Beyond The Plot Podcast

In this episode, Leon Mitchell—author and creative director—shares how he transitioned from working in music and film into building a career as an independent author. We explore how his creative background shaped his storytelling approach, the realities of self-publishing, and what it takes to maintain creative control while building an audience. Perfect for aspiring authors, creatives, and anyone...

In this April special, author Laura Carter shares powerful writing advice, surprising research stories, and career-defining moments. Perfect for aspiring authors, novelists, and creative writers looking for inspiration and practical tips. ✨ Topics covered: Best advice for new writers Weird research behind stories Unpublished scenes and ideas Emotional reader connections Career-changing writing ad...

How do you turn an idea into a published book—and then into a full writing career? In this episode, author J.M. Simpson shares her journey from a spontaneous moment of inspiration to building multiple crime thriller series across self-publishing and traditional publishing. We talk about writing, marketing, branding, and what it really takes to succeed as an author today. 🔑 In This Episode Startin...

In this segment, five authors, five friends we hear from Rebecca Armitage this week. From writing the book you want to read to the unexpected research behind fiction, this episode is a fast dose of inspiration for writers at any stage. Key Takeaways: Self-motivation and ownership in writing Practical advice from experienced authors Creative storytelling ideas and reinterpretation The impact storie...

In this episode, we sit down with rising crime thriller author Mercedes Mercier to explore how she turned rejection into success and built a thriving writing career. From early storytelling as a child to publishing gripping crime fiction, Mercedes shares how she found her voice, transitioned from romance to crime thrillers, and developed her latest novel The Couples Retreat . If you're an aspiring...

In this segment of Five Authors, Five Questions , we dive into the creative world of Lucy Jane Wood and her journey as a writer of magical, witchy stories. From embracing messy first drafts to building rich character backstories that never make it onto the page, Lucy shares honest, insightful advice for writers at any stage. We also explore the quirky realities of writing fantasy—from Googling unu...

In this episode, author Georgia Harper shares her journey from hearing an inner voice to becoming a published novelist. We explore the realities of writing, editing, and securing a publishing deal, along with the importance of authenticity, resilience, and trusting your creative voice. Georgia also dives into her character development process, the themes of female empowerment and safety in Dove ,...

What does it really take to go from hobby writer to published author? In this episode, we sit down with author Seána Tinley to explore her journey into professional writing, the realities of publishing, and how she successfully writes across multiple genres using different pen names. Seána shares powerful insights into building a sustainable writing career, including the importance of mentorship,...

How do you go from building a book community on Instagram to publishing your own gothic vampire romance? In this episode, debut author Lily Crozier shares her inspiring journey from working in the publishing industry to landing a book deal and releasing her atmospheric vampire novel “Vow of Eternal Night.” We dive into Lily’s creative process, how Bookstagram and TikTok helped grow her platform, a...

Ali Lowe joins us to discuss the real journey behind becoming a published thriller author. Originally from the UK and now based in Australia, Ali shares how she moved from a successful journalism career into fiction writing and eventually became a bestselling novelist. In this conversation we explore her creative process, the inspiration behind her latest thriller The Second Wife , and the realiti...

Are you wondering how to get published—or what it really takes to become a published author? In this episode, Olivia Jackson shares her complete author journey—from writing comics at age 12 to landing a publishing deal with HarperCollins UK. She opens up about overcoming rejection, navigating the publishing industry, improving your writing craft, and developing the resilience every writer needs. I...

In this episode, bestselling author Pip Drysdale shares her powerful transition from singer-songwriter to published novelist. Pip opens up about making the leap into writing in 2015, the grit required to finish a manuscript, and the patience needed to navigate the long road to publication. She discusses the realities of book marketing, the unpredictability of promotion, and why building a strong c...

In this episode, romance author Lily Parker shares how she transformed from a former matchmaker and PR professional into a published author with multiple book deals. With a background in psychology and a passion for storytelling that began in her teenage diaries, Lily opens up about pivoting careers during COVID, landing a three-book deal after a serendipitous conference encounter, and navigating...

This week I’m chatting with Katie Ginger , who shares how she went from writing destination romances under the pen name Annabel French to stepping into the world of screenwriting. We talk about: ✨ Going full-time as a writer ✍️ Building a pen name + writing places you’ve never been 📚 The reality of publishing (agents, trends, and pivots) 🎥 Translating novel skills to screenwriting 🤍 Why commun...

✨ NEW EPISODE ✨ This week on Beyond the Plot , I’m joined by the incredible Libby Page , author of This Book Made Me Think of You — and yes, it’s a BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick 📚👏 Libby opens up about her writing journey, facing rejection, staying motivated when self-doubt creeps in, and what it really takes to become a published author. We also talk book marketing, cover design, balancing famil...

In this episode of Beyond the Plot , I sit down with author Lulu Morris to talk about her writing journey, career pivots, and the realities of being a published author. Lulu opens up about her transition from historical romance to contemporary rom-coms, sharing the creative challenges and rewards that came with changing genres. We discuss the importance of finding your voice, trusting your instinc...

In this episode, we’re joined by Hannah Evans , an author from South Wales , who shares her journey from childhood writing to publishing her debut novel, The Mapmaker’s Wife . Hannah discusses how family history inspired her storytelling, the realities of balancing writing with a full-time job, and what it’s like navigating the modern publishing landscape. She also emphasizes the importance of com...

In this episode, author Becca Mascull shares her fascinating writing journey across multiple genres, from historical fiction and saga fiction to rom-coms. She discusses the realities of publishing, the importance of persistence, and how financial considerations influenced her genre choices. Becca also opens up about her writing process, working with a supportive agent, and her plans to explore sel...

In this warm and inspiring episode, bestselling author Cressida McLaughlin joins us to talk about her journey writing cozy romance novels and building a fulfilling creative career. From navigating rejection to finding joy in reader connections, Cressida shares honest insights into what it really takes to persevere as a writer. Living in Norfolk and drawing inspiration from places like Cornwall , C...

What happens  behind the pen names ?  In this engaging and honest episode, author  Olivia Beirne  joins the podcast to talk about writing across genres, navigating the publishing world, and what it’s really like managing multiple pen names. Olivia shares insights into her writing process, the challenges of building different author identities, and how she stays true to her voice no matter the name...

In today’s episode, we welcome the brilliantly funny, wildly talented, and endlessly inspiring Lindsey Kelk — bestselling author, broadcaster, and all-round queen of wit. Lindsey takes us on a journey from her childhood in a small mining village in South Yorkshire to building a thriving writing career in Los Angeles. With her signature humour and honesty, she opens up about the realities of the pu...

In this inspiring and deeply honest episode, bestselling author  Amy Andrews  joins us to talk about her journey through the ever-changing world of publishing. Amy opens up about her early rejections, the persistence that kept her going, and how authenticity has become the heart of her connection with readers. We dig into her writing process, the discipline behind creativity, and the role social m...

Get ready for an honest and energising conversation with author Liv Matthews , who takes us inside the real world of modern publishing. Liv shares her journey from aspiring writer to published author, opening up about the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and the mindset that helped her keep going. We talk about everything from marketing yourself as an author to navigating the changin...

Today we’re diving into an incredible creative journey with author Mary Newnham! From writing a blog in her twenties to rediscovering storytelling during the pandemic, Mary’s path has been anything but linear—and that’s why it’s so inspiring. We chat about: ✨ Her early blogging days ✨ Earning a master’s degree in creative writing ✨ Protecting your writing time (and why it matters!) ✨ The ups a...

In this episode, the hilarious and heart-warming Kathleen Whyman pulls back the curtain on her journey as a writer of laugh-out-loud women’s fiction. She chats about the messy, magical process behind her stories—the challenges that trip her up, the inspirations that keep her going, and the real-life moments that spark her trademark humour. With her signature wit, Kathleen reminds us why writing au...