The Writing Life

Get a taste of what we do and meet hosts Simon Jones and Steph McKenna. We're a weekly podcast for anyone who writes - find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and all good podcast apps. Produced by the National Centre for Writing in the UK. Find out more at https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk

"If you write, you're a writer." This week we talk to Ashley Hickson-Lovence about the creation of his debut novel The 392, and how he had to fit writing time in and around his job of being a teacher. Ashley shares his journey from poet to teacher to novelist and talks about his next project. Interview by Florence Reynolds. Meanwhile, Simon and Steph introduce the Norfolk & Norwich Festival's City of Literature strand which was announced last week. Hosted by Steph McKenna and Simon Jones. More about our work: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/ City of Literature events: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/city-of-literature-at-norfolk-norwich-festival/ NNF: https://nnfestival.org.uk/ Music by Bennet Maples.

Poet Cat Woodward talks to Flo about taking her writing seriously and why she publishes with small presses. Plus a reading of one of the poems from her recent anthology 'Blood. Flower. Joy!' (apologies for audio quality at some points: every plane, truck and marching band decided to go past during the recording of this episode) Hosted by Simon Jones and Steph McKenna Cat's website: https://www.catwoodward.com/ Flo's website: https://floreynolds.com/ The Language of Food with Cara Marks: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/whats-on/the-language-of-food-with-cara-marks/ What we do: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk Music by Bennet Maples.

"Do not be limited by the things that surround you." That's the advice from Nuril Basri, who joins us on the podcast this week to talk about his journey from a rural village in Indonesia to leaving his job to become a writer. Nuril is talking with Kate Griffin. Hosted by Steph McKenna and Simon Jones, who also talk about the newly announced Early Career Awards judges and other exciting upcoming events. Nuril Basri was born in a village in West Java, Indonesia, and raised in a staunchly Islamic community. Nuril has worked in a variety of positions—cashier, tutor, accounts manager, waiter, etc.—the combined experience of which has served to enrich his characters and settings. Nuril is the author of six novels. Find out more about what we do: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk Music by Bennet Maples.

Agent Ed Wilson joins the pod today to discuss what an agent does, why - and when - writers need them and also how to *become* an agent. If you're about to pitch to an agent, this is essential listening! Hosted by Simon Jones and Steph McKenna. Find out more about our work: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/ Johnson & Alcock Agency: http://www.johnsonandalcock.co.uk/ Ed on Twitter: https://twitter.com/literarywhore Music by Bennet Maples.

Writer and editor Ashley Stokes joins us on the podcast to talk about the editing process, how it is essential to the writing process and the best way for writers to approach working with an editor. Meanwhile, Simon and Steph are joined by Lillie Coles, Programme Assistant, to discuss the upcoming Writer's Toolkit events and Japan Now. More about what we do: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk TLC: https://literaryconsultancy.co.uk/ Ashley's website: https://ashleystokes.net/ Imaginary Worlds podcast on Fantastical Food: https://www.imaginaryworldspodcast.org/fantastical-feasts.html Our interview with Moto from the archives: https://soundcloud.com/wcncast/moto Music by Bennet Maples.

Crime fiction author Julia Crouch shares top tips for writing compelling crime fiction. She discusses crafting conflict, intriguing twists, character development, and enhancing reading through analyzing techniques. A must-listen for aspiring writers seeking expert advice!

Julia Crouch, Queen of Domestic Noir, shares her twisty-turny career journey on becoming a writer. She discusses starting late, challenges in getting published, and the evolution from theatre to writing. Dive into her NaNoWriMo experience, agent selection process, and the thrill of signing a three-book deal. A must-listen for aspiring writers seeking inspiration and guidance.

Special guest Katri Skala joins us on the pod to talk about her work mentoring writers, and how mentoring can help writers identify their goals. Hosted by Steph McKenna and Simon Jones. Find out about our work at https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk About our mentoring services: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/mentoring/ Katri's website: https://katherineskala.co.uk/ Music by Bennet Maples.

Ed Parnell is on the pod to talk about his first non-fiction book, Ghostland. He discusses his obsession with structure, how to pitch a non-fiction book and how he switched from fiction to non-fiction. Simon and Steph also dive into the pod archive to pick out their favourite episodes of the year: Outer Wilds with Kelsey Beachum: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/article/the-writing-challenges-of-outer-wilds/ Jon Ingold from Inkle Studios: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/article/how-to-write-interactive-narratives-for-games/ Elif Shafak & Bidisha: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/article/elif-shafak-talks-metoo-identity-politics-libraries-and-inequality/ Life of Bookseller with Joe Hedinger: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/article/life-of-a-bookseller/ Val McDermid & Sian Cain: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/article/val-mcdermid-sian-cain-on-the-publishing-landscape-for-lgbtqi-writers/ Hosted by Steph McKenna and Simon Jones. Find out about our work: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/ Music by Bennet Maples.