The Conversation with Nadine Matheson

This week on The Conversation, I'm excited to welcome the incredible Anna Caig, author of the captivating debut novel, The Wise Witch of Orkney. Join us as we dive into Anna's journey from aspiring writer to published author, reflecting on the pivotal moments that led her to this milestone.

Anna shares her experiences of the writing process, the challenges of historical fiction, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling. We explore the fascinating character of Elspet Balfour, a wise woman navigating the treacherous waters of 16th-century Scotland, as well as the historical context of witchcraft that inspired her narrative.

Anna's passion for her craft shines through as she recounts the surreal experience of holding her book for the first time and the emotional rollercoaster of bringing her characters to life. We also touch on the significance of female friendships in her writing and the responsibility she feels to honor the voices of women from the past.

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Anna's Recommendation: Small Prophets
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This week on The Conversation, I'm thrilled to welcome the dynamic duo, Jo Dinkin and Catherine Brinkworth, also known as J.D. Brinkworth, the creative minds behind the delightful new cosy mystery, The Pie and Mash Detective Agency. Join us as we explore their unique writing partnership and the intricate process of bringing their characters to life.

In our chat, Jo and Catherine share insights into their collaborative writing journey, discussing how they navigate the challenges of co-authoring while maintaining a unified voice. We dive into the importance of plotting, their approach to character development, and the joys of writing a cozy mystery set against the charming backdrop of Kent.

We also touch on their experiences with the publishing process, the thrill of seeing their book come to life, and the role of humour in their storytelling. Plus, get ready for some fun anecdotes about their research adventures, including a murder mystery weekend that inspired their book!

Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with laughter, writing tips, and a peek into the world of cozy crime. Jo and Catherine's chemistry and passion for storytelling are sure to inspire aspiring writers and mystery lovers alike!

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Joining me for a coffee break is Sunday Times Bestselling author, the talented Harriet Tyce, author of the captivating new novel, 'Witch Trial'.

We delve into the inspiration behind 'Witch Trial', set in Edinburgh, which follows a heart surgeon juror navigating a murder trial involving two teenage girls accused of witchcraft. Harriet discusses the unique blend of research and creativity that shaped her narrative, including her deep dive into jury psychology and the historical context of witchcraft.

Throughout our conversation, Harriet opens up about the emotional challenges of writing, particularly the impact of bullying and ostracism on her characters. We explore the dynamics of storytelling, the importance of character development, and how her experience on the reality show The Traitors has influenced her writing process.

Join us for an engaging discussion filled with insights into the craft of writing, the complexities of human relationships, and the power of storytelling. Don't miss Harriet's insightful take on the balance between humor and darkness in literature!

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Harriet Tyce's Recommendations:
📚 Book: Fallen Sisters by Louise Hare

📺 Show: Culinary Class Wars on Netflix
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In this episode of The Conversation, I'm joined by the talented author Nina Bhadreshwar, whose latest novel, The Day of the Roaring, dives deep into the complexities of identity, resilience, and the stark realities faced by urban youth. We discuss Nina's incredible journey from Barnsley to California, her experiences in the publishing industry, creating her own magazine and the challenges of being an underrepresented voice in literature.

Nina shares her candid thoughts on the importance of maintaining integrity in storytelling and the significance of crafting authentic characters. We explore the struggles she faced while writing her debut and the lessons learned from navigating the intricacies of the publishing world. With humor and honesty, she reflects on the need for a resilient nervous system in the arts and the transformative power of embracing one's unique voice.

Join us for an engaging conversation that highlights the beauty of creativity and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Don't miss out on Nina's insightful perspectives and her exciting new release!

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Buy The Day of the Roaring

📗OUT NOW 'THE SHADOW CARVER' - Inspector Anjelica Henley Book 4

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Watch as a full video on YouTube

This week, we’re unpacking the controversy surrounding Emerald Fennell’s "Wuthering Heights" adaptation. From historically inaccurate corsets to Margot Robbie’s "raunchy" take on Cathy, we debate how far a retelling can stray before it loses the source material entirely.

Plus, we look at how one writer used AI to publish 200 novels in a single year, allegedly earning six figures. But is she a writer? And after a century of dominance, are paperbacks shuffling toward extinction?

00:00 Intro
01:25 200 'Books' A Year - The AI Romance Gold Rush?
12:48 Pulp Fiction No More - The Death of Paperbacks?
23.35 Raunchy Brontë - Straying Too Far From the Source?
37:38 Off Script: Stranger Than Fiction
43:15 Final Chapter - Best RomComs

Links:
Can AI Chatbots Write Romance? NY Times Article
The Death of the Mass Market Paperback?
How Different Is Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” Compared to Emily Brontë’s Book?

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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