In this episode of the Write Club Podcast, Mary and Beth are joined by the award-winning and million-copy bestselling author Faith Hogan. Faith is a USA Today bestseller, Irish Times Top Ten author, and Amazon UK #1 bestselling writer of eleven uplifting and inspiring contemporary fiction novels.She talks about her brand-new summer read, The Women At Ocean’s End – a moving story of friendship, secrets, and resilience set against the stunning backdrop of Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast. Faith shares how her character Constance came to life, why Achill Island inspired the setting, and how she balances exploring darker themes with the feel-good storytelling her readers love.We also dive into Faith’s route to publication, her creative process, and her best advice for aspiring writers. A must-listen episode full of warmth, wisdom, and inspiration.
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Episode 27 - Laurie Gilmore
This week on the Write Club Podcast, hosts Mary and Beth sit down with international bestselling author Laurie Gilmore, the queen of small-town romance and creator of the beloved Dream Harbor series. Laurie’s debut, The Pumpkin Spice Café, won TikTok Shop’s Book of the Year in 2024, and with Book 5: The Gingerbread Bakery publishing this September, her heartwarming world continues to capture readers everywhere.In this exclusive conversation, Laurie opens up about the inspiration behind her books, her love of blending sweetness and spice in storytelling, and the surprising role that food—and TikTok—have played in her success. She also shares her journey to publication, how she balances writing with the pressures of social media, and what’s next for Dream Harbor.
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Episode 26 - Hazel Barkworth
In this episode of the Write Club Podcast, Beth and Mary are joined by novelist Hazel Barkworth, author of Heatstroke and the newly released The Drownings.Hazel takes us inside her creative process and talks about the themes at the heart of her latest novel: women’s voices, competitive swimming, and the rivalries that play out both in sport and online. We explore her character Serena’s journey, the pressures of influence and performance, and how Hazel balances meticulous craft with letting a story evolve on the page.Along the way, Hazel shares the best writing advice she’s ever received, offers her tips for aspiring authors, and gives us a peek at what’s coming next in her writing journey.
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Episode 25 - Daria Lavelle
In this week’s episode of The Write Club Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome the brilliant debut novelist Daria Lavelle. Born in Kyiv, raised in New York, and now an acclaimed voice in speculative fiction, Daria brings magic, wit, and emotional depth to everything she writes.Daria’s debut novel, Aftertaste - a dark comedy about food, ghosts, and the New York culinary scene - landed in May 2025 and has already made waves for its unique blend of sharp humour, sensory storytelling, and moving reflections on grief and memory.She talks us through her 20-year journey to publication, the inspiration behind her unforgettable protagonist Konstantin, and how taste and food help her unlock creative ideas. We also discuss the challenge of balancing comedy with emotional depth, writing about loss, and her approach to the uncanny.
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Episode 24 - The Mercy Step
In this month’s Write Club book club episode, Mary and Beth dive into The Mercy Step, the debut novel from Marcia Hutchinson. Featured in the September issue of Writing Magazine, this beautifully written work of autofiction draws on Hutchinson’s own experiences, following the life of Mercy, a young girl growing up in 1960s Bradford in a household marked by violence, neglect, and silence.Through vivid imagery, emotional depth, and moments of sharp humour, Hutchinson captures both the resilience and vulnerability of a child navigating a world where safety is never guaranteed. We discuss the book’s central themes of survival, identity, and hope, explore Hutchinson’s writing style, and reflect on the scenes that stayed with us long after reading.
Welcome to Write Club, the ultimate podcast for anyone passionate about the written word. Brought to you by Writers Online, in each episode we'll give you an insight into the world of writing, creativity, and publishing.Join us as we sit down with celebrated authors, literary agents, industry mentors, and creative professionals to uncover their stories, insights, and advice. Write Club delivers everything you need to spark your creativity and sharpen your skills.Tune in for expert tips, industry secrets, and candid conversations with the voices shaping today’s literary landscape. Because every great writer knows: the first rule of Write Club is to never stop writing.
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