Sara welcomes international bestselling author, Maggie O'Farrell, to the Book Club. They discuss a brand new writing prize, set up in Hilary Mantel's name, which is open to all unpublished budding writers.

Maggie gives some great writing advice, talks us through her own writing routine - and - reveals her Top Five Reads Of The Year (so far)!

1. 'Glorious Exploits' by Ferdia Lennon 2. 'Clear' by Carys Davies 3. 'We The Animals' by Justin Torres 4. 'The Two Roberts' by Damian Barr 5. 'Charles Dickens: A Life' by Claire Tomalin

2026 is an exciting year for Maggie - not only is the film adaptation of her novel 'Hamnet' coming out, but she's also publishing a new novel - and Sara gets the lowdown on both of these new projects too!

Maggie O'Farrell on Writing