The Writing Community Chat Show

Christopher Aggett
  • 5.0 (8)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Writing Community Chat Show, where we bring together some of the brightest and most talented writers from around the world to discuss their craft, share their stories, and offer advice and inspiration to fellow writers. Join us each week as we delve into the fascinating world of writing, and learn from the experts as they share their insights, experiences, and wisdom. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a published author, or simply a lover of words, the Writing Community Chat Show is the perfect place to connect with other like-minded individuals and discover the power of the written word. Web - http://Thewritingcommunitychatshow.com Direct - https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-writing-community-chat-show The WCCS - TOGETHER AS ONE, WE GET IT DONE. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

  1. Black Mirror Meets Shutter Island: Inside the Mind of Katherine Bradley.

    5D AGO

    Black Mirror Meets Shutter Island: Inside the Mind of Katherine Bradley.

    From The Sisterhood to The Institute, Katherine Bradley joins the WCCS to discuss the dark limits of human connection, “flock phenomena,” and how she balances life as a Head of Year with writing high-concept thrillers.By The Writing Community Chat ShowHow do you find the time to write a psychological thriller when you’re also a full-time English teacher and Head of Year responsible for 300 students?This week on the Writing Community Chat Show—recently ranked the #3 writing podcast in the UK—we sat down with the brilliant Katherine Bradley. Known for her critically acclaimed novel The Sisterhood, Katherine is back with a haunting new release, The Institute, described as The Sanctuary meets Shutter Island.In this episode, we dive deep into the Road to Writing, the reality of taking brutal feedback, and why Katherine is frequently terrified by the very technology she writes about.Watch the Full Interview.You can watch the full live stream below or listen to the podcast episode directly on this page.The Road to Writing: Filter Coffee and Tenacity.Katherine’s journey wasn’t an overnight success. She shared how she used to get to a cafe at 7:30 AM every morning before her office job, armed with two cups of filter coffee and a determination to make her dream a reality.Key Takeaways for Authors:* Bet on Yourself: Katherine turned down a major promotion because she knew the extra responsibility would kill her writing discipline.* The “No Tea” Rule: She recalled a pivotal piece of feedback from an agent: “No one wants to read about people drinking tea.” Every page must move the story forward.* Finding the Right Agent: Katherine emphasizes the importance of a partnership. She is now with Stephanie Glencross at David Higham Associates, but she’s had her share of “mean” agents in the past. Her advice? Don’t be desperate; find someone who actually likes your genre.What’s the Story? The Institute.Katherine’s latest book, The Institute, is set on a remote island off the west coast of Scotland.The story follows Billy, a young woman who wakes up after a flocking event where her friends died in a zombie-like trance. She is sent to the mysterious Arbor Institute, a spa-like facility for brain injuries that feels more like a gilded cage.Katherine was inspired by flock phenomena; the way starlings move as one—and the terrifying idea of what happens when human beings lose their individual agency to a collective, tech-driven impulse.Black Mirror and the Fear of “What If?”The conversation took a dark turn into the world of AI and technology. Katherine admitted that while she writes about these high-concept near-dystopias, she is frequently terrified by the real world.“I really like writing about things that worry people... are we right to be worried, or are we just worried about being worried?”From 1984-esque government control to the murky ethics of the pharmaceutical industry, Katherine uses her fiction to work through the anxieties of the modern age.Support the Author.* Pick up The Institute: [Available here]* Follow Katherine Bradley: Find her on Twitter/X at @KateBradley and on Instagram.Join the Community.If you enjoyed this interview, make sure to subscribe to our Substack for more articles, industry tips, and behind-the-scenes content from our 380+ interviews with the world’s best authors.The WCCS: Together as one, we get it done!Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our Substack for more interviews with NYT best-sellers, celebrities, and indie authors. PLUS, LOTS OF WRITING ARTICLE FULL OF ADVICE!Together as one, we get it done! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

    1h 8m
  2. The Taboo Show: Breaking Barriers and Spicing Up Your Writing with Dr. Trina Read.

    FEB 18

    The Taboo Show: Breaking Barriers and Spicing Up Your Writing with Dr. Trina Read.

    Welcome back to another episode of The Writing Community Chat Show, recently ranked number 3 in the top 10 writing podcasts in the UK for 2025. In this special “eve of Valentine’s Day” edition, hosts Chris and the team dive into the messy, complicated, and wonderful world of intimacy with the internationally recognized sexologist and best-selling author, Dr. Trina Read. Trina Read With over 25 years of experience helping people navigate the world of pleasure, Dr. Read joined us to talk about her journey from a syndicated sex columnist to a pioneer of the “self-help fiction” genre. Her latest novel, The Taboo Show, is set to challenge perceptions and make us laugh while rethinking what we know about pleasure.Trina answers the questions we want to know. How much sex in a relationship is normal? What should couples do after 10 years of marriage, and much more. Plus, listen to CJ reading Chris Hooley some ai generated suggested sext texts. From Non-Fiction to “Self-Help Fiction”Dr. Read’s transition into fiction was born from a desire to reach women who might find traditional non-fiction a “slog”. After the success of her bestseller Till Sex Do Us Part, she developed a five-step program that she eventually wove into the lives of four fictional characters in The Sex Course.Her new book, The Taboo Show, continues the journey of these four women as they explore the “Taboo Sex Show”—a trade show experience Dr. Read knows well from her years as a mainstage speaker. From tantric skepticism to “Wiccan sex magic,” the story uses relatable characters to demystify complex topics.Expert Advice for Writers and Couples.One of the most enlightening parts of the episode was Dr. Read’s advice on the craft of writing intimacy. She admits that writing sex scenes is “incredibly difficult” and requires a delicate balance. Her top tip? Edit out the “darlings.” To keep fiction engaging, she often removes up to 80% of the educational content to focus on the character’s emotional reaction rather than the instruction itself.Advice for couples at every stage:* New Couples: Slow down and enjoy the courtship; don’t rush the buildup.* The 6-Month Mark: This is when bad habits form. Start having conversations now before the “newness” wears off.* The 10-Year Veterans: Focus on “erotic threads” outside the bedroom—small acts of kindness and desire throughout the day to help bridge the “delayed sexual response”.Demystifying the “Taboo.”Dr. Read also breaks down the common misconceptions around Tantra, describing it simply as an exchange of energy and a way to build pleasure through connection. She encourages couples to lean into the awkwardness of talking about sex, noting that most people can share their bodies for decades but still struggle to share their words.Final Thoughts & Pre-Order Info.Whether you’re looking to spice up your Valentine’s weekend or looking for tips on writing authentic, “classy” intimacy in your next novel, this episode is a must-watch.Dr. Trina Read’s new novel, The Taboo Show, is available for pre-order now and officially launches on February 28th. Visit her website at trinaread.com for pre-order bundles and free educational resources..Watch the full episode here: Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our Substack for more interviews with NYT best-sellers, celebrities, and indie authors. Together as one, we get it done! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

    1h 16m
  3. Unpopular Opinions & Hard Truths: Why Your Book Might Be Getting Rejected.

    FEB 9

    Unpopular Opinions & Hard Truths: Why Your Book Might Be Getting Rejected.

    If you tuned into our latest live stream, you know we didn’t hold back. Usually, we’re joined by New York Times best-sellers or indie superstars, but this week, it was just us, Chris and Chris, getting real with the community. We dove into the “unpopular opinions” that every writer thinks but few dare to say, and we launched something that could change your publishing journey forever. It was a fun conversation. Full of questions from the audience and more.Comments on the video on YouTube:“Really interesting show guys. Nice one.”“Superb show!”The “Hot Takes” That Divided the Chat.We opened the floor to the writing community’s most controversial takes on literature. From the broad application of symbology in Dan Brown’s work to the structural repetitiveness of the Harry Potter series, no giant was safe.While we all appreciate the success of these icons, we discussed how certain “formulaic” approaches can be a double-edged sword for new writers. Based on our Facebook thread that had hundreds of replies to the question: what highly popular book do you dislike?Why Most Books Get Rejected.The title of the show wasn’t just clickbait. Rejection is the one thing every author has in common, but why does it happen? Often, it isn’t the story itself, it’s the package.A weak pitch, a cluttered synopsis, or a query letter that misses the mark can end a book’s journey before an agent even reads Chapter One. We’ve seen it time and again over 380+ interviews, and that’s why we decided it was time to take action.BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: The WCCS Query Clinic is OPEN!We are thrilled to officially announce the Query Clinic, hosted right here on our Substack. We wanted a way to give back to the community and provide the kind of hands-on help that usually costs a fortune.How it works:* For Paid Members: Once a month, we will open a dedicated thread where you can submit your work for critique. We will select submissions to be showcased and edited in a monthly video, explaining what we changed and why.* For Founding Members: We are offering a guarantee. Once a month, we will personally work through your first 10 pages, your synopsis, and your pitch letter. Plus, we’ll provide a curated list of agents specifically suited to your work and advice on how to hit “send” with confidence.Our goal is to turn this Substack into a workshop environment where we can all develop our craft together. Don’t be shy, it’s all for the good of the community!What’s Next for WCCS?The year is only getting busier! Mark your calendars for:* The London Book Fair (May): Chris and I will be there in person, interviewing industry leaders in a very posh setting.* Harrogate (July): We’ve been invited back to the world-famous crime writing festival for the 04th time in a row!* Next Week’s Guest: Get ready for something a little different as we welcome Dr. Trina Reed, a Canadian sexologist. We’ll be talking about her new book and perhaps asking some “inappropriate” questions about love triangles in fiction the day before valentines day.Ready to fix your query? [Upgrade to a paid subscription] to join the Query Clinic and get your work in front of us. Let’s get those manuscripts out of the “reject” pile and into the hands of readers.Together as one, we get it done!Find the full video here:Our Mission: Bringing reality to the writing community. From NYT bestsellers to indie pioneers, we share the stats, the setbacks, and the strategies that define the modern author career. We help you write smarter, sell faster, and see the truth behind the numbers.With over 380 interviews and being ranked the No. 3 UK writing podcast of 2025—as well as a top-3 “Must Follow” for 2026—you are in the right place to succeed. Our motto holds true:THE WCCS - TOGETHER AS ONE WE GET IT DONE! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

    1h 51m
  4. Finding Hope at the End of the World: A Masterclass in Truth with Paul E Hardisty.

    JAN 27

    Finding Hope at the End of the World: A Masterclass in Truth with Paul E Hardisty.

    How do you write a future that feels real? We sit down with environmental scientist and war correspondent Paul E Hardisty to discuss the conclusion of his “The Forcing” trilogy and why literacy is our last defense against a new feudalism.The Road to Writing: From 5-Year-Old Typist to Front-Line Witness.Paul E Hardisty didn’t take the traditional path to becoming a critically acclaimed novelist. Though he began typing stories at age five, he hit a wall at eighteen. Inspired by Hemingway’s advice to “Write what you know,” Paul realized he didn’t know anything yet.He spent the next 30 years gaining that knowledge as an environmental scientist and journalist, reporting from dangerous regions like Yemen, Ethiopia, and most recently, the battlefields of Ukraine.“I want to write fiction that comes as close to truth—conveying essential truth—as possible. I think that is the purpose of literature.” — Paul E Hardisty.Confronting “The Hope”: A Vision of 2082.The interview centers on the release of The Hope, the explosive conclusion to a trilogy that started with The Forcing and The Descent.Set in a windswept, contracted world where the global population has plummeted below a billion, The Hope introduces us to Boo, a 16-year-old with a photographic memory living in a society where books are illegal and literacy has vanished.BUY IT HERE.Writing Advice: The Iceberg Principle.For the writers in our community, Paul shares his “anti-course” philosophy. Having never taken a creative writing class, he advocates for:* Finding your own path: “Be yourself, because everyone else is already taken.”* The Iceberg Principle: Focus on immediacy—sights, smells, and tactile feelings—rather than being didactic.* Biting on the Nail: Inspired by Hemingway, Paul’s Substack name refers to the discipline of getting up and doing the hard work of writing, no matter what happened the night before.Key Themes from the Episode:* The Science of Fiction: Paul explains how he used robust IPCC climate projections to build a plausible 2082, focusing on “refugia”—pockets of the planet that remain habitable.* The New Feudalism: A chilling warning about how plummeting literacy rates and the rise of the smartphone era could mirror the dark ages, making society easier to dominate.* Authenticity in Action: Paul discusses his three trips to Ukraine (with a fourth planned) and how bearing witness to trauma and stoicism informs the emotional core of his work.🎧 Watch the Full Interview!For more on Paul’s experiences as a pilot, his favourite Ukrainian borscht, and why he chose a blue fist for his final book cover, watch the full episode here: From Ukraine to The Great Barrier Reef: Writing Truth in Fiction with Paul E Hardisty📚 Where to Find Paul’s Work* Book Release: The Hope is available January 29th, 2026. Paul encourages supporting local independent bookstores.* Substack: Subscribe to Bite on the Nail (no paywall!) for weekly essays on conflict, the environment, and short stories. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

    1h 1m
  5. Beyond the Page: Building a BookTok Empire with William Lee.

    JAN 13

    Beyond the Page: Building a BookTok Empire with William Lee.

    In the landscape of modern publishing, the “isolated author” is a dying breed. To succeed as an indie today, you don’t just need a gripping story; you need a community. This past Friday, the Writing Community Chat Show (recently ranked #3 in the UK!) sat down with a man who has mastered this evolution: indie thriller author William Lee.Known for his dark, atmospheric mysteries and a rise on TikTok, William joined us to pull back the curtain on his process, his live streams, and the upcoming release of his second book.From Failing English to Crafting Thrillers.It’s a story many of us can relate to: William didn’t start out as a bookworm. In fact, he admittedly “badly failed” his mock exams in school. It wasn’t until a wake-up call from his father that he dove into creative writing techniques, eventually picking up reading as a hobby after high school.That spark turned into a flame, and eighteen months later, he released his debut, Gone Before the Moon. What started as a “superhero” concept morphed into a gritty, supernatural series when William realized he preferred realistic, high-stakes tension over “red spandex.”The “Secret Sauce” of TikTok Live.While many authors view marketing as a chore, William has turned it into a cornerstone of his brand. He moved away from shouting “buy my book” into the void and instead leaned into the power of TikTok Live.Why it works for him:* The Personal Touch: He wraps orders, signs books, and adds extras like bookmarks and tea bags live on camera.* Royalties: Selling directly through TikTok Shop is often more beneficial for indie authors than the traditional Amazon cut.* Vulnerability: By showing his face and chatting about his day, he sells himself as a person, which naturally leads to people wanting to read his work.Overcoming the “Indie” Hurdles.William was incredibly candid about the struggles of the self-published path, particularly Imposter Syndrome. Even with five-star reviews calling his work “atmospheric” and “un-put-downable,” he admits to worrying if book two will live up to the hype.His advice for those “dragging their feet” on social media? Just start. The community is supportive, and being “consistent” is far more important than being “perfect.”What’s Next: The Black Veil Files.Fans of the series won’t have to wait long for more. William shared that he has a five-book arc planned for The Black Veil Files, with short stories and a prequel novella also in the works.The next instalment, Dragged into the Maw, is slated for a March or April 2026 release. It promises to keep the supernatural thrills going, featuring a “Negan-esque” villain inspired by The Walking Dead.Watch & Listen.You can watch the full, hour-long interview below to catch William’s live reading of the Gone Before the Moon prologue and hear his answers to community questions about his “superhero” inspirations and his “worst fears.”Connect with William Lee:* TikTok: @william_lee_author* Website: williamleebooks.co.ukFor more interviews with the world’s best indie and traditionally published authors, subscribe to the Writing Community Chat Show here and on Youtube.Catch it on the go wherever you get your podcasts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

    1h 2m
  6. Punch Up Your Fiction: Master the Art of Comedy with Dave Cohen.

    JAN 6

    Punch Up Your Fiction: Master the Art of Comedy with Dave Cohen.

    The Writing Community Chat Show is back for 2026, and we are kicking off Season 17 with a masterclass in humor. Whether you’re writing a laugh-out-loud sitcom or looking to inject a bit of levity into a dark thriller, this guest is the person who quite literally “wrote the book” on the subject.We were joined by the legendary Dave Cohen. a founding member of the Comedy Store Players, a BAFTA-winning songwriter for Horrible Histories, and a writer for iconic shows like Spitting Image and Not Going Out.Dave shared his incredible journey from Leeds to the heart of the UK comedy scene, offering invaluable advice for writers at every level.Key Takeaways from the Interview.* Comedy is Character: Dave emphasizes that the best jokes aren’t just one-liners; they are born from character. In comedy, the obstacle isn’t just an external “baddie”—it’s often the character themselves looking in the mirror.* The “Momentary Removal of Sympathy”: Referencing comedy guru Dennis Norden, Dave explains that we laugh at characters like Stan and Ollie or Basil Fawlty because of a brief break in our sympathy, only to reconnect with their humanity moments later.* Humor in Genre: You don’t have to be writing a “funny novel” to use comedy. Dave discusses how writers like Mark Billingham use humor to provide a necessary change of pace and relieve tension in even the grimmest thrillers.* The Shakespeare Mindset: Dave gave us a sneak peek into his brand new project, The Shakespeare Mindsetpodcast. He explores how Shakespeare was essentially writing “sitcom” elements into his deepest tragedies and why the Bard is the ultimate guide for navigating the complexities of modern life.* Finish the First Draft: A vital tip for all writers: use a different “brain” for each draft. The first draft is for getting it down without judgment; the third or fourth draft is where you start “punching up” the jokes.Connect with Dave Cohen.Dave is passionate about building a community for comedy writers. If you’re looking for a writing group or want to hone your craft, you can find his courses, his novels, and his new podcast at davecohen.org.uk.Watch or Listen Below.You can watch the full interview right here or head over to YouTube to join the conversation in the comments. The Writing Community Chat Show is also available on all major podcasting platforms. Our Spreaker Prime Show.Watch it right here:The WCCS is a live-streaming YouTube podcast featuring interviews with NYT best-sellers, celebrities, and indie authors. We were recently ranked #3 in the Top 10 writing podcasts in the UK for 2025.Together as one, we get it done!Support Our Non-Profit CICAs many of you know, The Writing Community Chat Show is now officially a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). Our mission is to support authors and creatives through interviews, workshops, competitions, and community projects.Running the show takes time, effort, and resources — from live streaming and editing, to event hosting and outreach. If you enjoy what we do and want to help us continue providing a platform for authors, please consider donating directly to our PayPal. Every contribution goes right back into growing the show and supporting the writing community.Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCSEven the price of a coffee makes a difference in helping us keep the lights on, the mics live, and the conversations flowing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

    1h 2m
  7. From Elephants to Espionage: Vaseem Khan on Q, Rejections, and Finding the Joy in Writing.

    12/10/2025

    From Elephants to Espionage: Vaseem Khan on Q, Rejections, and Finding the Joy in Writing.

    The journey to becoming a published author is rarely a straight line, but few paths have been as globally adventurous, or involved a greater number of pachyderms and famous spies, as that of Vaseem Khan.From his decade living in India to his new role continuing the legacy of James Bond’s very own gadget master, Q, here are the key takeaways and inspiration points from a writer who proves that persistence truly is the only non-negotiable trait in this business.100 Rejections and the Power of Persistence.Vaseem’s story is a powerful reminder that rejection is not destiny, it’s just part of the process.After being encouraged by an English teacher in school, he wrote his first novel, a comic fantasy, at the age of 17. The response? A swift, harsh rejection. This was followed by a staggering two decades of writing and seven more rejected novels across various genres.* A Brutal Education: Over that period, Vaseem collected over a hundred rejection letters, describing the feeling as “like being kicked in the bollocks repeatedly every few years.”* The Commitment to the Dream: What kept him going was the fundamental love for books and the idea of being a writer. He believes those who last the course never give up on that core dream.* The Breakthrough Moment: His career finally launched at age 40 when he tapped into his personal experience: his 10 years living in India. He wrote The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra - a crime novel set in modern Mumbai featuring a serious policeman who inherits a baby elephant. His editor loved it precisely because it was “completely different to anything we’d seen in the crime fiction market.”Vaseem’s Advice on Finding Your Voice: You have to write what you know, or at least, what you are uniquely positioned to write. The trick is to do something “completely different, but the same, take an established genre, stick to its core beats, but tweak the formula just enough to offer a unique perspective.”Commissioned by Ian Fleming: The Q Mystery Series.Perhaps the most exciting new development in Vaseem’s career is his commission by the Ian Fleming Estate to continue the story of James Bond’s gadget master, Q.The request was clear: they did not want another straight spy novel.* The Perfect Pitch: The Estate asked for “something halfway between Mick Herren’s Slow Horses and Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club.“* The Premise: In the first book, Quantum of Menace, Q is booted out of MI6 at age 50. He returns to his small hometown, having left a “messy past behind,” to reinvestigate the mysterious death of a childhood friend. The hope is that he will evolve into an amateur detective, solving mysteries in this small-town setting.* The 007 Cameo: For Bond fans, Vaseem confirmed that he’s included plenty of Easter eggs, and Commander James Bond “does make a meaningful appearance in the second half of the book.”The Single Most Important Piece of Writing AdviceWhen asked for the one crucial tip he gives in his workshops, Vaseem didn’t hesitate:“The number one reason that books are rejected by agents is because the quality of the book does not meet their minimum standard for them to be able to have confidence sending it out to a publisher.”His concrete advice is to focus on craft before submission:* Understand Your Genre: Know the standards for prose, plotting, and characterization required for your specific genre (e.g., crime fiction needs a strong hook and right ‘beats’ over literary prose).* Get Quality Feedback: You must get feedback. Don’t rely solely on friends; consider paying an experienced, trusted editor who has a proven history in the industry.* Don’t Ruin the Hook: You normally only get one good chance with a brilliant idea. Bad execution will ruin your chance with an agent, forcing you to write something else. Make the best possible fist of your manuscript before you send it in.Vaseem’s interview was a masterclass in commitment, creativity, and the power of finding that one unique idea that can change everything. You can find his books, including his new Q novel, on his website and at all major bookstores.Catch the full interview with Vaseem Khan on our YouTube channel: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

    1h 4m
  8. Lizzy Barber on the 500-Word-a-Day Grind, Publishing Doubt, and The Myth of the 5 AM Writer.

    11/30/2025

    Lizzy Barber on the 500-Word-a-Day Grind, Publishing Doubt, and The Myth of the 5 AM Writer.

    We were thrilled to welcome back acclaimed psychological thriller author and Richard & Judy Bestseller, Lizzy Barber, to the show. Lizzy is the author of several gripping novels, including Be Mine, and has a knack for cutting right through the polished facade of the author life to reveal the messy, chaotic, and often hilarious reality.As The Writing Community Chat Show, recently ranked among the top 10 writing podcasts in the UK, we’ve interviewed over 360 authors, from NYT best-sellers to indie superstars. Few, however, have been as candid as Lizzy about the sheer struggle of creative output when life throws everything at you.This conversation is essential listening for anyone who feels they are running out of time, energy, or hope while chasing their writing dreams.1. The Real Cost of ‘The Slow Draft.’Lizzy shared that her current novel, her fifth, has been the slowest to write, a process she describes as being “on ice.” This wasn’t due to a lack of ideas but due to life: the birth of her daughter, dealing with family loss, and major personal hardships.The interview kicked off with a major truth bomb about managing expectations. Lizzy, who is working on this novel while juggling motherhood and dealing with family issues, admitted she has learned to accept a 500-word-a-day target.“I have worked out that for me that has meant 500 words a day. And I’m comfortable with that. And some days I will write a thousand and think, ‘what a great day.’ And then the next day I might write two.”She argues against the perceived hierarchy in the writing community that values speed and high word counts. While some authors happily “splurge 4,000 words a day,” Lizzy opts for quality, slow progress, where her 500 words are likely to be “500 really good words that won’t get cut up or replaced.”This is a powerful reminder: the goal is the finished product, not the speed of the first draft.2. Navigating Publishing: Big Five vs. Indie.Lizzy has the unique experience of having worked with both ‘Big Five’ publishing houses and an indie publisher (Dura). She offered a rare, side-by-side comparison of the two models:3. The Uncomfortable Question: Imposter Syndrome.Perhaps the most resonant part of the conversation for aspiring and established writers alike was Lizzy’s raw honesty about self-doubt.When discussing the draft she just completed after two years, she was upfront about her inner turmoil: “There is a part of me that thinks that this might not actually work as a book and that I might junk it.”This is imposter syndrome at its highest level - the doubt that creeps in after hundreds of hours of work. For Lizzy, this feeling is exacerbated by an “uneven publishing experience” and the anxiety of never finding a constant publisher “home.”“The worst thought is this kind of awareness of never being published again—that you’re kind of you’re done... That’s the kind of constant fear that you kind of live on the highwire of as an author.”Her advice for surviving this? Focus solely on the writing, because that is the only thing you can control. Don’t chase trends, and don’t let external noise or sales charts dictate your self-worth.4. The Author Brand: Be Yourself. (Even If You’re ADHD)Lizzy, who recently started to explore the possibility that she has undiagnosed ADHD, spoke about how she manages her time and how her personality informs her public persona.She admits she is good at jumping into pockets of time but “can’t write around the chaos.” She needs to compartmentalize her writing time, a vital lesson for any busy creative.On building an author brand, her advice is simple: Be authentic.If you are an introvert who hates reels and being on camera, don’t force it, it won’t feel fun or look genuine. But if you, like Lizzy, are comfortable debating, answering difficult questions, and being visible:“I love being on camera. I trained as an actress... I like the sound of my own voice. I don’t mind being silly. I don’t mind being filmed. I say [to my publisher] use me for that. I’m very comfortable to kind of debate and be asked hard questions.”Find your niche, whether it’s through newsletters, blogs, or public appearances, and commit to it. But whatever you do, avoid the pressure to join the “5 a.m. writer’s club” just because it sounds productive. Prioritize your sleep and your process.Watch the Full Interview.Lizzy’s interview is full of crucial, honest advice for writers at every stage of their career. We cover everything from the psychological complexities of her thrillers to the magic of the Harrogate Crime Writers Festival.Watch the full episode below (or listen to the podcast audio):Connect with Lizzy Barber:* Instagram: @byLizzyBarber* Buy Her Books: Available on Amazon, the Dura website, and all good bookstores.Join our brand new community on our Stanstore! After conducting 360 plus interviews, we have compiled digital products to help your writing. Plus, community members get access to our live writing sprints where we write with you, keep you accountable, and give you free access to our 1-on-1 video coaching. There are forum like tabs in our community group where you can post work and receive advice, plus, much more. Join here: https://stan.store/TheWCCSSupport Our Non-Profit CIC.As many of you know, The Writing Community Chat Show is now officially a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). Our mission is to support authors and creatives through interviews, workshops, competitions, and community projects.Running the show takes time, effort, and resources — from live streaming and editing, to event hosting and outreach. If you enjoy what we do and want to help us continue providing a platform for authors, please consider donating directly to our PayPal. Every contribution goes right back into growing the show and supporting the writing community.Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCSEven the price of a coffee makes a difference in helping us keep the lights on, the mics live, and the conversations flowing.Featured on these blog posts as one of the best writing podcasts:Number 7 in the top 11 writing podcasts of 2025 by Million Podcasts. com https://millionpodcasts.com/author-interview-podcasts/…Number 3 in the top 10 best writing UK podcasts of 2025.https://podcast.feedspot.com/uk_writing_podcasts/The 10 best writing podcasts of 2024, No1 The Writing Community Chat Show - 10 Best UK Writing Podcasts You Must Follow in 2024 (feedspot.com) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

    1h 2m
See All (370)

Trailers

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Writing Community Chat Show, where we bring together some of the brightest and most talented writers from around the world to discuss their craft, share their stories, and offer advice and inspiration to fellow writers. Join us each week as we delve into the fascinating world of writing, and learn from the experts as they share their insights, experiences, and wisdom. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a published author, or simply a lover of words, the Writing Community Chat Show is the perfect place to connect with other like-minded individuals and discover the power of the written word. Web - http://Thewritingcommunitychatshow.com Direct - https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-writing-community-chat-show The WCCS - TOGETHER AS ONE, WE GET IT DONE. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

Information