This week on The Conversation, I'm thrilled to welcome the dynamic duo, Jo Dinkin and Catherine Brinkworth, also known as J.D. Brinkworth, the creative minds behind the delightful new cosy mystery, The Pie and Mash Detective Agency. Join us as we explore their unique writing partnership and the intricate process of bringing their characters to life.

In our chat, Jo and Catherine share insights into their collaborative writing journey, discussing how they navigate the challenges of co-authoring while maintaining a unified voice. We dive into the importance of plotting, their approach to character development, and the joys of writing a cozy mystery set against the charming backdrop of Kent.

We also touch on their experiences with the publishing process, the thrill of seeing their book come to life, and the role of humour in their storytelling. Plus, get ready for some fun anecdotes about their research adventures, including a murder mystery weekend that inspired their book!

Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with laughter, writing tips, and a peek into the world of cozy crime. Jo and Catherine's chemistry and passion for storytelling are sure to inspire aspiring writers and mystery lovers alike!

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Joining me for a coffee break is Sunday Times Bestselling author, the talented Harriet Tyce, author of the captivating new novel, 'Witch Trial'.

We delve into the inspiration behind 'Witch Trial', set in Edinburgh, which follows a heart surgeon juror navigating a murder trial involving two teenage girls accused of witchcraft. Harriet discusses the unique blend of research and creativity that shaped her narrative, including her deep dive into jury psychology and the historical context of witchcraft.

Throughout our conversation, Harriet opens up about the emotional challenges of writing, particularly the impact of bullying and ostracism on her characters. We explore the dynamics of storytelling, the importance of character development, and how her experience on the reality show The Traitors has influenced her writing process.

Join us for an engaging discussion filled with insights into the craft of writing, the complexities of human relationships, and the power of storytelling. Don't miss Harriet's insightful take on the balance between humor and darkness in literature!

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Harriet Tyce's Recommendations:

📚 Book: Fallen Sisters by Louise Hare

📺 Show: Culinary Class Wars on Netflix

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In this episode of The Conversation, I'm joined by the talented author Nina Bhadreshwar, whose latest novel, The Day of the Roaring, dives deep into the complexities of identity, resilience, and the stark realities faced by urban youth. We discuss Nina's incredible journey from Barnsley to California, her experiences in the publishing industry, creating her own magazine and the challenges of being an underrepresented voice in literature.

Nina shares her candid thoughts on the importance of maintaining integrity in storytelling and the significance of crafting authentic characters. We explore the struggles she faced while writing her debut and the lessons learned from navigating the intricacies of the publishing world. With humor and honesty, she reflects on the need for a resilient nervous system in the arts and the transformative power of embracing one's unique voice.

Join us for an engaging conversation that highlights the beauty of creativity and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Don't miss out on Nina's insightful perspectives and her exciting new release!

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📗OUT NOW 'THE SHADOW CARVER' - Inspector Anjelica Henley Book 4

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This week, we’re unpacking the controversy surrounding Emerald Fennell’s "Wuthering Heights" adaptation. From historically inaccurate corsets to Margot Robbie’s "raunchy" take on Cathy, we debate how far a retelling can stray before it loses the source material entirely.

Plus, we look at how one writer used AI to publish 200 novels in a single year, allegedly earning six figures. But is she a writer? And after a century of dominance, are paperbacks shuffling toward extinction?

00:00 Intro

01:25 200 'Books' A Year - The AI Romance Gold Rush?

12:48 Pulp Fiction No More - The Death of Paperbacks?

23.35 Raunchy Brontë - Straying Too Far From the Source?

37:38 Off Script: Stranger Than Fiction

43:15 Final Chapter - Best RomComs

Links:

Can AI Chatbots Write Romance? NY Times Article

The Death of the Mass Market Paperback?

How Different Is Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” Compared to Emily Brontë’s Book?

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!

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Joining me for a coffee break is debut author, M.K. Oliver who shares the inspiration behind his unique protagonist, Lala Rook, a stylish North London mother with sociopathic tendencies, navigating the complexities of family life while employing unconventional methods to achieve her goals in 'A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage'.

Join us as we explore Oliver's creative process, from the initial spark of an idea to the challenges of writing in a first-person female voice. He reflects on the importance of character development and how Lala's unexpected actions continually surprised him throughout the writing journey. We discuss the balance between humor and darkness in storytelling, as well as the significance of empowering readers to embrace their individuality.

Oliver also opens up about the transition from teaching to writing full-time, the joys and challenges of the publishing world, and the thrill of receiving his proof and final copies. With insights into the writing process and the importance of community among writers, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the art of storytelling.

Don't miss out on M.K. Oliver's debut novel, A Sociopath's Guide to Successful Marriage, and stay tuned for more from this exciting new voice in fiction!

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Today I'm joined by K. Anis Ahmed. Anis shares his compelling journey through the world of writing, reflecting on both the triumphs and challenges he faced along the way. From his early days as an aspiring writer to navigating the complexities of the publishing industry, K. Anis Ahmed offers valuable insights that resonate with both seasoned authors and those just starting out.

During our engaging conversation, K. Anis Ahmed recounts the harsh realities of receiving critical feedback on his work, the emotional toll it took, and how it ultimately shaped his resilience as a writer. He emphasises the importance of building a supportive network and seeking constructive criticism, highlighting that rejection is often a stepping stone to growth and improvement. K. Anis Anmed also shares his thoughts on the significance of finding one's writing voice and the value of perseverance in the face of adversity.

We delve into his latest novel, Carnivore, which explores the life of a migrant in New York City, blending themes of ambition, identity, and moral dilemmas. Anis's unique perspective on storytelling and his ability to create relatable characters make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the art of writing and the complexities of the human experience.

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Hardback | Pre-Order Paperback (26.03.26)

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In this week's episode of Adventures in Publishing-land, we dive into the heated debate surrounding Val McDermid and the use of sensitivity readers to revise backlist titles. Should books be treated as historical artifacts, or is updating them a necessary step for modern audiences?

Plus, we’re tackling two massive shifts in the industry: We break down the "Brave New World" report, which reveals a staggering 86% of creators are already seeing their earnings hit by Gen AI. And the Literacy Crisis: Are we losing a generation of readers? We discuss the alarming reports of Gen Z arriving at college unable to read full sentences and what "scanning" culture means for the future of the book.

00:00 Intro

01:00 Brave New World? AI Already Impacting Creatives

16:23 Editing the Past - Should Old Books Be Revised?

27:52 Can't Read or Won't Read? Is There a Gen Z Literacy Crisis?

39:33 Stranger Than Fiction

44:40 Final Chapter

Links:

All 2.4m of Britain’s creative workers are at risk — and we know why

Brave New World? Justice for Creators in the age of Gen AI

Val McDermid was assigned ‘sensitivity reader’ to cut offensive language from old books

Gen Z are arriving to college unable to even read a sentence—professors warn it could lead to a generation of anxious and lonely graduates

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!

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