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I am not currently recording any new episodes of the podcast. I may relaunch it at some stage …
if you would like to be a guest in the future, please bookmark this page and check back.


About the Podcast

In each episode of the Conversations with Authors podcast I talk to a published author about what inspires them to write, how they go about the process and what advice they have for other aspiring authors. I talk to writers of fiction, non-fiction, memoir and poetry, old and young, first time authors and prolific writers.

Conversations with Authors originally started back in 2014-15, when I recorded over 20 interviews with authors and published them on my website. Of course, podcasts weren’t really a thing back then – I was a bit of a trailblazer really! Those original interviews still exist and you can listen to them on the player above or by scrolling down the page. Although they may be out of date in some ways, they are still packed with hints and advice for aspiring authors.

I then relaunched Conversations with Authors in 2021, interviewing some of the original guests again and meeting new authors.

Listen to the podcast above on the player, scroll down to see all the episodes, explore an A to Z index here or subscribe on all the main podcast platforms.

Podcast Episodes

Eileen Forrestal

Eileen Forrestal: The Courage to Shine

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.

linda jamsen

Linda Jämsén, Memoir Writer: Odyssey of Love

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.

sean armstrong

Sean Armstrong: Disabled British Author of YA Science Fiction

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.

Beth Hildenbrand: mother, grandmother, poet and horror fantasy author

Beth Hildenbrand: mother, grandmother, poet and horror fantasy 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.

Jim James, curator of “The UnNoticed Entrepreneur”

Jim James, curator of “The UnNoticed Entrepreneur”

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.

lawrence bradby

Lawrence Bradby: project-inspired art books

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.

John Leister: A serial novelist following his bliss

John Leister: A serial novelist following his bliss

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.

james jenkins

James Jenkins: Gritty noir fiction author

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…

Teri M Brown: From North Carolina to the Ukraine…

Teri M Brown: From North Carolina to the Ukraine…

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’.

karen williams book mentor

Karen Williams, The Book Mentor

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.

Ian Peterman on “Conscious Design”

Ian Peterman on “Conscious Design”

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!

Helen Dewdney

Helen Dewdney, The Complaining Cow – From Blogger to Best-selling Author

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…

Mark Kennedy: Don’t Get Your Neck Tattooed, and other stories…

Mark Kennedy: Don’t Get Your Neck Tattooed, and other stories…

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.

Ashley Wong and Alan Walton, property investors: writing what you know

Ashley Wong and Alan Walton, property investors: writing what you know

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.

alison thompson, the proof fairy

Alison Thompson, The Proof Fairy

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.

Ash J. Farraway: poetic Letters to Santa by a Christmas enthusiast

Ash J. Farraway: poetic Letters to Santa by a Christmas enthusiast

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.

Paul Newton: Magician, Mind Reader and MentalTheft

Paul Newton: Magician, Mind Reader and MentalTheft

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.

Keith Blakemore-Noble, the UK’s #1 Fear Strategist

Keith Blakemore-Noble, the UK’s #1 Fear Strategist

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!

Pascale Lutz: author, medium and expert on following your intuition

Pascale Lutz: author, medium and expert on following your intuition

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Pascale Lutz, the author of two autobiographical books and a series of journals, diaries and angel cards. We talk about being your authentic self and following your intuition, and Pascale tells me how her first book led to another … and could lead to three more!

angiel simmons

Angie Simmons, mental wellness coach and author

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Angie Simmons, who is a qualified coach and mental wellness mentor, founder of The Growth Development Foundation and author of How Am I Feeling Today? which is a year-long undated journal that’s backed by neuroscience to help re-wire the brain. We talk baby steps, the quality of Amazon’s POD paperbacks, and using your own life experience to help other people.

David M. Somerfleck: Digital Marketing Expert

David M. Somerfleck: Digital Marketing Expert

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet David M Somerfleck. David is a digital marketing specialist with over 20 years’ experience working for marketing agencies. He is also a podcaster and the author of “The Road to Digital Marketing Profits”. In our conversation we talk about business FAQs, the saviour complex and why you should never proofread your own writing.

susan j walklate

Susan J Walklate: Radical Home Education

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Susan J Walklate. Susan home educated her son, Simon, and writes about her experience, and the experiences of four other home-educating families, in her book Radical Home Education. We talk about how writing about life experiences can be cathartic, how to choose the trim size of your book and the effects of the pandemic on home education.

Dr Rebekah Louisa Smith: The Film Festival Doctor who is Born To Do It!

Dr Rebekah Louisa Smith: The Film Festival Doctor who is Born To Do It!

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Dr Rebekah Louisa Smith. Since 2009 Rebekah has worked in the film industry where she has positioned herself as The Film Festival Doctor. Her first book “Born to Do It”, aimed at entrepreneurs wanting to start and grow niche businesses, came out in October 2020. We talk about how everyone has a book in them and why you need to self-publish the right way.

B.P. Shields: retelling Chinese classics for the western reader

B.P. Shields: retelling Chinese classics for the western reader

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet B. P. Shields. Brendan has been writing for pleasure all his life but it took a trip to China to inspire him to write his first book – in fact three books – the Rise of the Three Kingdoms trilogy, which is a modern retelling of the 16th century Chinese classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms. In our conversation Brendan shares some tips for dealing with writer’s block and overcoming self-doubt and talks me through his editing process.

Angela Atkinson: blogger, author and Born Again Swindonian

Angela Atkinson: blogger, author and Born Again Swindonian

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Angela Atkinson, an author turned blogger and lover of all things Swindonian! Angela is the author of four books based on Swindon buildings and history, and in our conversation we discuss publishers and their marketing strategies – or lack of – and why it’s a good idea to be friends with your local branch of Waterstones!

Brian Finney: English Literature professor, novelist and non-fiction author

Brian Finney: English Literature professor, novelist and non-fiction author

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Brian Finney, an English literature professor and author of seven books, including literary critique, fiction and a treatise on the effects of 9/11 on American society. In our conversation I find out how Brian’s academic career took him into the world of writing. We also discuss the freedom of self-publishing, and Brian talks about how the psychology of his characters can change the plot.

Mitali Deypurkaystha, writing coach and author of “The Freedom Master Plan”

Mitali Deypurkaystha, writing coach and author of “The Freedom Master Plan”

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Mitali Deypurkaystha, a journalist turned business book coach who specialises in teaching business owners how to write books that build expert authority. In our conversation we talk planning, publishing and knowing the end goal of your book.

christine hancock

Christine Hancock: historical novelist, author of The Byrhtnoth Chronicles

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Christine Hancock, a historical novelist and author of The Byrhtnoth Chronicles, a series of books set in tenth century England. Christine wrote her first book, Bright Sword, by accident – listen to the episode to find out how, and why she’s now on book number five!

Ellen Watts: Cosmic Ordering, or How writing a book led to two new businesses

Ellen Watts: Cosmic Ordering, or How writing a book led to two new businesses

In this episode of Conversations with Authors I meet Ellen Watts, an award-winning author, coach, trainer, publisher and expert in cosmic ordering. We talk about how the fear of writing can lead to procrastination and how to get over it. Ellen also explains how she created two whole new businesses through publishing her book.

Alan Owen, Legacy of the Atomic Bomb, Recognition for Atomic Test Survivors (LABRATS)

Alan Owen, Legacy of the Atomic Bomb, Recognition for Atomic Test Survivors (LABRATS)

In this episode of “Conversations with Authors” I meet Alan Owen, founder of LABRATS and former chair of the British Nuclear Testing Veterans Association. In our conversation, we discuss print on demand versus vanity publishing, why you should never make assumptions, and how to use beta readers to ensure your book is as good as it can be.

Susan Hegedus

Susan Hegedus

This is the 23nd interview in the Conversations with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversations in the series here. My guest today is Susan Hegedus, author of Type 2 Diabetes Cookbook For Real Men. Susan wrote the book after her husband was diagnosed with the condition and it was the result of her experimenting in …

Katarina West

Katarina West

This is the 22nd interview in the Conversations with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversations in the series here Katarina West is a Finnish author now living in rural Tuscany. After a fascinating career that’s included teaching, researching, journalism and a lot of travel, Katarina published her first novel Witchcraft Couture in November 2014. …

Suzan St Maur

Suzan St Maur

This is the 23rd interview in the Conversations with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversations in the series here Suzan St Maur is what you’d call a prolific writer, with 31 books under her belt. Suzan specialises in books about writing but she has also published books on jewellery, wedding planning and horse …

Elizabeth Lee

Elizabeth Lee

This is the 21st interview in the Conversations with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversations in the series here Elizabeth Lee is the author of ‘Delicious Dishes For Gluten-Free Vegetarians’. Having had short stories, poems and features published, Elizabeth was inspired to write her cookery book after reading an article in Writing Magazine. …

Kathryn Hodgson

Kathryn Hodgson

This is the 20th interview in the Conversations with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversations in the series here Kathryn Hodgson is the author of No Damage, and she was inspired to write her book after experiencing a number of challenges in life. The book became the catalyst for a complete change …

Nicola Menage

Nicola Menage

This is the 19th interview in the Conversations with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversations in the series here Nicola Menage is a motivational hypnotherapist who is fascinated by how language affects people’s behaviour. Her book Mind Your Language: 7 Steps to Success Through Word Power was published in 2014. In our …

Patricia Fawcett

Patricia Fawcett

This is the 18th interview in the Conversation with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversation in the series here Patricia Fawcett’s first book was published in 1982 and since then she’s written and published over 20 romantic novels. In our conversation Patricia talks about how she lets her characters decide their fate, …

Jonathan Rees

Jonathan Rees

This is the 17th interview in the Conversation with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversation in the series here Jonathan Rees is a business consultant specialising in IT, and his book The Team Synergy Masterplan came out of his experiences of communication in the workplace. Jonathan talks about the rather unusual way …

Clemence Moulaert

Clemence Moulaert

This is the 16th interview in the Conversation with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversation in the series here Clemence Moulaert, AKA The Vegan Cookie Fairy, is the author of three recipe books for creating luscious vegan treats: The Vegan Cookie Fairy’s Ice Creams, The Vegan Cookie Fairy’s Christmas Recipes, and The …

Susan Ritchie

Susan Ritchie

This is the 15th interview in the Conversation with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversation in the series here. Susan Ritchie’s first book Strategies for Being Brilliant: 21 Ways to be Happy, Confident and Successful came out in 2013 and is a unique mix of personal story and self help advice. In …

Ann Palmer

Ann Palmer

This is the 14th interview in the Conversation with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversation in the series here. Writing under pen names including Yvonne Saar, Gaia Dance and Jamie Summers, Ann Palmer is the author of around twenty books in several genres including romance, teenage fiction ecology and equine tales. She’s …

John Shea

John Shea

This is the 13th interview in the Conversation with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversation in the series here. My guest today is John Shea, author of Building Authority Relationships through Online Marketing. John has some great tips on collaboration, marketing and web tools for authors. You can find out more about …

Vanessa Stottor

Vanessa Stottor

This is the 12th interview in the Conversation with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversation in the series here. Vanessa Stottor’s book Butterfly Whispers came out in 2013, but it began life as a series of recorded messages to motivate her sales team. In our conversation Vanessa talks about sharing stories, speaking …

Tamsen Garrie

Tamsen Garrie

This is the 11th interview in the Conversations with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversations in the series  here. Tamsen Garrie runs Alpha Associates and has developed The Act of Attraction, a business development programme that brings together four key areas for business growth. Her programme is available online and also in book format. …

David Hough

David Hough

This is the 10th interview in the Conversations with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversations in the series here. Following his retirement from a long career as an air traffic controller in 2003, David Hough started writing. Since then he has written over 20 books, which have been published in three countries by four different …

Terry Loong

Terry Loong

This is the 9th interview in the Conversations with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversations in the series here. Dr Terry Loong, an award-winning integrative cosmetic and skin doctor, helps her patients manage their acne without resorting to medication, and her book, The Hormonal Acne Solution, was the result of her desire to be able …

Darryl Cunningham

Darryl Cunningham

This is the 8th interview in the Conversations with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversations in the series here.  Darryl Cunningham is a cartoonist and author of Psychiatric Tales, a graphic interpretation of his experiences of working on an acute mental health unit, and Science Tales, a series of comic book essays on controversial science …

Nigel Morgan

Nigel Morgan

This is the 7th interview in the Conversations with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversations in the series here. Nigel Morgan runs a successful PR business, Morgan PR. Because of his experience in this area he was commissioned to write The 30 Day PR Challenge, which was followed by The 30 Day LinkedIn Challenge.

Charlie Holles

Charlie Holles

This is the 6th interview in the Conversations with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversations in the series here. Charlie Holles is an energy healer specialising in horse healing. His first book My Healing Journey is part travelogue, part spiritual exploration and a fascinating insight into Charlie’s life. In our conversation he talks about why …

Stefan Thomas

Stefan Thomas

This is the 5th interview in the Conversations with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversations in the series here. Stefan Thomas is the Network Director of 4Networking, one of the biggest business networking organisations in the UK. He is also the author of Business Networking for Dummies. Buy Stefan’s book from Amazon, and find out more …

Dave Marriott

Dave Marriott

This is the fourth interview in the Conversations with Authors podcast series. You can hear the other conversations in the series here. Dave Marriott’s first book “Where Shall We Walk Today? Walking the Pennine Way” came out in March 2014 and tells the story of the 267 mile walk he and his wife Diane did …

Ellen Watts

Ellen Watts

My guest today is author, trainer and keynote speaker Ellen Watts. Ellen published her first book   Cosmic Ordering Made Easier in August 2013 as a way of testing the waters of being an author, but the book has taken her in all sorts of new directions. In our conversation Ellen talks about what inspired her …

Madalyn Morgan

Madalyn Morgan

This is the second interview in the “Conversations with Authors” podcast series. You can find more interviews here. Madalyn Morgan grew up in Lutterworth in Leicestershire and had a long career as an actor before turning her creative hand to writing. Her books Foxden Acres and Applause are part of a series of books following the …

Peter Jones

Peter Jones

This is the first interview in the “Conversations with Authors” podcast series. You can find more interviews here. My guest today on Conversations with Authors is Peter Jones … no not that bloke off Dragons Den but author of five books including “How to Do Everything and Be Happy”, and “How to Eat Loads and …