The Conversation with Nadine Matheson

• Martta Kaukoren: The Voice in the Night: A Writer's Awakening

  What happens when the voice of a character is so powerful it shatters years of self-doubt? Finnish author Maarta Kaukonen never thought she could write a novel until the night she heard her protagonist Ida, a 20-year-old serial killer, speak to her so clearly that she had to get up and record the words. This moment transformed everything for Kokkonen, who struggled with learning disabilities as a child and spent years believing becoming an author was impossible.In this captivating conversation, Maarta and I explore how the limiting stories we tell ourselves can prevent us from pursuing our dreams, and how sometimes the right catalyst can break through those barriers. Maarta Kaukonen's journey from film critic to internationally published author (her debut "Follow the Butterfly" has now sold in 15 countries and been optioned for television) demonstrates that creative paths rarely follow straight lines.Follow The ButterflyCan she cure a killer?Renowned therapist Clarissa Virtanen isn't afraid to explore the darkest side of humanity. Haunted by the death of a young patient, she will do whatever it takes to save the most vulnerable.But when Ida - angry, damaged and seemingly suicidal - walks into her office, Clarissa may have met her match. For Ida has secrets. Murderous secrets, which mark her like a bloodstain.Somehow, Clarissa must find the key to unlock Ida's past. So she makes a bargain with her - six months to stop Ida taking her own life. But what if she has entered a game more deadly, and more evil, than she could ever imagine?Follow Maarta KaukonenSend us a textSupport the show"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.https://ko-fi.com/nadinemathesonDon't forget to subscribe, download and review. You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you’ll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Follow Me:www.nadinematheson.com BlueSky: @nadinematheson.com Substack: @nadinematheson Instagram: @queennadsThreads: @nadinematheson Facebook: nadinemathesonbooksTikTok: @writer_nadinematheson

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• Mari Hannah: Crafting Crime and Life Changing Moments

  In this captivating episode, Mari Hannah, a bestselling author and former probation officer, takes us on a journey through her unique path to success in the literary world. She reveals how her earlier career as a probation officer, has deeply influenced her storytelling, allowing her to craft authentic narratives that resonate with readers. With her sixteenth book, 'Her Sister's Killer', Mari delves into the emotional challenges of character development, the significance of prologues, and the intricate relationship between writing and real-life experiences.Join us as we explore the ups and downs of her publishing journey, including personal anecdotes that highlight both the triumphs and struggles she faced along the way. Mari Hannah shares her perspective on the ever-evolving crime fiction landscape, emphasising the importance of resilience and a strong belief in oneself while navigating the complexities of the publishing industry. Whether you’re a budding writer or a devoted reader, there's something for everyone in this engaging conversation. Remember to subscribe and join our community for more inspiring conversations.Her Sisters KillerWhat brings people together often throws them apart, especially when it involves family. Newly promoted Inspector Frankie Oliver has been consumed by rooting out her sister's killer and bringing them to justice. But when new evidence comes to light, and her former boss DCI David Stone embarks on an investigation into the tragic unsolved murder without her knowledge, the ties that bind them begin to fray.After decades without answers, who knows where the trail might lead? And will knowing the answers be the very thing that breaks Frankie irreparably?Follow Mari HannahSend us a textSupport the show"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.https://ko-fi.com/nadinemathesonDon't forget to subscribe, download and review. You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you’ll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Follow Me:www.nadinematheson.com BlueSky: @nadinematheson.com Substack: @nadinematheson Instagram: @queennadsThreads: @nadinematheson Facebook: nadinemathesonbooksTikTok: @writer_nadinematheson

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  1:11:43
• David Goodman: Writing is Like Being a Spy, But Without the Cool Gadgets!

  Dive into the fascinating world of espionage and writing with David Goodman, author of "A Reluctant Spy". Our conversation reveals David's enlightening journey from aspiring writer to published author, shedding light on the intricacies of crafting a compelling spy thriller in today's publishing landscape. David shares candid stories about navigating the complexities of rejection and persistent self-doubt, all while maintaining a passion for storytelling. The episode is rich with practical insights for emerging authors, emphasising the importance of resilience and genuine creativity in the writing profession. Discover the allure of spy fiction and the endless learning opportunities within the publishing world by tuning in to this insightful discussion. Join us to be inspired, motivated, and equipped with actionable tips to help you on your writing journey. Don’t forget to subscribe, share and leave a review to support the podcast and engage in this vibrant literary community.A Reluctant SpyJamie Tulloch is a successful exec at a top tech company, a long way from the tough upbringing that drove him to rise so far and so quickly. But he has a secret...since the age of 23, he's had a helping hand from the Legend Programme, a secret intelligence effort to prepare impenetrable backstories for undercover agents. Real people, living real lives, willing to hand over their identities for a few weeks in return for a helping hand with plum jobs, influence and access.When his tap on the shoulder finally comes, it's swiftly followed by the thud of a body. Arriving at a French airport ready to hand over his identity, Jamie finds his primary contact dead, the agent who's supposed to step into his life AWOL and his options for escape non-existent.Pitched into a deadly mission on hostile territory, Jamie must contend with a rogue Russian general, arms dealers, elite hackers, CIA tac-ops and the discovery of a brewing plan for war. Dangerously out of his depth, he must convince his sceptical mission handler he can do the job of a trained field agent while using his own life story as convincing cover.Can Jamie play himself well enough to avoid being killedSend us a textSupport the show"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.https://ko-fi.com/nadinemathesonDon't forget to subscribe, download and review. You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you’ll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Follow Me:www.nadinematheson.com BlueSky: @nadinematheson.com Substack: @nadinematheson Instagram: @queennadsThreads: @nadinematheson Facebook: nadinemathesonbooksTikTok: @writer_nadinematheson

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  1:25:46
• Josie Lloyd: Timeless Tales, Mix-Tapes and Midlife Marvels

  What happens when a penniless writer from the 90s transforms into a celebrated author who masters the art of storytelling across genres? Josie Lloyd joins us to unravel her fascinating journey, from enjoying the wild ride of early media appearances to battling personal challenges that fuelled her creative spirit. With Josie by our side, we explore the ins and outs of the literary world, including the unexpected hilarity of public engagements and the solitary comfort of writing. We share laughs over leopard print boots and intriguing insights into the dynamics of writer partnerships that have shaped her successful career.Josie and I also take a closer look at the shifting landscape of the publishing industry, the inspiration behind "Miss Beeton's Murder Agency," and we reminisce about the nostalgic charm of mixtapes and celebrate authentic portrayals of vibrant midlife women. Miss Beeton's Murder Agency Alice Beeton never anticipated finding herself single and childless past fifty.A distant relative of the famous Mrs Beeton, Alice had once envisioned a perfect household of her own. Instead, she resides in her pristine flat in a rather shabby Kensington block, with Agatha, her brilliant, if overly protective, corgi-Jack Russell mix.Alice runs the Good Housekeeping Management Agency, supplying discreet domestic staff to luxurious townhouses and grand country estates. When Camille Messent urgently needs a new housekeeper, Alice sends Enya, a bold young woman with stellar references and fluency in French.But Alice's quiet New Year's Day is shattered when news breaks that Enya has been found dead. With the scruffy but intriguing Detective Rigby struggling to conduct a proper investigation, and the wealthy family closing ranks, Miss Beeton, along with her astute companion Agatha, takes it upon herself to crack the case.After all, it takes an organised mind to solve a well-planned crime…Follow Josie LloydSend us a textSupport the show"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.https://ko-fi.com/nadinemathesonDon't forget to subscribe, download and review. You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you’ll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Follow Me:www.nadinematheson.com BlueSky: @nadinematheson.com Substack: @nadinematheson Instagram: @queennadsThreads: @nadinematheson Facebook: nadinemathesonbooksTikTok: @writer_nadinematheson

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  1:10:51
• Dom Nolan: From Filmmaking Dreams to Novelist Realities

  Ever wonder how detailed research can ignite a writer's imagination while crafting tales from the annals of history? Join our conversation with the gifted author Dom Nolan as he uncovers the magic behind writing historical fiction set against London's vivid past.  Listen in as Dom dispels myths about the rigidity of planning in storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on the intricate dance between creativity and historical accuracy and insights behind his new novel, White City.Through Dom’s story, we explore the unpredictable nature of creative careers and the resilience needed to navigate them, showing how each hurdle, including writing unpublishable novels, became a stepping stone toward eventual success. We also lift the veil on the evolving and often perplexing landscape of the publishing industry, where trust and timing can elevate a book's journey. White CityIt's 1952, and London is victorious but broken, a city of war ruins and rationing, run by gangsters and black-market spivs.An elaborate midnight heist, the biggest robbery in British history, sends newspapers into a frenzy. Politicians are furious, the police red-faced. They have suspicions but no leads. Hunches but no proof.For two families, it is more than just a sensational headline, as their fathers fail to return home on the day of the robbery.Young Addie Rowe, daughter of a missing Jamaican postman and drunk ex-club hostess mother, struggles to care for her little sister in a dilapidated Brixton rooming house. Claire Martin, increasingly resentful of roads not taken, strives to make the rent and keep her teenage son Ray from falling under unsavoury influences in Notting Dale. She finds herself caught between the interests of dangerous men who may know the truth behind her husband's disappearance: Dave Lander, whose reserved nature she finds difficult to reconcile with his reputation as a violent gang enforcer, and Teddy 'Mother' Nunn, a sociopathic, evangelising outlaw and top lieutenant in Billy Hill's underworld.Drawn together through the years in the city's invisible web of crime and pSend us a textSupport the show"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.https://ko-fi.com/nadinemathesonDon't forget to subscribe, download and review. You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you’ll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Follow Me:www.nadinematheson.com BlueSky: @nadinematheson.com Substack: @nadinematheson Instagram: @queennadsThreads: @nadinematheson Facebook: nadinemathesonbooksTikTok: @writer_nadinematheson

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  1:04:20

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