The Write Place (formerly The Joined Up Writing Podcast)

Wayne Kelly
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Books
  • Updated Semiweekly

Joined Up Writing is now The Write Place! A new name but the same great content - hundreds of interviews with writers giving the stories behind their books and paths to publication. Packed with advice, inspiration and tips and hosted by crime writer, producer and writing coach, Wayne Kelly, The Write Place is a regular podcast for writers and book lovers. Tuesdays on the Web, iTunes, Android and Spotify.

  1. 3d ago

    Writing Suspense, Surviving Reviews and Finding the Right Book with Gemma Denham

    In this episode of The Write Place, I’m joined once again by author Gemma Denham to talk about her new psychological thriller, The Inheritance. Kate and Patrick are struggling financially when an unexpected inheritance seems to offer the perfect escape: a Victorian townhouse on the north-east coast. But from the moment they arrive, things feel wrong. Objects disappear, footsteps sound in the night, and Kate begins to wonder whether someone is getting into the locked house, whether something more unsettling is at work, or whether she is losing her grip on reality.  Gemma and I chat about the idea behind the book, balancing thriller and supernatural elements without tipping fully into horror, and why The Inheritance flowed so differently from the difficult second book she originally tried to write. We also talk honestly about second book syndrome, imposter syndrome, Goodreads reviews, publishing timelines, social media, marketing as an author, and the reality of building a writing career after your debut has gone out into the world.  In this episode, we discuss:  The creepy locked-house setup behind The Inheritance Writing suspense without crossing fully into supernatural horror  Why Gemma’s original second book didn’t quite work  The pressure that follows a debut novel  Plotting, character journals and visual references  Researching blessings and exorcisms with a local vicar  How reviews can feed imposter syndrome  The difference between writing for yourself and writing with a publisher waiting  Gemma’s Darkest Hour and what she learned from pushing through a difficult project You can find out more about Gemma and her books at her website, GemmaDenham.com, and follow her on Instagram, Facebook and X. The Inheritance is available now in paperback and ebook. My book, Real Writers Never Quit, is out now: https://mybook.to/realwritersneverquit Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrkelly2u/

    55 min

  2. Jun 15

    Jeaniene Frost on Romantasy, A Curse of Beasts and Magic, and Writing Morally Grey Characters

    In this episode of The Write Place, I’m joined by New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost, best known for her hugely popular Night Huntress books. Jeaniene joins me to talk about her latest novel, A Curse of Beasts and Magic, the first book in her new Beautiful and Beastly series. Described as Beauty and the Beast meets The Witcher, this is a romantasy adventure with a twist: Beauty is the Beast. We talk about the rise of romantasy, writing morally grey characters, building fantasy worlds from character first, and why Jeaniene doesn’t keep the kind of organised series bible many writers might expect. Jeaniene also reflects on finally finishing her first novel after years of starting but not completing books, the pressure and reality of becoming a published author, and the difficult balance between writing from passion and treating publishing like a business. We also discuss social media, book marketing for introverts, burnout, revision, persistence, and why writers need to celebrate the small victories along the way. In the Book That Saved Your Life segment, Jeaniene talks about the books and authors that shaped her, including Skye O’Malley by Bertrice Small, Jackie Collins, Dean Koontz and Stephen King. Useful links: Jeaniene Frost website: https://www.jeanienefrost.com Jeaniene on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jfrostauthor/ Jeaniene on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jfrostauthor Jeaniene on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jfrostauthor A Curse of Beasts and Magic: https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/jeaniene-frost/a-curse-of-beasts-and-magic/9781037404429 My book, Real Writers Never Quit, is out now: https://mybook.to/realwritersneverquit Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrkelly2u/

    45 min

  3. Jun 1

    Sonya Walger: Writing, Acting and Identity

    This week on The Write Place Podcast, I’m joined by actress, podcaster and author Sonya Walger. Many listeners will know Sonya from her roles in Lost, For All Mankind, FlashForward, The Catch and many more, but she is also the author of the acclaimed debut novel Lion and her latest book, Wifehouse. In our conversation, Sonya talks about the idea behind Wifehouse, a novel about a woman who leaves her family, and why she wanted to explore that story without judgement. We discuss marriage, motherhood, identity, multiple points of view, and the difficult creative challenge of writing a character readers may not approve of but can still understand.  We also talk about Sonya’s move from acting into fiction, how years of inhabiting other characters have shaped her as a novelist, and why she finds writing so liberating after a career spent waiting for permission to play a part. Along the way, Sonya shares her thoughts on rejection, creative fear, handwriting first drafts, journalling, writing on planes, and why reading is one of the most important ways we practise empathy. And of course, we cover the usual Write Place favourites, including the Book That Saved Your Life, where Sonya chooses The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James and Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates. A thoughtful, generous and wide-ranging conversation about writing, performance, creativity and the need to keep feeding the artist in you. Links Sonya’s website: https://sonya-walger.com/ Sonya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonyawalgerofficial/ Bookish with Sonya Walger: https://bookishwithsonyawalger.com/ Buy Wifehouse: https://www.waterstones.com/book/wifehouse/sonya-walger/9781786586384 My book, Real Writers Never Quit: https://mybook.to/realwritersneverquit Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrkelly2u/

    50 min

  4. May 20

    Never Too Young to Write Your Book: Foluso Agbaje on Writing, Creativity and The Talk of the Party

    Hi, I’m Wayne Kelly, a writer, podcast host and coach. I love to help writers develop their skills and get their books and stories out into the world. This week I’m joined by Nigerian author Foluso Agbaje, whose latest novel, The Talk of the Party, is a gripping family drama and thriller set against the backdrop of an extravagant Lagos birthday celebration where long-buried secrets begin to unravel.   We talk about writing across cultures, the pressure of social expectations within Nigerian society, and how reading contemporary African fiction helped Foluso realise there was space for stories that reflected her own experiences and identity. We also discuss creativity, balancing writing with family life, learning the craft through the Faber Academy, and why there’s no single ‘correct’ writing process.   As always, there’s plenty here for writers at every stage of the journey. About Foluso Agbaje Foluso Agbaje is a Nigerian writer whose novels explore family, identity, class, secrets and social expectations within contemporary Nigerian society. Her debut novel, *The Parlour Wife*, introduced readers to her emotionally rich and character-driven storytelling, while her latest novel, The Talk of the Party, blends family drama and suspense against the vibrant backdrop of Lagos high society. Foluso currently lives in Dubai with her family. Episode Highlights • The inspiration behind The Talk of the Party and why Lagos high society became the perfect setting for hidden secrets and family drama. • How Foluso’s early reading shaped her identity as a writer and the importance of seeing contemporary African stories in publishing. • The realities of learning the craft through the Faber Academy and online writing resources. • Why there’s no single writing process and how each book demands something different. • Creativity, morning pages, artist dates, and finding time to write around family life. • The differences between working in corporate life and navigating the publishing industry. The Book That Saved Your Life Foluso chose Everything Good Will Come by Sefi Atta. Reading a contemporary Nigerian novel for the first time helped her realise that stories rooted in her own culture and experiences could connect with readers around the world. Find Out More You can find Foluso Agbaje online across Instagram and other social platforms by searching her name. Her latest novel, The Talk of the Party, is available now. Links and Extras If you enjoyed this episode, check out my book Real Writers Never Quit: What Hundreds of Authors Reveal About Not Giving Up, available now.   You can also find my self-publishing packages, mentoring and writing resources at: wkwproductions.co.uk/selfpublishing   Follow me on Instagram: @MrKelly2u

    47 min

  5. May 4

    Mark Stay on Fantasy, Film, Publishing and Creative Survival

    REAL WRITERS NEVER QUIT: What hundreds of authors reveal about not giving up is out right now!  https://mybook.to/realwritersneverquit Special limited signed editions are available from my online shop here: https://ko-fi.com/wakelly/shop This week on The Write Place Podcast, I’m joined by author, screenwriter and podcaster Mark Stay for a wide-ranging, funny and very honest conversation about writing fantasy, surviving the publishing industry, selling direct to readers, and why author voice matters more than ever in the age of AI. Mark is the author of The Witches of Woodville series, the End of Magic trilogy, and the novelisation of Robot Overlords. He also co-wrote the films Robot Overlords and Unwelcome, and was co-presenter of the award-winning Bestseller Experiment podcast, which has helped inspire writers around the world to finish and publish their books. We talk about his latest release, The End of Gods, the final book in the End of Magic trilogy, and how Mark returned to the world of the first book years later after getting the rights back. We also get into his experience of crowdfunding, the changing realities of traditional publishing, and why more writers are having to think seriously about direct sales, newsletters and owning their own little corner of the internet. Mark also shares some sharp, practical thoughts on AI and creativity. His view is refreshingly clear: readers want a human connection. They want voice, weirdness, personality and something only that writer could have made. Along the way, we discuss screenwriting, theme, Comic Cons, author branding, what happens when a film doesn’t get the push it deserves, and why learning to enjoy the process might be the only sane way to build a long-term writing life. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why The End of Gods became the final part of a fantasy trilogy Mark never originally planned  How Mark approaches fantasy by focusing on character over magic systems  Why he thinks writers should “lean into the weird”  The importance of developing a distinctive author voice in the age of AI  Why writers need websites, newsletters and direct connections with readers  What Comic Cons have taught him about selling books face to face  How his screenwriting background shapes his novels  Why the “central dramatic argument” changed the way he thinks about story  The painful release experience behind the film Unwelcome Why enjoying the process matters more than chasing overnight success About Mark Stay Mark Stay is a novelist, screenwriter, teacher and podcaster. After more than 25 years working in books and publishing, he became the author of The Witches of Woodville series, the End of Magic trilogy, and other novels. He co-wrote the films Robot Overlords and Unwelcome, and was co-presenter of the award-winning Bestseller Experiment podcast. His latest release is The End of Gods, the concluding book in the End of Magic trilogy. Find out more about Mark Stay Website: https://markstaywrites.com Witches of Woodville and signed books: https://witchesofwoodville.com The End of Gods: https://witchesofwoodville.com/product/the-end-of-gods-ebook/ Support the Podcast If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app of choice. It really helps more writers find the show and literally takes seconds to do.

    1h 5m

  6. Apr 20

    Selling Millions of Books as an Indie Author: Steve Higgs on Ads, Output, and Writing for a Living

    REAL WRITERS NEVER QUIT: What hundreds of authors reveal about not giving up is out RIGHT NOW! https://mybook.to/realwritersneverquit Special limited signed editions available from my online shop here. In this episode of The Write Place Podcast, I’m joined by bestselling indie author Steve Higgs, who’s built a remarkable career writing and publishing across multiple genres, with over 150 books to his name. We talk about his journey from the military and corporate life into full-time writing, the realities of making a living as an indie author, and the business mindset required to scale book sales beyond a hobby. Steve also shares the story behind his hugely popular Albert Smith series, including the latest paperback release of Pork Pie Pandemonium, a cosy mystery set in Melton Mowbray that blends humour, food, and murder in equal measure. Along the way, we get into marketing, mindset, and what it really takes to turn writing into a sustainable career. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How Steve transitioned from a 25-year military career to full-time author  The turning point that made him take writing seriously as a business  Why most indie authors fail to sell books and what to do differently  The reality of spending heavily on ads and making it pay  How Pork Pie Pandemonium became his fastest-selling book  The pros and cons of indie vs traditional publishing  Why understanding genre is more important than most writers realise  Steve’s high-output writing process and how he sustains it About Steve Higgs Steve Higgs is a UK-based author known for his prolific output across cosy mystery, urban fantasy, and thriller genres. A former soldier and corporate professional, he turned to writing later in life and has since published over 150 books, selling millions of copies worldwide. His work is particularly known for its humour, fast pacing, and engaging characters, including the popular Albert Smith series featuring a retired detective and his sharp-witted German Shepherd. Featured Book Pork Pie Pandemonium The first book in the Albert Smith series, now released in paperback, follows a retired detective superintendent and his dog as they travel the UK solving mysteries… starting with a grisly discovery in a Melton Mowbray pork pie. As Steve explains, the book combines humour, mystery, and a strong central relationship between man and dog, with the added twist of the reader hearing the dog’s thoughts throughout.  Find out more about Steve Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.com Final Thoughts Steve’s approach is not subtle. He treats writing as both craft and business, and he’s willing to invest heavily in marketing to scale his results. That’s not a model that suits everyone, but it does underline a key point: writing the book is only half the job. If you’re serious about making a living from your writing, this is a conversation worth paying attention to. Support the Podcast If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app of choice. It really helps more writers find the show and literally takes seconds to do!

    49 min

  7. Apr 17

    From Traditional to Self-Publishing: Nikki Moore on Becoming a Hybrid Author

    My New Book - out April 21st, 2026! REAL WRITERS NEVER QUIT: What hundreds of authors reveal about not giving up https://mybook.to/realwritersneverquit This week on The Write Place Podcast, I’m joined once again by author Nikki Moore, returning to the show on the eve of a major milestone. After years of traditional publishing with HarperCollins, Nikki has taken the leap into self-publishing with her brand new novel Magical Beginnings in Little Bowbrook, writing under a new pen name, Bella Brightside. We dig into what drove that decision, the realities of going indie, and what she’s learned along the way. It’s an honest, practical conversation about control, risk, patience, and backing yourself as a writer, whether you’re just starting out or already established. We also talk about hybrid authorship, building a launch strategy, and why readers ultimately care far less about publishing routes than writers think. In This Episode, We Cover: Why Nikki turned down a traditional book dealThe decision to self-publish and become a hybrid authorThe steep learning curve of distribution, formatting, and productionBuilding a professional product as an indie authorLaunch strategy, timing, and pre-ordersThe myth of stigma around self-publishingWriting process: from pantser to structured plotterThe realities of juggling writing with a full-time jobPractical advice for writers considering the indie routeAbout Nikki Moore Nikki Moore is a UK-based author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. She has been traditionally published by HarperCollins and is known for writing uplifting, emotionally resonant stories centred around love, community, and resilience. She also writes under the pen names Ella Allbright and, more recently, Bella Brightside, reflecting different sub-genres within her work. With the release of Magical Beginnings in Little Bowbrook, Nikki has now stepped into self-publishing, making her a hybrid author. Find Out More About Nikki Website: https://nickimooreauthor.wordpress.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbythesea1207Links & Resources Mentioned Tea Leaves & Reads Bookshop (Andover): https://www.tealeavesandreads.co.ukVellum (formatting software): https://vellum.pubScrivener: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivenerSupport the Podcast If you enjoy the show, please consider leaving a rating or review on your podcast app of choice. It really helps more writers find the show. Final Thought Nikki’s experience highlights a simple truth that’s easy to overlook. There isn’t one “right” way to build a writing career. There’s only the path that makes sense for you at that moment. The key is being willing to learn, adapt, and back your own judgement.

    45 min

  8. Mar 31

    Finish the Book: Ilona Andrews on Hard Truths About Writing, Publishing and Persistence

    Follow me on Instagram - @Mrkelly2u My new book on Writing - REAL WRITERS NEVER QUIT: What hundreds of authors reveal about not giving up is currently available to pre-order at a special pre-release only price  of £2.99/$3.99 and, for UK listeners, you can buy a special signed paperback version with limited edition postcard and bookmark - RIGHT NOW! Buy limited edition signed paperback here Pre-order Kindle version here In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling husband-and-wife writing duo Ilona Andrews, who have been writing together professionally since 2007. We dive into what it really looks like to build a long-term writing career as a partnership, how they’ve navigated both traditional and self-publishing, and why removing ego from the creative process is essential if you want to produce your best work. We also talk about their latest novel This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me, a departure into epic fantasy, and how it came from an idea that simply wouldn’t leave them alone. Along the way, there’s plenty of honest insight into the realities of publishing, the importance of finishing what you start, and why writing is less about inspiration and more about showing up and doing the work. ✍️ In This Episode, We Cover: How Ilona Andrews make co-writing actually work in practiceThe origin and concept behind This Kingdom Will Not Kill MeThe shift from urban fantasy into epic fantasyThe realities of traditional publishing vs self-publishingWhy self-publishing offers freedom but comes with trade-offsThe importance of finishing a book, not just starting one🧠 Best Advice from the Episode “If it works, do it.”“Give yourself permission to write badly so you can finish.”“You have to put your butt in the chair and make words.”“50 unfinished books equal zero finished books.”🌐 Find Out More About Ilona Andrews Website: https://ilona-andrews.com They’re particularly active on their blog, sharing writing insights, industry thoughts and the occasional slice of everyday life. This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me is available now from all major retailers, including special editions through UK outlets such as Waterstones.

    39 min
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5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Joined Up Writing is now The Write Place! A new name but the same great content - hundreds of interviews with writers giving the stories behind their books and paths to publication. Packed with advice, inspiration and tips and hosted by crime writer, producer and writing coach, Wayne Kelly, The Write Place is a regular podcast for writers and book lovers. Tuesdays on the Web, iTunes, Android and Spotify.

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