Writer's Routine - TopPodcast.com

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Lucy Roth, author of 'When Sally Killed Harry' - Feminist thriller author discusses arts council funding, going easy on yourself and what readers don't want to know Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

Lucy Roth's new novel has one of the best names going. 'When Sally Killed Harry', is a feminist serial-killer thriller. When Sally discovers she's not the only one to have been jilted by dreamy con-man Harry, she takes matters into her own hands, and becomes his worst nightmare.

It's Lucy's first thriller, but she has published novels and non-fiction books as Lucy Nichol. 'Parklife' talks about friendship, music and recovery in the 90s. There's also 'The Twenty Seven Club', which is a dark comedy around mental health and fandom. Also, 'Snowflake', 'No Worries If Not', and 'A Series of Unfortunate Stereotypes'. As a journalist, Lucy has written for The Independent, The Guardian, The I, NME and lots more.

We talk about the Arts Council Funding Lucy acquired to write the novel, what it helped her do, and who it helped her talk to. It's a thoroughly researched book, with Lucy interviewing a criminologist, a detective, an expert in psychopathy, and the former CEO of Rape Crisis. You can hear why that was so vital for her writing.

We discuss how her disorganised filing system keeps her organised, what thriller readers don't want to see and how her perspective on characters change through time.

This week's episode is supported by Faber Academy. Their flagship, 'Writing a Novel' course is back. Find out more at faberacademy.com/writing-a-novel

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Alex North, author of 'The Man Made of Smoke' - Crime author discusses books actually becoming movies, making writing fun, and how the year looks Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

Alex North seems to be one of those rare writers. It looks like his debut, 'The Whisper Man', will actually be made into a film. The novel was a Sunday Times and New York Times Bestseller, and has been translated into 30 languages. The Movie will star Adam Scott, Robert de Niro, Michelle Monaghan and Michael Keaton.

He's also published 'The Shadow Friend', and 'The Half Burnt House'. His new novel is 'The Man Made of Smoke'. Here's the blurb -

Daniel Garvie was only a child himself when he saw the lost little boy. And because he was too frightened to help him, one of the world's most notorious serial killers got away. Years later, Dan has a successful career as a criminal psychiatrist, unpicking the reasons behind the very darkest of human behaviours. But when his father disappears, Dan is forced to return to the small island where he grew up. A place where all the ghosts and monsters he thought he'd left behind him remain all too real.

It might be a chance for him to find redemption. Or he might be walking straight into a trap.

Alex is also Steve Mosby. Steve has 10 published novels to his name, and won the prestigious CWA 'Dagger in the Library' award to celebrate his collection of works.

We talk about why he needs buzz around him to write, and how he tries to make it more enjoyable. You can take a look through his spreadsheet, columns, colour-codes and all. We chat through how he fits in writing around other things, and how odd it is to actually have your book turned into a movie.

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Hannah Beckerman, author of 'Three Mothers' - Domestic Noir author discusses trying to be a critic, making characters unique, and putting pressure on your own work Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

This week, we're chatting to Hannah Beckerman. She's been dubbed the 'new Queen of Domestic Noir', and after the success of the bestselling, 'The Forgetting', has published her 5th novel, 'Three Mothers'. If you love Louise Candlish or Liane Moriarty, you'll enjoy how Hannah writes.

Here's the blurb...

When seventeen-year-old Isla Richardson is killed in a hit-and-run incident, a community’s lives are thrown into disarray. For Isla’s mum, Abby, it is her second devastating bereavement, having lost her husband five years ago.

Tackling friendship, family, social prejudice and the pressures facing young women, Three Mothers how well do we really know our children? And how far would any of us go to protect the people we love?

Hannah also works as a broadcaster, journalist and book critic, reviewing for The Guardian, The Observer and BBC Radio 2. She presents as a judge and panellist at book events, and we discuss what pressure that puts on her own writing, and how much she tries to learn from other authors' work.

You can hear how much she knows at the start, why she treats it like a 'regular' 9-to-5, and how she makes sure her characters are all unique when writing genre-fiction.

This week's episode is sponsored by Faber Academy. Their flagship 'Writing a Novel' course is more than a course, it's a commitment to your craft. Find out more at faberacademy.com/writing-a-novel

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Faith Hogan, author of 'The Women at Ocean's End' - Uplit author discusses discovering your voice, being a happy pantser and finding the right career Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

This week, we're chatting to award-winning global bestseller, Faith Hogan.

Faith has published many uplit/ women's fiction novels - the last one 'The Bookshop Ladies' won the An Post Irish Book Award for Best Popular Fiction Novel of the Year. Faith's writing journey has taken her from working in many different jobs, never quite sure if she will admit that she wants to be a writer, to becoming a Kindle #1 bestseller across the world. We discuss how she's ended up finally being a full-time writer. Faith has also published crime fiction as Geraldine Hogan.

Her novels are often set on fictional Irish islands, which help her bring to life specific elements of the story - she reveals why. Also, she's a perfectly happy pantser, and we discuss what Faith needs to know before starting her novels. You can hear how she knows her readers so well, what drew her to write Uplit, and what a Faith Hogan novel needs to be.

Her new novel is 'The Women at Ocean's End', here's the blurb -

Constance Macken, in her ninth decade, is looking back on a life filled with laughter and loss, tragedy and triumph, but knows it is time to right the wrongs from her past that have always haunted her.

Heather Banks arrives on the island to bury her mother. Already adrift with her business sold and her divorce finalised this may be the perfect opportunity to change the course of her future.

Ros Stokes has managed to slip into the perfect job, the perfect cottage and friends that feel like family. However, when the stitches of her life begin to unravel, she must find a way to hold onto the things that have become most dear to her and let go of what holds her back.

Now, in a faded art deco house near the ocean's end, these women must come together to save the house they love, and each other, because they might have run from their troubles but only time will tell if they can overcome their past.

This episode is sponsored by Faber Academy's 'Writing a Novel' course. Find out how it covers everything you need to master your craft - https://faberacademy.com/writing-a-novel/

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John Niven, author of 'Kill Your Friends' - Global bestseller discusses feeling ready to write, switching to screenplays, and choosing projects Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

This week, we're chatting to global bestseller John Niven. His breakthrough novel was the hit 'Kill Your Friends', a brutal takedown of his career in the 90's music industry. He went on to write the screenplay for the movie version too, starring Nicholas Hoult. John has published 10 novels, including 'The Second Coming', 'Straight White Male', and 'Kill 'Em All'. Also, he's written screenplays for more hit movies, co-writing 'How to Build a Girl', with Caitlin Moran.

His new novel is 'The Fathers', which tells the story of Dan and Jada, who meet in a busy maternity ward. One is a TV writer and first-time father, the one is a small-tme criminal having his 6th... ot 7th kid. When a tragedy throws them together, Jada sees the chance for one last get-rich-quick scheme.

We talk about picking projects, switching to screenplays, and why he's always got a novel on the go. You can hear how much he knows before he starts writing, and when the plot starts to become clear on the writing road trip. Also, we run through how he knows when he's ready to start writing again.

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Emma Cowell, author of 'Under the Lemon Tree' - Escapist fiction author discusses getting places right, finding joy in the tough times, and how acting affects your character Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Emma Cowell wrote her debut novel, 'One Last Letter from Greece', through the pandemic to come to terms with losing her mother. Since then, she's published more novels and been translated into 9 languages. They're inspired by Greece and its islands. We discuss how she gets the places right. Who does she speak to? How does she learn? Where does she travel to tell the island's story authentically?

The new novel is 'Under the Lemon Tree'. Here's the blurb -

Shattered by the sudden loss of her twin, Nik, Kat is lost in grief. The comfort of family feels both soothing and suffocating, but everything changes when she inherits a house on the breathtaking Greek island of Agistri from a mysterious uncle she’s never met. Arriving on Agistri, Kat is mesmerized by its crystalline waters, lush pine forests, and the citrus-scented air. Among the white-washed houses and warm, welcoming locals, she begins to feel her heart heal. The island offers more than solace, sparking courage in Kat to face her loss ― and maybe even embrace the spark of unexpected love… But as she unearths her family’s buried past, Kat must also confront her own fears of belonging, forgiveness ― and the possibility of rediscovering happiness in the shadow of heartbreak…

We discuss her previous work as an actor and news presenter, and how they have impacted the way she tells stories. Also, you can hear how she knows when to stop, how she pulls herself through tricky writing times, and we run through Emma's path to publication.

This episode might make you want to go on holiday.

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Claire Douglas, author of 'The New Neighbours' - Thriller writer discusses character USPs, the routine of the year, and knowing your brand Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Claire Douglas is a bestselling thriller author. Her work has been published across the world, sold many copies everywhere, and she's been a Richard and Judy Book Club Pick. She's just published her 11th novel in 10 years, 'The New Neighbours'.

It's about Lena who overhears a conversation between her kind, retired neighbours... that must be a mistake. It sounded like they were planning something awful. Lena can't stop thinking about it, it creeps into memories of her past, and she is consumed by choices of whether to do something.

We discuss how Claire discovers her character's unique selling points, and how much she outlines their movements... knowing they're likely to do what they want regardless. You can hear her routine of the year, why she finishes one day thinking of the next, and how useful it is knowing what the 'Claire Douglas' brand is.

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Guy Jenkin, author of 'Murder Most Foul' - BAFTA winning writer discusses alluring research, finally writing a novel, and playing with the past Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

Guy Jenkin is a multi Emmy and Bafta winning writer. Along with Andy Hamilton, he co-wrote the sitcoms 'Drop the Dead Donkey' and 'Outnumbered'. He also worked on the films 'What We Did On Our Holiday', and 'The Sleeping Dictionary'.

His new novel is called 'Murder Most Foul', a witty and fast-paced Tudor detective novel that plays with fact and fiction. In the middle of a deadly plague outbreak in 1593, William Shakespeare is implicated in the murder of his friend and rival, Christopher Marlowe. Teaming up with Marlowe's sister and his former flame Ann, they embark on a quest to clear his name, uncovering a web of treachery and corruption that inspires Shakespeare's future masterpieces.

You can hear how much he enjoyed the research, so much so that he had to drag himself away to finally write the story. He reveals why it's normally the smallest, hardest to find details, that bring the story to life. We discuss why it's taken him so long to write a novel, after a long career in screenwriting, and how he learned to actually do it.

We talk about 'Outnumbered', and why it was much more scripted than many believed, and what it taught him about writing novels.

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Lucy Foley, author of 'The Midnight Feast' - Mystery bestseller reveals her quick first drafts, keeping in close contact with the story, and how her routine has changed Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

Lucy Foley is a mystery behemoth. She's sold 5 million copies of her novels which have been translated in over 40 countries. All of them are currently being made for film and TV right now. Following the success of 'The Hunting Party', 'The Guest List', and 'The Paris Apartment', 'The Midnight Feast' is out now in paperback, and focuses on the opening weekend of a luxury countryside retreat. Only, under the burning midsummer sun, darkness stirs. When a body is found, old friends and enemies are trapped in the countryside, trying to discover whodunnit.

It's the second time Lucy has been on the show, and she's our first ever returning guest. She originally talked us through her writing day in February 2020, and I was keen to figure out what had changed in the last 5 years, what with 2 children and a global pandemic chucked in to stir up her routine.

Lucy is currently writing a new Miss Marple novel, after being asked by the Agatha Christie Estate.

You can hear how success has brought the changes, along with some imposter syndrome, also about her quick first draft, why she focuses on quantity over quality, and how she's discovering her very own Miss Marple.

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Frances Quinn, author of 'The Lost Passenger' - Historical Fiction author discusses advice from ABBA, what other markets want, and the privilege of an editor Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

Frances Quinn is a journalist, copywriter and bestselling author. Her new novel, 'The Lost Passenger', tells the story of Elinor Coombes, who boards the Titanic trapped in an unhappy marriage to a controlling husband. When it starts to go down, she sees an opportunity to escape for a new life.

Frances began writing after winning a place on the Curtis Brown Creative Novel Writing Course, which led through a meandering path toward publication in 2021. Her debut was 'The Smallest Man'. She followed that up with 'That Bonesetter Woman', which both sold well, yet didn't manage to secure international rights. You can hear what Frances did to learn about foreign markets, in order to get her newest novel sold overseas.

As a journalist and copywriter, Frances has written for 'Good Housekeeping', 'Woman's Weekly', and 'Ideal Home', also producing words for Waitrose and Easyjet. We discuss how this has influenced the novels she writes, and why she's forever thankful to her editor.

We discuss genre, research, and how Frances learns about her character while having decided exactly what they're up to.

You can hear why she's a moany writer, why she likes to exercise early, and why she still keeps office hours.

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