The Conversation with Nadine Matheson

Today I'm joined by K. Anis Ahmed. Anis shares his compelling journey through the world of writing, reflecting on both the triumphs and challenges he faced along the way. From his early days as an aspiring writer to navigating the complexities of the publishing industry, K. Anis Ahmed offers valuable insights that resonate with both seasoned authors and those just starting out.

During our engaging conversation, K. Anis Ahmed recounts the harsh realities of receiving critical feedback on his work, the emotional toll it took, and how it ultimately shaped his resilience as a writer. He emphasises the importance of building a supportive network and seeking constructive criticism, highlighting that rejection is often a stepping stone to growth and improvement. K. Anis Anmed also shares his thoughts on the significance of finding one's writing voice and the value of perseverance in the face of adversity.

We delve into his latest novel, Carnivore, which explores the life of a migrant in New York City, blending themes of ambition, identity, and moral dilemmas. Anis's unique perspective on storytelling and his ability to create relatable characters make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the art of writing and the complexities of the human experience.

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In this week's episode of Adventures in Publishing-land, we dive into the heated debate surrounding Val McDermid and the use of sensitivity readers to revise backlist titles. Should books be treated as historical artifacts, or is updating them a necessary step for modern audiences?

Plus, we’re tackling two massive shifts in the industry: We break down the "Brave New World" report, which reveals a staggering 86% of creators are already seeing their earnings hit by Gen AI. And the Literacy Crisis: Are we losing a generation of readers? We discuss the alarming reports of Gen Z arriving at college unable to read full sentences and what "scanning" culture means for the future of the book.

00:00 Intro
01:00 Brave New World? AI Already Impacting Creatives
16:23 Editing the Past - Should Old Books Be Revised?
27:52 Can't Read or Won't Read? Is There a Gen Z Literacy Crisis?
39:33 Stranger Than Fiction
44:40 Final Chapter

Links:
All 2.4m of Britain’s creative workers are at risk — and we know why
Brave New World? Justice for Creators in the age of Gen AI
Val McDermid was assigned ‘sensitivity reader’ to cut offensive language from old books
Gen Z are arriving to college unable to even read a sentence—professors warn it could lead to a generation of anxious and lonely graduates

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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Welcome back to 'The Conversation Coffee Break with Nadine Matheson'. Today, we're taking a break with the insightful Philippa Found, author of the thought-provoking book, It's Complicated: Collected Confessions of Messy Modern Love. Philippa shares her journey of collecting 250 anonymous confessions that delve into the complexities of modern relationships, from dating to breakups and everything in between.

Throughout our engaging conversation, Philippa reflects on the importance of creating a judgment-free space for people to share their stories, especially during the isolating times of lockdown. She discusses how her project began as an art initiative and evolved into a powerful collection that resonates with readers on a deep, emotional level. We explore the nuances of love, the struggles of self-acceptance, and the impact of societal expectations on our personal narratives.

Join us as we uncover the layers of Philippa's work, her motivations behind the book, and the profound connections readers have made with the stories shared within its pages. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the messy, beautiful reality of love in all its forms.

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In this episode of The Conversation with Nadine Matheson, we welcome the multifaceted Ivy Ngeow a talented author, architect, and interior designer. Ivy shares her unique journey as a creative, exploring how her background in design influences her writing process. She discusses how storytelling has always been a part of her life, from entertaining her younger brothers with imaginative tales to challenging the narratives found in literature.

As Ivy delves into her experiences, she reflects on the struggles of finding her voice as a writer and the importance of perseverance in the face of rejection. With over 80 rejections for her first book, she emphasizes the significance of resilience and the need to view each piece of writing as a separate entity, much like a cake that evolves over time.

Join us as we explore Ivy's latest novel, In Safe Hands, a gripping psychological thriller that tackles themes of identity and the complexities of modern life. Ivy's candid insights and relatable anecdotes make this episode a treasure trove of inspiration for aspiring writers and fans of literary fiction alike.

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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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