What! The Heys

Send us Fan Mail Want to write a historical fiction book but not sure where to start? In the latest episode of, ' What! The Heys ' North Carolina native, Valerie Nieman discusses how she wrote her two books about the Macbeths ( Upon The Corner Of The Moon and the upcoming The Last Highland King ), together with the extraordinary lengths (hint: it involves a lot of travel!) she goes to re...

Send us Fan Mail Want to know how to write morally grey characters but not sure how? In this episode of 'What! The Heys' author Sofia Mihelic explains how she created nine complex characters for her upcoming fantasy novel, 'The Red Harbinger’. She also explains why she felt compelled to write so many multiple points of view, and how she created the various maps, legends, and lore fo...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wanted to write a Romance novel that doesn't feel as formulaic as some of the other offerings around, but not sure how? In this episode of ' What! The Heys ', author MJ Perkins discusses how she came to write her festive rom-com, ' Santa's Lawyer' and how she avoided many of the 'tricks of the trade' in the process. She also discussed h...

Send us Fan Mail Want to know more about screenwriting and the movie business but not sure where to start? In this episode of ' What! The Heys ' screenwriters Hayden Croft and David Kain share some of their screenwriting stories, together with the experiences they've had acting and in the director's chair. They also discuss some of the novels they have written, as well as their...

Send us Fan Mail Want to know more about how to improve your writing but not sure how? In this episode, American author Frank Reddy discusses how he turned his weaknesses into strengths, as well as how his personal experiences have shaped his writing and helped him become the author he is today. He also delves into his fourth novel, 'Ghost in the Grove' , a Southern Gothic/Horror mash-up...

Send us Fan Mail Milton Rothbard has published an incredible 180+ books written across several decades, including his debut political thriller, 'Cafe Bueno Aires'. Join us as we discuss how he has achieved this phenomenal milestone, how he uses his family's history for inspiration, and how his family help him with the editing and production of his books, including the book covers. R...

Send us Fan Mail Fancy creating your own magical/fantasy/science fiction/dystopian (cross out as appropriate) world but not sure where to start? In this episode, American author Stephen Walters discusses how he has blended the fantasy and sci-fi/super hero genres to create something truly unique in his debut novel.  We also discussed writing routines , creating unique characters , and how to promo...

Send us Fan Mail Want to know how to write fast-paced thrillers but were afraid to ask? In this podcast Graham Balch shares his insights on how to write authentic characters , and the importance of word of mouth in determining a book's success.  He also discusses his unique approach to research, the influence of current events on his thrillers, and various strategies for authors to build thei...

Send us Fan Mail Travis Byram has lived all over the world (USA, Thailand, China, and Qatar) and he  now writes from the beautiful city of Izmir, Turkey . As well as writing short stories, he compiles his own dream journal , and is a voracious reader of fiction , including the works of Haruki Murakami.   In this episode we discussed an exciting collaboration he's currently undertaking with a...

Send us Fan Mail Yance Wyatt is the jack of all literary’s trades - he’s a professor of writing at the University of Southern California , he’s the fiction editor at the Blue Mountain Review , oh and he’s also bagged a literary agent and has had a book published by Regal House this summer. Join us as we discuss how he wrote his Southern Gothic novel, The Watersmith in ten weeks, only for it to tak...

Send us Fan Mail Susan Russell is the founder and CEO of the independent publisher, Grendel Press, which specializes in dark fantasy, horror , and dark romance.   In this podcast we discussed what led her to start her company, what she is looking for in a successful submission , and how she markets the books she publishes. Perfect for anyone looking to publish their book either with Grendel Press...

Send us Fan Mail You've written a book but your sales have flatlined? In this episode futuristic crime writer , A. L. Lieske discusses how she uses social media , newsletters and her own podcast to boost not just her sales, but also those of others! She also talks about how her traumatic childhood has impacted her writing, and how she uses behaviour analysis in her work. Perfect for writers a...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what it would be like to live alongside dinosaurs ? Well, American author Aleksey Fraser has written a novel - Glowing Red - that does exactly that! Join me and Aleksey as we discuss her book, her passion for dinosaurs in general, and what inspired her to write in the first place. Perfect for dinosaur fans and creators everywhere. Not to be missed! If you want to kno...

Send us Fan Mail Want to know how to outline your novel ? In this episode Canadian author Carla Young discusses her sticky note approach to plotting her books, as well as how she stitches the whole thing together. She also reads an excerpt from her debut novel, ‘ Dear Dead Husband ’ - a book about a woman coming to terms with the tragic death of her husband. Perfect for writers and creators everyw...

Send us Fan Mail Burnt out from all the constant writing? Want to take a break but not sure if this will have a negative impact on your work? In this episode, YA sci-fi author, Heys Wolfenden discusses how incorporating breaks into your writing schedule can fuel your writing, rather than extinguish it. He also discusses the AI future we all face, some recent troubles he’s been having with his podc...

Send us Fan Mail Want to know how to write a sci-fi story that really kicks? Listen to American author Julia Harbert discuss how she planned and wrote her debut sci-fi novel, The Antaran Equation . She also shares how living in Mexico and China has inspired her craft and added fuel to her creative fire, along with tv shows and movies like Star Trek and Star Wars. Perfect for sci-fi enthusiasts and...

Send us Fan Mail Want to know how to use your childhood to fuel your creativity ?  In this episode the children’s author and artist, Eric Zhang tells you how. He also discusses the dangerous impact of AI on creative spaces, how he balances his work and creative life, and his ongoing search for a Literary Agent. Eric has published and illustrated several children’s books, including his most recent...

Send us Fan Mail Want to know how to balance being a screenwrite r and a fantasy novelist ? Listen to David Kain explain how it's possible to go from studying a PhD in Creative Writing to becoming an in-demand screenwriter and fantasy author. He also discusses the main influences on his work, his take on the growing use of AI in creative spaces , and how he uses outlines to write fiction. Inf...

Send us Fan Mail Want to know how to write the perfect memoir, but not sure if you have the relevant experience? In this episode memoirist and writing coach, Elizabeth Wilson shows you how you can use your everyday experience to write a memoir that not only captivates the reader but also sells. She also demonstrates how being part of a wider writing community and recording podcasts can also assist...

Send us Fan Mail Want to know how to use your experience to write a novel that really kicks, but not sure how? In this episode of ' What! The Heys, ' Chester native Oliver Jensen , explains how you can use your experiences to improve your writing, particularly those that break your heart. He also discusses the importance of his father reading to him when he was younger, and how Ernest He...

Send us Fan Mail Want to listen to some top-notch poetry ? In this episode, three UK poets - Sarah James , Ansuya Patel , and Heys Wolfenden - discuss three of their poems. They also share their thoughts on the benefits of attending book fairs , how travel can have a positive impact on your writing, and how the podcast is providing a platform for other writers. Perfect for writers and creators eve...

Send us Fan Mail Ever fancied writing a bestselling Romantasy novel, but you're not sure how? In this episode, Australian Romantasy author J.M. McGregor gives the lowdown on how she wrote her debut novel, ' Ash and Tide ', together with some important tips on how to place your work in local bookshops , utilize beta readers, and use ' show not tell ' on a more consistent ba...

Send us Fan Mail Should writers completely accept or reject using AI in their writing ?  In this episode of the highly successful writing podcast, 'What! The Heys', the YA author Heys Wolfenden discusses the pros and cons of using AI not just in your writing but also in the wider publishing process.  He also reflects on some of his struggles with the podcast , not least booking guests, a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the highly successful 'What! The Heys ' podcast, LA native Arielle Miller gives the lowdown on her recent book, ' F*ck Me: A Memoir' , which chronicles her various post-divorce relationships.  She also gives her candid opinion on the #metoo movement , her experiences editing the book, and her current work in progress which revolves around the...

Send us Fan Mail Want to know how to improve your writing but not sure where to start?  In this episode of ' What! The Heys' , Fantasy and Romance author K.J. Holmes breaks down all the amazing ways you can improve your writing from attending writing retreats, hiring an editor , and entering various writing competitions.  What's more, she also discusses her writing routine , the key...