Death Of 1000 Cuts
Episodes
S8E9 - Jo Bell
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I chat with poet and nonfiction author Jo Bell about her journey from archaeologist to poet to memoir writer, and how the three titles are intimately ...
S8E8 - The Ick
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk about the bits of a writing career that can feel a bit less natural, authentic or fun, why the feelings that arise are ok, and...
S8E7 - September Diary (Writing Ramble)
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hello folks. In this episode I talk about where I am with my writing and life in September 2025, and lay out a few plans. A chill little diary entry e...
S8E6 - Untitled by Purple Enigma
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I look at a listener's first page and suggest ways they could make it better. I also talk about the value of a daily practice, turning...
S8E5 - Layers of Meaning (Writing Ramble)
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's a writing ramble episode. I talk about humour, shades of meaning and playing about with status dynamics in your fiction (and life!). My book The...
S8E4 - Smile by Connor
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I look at the first page of a listener's story and suggest ways they could improve it. I cover show, don't tell, close third-person, ...
S8E3 - Voice (Writing Ramble)
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I talk about the emphasis on having 'a strong voice' as a writer, and how I think you should actually develop your voice as an author...
S8E2 - Robin Ince
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with writer and comedian Robin Ince about his new book, Normally Weird & Weirdly Normal. We talk about comedy, ADHD, autism, ne...
S8E1 - The 7 Laws of Writing
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I share my 7 Laws of Writing, which are all wrong, but useful. If you'd like to support the show please drop me a few beans on my ko-...
S7E10 - The Game Changers
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I talk about my new book, THE GAME CHANGERS: How Playing Games Changed The World and Can Change You Too. I try to explain why I wa...
S7E9 - Chatting With Holly Gramazio
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode I chat with novelist & game designer Holly Gramazio about making games & writing stories. We talk about her work turning spaces into i...
S7E8 - Chatting With Lamorna Ash
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode I chat with author Lamorna Ash about her nonfiction writing, from getting to know a Cornish fishing community in her book Dark, Salt, ...
S7E7 - Teaching Writing (Writing Ramble)
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A new unscripted chat about writing. Want to support the show? Drop me a few beans at my ko-fi page: www.ko-fi.com/timclare Want to drop me a line? ...
S7E6 - The Paradox Of Choice (Writing Ramble)
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk about being in-between projects, teaching creative writing, & how external motivation is actually ok. Want to support the sho...
S7E5 - Chatting With Aki Schilz
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I chat with Aki Schilz, Director of The Literary Consultancy, a UK-based organisation offering manuscript assessments, mentoring services & even...
S7E4 - Chatting with Rowan Zeoli
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I chat with journalist Rowan Zeoli about tabletop roleplaying games & the exploding live group storytelling phenomeon that is Actual ...
S7E3 - Dirty Cash
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk about some of the basics of how the publishing industry works and the kinds of deals authors get for their work. Want to suppo...
S5E2 - Who Am I Writing For (Writing Ramble)
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk about how to reclaim your creative joy. Want to support the show? Drop me a few beans at my ko-fi page: www.ko-fi.com/timclare...
S7E1 - The Twelfth Spark by Matt
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Death Of 1000 Cuts is back. Hooray! To start this new season I take a look at a listener's first page and offer suggestions on how to make it better. ...
S6E7 - Across the Sand by Jess
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I take a look at the first page of a reader's work & offer tips on improving it. We talk about word order, tenses, world building & th...
S6E6 - Chatting with Guy Gunaratne
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with author Guy Gunaratne about their second novel, MISTER, MISTER, trickster narrators running away with the story, & why it's...
S6E5 - Interesting Tips (Writing Ramble)
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is an unedited, unplanned talk about creative writing, the perils of writing tips, & the ups & downs of the writing process. If you like...
S6E4 - Chatting With James L Sutter
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with author James L Sutter about creating worlds and his new queer YA romance novel, DARKHEARTS. You can grab a copy of DARKHE...
S6E3 - Chatting With Emma Gannon
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I chat with Emma Gannon, novelist and author of THE SUCCESS MYTH, a book about the ways in which we can end up chasing things we do...
S6E2 - Chatting With Alasdair Beckett-King
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with author and comedian Alasdair Beckett-King about his new book, writing for children, pastiche, and comedy. Grab a copy of...
S6E1 - Love
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The first episode of the new season. I talk about writing, and love. If you like the show and would like to support me, you can drop me a few beans v...
S5E29 - Season Round Up (Writing Ramble)
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is the last episode in Season 5 of Death Of 1000 Cuts, where I round up my thoughts after quite a few years of the show. We'll be back for Season...
S5E28 - WEIRD (Writing Ramble)
25 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this unscripted, unedited episode, I talk about where I am with my writing and the podcast, and what's to come. Here's the recent episode of the B...
S5E27 - Impostor Syndrome (Writing Ramble)
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk about dealing with impostor syndrome while writing. Please buy my latest book, COWARD: Why We Get Anxious & What We Can Do Abo...
S5E26 - Writing A Novel Pt 10
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the latest in the Writing a Novel series, I look at some opening pages of published novels, and see if we can learn anything about wh...
S5E25 - To Read or Not Read (Writing Ramble)
11 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk about reading to become a better writer versus reading for joy. This is an unedited, unplanned episode. If you enjoy the podca...
S5E24 - End of Year Q&A
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A Q&A episode responding to listener questions to end the year. If you enjoy the podcast and would like to drop me a few beans, my Ko-fi page is here...
S5E23 - Cyborg Novelists
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discover that Artificial Intelligence is better at writing my novel than I am. I discuss the threats & opportunities of AI-generate...
S5E22 - Chatting With James Wallis
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with author & games designer James Wallis about storytelling in games, writing novels in other people's worlds, & his new book ...
S5E21 - Stained Glass by Bobby
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I look at a listener's first page and suggest ways to make it better. If you enjoy the podcast and would like to drop me a few beans,...
S5E20 - Chatting With Adrian Tchaikovsky
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I chat with SFF author Adrian Tchaikovsky. We talk about his Children of Time Science Fiction series, his Shadows of the Apt Fantasy ...
S5E19 - Writing a Novel Pt9
30 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is the 9th episode in my series that follows me as I try to write a novel while commentating on what I'm doing & why. This time I share two draft...
S5E18 - Bad Writing Takes (Writing Ramble)
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I chat about getting back into writing after burnout, and embracing your personal writing manifesto. I have a bit of a rant! But hope...
S5E17 - Tears In Rain
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we do a deep dive into the genesis of a famous 42 word death monologue - Roy Batty's 'Tears In Rain' soliloquy from Blade Runner. What...
S5E16 - Writing a Novel Pt8
15 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is the latest episode in a series where I document my attempts to write a novel. In this episode, I reflect on why I've stalled - again - talk a ...
S5E15 - Chatting With Ross Sutherland About Writing Prompts
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with writer, poet and podcaster Ross Sutherland about creativity, anti-showmanship and his new Guided Writing Journal, which co...
S5E14 - Original Story by Toethumb
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I look at the first page of a story submitted by a listener and suggest ways to make it better. We talk about the concept of the narra...
S5E13 - Teaching Creative Writing (Writing Ramble)
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I reflect on my week teaching creative writing at a retreat. That's it. That's the show. If you want to support me & read some stuff ...
S5E12 - Chatting With Kate Fox
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with poet, writer and performer Kate Fox about poetry, creative risk taking, neurodiversity and writing to a brief. We talk abo...
S5E11 - Finding Your Why (Writing Ramble)
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode I chat about finding your north star when you're making creative stuff. Why write? Why make books? Where do you find validation & mean...
S5E10 - How To Write Like A Vicar
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk about how to structure your nonfiction to create compelling entry points to complex topics. That's your biography, history, mem...
S5E9 - The Publishing Machine (Writing Ramble)
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk about the publishing industry, who gets to make books, which books get supported, & what we need to do to support a diverse ran...
S5E9 - Coward on Tour (Writing Ramble)
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk about what it feels like one week into your new book coming out. I report from the book tour, share my thoughts on when - & if ...
S5E8 - How a Book is Born (Writing Ramble)
15 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk about the process an author goes to from submitting a book to publication. Actually, I talk about a lot of other stuff before I...
S5E7 - A Masterpiece (Writing Ramble)
31 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk about the difficulties surrounding talking about your Work In Progress, and the social games and invisible rules around how we'...
S5E6 - Working On Coward (Writing Ramble)
10 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I chat about my forthcoming book, COWARD: Why We Get Anxious & What We Can Do About It. I talk a bit about how I came to write it, wh...
S5E5 - Chatting With Dr Lucy Foulkes
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with author and psychologist Dr Lucy Foulkes about her book, LOSING OUR MINDS: What Mental Illness Really Is And What It Isn't....
S5E4 - Chatting With Hannah Jane Walker
21 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I chat with poet & author Hannah Jane Walker, about poetry, sensitivity, & how we can manage & celebrate sensitivity. We talk about a...
S5E3 - Chatting With Huma Qureshi
14 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with author Huma Qureshi about her fiction and nonfiction, and her memoir HOW WE MET. We talk about the stories that opened he...
S5E2 - Chatting With Prof Pete Etchells
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I chat with Prof Pete Etchells about video games, the stories they tell, and his book LOST IN A GOOD GAME: Why We Play Video Games and What They Can D...
S5E1 - Chatting With Cathy Rentzenbrink
10 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I chat with author Cathy Rentzenbrink about writing down our lives, and her new book about writing autobiography, WRITE IT ALL DOWN. ...
S4E45 - Fitting In (Writing Ramble)
19 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk about feeling like you 'fit in' in the publishing world, my own experiences, & why feeling like an insider or outsider - whethe...
S4E44 - Dials vs Switches (Writing Ramble)
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I respond to a piece of advice for first-time non-fiction authors I read back in August, explaining why I disagree and giving my own ...
S4E43 - Writing a Novel Pt7
25 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk about my progress with my project to write a new novel, and why I think I've stalled. I reflect on where I think I've stumbled ...
S4E42 - Editing with Nate Crowley
07 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I look at the first page of a listener's story with author Nate Crowley and we suggest ways to improve it. What is too much informatio...
S4E41 - Chatting With Molly Naylor
30 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Hi everyone. On this one I chat with author, poet, screenwriter and director Molly Naylor about the graphic novel she created with artist Lizzy Stewar...
S4E40 - Chatting With Chris Farnell
23 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with author Chris Farnell about his early interest in the fantastic, what makes good Science Fiction and Fantasy, and about his...
S4E39 - Writing Nonfiction
14 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I chat about the rewards of writing creative nonfiction and make the case for why you should try it. And hey, this episode marks over...
S4E38 - Editing With Nate Crowley Pt2
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Me and author Nate Crowley host a very special festive-themed episode of Death Of 1000 Cuts. We look at a story set at the North Pole by a listener, a...
S4E37 - Editing with Nate Crowley
31 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode me and author Nate Crowley chat about his work before looking at an author's first page and suggesting ways to make it better. If you...
S4E36 - Chatting With Simon Akam
23 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode I chat with Simon Akam about his book THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD: THE BRITISH ARMY SINCE 9/11. We talk about writing nonfiction, deali...
S4E35 - The Shore of Beginnings by R Matthew
27 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I look at the first page of a listener's story and suggest ways to make it better. In this episode I talk about starting in the middl...
S4E34 - Tiny Edits (Writing Ramble)
19 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk about what I've been up to recently, the teaching I did, what's involved in editing and copyediting a book, some differences in...
S4E33 - Knowing When To Quit
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I respond to a listener's email about how you know if it's time to throw in the towel. When, as a writer, should you quit? When is eno...
S4E32 - Writing a Novel Pt 6
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is the 6th episode of the series where I take you with me on the process of trying to write a novel. It's been a few weeks... uh oh? Have I hit a...
S4E31 - Chatting With John Allison
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with artist John Allison about storytelling in comics. John is the creator of comics SCARY-GO-ROUND, BAD MACHINERY, GIANT DAYS...
S4E30 - The Drowning Town by Hazel
10 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode I look at the first 250 words of a listener's fiction and suggest ways to make it better. I talk about point of view in third-pers...
S4E29 - Chatting With Tasha Suri
03 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with author Tasha Suri. We talk about writing Fantasy, creating worlds, strategies for tricking yourself into writing a novel, ...
S4E28 - Chatting With Vanessa Kisuule
28 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with poet and writer Vanessa Kisuule about poetry, building a creative career and expectations audiences have of us on stage, o...
S4E27 - Blurbs
13 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk about the importance of getting blurbs or endorsements from other authors. Why are they so crucial for a new book? How do you g...
S4E26 - Hard at Work by Ross
04 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I look at the first page of a listener's story and suggest ways to make it better. If you'd like to support the show drop me a few be...
S4E25 - Hard Work (Writing Ramble)
27 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's another writing ramble! Unscripted, unplanned, unedited - me talking about whatever is on my mind, writing-wise. Today, I talk about the writing ...
S4E24 - Answering Your Questions (Writing Ramble)
22 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I chat about the weird valley between one project ending and another beginning, and I answer some questions suggested by listeners to...
S4E23 - Chatting With Hollie McNish
15 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with Ted Hughes Award-winning poet and author Hollie McNish. We chat about writing poems on what you care about, mixing genres,...
S4E22 - Chatting With Salena Godden
05 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with writer and performer Salena Godden about her debut novel MRS DEATH MISSES DEATH. We talk about mortality and inspiration, ...
S4E21 - Chatting With Keiron Pim
29 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with author Keiron Pim about how he wrote his biography of larger-than-life sixties underworld fixer and friend to the stars, D...
S4E20 - Writing a Novel Pt5
25 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is the 5th episode of my series where I try to write a book from first idea to final draft, and take you along for the ride. In this episode, I t...
S4E19 - Writing a Novel Pt4
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is the 4th episode of my series where I try to write a book from first idea to final draft, and take you along for the ride. In this episode, I d...
S4E18 - Chatting With Dean Burnett
11 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with author and neuroscientist Dean Burnett about writing about the brain, science and mental health, and his new book, PSYCHO-...
S4E17 - Chatting With Musa Okwonga
04 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode I chat with author, poet, journalist and podcaster Musa Okwonga about the art of writing great essays, the power of words, how to open up...
S4E16 - Writing A Novel Pt3
02 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is the 3rd episode of my series where I try to write a book from first idea to final draft, and take you along for the ride. In this episode, I w...
S4E15 - Chatting With RJ Barker
25 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with Fantasy novelist RJ Barker about his two trilogies, the process of taking a story from idea to finished book, pitching tri...
S4E14 - Writing A Novel Pt2
22 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is the 2nd episode in my series where I try to write a book from first idea to final draft, and take you along for the ride. Today I'm looking at...
S4E13 - Writing a Novel Pt1
15 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The first part of a series in which I write a novel, from scratch, and talk you through my process. To kick things off, I consider the basics - what's...
S4E12 - Untitled By Matthew
05 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I look at the first page of a listener's novel and suggest ways they could make it better. Hooray! It's an old school creative writing...
S4E11 - Closing The Loop (Writing Ramble)
15 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I talk about the Zeigarnik effect, the arc of a creative writing project, and how we can manage the tensions that arise from unfini...
S4E10 - Chatting with Alexandra Rowland
07 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with author Alexandra Rowland about writing, the power of stories, and faeries. We talk about Alex's early training as a write...
S4E9 - Chatting With Laura Dockrill
30 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This episode I chat with writer, performer and children's author Laura Dockrill. We talk about our time on the performance poetry scene, how working ...
S4E8 - The Peak-End Rule
26 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk about psychologist Daniel Kahneman's theory of the 'peak-end rule' and how we might apply it to our writing. This episode is b...
S4E7 - Writing In The Hard Times (Writing Ramble)
22 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I return to a favourite topic - writing when things go wrong, either in your own life, or in the world. How should we handle it? How ...
S4E6 - Chatting With Trevor Lock
14 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I chat with stand-up comedian Trevor Lock about comedy, making jokes, and what makes something funny. If you'd like to check out T...
S4E5 - Chatting With Byron Vincent
04 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with the writer, performer and poet Byron Vincent about identity, privilege and untold stories. We chat about his growing up a...
S4E4 - Control and Meaning (Writing Ramble)
21 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This is a writing ramble episode, meaning it's unscripted, unedited, unplanned. I talk about, well. Myself, mostly. What I've been feeling, what I've ...
S4E3 - Chatting With Mark Grist
19 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I chat with poet, writer and international rap battler Mark Grist. We talk about performance, audiences and community, success, wh...
S4E2 - Chatting With Deepa Anappara
11 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with Deepa Anappara about writing and her debut novel DJINN PATROL ON THE PURPLE LINE. We talk about her background in journal...