Share

cover art for Summer Rewind with Kate Ruby:  "You have to write for the love of it"

The Conversation with Nadine Matheson

Summer Rewind with Kate Ruby: "You have to write for the love of it"

Season 3, Ep. 150

Welcome to the Summer Break Rewind!

While The Conversation takes a short summer break, I’ll be sharing fan-favourite episodes from Season Three, along with brilliant conversations from Page One: The Writer’s Podcast. Season Four returns in September until then, enjoy the rewind!


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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 roles in television production at major networks like Channel 4 and the BBC and her new book, "Everything You Have."


Her insights into transitioning between the collaborative nature of TV and the solitary world of novel writing offer invaluable lessons for any creative balancing multiple pursuits.


Follow Kate Ruby


*First Broadcast: 17 December 2024

Support the podcast - Buy me a cup of coffee ☕️.


Buy books by my guests  Bookshop.org


Follow Me

Bluesky Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 181. Juhea Kim:Beyond the Bestseller: The Soul of Storytelling

    01:05:30||Season 4, Ep. 181
    I'm joined by the insightful and talented author Juhea Kim. With a remarkable journey from underdog to acclaimed writer, Juhea shares her experiences navigating the publishing world, including the challenges of facing racism and sexism, her new book, A love story from the end of the world, and the importance of advocating for oneself as an artist.Juhea opens up about her transition from being an editor to a published author, detailing the struggles of balancing her passion for writing with the realities of financial instability. She candidly discusses the impact of societal expectations on her career and the lessons learned about integrity within the publishing industry. Listeners will be captivated by Juhay's reflections on creativity, how ballet influenced her storytelling, the importance of authenticity, and the necessity of resilience in the face of adversity.This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of pursuing one's true calling despite obstacles. Juhay's journey is not just a testament to her talent but also an inspiration for all aspiring writers to stay true to themselves and their art.Follow Juhea KimBuy 'A love story from the end of the world'
  • 180. Reload: Dom Nolan - Shadows, Rabbit Holes and a 10 Year Stretch

    01:02:42||Season 4, Ep. 180
    In this episode of The Conversation Reload with Nadine Matheson, we revisit a captivating discussion with the talented author Dominic Nolan, known for his acclaimed novels Vine Street and White City. Join us as we dive deep into the intricacies of writing historical fiction, the art of research, and the challenges of navigating the publishing industry.Dominic shares his journey of living in the "rabbit hole" of research, revealing how his fascination with London history fuels his storytelling. He candidly discusses the ten-year journey to get his first novel published and what surprised him about the publishing world along the way. With humor and insight, he reflects on the importance of planning in writing and how it can paradoxically lead to greater spontaneity in creativity.This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for writers and readers alike, as Dominic emphasises the value of trusting relationships in the publishing process and the necessity of moving forward with each new project. Listeners will find inspiration in his journey and his unique perspective on the craft of writing.Follow Dominic NolanBuy White City
  • 179. G.D. Wright - The Fire Within

    01:15:19||Season 4, Ep. 179
    In this episode of The Conversation with Nadine Matheson, we are joined by the talented author G.D. Wright, whose latest novel, Into the Fire, is making waves in the crime world. With a backdrop of Christmas cheer, Nadine and G.D. Wright dive into the intricacies of the writing process, exploring the journey from self-publishing to traditional publishing and the unexpected twists that come with it.G.D. Wright shares his personal experiences, including the challenges he faced during his health struggles and how they shaped his writing career. The conversation takes a candid turn as they discuss the importance of community support among writers, the realities of navigating the publishing landscape, and the significance of finding one's voice in storytelling.Listeners will be captivated by G.D.'s insights on creativity, resilience, and the beauty of writing from personal experiences. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the power of storytelling and the connections that bind us, especially during the holiday season.Follow G.D. WrightBuy Into The Fire
  • 178. Reload: Remi Kone -Unveiling Innocent Guilt

    01:16:33||Season 4, Ep. 178
    In this episode of The Conversation Reload with Nadine Matheson, we revisit a captivating discussion with debut author Remi Kone whose debut novel, Innocent Guilt, is making waves in the crime fiction world. Join us as we dive into Remi's intriguing journey from Emmy-nominated TV producer to published author, exploring her experiences in the world of television and the challenges she faced as a new novelist.Remi shares her insights on crafting compelling characters, particularly the complexities of her protagonist, Leah Hutch, and the art of creating a truly villainous antagonist. We discuss the nuances of storytelling, the importance of character development, and how her background in TV production has influenced her writing process. With humor and honesty, Remi reflects on the highs and lows of writing, including the emotional journey of receiving feedback and the struggle to balance creativity with the demands of the publishing industry.This episode is a celebration of perseverance, creativity, and the power of narrative. Listeners will be inspired by Remy's unique perspective and her commitment to her craft, making it a must-listen for aspiring writers and fans of crime fiction alike.Follow Remi KoneBuy Innocent Guilt
  • 177. Justin Myers - Writing Through The Noise

    01:03:40||Season 4, Ep. 177
    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. Follow Justin MyersBuy The Glorious Dead
  • 176. Reload: M.W. Craven -The Bear, the Books, and the Craft of Crime Writing

    01:20:32||Season 4, Ep. 176
    This 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. 175
    In 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. 174
    The 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. 173
    Watch 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'