The Conversation with Nadine Matheson

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Thorajax Studios
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What really happens behind the book? What does it take to write the story you’ve been carrying for years and then survive the publishing process that follows? The Conversation with Nadine Matheson is the podcast where authors tell the truth. Over 200 episodes, crime and thriller writer Nadine Matheson, author of the Inspector Anjelica Henley series, published by HQ (HarperCollins), has sat down with authors from around the world for conversations that go far beyond the usual author interview. Each episode moves through two parts: a deep, free-flowing conversation about the guest’s writing life, creative process, and journey through publishing and then a dedicated focus on their latest book. Expect honesty, humour, and the kind of candid insight you won’t find in a five-minute press junket. Past guests have included New York Times bestselling authors Linwood Barclay, S.A. Cosby, and Ruth Ware, Booker Prize-longlisted Tayari Jones, Jennie Godfrey, and many more acclaimed writers across crime, thriller, literary fiction, and nonfiction. Whether you’re a reader who wants to understand the world behind the books you love, or a writer looking for guidance, community, and inspiration, this is the podcast for you. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe so you never miss a conversation. 📩 Want to be a guest? Email theconversation@nadinematheson.com Finalist -Independent Podcast Awards 2024 *music: the coffee jam ©stereo_jam Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2d ago ·  Bonus

    Summer Rewind | Lily King -The Myth of Overnight Success

    🌞 Summer Rewind: While we count down to Season 5 (launching 8 September 2026), we're revisiting some of the best conversations and fan favourites from Season 4. "I think you just have to keep at it. You cannot give up. You just cannot give up." Lily King In this episode, Nadine sits down with Lily King, best known for Writers and Lovers, to talk about her latest novel, Heart the Lover, and the long road that shaped her writing life. Lily opens up about her early career, including the pressure of finishing her first book while watching peers find success faster. She talks candidly about self-doubt, what "overnight success" really looks like, and why writing for yourself first, before an audience, is what protects a writer's authenticity. She also walks through her process book by book, including a difficult stretch while writing Heart the Lover that forced her to confront her own struggles in order to finish the story. And she looks back on a high school teacher who first spotted her talent and encouraged her toward creative writing, a moment she credits with setting her on this path. In this episode: Lily's early career and the pressure of watching peers succeed firstThe myth of "overnight success" and what actually sustains a writing careerWriting for yourself vs. writing for an audienceThe specific challenges of writing Heart the LoverThe teacher who first recognised her talentAdvice for aspiring and seasoned writers alike Follow Lily King Buy 'Heart the Lover' Season 5 of The Conversation with Nadine Matheson launches 8 September 2026. Buy the Book: The Shadow Carver Buy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guests Follow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Summer Rewind | Lily King -The Myth of Overnight Success

  2. Aug 17 ·  Bonus

    Summer Rewind | Kasim Ali on Ambition, the weight of family expectation and Who Will Remain

    ☀️This is a Summer Rewind. One of our favourite conversations, back in your feed while we get ready for Season 5. In this episode of The Conversation with Nadine Matheson, we're joined by the insightful Kasim Ali, author of the thought-provoking novel Who Will Remain. Together 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 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. Along the way, Kasim also reflects on his career in publishing as both author and editor, including some sharp, funny observations on the meeting-heavy culture of post-COVID work life, and what it's taught him about respecting people's time and communicating with clarity. It's a candid look at balancing creative ambition with the practical (and sometimes absurd) realities of working in a predominantly white industry. Listeners will gain valuable insight 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 Ali  Buy Who Will Remain  Buy the Book: The Shadow Carver Buy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guests Follow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Summer Rewind | Kasim Ali on Ambition, the weight of family expectation and Who Will Remain

  3. Aug 17 ·  Bonus

    Adventures in Publishing-land: Publishing's AI Panic: Cancelled Deals, AI Detectors (Plus a $44k Marketing Mistake)

    Watch as a full video episode on YouTube We're back after a short break, but it appears nothing has changed in publishing as we are still talking about our (least) favourite subject: AI! We go through some listener mail and comments on the subject before diving into Jerry Falade's collapsed $2.4m book deal, wonder if AI detectors are reliable, and have a talk about different methods of book marketing, wondering what works and what doesn't. 00:00 Intro 02:11 From the Slush Pile - Listener Comments 17:25 AI Hid the Body - $2.4m Book Deal Collapses 24:07 Claude & Pangram - Watermark My Words 39:54 Marketing Your Book - Book Tok or Book Flop? 51:12 Stranger Than Fiction - Nadine's Idea Factory 55:57 The Final Chapter - Entertainment Catch-up Links: $2m crime novel deal collapses amid questions over AI use Agents react to major book deal that collapsed over suspected AI use Claude's new scarlet letter watermark is invisible—for now I tested a popular AI slop detector. It felt empowering. I spent $44,000 launching my book. Three of those dollars worked. Adventures 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! Find all our shows here! Follow us on Bluesky Follow us on Instagram —-------------- Buy the Book: The Shadow Carver Buy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guests Follow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Adventures in Publishing-land: Publishing's AI Panic: Cancelled Deals, AI Detectors (Plus a $44k Marketing Mistake)

  4. Aug 11 ·  Bonus

    Summer Rewind: Laura Purcell on Sequels, Superstition and Surviving Publishing

    This week on The Conversation, we're revisiting one of our favourite gothic conversations with bestselling author Laura Purcell. Laura is known for her atmospheric, unsettling fiction, and in this episode we talk about her novel House of Splinters, a prequel to her hit book The Silent Companions. Set in a haunted house in 1775, the story follows Belinda as she uncovers dark family secrets while trying to protect her children from the shadows of the past. We talk about what it takes to write a prequel that has to honour a beloved original while still standing on its own, and Laura is refreshingly honest about the pressure that comes with that. She also opens up about her writing journey more broadly, from self-publishing her first book to finding her way into traditional publishing, and how she went from historical fiction into the gothic genre that's now her signature. Some of the moments that stayed with us: Laura on constantly reinventing herself as a writer, and why that adaptability matters in a market that never stays stillThe particular sting of "good" rejections, the kind where an editor praises the writing but says no anyway, and how she's learned to sit with thatWhy she refuses to write to trends: "by the time you've finished the book, that trend will be over"The pressure of writing House of Splinters and staying true to her own mythology while giving readers something newHer advice for authors navigating a publishing industry that can feel relentless: patience, flexibility, and trusting your own voice This one's for anyone who loves gothic fiction, or anyone who's ever wondered what it really takes to build a career as a novelist. Sit back and enjoy this rewind while we get ready for Season 5, back on 8 September. Follow Laura Purcell Buy House of Splinters Pre-Order 'House of Splinters' Paperback Buy the Book: The Shadow Carver Buy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guests Follow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Summer Rewind: Laura Purcell on Sequels, Superstition and Surviving Publishing

  5. Aug 4 ·  Bonus

    Summer Rewind: Adele Parks |The Book That Started With a Message on an Answering Machine

    We're taking a summer break here at The Conversation, so we're bringing back one of your favourite episodes, my conversation with Sunday Times bestselling author Adele Parks. In this episode, Adele and I talk about her journey through the literary world and the release of her 25th novel, Our Beautiful Mess. She shares her experience of storytelling from a young age, the challenges she's faced in her career, and how her writing has evolved from romantic comedies to psychological thrillers. We talk about the importance of connection, both in her personal life and through her characters, and what it takes to hold onto your own voice in a competitive industry. Adele reflects on the lessons she's learned from grief, her journey as a writer, and how she balances the demands of a writing career with everyday life. It's a heartfeIt exploration of resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling — and since we first recorded this conversation, Adele has a brand new book out: Eyes on You. Go grab a copy. Follow Adele Parks Buy Eyes on You Buy the Book: The Shadow Carver Buy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guests Follow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Summer Rewind: Adele Parks |The Book That Started With a Message on an Answering Machine

  6. Jul 29

    Steve Cavanagh |Corruption, Craft, and Why One Of Us Is Guilty

    Bestselling thriller author Steve Cavanagh joins Nadine Matheson for a wide-ranging conversation about the reality of a writing career, from selling just 778 copies of his second novel to becoming a multi-million-copy bestseller with the Eddie Flynn series. They talk about the hard truth behind literary "overnight success," how Steve's career as a criminal and civil lawyer in Northern Ireland shaped his storytelling instincts, why he refuses to use AI in his writing process, and the craft of depicting violence without gratuitousness. The conversation also covers the making of his twelfth novel, One of Us Is Guilty, a story of power, corruption, and a couple who are both lying to everyone, including each other. Steve also talks about growing up during the Troubles in Belfast and London, favourite fictional villains, and writing rituals. About Steve Cavanagh Steve Cavanagh is a bestselling author and former criminal and civil lawyer from Northern Ireland. His Eddie Flynn series has sold millions of copies worldwide. One of Us Is Guilty is his twelfth novel. Follow Steve Cavanagh Buy One of Us Is Guilty Buy the Book: The Shadow Carver Buy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guests Follow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Steve Cavanagh |Corruption, Craft, and Why One Of Us Is Guilty

  7. Jul 28

    Coffee Break with Rishi Dastidar | Cherry Blossom at Nightbreak

    In our last Coffee Break episode before we break for the summer, Nadine sits down with poet Rishi Dastidar to talk about his path into poetry (starting cold at age 30 after discovering Durs Grünbein's Ashes for Breakfast), the making of his new collection Cherry Blossom at Night Break, and how he's learned to let go of controlling what readers take from his work. They also get into his creative routine, why ambient noise beats silence, and his enduring, occasionally MRI-scanned, devotion to Everton FC. Highlights: 2:30 – Discovering poetry by accident at a Borders bookstore9:00 – The funniest misinterpretation of one of his poems13:00 – Curating "Cherry Blossom at Night Break" from 100+ poems21:00 – Why you can write poetry anywhere, including the bus to Ikea39:00 – Hitting the wall, and why nothing gets thrown away44:00 – Redefining what "success" means as a writer49:00 – Everton, identity, and an MRI brain-scan football experiment Rishi Dastidar's Recommendations: Ashes for Breakfast by Durs GrünbeinGrand Partita by Matthew McDonaldMartini Shot podcast by Rob Long Follow Rishi Dastidar Buy Cherry Blossom at Nightbreak Buy the Book: The Shadow Carver Buy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guests Follow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Coffee Break with Rishi Dastidar | Cherry Blossom at Nightbreak

  8. Jul 27

    Temi Oh | Family, Cults, and the Last Day on Earth

    In this episode of The Conversation, Nadine Matheson sits down with the multi-talented author, screenwriter, and neuroscientist Temi Oh, whose latest novel, Not With a Bang, is out now. Temi shares her fascinating journey from the world of neuroscience to becoming a published author, discussing the unique perspectives she brings to her writing from her scientific background. The conversation delves into the intricacies of the publishing process, the psychology of cults, and the complexities of family dynamics in the face of disaster. Temi’s novel centers around the Minchin family, whose lives are turned upside down on the morning of the eldest daughter's wedding when an extinction-level event occurs. As they navigate the chaos, Temi explores themes of connection, belief, and the extraordinary within the ordinary. Join Nadine and Temi for a thought-provoking discussion about the intersection of science fiction and personal storytelling, the challenges of writing under pressure, and the importance of representation in literature. Follow Temi Oh Buy 'Not With a Bang' Buy the Book: The Shadow Carver Buy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guests Follow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Temi Oh | Family, Cults, and the Last Day on Earth
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About

What really happens behind the book? What does it take to write the story you’ve been carrying for years and then survive the publishing process that follows? The Conversation with Nadine Matheson is the podcast where authors tell the truth. Over 200 episodes, crime and thriller writer Nadine Matheson, author of the Inspector Anjelica Henley series, published by HQ (HarperCollins), has sat down with authors from around the world for conversations that go far beyond the usual author interview. Each episode moves through two parts: a deep, free-flowing conversation about the guest’s writing life, creative process, and journey through publishing and then a dedicated focus on their latest book. Expect honesty, humour, and the kind of candid insight you won’t find in a five-minute press junket. Past guests have included New York Times bestselling authors Linwood Barclay, S.A. Cosby, and Ruth Ware, Booker Prize-longlisted Tayari Jones, Jennie Godfrey, and many more acclaimed writers across crime, thriller, literary fiction, and nonfiction. Whether you’re a reader who wants to understand the world behind the books you love, or a writer looking for guidance, community, and inspiration, this is the podcast for you. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe so you never miss a conversation. 📩 Want to be a guest? Email theconversation@nadinematheson.com Finalist -Independent Podcast Awards 2024 *music: the coffee jam ©stereo_jam Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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