Writer's Routine
How do the best writers get to work?
In every episode, we'll chat to an author about what they do through a day. Where do they work? What time do they start? How do they plan their time and maximise their creativity, in order to plot and publish a bestseller?
Some are frantic night-owls, others roll out of bed into their desks, and a few lock themselves away in the woods - but none have a regular 9 to 5, and we'll find out how they've managed it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest Episode
Antonia Hodgson, author of 'The Raven Scholar' - Fantasy writer discusses shifting the day, switching genre, and researching your own world (17.10.2025)
Previous Episodes
- Nicholas Binge, author of 'Extremity' - Speculative Fiction writer discusses whether the idea dictates the form, the tricky switch to being full-time, and his path to publication
- Kelly Mullen, author of 'This Is Not a Game' - Hollywood Producer and Writer discusses tricking yourself to write, reinventing the wheel, and getting characters to your end
- Kate Kemp, author of 'The Grapevine' - Debut author discusses preparing for disappointment, trusting the process, and her winding path to publication
- Sebastian Faulks, author of 'Birdsong' - Bestselling literary writer discusses editing help, being around at the right time, and thinking about each sentence
- Kate McKean, author of 'Write Through It: An Insider's Guide to Publishing and Creative Life' - Literary agent reveals how to get signed, how they help you get published, and first sentences
- Lucy Roth, author of 'When Sally Killed Harry' - Feminist thriller author discusses arts council funding, going easy on yourself and what readers don't want to know
- Alex North, author of 'The Man Made of Smoke' - Crime author discusses books actually becoming movies, making writing fun, and how the year looks
- Hannah Beckerman, author of 'Three Mothers' - Domestic Noir author discusses trying to be a critic, making characters unique, and putting pressure on your own work
- Faith Hogan, author of 'The Women at Ocean's End' - Uplit author discusses discovering your voice, being a happy pantser and finding the right career
- John Niven, author of 'Kill Your Friends' - Global bestseller discusses feeling ready to write, switching to screenplays, and choosing projects
- Emma Cowell, author of 'Under the Lemon Tree' - Escapist fiction author discusses getting places right, finding joy in the tough times, and how acting affects your character
- Claire Douglas, author of 'The New Neighbours' - Thriller writer discusses character USPs, the routine of the year, and knowing your brand
- Guy Jenkin, author of 'Murder Most Foul' - BAFTA winning writer discusses alluring research, finally writing a novel, and playing with the past
- Lucy Foley, author of 'The Midnight Feast' - Mystery bestseller reveals her quick first drafts, keeping in close contact with the story, and how her routine has changed
- Frances Quinn, author of 'The Lost Passenger' - Historical Fiction author discusses advice from ABBA, what other markets want, and the privilege of an editor
- Mike Gayle, author of 'The One That Got Away' - Romance award-winner discusses starting loose, being pigeon-holed, and novellas
- Barnaby Martin, author of 'The Quiet' - Writer, composer and YouTuber discusses influences, why it's all in the edit, and being anxious to get things done
- Caitlin Davies, author of 'Private Inquiries: The Secret History of Female Sleuths' - Narrative Nonfiction author discusses remembering how tough novels are, one book inspiring the next, and strange writing advice
- Heidi Perks, author of 'Someone is Lying' - Thriller Bestseller discusses underwriting drafts, throwing words away and starting over again
- Simon Scarrow, author of 'Eagles of the Empire' - Bestselling Historical Fiction author discusses the rules of genre, thorough research, and why you need to get on with it
Other podcasts
-
British English Listening Practice - English Go! Podcast
-
Bubbles and Books
-
MusicalSplaining
-
Double Love
-
Twisted Britain
-
The Rest Is Politics: Leading
-
Stories in Colour
-
The freeCodeCamp Podcast
-
5 Live News Specials
-
Shut Up I’m Talking
-
Bristol Unpacked
-
Ask The Nincompoops
-
Culips Everyday English Podcast
-
The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Show
-
Four Thought
-
Curious City
-
Beach House Podcast
-
Best of Nolan
