Joining me is the multifaceted Kelechi Okafor, a writer, presenter, actress, social commentator, and podcast host. Join us as we dive into Kelechi's journey, exploring her debut novel 'Awakened', a gripping tale that blends speculative fiction with crime, set against the backdrop of London.

Kelechi shares her experiences navigating the complexities of the publishing world, discussing the challenges of being a black author in a predominantly white industry. We delve into her creative process, the inspirations behind her characters, and how her personal experiences have shaped her writing. Kelechi's insights on the importance of authenticity and representation in literature are both enlightening and empowering.

As we discuss the themes of her novel, including the search for identity and the impact of societal expectations, Kelechi also reflects on her own journey of self-discovery and resilience. This episode is a celebration of creativity, courage, and the magic of storytelling, offering valuable lessons for aspiring writers and readers alike.

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Joining me for a coffee break is Jonnie Fielding, also known as Bowl of Chalk, a remarkable tour guide and author. We dive into his latest book, Why Is Downing Street Painted Black? And 364 Fun London Facts, which promises to entertain and educate readers with quirky and fascinating insights about London.

Jonnie shares his journey from a tour guide to a published author, revealing how his passion for the city and its history inspired him to compile this collection of fun facts. We discuss the challenges he faced in the publishing world, the importance of social media in building his brand, and how he transformed his love for London into a successful writing career.

As we explore the contents of his book, Jonnie uncovers intriguing anecdotes that highlight London’s rich history, from the origins of its street names to quirky tales of its architecture. He also addresses the misconceptions surrounding certain famous locations, offering listeners a fresh perspective on the city they think they know.

This episode is a delightful mix of humour, history, and inspiration, perfect for anyone looking to discover more about London or simply enjoy a good story.

Buy Why Is Downing Street Painted Black? And 364 Fun London Facts

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In this episode of The Conversation with Nadine Matheson, I am thrilled to welcome debut author Louise Hegarty, whose captivating novel Fair Play is taking the literary world by storm. Join us as we delve into Louise's journey from writing short stories to crafting her first novel, exploring the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way.

Louise shares her insights on the intricacies of plotting a murder mystery, the importance of structure in storytelling, and how her passion for detective novels shaped her writing. We discuss the emotional rollercoaster of the publishing process, from securing an agent to navigating the whirlwind of submissions and offers, and how she managed to keep her sense of self amid the chaos.

Set against the backdrop of a New Year's Eve gathering that takes a dark turn, Fair Play intertwines themes of grief and mystery as protagonist Abigail grapples with her brother's unexpected death. Louise reveals the inspiration behind her characters and the fascinating research that informed her narrative, making this episode a treasure trove for aspiring writers and fans of psychological thrillers alike.

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Don't forget that you now pre-order my new book, The Shadow Carver.

Subscribe to my Substack: The Writer's Verdict

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Watch as a full video on YouTube

On this week's episode we share some exciting awards news involving Tariq and Marco (both winners at the recent Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival!), Nadine reveals a new cover (check her instagram to see it!), plus we discuss the latest in the Anthropic settlement, wonder about whether cosy crime is a reductive term, and in the wake of the Evelyn Clark author reveal, wonder whether marketing gimmicks work for the general public. Plus, Nadine finds another strange story to inspire some fiction, and we pay tribute to Robert Redford with a discussion of our favourite movies featuring him.

00:00 Intro

00:26 Bloody Scotland Prize Winners!

05:26 Is the Anthropic AI settlement in trouble?

17:38 Richard Osman says "cosy crime" is a reductive term - is he right?

28:01 Evelyn Clark reveal - are hidden author reveals marketing genius or gimmicks?

38:22 Off Script - Nadine finds another stranger than fiction story for inspiration

44:56 Off Script - Robert Redford - Our Favourite Movies

Links:

Judge stalls Anthropic settlement

Sign up for Anthropic settlement

Richard Osman says cosy crime is reductive

Evelyn Clark reveal

Nadine's Stranger Than Fiction story

Adventures in Publishing-land is brought to you by STET Podcasts - the one stop shop for all your writing podcast needs, featuring Page One - The Writer's Podcast, The Conversation with Nadine Matheson and more!

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Kathryn Sharman joins me for the first coffee break of season four to talk about her debut novel The Family at Number 23, a compelling psychological thriller, exploring the complex relationships between the characters Laura and Iris, two friends navigating the challenges of life, motherhood, and the pursuit of status.

Catherine shares her journey of writing this novel, revealing how personal experiences and the intricacies of the housing market shaped her narrative. We discuss the psychological depth of her characters, the unexpected twists that emerged during the writing process, and the fine balance between planning and letting the story unfold organically.

As Iris grapples with feelings of inadequacy and jealousy after her friend Laura's seemingly perfect life, an encounter with an elderly woman leads to a series of morally dubious decisions that spiral out of control.

Buy The Family at Number 23

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Welcome back to The Conversation with Nadine Matheson!

In this episode, I am delighted to welcome the talented author Clemence Michelon, whose latest novel Our Last Resort is captivating readers everywhere. Join us as we explore Clemence's journey from journalist to novelist, delving into the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her writing career.

Clemence shares her unique insights on managing the pressures of success, especially after the acclaim of her debut novel, The Quiet Tenant. We discuss the emotional rollercoaster of publishing, the intricacies of writing dual timelines, and how her experiences as an immigrant have influenced her storytelling.

In Our Last Resort, we follow siblings Frida and Gabriel as they attempt to mend their fractured relationship during a stay at a remote hotel, only for their plans to unravel when a murder occurs. Clemence reveals the inspiration behind her characters and how her own life experiences inform her narratives, creating a rich tapestry of human emotion and connection.

This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for aspiring writers and anyone interested in the art of storytelling.

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Welcome to Season Four of The Conversation with Nadine Matheson!

In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome author Amy Jordan, whose gripping new novel, The Dark Hours, is making waves in the literary world. Join us as we delve into Amy's fascinating writing journey, exploring the twists and turns that led her to become a published author.

Amy shares her insights on the realities of the publishing industry, the importance of resilience, and the unexpected challenges that come with crafting compelling narratives. We discuss how personal experiences shape storytelling and the significance of trusting your creative instincts, even when the path seems uncertain.

In The Dark Hours, we meet Julia Hart, a retired detective drawn back into a chilling case that has haunted her for decades. As a copycat killer emerges, Julia must confront her past and the shadows that linger from her career. Amy reveals the inspiration behind her characters and how real-life experiences have influenced her writing.

With candid reflections on the highs and lows of being a writer, this episode is a treasure trove of advice for aspiring authors and seasoned writers alike.

Buy The Dark Hours

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Welcome to the Summer Break Rewind!

While The Conversation takes a short summer break, I’ll be sharing fan-favourite episodes from Season Three, along with brilliant conversations from Page One: The Writer’s Podcast. Season Four returns in September until then, enjoy the rewind!

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In this episode of 'Coffee Break', New York Times Bestselling author of Blacktop Wasteland, Razorblade Tears and All The Sinners Bleed, S.A. Cosby joins me to talk about his new book 'King of Ashes'.

Whether you're already a devoted fan or discovering SA Cosby for the first time, this episode offers rare insights into the mind of a writer who continues to redefine contemporary crime fiction while never losing sight of the human heart beating beneath the darkness.

King Of Ashes

A son returning home. A dangerous debt. Secrets about to ignite . . . and a family consumed by flames.

Roman Carruthers left the smoke and fire of his family's crematory business behind in his hometown of Jefferson Run, Virginia. He is enjoying a life of shallow excess as a financial adviser in Atlanta until he gets a call from his sister, Neveah, telling him their father is in a coma after a hit-and-run accident.

When Roman goes home, he learns the accident may not be what it seems. His brother, Dante, is deeply in debt to dangerous, ruthless criminals. And Roman is willing to do anything to protect his family. Anything.

A financial whiz with a head for numbers and a talent for making his clients rich, Roman must use all his skills to try to save his family while dealing with a shadow that has haunted them all for twenty years: the disappearance of their mother when Roman and his siblings were teenagers. It's a mystery that Neveah, who has sacrificed so much of her life to hold her family together, is determined to solve once and for all.

As fate and chance and heartache ignite their lives, the Carruthers family must pull together to survive or see their lives turn to ash. Because, as their father counseled them from birth, nothing lasts forever. Everything burns.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Take a moment to complete The Conversation survey and share your views about the podcast. http://bit.ly/theconversationwithnadinematheson-survey

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