The Conversation with Nadine Matheson

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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This week on The Conversation, I'm thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented Tayari Jones, author of the New York Times Bestselling novel, Kin. Join us as we delve into Tayari's journey as a writer, discussing her evolution from a young storyteller to a celebrated author whose works resonate deeply with readers.

In our engaging conversation, Tayari shares her experiences navigating the complexities of the publishing industry, the importance of friendship in her latest novel, and the challenges she faced while writing Kin. We explore the themes of love, identity, and the significance of women's stories, as well as the ways in which her personal experiences have shaped her writing.

Tayari also opens up about her unique writing process, the impact of societal expectations, and the joy of creating characters that reflect the richness of human relationships. We discuss the pressures of success after the publication of her award winning 'An American Marriage', the role of mentorship, and the importance of maintaining one’s creative spirit amidst the noise of the literary world.

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This week on The Conversation, I'm thrilled to welcome the multi-talented Andi Osho, author, comedian, and actress, as we dive into her latest novel, Most Wanted. Join us as we explore Andi's journey from post-production in television to becoming a celebrated writer, comedian, and actress, and the unique challenges she faced while navigating this transition.

In our conversation, Andi shares her insights on the importance of storytelling, her journey to the comedy stage, and the inspiration behind her latest work, which tackles the struggles of a millennial couple trying to secure their place in an increasingly difficult landscape. We discuss the themes of desperation and ambition that drive the characters to embark on a crime wave as a misguided solution to their problems, all while keeping the narrative humorous and engaging.

Andi also opens up about her writing process, the research that informed her characters, and the importance of addressing social issues through fiction. We touch on her experiences in therapy and the significance of self-care for creatives, as well as the need for representation in discussions about perimenopause, a topic she passionately advocates for.

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Watch as a full video on YouTube

This episode of Adventures in Publishing-land dives deep into the battle for the "human soul" of the industry, featuring a frontline interview on the newest weapons in the author’s arsenal. We sit down with Anna Ganley and Sam Blake from the Society of Authors to discuss their new "Human Authored" scheme which launched at the London Book Fair. We explore the strategy behind the new logo and the message behind "Don't Steal This Book," the empty protest volume signed by thousands of authors including Kazuo Ishiguro and Richard Osman.
Speaking of the London Book Fair, we also tackle the "Six-Figure Fever" that grips the industry every spring. If the headlines about massive advances are making you feel disheartened, we discuss why you need to ignore the hype and focus on your own journey. Plus, we look into the class-action lawsuit facing Grammarly and Superhuman, and discuss the latest legal action by publishers against a pirate books site.
00:00 Intro
00:53 The LBF Hype Cycle - Run Your Own Race
07:24 Human Authored - Our interview with the Society of Authors
36:12 Walk the Plank - Suing Anna's Archive
44:20 Grammarly's Gamble - Not So Superhuman
51:57 Off Script: Stranger Than Fiction

Links:
Human Authored - learn more about the scheme and how to sign up
Thirteen US Publishers Bring Suit Against Anna's Archive
Grammarly Superhuman Expert Review Article
And why they are being sued

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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Joining me for a coffee break is the always insightful Neil Lancaster, author of the thrilling new novel, The Dark Heart. Join us as we dive into Neil's journey as a writer, discussing the evolution of his popular DS Max Craigie series and the unique challenges that come with writing about contemporary issues.

In our conversation, Neil shares his experiences navigating the publishing industry, the importance of character development, and the delicate balance of tackling serious subjects within his gripping narratives. We discuss the inspiration behind The Dark Heart, which intricately weaves themes of espionage and far-right extremism into a captivating plot that reflects current societal concerns.

Neil also opens up about his writing process, including the joys and struggles of creating complex characters and the impact of real-world events on his storytelling. We touch on the significance of addressing themes like male vulnerability and the emotional toll of policing, as well as the unexpected twists that keep readers engaged.

Neil Lancaster's Recommendation: I Swear

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