Shop Talk with Writers is hosted by author and editor Elena Lappin, who speaks with leading and emerging writers about the stories behind their books. Each conversation explores the ideas, experiences, and craft that shape a book, offering listeners an inside look at how writers work. The podcast is aimed at readers and aspiring writers interested in literary conversation and the publishing world.
Episodes
Ep.32: STEPHANIE SY QUIA
A Private Man with Stephanie Sy QuiaStephanie Sy Quia talks to host Elena Lappin about her debut novel, A Private Man, and the personal history that shaped it. The conversation moves between family memory, Catholicism, generational trauma, dementia, and the challenge of writing fiction that feels emotionally precise without becoming extractive.We discuss how she turned a real family lineage into a
Ep.31: DJAMEL WHITE
Irish debut novelist Djamel White joins host Elena Lappin to discuss his soulful novel All Them Dogs, a Booker Prize longlisted book set in contemporary West Dublin gangland. The conversation covers the author's love of reading, the raw voice and momentum of the novel, and the social and emotional forces shaping his vulnerable and violent young protagonist, Tony Ward.Quote: “The only thing he know
Ep.30: ELI ZUZOVSKY
Exploring Identity and Conflict in Eli Zuzovsky's Searing Debut Novel MAZELTOVHost Elena Lappin speaks with writer and director Eli Zuzovsky about his novel Mazeltov, a queer coming of age story set in Israel against the backdrop of war and collective trauma. The conversation focuses on how conflict, family, religion, and language shape identity, and why Zuzovsky chose to tell a a personal story t
Ep.29: CLAIRE FULLER
Hunger & Thirst: An Exploration of Art, Memory, and the ParanormalHost Elena Lappin in conversation with novelist CLAIRE FULLER about her latest novel Hunger & Thirst, weaving themes of art, memory, and the supernatural, in a 1980s setting. Claire Fuller shares insights into her creative process, her fascination with horror, and how her background as a sculptor influences her writing.Key t
Ep. 28: LUCY CALDWELL
SummaryIn this episode, acclaimed novelist and short story writer Lucy Caldwell speaks to host Elena Lappin about her new short story collection DEVOTIONS, exploring themes of love, death, spirituality, and the power of storytelling. She shares insights into her writing process, influences, and the deep connection between music, memory, and narrative.keywordsLucy Caldwell, Devotions, short stories
Ep. 27: LILY KING
Discover how acclaimed novelist Lily King uses emotional journeys and present tense to craft authentic, compelling stories. In this episode, Lily King discusses her writing process, the emotional core of her novels, and her reflections on love, life, and how her experiences shape her storytelling.Main Topics:How Lily King channels emotion into her novels, using her personal hospital experiences as
Ep.26: EDEN McKENZIE-GODDARD
SHOW NOTESHost Elena Lappin in conversation with novelist Eden Mckenzie-Goddard about his debut novel SMALLIE - a powerful love story and a multigenerational tale of family, loss, and identity. The novel intertwines personal heritage with the political realities faced by Caribbean immigrants in Britain. In this episode, Eden McKenzie-Goddard shares insights into his writing process, the significan
Ep.25: SHARON GLESS
Summary:Award-winning American actress Sharon Gless (Cagney&Lacey co-star) in conversation with host Elena Lappin about her powerful memoir APPARENTLY THERE WERE COMPLAINTS (Simon&Schuster)..Key topics:Sharon Gless’s childhood experiences and the impact of her parents’ divorceHow acting served as a form of self-preservation and identityThe motivation behind her memoir and its themes of hon
Ep: 24: MARGARET BUSBY
Elena Lappin explores the remarkable life and work of Margaret Busby, in conversation with the pioneering publisher, editor, and author, through her personal stories, insights on publishing, and reflections on music and culture. A celebration of the publication of Margaret Busby's new book PART OF THE STORY: WRITINGS FROM HALF A CENURY (Hamish Hamilton).The episode is dedicated to Margaret Busby"s
Ep.23: FRANCIS SPUFFORD
In this in-depth interview with host Elena Lappin, novelist and non-fiction writer Francis Spufford discusses his latest novel NONESUCH, set during the London Blitz, blending historical detail with supernatural elements. He explores London's layered history, character development, and the interplay of fact and fiction, offering insights into his creative process and thematic interests.KeywordsFran
Ep.22: JULIAN BORGER
SummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, Guardian foreign correspondent Julian Borger tells host Elena Lappin about his book I SEEK A KIND PERSON: MY FATHER, SEVEN CHILDREN AND THE ADVERTS THAT HELPED THEM ESCAPE THE HOLOCAUST. He discusses his family's past and the stories of other children who were also refugees, highlighting the importance of understanding and remembering these narrat
Ep.21: MOIRA BUFFINI (Part 2)
SummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin engages in a deep conversation with novelist Moira Buffini about her works, particularly her novels 'Songlight' and 'Torchfire.' Buffini reflects on the themes of trust and division in her fictional town of North Haven, drawing parallels to her own experiences growing up in a divided society influenced by the historical context of
Ep.20: MOIRA BUFFINI (PART 1)
Keywordsdystopian fiction, telepathy, Songlight, Torch Trilogy, character development, creative writing, Moira Buffini, storytelling, female empowerment, world-buildingSummaryIn this wide-ranging conversation, acclaimed novelist, playwright and screenwriter Moira Buffini discusses her dystopian trilogy, the Torch Trilogy, which explores themes of telepathy, connection, and the struggles of young w
Ep.19: GARY GULMAN
SummaryIn this conversation with host Elena Lappin, Gary Gulman discusses his memoir 'Misfit', reflecting on his journey as a writer and comedian. He shares insights into the writing process, the importance of storytelling, and the influence of teachers and mentors in his life. The discussion also explores the adaptation of his memoir into a stand-up show, the challenges of writing about personal
Ep.18: ANN MORGAN
Show Notes/SummaryIn this episode, host Elena Lappin welcomes novelist and international book blogger Ann Morgan to discuss her thought-provoking new book, Relearning to Read: Adventures in Not Knowing. The conversation delves into the transformative power of reading and the importance of humility and openness when encountering unfamiliar narratives. Morgan shares her personal journey of unle
Ep.17: BEN MARKOVITS
SummaryHost Elena Lappin interviews acclaimed novelist Ben Markovits about his Booker-shortlisted novel THE REST OF OUR LIVES. Tom's wife Amy had an affair many years ago, and now that their youngest daughter is leaving home, Tom is supposedly ready to end his marriage. But will he? Markovits talks about the complexities of navigating middle age, focusing on the narrowing options individuals face
Ep. 16: CHARLOTTE MENDELSON
KeywordsCharlotte Mendelson, Wife, lesbian marriage, relationships, narcissism, family dynamics, literature, emotional complexity, storytelling, character development, contemporary fictionEpisode SummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, bestselling novelist Charlotte Mendelson discusses her latest novel, WIFE, which intricately explores the dynamics of a lesbian marriage between Zoe and
Ep. 15: ARMAND D'ANGOUR
SummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin engages with Armand Dungour, a professor of classics, to explore the themes of love as presented in Plato's Symposium. D'Angour discusses the historical context of the text, the various perspectives on love presented by its speakers, and the philosophical implications of Socrates' teachings. The conversation delves into the relevan
Ep. 14: DANIEL KEHLMANN
SummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, bestselling German-Austrian author Daniel Kehlmann speaks to host Elena Lappin about his latest novel, The Director, which explores the life and work of Austrian director G.W. Pabst during the Nazi regime. Kehlmann delves into the complexities of being a director, the moral implications of artistic choices under totalitarianism, and the challenges
Ep.13: COLM TÓIBÍN
Notes:SummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lappin engages with acclaimed Irish novelist Colm Tóibín, discussing his latest work, Long Island, a sequel to Brooklyn. The conversation explores Tóibín's writing process, the significance of silence in dialogue, the evolution of recurring characters, and the interplay between personal experiences and historical contexts in his na
Ep. 12: SARAH MOSS
KeywordsSarah Moss, Ripeness, identity, memory, immigration, belonging, family, writing, creativity, genetics, love, women’s lives, parents, balletSummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin converses with bestselling author Sarah Moss about her new novel, Ripeness. The discussion delves into themes of identity, memory, and the immigrant experience, as well as the dual persp
Ep. 11: ANDRÉ ACIMAN
In the latest episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin engages in an illuminating conversation with the acclaimed novelist and memoirist André Aciman. Known for his deeply moving narratives and exploration of themes such as belonging, memory, and love, Aciman shares insights into his latest novella, Room on the Sea. (published by Faber). The episode opens with Aciman discussing his
Ep. 10: CAROLINE O'DONOGHUE
Caroline O’Donoghue is one of the most talented and original writers on the British literary scene. In 2018, I interviewed her for a different podcast, about her excellent debut novel Promising Young Women. I loved that novel’s deep seriousness, along with its provocative humour and cinematic pacing. She was a debut author unafraid to be both open and fragile.Since then, she has written two bests
Ep. 9: MEGAN HUNTER
We recorded this podcast with Megan Hunter at Pritchard & Ure, an unusual bookshop/cafe/gallery in Camden, above a garden centre. It’s a place that feels both buzzy and peaceful, and not unlike this author, full of surprises. Before we sat down to talk, Megan enjoyed the books on display, floating among them like a radiant book fairy. She pointed to many of the titles as volumes she loved or knew
Ep. 8: FIONA SCARLETT
Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribeSHOP TALK WITH WRITERS is a unique conversation with each author, about the stories behind their books.Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep.7: JOHN BANVILLE
Elena Lappin interviews Booker-winning Irish novelist at home in Dublin about his life's work, and his most recent crime novels. THE DROWNED is published by Faber.Includes a reading from THE DROWNED by John Callanan.Read more on elenalappin.substack.comEnjoy and comment! Thank you. Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribeSHOP TALK WITH WRITERS is a unique conversation
Ep.6: DIANE OLIVER, CHERYL OLIVER, ALBA DE CESPEDES, ANN GOLDSTEIN
Elena Lappin interviews Cheryl Oliver about her sister, Diane Oliver (1943-1966), author of NEIGHBORS AND OTHER STORIES; and Ann Goldstein, about her translation of Italian novelist Alba de Cespedes (1911-1997), author of THERE'S NO TURNING BACK from 1938. Literary rediscoveries of important writing from other eras, acutely relevant today. Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.co
Ep.5: TOM LAMONT
Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribeSHOP TALK WITH WRITERS is a unique conversation with each author, about the stories behind their books.Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep.4: TESSA HADLEY
Elena Lappin interviews Tessa HadleyTessa Hadley's novella The Party is published by Jonathan Cape.The Party Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribeSHOP TALK WITH WRITERS is a unique conversation with each author, about the stories behind their books.Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with auth
Ep. 3: Naomi Westerman, Author of 'Happy Death Club'
Buy Happy Death Club by Naomi Westerman2-Part Halloween Special with playwright and writer Naomi WestermanInterview by Elena Lappin Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribeSHOP TALK WITH WRITERS is a unique conversation with each author, about the stories behind their books.Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our
Ep. 1: DENISE DORRANCE
POLAR VORTEX is a funny, moving, deeply personal and original graphic novel by cartoonist and writer Denise Dorrance. She talks to Elena Lappin about how she found a way to create art out of dealing with her mother’s dementia - during an ice storm.POLAR VORTEX is published by New River (UK) and The Experiment Publishing (US). Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribeSHO
Ep. 2 CHIGOZIE OBIOMA
THE ROAD TO THE COUNTRY is Chigozie Obioma’s third novel, set in the time of Nigerian Civil War. In this podcast, we talk about how writing about a traumatic past can help us understand, and perhaps change, the present.Elena Lappin’s Substack on Chigozie Obioma: elenalappin.substack.comCredits:Host: Elena LappinGuest: Chigozie ObiomaCreative Team:Katherine Stroud, Publicity and Media (prcollective
