What! The Heys

Send us Fan MailEver fancied writing a bestselling Romantasy novel, but you're not sure how?In this episode, Australian Romantasy author J.M. McGregor gives the lowdown on how she wrote her debut novel, 'Ash and Tide', together with some important tips on how to place your work in local bookshops, utilize beta readers, and use 'show not tell' on a more consistent basis.Perfect for lovers of Fantasy, Romance, and creators everywhere.You can find out more about the author’s life and work here: www.jmmcgregor.comhttps://a.co/d/07CxIR30Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailShould writers completely accept or reject using AI in their writing? In this episode of the highly successful writing podcast, 'What! The Heys', the YA author Heys Wolfenden discusses the pros and cons of using AI not just in your writing but also in the wider publishing process. He also reflects on some of his struggles with the podcast, not least booking guests, and how to use the sense of smell in your writing.Perfect for writers and creators everywhere. Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the highly successful 'What! The Heys' podcast, LA native Arielle Miller gives the lowdown on her recent book, 'F*ck Me: A Memoir', which chronicles her various post-divorce relationships. She also gives her candid opinion on the #metoo movement, her experiences editing the book, and her current work in progress which revolves around the lives of four middle-aged women in LA.Perfect for readers and creators everywhere.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailWant to know how to improve your writing but not sure where to start? In this episode of 'What! The Heys', Fantasy and Romance author K.J. Holmes breaks down all the amazing ways you can improve your writing from attending writing retreats, hiring an editor, and entering various writing competitions. What's more, she also discusses her writing routine, the key texts that have influenced her work, and how A.I. continues to affect the publishing industry.Perfect for writers and creators everywhere.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailWant to write a fantasy series, but not sure where to start? In this episode of the hugely engaging, 'What! The Heys' podcast, Indiana native Ryan Null breaks down how he plans and writes his fantasy series (think characters, plot lines, world building and maps) despite his hectic family life. What's more, he also shares some of his tips for new writers, including how he distributes his novels across the USA and the UK, as well as his experiences giving talks at various book shops around the world. He is also not shy about giving his thoughts on AI and how it's rise threatens the integrity of the writing and publishing process. Perfect for writers and creators everywhere.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailShould writers embrace AI in their books, or should they reject it completely?In this episode authors A.L. Lieske, Ryan Null, and Heys Wolfenden discuss the ethical implications of using AI in writing and publishing, along with some ideas on how to market your books effectively. Perfect for writers and creators everywhere.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailWant to know what it feels like be a pop star at the height of fame? In her gripping trilogy, The Rise and Fall of Dani Truehart, Michele Kwasniewski delivers a heartfelt, unflinching look at the highs and lows of teenage stardom.Join me as I sit down with Michele to explore everything from writing compelling YA fiction to navigating the growing influence - and risks - of AI in storytelling.A must-listen for writers and readers everywhere.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailWant to write books that actually sell?In this episode, Las Vegas authors Allen and Brian Manning reveal the secrets behind their success - from writing for your ideal reader to turning brutal reviews into artistic fuel.Their John Stone action thriller series doesn’t just perform—it dominates, with standout indie sales and an impressive 4.2/5 average on Amazon.If you want to write fast-paced, addictive fiction—and make it work in the real world—this is one you can’t miss.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailChristoffer Vuolo Junros doesn’t just place ads on social media to promote his Origin Andromeda trilogy- he also distributes his books to local libraries. On top of that he also believes in engaging with other authors on social media, who then in turn purchase his books (and rate them highly!). Check out my interview with him where he discusses these strategies along with his passion for science fiction and getting beta readers to give him valuable feedback.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailHayden Croft has got it all: he’s a screenwriter, director, and a novelist. Oh, and when he’s not working on his next successful film, he’s also cranking out poems and short stories about Los Angeles, the city that he’s adopted since his move from Phoenix, Arizona.In this episode we discuss his life as a screenwriter and director, together with his debut novel, NoHo Confetti, a dark comedy that revolves around some of the tragic characters that frequent North Hollywood. Perfect for movie enthusiasts and creators everywhere. Not to be missed. Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, YA writer and poet Heys Wolfenden dives into a wide-ranging conversation inspired by questions from fellow authors A. L. Lieske, David Pariseau, and Mars Wilson. From his years living in China to the moment he first decided to become a writer, Heys shares the experiences that shaped both his life and his work.He reveals how he builds memorable characters, discusses the writers who influenced him most, and speaks candidly about the challenges of querying literary agents. The conversation also explores his published works, including the Jack Strong YA/Middle Grade sci-fi series and his poetry collection Made in China.Insightful, honest, and packed with advice for writers and creators, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailTravis Byram has lived all over the world (USA, Thailand, China, Qatar...) and now writes from the beautiful city of Izmir, Turkey. As well as writing short stories, he compiles his own dream journal, and is a voracious reader of fiction. In this episode we discussed some of the latest books that he’s read, the influences on some of his recent writing, and some of the trends in modern publishing. When he's not crafting short stories, he's teaching English and psychology, and learning more about Turkish culture. Perfect for writers and creators everywhere. Not to be missed. Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, YA writer and poet Heys Wolfenden tackles some of the biggest talking points for writers and creators today. From practical ways to grow your podcast audience to the frustrating reality of writers who never return social media follows, nothing is off the table. He also dives into one of the most debated rules in storytelling—show, don’t tell—and explores whether it’s always the golden rule writers believe it to be. Honest, thought-provoking, and packed with insights for writers and creators everywhere, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailDavid Pariseau is a successful entrepreneur and rising voice in science fiction. His debut novel, Dreams of Verdure (2025), launched the epic Ndesa series, captivating readers with its imaginative jungle world and sweeping character-led story. The saga continues in 2026 with the highly anticipated sequel, Songs of Flint. Perfect for writers and sci-fi lovers everywhere.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailAnsuya Patel is a British Indian poet who resides in London, U.K. Her debut collection, 'Wolves At My Door' published by Indigo Dreams won the Geoff Stevens Memorial Prize in 2024. In her poems she writes about her upbringing and heritage, as well as nature and her travels abroad. Perfect for poets and creators everywhere."Everything can be a poem." - Ansuya PatelSupport the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailCurtis Chin is the author of the coming of age/coming out memoir, 'Everything I learned, I learned In A Chinese Restaurant' about his upbringing in Detroit in the 1980s. He also writes screenplays for TV and is currently working on a new documentary about Chinese cuisine around the globe. In this episode he discusses his amazing book and his love and admiration of Chinese food culture worldwide. Perfect for writers and creators everywhere.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, YA author and poet Heys Wolfenden shares his New Year’s resolutions for 2026, reflects on thought-provoking ideas from previous guests—A. L. Lieske, Travis Byram, and Sarah James—and offers a behind-the-scenes look at his writing process. Insightful, honest, and packed with inspiration, it’s a must-listen for writers and creators everywhere.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailSarah James (also published as Sarah Leavesley) is a prize-winning poet, fiction writer, journalist and photographer. Nine out of ten of her solo poetry titles have won or been shortlisted/highly commended for an award, including her latest full-length collection Darling Blue (Indigo Dreams Publishing, 2025). Her many individual poem competition wins include the Pre-Raphaelite Society’s Poetry Prize 2024. A poetry film-maker and reviewer, Sarah has run the Worcestershire Poetry Society Stanza for over 15 years. She’s also the editor and managing director of V. Press, which is currently celebrating 10 years of publishing solo-authored poetry and flash fiction titles. Website: www.sarah-james.co.uk.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailA. L. Lieske is a mystery-indie author whose work fuses psychological intrigue with classic mystery. She draws upon a lifelong engagement with research and nonfiction writing, including philosophical and theological reflections, family histories, journals, and obituaries, as well as professional experience preparing reports on family health, human development, health disparities, and workplace AI practices, primarily for nonprofit organizations addressing societal inequities. Though fascinated by crime from an early age, she did not venture into fiction until 2025, bringing to her atmospheric, thought-provoking storytelling a keen understanding of truth, illusion, and the human condition. Her debut novel, The Lattice Scheme was published in 2025.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailWriter and artist Ariella Gibson lives a life many of us dream of—making art from a home abroad. But how does that constant shift in perspective actually shape her work? In this episode Ariella and I chat about the direct line between her nomadic lifestyle and her creative output, principally short stories and photography. We also play a brilliant game of "book to movie casting," which leads us into a masterclass on intuitive story structure, and the essential books that fuel her hybrid practice. A compelling look at the stories we live and the stories we make. Not to be missed.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, YA author and poet Heys Wolfenden dives into some of the most debated questions in modern writing: what kind of language should writers be using in their work? Should readers stop engaging with controversial authors like Neil Gaiman and J.K. Rowling? And with AI rapidly entering the publishing world, is its rise inevitable—or something writers should resist?Perfect for writers and creators everywhere.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailTravis Byram doesn't just get ideas from books, but from his own dream journal! He's lived all over the world (USA, Thailand, China, Qatar...) and now writes from the beautiful city of Izmir, Turkey. Oh, and when he's not crafting amazing short stories, he's teaching English and psychology. Our conversation was a masterclass in how to live a productive creative life. Perfect for writers and creators everywhere.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailWant to write with more clarity and confidence? In this episode YA author and poet, Heys Wolfenden shares the best writing advice he's ever received. Listen to this episode to find out about all the simple ways you can use to improve your writing.  Perfect for writers and creators everywhere.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailWhat's the worst writing advice you've ever heard? In this episode YA author and poet, Heys Wolfenden offers a deep dive into all the bad writing advice he's ever received, whilst also showing how you can use this to benefit your own writing. Perfect for writers and creators everywhere.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailWant to know how to create the perfect children's book? In this episode the children’s author and artist, Eric Zhang tells you how. Eric has published and illustrated several children’s books, including his most recent work, ‘I Want To Go To The Moon’. All his books have been published in several languages, including English, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Dutch and Turkish. Perfect for children's authors and creators everywhere. Not to be missed.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailHas your novel been rejected more times than you can count? You’re not alone. In this episode, YA author and poet Heys Wolfenden discusses how writers can cope with rejection from literary agents and publishers, how to research your novel effectively, and whether Creative Writing MAs and MFAs are really worth it. Essential listening for writers and creators everywhere.Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailAfraid of what the future brings for the writing and publishing world with the advent of AI? In this episode the YA author and poet, Heys Wolfenden discusses how writers can survive in this brave new world, whether we learn more as writers from reading brilliant or terrible literature, and whether we should ignore the rule about writing about what we know. Perfect for writers and creators everywhere. Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailStruggling to finish the great American novel? Well, you’re not alone. In this episode YA author and poet, Heys Wolfenden breaks down some of the simple ways you can become a more disciplined (and therefore more successful) author. He also discusses the merits of writing in the 1st person vs the more popular 3rd person, and whether you should cut or add to your manuscript when you approach the editing phase. Perfect for writers and creators everywhere. Not to be missed. Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR

Send us Fan MailAre your books not selling? Tired of one star reviews? In this episode YA author and poet, Heys Wolfenden breaks down the three things every writer must do in order to become successful. Recommended listening for writers and creators everywhere. Support the showIf you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Giant, about a 12 year old boy’s adventures on a strange, alien spaceship:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M22USREAnd my poetry collection, ‘Made in China’, which features 50 sonnets on life in modern China:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DMLPYZR