Actor and screenwriter Emer Kenny tells us why all pain is useful - whether it be heartbreak or rejection - and why being a mentor to other creatives is so important.

Emer Kenny is an actor and writer who made her acting debut in the BAFTA-nominated single drama Coming Down The Mountain in 2008. She began to write for the screen soon after, honing her skills on BBC’s Eastenders and Holby City, which she followed up with episodes of Hulu’s Harlots and Sky’s Save Me Too. Alongside this, she played Joan Morecambe in Victoria Wood’s BAFTA-winning Morecambe and Wise biopic, Eric and Ernie. Most recently, she has written, executive produced and acted in BAFTA-winning ITV crime drama Karen Pirie, which is returning for a second series this year.

Emer’s book choices are:
** Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
** Sex and Rage: Advice to Young Girls Eager to Have a Good Time by Eve Babitz
** An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
** Swan Song by Kelleigh Greenberg-Jephcott
** I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara

Vick Hope, multi-award winning TV and BBC Radio 1 presenter, author and journalist, is the host of season eight of the Women’s Prize for Fiction Podcast. Every week, Vick will be joined by another inspirational woman to discuss the work of incredible female authors. The Women’s Prize is one of the most prestigious literary awards in the world, and continues to champion the very best books written by women.

You can buy all books mentioned from our dedicated shelf on Bookshop.org - every purchase supports the work of the Women's Prize Trust and independent bookshops.

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This podcast is sponsored by Baileys and produced by Bird Lime Media.