Neil Gaiman discusses his friendship with the late Terry Pratchett and how they worked together to create Good Omens, a story of the impending apocalypse. Neil reveals how they relied on an answerphone to write the book and how Terry helped him with writers block.#PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard E. Grant, Academy Award-nominated actor and author known for his poignant memoir on grief, shares his insights on navigating loss. He discusses the unexpected moments of joy that can surface amidst sorrow, highlighting the importance of connection and support during tough times. Richard's reflective journey explores the gritty realities of caregiving, emphasizing how allowing ourselves to feel happiness can coexist with grief, ultimately making the burden a bit lighter.

Irvine Welsh, author of Trainspotting, joins Richard E. Grant to discuss his latest novel The Blade Artist, inspired by objects like The Big Issue and white socks. Welsh talks about art transforming lives, writing ultra-violence, and the difference between psychopaths and sociopaths. They explore Begbie's rehabilitation through art, the influence of Leith and Edinburgh in the novel, and the dark side of the 1990s music industry.