The Conversation with Nadine Matheson

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

This week on The Conversation, Nadine Matheson welcomes the talented P.J. Vernon, author of the gripping novel Bath Haus. In this candid conversation, P.J. Vernon opens up about his journey to sobriety, the challenges of writing dark fiction, and the transformative power of storytelling.P.J. Vernon shares his personal experiences with rejection and the evolution of his definition of success as a writer. He reflects on the importance of authenticity in writing and how it can serve as a healing process, especially when confronting difficult themes such as addiction and betrayal. The discussion also delves into the complexities of character development, particularly in crafting flawed individuals who navigate their own dark impulses.As P.J. Vernon discusses the inspiration behind Bath Haus, he reveals the intricate dynamics of relationships, the struggle for self-acceptance, and the societal pressures that shape our identities. He emphasises the value of being honest in storytelling and the catharsis that comes from exploring uncomfortable truths. This conversation is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of literature to connect us all.Follow P.J. VernonBuy Bath Haus by P.J. Vernon

This week on The Conversation, Nadine Matheson dives deep with author Stig Abell to discuss his gripping new novel, A Twist in the River. In this episode, Stig shares his journey from journalism to fiction writing, revealing how his experiences have shaped his storytelling and the themes he explores in his work.Stig tells the story of how he accidentally became a crime novelist, writing for pure pleasure during COVID lockdown, emailing chapters to his wife each evening so she could read them in the bath. He never planned to publish. Then someone bought it.We talk about what it's actually like inside the writing process: why Stig loves the first draft most (when no one is judging you), what it took to delete 40,000 words on his editor's advice, and why imposter syndrome never fully goes away even when you're on your fifth book.The conversation takes a darker turn when we get into AI. Stig makes a compelling and unsettling case for why white-collar jobs — law, accountancy, publishing — face serious disruption within years, and raises the question: will publishers eventually use AI to cut out writers altogether? Are books heading the way of vinyl?We also explore how the rise of true crime YouTube and social media is changing crime fiction, the law, and community grief and how both of us are weaving these shifts into our work.Stig closes with the best piece of advice he'd give his younger self: "Don't worry so much. It's going to happen anyway."Buy 'A Twist in the River' Follow Stig Abell🎧Stig Abell's Spotify Writing Playlist

Watch as a full video episode on YouTubeThis week, we’re diving into the unmasking of one of the world’s most successful authors. Freida McFadden, the bestselling author behind The Housemaid, has officially revealed her true identity as Dr. Sara Cohen. We wonder 'why now', talk about imposter syndrome, and discuss why authors use pseudonyms.Plus, we of course chat about some AI-related stories: we go over some of your comments about our last episode on the Shy Girl scandal, talk about the allegation that editors are using LLMs to help them decide which books to pick up, and talk about scam emails again - this people pretending to be editors.00:00 Intro00:46 Shy Girl Fallout - Audience Comments14:17 Chat G-P-Cheat? - Are Editors Using LLMs?25:05 Something Phishy - Fake Editor Emails Spike33:58 Not Just The Housemaid - McFadden's Secret Revealed45:10 Stranger Than Fiction - Nadine's Idea Factory50:57 Final Chapter - Stellar AdaptationsLinks:Some editors 'uploading confidential manuscripts to Chat GPT'Scam emails impersonating editors on the riseThe Housemaid author Freida McFadden reveals real identityAdventures 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—--------------Link for YouTube collaboration: 

In this Coffee Break episode, Nadine Matheson sits down with debut novelist Tara Menon to talk about her stunning new book Under Water, a story about friendship, grief, and the devastating power of natural disasters.Tara shares her experiences growing up in Singapore and the impact of two significant natural disasters, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and Hurricane Sandy, on her writing process and the themes of her book.As Tara delves into the story of Marissa and her best friend Arielle, who navigate the idyllic beauty of their island home before tragedy strikes, she reflects on the heavy responsibility of depicting real-life events in fiction. The conversation touches on the nuances of grief, particularly the loss of a friend, and the disparity in how different cultures respond to natural disasters. Tara also reveals the surprising characters that emerged during her writing journey and shares fascinating facts about manta rays that inspired her narrative.Watch Tara Menon's recommendation: The Last of the Sea Women (Apple TV+)Buy Under Water by Tara Menon

This week on The Conversation, Nadine Matheson welcomes debut author Mario Ambrosi to discuss his new children's novel, Scarlett Buckling and the Case of the Missing Pictures, Mario shares his journey from a career in communications to becoming a storyteller, revealing how his experiences in the world of social care inspired him to write a book that delicately addresses themes of dementia through a detective lens.In this engaging conversation, Mario reflects on his early storytelling days, the influence of his childhood in South London, and how he balances humour with sensitivity in his writing. He also discusses the importance of understanding character depth and the challenges of writing for children while tackling serious subjects. With insights into his writing process, Mario emphasises the value of habit and structure, revealing how he found his voice in the literary world.Join us as we explore the intricacies of storytelling, the significance of character development, and the joy of connecting with young readers. Mario's passion for writing shines through as he shares his experiences and the lessons he’s learned along the way.Follow Mario AmbrosiBuy 'Scarlett Buckling and the Case of the Missing Pictures'

This week on The Conversation, Nadine Matheson sits down with Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Vaughan, the woman behind Anatomy of a Scandal, Reputation, Little Disasters, and her brand new novel, Based on a True Story. In this episode, Sarah shares her experiences navigating the literary world, including the challenges she faced transitioning from journalism to fiction writing. We discuss her latest novel, Based on a True Story, a psychological thriller that intertwines family dynamics with suspense, set against the backdrop of a famous children's author and the secrets that threaten to unravel her life.Sarah opens up about her writing process, the importance of resilience, and how her personal experiences have shaped her narratives. We also explore the impact of societal expectations on women's stories in literature and the significance of authenticity in storytelling.Follow Sarah VaughanBuy Based on a True Story

Watch as a full video episode on YouTubeThis week, we lead with the scandal that has the industry in a frenzy, with Hachette pulling the release of Mia Ballard’s horror novel Shy Girl after viral claims that the prose was generated by AI. We discuss the YouTube video with over a million views that started the fire, the author’s defense involving an "acquaintance," and what this means for the future of "human" storytelling.Staying on AI (when don't we talk about AI?), we discuss the UK government's decision to axe plans for a broad AI copyright exception, and ask if this is a victory for authors. Plus, we chat about the announcement that NielsenIQ and TikTok are launching a monthly Top 20 chart in the UK that combines real sales data with social media engagement.00:00 Intro01:24 Victory for Authors - UK Scraps AI Exception10:36 Not Shy of Shortcuts - Hachette Ditches AI Novel22:46 Tok of the Pops - Official UK Chart launched30:06 Off Script: Stranger Than Fiction36:42 Final Chapter - Pitt-Perfect DramaLinks:Axed AI Copyright Exemption Welcomed By Book TradeHachette Horror Novel Shy Girl SuspendedOfficial BookTok Chart Set to Launch in the UKAdventures 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

In this episode, Nadine Matheson sits down with bestselling Irish author Patricia Scanlan, one of the pioneers of modern Irish commercial fiction, to talk about her brand new book, City Girls Forever.📚 In this conversation:How Patricia's debut novel City Girl (1990) was darker than she ever realisedRevisiting Devlin, Maggie, and Caroline — 30+ years later and in their "powerful age"The heavy themes hiding beneath the frothy covers: domestic violence, sexual assault, anorexia, and the strength of female friendshipWhat it's like to write characters who surprise even their own authorPatricia's writing process from typing at the kitchen table to writing in bed with two dressing gowns on! 😂Her next project: fictionalised Irish goddesses 🔥The writing advice that changed everything: "Write with fire in your veins. Edit with ice." ✍️💬 Patricia and Nadine also bond over the unexpected plot twists that blindside you mid-draft, the universal power of storytelling, and why a good book can unite a 90-year-old and a 12-year-old.🎬 Film recommendation from Patricia: Death at a Funeral (the British version!) a must-watch!👇 Have you read City Girls Forever or the original City Girl trilogy? Let us know in the comments!