Writer's Routine

By Dan Simpson

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Subscribers: 104
Reviews: 1
Episodes: 332


 Mar 27, 2022

Description

How do the best writers get to work?


In every episode, we'll chat to an author about what they do through a 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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Episode Date
Alex Pavesi, author of 'Ink Ribbon Red' - Thriller writer discusses why his characters will do what he wants, the routine that finally got him published, and murder mysteries
Nov 08, 2024
Sarah Easter Collins, author of 'Things Don't Break on their Own' - Author and painter discusses showing and not telling, poetry focusing prose, and bringing themes together
Nov 01, 2024
Louise Swanson, author of 'Lights Out' - Award-winning author discusses pseudonyms, being strict, and improving through rejections
Oct 24, 2024
Gareth Rubin, author of 'Holmes and Moriarty' - Mystery thriller writer discusses getting Sherlock Holmes right, playing with timelines, and getting bored of the craft
Oct 17, 2024
Molly Green, author of 'Courage for the Cabinet Girl' - Wartime novelist discusses starting early, honouring women, and building a train carriage
Oct 10, 2024
Jodi Picoult, author of 'By Any Other Name' - Forty million copy Bestseller discusses writing for therapy, forgetting your readers, and who Shakespeare really was
Oct 03, 2024
Ciar Byrne, author of 'A Deadly Discovery' - Gardening journalist and author discusses balancing work, starting early, and a strange path to publication
Sep 26, 2024
Jack Strange, author of 'Look Up, Handsome' - Rom-com author discusses finding the right genre, representation, and being inspired by Hallmark movies
Sep 20, 2024
Catherine Gray, author of 'Versions of a Girl' - Award-winning journalist talks switching to fiction, giving characters flexibility, and why taking a break from alcohol boosts creativity
Sep 12, 2024
J.M. Hall, author of 'A Clock Stopped Dead' - Cosy Crime writer discusses working in long-hand, retirement changing things, and how working as a teacher helps tell stories
Sep 05, 2024
Santa Montefiore, author of 'The Deverill Chronicles' - World-renowned bestseller discusses finally finding success at home, getting it written before getting it right, and why she needs spirituality
Aug 29, 2024
Alan Rhode, author of 'The Eagle and the Cockerel' - Journalist, Lawyer and Author discusses political thrillers, writing in a second language and why concentration is subjective
Aug 22, 2024
Catherine Steadman, author of 'Look in the Mirror' - Actor turned bestselling thriller writer discusses career pivots, character nuances, and why word count doesn't matter
Aug 15, 2024
Milly Johnson, author of 'The Happiest Ever After' - Bestselling Romance Writer discusses keeping the concentration up, why greeting cards help novels, and how to keep the plates spinning
Aug 08, 2024
B.P. Walter, author of 'The Garden Party' - Crime writer discusses escaping and being distracted, publishing horror, and making characters nuanced
Aug 01, 2024
Amy Neff, author of 'The Days I Loved You Most' - Debut writer discusses spending 10 years with characters, getting over rejection, and why editing needs help
Jul 25, 2024
Julietta Henderson, author of 'How to Get a Life' - Richard and Judy Book Club pick talks scattered scenes, finding the story thread, and why writing doesn't get any easier
Jul 12, 2024
Shaun Bythell, author of 'The Diary of a Bookseller' - Scotland's most famous bookseller discusses editing diaries, why everyone loves a bookshop, and style guides
Jun 13, 2024
Jonny Sweet, author of 'The Kellerby Code' - Screenwriter and Author discusses jokes influencing novels, why guilt is useless, and dealing with praise
May 30, 2024
Kate Storey, author of 'The Memory Library' - Book Club author discusses why a change of genre means a change of name, whether outlining curbs creativity, and why she watches for jokes
May 23, 2024
Alina Khawaja, author of 'Maya's Laws of Love' - How to avoid tangents which block your ideas, dealing with rejections, and trying to get better
May 16, 2024
Samuel Burr, author of 'The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers' - Mystery writer talks about learning from making TV, spying for inspiration, and how the business actually works
May 09, 2024
Caz Frear, author of 'Five Bad Deeds' - Thriller writer discusses the pressures of doing everything, getting into the right mindset, and making your day better
May 02, 2024
Chioma Okereke, author of 'Water Baby' - Poet and Author discusses writing without genre, changing how you plot, and performing poetry
Apr 25, 2024
Paul Carlucci, author of 'The Voyageur' - Acclaimed author discusses moving from short stories to novels, by inspired by fact, and learning grammar
Apr 18, 2024
Kerry Andrew, author of 'We Are Together Because' - Award winning composer and writer discusses the search for the perfect word, imagining the worst, and finding what you really want
Apr 11, 2024
Daisy Goodwin, author of 'Diva' - TV producer and screenwriter discusses thorough research, historical fiction, and creating legendary TV shows
Apr 04, 2024
Max Moyer, author of 'Zodak - The Last Shielder' - Fantasy author talks world-building, stopping for 18 years, and why you don't need to be completely original
Mar 29, 2024
Mari Hannah, author of 'The Longest Goodbye' - Crime award-winner discusses planning across a series, her Murder Wall, and the book she never wanted to write
Mar 21, 2024
Triona Campbell, author of 'The Traitor in the Game' - Young Adult writer talks moving countries to write, moving from TV to novels, and moving obstacles
Mar 15, 2024
Yangsze Choo, author of 'The Fox Wife' - New York Times bestseller talks about streaming pressure, debut success, and how we think differently
Mar 08, 2024
Mandy Robotham, author of 'The Hidden Storyteller' - Historical Fiction writer discusses the rules of genre, needing a deadline, and stopping when it gets good
Mar 01, 2024
Caroline Dunford, author of 'The Augmentors' - Prolific writer discusses plotting over a series, switching genres, and reaching for the perfect novel
Feb 23, 2024
Orlando Murrin, author of 'Knife Skills for Beginners' - Chef, writer and all-round doer discusses the perfect keyboard, going on tangents, and why kitchens make the perfect place for murder
Feb 16, 2024
Maura Cheeks, author of 'Acts of Forgiveness' - Debut writer discusses free-writing, how journalism affects novel-writing, and important stories
Feb 09, 2024
Sarah Marsh, author of 'A Sign of Her Own' - Debut writer discusses finding the truth in history, taking 12 years to write a debut, and thorough research
Feb 02, 2024
Rebecca Thorne, author of 'The Grief House' - Writing without a genre, how pseudonyms help switch between tasks, and a strictly-planned day
Jan 26, 2024
Helen Fisher, author of 'Joe Nuthin's Guide to Life' - Writer discusses the rocky road to publication, writing when you're not writing, and the plot road map
Jan 19, 2024
Professor Emma Smith, author of 'Portable Magic: A History of Books and Their Readers' - Academic discusses commercial non-fiction, who Shakespeare really was, and why we can't throw books away
Jan 12, 2024
D.V. Bishop, author of 'Ritual of Fire' - Historical fiction author talks his rules of writing, planning in the past, and tie-in novels
Jan 05, 2024
Jane L. Rosen, author of 'On Fire Island' - Turning screenplays into novels, the balance of writing and promoting, and how to capture a sense of place
Dec 22, 2023
Amanda Prowse, author of 'All Good Things' - Prolific bestseller discusses creating a universe of characters, completely pantsing and why creativity helps trauma
Dec 15, 2023
Femi Kayode, author of 'Gaslight' - CWA nominated writer discusses writing through a Nigerian lens, chapter titles giving control, and being in the perfect place
Dec 08, 2023
Katie Marsh, author of 'How Not To Murder Your Ex' - Crime writer talks about switching from romance, trying to clear distractions, and taking 2 months before starting
Dec 01, 2023
Terry Hayes, author of 'The Year of the Locust' - Acclaimed bestseller talks about using song lyrics, cutting hundreds of thousands of words, and the pressure of the second novel
Nov 24, 2023
Freya Berry, author of 'The Birdcage Library' - Bestseller discusses writing hard and often, leaving space in the story, and giving yourself a year to write
Nov 17, 2023
Denzil Meyrick, author of 'Murder at Holly House' - Bestselling writer discusses the baggy middle, avoiding distractions, and not being limited by genre
Nov 10, 2023
Dann McDorman, author of 'West Heart Kill' - Novelist and Emmy-nominated News Producer discusses twisting the genre, putting the reader in the mystery, and how news affects stories
Nov 03, 2023
D.L. Douglas, author of 'Dr. Spilsbury and the Camden Town Killer' - Historical crime writer discusses switching genres and names, structuring challenges, and a busy year
Oct 26, 2023
Claire Daverley, author of 'Talking at Night' - Debut writer discusses forgetting genre, dealing with rejection, and preparing the mood
Oct 19, 2023
Sarah Moorhead, author of 'The Treatment' - Speculative fiction writer discusses keeping busy, thinking of genre, and the classic What If?
Oct 12, 2023
Nick Hunt, author of 'Red Smoking Mirror' - Travel writer discusses blending experience into fiction, debut novels, and how to travel and write for a living
Oct 06, 2023
Diana Janney, author of 'A Man of Understanding' - How poetry influences novels, exploring trauma, and whether your story needs a skeleton
Sep 28, 2023
Alex Hay, author of 'The Housekeepers' - Historical fiction author discusses shifting gears through the day, a work-space battle, and changing your routine
Sep 21, 2023
Susan Wiggs, author of 'Welcome to Beach Town' - Multi-million bestseller discusses the joys of research, how to find your voice, and the sweet-spot that makes a classic
Sep 14, 2023
Sara Ochs, author of 'The Dive' - Thriller author discusses the path to publication, how impatience affects drafting, and making characters authentic
Sep 01, 2023
Robert Thorogood, author of 'Death Comes to Marlow' - Mystery writer talks about making stories fun, cosy crime, and stopping the excuses
Aug 29, 2023
Jack Jordan, author of 'Conviction' - Thriller writer discusses getting lost in the work, the business side of it, and making the most of success
Aug 10, 2023
Fiona Valpy, author of 'The Cypress Maze' - Historical fiction author chats mixing fact with fiction, challenging yourself, and looking through the compost bin
Aug 03, 2023
Nick Bradley, author of 'Four Seasons in Japan' - Writer discusses going easy on himself, living in Japan, and intricate plot structure
Jul 21, 2023
Jenna Clake, author of 'Disturbance' - Poet and novelist discusses writing spaces, keeping it tight, and how poetry helps novels
Jul 17, 2023
Kerry Chaput, author of 'Chasing Eleanor' - Historical fiction writer discusses dealing with anxiety, returning to writing, and ditching 80,000 words
Jul 06, 2023
JP Rieger, author of 'Clonk!' - How to make detective fiction funny, mixing creativity, and writing out of order
Jun 29, 2023
Rebecca McKanna, author of 'Don't Forget the Girl' - Debut writer discusses fictional true-crime, getting sucked into the story, and what being published feels like
Jun 22, 2023
Tim Lott, author of 'Yes! No! But Wait! - The One Thing You Need to Know to Write a Novel' - Award-winner discusses why spaces don't matter, why plot is everything and dealing with guilt
Jun 16, 2023
Corie Adjmi, author of 'The Marriage Box' - Award-winning writer discusses writing by hand, short stories, and should you always write what you know?
Jun 08, 2023
John Wray, author of 'Gone to the Wolves' - Award-winning writer talks about working to hide, switching genre, and taking your time
Jun 01, 2023
J.D. Kirk, author of 'The One That Got Away' - Prolific writer discusses self-publishing, staying healthy, and his very busy year
May 25, 2023
Senta Rich, author of 'Hotel 21' - Screenwriter and author discusses creative collaboration, character arcs, and how to keep believing
May 18, 2023
Jude Yawson, author of 'Rise Up - The #Merky Story So Far' - First LIVE Podcast with Stormzy's co-author about inspiration, commitment and creative spaces
May 04, 2023
Becky Hunter, author of 'One Moment' - A look inside the world of publishing, why thinking about what sells doesn't always work, and dealing with rejection
Apr 20, 2023
Tim Weaver, author of 'The Blackbird' - Thriller writer talks about learning from your second book, welcoming the worry, and making people disappear
Apr 13, 2023
Danya Kukafka, author of 'Notes on an Execution' - Writer talks about the pressure of the second book, the process journal and how to feel the plot
Apr 06, 2023
LC North, author of 'The Ugly Truth' - Psychological thriller writer talks about the calmer part of the process, commercial hooks, and celebrity fascination
Mar 30, 2023
Abdulrazak Gurnah, author of 'Afterlives' - 2021 Nobel Prize winner discusses distractions, why reading is as important as writing, and needing blank walls
Mar 24, 2023
Eva Rice, author of 'This Could Be Everything' - Why noise helps work, how characters decide when to appear, and how energy ebbs and flows
Mar 17, 2023
Sally Page, author of 'The Keeper of Stories' - Hugely successful debut writer on detailed research, the 'book club' genre, and how old work helps the future
Mar 09, 2023
Ava Glass, author of 'The Chase' - Thriller writer discusses unknown London, switching up timelines, and finding character through flashback
Mar 03, 2023
Gregg Hurwitz, author of 'The Last Orphan' - New York Times bestseller discusses diving into research, fixing the small things, and advice from James Patterson
Feb 24, 2023
Georgina Moore, author of 'The Garnett Girls' - Making characters similar but different, how the plot sorts itself out, and why characters do their own thing
Feb 17, 2023
Tom Hindle, author of 'The Murder Game' - Murder mystery writer talks switching between work, learning from the best, and childhood heroes
Feb 10, 2023
Alison Stockham, author of 'The Cuckoo Sister' - Thriller writer talks about overcoming doubt, reading aloud and finding the right word
Feb 01, 2023
Writer's Routine Revisited: Hugh Montgomery, author of 'Control' - Professor talks making time to write, what makes you creative, and the joy of trying something new.
Jan 27, 2023
Eleanor Shearer, author of 'River Sing Me Home' - Why plotting is emotional, parking downhill, and post-memory
Jan 20, 2023
Cailean Steed, author of 'Home' - Thriller writer talks about grand teenage ideas, why writing is discovery not creation, and swapping around an entire story
Jan 13, 2023
Rosie Andrews, author of 'The Leviathan' - Genre-bending writer talks historical fiction, flexible routines, and how to build your own space
Jan 06, 2023
Richard Armitage, author of 'Geneva' - Actor talks writing audiobooks, creative exhaustion and what TV taught him about storytelling
Dec 22, 2022
Jonathan Whitelaw, author of 'The Bingo Hall Detectives' - Cosy crime writer talks about getting things done early, being less picky with writing, the 2 page synopsis
Dec 16, 2022
Lucy Hooft, author of 'The King's Pawn' - Why writing flash fiction really helps, thinking about your genre, and plotting like a mini-series
Dec 02, 2022
Mark Pawlosky, author of 'Hack' - Journalist talks using experience for thrillers, why good writing is re-writing, and keeping a style guide handy
Nov 25, 2022
Melvin Burgess, author of 'Loki' - Carnegie Medal winner discusses returning after a break, writing about teenagers, and enjoying yourself
Nov 18, 2022
S.K. Tremayne, author of 'The Drowning Hour' - Travel writer and author discusses working anywhere, escaping to write, and why discipline is key
Nov 11, 2022
Philip Wilding, author of 'The Death and Life of Red Henley' - Ghostwriting, changing how you write, and different parts of your brain
Nov 04, 2022
Cristina Bendek, author of 'Salt Crystals' - Caribbean writer talks about needing the rain, writing to discover identity, and how poetry reminds her of what's important
Oct 28, 2022
Felix Francis, author of 'Hands Down' - Bestselling writer talks about learning at the fiction factory, taking over from his dad, and challenging himself
Oct 20, 2022
Pascal Engman, author of 'Femicide' - Bestselling Swedish writer discusses planning pressure, the international audience, and the perfect first draft
Oct 13, 2022
Marthe Jocelyn, author of 'The Seaside Corpse' - Children's writer discusses getting 50 books done, plotting mystery, and writing exercises
Oct 06, 2022
David Bell, author of 'The Finalists' - Author and lecturer discusses whether deadlines help, making locked-room stories engaging, and why he loves a routine
Sep 29, 2022
Gordon J. Brown, author of 'Six Wounds' - Crime writer discusses pseudonyms, writing anywhere, and words you know will be cut
Sep 15, 2022
Emily Houghton, author of 'Last Time We Met' - Re-drafting, making rom-com unique, and how to write an entire book on your phone
Sep 08, 2022
Robert Murphy, author of 'To Hunt a Killer ' - News reporter talks about co-writing, telling stories from real-crime, and hitting deadlines
Sep 01, 2022
Lexie Elliott, author of 'How to Kill Your Best Friend' - When the title comes before the plot, how lockdown changes writing spaces, and finding the story's voice
Aug 25, 2022
Barnaby Jameson, author of 'Codename: Madeleine' - Counter-terrorist lawyer and writer discusses curated consciousness, political turmoil and telling stories in court
Aug 18, 2022
Ruth Ware, author of 'The It Girl' - International bestseller talks about changing characters, going full time and the difficult middle
Aug 11, 2022
Sarah Pearse, author of 'The Retreat' - Reese Witherspoon Book Club writer discusses moving to long-form fiction, changing scenes, and moving locations
Jul 28, 2022
Andrew White, author of 'The Walker Mysteries' - Finding places for your creativity, doing rather than thinking, and writing what you know
Jul 21, 2022
Emma Bamford, author of 'Deep Water' - Writer and memoirist discusses scene breakdowns, moving to full time writing, and switching from real life to fiction
Jul 14, 2022
Benjamin Wood, author of 'The Young Accomplice' - Why routines are helpful, separating work and creativity, and learning creative writing
Jul 07, 2022
Mary Adkins, author of 'Palm Beach' - Writing coach talks about playing for work, selling rights, and switching to editing mode
Jul 01, 2022
Colette Dartford, author of 'The Mortification of Grace Wheeler' - Kindle bestseller talks about quiet spaces, character summaries, and self-publishing
Jun 16, 2022
Janice Hallett, author of 'The Appeal' - Sunday Times Bestseller discusses unique story structure, figuring out the murderer, and the moment of success
Jun 09, 2022
Mark Ellis, author of 'Dead in the Water' - Crime writer discusses huge first drafts, long-term character planning, and crime during the war
Jun 02, 2022
Jessica Payne, author of 'Make Me Disappear' - Psychological thriller writer discusses switching genre, balancing a busy work-life, and her determination to get published
May 27, 2022
Scott Kershaw, author of 'The Game' - Debut writer discusses his journey to being published, writing anywhere, and how agents help
May 19, 2022
Dervla McTiernan, author of 'The Murder Rule' - Lawyer turned bestseller talks about thorough planning, growing as a writer, and editing tricks
May 13, 2022
Joanna Cannon, author of 'A Tidy Ending' - Sunday Times Bestseller discusses very early mornings, writing on the move and why myths hold you back
Apr 28, 2022
Gracie Hart, author of 'The Baker's Girl' - Saga novelist talks about being a proud Northerner, perfect drafts and writing fiction in history
Apr 21, 2022
Laure Van Rensburg, author of 'Nothing But Us' - Thriller writer discusses learning to plot, writing around work, and writing what you don't know
Apr 14, 2022
Sara Blaedel, author of 'A Harmless Lie' - Denmark's 'Queen of Crime' talks about having an organised day, selling internationally, and killing for a living
Apr 07, 2022
Philippa East, author of 'Safe and Sound' - CWA New Blood Dagger nominee talks about being inspired by work, learning the craft, and the doubt demon
Mar 31, 2022
Danny Wallace, author of 'The Luckiest Kid in the World' - Storyteller talks about where ideas go, the guilt of not working, and saying yes
Mar 25, 2022
Luca Veste, author of 'You Never Said Goodbye' - The pressure of full-time writing, sitting on an idea, and a year in the life of a writer
Mar 18, 2022
Claire Frost, author of 'The One' - Dedicating a day to write, learning from reviewing and when do you feel like a writer?
Mar 11, 2022
Stacy Willingham, author of 'A Flicker in the Dark' - Crime writer talks about switching spaces, learning from work, and being optioned for TV
Mar 04, 2022
Nadine Matheson, author of 'The Jigsaw Man' - Balancing work and writing, writing about your home town, and accidentally going back to school
Feb 25, 2022
Rudy Ruiz, author of 'The Resurrection of Fulgencio Ramirez' - Social activism, language and structure, and classic Mexican songs
Feb 18, 2022
Ellen Alpsten, author of 'The Tsarina's Daughter' - Blending fact with fiction, what to research next, and writing extravagantly
Feb 11, 2022
Harriet Kline, author of 'This Shining Life' - Using work as inspiration, the monster that gets her started and the meaning of life
Feb 04, 2022
Paul Bradley Carr, author of '1414 Degrees' - Journalist, novelist and memoir writer discusses debut novels, leaving things late, and the dark side of Silicon Valley
Jan 26, 2022
Anna Kent, author of 'The House of Whispers' - Domestic Noir writer talks about the 3 act structure, pseudonyms, and learning to write genre
Jan 21, 2022
Sarah Alderson, writer of 'The Stalker' - Author and screenwriter talks about writing for TV, strategic thinking, and the 10-day drafts
Jan 14, 2022
Rosanna Amaka, author of 'The Book of Echoes' - Debut writer talks creative places, plotting, and a novel 2 decades in the making
Jan 07, 2022
Alice Hunter, author of 'The Serial Killer's Wife' - Psychological Thriller writer talks about working in a prison, genre tricks, and a chaotic work space.
Dec 10, 2021
Joanne Harris MBE, author of 'A Narrow Door' - Hugely successful author discusses genre, rebooting your brain, and the pressure of success
Dec 03, 2021
Ken Follett, author of 'Never' - Multi-million selling writer talks about the pressure of success, keeping things simple, and the important outline
Nov 26, 2021
Helen Paris, author of 'The Lost Property' - Debut author discusses book club fiction, memories and escaping the routine
Nov 19, 2021
Steve Cavanagh, author of 'The Devil's Advocate' - Award-winning author discusses ideal routines, writing America, and why he's always learning
Nov 12, 2021
Random Routine - Thriller author Lucy Foley discusses decadent writing days
Nov 09, 2021
Xanthi Barker, author of 'Will This House Last Forever' - Memoir writer talks about poetry, art as a world view, and her father, Sebastian.
Nov 05, 2021
Random Routine - Dystopian Thriller writer Rob Hart runs us through months of work
Nov 03, 2021
Joe Thomas, author of 'Brazilian Psycho' - Award-winning writer talks about routine changes, escaping to write, and social awareness.
Oct 28, 2021
Random Routine - Award-winning Trent Dalton runs through a day as a journalist and a novelist
Oct 27, 2021
Zen Cho, author of 'Black Water Sister' - Ghost storyteller talks about switching genre, playing with language, and words spawning ideas
Oct 21, 2021
Random Routine - Screenwriter Tom MacRae runs through a day in the life of writing a movie
Oct 19, 2021
Claire Allan, author of 'Ask No Questions' - USA Today Bestseller talks genre-switching, 10k word starts, and planning a year of writing
Oct 15, 2021
Piers Torday, author of 'The Wild Before' - Children's author talks about bookshops, prequels, and being a magpie.
Oct 07, 2021
Bella Obsorne, author of 'The Promise of Summer' - Romantic writer talks about how characters meet genre, about busy years, and NaNoWriMo
Sep 30, 2021
Alex Michaelides, author of 'The Maidens' - Critically acclaimed writer discusses following up on success, pushing through at a low point, and discovering he wasn't a screenwriter.
Sep 10, 2021
Paul Rudnick, author of 'Playing the Palace' - Screenwriter discusses changing the script on set, writing for your heroes, and the precious writing space.
Sep 03, 2021
Random Routine - Critically-acclaimed author Bridget Collins runs us through her space and day
Sep 01, 2021
Christina Sweeney-Baird, author of 'The End of Men' - Debut writer talks about speculative fiction, editing pandemics, and writing sprints.
Aug 26, 2021
Random Routine - Crime and historical thriller author Helen Fields takes us through a day writing around her family
Aug 24, 2021
Jamie O'Connell, author of 'Diving for Pearls' - Debutant talks places as characters, refining structure, and the 500 word limit
Aug 20, 2021
Random Routine - Crime supremo Mark Billingham likes to get things done whenever he can
Aug 16, 2021
Claire McGowan, author of 'The Vanishing Triangle' - Crime writer talks about planning the twists, switching genres, and stepping into true crime.
Aug 12, 2021
Random Routine - Bestselling geopolitical genius Tim Marshall on starting the day luxuriously
Aug 09, 2021
Michael Arditti, author of 'The Anointed' - Award-winning author talks about being a morning person, unpacking religion, and being told what he can't write.
Aug 05, 2021
Random Routine - Irish Book Award Winner Liz Nugent takes us through her writing day
Aug 02, 2021
Joy Ellis, author of 'The Patient Man' - Crime bestseller talks about starting new series, checking in with characters, and how she finally got published.
Jul 30, 2021
Random Routine - Carnegie Medal Winner Frank Cottrell-Boyce talks about hating writing... but loving re-writing.
Jul 27, 2021
Hayley Doyle, author of 'Love, Almost' - West End actress turned writer talks about juggling life and work, overwriting, and playing with genre.
Jul 22, 2021
Random Routine - Why worldwide bestseller Jeffery Deaver plans for 8 months
Jul 20, 2021
Alexis Landau, author of 'Those Who Are Saved' - Historical writer talks about mother/daughter stories, research and the opening flurry.
Jul 18, 2021
Random Routine - 'Queen of Crime' Val McDermid talks about how writing life has changed over more than 30 books.
Jul 13, 2021
Nigel Farndale, author of 'The Dictator's Muse' - Award-winning journalist and author discusses getting on with it, finding the balance between work and fun, and writing real life.
Jul 09, 2021
Random Routine - Ian Rankin talks a day in the life of a crime writing phenomenon.
Jul 05, 2021
Janet Skeslien-Charles, author of 'The Paris Library' - Writer discusses dual time-frames, research and why thorough plotting doesn't mean complete understanding.
Jul 01, 2021
Random Routine - Bestselling thriller writer Shari Lapena discusses writing years, quiet houses and 1500 words.
Jun 29, 2021
Greg Buchanan, author of 'Sixteen Horses' - Debut crime author discusses bending genre, plot functions, and being kind to yourself.
Jun 24, 2021
Random Routine - Louise Candlish takes us through a year in the life of an award-winning author.
Jun 21, 2021
Niamh Campbell, author of 'This Happy' - Award-winning writer discusses literary fiction, being purposeful with language, and extroverted work.
Jun 18, 2021
Random Routine - Anthony Horowitz discusses why he wants to make every day different.
Jun 15, 2021
Lesley Kara, author of 'The Dare' - Crime writer talks about the process of discovery, themes, and TV adaptations
Jun 10, 2021
Tim Adler, author of 'Dead Already' - Thriller writer talks about thorough plotting, irony, and always being a student.
Jun 03, 2021
Rosie Wilby, author of 'The Breakup Monologues' - Comic talks about pets, podcasting and peripatetic writing.
May 27, 2021
Bryan Christy, author of 'In the Company of Killers' - Thriller writer talks masterplans and diagrams, writing dreams, and discovering your characters.
May 20, 2021
Bethany Clift, author of 'Last One at the Party' - Dystopian debut author talks stealing time to write, learning from films, why editing saves the day.
May 13, 2021
Lisa Gardner, author of 'Before She Disappeared' - New York Times bestseller discusses the perils of pantsing, getting it done early, and her first standalone in 20 years.
May 06, 2021
Ericka Waller, author of 'Dog Days' - Debut author discusses the balance between light and shade, learning from loss, and keeping family time.
Apr 29, 2021
Abigail Mann, author of 'The Sister Surprise' - Uplit and comedy writer talks about accountability, switching softwares, and writing funny.
Apr 22, 2021
Chloe James, author of 'Love in Lockdown' - Debut uplit author discusses working to time, pseudonyms and making writing a priority.
Apr 15, 2021
Naomi Ishiguro, author of 'Common Ground' - Debut novelist talks about ideas from chaos, impersonal writing spaces, and pushing through to the end.
Apr 08, 2021
Nick Petrie, author of 'The Breaker' - Thriller writer talks about getting the first draft right, perfecting the space, and the inner drill sergeant.
Apr 01, 2021
Sarah Leipciger, author of 'Coming Up For Air' - Writer discusses teaching creativity, thorough research, and unexplored mysteries.
Mar 26, 2021
Lucy Clarke, author of 'The Castaways' - Thriller writer talks writing spaces, getting it done early, and travelling to research.
Mar 19, 2021
Shane Dunphy, author of 'Stories from the Margins' - Inspirational Memoir and Crime author talks the perfect place to write, walking to work, and the responsibility of stories.
Mar 12, 2021
Abigail Dean, author of 'Girl A' - Instant Sunday Times Bestseller talks writing around full-time work, starting the day, and debut dreams.
Mar 05, 2021
Cherie Jones, author of 'How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House' - Debut novelist talks about waking up early, fitting everything in, and asking her characters questions.
Feb 26, 2021
Susie Donkin, author of 'Zeus is a Dick' - Comedy writer on reimagining ancient myths, learning from screenplays, and keeping keen to be lean.
Feb 19, 2021
Will Dean, author of 'The Last Thing to Burn' - Thriller writer talks about frantically thrashing out the words, paying justice to characters, and writing in the wilderness.
Feb 12, 2021
C.K. McDonnell, author of 'The Stranger Times' - Comedian and writer talks about how stand-up comedy made writing easier, about jokes getting in the way of the story, and why he annoys his characters.
Feb 05, 2021
Kate Mosse, author of 'The City of Tears' - Multi-million selling author talks thorough research, learning to write anywhere and building on the success of 'Labyrinth'
Jan 29, 2021
Jeff Lindsay, author of 'Fool Me Twice' - 'Dexter' creator talks intricate plotting, finding your vocation, and starting again after a huge series.
Jan 22, 2021
Emily Schultz, author of 'Little Threats' - Thriller writer talks creating a work space, thrashing ideas about, and switching genre.
Jan 15, 2021
Rosie Nixon, author of 'Just Between Friends' - Magazine editor talks escaping to write, getting to know characters, and beating deadlines.
Jan 08, 2021
Ross Sutherland, creator of 'The Golden House' - Poet, writer and podcaster explains how rules help creativity, why he loves the editing, and putting puzzles in podcasts.
Dec 18, 2020
Sibéal Pounder, author of 'Tinsel: The Girls Who Invented Christmas' - Children's author talks writing courses, finding the tone and writing a sense of magic.
Dec 11, 2020
CJ Cooke, author of 'The Nesting' - Gothic suspense author talks about getting the atmosphere right, stopping the editing knot, and writing to frighten.
Dec 04, 2020
Sareeta Domingo, author of 'If I Don't Have You' - Romantic fiction writer talks tricks of the genre, juggling full-time work with part-time passion, and getting ideas from dreams.
Nov 27, 2020
Mark Watson, author of 'Contacts' - Comedian talks about changing voices, writing on the road, and why he loves the bustle.
Nov 20, 2020
Sally Gardner, author of 'The Snow Song' - Multi award-winning bestseller talks about having a visual mind, knowing everything about your characters, and reluctant readers.
Nov 13, 2020
Gillian McAllister, author of 'How to Disappear' - Psychological thriller writer talks researching the unresearchable, mixing plotting and pantsing, and getting the first draft done quickly.
Nov 06, 2020
Alastair Humphreys, author of 'My Midsummer Morning' - Adventurer, Author and Podcaster talks about journalling, strange editing, and the freedom of storytelling.
Oct 30, 2020
Jennie Fields, author of 'Atomic Love' - Spy drama writer talks about bending genre, keeping track of tenses, and getting started late.
Oct 22, 2020
Isabelle Broom, author of 'Hello, Again' - Escapist romance writer talks about how ideas change, travelling for research, and why character is everything.
Oct 16, 2020
Matt Haig, author of 'The Midnight Library' - Bestselling writing talks searching for humanity, trusting the process, and getting the first draft done.
Oct 09, 2020
Trevor Wood, author of 'The Man on the Street' - Debut crime writer talks going back to school, playwriting, and perfect timing.
Oct 02, 2020
Jane Fallon, author of 'Queen Bee' - Bestselling writer talks about getting an early start, learning from television, and publishing her 10th novel.
Sep 25, 2020
Mara Timon, author of 'City of Spies' - Espionage thriller writer talks about putting the reader in your characters shoes, finding free time to write, and wartime secrets.
Sep 17, 2020
Calum McSwiggan, author of 'Eat, Gay, Love' - Memoir writer talks turning experience into plot, focused writing days, and pushing past the blank page
Sep 10, 2020
Erin Kinsley, author of 'Innocent' - Word targets, diagrams, charts and that book that needs to be told PLUS Ed Needham, editor of 'Strong Words' Magazine
Sep 03, 2020
Menna van Praag, author of 'The Sisters Grimm' - Magical realism author talks self-publishing, finding your voice, and why books are better shorter.
Aug 27, 2020
Amanda Jennings, writer of 'The Storm' - Bestselling author talks haunting thrillers, loneliness and isolation, and having all the notebooks
Aug 22, 2020
Jo Thomas, author of 'Escape to the French Farmhouse' - Romance writer talks food and family, retreats and incredible research trips.
Aug 16, 2020
Christopher Fowler, author of 'Oranges and Lemons' - Prolific writer talks crime novels, unplanned plotting and the bare bones draft.
Aug 07, 2020
Sophia Money-Coutts, writer of 'The Wish List' - Journalist and author talks escaping to write, rom-coms and getting to work early.
Jul 31, 2020
Sabine Durrant, author of 'Finders, Keepers' - Psychological thriller writer talks about pre-work rituals, when writing gets tough, and planning the day.
Jul 23, 2020
Roundtable - 'Uplit' authors Laura Jane Williams, Nicola Gill, Hannah Sunderland and Charlene Allcott talk about writing to answer questions, finding your reader, and playing with genre.
Jul 20, 2020
Melanie Blake, author of 'The Thunder Girls' - Entrepreneur talks ghost-writing, channeling characters and escaping to write.
Jul 16, 2020
Jasper Fforde, author of 'The Constant Rabbit' - Surrealist satire writer talks about narrative dares, the creative sandbox and finding the right words.
Jul 10, 2020
Peter James, author of 'Find Them Dead' - Prolific bestseller talks creating the perfect writing day, narrative charts and ruthless editing.
Jul 02, 2020
Chris Whitaker, author of 'We Begin at the End' - Crime writer talks American Noir, finding the plot through characters, and winning the 'New Blood Dagger Award'
Jun 25, 2020
Round Table - Crime writers Merilyn Davies, Rebecca Bradley and Neil Lancaster talk about the joy of editing, planning for a series, and creativity during lockdown.
Jun 22, 2020
Rachel Abbott, writer of 'The Murder Game' - Mega Kindle Bestseller talks about knowing her characters visually, the joys of editing, and making a business plan.
Jun 19, 2020
Anthony McGowan, author of 'Lark' - Carnegie Medal Winning writer discusses picking the next project, working in two spaces, and writing place over plot.
Jun 11, 2020
David Baldacci, author of 'Walk the Wire' - Prolific bestseller talks about being on the lookout for ideas, publishing two books a year, and picking characters for stories.
Jun 05, 2020
James Swallow, author of 'Rogue' - Thriller writer talks telling stories across genre, the ideal writing day, and writing for video games.
May 29, 2020
Adele Parks, author of 'Just My Luck' - Prolific writer talks having a strict routine, why she's always asking questions, and about her 20th book in 20 years.
May 22, 2020
Nicola Gill, author of 'The Neighbours' - Debut writer talks genre, crafting a plot around characters, and getting started early.
May 15, 2020
Neil Lancaster, author of 'Going Rogue' - Ex-cop talks about trusting the process, getting police stuff right, and making it thrilling.
May 08, 2020
Lorna Cook, author of 'The Forbidden Promise' - Historical mystery author talks dual-narrative, crammed work days, and writing what you want to read.
May 01, 2020
Russ Thomas, author of 'Firewatching' - Debut writer talks changing viewpoints, short stories, and selling books to write them.
Apr 24, 2020
Lucienne Boyce, author of 'Death Makes No Distinction' - Historical fiction writer talks thorough plotting, making the past authentic, and writing biography.
Apr 17, 2020
Nell Pattison, author of 'The Silent House' - Psychological thriller writer talks about editorial feedback, mixing up the day, and being inspired by real life.
Apr 10, 2020
Sam Lloyd, author of 'The Memory Wood' - Thriller writer talks about characters that won't go away, trying to force twists, and improving productivity.
Apr 02, 2020
Eleni Kyriacou, writer of 'She Came to Stay' - Debut author talks about planning and plotting, changing the main character, and overwriting.
Mar 27, 2020
Louise Hare, author of 'This Lovely City' - Being inspired by short stories, making the leap to full-time writing, and secret adventures in London.
Mar 20, 2020
Rory Clements, author of 'Hitler's Secret' - Historical mystery writer talks the responsibility to tell the truth, keeping readers going, and writing at night.
Mar 13, 2020
SD Sykes, author of 'The Bone Fire' - Historical Fiction author talks thorough plotting, the hero's journey and getting submerged in the past.
Mar 06, 2020
Pete Brown, author of 'Pie Fidelity' - 3 time British Beer Writer of the Year talks writing the book you want to read, analysing to improve, and the joy of narrative.
Feb 28, 2020
An Yu, writer of 'Braised Pork' - Hyped debut author on discovering characters, trying to tame creativity, and nocturnal Beijing.
Feb 21, 2020
Lucy Foley, author of 'The Guest List' - Mystery author on twisting the whodunnit, the beauty and benefit of overwriting, and why she loves chaos
Feb 14, 2020
BA Paris, author of 'The Dilemma' - Managing to structure your pantsing, forgetting the word count, and the urge to tell stories.
Feb 07, 2020
Caroline Scott, author of 'The Photographer of the Lost' - Avoiding cliches from the past, bringing the Great War to life, and why editing is where things really come alive.
Jan 31, 2020
Paul French, author of 'Murders of Old China' - Writer of brand new Audible series talks finding clues in the past, writing for audio, and knowing how to research.
Jan 24, 2020
Hugh Montgomery, author of 'Control' - Professor talks making time to write, what makes you creative, and the joy of trying something new.
Jan 17, 2020
Mason Currey, author of 'Daily Rituals: Women at Work' - On perfecting the writing day, knowing where to start research, and some of the most interesting routines from history.
Jan 14, 2020
Amy Heydenrych, author of 'The Pact' - Crime author talks brooding over stories, analysing her work, and breaking her own rules.
Jan 10, 2020
Ann Cleeves, author of 'The Long Call' - 'Vera' and 'Shetland' writer talks about the urge to tell stories, learning by living and never plotting
Dec 13, 2019
Chris Hammer, author of award-winning 'Scrublands' - Winner of 'New Blood Dagger Award' talks writing anywhere, nuanced characters and learning from journalism.
Dec 06, 2019
Jeffrey Archer, author of 'Nothing Ventured' - Internationally successful author talks escaping to write, his exacting daily routine and what selling over 275 million books is really like.
Nov 29, 2019
Harriet Evans, author of 'The Garden of Lost and Found' - The luxury of two places to write, why editing is the most important part of the process, and how to be flexible when the story takes over.
Nov 15, 2019
James Wallman, author of 'Time and How to Spend It - Journalist talks making non-fiction read like the classics, the experience economy, and why you need to get outside and be offline.
Nov 01, 2019
Ruth Hogan, author of 'The Keeper of Lost Things' - How to plan your writing year, what to do with the first sentence, and how do you get new ideas?
Oct 17, 2019
Owen Nicholls, author of 'Love, Unscripted' - Debut novelist talks pop culture, movie journalism and writing romance.
Sep 26, 2019
Tom MacRae, co-writer of 'Everybody's Talking About Jamie' - On hit West End musicals, writing for stage, and discipline.
Sep 13, 2019
Tim Smedley, author of 'Clearing the Air' - Sustainability writer on making non-fiction accessible, plotting travels and the perfect first chapter.
Sep 06, 2019
Sheila O'Flanagan, author of 'Her Husband's Mistake' - Prolific award-winner talks first sentences, becoming characters and finding new ideas.
Aug 31, 2019
Rob Hart, author of 'The Warehouse' - Critically acclaimed author talks dystopian fiction, standalone novels and editing backwards.
Aug 19, 2019
Shari Lapena, author of 'Someone We Know' - Thriller writer talks the absurdity of planning, rewriting and discovering the killer.
Aug 09, 2019
Laura Jane Williams, author of 'Our Stop' - Journalist and memoir writer talks debut novels, rom-com characters and dirty drafts.
Aug 02, 2019
Phoebe Locke, author of summer hit 'The July Girls' - Thriller writer talks strict timing, getting to know your killer, and pseudonyms
Jul 25, 2019
Stuart MacBride, Crime and Thriller author - Writer of the 'Logan McRae' series talks new book 'All That's Dead', work ethics, and switching up the process.
Jul 19, 2019
Lara Prior-Palmer, author of 'Rough Magic' - Memoir writer talks winning the Mongol Derby, always fixing sentences and free-flowing words.
Jul 12, 2019
Louise Candlish, British Book Award Winner - 'Our House' author talks having an unusual hook, following up on success and almost giving up.
Jun 21, 2019
Abi Elphinstone, author of 'Rumblestar' - Children's author talks finding the right audience, believable characters and thorough research.
Jun 14, 2019
Ahmad Danny Ramadan, writer of 'The Clothesline Swing' - LGBTQ and refugee campaigner, writer and speaker talks storytelling with friends, multiple outlines and deliberate confusion.
Jun 07, 2019
Mel Sherratt - Crime and Thriller author talks moving through genres, letting characters dictate plot, and the Kindle revolution that helped her success.
May 30, 2019
Trent Dalton - 'Boy Swallows Universe' talks debut success, being named 'Australian Book of the Year' and writing snappily.
May 24, 2019
Jeffery Deaver - Global bestselling thriller author talks about research, writing puzzles and working anywhere.
May 17, 2019
Lucie Whitehouse - 'Critical Incidents' author talks procedural crime novels, switching genres and ideas from thin air.
May 10, 2019
Mhairi McFarlane - Rom-com author talks contrivances, not letting mistakes go, and 'chick-lit'.
May 05, 2019
Namwali Serpell - Hay Festival award winning author talks strict structure, women-only workspaces and the birth of a new nation.
Apr 25, 2019
Val McDermid - Bestselling author talks changing process, creating characters and listening to readers
Apr 19, 2019
C.L. Taylor - Psychological Thriller author talks writing across genres, unreliable narrators and new novel 'Sleep'
Apr 04, 2019
Sarah Pinborough - 'Cross Her Heart' author talks characters, moving through genres and being a workaholic.
Mar 29, 2019
Adam Foulds - Booker Prize shortlisted author talks new novel 'Dream Sequence', plotting through character and writing poetry.
Mar 22, 2019
Frank Cottrell-Boyce - Award winning Children's author talks scriptwriting, having ideas on the road, and the 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.
Mar 15, 2019
Harriet Tyce - Debut novelist talks learning to write, being inspired by work, and genre-fiction.
Mar 08, 2019
WORLD BOOK DAY SPECIAL - Routines and advice from some of the best crime, thriller, romance, fantasy and non-fiction authors around.
Mar 07, 2019
Nuala Ellwood - Critically-acclaimed author talks the difficult second novel, creativity in motherhood and Virginia Woolf.
Mar 01, 2019
Susan Lewis - Prolific author talks planning, crossing genre and new novel 'One Minute Later'
Feb 22, 2019
Fiona Barton - Journalist turned Psychological Thriller author talks new book 'The Suspect', the perfect time to write and when to plan.
Feb 08, 2019
Bridget Collins - Author of 'The Binding' talks about her critically acclaimed adult debut, why planning is overrated and why she finally had to tell this story.
Jan 17, 2019
James Oswald - Author of 'No Time to Cry' talks sheep-farming by day and crime writing by night, also why planning is overrated and how important a name can be.
Dec 21, 2018
Tim Marshall - 'Prisoners of Geography' author and Diplomatic Editor talks planning, accessibility and Geopolitics.
Dec 14, 2018
Liz Nugent - Irish Book Award winner on new novel 'Skin Deep', vital characterisation and how to push through a difficult start.
Nov 29, 2018
Ben Schott - Creator of the world famous 'Almanac and Miscellanies' on his debut novel, diving into the world of Wodehouse and the imperfect writing routine.
Nov 23, 2018
Cecelia Ahern - Author of 'P.S. I Love You', talks about her new book 'Roar', where she writes and what it's like to have sold 25 million books.
Nov 16, 2018
E. Foley and B. Coates, authors of 'What Would Boudicca Do?' - The editors and writers talk nasty women, critiquing each other, and writing to Disney.
Nov 08, 2018
Sir Ian Rankin, author of 22 'Detective John Rebus' novels - One of UK's bestselling authors chats about Edinburgh, writing quickly and surprise endings.
Nov 01, 2018
Gabriel Tallent, author of best-selling 'My Absolute Darling' - Critically acclaimed writer chats character development, plot structure and the right to tell stories.
Sep 26, 2018
Keith Anthony, author of 'Times and Places' - A literary, observational, dramatic comedy. A daily ritual with guitars, immersion and silent retreats.
Sep 13, 2018
Eve Makis & Anthony Cropper - Writer's Routine #38
Jul 27, 2018
Jaqcui Rose - Writer's Routine #37
Jul 19, 2018
J.H. Tepley - Writer's Routine #36
Jul 06, 2018
Garrard Conley - Writer's Routine #35
Jun 22, 2018
Marianne Kavanagh - Writer's Routine #34
Jun 14, 2018
Natasha Scripture - Writer's Routine #33
Jun 07, 2018
Mark Billingham, author of the 'Thorne' series - Bestselling crime writer discusses working through the night, being inspired by real-life crime, and how his style has changed
May 31, 2018
Sophie Jenkins - Writer's Routine #31
May 23, 2018
James Buckler - Writer's Routine #30
May 10, 2018
Barbara Nadel - Writer's Routine #29
May 03, 2018
Sarah Ward - Writer's Routine #28
Apr 20, 2018
Julia Crouch - Writer's Routine #27
Apr 14, 2018
Peter Fellows - Writer's Routine #26
Apr 06, 2018
M.J Ford - Writer's Routine #25
Mar 29, 2018
Cass Green - Writer's Routine #24
Mar 16, 2018
Fern Britton - Writer's Routine #23
Mar 09, 2018
Helen Fields - Writer's Routine #22
Feb 16, 2018
AJ Finn - Writer's Routine #21
Feb 09, 2018
Anthony Horowitz, author of 'Magpie Murders' - Prolific writer discusses James Bond, Sherlock Holmes and Alex Rider, also why he doesn't enjoy routines, and revisiting characters
Feb 02, 2018
Derek Farrell - Writer's Routine #19
Jan 26, 2018
Mark Edwards - Writer's Routine #18
Jan 19, 2018
Richard Graham - Writer's Routine #17
Dec 18, 2017
Mark Hill - Writer's Routine #16
Dec 08, 2017
Owen King, author of 'Sleeping Beauties' - Thriller writer talks about idea generation, writing for TV, and working with his dad, Stephen King
Dec 01, 2017
Simon Mayo - Writer's Routine #14
Nov 24, 2017
Paul Burston - Writer's Routine #13
Nov 17, 2017
James Wilde - Writer's Routine #12
Nov 10, 2017
Gerry Rose - Writer's Routine #11
Nov 03, 2017
Paul A. Mendelson - Writer's Routine #10
Oct 27, 2017
DM Mark - Writer's Routine #9
Oct 19, 2017
Paul Finch - Writer's Routine #8
Oct 12, 2017
David deVire - Writer's Routine #7
Oct 06, 2017
Simon Toyne - Writer's Routine #6
Sep 29, 2017
Phoebe Morgan - Writer's Routine #5
Sep 21, 2017
Jaroslav Kalfar - Writer's Routine #4
Sep 14, 2017
Angela Clarke - Writer's Routine #3
Sep 08, 2017
Steven Butler - Writer's Routine #2
Aug 31, 2017
Karin Slaughter - Writer's Routine #1
Aug 24, 2017
Writer's Routine - Series 1 Trailer
Aug 22, 2017