Not Too Busy To Write

6 years ago comedian Helen Thorn's life was turned upside down when she discovered her then husband was having a years long affair. Within two years she had written a Sunday Times Best Seller about the experience and it's immediate aftermath - fags, dating and all - but especially about the women who hold us up when life gets us down. Now, she's written a new book reflecting on the strength gained from facing unexpected loss. Helen and I talk about just what there is to be gained from total honesty on the page, some of the women that inspired her to write this book and the calm that has descended after the chaos.
Links
How To Face Change and Come Back Stronger by Helen Thorn
Get Divorced, Be Happy by Helen Thorn
Helen Thorn on Instagram
Scummy Mummies
THE FOLD membership for writers

Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett is an author and journalist, and today we talking about her new novel Female, Nude, a sexy sultry book about seeing and being seen, which weaves visual art into a story of womanhood, motherhood and disability.
We also talk about The Republic of Parenthood, a book made up of the collected columns Rhiannon wrote for the Guardian, weaving in the personal, the political and cultural as she became a mother herself.
Links
Female, Nude by Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett
The Republic of Parenthood by Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett
Year of the Cat by Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett

James Hunt's debut memoir Love Needs No Words is the story of a unique fatherhood, caring for his two sons, both of whom are non-speaking and autistic. James talks with me about the decision to write the things he didn't feel he could say out loud to friends and family, and how those words began to reach families all over the world with a shared reality. He talks about needing that connection so much early in his journey, how he came to be able to speak about his own mental health so much more openly and how he hopes this book will reach the many Dads who struggle to be open about their experiences.
Links
Love Needs No Words by James Hunt
SAA Clothing
Stories about Autism on Instagram

Lauren Currie OBE is an entrepreneur, writer, speaker and founder of Upfront, an organisation on a mission to change the confidence of 1 million women. In her new book Be Upfront: 24 Rules of life changing confidence, Lauren picks apart the old rules of confidence that don't serve women and introduces the reader to new rules to live by.
We talk about how Lauren's confidence as a writer has grown, why she thinks self doubt is no bad thing (and some men could use a little more of it) and her different experiences of self publishing and traditional publishing.
We are giving away copies of Be Upfront on Instagram! To be grab one - follow @_laurencurrie_ and @pennywincer and comment on the competition post to enter.
Links
Be Upfront by Lauren Currie
Taylor Meets The Trick by Lauren Currie
Upfront
Lauren Currie's newsletter

Jodi Wilson is a health journalist and author of A Brain That Breathes: Essential habits for an overwhelming world. Jodi talks with me today about how after her third book was published and she was feeling depleted, she became curious about what our brains need to be creative and productive. This book is the result.
In the conversation we talk about the uncertainty, magic and hard work of writing books and how tiny pockets of breathing space can transform our creativity and lives.
It's lovely to be back for series 12!
Links
A Brain That Breathes by Jodi Wilson
Jodi Wilson on Substack - Practicing Simplicity
Jodi Wilson on Instagram
The Fold Membership for writers
Penny Wincer on Instagram