Write Club Podcast

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

This week on the Write Club Podcast, we’re joined by Melanie Blake, bestselling author and former talent agent. Melanie talks to us about her fascinating journey from working in the entertainment industry to creating the hit Ruthless trilogy, including the latest instalment, Vengeful Women.Discover how she draws inspiration from real-life experiences while crafting gripping commercial fiction, her tips for developing strong, memorable characters, and how she found her unique writing style. Listen now and take a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a bonkbuster! 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

This week on the Write Club Podcast, Mary and Beth chat with novelist and journalist Zoe Apostolides, author of The Homecoming - beautifully eerie and emotionally rich debut that has captivated us this Halloween season.Zoe talks us through:🏚️ The inspiration behind Elver House, and how physical spaces can mirror emotional and cognitive decline🧠 Memory, legacy, and dementia as central themes in her novel🐍 Why she chose eels - yes, eels! - as a recurring, unsettling symbol🦠 How writing during lockdown shaped the book’s tone of isolation📚 Her evocative writing style, route to publication, and what she’s working on nextThis episode is full of insight for writers who love atmospheric fiction, rich symbolism, and stories anchored in a strong sense of place.If you’re interested in haunted houses, slow-building dread, and the craft of writing deeply layered fiction, this is an episode you’ll love. 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

Join Mary and Beth on the latest episode of the Write Club Podcast as they chat with Harriett De Mesquita, author of The Magickal Summer of Evie Edelman. Harriett chats to us about how writing became a form of self-expression long before her adult autism diagnosis and how newfound self-knowledge has transformed her creative process.From exploring the role of voice in diary-style storytelling to discussing her experiences with synesthesia, Harriett shares how her unique perspective informs her characters and narrative. She also talks about the importance of featuring a misunderstood protagonist, her journey to publication, and offers a book recommendation for fellow writers and readers. 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