Writer's Routine

Dan Simpson
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

How do the best writers get to work? In every episode, we'll chat to an author about what they do through a day. Where do they work? What time do they start? How do they plan their time and maximise their creativity, in order to plot and publish a bestseller? Some are frantic night-owls, others roll out of bed into their desks, and a few lock themselves away in the woods - but none have a regular 9 to 5, and we'll find out how they've managed it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 8 HR AGO

    Antonia Hodgson, author of 'The Raven Scholar' - Fantasy writer discusses shifting the day, switching genre, and researching your own world

    Antonia Hodgson is a novelist, screenwriter, former publisher and now, fantasy author. She made her name writing historical crime. Her debut, 'The Devil in Marshalsea', won the CWA Historical Dagger Award in 2014 and was shortlisted for Theakston's Crime Novel of the Year, it was a Richand and Judy, and Waterstone's Book Club pick. All in all, a huge debut. Now, she's returning to her first love, with a brand new fantasy trilogy. 'The Raven Scholar', tells the story of Bersun the Brusque, Emperor of Orrun, who is bringing his reign to an end after 24 years on the throne. It looks at the 7 contenders to replace him... who soon become 6. It's up to Neema Kraa to investigate the killer before the Empire falls. We discuss the tricks and tropes of fantasy, and how much you can possibly research the world you're creating. Also, you an hear why fantasy is all about asking strange questions, how much she knows about the future of the series, and how much planning can go into a sprawling, epic saga. You can get a copy of the book at uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutine Support the show - patreon.com/writersroutine ko-fi.com/writersroutine @writerspod writersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min

  2. 9 OCT

    Nicholas Binge, author of 'Extremity' - Speculative Fiction writer discusses whether the idea dictates the form, the tricky switch to being full-time, and his path to publication

    Nicholas Binge has lectured in creative writing, co-hosts the 'Binge Reading Book Club' podcast, and has just published his 4th book. It's called 'Extremity'. It follows up the success of 'Professor Everywhere', which won the Proverse Prize for Literature, 'Dissolution', and the bestselling, 'Ascension'. 'Extremity' is a time-travelling police procedural. It follows Julia Torgrimsen, brought out of retirement to investigate the murder of a billionaire she once worked with. When she finds the body... there's an identical one right next to it. We discuss how this book came to be a novella - does the idea dictate the form? Also, you can hear why he found it tricky becoming a full-time writer, why he always tries to celebrate the small wins, and about his winding path to publication. This episode is sponsored by IngramSpark. Try it now at ingramspark.com/learnmore Support the show at - patreon.com/writersroutine ko-fi.com/writersroutine Get a copy of the book - uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutine Get the newsletter - writersroutine.substack.com @writerspod writersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr

  3. 2 OCT

    Kelly Mullen, author of 'This Is Not a Game' - Hollywood Producer and Writer discusses tricking yourself to write, reinventing the wheel, and getting characters to your end

    Kelly Mullen is a creative powerhouse who has just released her debut novel, 'This Is Not a Game'. Previously, Kelly has produced in Hollywood, working on the movie 'Trumbo', and the series 'Dads' for Apple TV+. She works as a marketing consultant, helping brands achieve their creative potential, and now she's trying to realise her own. She's been named by Cosmopolitan, The Bookseller, and the Daily Mail as 'One to Watch', and the rights to her new novel have already been snapped up in the USA and Germany. 'This Is Not a Game' is about the hard-drinking, crossword solving Mimi, who enlists her stranged granddaughter Addie to help solve a murder. It was inspired by a summer taking care of her own grandma, and dreaming of the strange scrapes they could get into. We talk about why she wasn't trying to reinvent the wheel, what she learned from working in Hollywood, and how she made sure her characters got to her ending. You can hear Kelly's path to publication, what she's taken from her writing career so far, and whether she's taking on too much. Get a copy of the book, and NOW find ebooks to support your local independent book store, at uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutine Support the show - patreon.com/writersroutine ko-fi.com/writersroutine This week's episode is sponsored by IngramSpark, who let you publish like a pro. Try it for free at ingramspark.com/learnmore @writerspod writersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min

  4. 25 SEPT

    Kate Kemp, author of 'The Grapevine' - Debut author discusses preparing for disappointment, trusting the process, and her winding path to publication

    This week we're joined by Kate Kemp, occupational therapist, psychotherapist and now, author. Her debut novel, 'The Grapevine', is out now. It started life as a manuscript called 'Warrah Place', which won the Stylist Prize for Feminist Fiction, and landed her a publishing deal. It's a gripping mystery set in 1970s Australia, about a murder in a close-kint community, and the rumours that spread like wildfire afterwards. We discuss why her bed is so crucial for her work, and how she edits on the move. Also, you can hear how pressured she feels to make time to write when she's not really feeling it, why you should be prepared for the disappointments along the way, and her winding path to publication. This week's episode is sponsored by IngramSpark, who let you publish like a pro. Also, this week's episode is sponsored by Quick Book Reviews Podcast. You can support the show - patreon.com/writersroutine ko-fi.com/writersroutine Get a copy of the book - uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutine @writerspod writersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min

  5. 18 SEPT

    Sebastian Faulks, author of 'Birdsong' - Bestselling literary writer discusses editing help, being around at the right time, and thinking about each sentence

    This week we’re joined by the legendary Sebastian Faulks, the bestselling author of 'Birdsong', 'Charlotte Gray', and so many unforgettable novels. In this episode, he opens up about his writing routine, the stories behind his new memoir 'Fires Which Burned Brightly', and what it really takes to create fiction that sticks with readers. If you've ever wondered where, when and how Sebastian writes bestselling historical fiction, you’ll love this chat. We discuss the impact of 'Birdsong', and how much it changed his life. Also whether his writing career has lived up to the teenage dream he had of it, and why switching to a computer changed how he thought of sentences. You can hear why he feels lucky to be published at this time, why he's surprised that other people don't always understand what writing is, and why being logical is often where you can stumble. You can watch this episode in full vision at www.youtube.com/@writersroutine Get a copy of the book at uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutine This week's episode is sponsored by IngramSpark, who let you publish like a pro. Find out more at ingramspark.com/learnmore Support us at - patreon.com/writersroutine ko-fi.com/writersroutine @writerspod writersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min

  6. 11 SEPT

    Kate McKean, author of 'Write Through It: An Insider's Guide to Publishing and Creative Life' - Literary agent reveals how to get signed, how they help you get published, and first sentences

    Kate McKean is a literary agent who has built a diverse client list of New York Times Bestselling Authors, in genres from fantasy, TA, humour and horror. A few years ago, she started a newsletter with all the backstage secrets of agent life, and tips on how you can make it happen. Now she's got a book out, filled with even more help. It's called 'Write Through It: An Insider's Guide to Publishing and Creative Life'. We discuss how she came to write a book like this, and how you'd go about planning a book like this. We run through Kate's writing routine, writing space, and life in the industry. You can hear the vital steps in getting an agent, what they'll do if you're signed, and how important the first sentence is. This week's podcast is sponsored by the 'Quick Book Reviews Podcast'. Take a listen here - https://linktr.ee/quickbookreviews Support the show at - patreon.com/writersroutine ko-fi.com/writersroutine Get a copy of the book here - uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutine @writerspod writersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr

  7. 4 SEPT

    Lucy Roth, author of 'When Sally Killed Harry' - Feminist thriller author discusses arts council funding, going easy on yourself and what readers don't want to know

    Lucy Roth's new novel has one of the best names going. 'When Sally Killed Harry', is a feminist serial-killer thriller. When Sally discovers she's not the only one to have been jilted by dreamy con-man Harry, she takes matters into her own hands, and becomes his worst nightmare. It's Lucy's first thriller, but she has published novels and non-fiction books as Lucy Nichol. 'Parklife' talks about friendship, music and recovery in the 90s. There's also 'The Twenty Seven Club', which is a dark comedy around mental health and fandom. Also, 'Snowflake', 'No Worries If Not', and 'A Series of Unfortunate Stereotypes'. As a journalist, Lucy has written for The Independent, The Guardian, The I, NME and lots more. We talk about the Arts Council Funding Lucy acquired to write the novel, what it helped her do, and who it helped her talk to. It's a thoroughly researched book, with Lucy interviewing a criminologist, a detective, an expert in psychopathy, and the former CEO of Rape Crisis. You can hear why that was so vital for her writing. We discuss how her disorganised filing system keeps her organised, what thriller readers don't want to see and how her perspective on characters change through time. This week's episode is supported by Faber Academy. Their flagship, 'Writing a Novel' course is back. Find out more at faberacademy.com/writing-a-novel Support the show on patreon.com/writersroutine ko-fi.com/writersroutine Get a copy of the book at uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutine If you have a few moments, please do this survey which really helps the show - https://acast-d25653fd59cf.intercom-clicks.com/via/e?ob=9oUbiH0woKcJwV9Q8WUiC8BruxQ%2BHlrTALuRpe9%2FPddwKlJNiOX0Ooxy4zRWp%2Fpm&h=66ec8e1b64337f9ef329aeed760397c3843bd55e-ayi0335i_215470486248154 @writerspod writersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min

  8. 28 AUG

    Alex North, author of 'The Man Made of Smoke' - Crime author discusses books actually becoming movies, making writing fun, and how the year looks

    Alex North seems to be one of those rare writers. It looks like his debut, 'The Whisper Man', will actually be made into a film. The novel was a Sunday Times and New York Times Bestseller, and has been translated into 30 languages. The Movie will star Adam Scott, Robert de Niro, Michelle Monaghan and Michael Keaton. He's also published 'The Shadow Friend', and 'The Half Burnt House'. His new novel is 'The Man Made of Smoke'. Here's the blurb - Daniel Garvie was only a child himself when he saw the lost little boy. And because he was too frightened to help him, one of the world's most notorious serial killers got away. Years later, Dan has a successful career as a criminal psychiatrist, unpicking the reasons behind the very darkest of human behaviours. But when his father disappears, Dan is forced to return to the small island where he grew up. A place where all the ghosts and monsters he thought he'd left behind him remain all too real.  It might be a chance for him to find redemption. Or he might be walking straight into a trap. Alex is also Steve Mosby. Steve has 10 published novels to his name, and won the prestigious CWA 'Dagger in the Library' award to celebrate his collection of works. We talk about why he needs buzz around him to write, and how he tries to make it more enjoyable. You can take a look through his spreadsheet, columns, colour-codes and all. We chat through how he fits in writing around other things, and how odd it is to actually have your book turned into a movie. Get a copy at uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutine Please do take a moment to fill out our survey, which really helps the show - https://acast-d25653fd59cf.intercom-clicks.com/via/e?ob=9dFAKrq%2FHBkvn%2B9z98dsooDq%2FFPEoLWXYYd%2F0BMh%2B2R%2B6hIvtDvMp5sKO%2F2dfWfI&h=c5c0103c3caba18c8ab85ff7ccc6ed8443646a42-ayi0335i_215470435698363 Support us at - patreon.com/writersroutine ko-fi.com/writersroutine @writerspod writersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

How do the best writers get to work? In every episode, we'll chat to an author about what they do through a day. Where do they work? What time do they start? How do they plan their time and maximise their creativity, in order to plot and publish a bestseller? Some are frantic night-owls, others roll out of bed into their desks, and a few lock themselves away in the woods - but none have a regular 9 to 5, and we'll find out how they've managed it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Simpson
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    376
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dan Simpson
  • Show Website
    Writer's Routine

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