The Conversation with Nadine Matheson

Send us a text What makes the difference between a forgettable story and one that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the final page? Best-selling author and playwright Greg Mosse reveals the secret early in our conversation: "Boring books are finished by their writers, and good books are completed by their readers, because there's space for the reader's imagination w...

Send us a text What happens after you get that coveted book deal?  Award-winning author Tariq Ashkanani pulls back the curtain on the publishing industry with refreshing honesty, revealing the unexpected challenges and disappointments that come after signing with an agent. From the marketing struggles that leave authors shouting into the void to the strange disconnect between publicity budgets and...

Send us a text What makes a truly compelling story? In this deeply insightful episode, I sit down with Alex Hay , author of the award-winning "The Housekeepers" and the newly released " The Queen of Fives ," to explore the psychology behind writing con artists and morally complex characters.  From learning how to pitch effectively to understanding the complex retail landscape t...

Send us a text What happens when you realise your life's potential extends far beyond your current path? Multi-award winning luxury business strategist and author Elizabeth Solaru faced this exact moment while working as a microbiologist, sparked by a mundane conversation about courgettes that made her question everything. Her remarkable journey from laboratory technician to luxury cake artis...

Send us a text What does it really take to survive as a professional author? In this refreshingly honest conversation, bestselling and award winning Maz Evans  of 'Who Let the Gods Out' and I pull back the curtain on the realities of writing for a living. "We aren't writers floating around in scarves," Maz declares with her characteristic wit. "We're business peo...

Send us a text What happens when the voice of a character is so powerful it shatters years of self-doubt? Finnish author Maarta Kaukonen never thought she could write a novel until the night she heard her protagonist Ida, a 20-year-old serial killer, speak to her so clearly that she had to get up and record the words. This moment transformed everything for Kokkonen, who struggled with learning dis...

Send us a text In this captivating episode, Mari Hannah , a bestselling author and former probation officer, takes us on a journey through her unique path to success in the literary world. She reveals how her earlier career as a probation officer, has deeply influenced her storytelling, allowing her to craft authentic narratives that resonate with readers. With her sixteenth book, 'Her Sister...

Send us a text Dive into the fascinating world of espionage and writing with David Goodman, author of "A Reluctant Spy". Our conversation reveals David's enlightening journey from aspiring writer to published author, shedding light on the intricacies of crafting a compelling spy thriller in today's publishing landscape. David shares candid stories about navigating the complexit...

Send us a text What happens when a penniless writer from the 90s transforms into a celebrated author who masters the art of storytelling across genres? Josie Lloyd joins us to unravel her fascinating journey, from enjoying the wild ride of early media appearances to battling personal challenges that fuelled her creative spirit. With Josie by our side, we explore the ins and outs of the literary wo...

Send us a text Ever wonder how detailed research can ignite a writer's imagination while crafting tales from the annals of history? Join our conversation with the gifted author Dom Nolan as he uncovers the magic behind writing historical fiction set against London's vivid past.  Listen in as Dom dispels myths about the rigidity of planning in storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on...

Send us a text Debut author, Sarah Handyside , has a handbook for you. Joins us as Sarah chronicles her path to publishing her novel, "Instructions for Heartbreak." From a childhood love of storytelling to a career in communications and policy, Sarah's experiences have shaped her narrative and provided invaluable insights into the writing process.  Publishing a book is a complex jou...

Send us a text Best-selling author Sarah Raughley brings her powerful voice to our latest episode, sharing her journey and insights into the world of YA fantasy and historical fiction. Known for her dynamic storytelling, Sarah discusses her latest work, "The Queen's Spade," a gripping historical thriller that she describes as a Bridgerton revenge thriller.  Sarah's reflections...

Send us a text It's a Happy Birthday to 'The Conversation with Nadine Matheson Podcast.'🎉✨ It's been two years since our first episode with guest 'Scarlett Brade' was released. To celebrate this milestone, this special anniversary podcast episode invites you to join me in marking two years of enriching conversations and my birthday. I'm thrilled to host the tal...

Send us a text What if a writing partnership could transform skepticism into a creative powerhouse? Marcia Hutchinson and Kate Griffin, the dynamic duo behind the pen name Lila Cain, join me to share their compelling journey into co-writing their novel The Blackbirds of St Giles .  Marcia and Kate open up about overcoming initial doubts and embracing their identities as writers, despite starting w...

Send us a text Sunday Times best-selling author Tom Hindle joins us for a captivating discussion on the magic of storytelling and the unpredictable path to success. From his childhood days of crafting handwritten tales on A4 paper to becoming a celebrated author. Tom's candid insights into the publishing world shed light on the challenges and triumphs authors face while finding their place in...

Send us a text What happens when a lawyer shifts gears to become an author, facing the intimidating world of publishing head-on? Together with Rhiannon Barnsley , a fellow lawyer-turned-author, we unpack the myriad challenges and rewards of this journey. Our candid conversation touches on everything from the balance of professional life and personal interests to the evolving role of AI in storytel...

Send us a text Celebrating a remarkable milestone, we bring you the 100th episode of "The Conversation with Nadine Matheson ," featuring the award winning and bestselling author M.W. Craven . We talk about the serendipitous events that shaped Craven’s career, from a fateful book signing encounter that set the course for his success, to the powerful role of networking within the crime wri...

Send us a text Ever wondered what it's really like to be an author in today’s publishing world? Join us for an enlightening conversation with the talented Jo Jakeman as she pulls back the curtain on the realities of an author's journey. From the exhilarating moment of landing an agent to the rollercoaster ride of book sales, Jo shares the highs and lows that TV glamorization often overlo...

Send us a text Fiona Lucas is my Christmas Eve guest and in our conversation, we talk about her journey through the world of romance writing, breaking down stereotypes and sharing valuable insights into her creative process. Listen as Fiona, with her vibrant personality, shares her creative process, delves into the chaotic yet humorous world of publishing, and offers insights into transitioning fr...

Send us a text Kate Ruby , renowned author and TV producer, joins me to unpack her incredible journey from crafting lighthearted rom-coms to penning edge-of-your-seat domestic thrillers. This episode doesn't just skim the surface; we dissect Kate's career evolution and delve into the unique experiences that shaped her storytelling skills, from her unconventional childhood to her dynamic...

Send us a text Louise Minchin , a familiar face from BBC Breakfast, takes us beyond the red sofa and into the crime fiction world with her debut novel, "Isolation Island." Our conversation unveils the transformation from journalism to thriller writing, sharing the emotional highs and the challenges of stepping into an entirely new career path. Louise candidly discusses the courage it too...

Send us a text Sunday Times bestselling author Karen Swan ,  takes us on a journey through her unexpected path to authorship, from journalism to becoming a bestselling novelist. She recounts how an innocuous library visit revealed her innate storytelling gift, challenging her preconceived career notions. We talk about the critical balancing act between creativity and professionalism in publishing,...

Send us a text Our episode features a riveting chat with author Jamie West , who brings a wealth of knowledge from his theatre background to the self-publishing scene. Jamie helps us draw fascinating parallels between the theatre and publishing, emphasising the value of all entertainment forms, from popular culture to high art. Forget the notion of "guilty pleasures"—we champion the joy...

Send us a text We're joined by debut author Roxie Key , who opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of releasing her first book, "The Deadly Spark." From wrestling with imposter syndrome to navigating life-changing events like pregnancy, Roxie's candid reflections offer a deeply personal look at the fears and triumphs of a first-time author. We talk about the realities of pu...

Send us a text What if the keys to navigating life's unpredictable journey lie in the intersection of creativity, failure, and joy? Join me as I sit down with the multi-talented Damilare Kuku , an author and actress noted for her profound reflections on life and art. We talk about her new novel, "Only Big Bum Bum Matters Tomorrow" and unravel how her passion for storytelling serves...