Write Club Podcast

Samantha talks us through the inspiration behind The Foreshore, exploring how she researched its rich historical setting and crafted such a vivid sense of place. We dive into the art of building foreboding and tension, and discuss an important moment in her publishing journey - receiving feedback that her novel was “too dark”, and how writers can navigate criticism while staying true to their creative vision.
We also chat about Samantha’s background, her route to publication, what a typical writing day looks like (if such a thing exists!), and what she’s working on next. As always, we finish with a book recommendation for your ever-growing TBR pile.


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In this episode of The Write Club Podcast, Beth and Mary are joined by author, editor, and speaker Ann Morgan, whose work invites readers to look beyond comfort zones and question how - and why - we read the way we do.
Ann rose to international attention after setting herself the challenge of reading a book from every country in the world, an experience that led to a TED Talk and her acclaimed non-fiction book Reading the World. She has since published two novels, Beside Myself and Crossing Over, and her latest non-fiction work, Relearning to Read: Adventures in Not-Knowing, puts curiosity, uncertainty, and self-reflection at the heart of the reading experience.
Together, we discuss recognising our own blind spots and biases as readers, why moments of irritation or resistance can be powerful learning tools, and the importance of challenging narrow ideas about who books are “for”.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Amanda shares her journey as a neurodiverse writer, the challenges and triumphs she’s faced, and how her unique perspective fuels her creativity. We speak about the mission behind Reconcile Creative, discussing the importance of inclusive support systems in the writing world.
She tells us the story behind her impactful book, The Healing Workbook: Tips and Guided Exercises to Help Overcome Trauma, including her route to publication and what inspired her to write it.
We explore further into Amanda’s creative process, discussing her writing routines, including her experience with Morning Pages from The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, and how she balances her multifaceted roles with her passion for writing.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s episode of The Write Club Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome the brilliant debut novelist Daria Lavelle.
Daria’s debut novel, Aftertaste - a dark comedy about food, ghosts, and the New York culinary scene - landed in May 2025 and has already made waves for its unique blend of sharp humour, sensory storytelling, and moving reflections on grief and memory.
She talks us through her 20-year journey to publication, the inspiration behind her unforgettable protagonist Konstantin, and how taste and food help her unlock creative ideas. We also discuss the challenge of balancing comedy with emotional depth, writing about loss, and her approach to the uncanny.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

With a career spanning fiction, mentoring, and education, Ian brings a wealth of experience to the table. As a Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund at the University of East London and a regular columnist for Writing Magazine, he’s dedicated to helping writers at all levels improve their craft.
Join us as Ian shares his journey to becoming a writer, from discovering his voice to navigating the path to publication. He reflects on the influence of East London in his stories, offers advice for aspiring authors, and provides practical tips on overcoming obstacles, developing characters, and refining your craft.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe