What happens when a maternity leave transforms a hobby into a bestselling career? Join us as we sit down with Sunday Times and New York Times Bestselling author Ruth Wa re, the mastermind behind "The Woman in Cabin 10," and uncover her fascinating journey from aspiring writer to literary sensation. Ruth opens up about the childhood conversations that ignited her passion, the determination that propelled her second book to success, and the unique challenges of transitioning from YA to adult ficti...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 77
Ever wondered what it takes for a dream to withstand the test of time? Author Michael Wood joins me, Nadine Matheson , on the Conversation to share his two-decade-long writing journey. Despite discouraging advice and numerous rejections, Michael's story is a testament to resilience and perseverance. We talk about his early days in journalism, the trials of being an introvert at book festivals, the changing landscape of publishing finally welcomed his work. Listeners will get a sneak peek into my...
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 76
Ever wondered how a former politician transitions into a successful crime novelist? Today, I, Nadine Matheson , am joined in conversation with the the multifaceted Alan Johnson , who shares his compelling story from the political arena to becoming an acclaimed author, driven by the encouragement of a pivotal teacher. We talk about his new novel, 'Death On The Thames ' and our shared love of libraries. Throughout our conversation, we touch upon the intricate craft of writing detective fiction, th...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 75
Bestselling and award winning author and journalist Saima Mir joins me, Nadine Matheson , in a candid, heartfelt conversation as we delve into the importance of inclusivity, representation, and the need for creative freedom. We also share personal stories about character development, the unexpected joys it brings, and the vital role of a robust support system in an author's personal and professional growth. Navigate the unpredictable landscape of writing and publishing as we discuss the ups and ...
Jul 01, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 74
Ever wondered what it's like to transform your teenage dream into a bestselling reality? Join me, Nadine Matheson, as I have an incredibly honest conversation with renowned psychological thriller author Laura Marshall . From the nostalgic pages of her teenage diaries to the intricate balance of a long career and personal ambitions, Laura’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. We delve into the nitty-gritty of her writing process, the debate between being a pantser versus a plotter, her new nov...
Jun 24, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 73
Ever wondered how a chance encounter can reignite a passion and alter the course of your life? Join us for an engaging conversation with debut author Shani Akilah as she reflects on pivotal moments of discontent that led her to question her life's purpose and eventually pursue writing full-time. Sharni opens up about how a talk by Bernadine Evaristo sparked her writing journey , the joy she found in mentoring young writers and her debut collection of short stories, 'For Such A Time Like This.' W...
Jun 17, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 2Ep. 72
30% off The Kill List You can get 30% off my brand new book The Kill List on harpercollins.co.uk for a limited time. Add code TKL30 at checkout. harpercollins.co.uk What does resilience in the face of rejection look like? Join me, Nadine Matheson, and award winning author, is Kellye Garrett , the acclaimed author of "Hollywood Homicide," as we discuss the emotional rollercoaster of becoming a published author. From our own experiences of facing repeated rejections to celebrating critical acclaim...
Jun 10, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 71
What happens when an accomplished law student, teacher, and mother pivots to a career in writing? Meet Rachel Wolf , also known by her pen name Rachel Blok , who shares her compelling journey from penning police procedurals to creating standalone thrillers. Discover how her maternity leave sparked a prolific writing career, allowing her to publish one book per year since 2018. We dive into the influence of COVID-19 on her work, her adventurous research methods—including an investigative cruise—a...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 70
Have you ever found yourself at the crossroads of passion and profession, wondering if the risk of following your dream is worth taking the leap? Today I'm in conversation with Ola Tundun , a writer who turned the page from private musings to public acclaim, to bring you an episode that shines a light on the raw, often untold stories of making it in the publishing world. From the emotional rollercoaster of securing a book deal to the courage required to surmount rejection and criticism, Ola's jo...
May 27, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 69
Ever wondered what it's like to wander the labyrinth of the publishing world, with all its highs and lows? That's exactly where I, Nadine Matheson , alongside my guest, Sunday Times Bestselling author, Jo Callaghan take you in our conversation about the exhilarating rollercoaster of an author's life. Jo and I talk about her crime fiction debut, 'In the Blink of An Eye' , the sequel Leave No Trace , the influence of AI in publishing and the human attributes it can never replicate. We also critiqu...
May 20, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 68
In 2017 Caz Frear won the Richard and Judy 'Search for a Bestseller' competition. Her debut novel, Sweet Little Lies was followed by Stone Cold Heart. Embarking on the creation of a second novel often feels like navigating through a darker, more complex sequel to the joyous tale of writing a debut. Caz Frear and I peel back the curtain on the pressures and pleasures that accompany of being a writer. Listen as we dissect the emotional rollercoaster Caz's breakthrough experiences post-writing comp...
May 13, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 67
Navigating the labyrinth of the publishing world can be daunting, but with the insights shared in this episode from author and commercial fiction publishing director, Phoebe Morgan , aspiring writers and book enthusiasts alike will find a guiding star. Phoebe and I unravel the nuances of writer-editor dynamics, discussing everything from handling rejection to the realities of book deals and fifth novel, The Trip . We don't hold back as we lay bare the strategic underpinnings of the publishing ca...
May 06, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 66
Ever wrestled with the decision to switch lanes mid-career, or felt the tug of a creative calling that defies expectations? Chioma Okereke is a poet and author who transitioned from the structured world of law to the fluid realm of literature. We take you through the peaks and valleys of releasing a novel, and the realities of authorship in our digital age—yes, including that tricky dance of social media for writers. Chioma and I talk about the resilience needed to navigate the unpredictable tid...
Apr 29, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 65
In today's conversation, Sunday Times and New York Times Bestselling author S J Watson and I navigate the uncertain waters of a writer's psyche, we swim through the currents of success and the hold it has on our sense of self. It's a raw look at the myths of writing and publishing, and the significance of authenticity in a world that often prioritizes market appeal over original voice. S J Watson's debut novel, Before I go to Sleep was a global phenomon that has sold over 6,000,000 copies and wa...
Apr 22, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 64
For Sunday Times Bestselling author, Erin Kelly , every book launch feels like stepping into the spotlight for the first time, each page a new opportunity to captivate an audience or fall flat. This episode is an expedition through the complexities of authorship, examining the delicate equilibrium between the creative spirit and the unforgiving marketplace. Together, Erin Kelly and I uncover the ambitious path of securing book deals, confront the stark realities of writers' earnings, and celebra...
Apr 15, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 63
Sunday Time Bestselling author Harriet Tyce joins me as we share our journeys from the legal world to the literary landscape, revealing the resilience required to embrace the vulnerabilities of writerhood. Whether it's transitioning from barrister to full-time parent, or confronting the fear of unveiling our innermost thoughts to readers, we dissect the emotional and professional pivot points that led us to where we are today. Her debut novel, Blood Orange was a Sunday Times bestseller and long ...
Apr 08, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 62
Our latest episode with Sunday Times bestselling author, C.L. Taylor , uncovers the raw emotions and steadfast determination behind her shift from romantic comedy to gripping crime fiction. C.L. Taylor opens up about the tumultuous voyage from being dropped by an editor to reviving her career with a surge in ebook sales, providing an authentic roadmap for writers navigating the unpredictable tides of the publishing world. Her latest novel, "Every Move You Make," draws from her own daunting exper...
Apr 01, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 61
In the intricate dance between public fascination with crime and the harsher truths of the streets, Neil Lancaster and Nadine Matheson ponder the poignant narratives that informed his career in law enforcement—the young lives ensnared in cycles of violence, the societal underpinnings of crime, and the quest for redemption. Neil's forthcoming book, "The Devil You Know, promises a tale that not only grips the reader but highlights the consequential nature of missing persons cases. We dissect the u...
Mar 26, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 60
From the relentless pulse of a detective's career to the imaginative realms of crime fiction, my first returning guest, Graham Bartlett invites us into the shadows where his experiences as a former detective fuse with his storytelling prowess. Our conversation unfurls the complexities of his latest novel, "City on Fire," with a focus on the emotional labor of writing from a place of authenticity. We tackle the obstacle course of accurately portraying intense scenes, steering clear of unnecessary...
Mar 19, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 59
Have you ever found yourself standing at the crossroads of a dream, wondering if the path to success is truly meant for you? S.A. Cosby , the man who journeyed from hardware store aisles to the New York Times Bestseller list, sits with me, Nadine Matheson , to share the twists and turns of such a trek. We exchange stories of encouragement from unexpected places and the profound influence a single teacher can have on a fledgling writer's destiny. S.A. Cosby is the author of three New York Times B...
Mar 12, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 58
This week my guest Erin Young and I peel back the curtain on the publishing world's highs and lows, sharing the tenacity required to navigate rejection and the emotional fortitude to absorb critiques even after topping the charts. From embracing a tough exterior to the strategic shifts like adopting a pen name for different genres, we explore the nuanced decisions that shape an author's career, especially when crossing from the world of historical fiction to contemporary thrillers. Erin Young is...
Mar 05, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 57
Tim Glister is a novelist who wishes he was a spy. Tim's debut novel, Red Corona , was published in 2021 and was the first novel in the Richard Knox spy series and won 'The People’s Book Prize First Time Author Award'. The second novel in the series, A Loyal Traitor , was a 'The Times Thriller of The Month' and was long listed for the Crime Writers Association Ian Fleming Steel Dagger 2023 award. The third novel in the series, A Game of Deceit , is available now. A Game of Deceit In this cracker...
Feb 27, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 56
Martine Bailey is a crime fiction author. Martine studied English Literature while playing in bands on the Manchester music scene. She qualified in psychometric testing and over her career assessed staff for a top security psychiatric hospital. Martine's earlier novels, The Almanack and The Prophet were historical fiction and her new novel Sharp Scratch is set in the more recent past of the 1980's. Sharp Scratch Six candidates. One job. A killer prepared to murder their way to the top. Salford, ...
Feb 20, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 55
Dorothy Koomson is an international bestselling and award winning author. Dorothy's twenty year career began in 2023 with the publication of her debut novel, The Cupid Effect . Her third novel, My Best Friends Girl , was a Richard and Judy Summer Reads Book Club pick and her novel, The Ice Cream Girls was adapted for TV and shown on ITV in 2013. Dorothy Koomson has been hailed as the Queen of the Reveal and her 19th novel, Every Smile You Fake , will be published on 15 February 2024. Every Smile...
Feb 13, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 54
Katy Brent is the bestselling author of 'How To Kill Men And Get Away With It' which has been described as a A deliciously dark, hilariously twisted story about friendship, love, and murder. Katy is a freelance journalist who started work in women's magazines back in 2005. She works on every millennial's favourite teenage magazine, Sugar and in 2006 won a PTA award for 'New Journalist Of The Year'. 'How to Kill Men And Get Away With It' was published in 2022 and quickly became a runaway success....
Feb 06, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 2Ep. 53
Orlando Murrin is a food writer, broadcaster and now a novelist with his debut novel, Knife Skills for Beginners. Orlando's culinary adventures began when he was a Masterchef semi- finalist in 1992 which led to life as a chef, restaurateur and writer. Orlando writes for Waitrose Weekend, has written six cookbooks and is the co-host of the BBC Good Food Podcast. Orlando's debut novel, Knife Skills for Beginners , is available from 1 February 2024. Knife Skills for Beginners A recipe for disaster....
Jan 30, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 52
This is a bonus episode to celebrate my birthday and the first anniversary of 'The Conversation with Nadine Matheson Podcast.' Ashley Tate worked for over a decade as an editorial writer and editor for various publications as well as Canada's first online magazine. Her debut novel, Twenty Seven Minutes has been described as 'truly gripping and deeply satisfying' and she's been hailed as a new voice in literary suspense , She lives with her husband, two children, and their dog, in Toronto, Canada...
Jan 29, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 51
Antony Johnston is a prolific and New York Times Bestselling writer whose name can be found on the cover of comic books, graphic novels, video games and fiction. His graphic novel, The Coldest Day, was adapted into the movie, Atomic Bomb . Antony has written Daredevil, Wolverine and Shang-Chi for Marvel Comics, the Alex Rider graphic novels and the video games, Resident Evil Village and Dead Space. Antony is also the author of the Brigitte Sharp spy trilogy and his new cozy mystery series, The D...
Jan 23, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 50
Leonie Swann is the bestselling author of Glennkill/Three Bags Full . Her debut novel Glennkill sold 100,000 copies in six months when published in her native Germany. Now Cambridge, UK based, Leonie's fifth novel, The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp was published in September 2023. The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp One murder to solve and another to cover up. It’ll be tricky, but the OAP residents of Sunset Hall are going to give it their best shot. Sunset Hall is a house-share for the old and unruly...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 49
MARGARET WILKERSON SEXTON studied creative writing at Dartmouth College and law at UC Berkeley. Margaret practiced as a lawyer until she made the decision to change careers and become an author. Her debut novel, A Kind of Freedom , was long-listed for the National Book Award and the Northern California Book Award, won the Crook's Corner Book Prize, and was the recipient of the First Novelist Award from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. Margaret's new novel, On the Rooftop , w...
Jan 09, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 48
