Death Of 1000 Cuts

100 Day Writing Challenge - Day 3

04 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This is Day 3 of the 100 Day Writing Challenge by Tim Clare, a free course via podcast for writers of all levels. Each episode has a 10 minute writin...

100 Day Writing Challenge - Day 2

03 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This is Day 2 of the 100 Day Writing Challenge by Tim Clare, a free course via podcast for writers of all levels. Each episode has a 10 minute writin...

100 Day Writing Challenge - Day 1

02 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This is Day 1 of the 100 Day Writing Challenge by Tim Clare, a free course via podcast for writers of all levels. Each episode has a 10 minute writin...

100 Day Writing Challenge - Day 0

01 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This is the introduction to the 100 Day Writing Challenge, written and presented by author and creative writing teacher Tim Clare. In this episode, T...

S353 - After The War (Writing Ramble)

25 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this unscripted, unedited episode I talk about why it can be so hard to let go of old habits when we're writing, and how harsh self-criticism can f...

S3E52 - Chatting With Chris Gribble

18 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat to Chris Gribble of the National Centre for Writing. We talk about the books that changed his life, and his work at the NCW su...

S3E51 - Chatting With Joanne Harris

12 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat to bestselling author Joanne Harris about bending reality, the allure of the trickster, and managing expectations. Joanne has ...

S3E50 - Death Of 1000 Cuts LIVE at the National Centre for Writing

04 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This is a live episode of Death Of 1000 Cuts, recorded at the National Centre for Writing in Norwich, UK on November 1st. I take a look at some first...

S3E49 - The Psychology of Writing - Pt 4 Self Image

01 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This episode continues a short series on the psychology of writing, looking at the stories we tell ourselves when we tell stories. Here I look at the...

S3E48 - The Psychology of Writing - Pt 3 Stamina

28 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we continue a short series on the psychology of writing. What stories do we tell ourselves when we tell stories? Writing a novel is a...

S3E47 - The Psychology of Writing - Pt 2 Expectation

25 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I continue our short series about the psychology of writing. What stories do we tell ourselves when we tell stories? I investigate th...

S3E46 - The Psychology of Writing - Pt 1 Stress

21 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is the first in a short series about the psychology of writing. What stories do we tell ourselves when we tell stories? How can we write...

S3E45 - Templates (Writing Ramble)

14 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat about genres as games, thriving within rulesets, my take on what makes a book 'literary', and how self-criticism doesn't even w...

S3E44 - Chatting With Luke Wright

07 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat with poet and playwright Luke Wright about finding your voice, your subject matter, and mixing politics with personal, human dr...

S3E43 - Chatting With Mike Shel

30 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show I chat with author Mike Shel about writing Fantasy, indie publishing, writing for games, and tackling anxiety. Mike Shel is the autho...

S3E42 - A Chicken Crosses The Road (Writing Ramble)

09 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I chat about confronting emotions, feeling the big feels, and how facing up to things in life can help inform and supercharge your wr...

S3E41 - On 2nd Drafts (Writing Ramble)

28 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this unscripted, unplanned episode I respond to a listener's email about 2nd drafts and talk about my process. If you'd like to support me, it'd b...

S3E40 - Pep Talk (Writing Ramble)

19 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This is an unscripted, unedited episode where I chat about where I am with my writing and give you some suggestions for dealing with setbacks, energy ...

S3E39 - 1st Page Feedback - Stonefist by Simon

13 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I look at the first page of a listener's work and suggest ways to make it better. I chat about style, the order we reveal information...

S3E38 - Live at Latitude Festival (WARNING POOR SOUND)

05 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

**HEADS UP, DUE TO A TECH GLITCH THE AUDIO IS NOT SO HOT ON THIS ONE** This is a live episode from Latitude festival, Suffolk. I had a really fun tim...

S3E37 - Chatting With Kerry Hudson

30 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This is a live episode from Latitude festival, with me chatting to author Kerry Hudson. I chat with Kerry Hudson about her memoir LOWBORN, about clas...

S3E37 - Chatting With Aliette De Bodard

23 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat with Science Fiction & Fantasy author Aliette de Bodard. Aliette de Bodard is an award-winning author who writes everything fr...

S3E36 - The Language of the Heart (Writing Ramble)

15 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat about the tension between what people want to read, and what we should write to grow and satisfy ourselves as writers. This is...

S3E35 - Chatting With Adam Green

01 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat with neuroscientist Adam Green about the science of creativity. Adam Green is a founder and current president of The Society f...

S3E34 - Chatting With Adam Christopher

24 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat with Adam Christopher about fanfic, discipline and making a career out of writing both original fiction and stories in existing...

S3E33 - Chatting With Chuck Wendig

17 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat to author and miniboss of creative writing pedagogy Chuck Wendig, about ideas, being in it for the long haul, and the end of th...

S3E32 - The Inner Critic (Writing Ramble)

13 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is an unscripted, unedited talk about the judgemental voice so many writers hear: the inner critic. I chat about what the inner critic i...

S3E31 - Chatting With Dr Alexander Cummins

10 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat with Dr Alexander Cummins about magic, inspiration and designing writing rituals. Dr Alexander Cummins is an historian, poet, ...

S3E30 - Chatting With Will Storr

03 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat with author Will Storr about his latest book, THE SCIENCE OF STORYTELLING. We chat about the many books he's written, covering...

S3E29 - Chatting With Emily Troscianko

30 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat with Emily Troscianko about bibliotherapy and eating disorders in fiction. Heads up - this episode features discussion of eati...

S3E28 - Death Of 1000 Cuts LIVE at Storysmith With Gareth L Powell

27 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This episode was recorded live at Storysmith bookshop in Bristol. I chat to special guest, BSFA-award-winning author Gareth L Powell, about his new b...

S3E27 - Chatting With Ashley Hickson-Lovence

20 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I chat with Ashley Hickson-Lovence about his debut novel, THE 392. We talk form, style & place, from growing up in Hackney to thinkin...

S3E26 - 5 Rules For Better Mental Health Hygiene (Writing Ramble)

15 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Since it's Mental Health Awareness Week I thought I'd chuck you a bonus episode which should be useful if you're mental like me or just a regular ol' ...

S3E25 - Death Of 1000 Cuts LIVE at Foyles With Joe Dunthorne

13 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It's the first ever LIVE recording of Death Of 1000 Cuts. Recorded at Foyles, Charring Cross, with Joe Dunthorne. Thanks to everyone who came! Here'...

S3E24 - StorySmashing With Nate Crowley

06 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode me and Nate Crowley lay some idea eggs live for your edification. Following his hugely-popular previous appearance on the show, write...

S3E23 - Chatting With Zen Cho

29 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This episode I chat with Zen Cho, author of Regency Fantasy novels SORCERER TO THE CROWN and THE TRUE QUEEN. We talk getting started in fanfic as a f...

S3E22 - Pre-Release Jitters (Writing Ramble)

25 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I chat about how I'm feeling 1 week before my second novel, THE ICE HOUSE, drops. I'm nervous! I chat about reviews, writing and connecting with reade...

S3E21 - Chatting With Professor Richard Wiseman

22 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a chat with bestselling author Professor Richard Wiseman. You may have read his fascinating non-fiction books :59 SECONDS, THE LUCK F...

S3E20 - Can I Write It (Writing Ramble)

18 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This is an unscripted, unedited episode where I chat a bit about what's been going on in writing this week. I talk about Ian McEwan's comments about ...

S3E19 - 1st Page Feedback - Untitled by Dan

15 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I look at a listener's first page and offer robust, honest feedback. I talk about first sentences, the art of parallel construction, ...

S3E18 - Chatting With Emma Newman

08 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat to celebrated SF & Fantasy author Emma Newman about fae, fabulism, fear and finding futures. Emma talks about her early love o...

S3E17 - New Ways of Seeing (Writing Ramble)

01 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is an unscripted talk from me about the ways writing changes the way you see the world, and how, by changing what your characters noti...

S3E16 - 1st Page Feedback - Untitled by David

25 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ooh! Look! It's a first-page critique! On today's episode I look at the first page of a listener's novel and offer suggestions on how to make it bett...

S3E15 - What's In The Hat Box? (Writing Ramble)

22 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It's another Writing Ramble episode, where I, your host Tim Clare, 'go off on one' about writing, life and the universe. Even by the standards of Wri...

S3E14 - Chatting With Inua Ellams

18 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show I chat to poet, playwright and storyteller Inua Ellams about myths, gods and how stories build people. Inua talks about the mentors w...

S3E13 - Why Write At The End Of The World? (Writing Ramble)

15 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What's the point of writing when there's so much suffering in the world? When there might not even *be* a world in not so many years time? Is it indul...

S3E12 - Chatting With Martin Lotze

11 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today I chat with Martin Lotze, neuroscientist at the University of Greifswald, about his research into the brains of writers. Martin has researched ...

S3E11 - Thick Skinned (Writing Ramble)

06 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is an unscripted, unedited chat from me, about why you don't need to be thick-skinned to be a writer. Before I go any further, here are ...

S3E10 - Chatting With Nick Harkaway

04 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I chat with author Nick Harkaway about accelerating futures, detective stories and the meaning of life. Nick Harkaway is the author o...

S3E9 - Writing Death vs Life (Writing Ramble)

28 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is an unscripted, unedited talk from me about creative writing and fiction and motivation. So I decided to record this one evening a few...

S3E8 - Chatting With Jo Dingley

25 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On today's episode I chat with (my) editor Jo Dingley about finding books, making them better, and getting them to readers. Jo is an editor at Canong...

S3E7 - Chatting With Chris McCrudden

18 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This episode's chat is with author Chris McCrudden, talking geeky comedy, stories, and the hard numbers of book sales. In this wide-ranging chat reco...

S3E6 - Chatting With VE Schwab

11 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat with New York Times Bestselling Author VE Schwab about magic, moving between worlds and some surprising revelations about pain....

S3E5 - Chatting With Gareth Hanrahan

04 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat with author Gareth Hanrahan about his Fantasy debut THE GUTTER PRAYER. We geek out about tabletop roleplaying, and the lessons...

S3E4 - Chatting With Jess Kidd

28 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This episode I chat with author Jess Kidd about death, genre and being haunted by the past. Jess Kidd is the author of HIMSELF, THE HOARDER and most ...

S3E3 - Chatting With Millie Seaward

21 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On today's episode I chat to Millie Seaward, publicist for Little, Brown, about the art of getting books to readers. She answers questions like: - wh...

S3E2 - 1st Page Feedback - Untitled by M

14 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today I take a look at a listener's first page and suggest ways to make it better. It's an old school Death Of 1000 Cuts 'In The Barber's Chair' episo...

S3E1 - Season 3 Intro

07 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This is the first episode of Death Of 1000 Cuts, Season 3, the podcast for writers. It's all about creative writing, and stories, and how to write mor...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 49 - Chatting With Paul J Zak

18 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat to researcher, neuroscientist and psychologist Paul J Zak about the power of narrative and what goes on in our brains when we g...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 48 - Chatting With Molly Naylor

11 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today I chat to writer and performer Molly Naylor, about the basics of what makes a story work, vulnerability, and constructing a career in the Arts. ...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 47 - Chatting With Garth Nix

03 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This episode I chat to Australian Fantasy novelist Garth Nix. His career spans over two decades and he's sold more than 5 million books around the wo...

THE HONOURS WEEK - 4. There & Back Again (Writing Ramble)

30 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Buy THE HONOURS: mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-honours/ Pre-order THE ICE HOUSE: mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-ice-house/ This week the podcast ...

THE HONOURS WEEK - 3. Research

28 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Buy THE HONOURS: mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-honours/ Pre-order THE ICE HOUSE: mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-ice-house/ This week the podcast ...

THE HONOURS WEEK - 2. Monsters

27 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Buy THE HONOURS: mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-honours/ Pre-order THE ICE HOUSE: mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-ice-house/ This week the podcast ...

THE HONOURS WEEK - 1. The Sleep Of Reason

26 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Buy THE HONOURS: https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-honours/ Pre-order THE ICE HOUSE: https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-ice-house/ This w...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 46 - Chatting With R F Kuang

19 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat to author R F Kuang about her debut novel THE POPPY WAR. We chat Fantasy, grimdark, character arcs, representation of marginal...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 45 - How To Help Authors You Love

12 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is all about how readers can best help authors they love. Where and when should you buy their books? What's the best way of sharing prai...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 44 - Pitch Rush Special

05 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This is the Death Of 1000 Cuts Pitch Rush Special episode. 55 authors, 55 novels looking for agents and editors. I read out a rapid-fire showcase of 1...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 43 - Chatting With R O Kwon

29 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat to author R O Kwon about her novel THE INCENDIARIES. We talk about the pain of losing her faith and how her yearning for God l...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 42 - Against NaNoWriMo (Writing Ramble)

26 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Planning on doing NaNoWriMo? Don't. It's a bad idea, and in this episode, I explain why. I also chat about ways you can get yourself writing more, w...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 41 - Chatting With Jonathan Stroud

25 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This episode I speak to bestselling author Jonathan Stroud about finding stories, developing characters, and channelling demons. Jonathan Stroud is t...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 40 - Chatting With Tade Thompson

22 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat to author Tade Thompson about creating worlds, unsympathetic protagonists and the 'killable other'. Tade Thompson is the autho...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 39 - Chatting With Kirsty Logan

18 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This episode I chat to author Kirsty Logan about fairy tales, the subconscious, and stories outside the mainstream. Kirsty Logan is the author of Fan...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 38 - Chatting With Andrew Cowan

15 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat with author and creative writing teacher Andrew Cowan about writing fiction, finding details, perfectionism and helping bring o...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 37 - Chatting With Tim Pychyl

08 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat to Dr Tim Pychyl, psychologist and head of the Procrastination Research Group at Carleton University, Canada. Tim has devoted ...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 36 - Chatting With Ross Sutherland

01 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This episode features me chatting to writer, performer, poet, podcast presenter, film-maker, playwright and educator Ross Sutherland about his work ex...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 35 - Chatting With Melissa Harrison

24 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat to writer Melissa Harrison about becoming a writer, the pressures of writing, and the process of bringing the past and the natu...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 34 - Chatting With Micah Yongo

17 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This episode I chat to debut Fantasy novelist Micah Yongo about his novel of warring assassins and clashing ideologies, LOST GODS. We get into everyt...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 33 - Chatting With Temi Oh

10 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This episode I chat to debut author Temi Oh about her upcoming novel DO YOU DREAM OF TERRA-TWO? We talk research, handling big casts, giving character...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 32 - Difficult 2nd Novel (Writing Ramble)

06 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I talk about some things I've learned from the 4 year process of writing my 2nd novel, THE ICE HOUSE (out May 2019). This is an unscri...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 31 - Chatting with Lauren Groff

03 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat with Lauren Groff, bestselling author of FATES & FURIES, about her latest short story collection, FLORIDA. We chat about her w...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 30 - Chatting With Mark Stay

19 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a chat with author Mark Stay. He's an indie author, he's worked in traditional publishing, he's co-authored a novel and a screenplay, ...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 29 - The Dentist by Morgan (1st Page Critique)

11 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode I look at the first page of a listener's story and suggest ways of making it better. This is a great episode to listen to if you w...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 28 - Chatting With Helen MacDonald

06 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This episode I chat to multi-award-winning writer Helen MacDonald, author of H IS FOR HAWK, about finding the right words, finding your voice, and pus...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 27 - Chatting With James W Pennebaker

30 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat with social psychologist James W Pennebaker about his research into expressive writing, and the tiny words we use each day but ...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 26 - Chatting With Guy Gunaratne

23 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat to novelist and film-maker Guy Gunaratne. We chat about how he got into telling stories, the movie that changed his life, and t...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 25 - The Two Yous (Writing Ramble)

09 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This episode I report from deep in the middle of teaching a writing retreat at Arvon's Totleigh Barton. Many issues about creative writing, developing...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 24 - Chatting With Gareth L Powell

01 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat to SF author Gareth L Powell about his pistol-toting flying ace monkey, ACK-ACK MACAQUE, writing sentient spaceships, winning a...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 23 - 7 Things To Help Your Writing That Aren't Writing

25 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, author Tim Clare (that's me) shares 7 easy ways to help your writing that aren't actually writing. That's right! I've gone all lifest...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 22 - Chatting With Claire North

18 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat to novelist Claire North (aka Catherine Webb) about her amazing career spanning 20 (!) novels so far, starting when she was jus...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 21 - Chatting With Peter Newman

11 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This episode I chat to Peter Newman, author of Fantasy trilogy THE VAGRANT, THE MALICE and THE SEVEN, and - released in the UK *this week* (!) - his l...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - 100th Episode Special - Aing your Qs

07 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

To mark the 100th episode of Death Of 1000 Cuts, my writing advice podcast, I thought I'd record a Q&A, answering listeners' questions. Here are the q...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 20 - Untitled by M (1st Page Critique)

04 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode author Tim Clare takes a look at a listener's first page and suggests ways to make it better. This is a great episode to listen to if...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 19 - Chatting With Grant Howitt

28 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat to tabletop game designer Grant Howitt about creating stories out of thin air. We talk about the magic of gathering together to...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 18 - Getting Unstuck & Defining Success (Writing Ramble)

21 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I talk about creative ways of getting unstuck when you're working on a project, and showcase John August's Writer Emergency Pack - a d...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 17 - Chatting With Jeannette Ng

14 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat to author Jeannette Ng about her Gothic Fantasy novel UNDER THE PENDULUM SUN. We discuss how she came upon her tale of a gothic...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 16 - Chatting With Hayley Webster

07 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

I chat to Hayley Webster, author of JAR BABY and MEET THE TWITCHES. We talk about the origins of her love of reading, the ways a story engages your se...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 15 - Chatting to Emma Healey

29 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat to author Emma Healey, about her bestselling Costa-winning debut ELIZABETH IS MISSING, and her new novel WHISTLE IN THE DARK. W...

Season 2 Episode 14 - Chatting With V C Lancaster

23 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I chat to author V C Lancaster about her work and the world of self-publishing. If you've ever considered publishing your own work, or...

Death Of 1000 Cuts - Season 2 Episode 13 - Your First Draft Survival Kit

17 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Writing a novel? Finding it too easy? This episode isn't for you. In this episode, author Tim Clare (that's me) packs your 10-piece first draft survi...