Write Club Podcast

In this episode of the Write Club Podcast, we are joined by Heather Morris - the globally renowned, #1 bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz - to discuss her gripping new novel, The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse.
Heather shares the incredible real-life origin of her latest story, inspired by composer Cara Talvi, whose grandmother’s life was saved during the Holocaust by a courageous piano teacher in the French Resistance. She takes us behind the scenes of her meticulous historical research process, from interviewing surviving family members to walking key locations in Paris to bring the past vividly to life.
Whether you’re a fan of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, a writer of historical fiction, or simply curious about the daily habits of an international bestselling author, this conversation is packed with invaluable wisdom!


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Who’d have thought that your best first draft might not be written at a desk, but spoken aloud while walking your dog?
In this inspiring episode of The Write Club Podcast, our hosts chat with Marcia Hutchinson, author of the 2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlisted debut, The Mercy Step.
Marcia breaks down her original drafting routine - dictating up to 2,000 words per loop in her local park - and opens up about how receiving an ADHD diagnosis transformed her understanding of focus, routine, and creative energy. From her past careers as a solicitor, publisher, political activist, and Zumba instructor to writing five novels over a decade, Marcia shares invaluable insights on building stories using autofiction, leveraging feedback from writing groups, and pushing through the long haul of publication.
Purchase The Mercy Step today.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

How does geographic distance sharpen an author’s view of home - and how do you capture the authentic cadence of an accent on the page?
In this episode of The Write Club Podcast, we are joined by Commonwealth Short Story Prize nominee and award-winning author Dwight Thompson to discuss his second novel, My Own Dear People.
Born and raised in Jamaica and currently teaching at an international school in Japan, Dwight offers a deeply insightful look at writing about home from thousands of miles away. He shares how he captures the unique rhythms and voices of Jamaican dialogue, how he cultivated the self-belief needed to pursue a writing career, and whether he leans toward meticulous plotting or intuitive discovery writing.
Read his beautiful second novel, My Own Dear People, now.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when you drop a high-stakes murder mystery into the middle of magical medical school final exams?
In this episode of the Write Club Podcast, we chat with Hugo Award-nominated author Freya Marske to talk about her upcoming novel, Bodies of Magic (releasing in the UK on September 17th). Freya talks about how her real-world medical background shaped the authentic details, frantic pacing, and pressure-cooker environment of her new story, which follows five randomly assigned students forced to solve a crime in just five days.
We spend time exploring the mechanics of story craft, looking at:
* Pacing tight timelines: Managing a multi-POV narrative that takes place over just five days.
* Balancing subplots: Keeping a fast-paced murder mystery at centre stage while weaving in compelling romance B-plots.
* Shaping your story scope: The structural differences between building a sweeping trilogy, crafting a tight novella, and writing a standalone novel.
* Career strategy: Why chasing market trends will burn you out, and how focusing on the stories you actually want to tell is the ultimate long-term strategy for authors.
Plus, stick around to the end to catch Freya’s top book recommendation.
Order Bodies of Magic by Freya Marske today.

Enter the First 5K Novel Prize or save 50% on your Writers Online membership at writers-online.co.uk!


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Struggling to make your characters feel real—or letting self-doubt freeze your typing fingers?
In this powerhouse episode of The Write Club Podcast, our hosts are joined by British author and elite executive coach Robbie Steinhouse to unpack his gripping debut novel, The Process.
Drawing from 25 years as a Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) trainer, Robbie spills the secrets on how to use real-world psychological archetypes to build unforgettable characters. He walks us through practical mental hacks - like taking ‘perceptual positions’ - to step directly into your characters’ shoes and write authentic, high-stakes dialogue.
Plus, if you’ve ever struggled with the jump from non-fiction to fiction, or found yourself paralysed by an inner critic, Robbie’s masterclass in author mindset and state management will give you the exact tools you need to stay locked in.
Buy a copy of The Process today.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe