The Conversation with Nadine Matheson

In this Coffee Break episode, Nadine Matheson sits down with debut novelist Tara Menon to talk about her stunning new book Under Water, a story about friendship, grief, and the devastating power of natural disasters.
Tara shares her experiences growing up in Singapore and the impact of two significant natural disasters, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and Hurricane Sandy, on her writing process and the themes of her book.

As Tara delves into the story of Marissa and her best friend Arielle, who navigate the idyllic beauty of their island home before tragedy strikes, she reflects on the heavy responsibility of depicting real-life events in fiction. The conversation touches on the nuances of grief, particularly the loss of a friend, and the disparity in how different cultures respond to natural disasters. Tara also reveals the surprising characters that emerged during her writing journey and shares fascinating facts about manta rays that inspired her narrative.

Watch Tara Menon's recommendation: The Last of the Sea Women (Apple TV+)

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This week on The Conversation, Nadine Matheson welcomes debut author Mario Ambrosi to discuss his new children's novel, Scarlett Buckling and the Case of the Missing Pictures, Mario shares his journey from a career in communications to becoming a storyteller, revealing how his experiences in the world of social care inspired him to write a book that delicately addresses themes of dementia through a detective lens.

In this engaging conversation, Mario reflects on his early storytelling days, the influence of his childhood in South London, and how he balances humour with sensitivity in his writing. He also discusses the importance of understanding character depth and the challenges of writing for children while tackling serious subjects. With insights into his writing process, Mario emphasises the value of habit and structure, revealing how he found his voice in the literary world.

Join us as we explore the intricacies of storytelling, the significance of character development, and the joy of connecting with young readers. Mario's passion for writing shines through as he shares his experiences and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

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Buy 'Scarlett Buckling and the Case of the Missing Pictures'
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This week on The Conversation, Nadine Matheson sits down with Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Vaughan, the woman behind Anatomy of a Scandal, Reputation, Little Disasters, and her brand new novel, Based on a True Story. In this episode, Sarah shares her experiences navigating the literary world, including the challenges she faced transitioning from journalism to fiction writing. We discuss her latest novel, Based on a True Story, a psychological thriller that intertwines family dynamics with suspense, set against the backdrop of a famous children's author and the secrets that threaten to unravel her life.

Sarah opens up about her writing process, the importance of resilience, and how her personal experiences have shaped her narratives. We also explore the impact of societal expectations on women's stories in literature and the significance of authenticity in storytelling.

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Watch as a full video episode on YouTube

This week, we lead with the scandal that has the industry in a frenzy, with Hachette pulling the release of Mia Ballard’s horror novel Shy Girl after viral claims that the prose was generated by AI. We discuss the YouTube video with over a million views that started the fire, the author’s defense involving an "acquaintance," and what this means for the future of "human" storytelling.

Staying on AI (when don't we talk about AI?), we discuss the UK government's decision to axe plans for a broad AI copyright exception, and ask if this is a victory for authors. Plus, we chat about the announcement that NielsenIQ and TikTok are launching a monthly Top 20 chart in the UK that combines real sales data with social media engagement.

00:00 Intro
01:24 Victory for Authors - UK Scraps AI Exception
10:36 Not Shy of Shortcuts - Hachette Ditches AI Novel
22:46 Tok of the Pops - Official UK Chart launched
30:06 Off Script: Stranger Than Fiction
36:42 Final Chapter - Pitt-Perfect Drama

Links:
Axed AI Copyright Exemption Welcomed By Book Trade
Hachette Horror Novel Shy Girl Suspended
Official BookTok Chart Set to Launch in the UK

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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In this episode, Nadine Matheson sits down with bestselling Irish author Patricia Scanlan, one of the pioneers of modern Irish commercial fiction, to talk about her brand new book, City Girls Forever.
📚 In this conversation:
How Patricia's debut novel City Girl (1990) was darker than she ever realised
Revisiting Devlin, Maggie, and Caroline — 30+ years later and in their "powerful age"
The heavy themes hiding beneath the frothy covers: domestic violence, sexual assault, anorexia, and the strength of female friendship
What it's like to write characters who surprise even their own author
Patricia's writing process from typing at the kitchen table to writing in bed with two dressing gowns on! 😂
Her next project: fictionalised Irish goddesses 🔥
The writing advice that changed everything: "Write with fire in your veins. Edit with ice." ✍️
💬 Patricia and Nadine also bond over the unexpected plot twists that blindside you mid-draft, the universal power of storytelling, and why a good book can unite a 90-year-old and a 12-year-old.
🎬 Film recommendation from Patricia: Death at a Funeral (the British version!) a must-watch!

👇 Have you read City Girls Forever or the original City Girl trilogy? Let us know in the comments!
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