Conversations with Authors Podcast: Episodes

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Eileen Forrestal, a retired anaesthetist who worked as a doctor for 32 years, took over a publishing company, began publishing a series of award-winning diaries and journals and has now written her memoir, “The Courage to Shine”. We discuss the power of saying yes, overcoming fear, being open to opportunities and using coaches and mentors to help you write your memoir.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Mose J Gingerich, a murder mystery author and former reality TV star who spent the first 23 years of his life in the Amish community. As well as shedding light on his unique background, we also talk about agents and publishers, audio books and the ‘golden hour’ for writing.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Linda Jämsén, author of Odyssey of Love: A Memoir of Seeking and Finding, which was published in June 2021. Linda is an American ex-pat living in Helsinki and her book tells the true story of how she moved across the world to find love! We talk about being authentic, writing at your own pace, and using editors and beta readers to make your book as good as it can be.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet British sci-fi author Sean Armstrong, a disabled British author writing under the name STL Armstrong. His first book, “The Green Girl and the Serum”, is the first in a series of six YA science fiction novels. We talk about the books, films and video games that gave Sean the inspiration for his series of superhero novels and Sean tells me about the sense of achievement he feels about becoming an author.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I Beth Hildenbrand, the author of “Cain the Heretic Son” and “Heretic Faith”, which are the first two books in a dark horror fantasy trilogy, and two books of poetry. We talk about argumentative characters, writing as therapy and the importance of being part of a writing community, among other things.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Jim James, an entrepreneur who started his first company in Singapore at the age of 28 and has since opened offices in China, India and the UK. His first book, “The Unnoticed Entrepreneur” was curated from interviews for his public relations podcast “The UnNoticed Show”. We talk about tech tools for authors, book awards, merchandise and reader avatars, and Jim explains why writing a book is like running a marathon.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Lawrence Bradby, a British author living in Portugal who has collaborated on two very unusual books: “The Day of the Duck”, with artist Helen Stratford, and “How to Play with MK”, which Lawrence wrote jointly with his family. Among the topics we discuss are taking time out to find creative inspiration, book launch events and writers’ groups versus a trusted circle of supporters.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I chat with Alanna Irving, author of “Abolish the Rose” which is published in April 2022. We talk about partnership publishing, social media and blog tours, and Alanna explains her reasons for writing.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I welcome back Bobby Nash, an award-winning author with over 150 writing credits to his name. The focus of our chat is on marketing your book, including pre-promotion, local media and conventions, and we also talk about visiting real-life locations as inspiration for your novel.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Victoria Fulton and Faith McClaren, best friends and co-authors of the Young Adult novel “Horror Hotel”. We talk about the pros and cons of publishing contracts, pen names, writing in partnership and how to get past the blank page.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet John Leister, a Canadian author with more than fifty books to his name. Our conversation covers everything from being fearless to KDP Print vs Draft2Digital to following your bliss. It takes a few interesting turns along the way – it includes mentions of death, suicidal thoughts and religion, so if any of those themes trigger you, you have been warned.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Anntricia Bray Smith, a professional mentor, speaker, entrepreneur and author. We talk about leaving a legacy through your books, explore what writing teaches us about ourselves, and discuss why every writer should have an Alison or an Anntricia in their life!

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet James Jenkins, a Suffolk-based writer of gritty noir fiction whose first novel, Parochial Pigs, came out in January 2022. During our conversation James explains how he went about finding a publisher and we talk about short stories, beta readers and how throwaway comments can change the whole course of your life…

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Kath Parrington, author of “The REAL Business Plan”. Among other things, we talk about the process of turning a process into a book, owning your expert status and using networking as a marketing tool.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Teri M Brown, a business content writer and novelist from North Carolina whose first novel “Sunflowers Beneath the Snow” is published in January 2022. We talk about book marketing, reviews and why authors need thick skins, and Teri explains how her writing process is ‘story first, detail later’.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Andrew Culture, a podcaster, musician and author of the romantic novel “Getting It” and several short stories. We talk about romantic fiction, Barack Obama’s first presidential inauguration, publishers, podcasts, Kindle marketing, the DNA of writing and much more.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Karen Williams: coach, speaker, book mentor and author of eight books to date, including “Book Marketing Made Simple”, “Your Book is the Hook”, and her autobiography “The Mouse That Roars”. We talk writing, planning, publishing and audiobooks.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Ian Peterman, founder and CEO of the Peterman Design Firm and the author of “Conscious Design” a book that outlines Ian’s approach to design, which improves and enriches other classic design methods. Among other things, we talk about sharing knowledge, the joys of editing and formatting, and the steps required to make a good cuppa!

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Helen Dewdney, better known as The Complaining Cow. Helen is a consumer champion, journalist, blogger, consultant and bestselling author, with her books “How to Complain: The Essential Consumer Guide to Getting Refunds, Redress and Results!” and “101 Habits of an Effective Complainer”. We talk about marketing and book reviews, and Helen also explains why she may never have become a best-selling author if it wasn’t for Jeremy Clarkson…

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Mark Kennedy who, together with his wife Jules, has written several books including the memorably titled “Don’t Get Your Neck Tattooed” and “What The Hell Just Happened?”, about how they overcame some serious life challenges. We talk about thinking big, using beta readers, writing without a plan and much more.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Dr Carol Samuel, a reflexology practitioner, speaker and author of “The Tenacious Student: Non-academic to PhD”. We talk about how writing can be a tool for self-reflection and recovery, and discuss the rewards of writing your first book.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Yakov Smart, a speaker, trainer and author of “Disrupting LinkedIn”. We talk about how becoming an author makes you an expert, leveraging business opportunities with your book, titles, cover design and dictation tools.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Sheryl Andrews, a coach, speaker and author of “Manage your Critic – From Overwhelm to Clarity in 7 Steps.” We talk about asking for help, leaving a legacy, speaking your truth and the pros and cons of self-publishing.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Ashley Wong and Alan Walton, property investors who have recently written and published their first book “Choose the Right Letting Agent: A Property Investor’s Guide”. We talk about lockdown writing, the benefits of using a coach, writing a book in partnership, and how their book will be the launchpad for a new business.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet… myself! The wonderful Duncan Price of Mind Affinity is the host of the show for one week only, and we chat about my first book “The Boy From Hell: Life with a child with ADHD”, the crazy things it led to, and my new book “What’s Your Story: Take your non-fiction book from possibility to plan to publication… and beyond!” We also talk planning, procrastinating and publishing.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Ash J Farraway, Christmas enthusiast and author of a collection of poems called Letters to Santa. We talk about dealing with your internal editor, using writing as an escape from life and the magic of Christmas, and exchange notes on the thrill of holding your book for the first time.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Paul Newton, a magician, mind reader and the author of “MentalTheft”. Paul started out providing entertainment at weddings and corporate events but now uses his skills to help people beat scammers. It’s a jam-packed conversation that includes crowdfunding, proofreading, content planning, branding, and how writing a book can make you an expert.

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet award-winning international speaker and bestselling author of five books including “The Masks We Wear”, Keith Blakemore-Noble. Keith tells me about the trials and tribulations of putting together collaborative projects and how he turned a business presentation into a book. We also talk about writing what you know, structuring your content and Star Wars!