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What happens when you accidentally walk into the wrong room? For Clare Mackintosh, it launched an unexpected police career that would eventually lead to her Sunday Times Bestselling debut, 'I Let You Go'.

In this fascinating conversation, Clare shares the surprising twists that led her from management studies to policing to becoming an author with over three million books sold worldwide. We also talk about the challenges of writing a series and her new novel, Other People's Houses'.

For writers at any stage, Clare's journey demonstrates the value of embracing unexpected paths, maintaining creative bravery, and approaching your writing career with both analytical rigor and artistic integrity.

Other People's Houses

Even on the most desirable street, there's a dark side . . .

The Hill is the kind of place everyone wants to live: luxurious, exclusive and safe. But now someone is breaking and entering these Cheshire homes one by one, and DS Leo Brady suspects the burglar is looking for something, or someone, in particular.

Over the border in Wales, DC Ffion Morgan recovers the body of an estate agent from the lake. There's no love lost between Ffion and estate agents, but who hated this one enough to want her dead - and why?

As their cases collide, Ffion and Leo discover people will pay a high price to keep their secrets behind closed doors . . .

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What does it truly take to survive in the bewildering world of publishing? My conversation with Catherine Yardley reveals the resilience at the heart of every writer's journey.

From her unconventional start sending manuscripts directly to major publishers (without an agent!) to self-publishing multiple books, Yardley embodies the persistence required to navigate an industry that often operates on its own inscrutable timeline.

Drawing from her decade-long acting career, Yardley brings authenticity to her latest novel "Where the Light is Hottest," which follows actress Natasha from small-town Scotland to Hollywood stardom.

Whether you're a writer battling rejection, a creative seeking your path, or simply someone navigating life's unpredictability, this conversation offers wisdom, warmth, and the reassurance that persistence is never wasted.

Where The Light Is Hottest

Natasha Jones has everything - a successful acting career, an Oscar, a wonderful husband and ‎beautiful kids. But what does she have to go through to get there? From humble beginnings in a ‎small town, Natasha's path to stardom is paved with setbacks, heartaches and moments of doubt.

‎ In the glittering world of fame and fortune, where dreams are spun from starlight and ambition ‎fuels the relentless pursuit of success, one woman's journey stands as a testament to the resilience ‎of the human spirit.

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"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
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You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you’ll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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What happens when a dedicated poet decides to try their hand at fiction? For Krystelle Bamford, it led to a four-publisher auction and her stunning debut novel, Idle Grounds.

Our conversation delves into the peculiar contradictions of the publishing world, how everything happens both excruciatingly slowly and startlingly fast, how validation feels wonderful yet fleeting, and how imposter syndrome persists regardless of success.

Whether you're a writer navigating the publishing landscape or simply curious about creative journeys, this conversation offers honest reflections on finding your path, managing expectations, and discovering what truly matters in artistic pursuits. Listen now and join the conversation.

Idle Grounds

As always with these things it started with a birthday party.

On a bright summer day in 1989 New England, Abi, three years old, vanishes from her aunt’s secluded home. Upstairs, her young cousins are looking out of the window. Something is unfolding in the distance at the edge of the forest – something sinister that is watching them back.

The adults don’t seem to notice that the youngest of the group has disappeared. Too busy bickering over politics and reminiscing about the family’s domineering late matriarch, Beezy, they leave the children with no choice but to get Abi back themselves. As the cousins embark on a quest through their grandmother’s sprawling estate, buried family secrets come to light and long-awaited plans are set in motion. Will they lose themselves while trying to find her?

Follow Krystelle Bamford

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Support the show

"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
https://ko-fi.com/nadinematheson

Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you’ll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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Sunday Times Bestselling author, Dorothy Koomson, is joining me for a 'Coffee Break' to talk about her new short story, 'Beach Hut 512'.

Dorothy reveals how a simple walk along the beach sparked the idea for this tightly-crafted mystery that explores what happens when a woman named Sims finds her sanctuary violated in the most horrific way.

Buy Beach Hut 512

When vandals destroy beach hut 512 on Brighton’s iconic seafront, they reveal a dead body that has apparently lain undisturbed for two months. But according to the hut’s owner, Sims, its locks rusted shut three months ago and she hasn’t had access to it since. So how could the man have got in, and why is there no evidence of the murderer?

Sims has spent the past three years recovering from the trauma of being targeted by a serial killer and narrowly escaping with her life. But this grim discovery feels like too much of a coincidence: could the person who put the body in her hut be the same man who wants her dead? In a desperate race against time, can she uncover the truth behind beach hut 512 before a murderer with a chilling obsession strikes again?

Follow Dorothy Koomson

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Support the show

"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
https://ko-fi.com/nadinematheson

Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you’ll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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Twenty years after her critically acclaimed novel 'Labyrinth' catapulted her to international recognition in her mid-40s, bestselling and award winning author, Kate Mosse reflects on why finding success later in life can be advantageous. The conversation explores the fascinating dichotomy between what writers can and cannot control. While commercial success depends largely on timing, market conditions, and luck, the quality of one's writing remains entirely within the writer's domain.

Whether discussing the myths of effortless writing, establishing the 'Women's Prize' and her new novel, 'The Map of Bones', this conversation offers invaluable insights for writers at any stage.

The Map of Bones

No word, no story, no grave . . .

Olifantshoek, Southern Africa, 1688. Suzanne Joubert, a Huguenot refugee from war-torn France, journeys to the Cape of Good Hope in search of her notorious cousin, Louise Reydon-Joubert – who vanished without trace half a century ago.

Franschhoek, Southern Africa, 1862. Nearly six generations later, Isabelle Joubert Lepard follows in her footsteps, determined to investigate the lives of her ancestors – and to honour their memory – only to discover that the evils of the past, though hidden, are far from buried.

And that her life, too, is under threat . . .

Follow Kate Mosse

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Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
https://ko-fi.com/nadinematheson

Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you’ll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Follow Me:
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In this episode of 'Coffee Break' author Beth Lewis joins me to talk about her stunning new historical crime novel, 'The Rush'.

The gold rush narrative typically conjures images of rugged men panning rivers and staking claims, but Beth Lewis deliberately shifts focus to three women whose paths cross during the Yukon Gold Rush of 1898.

The Rush

Gold fever has taken him. I believe he means to kill me...

Canada, 1898. The gold rush is on in the frozen wilderness of the Yukon. Fortunes are made as quickly as they're lost, and Dawson City has become a lawless settlement.

In its midst, three women are trying to survive on the edge of civilisation. Journalist Kate has travelled hundreds of miles after receiving a letter from her sister, who fears that her husband will kill her. Martha's hotel and livelihood are under threat from the local strongman, who is set on buying up the town. And down by the river, where gold shimmers from between the rocks, Ellen feels her future slip away as her husband fails to find the fortune they risked so much to seek.

When a woman is murdered, Kate, Martha and Ellen find their lives, fates and fortunes intertwined. But to unmask her killer they must navigate a desperate land run by dangerous men who will do anything for a glimpse of gold...

Follow Beth Lewis

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Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
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Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you’ll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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Publication hasn't come easy for Chris Bridges. After completing a first manuscript during the height of the pandemic while still working hospital shifts, Chris Bridges faced 50 agent rejections before finding his breakthrough through the London Writers Award. Now with his debut, Sick To Death, shortlisted for the McDermid Debut Award and a second novel already in progress, Chris offers invaluable perspective on managing creative ambitions alongside the unpredictable fatigue of MS.

Whether you're fascinated by psychological suspense, navigating health challenges yourself, or simply drawn to stories of persistence against the odds, this conversation delivers profound insights into the creative process and the deeply human struggle to find meaning through storytelling.

Sick To Death

Meet Emma. Emma is sick.

She can’t work because of a neurological condition, so is stuck in her family’s tiny council house.

Emma is sick of being told to ‘get over it’.

Her stepfather, her doctors, strangers – everyone has an opinion.

Emma is sick of being the other woman.

Her boyfriend Adam is perfect: he’s got a great job and an amazing home. His wife Celeste is the problem.

Emma is sick of being underestimated.

All she needed was a target. And now she has Celeste…

Emma is sick. Just not in the way you thought.

Follow Chris Bridges

Is an opinion platform hosted by Marvin “Truth” Davis. My life and career...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
https://ko-fi.com/nadinematheson

Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you’ll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Follow Me:
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Watch as a full video episode on YouTube!

Subscribe to Adventures in Publishing-land's own feed for future episodes or watch on YouTube!

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Welcome to the debut episode of Adventures in Publishing Land, a no-holds-barred exploration of the publishing industry's most fascinating developments, delivered with candor and insider perspective.

This week:

1. The Unbound Saga continues
2. Authors hounded off social media - is it worth it?
3. Literary Estates and copyright - how long should it last?
4. James Frey - the self-proclaimed literary bad boy is back, but should anyone care?
5. Off Script - Nadine and Marco argue over the latest cinematic iteration of Superman

Articles

Unbound

1. Authors will not receive unpaid royalty payments

2. Boundless position morally unacceptable

Social media bullying

Conan Doyle Literary Estate Deal

James Frey

Is an opinion platform hosted by Marvin “Truth” Davis. My life and career...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
https://ko-fi.com/nadinematheson

Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you’ll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Follow Me:
www.nadinematheson.com

BlueSky: @nadinematheson.com Substack: @nadinematheson Instagram: @queennads
Threads: @nadinematheson Facebook: nadinemathesonbooks
TikTok: @writer_nadinematheson