Podcast
Writer's Routine
Hosted by Dan Simpson · EN
How do the best writers get to work?
In every episode, we'll chat to an author about their writing day. Where do they work? What time do they start? How do they plan their time and maximise their creativity, in order to plot and publish a bestseller?
Some are frantic night-owls, others roll out of bed into their desks, and a few lock themselves away in the woods - but none have a regular 9 to 5, and we'll find out how they've managed it.
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33episodes
Episodes
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Lucy Ashe, author of 'The Model Patient' - Historical Thriller writer discusses finding control, why a book deal changes things, and unpacking therapy
1w ago01:00:07Tap to summarizeThis week, we're chatting to Lucy Ashe. Lucy trained at the Royal Ballet school, and now works as a teacher in Brooklyn, whilst writing brilliant books. Her debut, 'Clara and Olivia', was shortlisted for the CWA Historical Dagger Award. Her follow up, 'The Sleeping Beauties', was also set in the world of ballet. The new novel is 'The Model Patient'. Set in 1960s London, it explores obsession and betrayal. In the quiet hush of her therapists office, Evelyn Westbrook finds herself revealing secrets she'd prefer to stay hidden. When her sessions with the enigmatic Dr. Daley starts to give more questions than answers, she finds her interest in him turn into an obsession. It was inspired by Lucy's own traumatic relationship with a therapist, and it helped her find some control in that strange situation.We talk about Lucy's writing life, after recently having her first child, and how that's changed how much time she thought she'd have to write. Also, hear how a book deal changes how you write... does it add confidence or pressure? And, how it's a slight diversion from her normal historical fiction book - she's found the psychological thriller in this one.Get a copy of the book at uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutineThis week's episode is sponsored by IngramSpark. Get 15% off your first 15 books when you use the code ROUTINE15 at ingramspark.comAlso, this week we're supported by the Quick Book Reviews podcast with Philippa Hall. Take a listen wherever you've got this show.Support us at patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutine@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Deepa Anappara, author of 'The Last of Earth' - Multi-award-winner discusses dealing with success, writing by hand, and keeping track of characters
2w ago00:59:41Tap to summarizeDeepa Anappara's debut, 'Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line' was a critically-acclaimed bestseller. It was named as one of the best books of the year by The New York Times, the Washington Post, The Guardian and National Public Radio. Time Magazine included it in its list of 'The 100 Best Mystery and Thriller Books of All Time'. It won the Edgar Award for Best Novel, was shortlised for the JCB Prize fo Indian Literature, and has been translated into over 20 languages.Her new one looks set to be an equal smash. 'The Last of Earth', has already been named as one of the BBC's 12 books to read in 2026. It tells the story of an Indian school teacher and a British explorer, attempting to undertake a treacherous journey across Tibet.We discuss why writing by hand helps Deepa unlock an unknown connection. Also, how she wrestles themes and ideas into one plot-driven thread. You can hear her fascination with Tibet, keeping characters on the right path, and her thoughts on AI coming for creativity.This episode is supported by IngramSpark. Get 15% off 15 books or more at ingramspark.com, use the code ROUTINE15.Get a copy of the book at uk.bookshop.com/shop/writersroutineSupport the show -patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutinewritersroutine.com@writerspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Liz Alterman, author of 'A Different Type of Poison' - Thriller writer discusses embracing the meta, always having a listen, and changing how you write depending on how it's read
3w ago01:02:10Tap to summarizeLiz Alterman has written all sorts. Young adult fiction, uplit, memoir, and is back with a new psychological, campus thriller, 'A Different Type of Poison'. It's about the author Molly Archer, whose latest novel, 'Birds at Night', is an instant hit. She's invited to a book club, by an incredibly enthusiastic reader who she should remember from her hometown. The problem is, she can't place her... and might be stepping into a very deadly chapter.Liz has also published, 'You Shouldn't Have Done That', 'Claire Casey's Had Enough', 'The House on Cold Creek Lane', 'He'll Be Waiting', 'The Perfect Neighbourhood', and 'Sad Sacked'.We discuss why, after moving through genres, it's psychological thriller that has drawn her in. Also, why stories are written differently, depending on where they're read, why the most vital writing skill is listening, and about her new-found lease of writing life.This week's episode is sponsored by IngramSpark. Get 15% off your first 15 books or more at ingramspark.com. Use the code ROUTINE15Get a copy of the book - uk.bookshop.com/shop/writersroutineSupport the show -patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutine@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Mark Frost, co-creator of 'Twin Peaks' - Thriller author and screenwriter discusses working with David Lynch, super-agents, and his new novel, 'The Yankee Sphinx'
4w ago01:03:35Tap to summarizeEver since Mark Frost saw his actor father prepare all day for work, having to leave every evening to jump on stage, he knew he wanted to get his work done early in the morning. A life as a writer came calling. He's worked on all sorts, writing on 'Hill Street Blues', the 'Fantastic Four' movies, sports books, thriller novels, and it's his work with David Lynch, as the co-creator of the cult series, 'Twin Peaks', that he's most loved for.'Twin Peaks' was a show like no-other. A surreal, ethereal, chilling couple of series, that was a ratings win, a critical hit, and now has a cult-following. We discuss how the show, and working with Lynch, has influenced his writing since.His new novel is, 'The Yankee Sphinx', inspired by his great-uncle's diaries, it tells the story of Will Hassett, a close confidence of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States.We talk about how this idea met his fine criteria for working on a project. Also you can hear why, inspired by script-writing, he splits an idea into 3 parts, how he knows when something is done, and we get stories of working with a literary super agent.Get a copy of the novel - uk.bookshop.com/shop/writersroutineThis week's episode is sponsored by IngramSpark. Get 15% off your first order of 15 or more books, with the code ROUTINE1 - get to ingramspark.com to make the most of the offer.Support us -patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutine@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Sarah Vaughan, author of 'Based on a True Story' - Bestselling writer discusses streaming success, a chaotic writing room, and realising you're too busy
Apr 2301:00:52Tap to summarizeSarah Vaughan worked as a reporter and correspondent for The Guardian for years, before finally starting a novel on her 40th birthday. She published 'The Art of Baking Blind' and 'The Farm at the Edge of the World', aimed at book-clubs, which in her words, 'didn't really trouble the bestsellers list'. Then, out of contract, she wrote, 'Anatomy of a Scandal', and everything changed. It was a smash-hit and inspired a Netflix series which was viewed hundreds of millions of times. She's since published, 'Little Disasters', which was made into a Paramount+ show, and released, 'Reputation'.Her new novel is, 'Based on a True Story'. It tells the tale of Dame Eleanor Kingman, the nation's most loved storyteller, with an entire generation growing up on her stories.... but now, someone wants to reveal the truth about who she really is.We discuss whether streaming success has changed how she thinks through a plot, and whether knowing what might land on screen has altered what ideas she takes on.Also you can hear about starting late and finally getting success, why she's switched to write scenes, and her journeys through genre and writing out of contract.Get a copy of the book - uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutineRead the newsletter - writersroutine.substack.comThis week's episode of the podcast is sponsored by Philippa Hall's 'Quick Book Reviews Podcast'.Support the show - patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutine@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Annie Elliot, author of 'Mr & Mrs Charles Dickens: Her Story' - Knowing when you need to get words written, mining your own past, and was Charles Dickens a narcissist?
Apr 1601:00:07Tap to summarizeAnnie Elliot has always been around words. She worked in local government, taught communication, as a newspaper reporter, which taught her the importance of being able to get the words down on time. She's written short-stories and flash-fiction which have been successful in competitions, and was longlisted for Mxslexia Magazine's Novel Award.Her new novel is 'Mr & Mrs Charles Dickens: Her Story'. It's a self-portrait of Catherine, Charles Dickens' wife, and the marriage that nearly destroyed her. After 22 years of marriage, she was banished from the home and their nine children, with her reputation destroyed, when her husband fell in love with an 18 year old actress. On her deathbed, Kate asked her daughter to give Charles' letters to the British Museum, 'so the world may know he loved me once'. Annie's novel fulfills her dying wish, and restores Kate to history as more than a famous author's discarded wife.We talk about Annie's career, and what that taught her about communication and precision. You can hear why she went back to school, and what Annie learned from a masters degree. We discuss her thorough research, why she is in the best place to write, and how 'Hamnet' inspired her story.You can get a copy of the book at uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutineSupport the show - patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutineThis week's episode is sponsored by Philippa Hall's 'Quick Book Reviews' podcast, take a listen wherever you've got this show.Get the newsletter - writersroutine.substack.com@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Stig Abell, author of 'A Twist in the River' - Breakfast Show host discusses golden age crime fiction, why planning sets you up for failure, and why AI will kill culture
Apr 900:47:03Tap to summarizeStig Abell is a media polymath. He's worked for The Sun and LBC, was the editor of the Times Literary Supplement, and now hosts the breakfast show on national Times Radio. He's just published the fourth novel in the Jake Jackson series, 'A Twist in the River'. His debut fiction novel, 'Death Under a Little Sky', won the Specsavers Debut Crime Novel Award' and CrimeFest 2024. Since then, he's published 'Death in a Lonely Place' and 'The Burial Place'. He's written non-fiction, 'How Britain Really Works', and 'What to Read Next'.'A Twist in the River', tells the story of Jake Jackson, an ex-detective who is hoping for peace in the countryside, but finds himself deep into an investigation when a young nurse disappears on the riverbank.We talk about how a writing day looks when you need to get up at 2.45am to be on the radio. Also, you can hear why planning sets you up for failure, and why for Stig, writing is all about momentum.Stig talks about his wide-interests, and balancing different projects while finding time to write. Also about looking up words, and why AI is coming for culture.Get a copy of the book - uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutineSupport the show -patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutineRead the newsletter - writersroutine.substack.comwritersroutine.com@writerspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Elle McNicoll, author of 'Unapologetic Love Story' - Carnegie Award nominated writer discusses making your book stand out, the importance of representation, and being full-time whilst never having time to write
Apr 201:02:45Tap to summarizeElle McNicholl is a Carnegie Award nominated author. Her debut 'A Kind of Spark' won the Blue Peter Book Award and the overall Waterstones Children's Book Prize, alongside Blackwell's Book of 2020. It was turned into a BBC Children's TV show, which she wrote. That won a Royal Television Society Award, and was nominated for an Emmy.She's published many more, 'Some Like It Cold', 'Wish You Were Her', 'Role Model', and many others.Pretty good for a writer who didn't actually set out to write.Her new novel is her debut for adults, 'Unapologetic Love Story'. It's all about Raina Lewis, London's hottest It Girl, who is effortlessly cool and beloved for her smash-hit podcast spotlighting autistic women. However, when she meets the investigative journalist Tom Branimir who is out to discover her secret, things change.You can hear why representation is so important, and why her own neurodivergence helps and hinders her writing. We talk about how she gets her characters to do what she wants, how much she thinks about other audiences, and why she takes a social-media break after writing.Elle runs through her path to publication, detailing how she really fell into writing, also she talks about how she makes her relatable novels stand out on kids bookshelves that are stuffed with magic and dragons.You can get a copy of the book - uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutineThis week's episode is supporter by Philippa Hall's 'Quick Book Reviews' podcast, take a listen wherever you get your shows.Support the show yourself -patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutine@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Jane Dougherty, author of 'Pasiphae' - Re-imagining Greek mythology, capturing a moment in poetry, and detaching from technology
Mar 2701:00:34Tap to summarizeJane Doughtery writes magical, often apocalyptic fiction. She's been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, and is inspired by myth, history and classical tradition. Also, she's a poet, seeking to capture the moment in a spark of creativity. Her new novel is 'Pasiphae'. It's a re-imagining of the Greek minotaur myth, a bid to reclaim one of its most maligned women. From the perspective of his mother, it's inspired by how women's roles are distored in Irish and Greek mythology. Jane is putting that right.We talk about why she's detached from technology, also about the intention of poetry and what living in the country means for her idea.You can hear why she just wants to live in the world of her novels, what she needs to know to start, and how she wrestles with the fear of rejection.Get a copy of the book at uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutineSupport the show - patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutineRead the newsletter - writersroutine.substack.comThis episode is supported by the 'Quick Book Reviews Podcast' by Philippa Hall. @writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Carmel Harrington, author of 'The Nowhere Girls' - Bestselling writer discusses leaving it late, training to improve, and the novel that changed her planning
Mar 2000:54:23Tap to summarizeCarmel Harrington is an Irish bestselling author of 13 novels. Her latests, 'The Stolen Child', was shortlisted for an Irish Book Award and won Good Housekeeping's 'Good Books Autumn Collection'. She left it late to start. After wanting to be an author for so long, it was a conversation with her husband, and a dream for her daughter, that pushed her to start.She's written family dramas, a tie-in with the hit TV show, 'Cold Feet', and has now switched to straight-up thrillers. Her new novel, 'The Nowhere Girls', tells the story of two children abandoned at a train station, and the investigative journalist 30 years later, who wants to find out where they ended up. It was inspired by a news-piece, which led her to wonder... 'what if this happened in Ireland, where everyone knows everyone?'We talk about her path to publication, also why she started off with no idea at all, and how switching genre has changed her writing. You can hear about her love of notebooks, her ego-wall, and how she's trained to get better.Get a copy of 'The Nowhere Girls' - uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutineSupport the show - patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutineSubscribe to the newsletter - writersroutine.substack.com@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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