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The Conversation with Nadine Matheson
Justin Myers - Writing Through The Noise
I'm in conversation with the talented author and journalist Justin Myers, known for his insightful storytelling and unique perspective on life. Join us as we delve into his journey from a career in journalism to becoming a published author, exploring the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way.
Justin shares his candid reflections on the differences between writing for online platforms and crafting novels, revealing the emotional rollercoaster of waiting for reader reactions after years of hard work. We discuss the complexities of navigating the publishing world, the impact of reviews, and the importance of maintaining a thick skin as a writer. Through humorous anecdotes and heartfelt insights, Justin highlights the significance of storytelling in understanding our own experiences and the world around us.
This episode is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the power of connection through literature. Listeners will be inspired by Justin’s journey and his new book, The Glorious Dead, which tackles themes of grief, love, and the intricacies of human relationships.
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176. Reload: M.W. Craven -The Bear, the Books, and the Craft of Crime Writing
01:20:32||Season 4, Ep. 176This is the reload of the milestone 100th episode of The Conversation with Nadine Matheson, with the talented and award-winning author M.W. Craven. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of crime writing, exploring M.W.'s unique journey from probation officer to bestselling author of the Washington Post and Ben Koenig series.M.W. shares his insights on the importance of being in the right place at the right time, the impact of his previous career on his storytelling, and the responsibility that comes with being an author. We also discuss the challenges and triumphs of navigating the literary landscape, including the significance of building connections within the writing community and the ever-evolving nature of the genre.Listeners will be inspired by M.W.'s candid reflections on success, the writing process, and the balance between creativity and business in the publishing world. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for aspiring writers and avid readers alike, making it a must-listen as we countdown to Christmas and the New Year .Follow M.W. CravenBuy The Final Vow
175. Alison Larkin: What Is It You Plan To Do With Your One Wild And Precious Life?
01:11:36||Season 4, Ep. 175In this episode of The Conversation with Nadine Matheson, we are excited to welcome the talented and insightful Alison Larkin, author of Grief: A Comedy. We explore her remarkable journey from being adopted to becoming a successful writer, comedian, and audiobook narrator. Alison shares her experiences of searching for her birth mother and how that journey transformed her understanding of love, loss, and creativity.As we dive into Alison's life story, she opens up about her upbringing in England, her adventures in the United States, and the profound impact of her relationships, particularly with her late fiancé, Bhima. Through laughter and heartfelt reflections, Alison discusses the complexities of grief and the importance of living life to the fullest, even in the face of loss.This conversation is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling to connect us all. Listeners will be inspired by Alison’s journey of self-discovery, her passion for writing, and her belief in the enduring nature of love. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating their own path through life’s challenges.Follow Alison LarkinBuy Grief: A Comedy
174. Reload: Ruth Ware -Unpacking the Thrills of Writing, Reality TV, and the Power of Storytelling
01:03:02||Season 4, Ep. 174The Conversation ReloadIn this episode of The Conversation with Nadine Matheson, we are thrilled to reload one of our most popular episodes featuring the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author, Ruth Ware. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of the publishing world, exploring whether working in the book industry aids in getting published, the impact of social media on writing advice, and how Ruth navigates her success.Ruth shares her journey from aspiring writer to bestselling author, recounting pivotal moments that shaped her career, including the realization that writing was more than just a hobby. We discuss the importance of perseverance, the challenges of maintaining creativity amidst the chaos of life, and the emotional rollercoaster of publishing a new book.Listeners will gain valuable insights into the realities of the writing process, the pressures of creating engaging narratives, and the unpredictable nature of success in the literary landscape. Ruth’s candid reflections on her experiences will resonate with aspiring writers and readers alike, making this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about storytelling.Follow Ruth WareBuy The Woman In Suite 11
173. Amy McCulloch: Writing Thrillers, Climbing Mountains, and Redefining Limits
01:21:12||Season 4, Ep. 173Watch the episode on YouTubeWatch Amy McCulloch's ultra marathon journeyIn this episode of The Conversation with Nadine Matheson, we are delighted to welcome the adventurous and talented author Amy McCulloch, known for her thrilling novels that push the boundaries of both genre and personal endurance. Join us as we explore her latest work, Runner 13, a gripping tale that intertwines the high-stakes world of ultra running with a captivating mystery.Amy shares her incredible journey, from her experiences climbing mountains and running ultra marathons to the challenges of motherhood and the writing process. We delve into the themes of her latest novel, including resilience, the pursuit of personal goals, and the complexities of female empowerment in the face of adversity. With her unique perspective on life and writing, Amy offers invaluable insights into the creative process and the importance of community in the literary world.Listeners will be inspired by Amy's candid reflections on overcoming obstacles, both in her personal and professional life, and her unwavering belief in the power of storytelling to connect us all. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of adventure, creativity, and the human experience.Follow Amy McCullochBuy Runner 13*Pre-Order 'Runner 13 - Paperback'
172. Lily King: Unraveling Love, Life, and the Secrets We Keep
01:07:41||Season 4, Ep. 172Watch the episode on YouTubeIn this episode of The Conversation with Nadine Matheson, we are thrilled to welcome the acclaimed author Lily King, known for her captivating novels that explore the intricacies of love and relationships. Join us as we dive deep into her latest work, Heart the Lover, a poignant narrative that spans three decades and examines the many forms of loveLily shares her journey as a writer, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs she has faced throughout her career. We discuss the idea of success in the literary world, the pressure of expectations, and the importance of perseverance in the face of self-doubt. As she recounts her early days of writing and the pivotal moments that shaped her path, listeners will gain insight into the creative process and the emotional resilience required to navigate the unpredictable nature of publishing.Throughout the conversation, we explore the themes of Heart of the Lover, including the complexities of romantic love, friendship, and the passage of time. Lily's candid anecdotes and reflections on her experiences will resonate with aspiring writers and readers alike, making this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about storytelling.Follow Lily KingBuy Heart the Lover
171. Kasim Ali: Navigating Identity, Ambition, and the Weight of Family Expectations
01:13:27||Season 4, Ep. 171Watch the episode on YouTubeIn this episode of The Conversation with Nadine Matheson, we are joined by the insightful Kasim Ali, author of the thought-provoking novel Who Will Remain. Join us as we delve into the complexities of identity, family, and the struggles young men face in today's society.Kasim shares his journey as a writer, discussing the challenges of portraying the realities of his community authentically while navigating the expectations placed on him as a South-East Asian author. We explore the themes of his novel, which follows Ahmed, a young man grappling with loss, societal pressures, and the quest for self-identity amidst chaos. As he turns to a life of crime in search of respect and control, the narrative raises poignant questions about choices, consequences, and the quest for belonging.Listeners will gain valuable insights into the creative process, the importance of representation in literature, and the personal experiences that shape a writer's voice. This episode is a compelling exploration of how our backgrounds influence our narratives and the power of storytelling to challenge societal norms.Follow Kasim AliBuy Who Will Remain
170. Gytha Lodge: Crafting Characters and Confronting Challenges
01:07:23||Season 4, Ep. 170Join 'The Write Inn'Watch The Show On Youtube In this episode of The Conversation with Nadine Matheson, we welcome the talented Gytha Lodge, author of the gripping new standalone thriller Dead to Me. Join us as we dive into the intricacies of writing a standalone novel and the challenges that come with creating new characters and settings.Gytha shares her journey of crafting Dead to Me, a story centered around Anna, a journalist who goes undercover to investigate a mysterious death at a Cambridge May Ball. As she navigates her way through a world of privilege and secrets, she must also confront her complicated past with her ex-boyfriend Reid, who receives a desperate email from Anna just as she goes missing. We discuss the balance of writing a compelling narrative while managing personal challenges, the importance of character relationships, and the thrill of setting a story in a familiar yet evolving environment.Listeners will enjoy insights into the creative process, the significance of emotional depth in characters, and the humorous anecdotes of Gytha's own experiences while researching for the book. This episode is a captivating exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the art of storytelling.Follow Gytha LodgeBuy Dead to Me
169. Coffee Break with Alexandra Benedict: The Christmas Cracker Killer
49:01||Season 4, Ep. 169Watch On YouTubeIn this episode of The Conversation Coffee Break, host Nadine Matheson welcomes the brilliant Alexandra Benedict, author of the delightful murder mystery, The Christmas Cracker Killer. Join us as we dive into the whimsical world of Christmas-themed mysteries and the creative process behind writing a festive whodunit.Alexandra shares her journey of crafting this unique story, which features her protagonist Edie O'Sullivan, an 82-year-old crossword setter with a flair for fashion and a sharp wit. Set on a remote Scottish island during a luxurious Christmas getaway, Edie and her companions find themselves embroiled in a series of puzzling murders, all linked to bespoke Christmas crackers filled with riddles. We discuss the challenges of writing a holiday-themed book, the importance of character development, and how Alexandra balances multiple writing projects simultaneously.Listeners will enjoy insights into the intricacies of planning a mystery, the significance of titles, and the surprising facts Alexandra learned while researching Christmas crackers. This episode is a festive treat, perfect for those who love a good mystery wrapped in holiday cheer.Follow Alexandra BenedictBuy The Christmas Cracker Killer