The Writing Life
Episodes
The path to publication: Grace Murray on Blank Canvas
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, literary newcomer Grace Murray shares the process from mentorship to the publication of her debut novel Blank Can...
Wonder and Loss: Writing Grief and Memoir with Sam Meekings
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, novelist, poet and Associate Professor of Creative Writing Sam Meekings shares the process behind writing...
Family and Caribbean folklore: Celeste Mohammed on Ever Since We Small
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, Trinidadian writer Celeste Mohammed reflects on the role of family, mythology, and Caribbean folklore in her writ...
Writing dystopian fiction: Matt Greene on The Definitions
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, novelist and essayist Matt Greene shares the process of writing his latest novel, The Definitions – a w...
Writing speculative fiction: Choo Yi Feng on ecology, world building, and creating mysterious characters
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, Singapore-based writer Choo Yi Feng shares his approach to writing speculative fiction. Choo Yi Feng is an int...
Poets in conversation: John Osborne & Lewis Buxton on performance, humour, and place
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, writers and performers John Osborne and Lewis Buxton share insights on writing poetry for page and perfor...
New year, new writing goals: Julia Crouch on getting started, finding inspiration, and writing what excites
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, crime writer and NCW tutor Julia Crouch welcomes the New Year with us and shares her advice and encourage...
Writing festive thrillers: Nicola Upson on The Christmas Clue
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this festive episode of The Writing Life Podcast, crime writer Nicola Upson delves into the themes and appeal of crime novels set at Christmas. ...
What is ‘experimental fiction’?: Clara Chow on travelling, writing about taboo subjects, and having fun
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, Singapore-based writer Clara Chow delves into the world of 'experimental fiction' and why she takes on p...
Writing grief and the body: Lisabelle Tay & Heather Parry in conversation with Yan Ge
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Halloween-flavoured episode of The Writing Life Podcast, we’re resharing an illuminating discussion between writers Lisabelle Tay and Heathe...
Writing flawed characters: Sarah Moss on Ripeness
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, acclaimed British author and academic Sarah Moss (known for Ghost Wall and Summerwater) joins us to discuss her l...
The poetry of motherhood: Erica Hesketh and Jenny Pagdin on language, recovery, and balance
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, poets Erica Hesketh and Jenny Pagdin share insights into the poetry of motherhood, and how they each share their ...
A writer’s journey: Vanessa Bell on book tours, friendship, and revisiting old projects
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, poet, editor, and literary activist Vanessa Bell discusses the journeys she has taken as a writer, both literally...
Representation in children’s literature: Hayley Wells on The Spectacular Suit
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, illustrator Hayley Wells delves into the importance of representation in children’s books. Hayley Wells is a...
Reimagining classics: Pat Barker on the Regeneration Trilogy
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Content warning: Mentions of rape, sexual assault, and war. In this episode of The Writing Life, bestselling author Pat Barker shares insights abou...
Writing contemporary crime fiction: Val McDermid on Past Lying
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, award-winning writer Val McDermid shares insights on writing contemporary crime fiction, and the importance of le...
Becoming a published author: Wen-Yi Lee on representation, writing residencies, and building a readership
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, writer and Dragon Hall Cottage resident Wen-yi Lee shares insights into building a writing career, and the proces...
Writing between genres: Michael Pedersen on Muckle Flugga
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, prize-winning poet and writer Michael Pedersen shares his experience writing between genres, and how pushing the ...
World building in horror fiction: Julia Armfield on Private Rites
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, prize-winning writer Julia Armfield shares insights on world building in horror fiction, and writing catastrophic...
The world of Substack: Eleanor Anstruther & Simon K Jones on serial fiction
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, writers Eleanor Anstruther and Simon K Jones discuss the world of Substack, and how they use the platform to publ...
Writing love stories: André Aciman on Room on the Sea
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, bestselling author André Aciman shares the intricacies of writing romance, from the magic of first meetings to t...
The power of language: Eimear McBride on The City Changes Its Face
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, novelist and screenwriter Eimear McBride on the power of language, and the ways literary fiction can evoke emotio...
Writing strong female characters: Joanna Miller on The Eights
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, writer Joanna Miller shares her insights into writing strong female characters in historical fiction. Joanna M...
The rise of romantasy with Sangu Mandanna
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Writing Life, we’re diving into the world of romantasy — a genre that blends the best of romance and fantasy. Romantasy novels ha...
Writing about sports and masculinity with George Harrison, Alex Allison, and Ashley Hickson-Lovence
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, writers Alex Allison, George Harrison, and Ashley Hickson-Lovence share their insights into writing about sport a...
Developing your creative practice with Julia Bird
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, writer, poetry programmer, and NCW Academy mentor Julia Bird shares her insights into developing your creative pr...
Writing about nature with Chloe Dalton
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, writer Chloe Dalton shares her insights into writing about nature and landscape. Chloe Dalton is a foreign pol...
Writing a festive bestseller with Abiola Bello
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, YA writer Abiola Bello shares her insights into writing festive novels. Abiola Bello is a Nigerian-British, pr...
Writing about music with Aniefiok Ekpoudom
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, cultural writer and editor Josh Baines is joined by narrative non-fiction writer Aniefiok Ekpoudom to dis...
Researching for crime novels with Peter James
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Peggy is joined by bestselling author Peter James to discuss researching for crime novels. ...
Routes into writing with S G Bell
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, NCW Communications & Participation Assistant Ruby is joined by S G Bell to discuss routes into writing. S G Bell is a writer w...
Writing dialect in fiction with Ferdia Lennon
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, NCW Head of Programme & Creative Engagement Holly is joined by author Ferdia Lennon to discuss writing dialect in fiction. Fer...
Writing through place: Heidi Williamson & Rebecca Goss on poetry, memory and healing
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, poets Rebecca Goss and Heidi Williamson discuss using place as a vessel to write about difficult subjects and mem...
Structuring non-fiction with Nick Acheson
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, NCW Programme Officer Ellie is joined by author and presenter Nick Acheson to discuss structuring non-fiction, and how to create rhyt...
Writing collaboratively with Maarja Pärtna & Penny Boxall
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Associate Programme Director Kate Griffin is joined by writers Maarja Pärtna and Penny Boxall to discuss the...
Advice for emerging writers with Benjamin Johncock & Megan Bradbury
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, novelists and NCW Academy tutors Benjamin Johncock and Megan Bradbury give insight into their writing lives, and ...
Writing the 'difficult second novel' with Melissa Fu
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Programme Officer Vicki is joined by novelist and NCW Academy tutor Melissa Fu to discuss the difficult task ...
Writing romantic comedies with PJ Ellis
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Communications Assistant Caitlin is joined by author PJ Ellis to discuss writing romantic comedies. P...
Researching for fiction with Jon McGregor
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by author Jon McGregor to discuss researching for fiction. Jon...
Writing soaps with James McDermott & Stephen Keyworth
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, scriptwriters Stephen Keyworth and James McDermott discuss the craft and industry of writing for long-running rad...
Writing narrative non-fiction with Dan Richards & Edward Parnell
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, we’re joined by writers and NCW Academy tutors Dan Richards and Edward Parnell to discuss the process of resear...
How to be a craftivist with Sarah P Corbett
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by author and professional campaigner Sarah P Corbett to discu...
Writing for performance with HighTide
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, Holly is joined by Colchester-based playwright and HighTide/Peggy Ramsay Foundation writer in residence Nicola We...
Writing poetry with Martin Figura
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by award-winning poet Martin Figura to discuss the process of writing ...
Reintroducing Harriet Martineau with Stuart Hobday & Gaby Weiner
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by writers and members of The Martineau Society Stuart Hobday and Gaby...
Crafting identity in fiction with Michael Donkor
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Head of Programmes & Creative Engagement Holly speaks with novelist Michael Donkor about crafting identit...
Writing subversive women with Naomi Wood
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, former NCW Communications Assistant Molly speaks with author Naomi Wood about writing subversive women. Naomi Woo...
Virtual residencies with Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar, Sim Wai-chew and Tse Hao Guang
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, writer and translator Daniel Hahn speaks with three former virtual residents Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar, Sim Wai-chew an...
Writing the grotesque body with Heather Parry
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Senior Communications and Marketing Manager Steph speaks with author Heather Parry about writing the ...
Writing and chronic illness with Polly Atkin
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Emerging Translator Mentorships Programme Manager Annie speaks with author Polly Atkin about writing with a c...
Writing for younger audiences with Chip Colquhoun
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Programme Officer Ellie speaks with author and NCW mentor Chip Colquhoun about oral storytelling and writing ...
Writing modern noir with Margot Douaihy
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Programme Officer Ellie speaks with American author Margot Douaihy about the development of the noir ...
Writing unreliable narrators with Hannah Vincent
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, Head of Programmes and Creative Engagement Holly speaks with novelist Hannah Vincent about point of view ...
Into the contemporary poetry archive
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW CEO Peggy Hughes speaks to four dazzling voices in contemporary poetry. On Wednesday 22 November, Jay Bernard...
How to Write a Script with Molly Naylor
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, writer and theatre director Jen Dewsbury speaks with writer, performer and NCW Academy tutor Molly Naylor...
In conversation with bestselling crime writer Ian Rankin
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, former NCW CEO Chris Gribble spoke to bestselling crime writer Ian Rankin about his new standalone short ...
The craft of life writing with Fiona Mason
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, former NCW CEO Chris Gribble caught up with author Fiona Mason to discuss her memoir 36 Hours and the cra...
Writing Short Stories with Yan Ge
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Programme Officer Vicki Maitland caught up with writer and NCW Academy tutor Yan Ge to discuss the process of...
Music and translation with Kalaf Epalanga & Daniel Hahn
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of The Writing Life features musician and writer Kalaf Epalanga and writer, editor and translator Daniel Hahn on the process of writing a...
Priscilla Morris on writing resistance and community in Black Butterflies
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we’re bringing you a conversation with debut novelist and creative writing teacher Priscilla Morris. Priscilla’s first novel Black...
Working Class Noir with Tom Benn
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, we are joined by author, screenwriter and lecturer Tom Benn to discuss his latest novel, Oxblood. Set in 1980s So...
Writing Real People in Memoir with Katy Massey
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Programme Officer Vicki Maitland speaks with writer, editor and workshop leader Katy Massey about the proces...
How to Write Suspense Fiction with Claire McGowan
31 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Chris Gribble caught up with Claire McGowan to discuss how she got started as a writer, her r...
Writing a Biography with Patrick Barkham
17 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Chris Gribble speaks with writer Patrick Barkham about the process of writing his new book Th...
Life as a Poet - with Raymond Antrobus
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Chris Gribble speaks with writer, poet and educator Raymond Antrobus in an interview which wa...
Writing About Historical Figures with Victoria Mackenzie
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, National Centre for Writing’s Head of Programmes & Creative Engagement Holly Ainley caught up with Victoria Mac...
Working with a Translator - with Caroline Lamarche and Katherine Gregor
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Programme Manager Rebecca DeWald had the pleasure of talking with Katherine Gregor and Caroline Lamarche abou...
In conversation with Max Porter at the Book Hive
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of The Writing Life, we are delighted to welcome Max Porter back to Norwich! Max was here in April for an event hosted by The Book Hiv...
Interviewing difficult subjects with Richard Balls
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of The Writing Life, we speak to news journalist turned non-fiction writer and biographer Richard Balls about interviewing difficult s...
In Conversation with British-Nepali Writer and Translator Rabi Thapa
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A conversation from the archive! National Centre for Writing’s Kate Griffin talks to writer, translator and editor Rabi Thapa. Kate is our Associate...
The Martineau Lecture with Kit De Waal
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As part of the annual Norfolk and Norwich Festival we run a series of events called City of Literature. A central part of our programme is the Harriet...
How to Develop Compelling Characters in Your Fiction - with Okechukwu Nzelu
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We speak to writer and teacher Okechukwu Nzelu. Why? To discuss that greatest pillar of creative writing - character. Gill and Okechukwu discuss many ...
Writer Insights with James Kinsley
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Earlier in the year, our very own Ellie Reeves spoke to local writer James Kinsley. James’s first novella, Playtime’s Over, was published by Propo...
Common ground: writing, culture and community in Singapore
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Norwich-based poet and writer Shannon Clinton-Copeland speaks to our virtual residents Akshita Nanda, Crispin Rodrigues and Daryl Qilin Yam about writ...
How to write humour - with Caimh McDonnell
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We speak to Caimh McDonnell about humour. Caimh is a comedian and writer. He’s written for TV shows such as Mock The Week and Have I Got News for Yo...
From writing craft to witchcraft with Kirsty Logan
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For this episode, we speak to the wonderful Kirsty Logan. Kirsty is completely devoted to books: she is the award-winning author of several novels, in...
Literary Translation and Neurodivergence - with Clare Richards
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
National Centre for Writing’s Rebecca DeWald talks to translator Clare Richards. Rebecca is our Emerging Translator Mentorships Programme Manager an...
How To Build Your Writing Routine - with Megan Bradbury
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we speak to novelist and NCW tutor Megan Bradbury, who gives us a wealth of great advice to help you build your writing routine. We c...
New voices: 10 emerging writers read their work
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a Writing Life special, featuring an hour of new writing read by the writers on this year’s National Centre for Writing Escalator pr...
How To Grip Your Readers - with Julia Crouch
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: How to grip your readers, with crime and noir writer Julia Crouch. Julia is a crime and noir novelist so she really knows how to gri...
Writing Using The Senses
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Isabelle King speaks to our recent writer-in-residence, Els Beerten. Els is an award-winning Belgian writer, and, in this wide-reachi...
What makes a great short story? With Jenn Ashworth
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This month, we explore the short story: what makes a great short story and how the format differs from longer forms such as the novel. Lots of writers...
Writing About Love - A Conversation With Maddie Mortimer
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How to write about love in its various forms with Maddie Mortimer. Maddie is the author of Maps Of Our Spectacular Bodies which won her a 2022 Desmo...
Partners in crime: Yelena Moskovich in conversation with Julia Crouch
14 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a Writing Life special to celebrate Noirwich, the 2022 Norwich Crime Writing Festival here in our fine city. The festival featured Ukr...
Revision: rewriting and redrafting with Lynne Bryan
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This month, we discuss revision. To help us understand how, when and why writers should revise, rewrite and redraft our work, we speak to writer and N...
Mohsin Hamid discusses The Last White Man
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We talk to international bestselling writer Mohsin Hamid about his new book, The Last White Man. The conversation covers the key themes of his new nov...
How To Balance Story And Plot
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we speak to novelist, teacher and doctor of letters, Ashley Hickson-Lovence to explore story and plot. Ashley is the author of The 39...
How To Structure A Novel
24 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Novelist and creative writing lecturer Ian Nettleton explains how to structure a novel - the devices and structural elements that can keep readers eng...
SPECIAL: Wandering Words poems and soundscapes
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a special episode to celebrate our City of Literature programme at the Norfolk & Norwich Festival. As part of the festival, we organised, cura...
We Are Always Translating
26 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What is translation and how is it experienced? In this episode, three translators explore their experiences of inhabiting multiple languages in a port...
Research for writing with Megan Bradbury and Sam Ruddock
21 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Novelist Megan Bradbury and Sam Ruddock from Story Machine Productions discuss the role of research in writing. Megan describes how she went to New Yo...
The poetry process with Khairani Barokka
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Khairani Barokka is an Indonesian writer and artist living in London. She is the co-editor of Stairs and Whispers: D/deaf and Disabled Poets Write Ba...
From Taekwondo to literary translation with Mattho Mandersloot
25 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mattho Mandersloot is a literary translator working from Korean into English and Dutch. He holds a degree in Classics from King’s College London and...
Translation as activism with Anam Zafar & Meena Kandasamy
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Translator and editor Anam Zafar and poet, novelist and translator Meena Kandasamy discuss translation as activism and helping under-represented commu...
Lucy van Smit’s Writer’s Journal Workbook
18 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lucy van Smit is an award-winning author, a screenwriter, and artist. She has worked internationally for NBC News, has made documentaries for Canadian...
Sawad Hussain & Archana Madhavan on translating webtoons & Korean literature
10 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We have a great translation double-bill today, with a conversation between Archana Madhavan and Sawad Hussain. Sawad was a virtual translator in resid...
Andy Hamilton on writing in Longhand
10 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Andy Hamilton is a comedian, game show panellist, television director, comedy screenwriter, radio dramatist, novelist and actor and you have probably ...
How to be self-published AND traditionally published with Nicola May
03 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode mixes self-publishing and traditional publishing as we're talking with Nicola May, author of the Cockleberry Bay novels and the Ferry ...
Jarred McGinnis on blending fact and fiction in The Coward
26 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On the show today we have Jarred McGinnis, talking about his debut 2021 novel ‘The Coward’. It's a fictional story with a protagonist also called ...
Derek Barretto‘s path to literary translation
19 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In June 2021 we were joined by Derek Barretto, who was the translator in residence at Dragon Hall. Encouraged by a succession of brilliant language t...