‘To find a way in, through the door, beyond the doubt…’

This week, we join Sally wrestling with the problem of doubt, having just sent her latest novel, Pond Life, to the printers. Listen for a reflection on writing, the body, and the generative possibilities of doubt, via Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.

Pond Life will be published in September 2026 by The New Menard Press, and can be pre-ordered here.

The wonderful piano music in the closing section is the appropriately titled ‘Doubt’ by Paul Seba. More information on Paul and his work can be found here.

This episode was edited and produced by James Bowen.

Special thanks to Andrew Smith, Violet Henderson, Kris Dyer, and Maeve Magnus.

‘Even the sun-clouds this morning cannot manage such skirts.’

This week, Sally returns to Sylvia Plath’s ‘Poppies in October.’ Listen for a mediation on the mouth, sound, and their essential role in approaching the lyric.

The wonderful piano music in the closing section is ‘Sirens’ by Paul Seba. More information on Paul and his work can be found here.

This episode was edited and produced by James Bowen.

Special thanks to Andrew Smith, Violet Henderson, Kris Dyer, and Maeve Magnus.

‘Enter Lillian…’

This week, we join Sally once again in conversation with the producer, James Bowen, on the subject of Sally’s latest work, Worm in the Bud: A Fable. Listen for a conversation on interpretation, ambiguity, and the instructive value of narrative.

Worm in the Bud is published by the New Menard Press, and is available from all good booksellers.

The wonderful piano accompanying Sally's reading of 'The Forest' is ‘Monday’, by Paul Seba. More on Paul and his work can be found here.

This episode was edited and produced by James Bowen. More information on James and his work can be found here.

Special thanks to Andrew Smith, Violet Henderson, Kris Dyer, and Maeve Magnus.