The Conversation with Nadine Matheson

This week on The Conversation Coffee Break, Nadine Matheson chats with the multifaceted author Gavin Bell, whose highly anticipated novel 138 Main Street is set to release on May 7, 2026. Gavin, who also writes under the pseudonyms Mason Cross and Alex Knight, shares the intriguing story behind his latest work and the unique challenges of writing under multiple identities.

In this episode, Gavin discusses the inspiration behind 138 Main Street, a gripping mystery thriller that begins with a shocking quadruple murder in a wealthy Long Island neighborhood. As the plot unfolds, listeners will learn about the complexities of investigating crimes that share a common address across the United States, and the societal implications of such events. Gavin reflects on the evolution of his characters, particularly Zoe Hill, an inexperienced police officer who finds herself at the center of the investigation.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Gavin reveals his writing process, the importance of research, and the surprising facts he uncovered while crafting this novel. He also touches on the challenges of writing in a setting far removed from his own experiences and the creative freedom that comes with it. This episode is a deep dive into the mind of a writer navigating the intricacies of storytelling, identity, and the art of suspense.

Gavin Bell's Recommendation: Crime 101

Buy 138 Main Street

Follow Gavin Bell

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, Nadine Matheson sits down with the inspiring Aisha Hassan, author of the poignant debut novel When the Fireflies Dance. In this engaging discussion, Aisha reveals her unique journey from a career in banking to becoming a storyteller, sharing her insights on the writing process and the importance of perseverance.

Aisha opens up about the challenges of writing her first book, the moments of self-doubt, and the transformative power of creativity. Aisha never considered herself a writer, she was maths and sciences all the way. But a story that had been living rent-free in her head for years simply refused to let go. Despite juggling a career, raising children , and battling the little gremlins that sit on every writer's shoulder, she eventually enrolled on an MA in Creative Writing, rewrote the book from scratch, faced rejection after rejection from agents... and then got the call.

As Aisha shares her thoughts on success, she emphasises the importance of staying true to one's passion and the need to keep writing, regardless of the obstacles faced. This heartfelt conversation is a testament to the resilience of writers and the beauty of storytelling.

Buy When the Fireflies Dance

Follow Aisha Hassan
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, Nadine Matheson welcomes the talented P.J. Vernon, author of the gripping novel Bath Haus. In this candid conversation, P.J. Vernon opens up about his journey to sobriety, the challenges of writing dark fiction, and the transformative power of storytelling.
P.J. Vernon shares his personal experiences with rejection and the evolution of his definition of success as a writer. He reflects on the importance of authenticity in writing and how it can serve as a healing process, especially when confronting difficult themes such as addiction and betrayal. The discussion also delves into the complexities of character development, particularly in crafting flawed individuals who navigate their own dark impulses.

As P.J. Vernon discusses the inspiration behind Bath Haus, he reveals the intricate dynamics of relationships, the struggle for self-acceptance, and the societal pressures that shape our identities. He emphasises the value of being honest in storytelling and the catharsis that comes from exploring uncomfortable truths. This conversation is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of literature to connect us all.

Follow P.J. Vernon

Buy Bath Haus by P.J. Vernon

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, Nadine Matheson dives deep with author Stig Abell to discuss his gripping new novel, A Twist in the River. In this episode, Stig shares his journey from journalism to fiction writing, revealing how his experiences have shaped his storytelling and the themes he explores in his work.
Stig tells the story of how he accidentally became a crime novelist, writing for pure pleasure during COVID lockdown, emailing chapters to his wife each evening so she could read them in the bath. He never planned to publish. Then someone bought it.
We talk about what it's actually like inside the writing process: why Stig loves the first draft most (when no one is judging you), what it took to delete 40,000 words on his editor's advice, and why imposter syndrome never fully goes away even when you're on your fifth book.
The conversation takes a darker turn when we get into AI. Stig makes a compelling and unsettling case for why white-collar jobs — law, accountancy, publishing — face serious disruption within years, and raises the question: will publishers eventually use AI to cut out writers altogether? Are books heading the way of vinyl?
We also explore how the rise of true crime YouTube and social media is changing crime fiction, the law, and community grief and how both of us are weaving these shifts into our work.
Stig closes with the best piece of advice he'd give his younger self: "Don't worry so much. It's going to happen anyway."

Buy 'A Twist in the River'
Follow Stig Abell

🎧Stig Abell's Spotify Writing Playlist
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 episode on YouTube

This week, we’re diving into the unmasking of one of the world’s most successful authors. Freida McFadden, the bestselling author behind The Housemaid, has officially revealed her true identity as Dr. Sara Cohen. We wonder 'why now', talk about imposter syndrome, and discuss why authors use pseudonyms.

Plus, we of course chat about some AI-related stories: we go over some of your comments about our last episode on the Shy Girl scandal, talk about the allegation that editors are using LLMs to help them decide which books to pick up, and talk about scam emails again - this people pretending to be editors.

00:00 Intro
00:46 Shy Girl Fallout - Audience Comments
14:17 Chat G-P-Cheat? - Are Editors Using LLMs?
25:05 Something Phishy - Fake Editor Emails Spike
33:58 Not Just The Housemaid - McFadden's Secret Revealed
45:10 Stranger Than Fiction - Nadine's Idea Factory
50:57 Final Chapter - Stellar Adaptations

Links:
Some editors 'uploading confidential manuscripts to Chat GPT'
Scam emails impersonating editors on the rise
The Housemaid author Freida McFadden reveals real identity

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

—--------------

Link for YouTube collaboration:

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.