In this illuminating conversation with crime author Marnie Riches, we dive deep into the unpredictable world of professional writing and publishing. With remarkable candor, Marnie shares the rollercoaster journey that's taken her from writing children's books under a pseudonym to becoming an award-winning crime novelist with 22 publications to her name.

"Writers are gamblers," Marnie reveals early in our discussion. "Even on days where we don't love writing because it is a grind, there's always the gambler in us thinking next time, next time, the next spin of the wheel." This gambling analogy perfectly captures the persistent hope that keeps authors going through rejection, disappointment, and the countless variables beyond their control.

Our conversation takes fascinating turns as we discuss the politics of book covers, the challenges of switching genres, and how class background shapes risk-taking in creative careers and her latest novel, "The Gardeners Club," a cozy crime mystery that represents yet another pivot in her versatile career.

The Gardeners Club

Gardening is dirty work – but should it be deadly?

When Gill Swanley decides to take up gardening to fight a midlife malaise, she never expected it to become quite such a dangerous hobby.

Pushing herself to 'get out there', Gill picks herself up the secateurs and joins the Bromley Botanists. Here she finds a seven-strong group whose main agenda is how to win the coveted Golden Trowel for best community club of the year.

But when a dead body turns up in the community greenhouse, they suddenly have more serious matters to consider than victory. They must uncover whether their arch-rivals, Croydon, are taking things to another level or whether someone more dangerous is targeting their rag tag group.

Can they dig up the truth before someone else is left pushing up the daisies?

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