True Voyage Is Return

This episode features extracts from some of the 45 works featured in the anthology — poems and short stories, a memoir and a novel. You’ll hear (amongst other things) about queer romances on planets which are about to collide with each other, solarpunk mysteries on board the world’s first transatlantic train, awkward reunions for Eighties girlband members, near-death experiences on rafts adrift in...

This episode features theatre and fiction writer and True Voyage project leader Philip Holyman, who talks (amongst other things) about attempting to write an entire novel in a month — the tyranny of word counts — not standing in the way of your own work — writing characters whose values you find repellent — sex scenes, who's doing what and what they're doing it with — turning up the volume on stor...

This episode features Young Adult novelist Wren James, who talks (amongst other things) about deep time and deep space — optimistic approaches to the climate crisis — the torture and the relief of the editing process —reviews and rejection — being a workaholic — writers needing to be readers, too — getting feedback from their most perceptive test reader: their Mum. Throughout October 2024, writer...

This episode features playwright and dramaturg Lorna French, who talks (amongst other things) about observing and collaborating with the audience — the differences between live and radio drama — writing in total silence — joyfully disappearing down the research rabbit hole — character arcs and biographies — utopias and perfectionism — working with actors and directors in the rehearsal room. Throug...

This episode features poet, filmmaker and movement artist Shaun Hill, who talks (amongst other things) about pre-colonial history — anti-capitalism and post-capitalism — queer community and the Radical Faeries — mining from other poems and his “organ donor list” — keeping going when times get difficult — the quietly radical act of sitting on floors in public spaces. Throughout October 2024, writer...

This episode features Filipino-British poet and editor Romalyn Ante, who talks (amongst other things) about the Wolverhampton twang — balancing writing with a nursing career in the NHS — juggling motherhood and creative capacity — kodawari and karate — grappling with when and how to use research — a surprise venture into illustration. Throughout October 2024, writer Philip Holyman invited eight ot...

This episode features fantasy novelist Stephen Aryan, who talks (amongst other things) about fathers, sons and the struggle to get men talking — the gamification of reading — the candy floss machine approach to world building — not caring what colour the curtains are — ideas fermenting into vinegar or fine wine — the vital importance of getting something finished. Throughout October 2024, writer P...

This episode features visual storyteller Charlotte Bailey, who talks (amongst other things) about free writing — nutmeg, family farms and the resource curse — self-publishing and commercialism — the peculiarly British stigma around writing comics — community and creative connections — the impact of becoming a mother on the practicalities of the writing process. Throughout October 2024, writer Phil...

This episode features Bronx-born, Jamaica-raised novelist, essayist and academic Thomas Glave, who talks (amongst other things) about falling in love with Birmingham — marathon running — magical realism — living and working either side of the Atlantic — teaching and learning from Gen Z students — queerness and a Caribbean upbringing. Throughout October 2024, writer Philip Holyman invited eight oth...

This episode features novelist, children’s book author and all-round Birmingham literary icon Catherine O’Flynn, who talks (amongst other things) about the differences between English and American editors — ignoring and then taking an agent’s advice — child stars — the dreaded Second Album Complex — the vital importance of libraries and the ongoing battle to save them from closure. Throughout Octo...