For the seventh instalment of Pet Projects – a bumper Christmas special – we are pleased as punch to welcome acclaimed author and Professor of Creative Writing, Jenn Ashworth and her beloved dog Brodie to our show. Originally from Preston and now living in Lancaster, Jenn’s funny, dark and moving work has gained a loyal readership and received widespread praise – in fact the evening before we chatted Chez Lucy her latest novel Ghosted: A Love Story had been recommended on BBC2’s Between the Covers.

We reflect on that but for the most part sink our teeth into Jenn’s life with Brodie, the process of writing and completing her upcoming book The Parallel Path (out with Hachette in summer 2025), and how her relationship with Brodie, walking across the north of England and her chosen path as a writer helped her come to terms with unexpected illness, burnout and a friend’s diagnosis, all of which came together in her highly anticipated new work. We also cover myths about northernness, letter-writing and how our loved ones, perhaps even without knowing it, can sometimes offer us mentoring in being ill.

There are also plenty of laughs, tips for animal custodians (and writers), and musical ditties.

A hearty & heartfelt Happy Christmas and wonderful new year from me, Ana and Lucy to all seven very special guests we’ve spoken to in Series One of Pet Projects, and to all of our listeners too. Thank you! It’s been a blast. Back in early 2025 with a brand-new episode.

Pet Projects is a collaborative project devised by writer and editor Peter Humphreys and artist and filmmaker Ana Rebolledo, who provides the artwork and video content. It is available on Spotify, SoundCloud, iTunes and elsewhere. If you’re enjoying the podcast please like, subscribe and share.

Links to discussion points/general info:

Jenn’s website: https://jennashworth.co.uk

Review of Jenn’s latest novel, Ghosted: A Love Story: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/jun/16/ghosted-by-jenn-ashworth-review-an-unnerving-love-story

An enlightening Q&A with Jenn in Lunate: https://www.lunate.co.uk/features/jenn-ashworths-shelf-life

Between the Covers episode on BBC2, featuring Ghosted: A Love Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1QWw2cV2p5Y8d3ZZ1vKBVMK/between-the-covers-2024-episode-6

Monkey Scribbling, letter-writing podcast featuring Rich & Pete: https://open.spotify.com/show/04DKzcczZ1TibwTGG3bMOS

Furbo – for pet monitoring from afar: https://furbo.com/uk/pages/about-us