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.
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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.
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Episode 20 - Debbie Wastling
In this episode of the Write Club Podcast, Beth and Mary are joined by British historical fiction author Debbie Wastling. Originally from Yorkshire and now based in Los Angeles, Debbie brings a rich background in theatre, music, and grant writing to her fiction - creating stories that are as heartfelt as they are historically rooted.Recorded while Debbie was back in England on her East Riding Libraries Author of the Month tour, the episode explores the importance of libraries, her experiences in writing high school plays and published novels, and what inspires her to explore specific historical settings and characters. She also told us how she balances a busy grant-writing career with her creative work, her writing process (planner or pantser?), and what’s coming next.
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Episode 19 - The Drownings
In this episode Beth and Mary discuss The Drownings by Hazel Barkworth. The Drownings is an atmospheric new novel about competition, obsession and influence. We discuss the parallels between competitive swimmers and social media influencers, women’s power, anger and safety and Barkworth’s intriguing use of language.
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Episode 18 - Amy Sparkes
In this heartwarming and insightful episode of the Write Club Podcast, we sit down with bestselling children’s author Amy Sparkes. From picture books to middle grade fiction, Amy’s magical storytelling has captivated young readers across the UK and beyond - with her books even featured on CBeebies Storytime and shortlisted for major awards like the Roald Dahl Funny Prize.Amy chats with Beth and Mary about being a busy mum-of-six to becoming an award-nominated author, her passion for encouraging aspiring children’s writers, and how she co-founded the Writing Magazine Picture Book Prize. We also explore the origins of her enchanting StoryGodmother brand and her work producing the Writing for Children pages for Writing Magazine.
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.
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