The Writing Life

The Writing Life

National Centre for Writing

Episodes 200
Avg. Duration 46m
Activity Highly Active
Apple Rating 4.6 (29)
Since Mar 2020
Latest Episode Jun 2026

Outreach Signals

Open to Sponsors Features Guests

Publishing Details

Schedule
Every 2 Weeks
Format
Episodic
Consistency
100%
Hosting
feed.podbean.com

About This Podcast

We’re a podcast for anyone who writes. Every week we talk to writers about their writing journeys and techniques, from early career debuts to self-publishers and narrative designers. We’ve featured Margaret Atwood, Jackie Kay, Sara Collins, Antti Tuomainen, Val McDermid, Sarah Perry, Elif Shafak and many more! The Writing Life is produced by the National Centre for Writing at Dragon Hall in Norwich.

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Recent Episodes

Madness and Magic: Hannah Murray on her memoir The Make Believe

Jun 01, 2026 57m

On this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, Hannah Murray shares the experience of writing her debut book, a memoir called The Make Believe: A memoir of magic and madness. Hannah worked as an actor…

Experimenting with narrative form: Ashley Hickson-Lovence on About to Fall Apart

May 18, 2026 50m

In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, Norwich-based writer Ashley Hickson-Lovence discusses experimenting with narrative, form, and structure in his latest novel, About to Fall Apart – a…

Writing the self in memoir: Camilla Balshaw on Named

May 04, 2026 45m

In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, Norfolk-based writer Camilla Balshaw shares insights into exploring themes of identity and belonging in her memoir, Named – an engaging and intimate…

Storytelling in graphic novels: Anna Trench on Florrie

Apr 20, 2026 42m

In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, illustrator and writer Anna Trench shares the process of writing and illustrating her debut graphic novel, Florrie – a warm-hearted story about football,…

Stories of humanity & connection: Jenni Fagan on The Delusions

Apr 06, 2026 42m

In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, award-winning writer Jenni Fagan shares the process of writing her latest novel, The Delusions – a story of profound human connection, on an unprecedented…

The path to publication: Grace Murray on Blank Canvas

Mar 23, 2026 34m

In this episode of The Writing Life, literary newcomer Grace Murray shares the process from mentorship to the publication of her debut novel Blank Canvas – a work of literary fiction about grief,…

Wonder and Loss: Writing Grief and Memoir with Sam Meekings

Mar 09, 2026 1h 4m

In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, novelist, poet and Associate Professor of Creative Writing Sam Meekings shares the process behind writing his latest book, Wonder and Loss: A Practical…

Family and Caribbean folklore: Celeste Mohammed on Ever Since We Small

Feb 23, 2026 52m

In this episode of The Writing Life, Trinidadian writer Celeste Mohammed reflects on the role of family, mythology, and Caribbean folklore in her writing.   Celeste has been a lawyer since 2001 but…

Writing dystopian fiction: Matt Greene on The Definitions

Feb 09, 2026 52m

In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, novelist and essayist Matt Greene shares the process of writing his latest novel, The Definitions – a work of dystopian fiction which interrogates and…

Writing speculative fiction: Choo Yi Feng on ecology, world building, and creating mysterious characters

Jan 26, 2026 43m

In this episode of The Writing Life, Singapore-based writer Choo Yi Feng shares his approach to writing speculative fiction.   Choo Yi Feng is an intertidal explorer, climate activist, ecologist and…

Poets in conversation: John Osborne & Lewis Buxton on performance, humour, and place

Jan 12, 2026 55m

In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, writers and performers John Osborne and Lewis Buxton share insights on writing poetry for page and performance, and reflect on their lives as poets living…

New year, new writing goals: Julia Crouch on getting started, finding inspiration, and writing what excites

Dec 29, 2025 43m

In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, crime writer and NCW tutor Julia Crouch welcomes the New Year with us and shares her advice and encouragement for the writing year ahead.   Julia is the…

Writing festive thrillers: Nicola Upson on The Christmas Clue

Dec 15, 2025 42m

In this festive episode of The Writing Life Podcast, crime writer Nicola Upson delves into the themes and appeal of crime novels set at Christmas.   Nicola Upson’s debut, An Expert in Murder, was the…

What is ‘experimental fiction’?: Clara Chow on travelling, writing about taboo subjects, and having fun

Nov 17, 2025 55m

In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, Singapore-based writer Clara Chow delves into the world of 'experimental fiction' and why she takes on projects that push against the grain.   Clara Chow…

Writing grief and the body: Lisabelle Tay & Heather Parry in conversation with Yan Ge

Nov 03, 2025 54m

In this Halloween-flavoured episode of The Writing Life Podcast, we’re resharing an illuminating discussion between writers Lisabelle Tay and Heather Parry on writing grief and the monstrous…

Writing flawed characters: Sarah Moss on Ripeness

Oct 20, 2025 42m

In this episode of The Writing Life, acclaimed British author and academic Sarah Moss (known for Ghost Wall and Summerwater) joins us to discuss her latest novel, Ripeness, ‘a breathtaking story of…

The poetry of motherhood: Erica Hesketh and Jenny Pagdin on language, recovery, and balance

Oct 06, 2025 38m

In this episode of The Writing Life, poets Erica Hesketh and Jenny Pagdin share insights into the poetry of motherhood, and how they each share their ‘emotional truth’ in their writing.   Erica…

A writer’s journey: Vanessa Bell on book tours, friendship, and revisiting old projects

Sep 22, 2025 54m

In this episode of The Writing Life, poet, editor, and literary activist Vanessa Bell discusses the journeys she has taken as a writer, both literally and figuratively, and her recent book tour…

Representation in children’s literature: Hayley Wells on The Spectacular Suit

Sep 08, 2025 29m

In this episode of The Writing Life, illustrator Hayley Wells delves into the importance of representation in children’s books.   Hayley Wells is an Essex-based illustrator with an MA in Children’s…

Reimagining classics: Pat Barker on the Regeneration Trilogy

Aug 25, 2025 38m

Content warning: Mentions of rape, sexual assault, and war.   In this episode of The Writing Life, bestselling author Pat Barker shares insights about the art of retellings, and the craftsmanship and…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Writing Life have?

The Writing Life has published 200 episodes since March 2020, covering topics in Arts, Books.

Is The Writing Life still active?

The Writing Life is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 46m.

How do I contact The Writing Life for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for The Writing Life, including email and social media links.

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