Take a look here to see how I can help you publish your book!

This week’s guest is the brilliant Russ Litten – author, screenwriter, editor and long-time writer-in-residence in prisons across the UK. We discuss his latest novel The Crime Writer, a gritty, compelling story inspired by his first-hand experiences working with inmates on their life stories.

Russ shares insights on the blurred line between fact and fiction, why authenticity matters, and how to retain your creative curiosity – even after years in the game. We also dig into how working with new writers, particularly those in challenging environments, can reignite your own creative fire.

In This Episode:

• How The Crime Writer was inspired by real stories from inside UK prisons
• Why writing 'what you know' doesn’t mean sticking to the literal truth
• Editing advice from someone who’s worked with hundreds of writers
• Finding your voice – and why it's more important than being ‘perfect’
• The realities of working in film and why Russ prefers fiction
• Two books that changed his life and shaped his creative path
• Why beginner mindset can be a secret weapon
• And loads more on storytelling, process and purpose

About Russ Litten:

Russ Litten is an author and editor based in Hull, with a diverse background in film, radio, music and publishing. His latest novel, The Crime Writer, explores the murky line between inspiration and theft, authenticity and exploitation. Russ has written for screen, stage and radio, and is well known for his powerful work delivering creative writing workshops in UK prisons. His past books include Swear Down, Scream If You Want To Go Faster, and Kingdom, and you can find out more at russlitten.co.uk

If you’re dreaming of launching your own book into the world but feeling overwhelmed by the process, I’ve just launched a range of affordable self-publishing packages. Whether you need help with editing, cover design, or the whole journey from manuscript to market, I’ve got you covered – check out wkwproductions.co.uk for details.

• ✍️ Sign up to my Write or Die monthly newsletter and get your FREE Writer’s Survival Kit: Sign up here
• 📖 Haven’t read Safe Hands or The Call Back yet? Grab them on Kindle, in paperback or read for free via Kindle Unlimited
• 📨 Want to say hello or share your writing struggles? Drop me a line: wayne@waynekellywrites.com

Take a look here to see how I can help you publish your book!

In this episode of The Write Place, I chat with Northern Irish author Hannah King about the creative process behind her gripping second novel, The Blind Spot. We talk about dual timelines, writing from a child’s perspective, and how to keep readers turning the page. Hannah shares her journey from creative writing student to published novelist, her experience as a legal transcriber, and the reality of writing the dreaded second book.

We also touch on her writing rituals, how she develops characters, and why she’s finally returning to a long-abandoned manuscript with fresh enthusiasm. Whether you're an aspiring author or a crime fiction fan, there’s loads to enjoy in this honest and thoughtful conversation.

And if you’re dreaming of launching your own book into the world but feeling overwhelmed by the process, I’ve just launched a range of affordable self-publishing packages. Whether you need help with editing, cover design, or the whole journey from manuscript to market, I’ve got you covered – check out wkwproductions.co.uk for details.

In This Episode:

• • The spark behind The Blind Spot
• • Writing complex sibling dynamics and difficult moral dilemmas
• • Using dual timelines to explore character and structure
• • The second book struggle and how Hannah overcame it
• • Writing through trauma and the therapeutic power of crime fiction
• • The influence of creative writing courses and short stories
• • Channeling a child’s voice – and the power of nostalgia
• • Great advice for pushing through creative blocks

About Hannah King:

Hannah King is a crime and psychological fiction writer from County Down, Northern Ireland. Her debut novel, She and I, was published to critical acclaim, and her latest book The Blind Spot continues her exploration of dark family secrets, emotional complexity and moral ambiguity. Drawing on her background as a legal proofreader and court transcriber, Hannah brings authenticity and insight to the legal and criminal elements of her stories. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing from Queen’s University Belfast and is an alumna of their fiction anthology programme.

You can find Hannah on Instagram at @hannahkingauthor

• ✍️ Sign up to my Write or Die monthly newsletter and get your FREE Writer’s Survival Kit: Sign up here
• 📖 Haven’t read Safe Hands or The Call Back yet? Grab them on Kindle, in paperback or read for free via Kindle Unlimited
• 📨 Want to say hello or share your writing struggles? Drop me a line: wayne@waynekellywrites.com

Hi, I'm Wayne Kelly, a writer, podcast host and coach. I love to help writers develop their skills and get their books and stories out into the world.

In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Hannah Murray – a seasoned radio and TV presenter, passionate book lover, and co-host of the Marbella with Him and Her podcast. Based in Marbella, Spain, Hannah brings a wealth of experience from over two decades in broadcasting, including her popular book show on Talk Radio Europe and her regular appearances on Good Morning Spain TV.

We had a fascinating and wide-ranging chat covering:

• How Hannah built a career in radio and TV after moving to Spain.
• Her love of books, reading, and interviewing writers from all over the world.
• Lessons learned from interviewing major authors like Jilly Cooper, James Patterson, and Jeffrey Archer.
• Practical advice for writers who want to promote themselves and their books effectively.
• Insights into writing, creativity, and the importance of finishing that all-important first draft.

The Book That Saved Her Life
Hannah chose Down Under by Bill Bryson – a funny and vivid travel memoir that deepened her love for travel and great storytelling.

About Hannah Murray

Hannah Murray is a veteran broadcaster with over twenty years of experience. She hosts TRE in the Afternoon and The Book Show on Talk Radio Europe and is a regular contributor to Good Morning Spain TV. Alongside her husband, she also co-hosts the light-hearted lifestyle podcast Marbella with Him and Her. A passionate reader, interviewer, and lifelong lover of words, Hannah shares her enthusiasm for books and storytelling through her work on radio, television, and digital platforms.

Find Out More About Hannah:

🎙️ Talk Radio Europe – Listen live or catch up on shows: Talk Radio Europe Website
📺 Good Morning Spain TV – Watch on YouTube: Good Morning Spain TV on YouTube
🎧 Marbella with Him and Her Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Listen on Spotify

• ✍️ Sign up to my Write or Die monthly newsletter and get your FREE Writer’s Survival Kit: Sign up here
• 📖 Haven’t read Safe Hands or The Call Back yet? Grab them on Kindle, in paperback or read for free via Kindle Unlimited
• 📨 Want to say hello or share your writing struggles? Drop me a line: wayne@waynekellywrites.com