How To Fail With Elizabeth Day

Dame Jacqueline Wilson is the beloved children’s author of over 100 books and the creator of one of the most memorable characters of all time: Tracy Beaker. But it wasn’t until her 40s that Jacqueline became a bestseller. Now, at 75, she remains as indefatigable as ever. Her latest book, The Primrose Railway Children, a reimagining of E. Nesbit’s children’s classic, is published next week.She joins me to talk about her failure to be practical, her failure as an actress and her failure to be healthy. In person, she's just as charmingly unforgettable as her fictional heroines. Enjoy!--The Primrose Railway Children by Jacqueline Wilson is out on 16th September. You can preorder it here.--My new novel, Magpie, is out now. You can order it here.---How To Fail With Elizabeth Day is hosted by Elizabeth Day, produced by Naomi Mantin and Chris Sharp. We love hearing from you. To contact us, email howtofailpod@gmail.com---Social Media:Jacqueline Wilson @FansofJWilsonElizabeth Day @elizabdayHow To Fail @howtofailpod       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, to mark the publication of my new novel Magpie, I bring you an EXTRA-SPECIAL TREAT in the form of the wonderful Tanya Reynolds.Tanya is a brilliant actress who plays Lily in the hit Netflix show Sex Education and was recently seen on our screens as Mrs Elton in the remake of Emma, starring Anya Taylor-Joy. She's ridiculously talented, an all-round legend and also, as my tremendous good luck would have it, the audiobook narrator for Magpie - this episode even includes an exclusive chapter.Tanya joins me to talk about her failure to get into drama school, her failure to make decisions, the life-changing art of improv and her failure to 'spend her time wisely'. Highly relatable and hilarious. Enjoy!---If this episode whetted your appetite, you can buy the rest of Magpie on audiobook hereYou can also order it in other formats here---How To Fail With Elizabeth Day is hosted by Elizabeth Day, produced by Naomi Mantin and Chris Sharp. We love hearing from you. To contact us, email howtofailpod@gmail.com---Social Media:Tanya Reynolds @tanyaloureynoldsElizabeth Day @elizabdayHow To Fail @howtofailpod        Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My first guest for Season 12 is mind-blowing in the truest sense of the word. Derren Brown has had a 20-year television and stage career, during which he has deployed magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection and showmanship with extraordinary - and sometimes - controversial results. He played Russian roulette live on screen. He predicted the results of the National Lottery. He convinced law-abiding citizens to rob a bank. He's also a painter and bestselling author. All of the facets of his career have been linked by his intense curiosity about human nature. His new release, A Book of Secrets, considers the value of difficulty in our lives so, yes, he's PERFECT for How To Fail!He joins me to talk about failed driving tests, social anxiety and what failing on stage has taught him about life. This was such a profoundly stimulating conversation - and I hope it blows your mind as much as it did mine.---Derren's new book, A Book of Secrets, is available to order here.---My new novel, Magpie, is out TOMORROW. You can order it here.---How To Fail With Elizabeth Day is hosted by Elizabeth Day, produced by Naomi Mantin and Chris Sharp. We love hearing from you. To contact us, email howtofailpod@gmail.com---Social Media:Derren Brown @derrenbrownElizabeth Day @elizabdayHow To Fail @howtofailpod       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, an amazing writer, discusses her experience with grief after her father and mother's deaths. She shares her struggles with fertility, frustration with writing speed, and even touches on Kim Kardashian. This emotional listen explores the depths of grief and the challenges of balancing creativity and parenthood.

Bestselling author and memoirist Maggie O'Farrell joins Elizabeth Day to discuss resurrecting untold women's stories, balancing writing and parenthood, and redefining success as a writer. O'Farrell shares her personal journey, reflecting on the impact of illness on her life and the physical repercussions she still faces. They delve into the emotional weight of losing a child, the importance of connecting with readers, and the joy of freely expressing oneself through writing.

Dolly Alderton, author of Everything I Know About Love, joins Elizabeth Day to discuss the disconnect between success and sensitivity, social media management, understanding her extreme personality, the concept of 'creative monogamy', and her failed attempts at baking birthday cakes.

Martine Wright, survivor of the 7/7 London terrorist bombings, shares her extraordinary story of resilience and transformation. Topics discussed include living with loss, finding resilience and strength, embracing failure, rehab and recovery, and choosing to live a fulfilling life beyond pain. A truly inspiring conversation.

Paris Lees, award-winning journalist and Contributing Editor for British Vogue, joins Elizabeth Day to discuss her memoir, toxic relationships, missed deadlines, and the power of compassion. They also delve into the significance of the book jacket's attention-seeking color and the importance of editing in writing. A fascinating conversation about identity and growth.

Christie Watson, a nurse turned bestselling author talks about failures in nursing, motherhood, and being diagnosed as peri-menopausal. She discusses the hero narrative for healthcare workers, the impact of the Me Too movement, and shares humorous stories about being a single parent. The chapter also explores her journey to becoming a nurse and the privilege of nursing.

Guvna B, MOBO-award winning rapper, discusses toxic masculinity, grief, and finding blessings in the struggle. They explore vulnerability, faith, identity, race, and inter-generational trauma. The conversation also touches on failures in exams, driving tests, and mobile phone storage, as well as approaching difficult conversations and expressing gratitude.