The Conversation with Nadine Matheson

In this episode of The Conversation with Nadine Matheson, we welcome the talented author Viola van de Sandt, who shares her journey from aspiring storyteller to published novelist. Viola discusses her debut novel, The Dinner Party, a captivating exploration of identity, self-discovery, and the chaos of a dinner party gone awry.

In this engaging conversation, Viola reflects on her early days of storytelling, the challenges of writing in a fragmented structure, and the emotional rollercoaster of navigating the publishing world. She shares her thoughts on the importance of perseverance in the face of rejection and the significance of finding the right support system in her writing journey. Viola's candid insights into her creative process and her experiences with imposter syndrome resonate deeply with anyone pursuing a creative path.

Join us as we delve into the complexities of character development, the nuances of storytelling, and the joy of writing that connects us all. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration for aspiring authors and fans of literary fiction alike.

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We're back! On this week's episode, we discuss the show everyone is talking about - The Traitors! With crime author Harriet Tyce's appearance, we chat about the impact it has had on her book sales, and also wonder which reality show we would choose to go on to boost our publicity (there is also some spoiler discussion about this season of the UK Traitors, so be careful if you are not up-to-date!)

Plus, we talk about big money's interest in Romantasy, and whether that will crowd out the market for other genres, and also discuss the rapid rise of scam marketing emails that are being sent to authors thanks to AI…

00:00 Intro
01:34 Dollars & Dragons - Is Big Money Skewing Fiction?
16:52 The Flattery Trap - Predatory Promo Offers
27:30 Killer Marketing? - The Traitors Effect
44:14 Off Script - Nadine finds another stranger than fiction story for inspiration
49:33 Off Script - Final Chapter: What we've been watching and reading

Links:
Chernin Group invests in Romantasy publisher Entangled
Authors hit with deluge of scam emails from fake marketers
Why crime writers make good Traitors contestants

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!

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The start of the New Year means the a brand new series of the hit show 'The Traitors' which means that we're reloading one of our most captivating discussions with the talented Sunday Times Bestselling author and 'Faithful' Harriet Tyce. Harriet shares her journey from barrister to bestselling crime author, highlighting her latest release, A Lesson in Cruelty.

In this insightful conversation, Harriet delves into the complexities of writing unlikable characters, the judgments faced by authors, and how her experiences in law have shaped her storytelling. We discuss the challenges of navigating the publishing world, the impact of rejection, and the importance of resilience in both writing and life. Harriet's candid reflections on creativity and the struggles of balancing success with personal challenges make this episode a must-listen for aspiring authors and fans of crime fiction alike.

Join us as we explore the nuances of character development, the unpredictability of publishing, and the joy of writing that brings Harriet back to life. This episode is a rich tapestry of inspiration and insight, perfect for anyone passionate about storytelling.

AND THERE'S MORE
Next month Harriet Tyce will be joining Nadine Matheson for a Coffee Break to talk about her brand new book, Witch Trial and you will have the opportunity to put your questions to Harriet. Send your questions to [email protected] or leave a DM on any of our social media channels.

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In this episode of The Conversation with Nadine Matheson, we are joined by the brilliant author Lucie Whitehouse. As we navigate through the complexities of writing, Lucy shares her journey from aspiring writer to published author, discussing her latest book, Last Witness, the third in her captivating series featuring Robin Lyons.

Lucy opens up about the challenges of writing while living abroad, the emotional connection to her characters, and how personal experiences shape her storytelling. We explore the impact of societal issues on her work, particularly in the current political climate, and how her characters reflect the complexities of the world around us. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Lucy emphasizes the importance of authenticity in writing and the struggle of overcoming self-doubt as an author.

This episode is a rich exploration of creativity, resilience, and the power of words, providing inspiration for both writers and readers alike. Lucy's insights into the writing process and her personal anecdotes will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever embarked on a creative journey.

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In our first episode of 2026 we are joined by the incredible author Adele Parks, as we explore her journey through the literary world and the release of her 25th novel, Our Beautiful Mess. Adele shares her experiences of storytelling from a young age, the challenges she faced in her career, and the evolution of her writing style from romantic comedies to psychological thrillers.

We delve into the significance of connection, both in her personal life and through her characters, as well as the importance of maintaining a voice in a competitive industry. Adele reflects on the lessons learned from grief, her journey as a writer, and how she balances the demands of her career with the joys of life, especially during the festive season.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling. Listeners will be inspired by Adele’s candid insights and her commitment to her craft, making it the perfect start to the year.

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Paperback (pre-order: 12 March 2026)
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