Episodes

  • Episode 11 - John Ironmonger
    May 19 2025

    In this episode of The Write Club, we’re exploring the world of climate fiction with the brilliant John Ironmonger, author of The Notable Brain of Maximilian Ponder, the international bestseller Not Forgetting the Whale (The Whale at the End of the World), and his latest companion novel, The Wager and the Bear.

    Join Beth and Mary as they chat with John about what climate fiction (or "cli-fi") is and why it's a powerful tool for addressing the climate crisis, how a tiny Cornish village became the backdrop for his story of global catastrophe and much more.

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    23 mins
  • Episode 10 - Ian Ayris
    May 12 2025

    In this episode of The Write Club, we sit down with the brilliant Ian Ayris, author of three novels, two novellas, dozens of magazine articles, and over forty short stories. With a career spanning fiction, mentoring, and education, Ian brings a wealth of experience to the table. As a Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund at the University of East London and a regular columnist for Writing Magazine, he’s dedicated to helping writers at all levels improve their craft.

    Join us as Ian shares his journey to becoming a writer, from discovering his voice to navigating the path to publication. He reflects on the influence of East London in his stories, offers advice for aspiring authors, and provides practical tips on overcoming obstacles, developing characters, and refining your craft.

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    31 mins
  • Episode 9 - The Best of Everything Bookclub
    May 6 2025

    Join Mary and Beth as they dive into the second episode of Write Club’s Book Club series! This month, we’re spotlighting The Best of Everything by the acclaimed British-Irish author Kit de Waal.

    Discover the story of Paulette, a single mother navigating love, loss, and unexpected connections, in this beautifully written novel that explores the transformative power of kindness. Beth and Mary are joined by special guest Eden Barnes, owner of Next Chapter Books in Leeds, to discuss their favourite moments, standout characters, and the emotional depth of the story.

    Grab a cup of tea, your favourite notebook, and join us as we celebrate storytelling at its finest!

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    29 mins
  • Episode 8 - Simon Whaley
    Apr 28 2025

    This week, we’re joined by bestselling author, freelance writer, and self-publishing expert Simon Whaley! Known for his book One Hundred Ways For A Dog To Train Its Human and his insightful Business of Writing feature in Writing Magazine, Simon shares his journey to full-time writing, the balance between self-publishing and traditional publishing, and what keeps him inspired.

    Don’t miss this insightful and inspiring conversation.

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    52 mins
  • Episode 7 - Amanda Marples (Part 2)
    Apr 21 2025

    In this inspiring episode, we continue our conversation with Amanda Marples, author of The Healing Workbook: Tips and Guided Exercises to Help Overcome Trauma. Amanda shares the journey behind her impactful book, including her route to publication and what inspired her to write it.

    We explore further into Amanda’s creative process, discussing her writing routines, including her experience with Morning Pages from The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, and how she balances her multifaceted roles with her passion for writing.

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    21 mins
  • Episode 6 - Amanda Marples (Part 1)
    Apr 15 2025

    In Part 1 of this inspiring episode, we’re joined by Amanda Marples - a mental health professional, mentor, published author, and the creator of Reconcile Creative, a mentoring service tailored for neurodiverse writers.

    Amanda shares her journey as a neurodiverse writer, the challenges and triumphs she’s faced, and how her unique perspective fuels her creativity. We speak about the mission behind Reconcile Creative, discussing the importance of inclusive support systems in the writing world.

    Join us next week for Part 2 of this inspiring and insightful conversation.

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    26 mins
  • Episode 5 - James Murphy
    Apr 7 2025

    This week on Write Club, we’re joined by Northern Irish crime writer James Murphy!

    James is the author of the gripping Farset Investigations series and the psychological thriller How To Be Dead. He’s also the host of the podcast A Life of Crime (Writing), a mentor for aspiring writers, and a driving force behind the Northern Ireland Festival of Writing.

    In this episode, James shares his journey from school principal to author, his creative process, and how music influences his storytelling. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at the adaptation process for turning James' novel How To Be Dead into a short film and his advice for breaking into the crime-writing genre.

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    42 mins
  • Episode 4 - Nesting Bookclub
    Mar 31 2025

    This week on Write Club it's our first-ever Bookclub episode! Join Mary and Beth as they discuss the powerful debut novel Nesting by Roisin O’Donnell, recently longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction.

    Nesting tells a gripping story inspired by the complexities of home, independence, and survival during crisis. With rich themes, evocative imagery, and unforgettable characters, this novel has left a lasting impact on readers.

    Listen through to the end to find out how you can win a copy of Nesting and join in on the conversation!

    Haven’t read it yet? Pick up your copy now and come back to enjoy this spoiler-filled discussion.

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    28 mins