Write Club Podcast

In this episode of The Write Club, Beth and Mary sit down with award-winning author Alice Jolly to discuss her latest novel, The Matchbox Girl. Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Vienna, the story explores the complex legacy of Dr. Asperger through the eyes of a neurodivergent ghost narrator.
Alice takes us behind the scenes of her extensive research process, explains why she chose such a unique narrative voice, and shares her philosophy on why writers should never shy away from the ‘grey areas’ of history. We also chat about her prolific career across plays, memoirs, and short stories, discussing how to choose the right ‘shape’ for your next big idea.
Buy Alice Jolly’s latest novel, The Matchbox Girl, here.


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How do you transition from writing someone else’s life story to becoming a bestselling thriller author? In this episode of The Write Club, Beth and Mary are joined by the brilliant Ruth Kelly, author of the gripping new psychological thriller, The Afterparty.
A Richard & Judy Book Club favourite, Ruth shares the secrets behind her ‘just one more chapter’ pacing and how her background as an award-winning journalist and ghostwriter shaped her approach to fiction. We dive into the dark themes of power and secrets, the essential mindset for successful ghostwriting, and Ruth’s top advice for turning a strong idea into a finished manuscript. If you want to know how to balance factual realism with heart-pounding drama, this episode is for you.
Buy The Afterparty: The Most Heart-Pounding Thriller For Winter 2025 From The Bestselling, Richard & Judy Book Club Pick Author


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How do you maintain a 30-year career that includes over 2,000 published short stories and 35 novels? In this episode of The Write Club, Mary and Beth sit down with our newest columnist, bestselling author and tutor Della Galton.
Della pulls back the curtain on her incredibly prolific process, sharing the “secret sauce” behind relatable humour in rom-coms and her top tips for writers struggling to find their audience. She talks to us about the importance of in-person workshops, why being ‘naturally organised’ is a writer’s greatest superpower, and what you can expect from her upcoming appearance at our Leeds Creative Writing Weekend.
Check out One in a Million: A BRAND NEW poignant and heartwarming story from Della Galton


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Bestselling author Kandi Steiner joins us to talk about her iconic novel, A Love Letter to Whiskey. Kandi tells us about her recent Writing Magazine article, "Turning your life into fiction," exploring where her diverse story ideas come from and how she keeps her characters so beautifully flawed.
We discuss the catharsis of writing, Kandi’s typical writing day in Tennessee, and her unique path to publication. Kandi shares how she protects the real people in her life while staying authentic to her story, and why she believes the "magic" of writing happens when we share our most vulnerable moments.
Plus, Kandi shares her current book recommendations and what’s next for her readers.
Check out A Love Letter to Whiskey or preorder Kandi’s new hockey romance novel, Stand your Ground, which is out on 9th April 2026.


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 do you move from the ‘low-stakes’ comfort of a magical tea shop to a claustrophobic, dark submersible filled with a deadly virus? In this episode, USA Today and Sunday Times bestseller Rebecca Thorne joins Mary and Beth to discuss her latest release, This Gilded Abyss.
We dive into the mechanics of world-building, how to maintain romantic tension in high-stakes settings, and Rebecca’s top advice for writers struggling to tackle the blank first page.
Purchase This Gilded Abyss 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