The Write Place (formerly The Joined Up Writing Podcast)

Wayne Kelly
  • 5.0 (13)
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The Write Place (formerly The Joined Up Writing Podcast)

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 From the Inside Out: Hannah King on Crime, Craft and Character

    Take a look here to see how I can help you publish your book! In this episode of The Write Place, I chat with Northern Irish author Hannah King about the creative process behind her gripping second novel, The Blind Spot. We talk about dual timelines, writing from a child’s perspective, and how to keep readers turning the page. Hannah shares her journey from creative writing student to published novelist, her experience as a legal transcriber, and the reality of writing the dreaded second book.    We also touch on her writing rituals, how she develops characters, and why she’s finally returning to a long-abandoned manuscript with fresh enthusiasm. Whether you're an aspiring author or a crime fiction fan, there’s loads to enjoy in this honest and thoughtful conversation.    And if you’re dreaming of launching your own book into the world but feeling overwhelmed by the process, I’ve just launched a range of affordable self-publishing packages. Whether you need help with editing, cover design, or the whole journey from manuscript to market, I’ve got you covered – check out wkwproductions.co.uk for details. In This Episode: • The spark behind The Blind Spot• Writing complex sibling dynamics and difficult moral dilemmas• Using dual timelines to explore character and structure• The second book struggle and how Hannah overcame it• Writing through trauma and the therapeutic power of crime fiction• The influence of creative writing courses and short stories• Channeling a child’s voice – and the power of nostalgia• Great advice for pushing through creative blocksAbout Hannah King: Hannah King is a crime and psychological fiction writer from County Down, Northern Ireland. Her debut novel, She and I, was published to critical acclaim, and her latest book The Blind Spot continues her exploration of dark family secrets, emotional complexity and moral ambiguity. Drawing on her background as a legal proofreader and court transcriber, Hannah brings authenticity and insight to the legal and criminal elements of her stories. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing from Queen’s University Belfast and is an alumna of their fiction anthology programme.   You can find Hannah on Instagram at @hannahkingauthor ✍️ Sign up to my Write or Die monthly newsletter and get your FREE Writer’s Survival Kit: Sign up here📖 Haven’t read Safe Hands or The Call Back yet? Grab them on Kindle, in paperback or read for free via Kindle Unlimited📨 Want to say hello or share your writing struggles? Drop me a line: wayne@waynekellywrites.com

    50 min

  2. APR 29

    Why Writers Need to Show Up: Hannah Murray on Books, Broadcasting & Promotion

    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. In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Hannah Murray – a seasoned radio and TV presenter, passionate book lover, and co-host of the Marbella with Him and Her podcast. Based in Marbella, Spain, Hannah brings a wealth of experience from over two decades in broadcasting, including her popular book show on Talk Radio Europe and her regular appearances on Good Morning Spain TV. We had a fascinating and wide-ranging chat covering: How Hannah built a career in radio and TV after moving to Spain.Her love of books, reading, and interviewing writers from all over the world.Lessons learned from interviewing major authors like Jilly Cooper, James Patterson, and Jeffrey Archer.Practical advice for writers who want to promote themselves and their books effectively.Insights into writing, creativity, and the importance of finishing that all-important first draft.The Book That Saved Her Life Hannah chose Down Under by Bill Bryson – a funny and vivid travel memoir that deepened her love for travel and great storytelling. About Hannah Murray Hannah Murray is a veteran broadcaster with over twenty years of experience. She hosts TRE in the Afternoon and The Book Show on Talk Radio Europe and is a regular contributor to Good Morning Spain TV. Alongside her husband, she also co-hosts the light-hearted lifestyle podcast Marbella with Him and Her. A passionate reader, interviewer, and lifelong lover of words, Hannah shares her enthusiasm for books and storytelling through her work on radio, television, and digital platforms. Find Out More About Hannah: 🎙️ Talk Radio Europe – Listen live or catch up on shows: Talk Radio Europe Website 📺 Good Morning Spain TV – Watch on YouTube: Good Morning Spain TV on YouTube 🎧 Marbella with Him and Her Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Listen on Spotify ✍️ Sign up to my Write or Die monthly newsletter and get your FREE Writer’s Survival Kit: Sign up here📖 Haven’t read Safe Hands or The Call Back yet? Grab them on Kindle, in paperback or read for free via Kindle Unlimited📨 Want to say hello or share your writing struggles? Drop me a line: wayne@waynekellywrites.com

    30 min

  3. APR 15

    Stephen Spotswood – Murder, Mystery and the Power of Character

    In this week’s episode I’m joined by author, playwright and journalist Stephen Spotswood, who's here to talk about Dead in the Frame, the latest instalment in his 1940s-set mystery series featuring sleuthing duo Pentecost and Parker. Stephen shares the inspirations behind the series—drawing on golden age mysteries, hardboiled noir, and classic radio dramas—and explains how the fifth book sees a shake-up in the usual dynamic between Will and Lillian. We also chat about how his background in playwriting has helped shape his fiction, why he’s now a committed outliner, and how he balances plot and emotional depth in his stories. You’ll also hear: How writing helped him stay grounded while reporting on difficult issuesThe challenges and joys of writing a long-running seriesThe moment he realised mystery fiction was his true homeAnd of course, Stephen tells us about the book that changed everything for him, and shares a powerful insight that helped take his writing to the next level.SHOW LINKS Dead in The Frame - Stephen's Latest Book✍️ Sign up to my Write or Die monthly newsletter and get your FREE Writer’s Survival Kit: Sign up here📖 Haven’t read Safe Hands or The Call Back yet? Grab them on Kindle, in paperback or read for free via Kindle Unlimited📨 Want to say hello or share your writing struggles? Drop me a line: wayne@waynekellywrites.comThanks for listening! Please make sure you're subscribed on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode. And if you’ve got a second, a rating or review really helps other writers find the show. Until next time – happy writing and take care.  — Wayne

    59 min

  4. APR 1

    From Rejection to Reward: Natalie Chandler on Finding Her Voice

    🎧 The Write Place Podcast – Episode 241 Guest: Natalie Chandler – Author of The Voices 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. And this week’s guest is no exception… Natalie Chandler joins me to talk about her new psychological thriller, The Voices – her third novel and her first hardback release. We chat about the dream that sparked her chilling high-concept premise, what it’s like to write from the perspective of a character in a coma, and why Scrivener might just be the plotting tool you didn’t know you needed. But Natalie’s story isn’t all smooth sailing. She opens up about the tough road to publication, her experience with rejection, and how stepping away from writing for years helped reignite her passion. We also touch on the importance of finding your own voice, even if that means starting out by plagiarising Roald Dahl at the age of seven! In this episode, we discuss: The inspiration behind The Voices and how a vivid dream shaped the entire bookThe challenges of writing from a locked-in perspectiveWhy publishing a hardback felt like validation from her publisherThe struggle of writing Book Two and the pressure that comes with early successHer experience switching publishers and signing with HarperNorthGrowing up with a love of stories and being surrounded by books from a young ageHow her background in sport and teaching fed into her writingThe moment she almost gave up – and what brought her back to the pageWhy reading with a highlighter helps her develop her craftThe books that changed her life – including Shantaram and Louise Candlish's Those PeopleLinks from the episode: 📚 Grab Natalie Chandler’s The Voices from your local bookshop, online retailers or support indie gems like Serenity Booksellers in Romiley✍️ Sign up to my Write or Die monthly newsletter and get your FREE Writer’s Survival Kit: Sign up here📖 Haven’t read Safe Hands or The Call Back yet? Grab them on Kindle, in paperback or read for free via Kindle Unlimited📨 Want to say hello or share your writing struggles? Drop me a line: wayne@waynekellywrites.comThanks for listening! Please make sure you're subscribed on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode. And if you’ve got a second, a rating or review really helps other writers find the show. Until next time – happy writing and take care.  — Wayne

    1h 3m

  5. MAR 21

    From Rejection to Representation: Roxie Key’s Crime Debut Breakthrough

    The Call Back is currently only £3.99/$3.99! Check it out here. 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. In this episode of The Write Place Podcast, I’m joined by crime writer Roxie Key to discuss her brilliant debut novel The Deadly Spark, a character-driven blend of psychological suspense and police procedural. We get into the real story behind Roxie’s writing journey—from 50+ rejections to a dream agent sliding into her DMs, and how she went from almost giving up to having a book deal and a growing readership. Roxie shares how a childhood phobia became the central theme of her novel, why she chose to write a diverse cast of characters, and how she balances writing with family life and a full-time job. We also talk about: The importance of rejection and building thick skinWhy writing fear can be a form of therapyNavigating police procedural accuracy without getting bogged down in red tapeThe reality of modern publishing and why debut authors have to hustleProductivity hacks for busy writersThe value of reading—and writing—widelyRoxie is warm, honest and funny, and this chat is packed with insight for any writer trying to stay motivated and get their words out into the world. 🎙️ Links and resources: 📚 Check out The Deadly Spark – available now in the UK, US and Canada: Roxie's Author Website - https://roxiekey.com 💌 Join the writing community newsletter and get your FREE Write or Die Survival Kit: http://bit.ly/writeordiesignup 📚 Get 25% off any of my courses by using the code WRITEPLACE25 at checkout - more info here. 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts.

    46 min

  6. MAR 3

    Rebeka Russell on Publishing, Place, and the Legacy of Mary Shelley

    In this fascinating episode of The Write Place Podcast, host Wayne Kelly is joined by Rebeka Russell, founder of Manderley Press, to discuss the power of place in storytelling, the challenges of independent publishing, and her latest release, Mary Shelley in Bath. Rebeka shares how her love of history and literature led her to create a small press dedicated to reviving classic works connected to real-world locations. She discusses the importance of book design, working with artists to create stunning covers, and how connecting with passionate booksellers has been crucial to Manderley Press’s success. The conversation also delves into Mary Shelley’s tumultuous time in Bath and how this short but significant period shaped her writing, including Frankenstein. Rebeka reflects on Shelley’s ability to transform personal trauma into groundbreaking fiction, as well as the ongoing cultural relevance of her work. Beyond discussing literary history, Rebeka offers insight into the realities of indie publishing, from navigating distribution challenges to the importance of perseverance. Whether you're an aspiring author, a lover of historical fiction, or interested in the business of books, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Links & Resources: 📚 Find out more about Rebeka Russell & Manderley Press: Manderley Press Website – Browse their collection and order Mary Shelley in Bath Follow Manderley Press on Instagram ✍️ Resources for Writers: 🎁 Grab your free Write or Die Writer’s Survival Kit here 📖 Want to read the first 3 chapters of The Call Back for FREE? Download here 🎓 Check out Wayne's Online Courses here 📩 Email Wayne – wayne (at) waynekellywrites.com

    58 min

  7. FEB 17

    Writing, Rewriting, and Reinvention: Karen Heenan’s Journey to Indie Success

    In this insightful episode of The Write Place Podcast, host Wayne Kelly welcomes historical fiction author Karen Heenan for her third appearance on the show. Karen shares her journey from being traditionally published with a small press to becoming a successful self-published author with multiple series under her belt. She discusses the challenges and rewards of indie publishing, offering valuable insights into book marketing, cover design, and Amazon advertising. Karen’s latest novel, French Lessons, is the newest entry point into her Ava & Claire series, which originally followed a family in 1930s Philadelphia. This new instalment shifts the focus to Pearl, the eldest daughter, as she embarks on a long-awaited adventure in post-war Paris. However, the reality of a city still recovering from occupation is vastly different from her romanticised expectations, making for a compelling “fish-out-of-water” story. Beyond discussing her writing process, Karen reflects on the learning curve of self-publishing, from regaining her rights from a small press to finding the right cover designer to attract her ideal readers. She details how advertising—particularly on Amazon and through BookBub deals—has played a crucial role in increasing her book sales, helping her achieve an impressive $47,000 in royalties last year—a significant leap from the previous year. For authors considering the indie path, Karen offers encouraging advice: self-publishing doesn’t mean giving up on traditional publishing; instead, it provides flexibility, control, and the opportunity to build a sustainable writing career on your own terms. She also shares the book that saved her life, which deeply resonated with her as a child and helped shape her understanding of the emotional power of fiction. This episode is packed with practical tips, industry insights, and inspiration for writers at all stages of their careers. Don't miss it! Links & Resources: Karen Heenan’s Website – Sign up for her newsletter and download a free historical fiction novel!French Lessons available now on Amazon (Kindle & Print)Grab your free Write or Die Writer's Survival Kit hereWant to read the first 3 chapters of The Call Back for FREE?Check out Wayne's Online Courses hereEmail Wayne - wayne (at) waynekellywrites.com

    56 min

  8. FEB 3

    The Wallace & Gromit Method of Plotting with D.V. Bishop

    In this episode of The Write Place, I’m joined by award-winning historical crime novelist D.V. Bishop for a deep dive into the craft of storytelling, structure, and writing with confidence. D.V. shares his Wallace & Gromit approach to plotting—laying the tracks just ahead of the train as he writes—and why mystery writers don’t always need to know the ending before they begin. We discuss the pressures of writing under contract, the benefits of finishing Book Two before Book One is published, and how to find the balance between planning and discovery. He also reveals the book that changed his life (and career), the unexpected way he researches characters, and why Call the Midwife helped him write a convent full of nuns. If you’ve ever wrestled with plotting, structure, or self-doubt, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and plenty of laughs. His latest book is Divine Fury - check it out here. Connect with D.V. Bishop: 📖 Website 📷 Instagram: @CesareAldo 🌐 BlueSky: @DVBishopcom LINKS TO FREEBIES! Writer's Survival Kit - http://bit.ly/writeordiesignup The Call Back teaser version - https://dl.bookfunnel.com/emgd52ywdx Follow The Write Place on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thewriteplacepodcast

    1 hr
See All (127)

5
out of 5
13 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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