9781035032792 https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/sarah-handyside/46162 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/panmacmillan.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahhandyside https://www.instagram.com/panmacmillan Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

This week's guest is writer and advocate Candi Martin who joins me to chat about her poetry collection Burnt Ice Cream. We also explore writing for wellness, Northern imposter syndrome and how poetry can work to address social injustice. Find out more: https://writtenoffpublishing.com/shop/p/burnt-ice-cream-candi-martin https://linktr.ee/candimartinwriter Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/writtenoffbooks.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candi_says_ https://www.instagram.com/writtenoffpublishing https://www.instagram.com/writingforwellnessrossendale Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In Episode 100 of Northern Voices, equine expert and writer Miriam Bibby takes us through how her love of horses defined her career, and how horses came to put Northern history and culture on an international stage. Find out more: https://societyofauthors.org/soa-member/dr-miriam-a-bibby/ https://trivent-publishing.eu/home/181-336-galloway-nag.html https://www.amberley-books.com/author-community-main-page/b/miriam-bibby/working-horses-in-london.html https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mistress-Meg-Prigger-Prancers-1/dp/1503211320 https://trivent-publishing.eu/69-cheiron-the-international-journal-of-equine-and-equestrian-history Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/drmabibby.bsky.social Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In this week's episode we head to the dark side with horror aficionado Neil McRobert. We talk about his new novella, Good Boy, why Northern writers should be aiming internationally and how he became besties with writing icon Stephen King. Find out more: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/talking-scared/id1530064310 https://www.wildhuntbooks.co.uk/books/p/goodboy/9781068563102 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkscaredpod.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/wildhuntbooks.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkscaredpod https://www.instagram.com/wildhuntbooks_uk Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In Episode 98, I'm joined by novelist Dan Spencer. We delve into his novel, Cat Lover, writing from the perspective of a cat, the support of a good bookshop and how the process is far from over even when you've published your first book. Find out more: www.danspencerwriter.com https://atlantic-books.co.uk/book/cat-lover/ https://www.forumbooksshop.com/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/atlanticbooks.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danspencerwriter https://www.instagram.com/atlanticbooks Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In Episode 97, I'm joined by author and academic E. Jay Gilbert. We talk about her book Haunted: Ghost Stories and Their Afterlives, the superstitions of the North, why we need more representation of the North East in books and the linguistic ambiguity of Hagrid. Find out more: https://www.marjacq.com/jay-gilbert https://shorturl.at/O2SET https://www.bonnierbooks.co.uk/books/manilla-press/haunted/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jaylikesthings.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/manillapress.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylikesstuff https://www.instagram.com/manilla_press/ Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In Episode 96, I'm joined by writer, baker and researcher Daisy May Johnson. We talk about her books for children, using the page to full effect and turning the tables on limitations in publishing to make them a strength for emerging authors. Find out more: https://linktr.ee/daisymayjohnsonbooks https://didyoueverstoptothink.com/ https://pushkinpress.com/our-authors/daisy-may-johnson/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/chaletfan.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/pushkinchildrens.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daisymayjohnsonbooks/ https://www.instagram.com/pushkinchildrens/ Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In this week's episode, poet and performer Ella Frances Sanderson joins me to talk about being an autistic writer and workshop leader, where she gets her creative inspiration and her appearance on BBC Sounds. Find out more: https://ellasandy16.wixsite.com/aspie https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeFh8sau1ji2oTYM34kfa0A Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcsounds Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

On Northern Voices this week, North-East novelist Helen Aitchison joins me to talk about her latest books. We also chat about writing as therapy, her CIC Write on the Tyne and why you don't need to have dreamed about being a writer as a child to try it in adulthood. Find out more: https://helenaitchisonwrites.wordpress.com/ https://writeonthetyne.com/ https://write-on-the-tyne.sumupstore.com/product/broken-boundaries https://cahilldavispublishing.co.uk/our-books/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helen.aitchison_writes https://www.instagram.com/writeonthetyne https://www.instagram.com/cahilldavispublishing Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for brass band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

This week's episode is something a little different, because as well as YA author Susan (S.J.) Baker, I'm also joined by six of her students – Betsy, Imogen, Madi, Lily, Bella and Zofia. We discuss how they're contributing to Susan's novels through editorial feedback, the lack of opportunities for young Northern writers and why they feel the school curriculum is stunting their creative output. Find out more: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/calm-s-j-baker/7690812?ean=9781911107934 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sjbakerauthor.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_s.j.baker Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In a special Tuesday episode this week, Executive Publisher at Canelo Books, Louise Cullen, joins me to discuss publishing, bias, diversity and the North. We chat about the changes in the publishing industry in recent years, her path to her current role, and unpack some of the details in my Publishing Research Quarterly article, 'Publishing the North: Bias, Diversity and the North–South Divide in the UK Book Industry'. Find out more: https://www.canelo.co/books/ https://www.canelo.co/the-team/ https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12109-025-10035-7 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/canelobooks.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_louise_canelo https://www.instagram.com/canelo_co Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In Episode 91, writer Robert Welbourn joins us to discuss his latest novel, Great Romances of the 20th Century. We also delve into gender inequity in writing, understanding the world through literature and how social media is destroying our happiness. Find out more: https://srlpublishing.co.uk/product/great-romances Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/robertwelbourn.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/srlpublishing.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robert_welbourn https://www.instagram.com/srlpublishing Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In this week's episode, novelist and educator Ken Powell joins us to talk about his writing process, the similarities between theatre and publishing and why online networking is the way to go for aspiring writers. Find out more: https://linktr.ee/kendkpowell https://www.amazon.com.au/Pukur-D-K-POWELL/dp/1592111440 https://histriabooks.com/ Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In Episode 89, writer, poet and access worker Quinn Clark joins us to talk about their book 365 Days of Healing. We also delve into the vibrant Newcastle writing scene, the lack of information available about publishing and why their work in progress has more tentacles than your average novel. Find out more: https://quinnclark.co.uk https://www.waterstones.com/book/365-days-of-healing/quinn-clark/9781837993734 https://www.littlebrown.co.uk/titles/kat-brown/no-one-talks-about-this-stuff/9781408783566/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/adashofseaglass.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/summersdalebooks.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adashofseaglass/ https://www.instagram.com/summersdalebooks Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In Episode 88, HarperNorth author Naomi Kelsey comes on to talk about her novels The Darkening Globe and The Burnings. We also chat about the importance of creative writing in schools, giving female characters more agency in gothic fiction and leading by example when it comes to getting young people into publishing careers. Find out more: https://www.harpercollins.com.au/cr-164976/naomi-kelsey/ https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9780008534813/the-darkening-globe/ https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-darkening-globe-naomi-kelsey/7778520?ean=9780008534806 https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-burnings-naomi-kelsey/7442845?ean=9780008534790 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/naomikelsey.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomikelseybooks https://www.instagram.com/harpernorthuk Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In this episode, historical thriller writer Nicholas Graham discusses his novel The Judas Case. We also delve into writing authentic historical fiction, biases against partnership publishing and the limitations of a celebrity-obsessed publishing industry. Find out more: https://bookguild.co.uk/bookshop/historical/the-judas-case https://nicholasgraham.net https://literaryconsultancy.co.uk/showcase/nicholas-graham/ X: https://x.com/ThatNickGraham Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookguildpublishing Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In Episode 86, novelist Jack Byrne discusses his latest title Burning Down the House which has just been released. We also delve into class and community, Ireland and Liverpool, and how he became the first author to be published by Northodox Press. Find out more: https://www.northodox.co.uk/product-page/burning-down-the-house-paperback https://jackbyrnewriter.com/aboutme/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/northodoxpress.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/liverpool-lit.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack.byrne.writer https://www.instagram.com/northodoxpressofficial https://www.instagram.com/liverpool_literary_agency Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

This week Professor of Creative Writing at York St John University Abi Curtis joins us to talk about her new novel, The Headland. We dip into everything from writing the other and speculative fiction, to becoming a professor and the joy of helping other develop their writing. Find out more: https://www.gold.ac.uk/goldsmiths-press/publications/the-headland/ https://abicurtis.com/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/abicurtiswriter.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/goldsmithspress.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abicurtisbooks https://www.instagram.com/goldsmithspress Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In Episode 84 we highlight emerging writer Sharon Tyers as she talks about writing her memoir, The Wrong Socks. As well as her published novel, Linen & Rooks, we delve into the difficulties of writing real life, the history of Leicester and giving voice to working-class women. Find out more: https://sharontyers.wordpress.com/ https://substack.com/@toobusyworld https://www.gwales.com/goto/biblio/en/9781838248734/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharontyerswrites Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In this week's episode writer Jodie Robins joins us to talk about her book The Off Season, which is the third novella from Wild Hunt Books's Northern Weird Project. We also delve into the glam and the grim side of Blackpool, the slow pace of publishing and the incredible diversity of Northern stories waiting to be told. Find out more: https://jodierobins.substack.com/ https://www.wildhuntbooks.co.uk/books/p/theoffseason/9781739458089 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jodierobins.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/wildhuntbooks.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodierobinswriter https://www.instagram.com/wildhuntbooks_uk Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In this week's episode, novelist, artist and dramatist (to name a few) Lisette Auton joins us to talk about her novel, Lights Up. We also delve into accessibility, Northern-set stories and why it's important to make everyone feel welcome in the arts. Find out more: https://lisetteauton.co.uk/ https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/455460/lights-up-by-auton-lisette/9780241637654 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisette_auton/ https://www.instagram.com/puffinbooksuk Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In Episode 81 we take a trip to Saltburn-by-the-sea to delve into Deborah O'Connor's thriller, Dear Future Me. Find out more: https://shorturl.at/aJoK2 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/deborahoconnor.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/zaffrebooks.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborahleighoconnor https://www.instagram.com/zaffrebooks Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

Episode 80 is a sparky one as writer Jamie Jackson joins me to talk about his new novel, Adventures in LovE. We cover raves and Thatcher, the North and Ibiza, the magic of writing novels and getting stuck in to the creative process. Find out more: https://www.northodox.co.uk/product-page/adventures-in-love-paperback-pre-order https://jamiejackson.substack.com/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/northodoxpress.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiejackson___ https://www.instagram.com/northodoxpressofficial Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

Climate and creativity are the main topics of this week's episode with novelist John Ironmonger. We delve into his new novel, The Wager and the Bear, why more people should be writing about the climate crisis and how he almost deleted the email that got him an agent. Find out more: https://www.flyonthewallpress.co.uk/product-page/the-wager-and-the-bear-by-john-ironmonger https://www.johnironmonger.com/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johnironmonger.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/flyonthewallpress.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnironmonger https://www.instagram.com/flyonthewallpress Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

This week we delve into a tale of love, loss, grief, death and human fallibility with 2024 Northbound Book Award winner Rozie Kelly. We discuss her debut novel Kingfisher, writing characters from communities other than your own and the current challenges facing writers. Find out more: https://saraband.net/sb-title/kingfisher-2/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/saraband-books.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/newwritingnorth.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rozeamee https://www.instagram.com/sarabandbooks https://www.instagram.com/nwnnewwritingnorth Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

We're heading into dark and dangerous territory this week as novelist Natalie Chandler discusses her latest psychological thriller, The Voices. We delve into writing characters who can't see, the trouble with writing the second book in a two-book contract and the growing, vibrant community of writers in the North. Find out more: www.wildhuntbooks.co.uk/books/p/dontc…9781739458041 Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/mattjwesolowski.bsky.social bsky.app/profile/wildhuntbooks.bsky.social Instagram: www.instagram.com/mattjwesolowski www.instagram.com/wildhuntbooks_uk Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In this week's episode, horror writer Matt Wesolowski joins me to talk about his new novella, (Don't) Call Mum – the second in Wild Hunt Books's Northern Weird Project. We also delve into class division, Northern folklore and the depth of the horror genre. Find out more: https://www.wildhuntbooks.co.uk/books/p/dontcallmum/9781739458041 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattjwesolowski.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/wildhuntbooks.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattjwesolowski https://www.instagram.com/wildhuntbooks_uk Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In this week's episode, novelist Paul D Coombs delves into his dark, gothic thriller The Great Orme. We explore the problems with a London-centric publishing industry, the influence of landscape on his writing and why confession makes as good a topic for a thriller as a murder. Find out more: https://www.pauldcoombs.com/ https://www.northodox.co.uk/product-page/the-great-orme-paperback-pre-order Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pauldcoombs.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/northodoxpress.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauldcoombs https://www.instagram.com/northodoxpressofficial Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

We delve into the occult this week as writer Kate Van Der Borgh discusses her 'dark academia' novel, And He Shall Appear. We also discuss trends and labels in publishing, exploring class division through magic and finding your identity in the North–South divide. Find out more: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/and-he-shall-appear-kate-van-der-borgh?variant=40786310365262 https://katevanderborgh.com/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/katevanderborgh.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katevanderborgh https://www.instagram.com/harpercollinsuk Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

In this week's episode, classic crime aficionado Kate Jackson talks about her book, How to Survive a Classic Crime Novel. We also delve into the limitations around accessibility in the UK publishing industry, the power of finding a writing community and how classic crime is anything but cosy. Find out more: https://crossexaminingcrime.wordpress.com/ https://shorturl.at/vvmi3 Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

We're delving into a world of magic and mystery this week as debut novelist Ella Ruby Self joins us to talk about her book, Abraxus Elijah Honey. We chat about the resurgence of fairytale narratives, why AI should be kept out of the creative industries and why we should be aiming to become more mindful readers. Find out more: https://www.northodox.co.uk/product-page/abraxus-elijah-honey-paperback-pre-order https://www.northodox.co.uk/copy-of-steve-martin BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/local-sea-wytch.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/northodoxpress.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/local.sea.wytch https://www.instagram.com/northodoxpressofficial Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

This week on Northern Voices we encounter the first of the novellas from the Northern Weird Project at Wild Hunt Books. Stephen Howard is first past the post with his thrilling and chilling story, This House Isn't Haunted But We Are. We talk about the pressure of going first, self-publishing versus traditional and the fun of writing in the voice of inanimate objects. Find out more: https://stephenhowardblog.wordpress.com/ https://www.wildhuntbooks.co.uk/books/p/thishouse/9781739458065 BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/stejhoward.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/wildhuntbooks.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steh917 https://www.instagram.com/wildhuntbooks_uk Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

An absolutely packed episode this week with poet, pilgrim and now prose writer Jake Morris-Campbell. We delve into his new book Between the Salt and the Ash, his involvement in editing Marratide: Selected Poems of William Martin and how his pilgrimage from Lindisfarne to Durham Cathedral revealed more of the North than he could have ever bargained for. Find out more: https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526175373/ https://www.bloodaxebooks.com/ecs/product/marratide-1377 https://www.durhamminers.org/ X: https://x.com/jakecampbell88 https://x.com/ManchesterUP https://x.com/BloodaxeBooks BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/jakecampbell88.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/manchesterup.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/bloodaxebooks.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakemorriscampbell https://www.instagram.com/manchester_university_press https://www.instagram.com/bloodaxebooks Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

A real tweet (geddit?) for you this week as writer Richard Foster joins us to talk about his new story collection, The Punk Rock Birdwatching Club. We also delve into writing the Netherlands, the link between Northern music and literature and the joy of birdwatching. Find out more: https://www.ortacpress.com/product-page/the-punk-rock-birdwatching-club https://rjfoster.substack.com/ X: https://x.com/incendiarymag https://x.com/OrtacPress BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/richardjamesfoster.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/ortacpress.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardjamesfoster https://www.instagram.com/ortacpress Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

What does it mean to be Northern? In Episode 68, Yorkshire ofcumden Stephen May talks about finding a sense of Northern identity, how he doesn't consider writing a profession and his latest novel, Green Ink. Find out more: https://swiftpress.com/book/green-ink/ X: https://x.com/Stephen_May1 https://x.com/_SwiftPress BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/swiftpress.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifedeathprizes2016 https://www.instagram.com/_swiftpress Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.