The Conversation with Nadine Matheson

This week on The Conversation, Nadine Matheson welcomes the uniquely talented Will Carver, an author known for his darkly original fiction. In this episode, they dive deep into Will's latest novel, Bad Influence, a gripping tale that explores the murky waters of social media and its impact on youth culture. Bad Influence follows two young friends from different social backgrounds who stumble upon the bizarre phenomenon of 'frogging', living undetected in someone else's home. Their adventure takes a dark turn when they target a fitness influencer, leading to unexpected consequences as their lives intertwine with the reality TV world.Will shares his thoughts on the challenges of writing about contemporary issues, the delicate balance of humor and horror, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling. Along the way they discuss why social media is both essential and exhausting for authors, the "forced gratitude" culture in publishing, what it's like to be on panels at book festivals while out of pocket, and the woman who stood in a signing queue at Harrogate just to tell Will she hated his last book, which he took as a win.IThis episode is a thought-provoking exploration of creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling in a world dominated by digital distractions.Buy Bad Influence Follow Will Carver

Welcome to Conversation Coffee Break! In this episode, Nadine Matheson sits down with crime writer Martyn Waites, writing under the pseudonym C.B. Everett, to chat about his brilliant new book, The Final Chapter. The Final Chapter is a bold, genre-defying meta-thriller, two complete novels in one. It follows C.B. Everett (yes, Martyn's own pseudonym!) as he's asked to edit a mysteriously reappearing manuscript by a writer who vanished a decade ago. And the real story? It might be hiding in the footnotes. In this conversation, Martyn reveals:Why he created the CB Everett pen name — and borrowed his daughters' initials to do itThe Russian doll structure of The Final Chapter — a spy thriller inside a literary mystery📺 Getting knocked back by a TV production company — and what they got wrongThis is a warm, witty, and wonderfully candid conversation about creativity, identity, and what it means to keep challenging yourself after 30 years of writing. Martyn Waites Recommendation: PeacemakerFollow Martyn WaitesBuy The Final Chapter by CB Everett

This week on The Conversation, Nadine Matheson is joined by the talented Lulu Taylor, a Sunday Times bestselling author known for her captivating novels. With 15 books to her name, including six that have hit the bestseller list, Lulu's latest work, A Legacy of Secrets, explores the intricate dynamics of family relationships and the weight of inherited secrets.In this engaging conversation, Lulu discusses her journey from publishing to writing, sharing insights on finding one’s voice and the challenges of ghostwriting. She reflects on the evolution of women's fiction, the impact of personal experiences on her storytelling, and the delicate balance between crafting compelling narratives and ensuring emotional resonance with readers.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the themes woven throughout A Legacy of Secrets, as Lulu delves into the complexities of motherhood, the struggle to break cycles of pain, and the search for belonging. This episode is a rich tapestry of storytelling, resilience, and the transformative power of literature.Buy A Legacy of SecretsFollow Lulu Taylor

Watch as a full video episode on YouTubeOn today's episode of Adventures in Publishing-land, we congratulate Tariq on not one but two new Longlistings, and struggle to understand a story about new research that suggests a heavy focus on literacy skills in schools is actively undermining the motivation to read for fun.Plus, the TikTok books charts have launched! What effect will they have on the industry? And as copies of Shy Girl sell for more than £100 on ebay, Tariq wonders if he should buy up as many copies as he can to fund his retirement (spoiler: he shouldn't!)00:00 Intro05:00 The Reading Paradox - Literacy Skills v Joy16:52 Top of the Toks - TikTok Book Charts Launch31:31 From Shy Girl to Prom Queen? Cancelled Book Sales Soar41:49 Stranger Than Fiction - Nadine's Idea FactoryLinks:Literacy focus 'actively undermining' reading for pleasure, HarperCollins findsTikTok releases first monthly BookTok Bestseller ListCopies of Mia Ballard's Shy Girl listed online for over £100Adventures in Publishing-land is brought to you by STET Podcasts - the one stop shop for all your writing podcast needs, featuring Page One - The Writer's Podcast, The Conversation with Nadine Matheson and more!Follow us on BlueskyFollow us on Instagram

This week on The Conversation Coffee Break, Nadine Matheson chats with the multifaceted author Gavin Bell, whose highly anticipated novel 138 Main Street is set to release on May 7, 2026. Gavin, who also writes under the pseudonyms Mason Cross and Alex Knight, shares the intriguing story behind his latest work and the unique challenges of writing under multiple identities.In this episode, Gavin discusses the inspiration behind 138 Main Street, a gripping mystery thriller that begins with a shocking quadruple murder in a wealthy Long Island neighborhood. As the plot unfolds, listeners will learn about the complexities of investigating crimes that share a common address across the United States, and the societal implications of such events. Gavin reflects on the evolution of his characters, particularly Zoe Hill, an inexperienced police officer who finds herself at the center of the investigation.The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Gavin reveals his writing process, the importance of research, and the surprising facts he uncovered while crafting this novel. He also touches on the challenges of writing in a setting far removed from his own experiences and the creative freedom that comes with it. This episode is a deep dive into the mind of a writer navigating the intricacies of storytelling, identity, and the art of suspense.Gavin Bell's Recommendation: Crime 101Buy 138 Main StreetFollow Gavin Bell

This week on The Conversation, Nadine Matheson sits down with the inspiring Aisha Hassan, author of the poignant debut novel When the Fireflies Dance. In this engaging discussion, Aisha reveals her unique journey from a career in banking to becoming a storyteller, sharing her insights on the writing process and the importance of perseverance. Aisha opens up about the challenges of writing her first book, the moments of self-doubt, and the transformative power of creativity. Aisha never considered herself a writer, she was maths and sciences all the way. But a story that had been living rent-free in her head for years simply refused to let go. Despite juggling a career, raising children , and battling the little gremlins that sit on every writer's shoulder, she eventually enrolled on an MA in Creative Writing, rewrote the book from scratch, faced rejection after rejection from agents... and then got the call.As Aisha shares her thoughts on success, she emphasises the importance of staying true to one's passion and the need to keep writing, regardless of the obstacles faced. This heartfelt conversation is a testament to the resilience of writers and the beauty of storytelling.Buy When the Fireflies Dance Follow Aisha Hassan