The Conversation with Nadine Matheson

Joining me for a coffee break is the always insightful Neil Lancaster, author of the thrilling new novel, The Dark Heart. Join us as we dive into Neil's journey as a writer, discussing the evolution of his popular DS Max Craigie series and the unique challenges that come with writing about contemporary issues.

In our conversation, Neil shares his experiences navigating the publishing industry, the importance of character development, and the delicate balance of tackling serious subjects within his gripping narratives. We discuss the inspiration behind The Dark Heart, which intricately weaves themes of espionage and far-right extremism into a captivating plot that reflects current societal concerns.

Neil also opens up about his writing process, including the joys and struggles of creating complex characters and the impact of real-world events on his storytelling. We touch on the significance of addressing themes like male vulnerability and the emotional toll of policing, as well as the unexpected twists that keep readers engaged.

Neil Lancaster's Recommendation: I Swear

Follow Neil Lancaster

Buy The Dark Heart
Support the podcast - Buy me a cup of coffee ☕️.

Buy books by my guests Bookshop.org

Follow Me
Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm thrilled to welcome the talented Will Shindler, author of the chilling new novel, The Bone Queen. Join us as we explore Will's fascinating journey from script editing for The Bill to becoming a novelist, as well as his transition from writing police procedurals to delving into the world of horror.

In our conversation, Will shares insights into the writing process, the importance of failure, and how his experiences as a newsreader at BBC Radio London shape his storytelling. We discuss the challenges of creating authentic female characters and the complexities of balancing multiple genres in his writing. Will also opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of navigating the publishing industry and the thrill of seeing his work come to life.

We delve into the themes of The Bone Queen, a gripping tale about a mother searching for her missing daughter on a mysterious island, and the myth of the Bone Queen that haunts her journey. Will's unique perspective on character development and plot construction is both enlightening and inspiring and of course we talk about being 'South London and Proud' Crystal Palace Supporters 🦅

Follow Will Schindler

Buy The Bone Queen

Support the podcast - Buy me a cup of coffee ☕️.

Buy books by my guests Bookshop.org

Follow Me
Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Conversation, I'm delighted to welcome the talented Claire McGowan, author of the gripping new novel, The Other Couple. Join us as we delve into Claire's journey as a writer, reflecting on her evolution from a young storyteller in rural Ireland to a successful author with 28 published works.

In our conversation, Claire shares her experiences of the writing process, the challenges of navigating the publishing industry, and the importance of understanding genre. We discuss the nuances of writing crime fiction versus romantic comedy, and how her personal life influences her storytelling. Claire opens up about her recent diagnosis of autism and how it has reshaped her perspective on her writing and characters.

We also explore the themes of her latest book, set against the backdrop of a luxury resort where a murder investigation unfolds. Claire's insights into the psychological complexities of her characters and the societal issues reflected in her work are both thought-provoking and inspiring.

Follow Claire McGowan

Buy The Other Couple
Support the podcast - Buy me a cup of coffee ☕️.

Buy books by my guests Bookshop.org

Follow Me
Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watch as a full video on YouTube

This week on Adventures in Publishing-land, we’re heading to San Francisco to look at Bindery Books. This startup is turning "bookfluencers" into acquiring editors, letting communities choose their own bestsellers. Is this the "Taylor’s Version" of publishing, or a risky bet on "tastemakers"? Plus, we discuss top literary agencies sounding the alarm on "formulaic" and "flattened" AI-generated queries, and also return to the topic of genre snobbery, and why fantasy is making everyone think again about it.

00:00 Intro
01:17 Facile & Formulaic - Agents Ban AI Queries
12:21 The Tastemaker Model - BookTok Becomes The Editor
21.39 Myth-understandings - Fighting Genre Snobbery
34:35 - Off Script: Stranger Than Fiction
39:53 Final Chapter - A Wonderful New Take on Superheroes

Links:
Literary agents urge writers to avoid AI as they see ‘change in nature of submissions’
Bindery Books Influencer-led Publishing Model
Myth, monsters and making sense of a disenchanted world: why everyone is reading fantasy

Adventures in Publishing-land is brought to you by STET Podcasts - the one stop shop for all your writing podcast needs, featuring Page One - The Writer's Podcast, The Conversation with Nadine Matheson and more!

Follow us on Bluesky
Follow us on Instagram

Support the podcast - Buy me a cup of coffee ☕️.

Buy books by my guests Bookshop.org

Follow Me
Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Conversation, I'm excited to welcome the incredible Anna Caig, author of the captivating debut novel, The Wise Witch of Orkney. Join us as we dive into Anna's journey from aspiring writer to published author, reflecting on the pivotal moments that led her to this milestone.

Anna shares her experiences of the writing process, the challenges of historical fiction, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling. We explore the fascinating character of Elspet Balfour, a wise woman navigating the treacherous waters of 16th-century Scotland, as well as the historical context of witchcraft that inspired her narrative.

Anna's passion for her craft shines through as she recounts the surreal experience of holding her book for the first time and the emotional rollercoaster of bringing her characters to life. We also touch on the significance of female friendships in her writing and the responsibility she feels to honor the voices of women from the past.

Follow Anna Caig

Buy The Wise Witch of Orkney

Anna's Recommendation: Small Prophets
Support the podcast - Buy me a cup of coffee ☕️.

Buy books by my guests Bookshop.org

Follow Me
Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.