Write Club Podcast

How do you transition from writing short stories to publishing a full-length supernatural coming-of-age novel - and how do you define success on your own terms?
In this episode of The Write Club Podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with writer and anthology contributor Damien McKeating to talk about his debut novel, Tallulah Belle, set in the whimsical world of a fantasy burlesque theatre.
Damien breaks down how entering short story competitions helped him sharpen his craft, handle feedback, and build confidence as a writer. He also opens up about his decision to self-publish Tallulah Belle, sharing a refreshing perspective on setting personal criteria for success rather than relying on commercial standards.
👉 Grab your copy of Tallulah Belle today and discover more from Damien McKeating!


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How can staying curious, practising deep reading, and ‘starting with a word’ pull you out of a creative rut and transform your manuscript?
In this episode of The Write Club Podcast, we spend 50 minutes with writer, veteran teacher, and retreat leader Marilyn McEntyre to talk about her latest book, Start with a Word.
Drawing on decades of teaching literature, medical humanities, and creative writing, Marilyn shares why returning to learning can be a consoling act in hard times, how slow and spoken-word reading enriches our craft, and how to get to know your narrator on a deeper level. Plus, she reveals her go-to writing exercise for pulling yourself out of a slump and discusses the profound connection between writing, spirituality, and healing.
👉 Find out more about Marilyn McEntyre's work and grab your copy of Start with a Word!


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Rahul discusses his decision to handwrite the first draft of his novel using 2B pencils and yellow legal pads to eliminate digital distractions, drawing inspiration from Toni Morrison's writing habits.
He explains how the Indian railway system served as a metaphor for the country's diversity and complexity, with his protagonist Charu working in the personnel department handling grievances across the railway network.
Rahul shares his writing career journey from mathematics and cricket journalism to novel writing, noting that his journalism background helped develop his understanding of pacing and character development.
We also find out about his typical writing routine, which has evolved from late-night sessions to morning writing, and his current project that remains in early development stages.
Get a copy of the Railsong now.


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In this episode, hosts Beth and Mary from the Writing Magazine and Writers Online team sit down with R R Haywood (Richard), a powerhouse of British science fiction and horror. As an Amazon All-Star and one of the top ten most downloaded indie writers in the UK, Richard has built a massive global following with his gripping narratives, real-world grit, and signature sharp humour.
Richard joins us to talk about his breakthrough post-apocalyptic series, The Undead, and what it was like to revisit, tear down, and fully rewrite his iconic debut world with over a decade of extra craft experience under his belt.
Get the Book: The Undead series by R R Haywood is available now on Amazon and major retail platforms.
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!


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

In this episode of The Write Club, Beth and Mary are joined by Jen, the UK Lead for Kindle Direct Publishing and Amazon’s resident self-publishing expert, to celebrate a massive milestone: the 10th anniversary of the Kindle Storyteller Award. Together, we chat about the incredible evolution of self-publishing over the last decade and discuss how it has transformed from a backup plan into a top-tier choice for modern authors.
Jen tells us about why so many writers are bypassing traditional routes to claim total creative control and tap into higher earning potential. We also speak on the life-changing impact of the award, spotlighting the success stories of past winners and finalists who used the prize to secure mainstream validation and career momentum.
Tune in for expert, insider strategies on how to deeply understand your target audience, ensure your formatting meets industry standards, and organically build a reader community.
For more information on entering the Kindle Storyteller Award visit -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/storyteller?ref_=kdpuk_ST26_P1


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