In this week’s episode of The Write Club Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome the brilliant debut novelist Daria Lavelle. Born in Kyiv, raised in New York, and now an acclaimed voice in speculative fiction, Daria brings magic, wit, and emotional depth to everything she writes.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.
--------
29:09
--------
29:09
Episode 24 - The Mercy Step
In this month’s Write Club book club episode, Mary and Beth dive into The Mercy Step, the debut novel from Marcia Hutchinson. Featured in the September issue of Writing Magazine, this beautifully written work of autofiction draws on Hutchinson’s own experiences, following the life of Mercy, a young girl growing up in 1960s Bradford in a household marked by violence, neglect, and silence.Through vivid imagery, emotional depth, and moments of sharp humour, Hutchinson captures both the resilience and vulnerability of a child navigating a world where safety is never guaranteed. We discuss the book’s central themes of survival, identity, and hope, explore Hutchinson’s writing style, and reflect on the scenes that stayed with us long after reading.
--------
30:20
--------
30:20
Episode 23 - Emma Cowell
In this week’s episode of The Write Club Podcast, hosts Mary and Beth sit down with bestselling author Emma Cowell - a former actress, BBC presenter, and charity fundraiser turned novelist.Emma shares the story behind her latest book Under the Lemon Tree, a moving tale rooted in love, grief, and the evocative beauty of Greece. We talk about the power of setting, her sensory writing rituals (yes, she really does choose a signature candle scent for each book!), and how writing has helped her navigate personal loss in a way that resonates with readers.Under the Lemon Tree is out now.
--------
41:58
--------
41:58
Episode 22 - MJ Arlidge
In this gripping episode of the Write Club Podcast, we’re joined by bestselling crime author and screenwriter MJ Arlidge.Matt has spent over two decades working in television, producing major crime dramas like Silent Witness and Innocent. But he’s also a household name in the world of fiction, with his DI Helen Grace thriller series selling over 1.5 million copies in the UK alone and translated into 20+ languages.We chat to him about his latest novel Into the Fire, what draws him to crime writing, how he balances character and plot, and the difference between writing for TV and books. He also shares advice for aspiring thriller writers and tells us what he’s working on next.
--------
30:25
--------
30:25
Episode 21 - Linda Newbery
In this week’s episode of The Write Club Podcast, we’re joined by the brilliant and award-winning author Linda Newbery. With a career spanning decades, Linda has written widely for all ages - from picture books like Posy and Lob to middle-grade adventures such as Treasure House, and even adult fiction including Quarter Past Two on a Wednesday Afternoon, which was chosen for the Radio 2 Book Club.Linda speaks to us about her early days as a “secret writer,” hiding stories in her wardrobe, and how she eventually transitioned into full-time writing after working as an English teacher. She shares the inspiration behind her latest novel The One True Thing and explains what led her to co-found Writers Review Publishing - an independent, author-led collaborative born out of frustration with the traditional publishing world.We also discuss the importance of female friendship and solidarity in the writing world, a topic she explores in her recent article for Writing Magazine. Linda talks to us about her creative process, her love for strong writing communities, and the best piece of advice she’s ever received as an author.
Welcome to Write Club, the ultimate podcast for anyone passionate about the written word. Brought to you by Writers Online, in each episode we'll give you an insight into the world of writing, creativity, and publishing.Join us as we sit down with celebrated authors, literary agents, industry mentors, and creative professionals to uncover their stories, insights, and advice. Write Club delivers everything you need to spark your creativity and sharpen your skills.Tune in for expert tips, industry secrets, and candid conversations with the voices shaping today’s literary landscape. Because every great writer knows: the first rule of Write Club is to never stop writing.
UK