Best National Centre For Writing Podcasts (2025)

1
The power of language: Eimear McBride on The City Changes Its Face 34:37

5d ago34:37

34:37

In this episode of The Writing Life, novelist and screenwriter Eimear McBride on the power of language, and the ways literary fiction can evoke emotion and connection. Eimear McBride is the award-winning author of four novels: A Girl is a Half-formed Thing, The Lesser Bohemians, Strange Hotel and The City Changes Its Face. Her debut novel A Girl is…

1
Writing strong female characters: Joanna Miller on The Eights 53:56

19d ago53:56

53:56

In this episode of The Writing Life, writer Joanna Miller shares her insights into writing strong female characters in historical fiction. Joanna Miller studied English at Exeter College, Oxford and later returned to the University to train as a teacher. After ten years in education, she set up an award-winning poetry gift business. She is an alum …

1
The rise of romantasy with Sangu Mandanna 38:53

1M ago38:53

38:53

This week on The Writing Life, we’re diving into the world of romantasy — a genre that blends the best of romance and fantasy. Romantasy novels have taken the publishing world by storm in recent years, with sales expected to hit a staggering $610 million in 2024. And on TikTok, the #Romantasy tag has amassed over 800 million views. What is it about…

1
Writing about sports and masculinity with George Harrison, Alex Allison, and Ashley Hickson-Lovence 41:44

2M ago41:44

41:44

In this episode of The Writing Life, writers Alex Allison, George Harrison, and Ashley Hickson-Lovence share their insights into writing about sport and modern masculinity. Alex Allison is a writer from London. He is the author of two novels, published by Dialogue. His second novel, Greatest of All Time, was released on 30th January 2025. With humo…

1
Developing your creative practice with Julia Bird 31:24

3M ago31:24

31:24

In this episode of The Writing Life, writer, poetry programmer, and NCW Academy mentor Julia Bird shares her insights into developing your creative practice. Julia Bird is a highly experienced poetry programmer who has worked for organisations including the Poetry School and The Poetry Society. As a freelancer, she’s worked for literary development…

1
Writing about nature with Chloe Dalton 43:45

4M ago43:45

43:45

In this episode of The Writing Life, writer Chloe Dalton shares her insights into writing about nature and landscape. Chloe Dalton is a foreign policy specialist and writer. She spent over a decade working in the UK Parliament and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as a special adviser and speechwriter. She now works as a consultant on internatio…

1
Writing a festive bestseller with Abiola Bello 40:05

5M ago40:05

40:05

In this episode of The Writing Life, YA writer Abiola Bello shares her insights into writing festive novels. Abiola Bello is a Nigerian-British, prize-winning children’s/YA author who was born and raised in London. She is an advocate for diversity in books for young people. Her debut YA, 'Love in Winter Wonderland', was published in winter 2022. It…

1
Writing about music with Aniefiok Ekpoudom 55:56

6M ago55:56

55:56

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, cultural writer and editor Josh Baines is joined by narrative non-fiction writer Aniefiok Ekpoudom to discuss writing about the music industry. Aniefiok ‘Neef’ Ekpoudom is a writer and storyteller from South London whose work documents community and culture in contemporary Britain. His debut book Where W…

1
Researching for crime novels with Peter James 38:38

6M ago38:38

38:38

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Peggy is joined by bestselling author Peter James to discuss researching for crime novels. Peter James is a UK No.1 bestselling author, best known for his Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series, now a hit ITV drama starring John Simm as the troubled Brighton copper. Much loved by crime and…

1
Routes into writing with S G Bell 45:36

7M ago45:36

45:36

In this podcast, NCW Communications & Participation Assistant Ruby is joined by S G Bell to discuss routes into writing. S G Bell is a writer working from his rural home in Norfolk. The Epilogue Event is the first instalment in the AI Aftermath series. In his fiction, he explores ideas intercepted at the boundaries of his professional and academic …

1
Writing dialect in fiction with Ferdia Lennon 38:26

7M ago38:26

38:26

In this podcast, NCW Head of Programme & Creative Engagement Holly is joined by author Ferdia Lennon to discuss writing dialect in fiction. Ferdia Lennon was born and raised in Dublin. He holds a BA in History and Classics from University College Dublin and an MA in Prose Fiction from the University of East Anglia. His short stories have appeared i…

1
Writing through place: Heidi Williamson & Rebecca Goss on poetry, memory and healing 47:01

8M ago47:01

47:01

In this episode of The Writing Life, poets Rebecca Goss and Heidi Williamson discuss using place as a vessel to write about difficult subjects and memories in poetry. Rebecca Goss is a poet, tutor and mentor, living in Suffolk. Her poems have appeared in many literary journals, anthologies and have been broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Arts online.…

1
Structuring non-fiction with Nick Acheson 45:51

8M ago45:51

45:51

In this podcast, NCW Programme Officer Ellie is joined by author and presenter Nick Acheson to discuss structuring non-fiction, and how to create rhythm with your writing. Nick Acheson is an author, conservationist and environmentalist living in North Norfolk. He has written for BBC Wildlife, British Birds, British Wildlife, The Guardian, The Big I…

1
Writing collaboratively with Maarja Pärtna & Penny Boxall 29:09

9M ago29:09

29:09

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Associate Programme Director Kate Griffin is joined by writers Maarja Pärtna and Penny Boxall to discuss the process of multi-disciplinary collaboration. Maarja Pärtna is an Estonian writer, translator, and editor who focuses on socio-ecological themes in her work. She has published five poetry collections. …

1
Advice for emerging writers with Benjamin Johncock & Megan Bradbury 1:12:08

9M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

In this episode of The Writing Life, novelists and NCW Academy tutors Benjamin Johncock and Megan Bradbury give insight into their writing lives, and offer their advice to emerging novelists and writers of all kinds. Benjamin Johncock is an award-winning novelist, short story writer and journalist. His debut novel, The Last Pilot, was published in …

1
Writing the 'difficult second novel' with Melissa Fu 41:17

9M ago41:17

41:17

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Programme Officer Vicki is joined by novelist and NCW Academy tutor Melissa Fu to discuss the difficult task of writing your second novel. Melissa’s writing appears in several publications including The Lonely Crowd, International Literature Showcase, Bare Fiction, Wasafiri Online, and The Willowherb Review.…

1
Writing romantic comedies with PJ Ellis 43:30

10M ago43:30

43:30

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Communications Assistant Caitlin is joined by author PJ Ellis to discuss writing romantic comedies. PJ Ellis is a journalist covering relationships, pop culture and LGBTQ+ issues. His writing has appeared in publications including GQ, Teen Vogue, Man Repeller, Men’s Health and MTV. His short fiction …

1
Researching for fiction with Jon McGregor 48:20

10M ago48:20

48:20

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by author Jon McGregor to discuss researching for fiction. Jon McGregor is an award-winning author and short story writer. He has been nominated for the Booker Prize for three of his novels, including his 2002 debut If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things, which a…

1
Writing soaps with James McDermott & Stephen Keyworth 48:37

11M ago48:37

48:37

In this episode of The Writing Life, scriptwriters Stephen Keyworth and James McDermott discuss the craft and industry of writing for long-running radio or television serials, commonly known as soaps. Stephen Keyworth is an award-winning director and writer who has worked extensively as a director in theatre and written over 60 hours of television,…

1
Writing narrative non-fiction with Dan Richards & Edward Parnell 58:02

11M ago58:02

58:02

In this episode of The Writing Life, we’re joined by writers and NCW Academy tutors Dan Richards and Edward Parnell to discuss the process of researching, writing, and publishing narrative non-fiction books. Dan Richards is a writer and journalist who specialises in travel, memoir, and culture. He has taught at Bristol University, and currently tut…

1
How to be a craftivist with Sarah P Corbett 50:31

12M ago50:31

50:31

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by author and professional campaigner Sarah P Corbett to discuss craftivism, a form of activism and collective empowerment that is centered on practices of craft. Sarah P Corbett is an activist, author, speaker, and the founder of Craftivist Collective. She is k…

1
Writing for performance with HighTide 43:23

1y ago43:23

43:23

In this episode of The Writing Life, Holly is joined by Colchester-based playwright and HighTide/Peggy Ramsay Foundation writer in residence Nicola Werenowska and Norwich-based folk musician Georgia Shackleton to discuss writing for performance. Nicola and Georgia were central to the development of Suffolk-based theatre company HighTide’s touring s…

1
Writing poetry with Martin Figura 45:21

1y ago45:21

45:21

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by award-winning poet Martin Figura to discuss the process of writing poetry, and how things make their way into his poetic imagination. Martin Figura was born in Liverpool and lives in Norwich. His collections include The Little Book of Harm (Firewater Press, 2000), Ah…

1
Reintroducing Harriet Martineau with Stuart Hobday & Gaby Weiner 51:43

1y ago51:43

51:43

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by writers and members of The Martineau Society Stuart Hobday and Gaby Weiner to discuss their new book Reintroducing Harriet Martineau: Pioneering Sociologist and Activist, which explores the innovative, sociological approach adopted by Harriet Martineau in her efforts…

1
Crafting identity in fiction with Michael Donkor 49:26

1y ago49:26

49:26

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Head of Programmes & Creative Engagement Holly speaks with novelist Michael Donkor about crafting identity in fiction. Michael Donkor was born in London to Ghanaian parents. He studied English at Wadham College, Oxford, followed by a Masters in Creative Writing at Royal Holloway. His first novel, Hold, was l…

1
Writing subversive women with Naomi Wood 59:08

1y ago59:08

59:08

In this episode of The Writing Life, former NCW Communications Assistant Molly speaks with author Naomi Wood about writing subversive women. Naomi Wood is the award-winning author of three novels, including the bestselling Mrs. Hemingway. Her stories have been published in the Mid-American Review, Washington Square Review, Joyland and Stylist, and …

1
Virtual residencies with Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar, Sim Wai-chew and Tse Hao Guang 59:40

1y ago59:40

59:40

In this episode of The Writing Life, writer and translator Daniel Hahn speaks with three former virtual residents Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar, Sim Wai-chew and Tse Hao Guang about the quirks of virtual residencies, and how their expectations compared to reality. We were delighted to host them from June to December 2023, in a virtual residency generously su…

1
Writing the grotesque body with Heather Parry 49:57

1+ y ago49:57

49:57

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Senior Communications and Marketing Manager Steph speaks with author Heather Parry about writing the grotesque body. Heather Parry was born in Rotherham and lives in Glasgow. She has won the Bridge Award for an Emerging Writer, Cove Park's Emerging Writer Residency and the Laxfield Literary Launch Pr…

1
Writing and chronic illness with Polly Atkin 40:32

1+ y ago40:32

40:32

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Emerging Translator Mentorships Programme Manager Annie speaks with author Polly Atkin about writing with a chronic illness. Polly Atkin is a multi-award-winning writer, essayist and poet. She is the author of the poetry collections Basic Nest Architecture, which won a Northern Writers' Award, and Much With …

1
Writing for younger audiences with Chip Colquhoun 51:30

1+ y ago51:30

51:30

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Programme Officer Ellie speaks with author and NCW mentor Chip Colquhoun about oral storytelling and writing for younger audiences. An NCW Associate Artist, Chip is a storyteller and children’s author. He’s trained teachers through the Department for Education’s English Hub, young creatives through Rathbone …

1
Writing modern noir with Margot Douaihy 48:48

1+ y ago48:48

48:48

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Programme Officer Ellie speaks with American author Margot Douaihy about the development of the noir genre in crime writing. Margot Douaihy is the author of several noir titles including the mystery novel Scorched Grace, the inaugural title of Gillian Flynn Books. Douaihy is originally from Scranton,…

1
Johannes Kuhnen, MAKE Award finalist 17:11

1+ y ago17:11

17:11

Host Lisa Cahill chats with master metalsmith Johannes Kuhnen. Johannes Kuhnen is one of the pioneers of anodised aluminium metalwork. In this episode, Johannes explains why he finds anodising annoying, and his design process. Hear from judges Jason Smith, Hyeyoung Cho and Brian Parkes on his MAKE Award entry, Remnant Green. Johannes Kuhnen is one …

1
Writing unreliable narrators with Hannah Vincent 50:23

1+ y ago50:23

50:23

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, Head of Programmes and Creative Engagement Holly speaks with novelist Hannah Vincent about point of view and different types of narration. Hannah Vincent is a novelist, short story writer and playwright. Her first novel, Alarm Girl was published in 2014 and her second, The Weaning in 2018. Her 2020 short…

1
Csongvay Blackwood, MAKE Award finalist 20:39

1+ y ago20:39

20:39

Host Lisa Cahill chats with partners in life and work, Csilla Csongvay and Matt Blackwood. In this episode, Csilla and Matt share the inspirations behind their work, what it takes to enter an award, and how they made a single sculpture from 100 pieces of clay. Hear from judges Jason Smith, Hyeyoung Cho and Brian Parkes on their work, Walk the Line …

1
Into the contemporary poetry archive 44:19

1+ y ago44:19

44:19

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW CEO Peggy Hughes speaks to four dazzling voices in contemporary poetry. On Wednesday 22 November, Jay Bernard, Anthony Vahni Capildeo, Gail McConnell and Joelle Taylor gathered to celebrate the launch of exciting new poetry archive collection, ‘Towards a Centre for Contemporary Poetry in the Archive'. This p…

1
Julie Blyfield, MAKE Award finalist 20:04

1+ y ago20:04

20:04

Host Lisa Cahill chats with contemporary jeweller Julie Blyfield. Hear how Julie's MAKE Award entry is inspired by love and loss. Julie Blyfield is a South Australian artist renowned for her work inspired by collected botanical specimens and forms. Using the traditional metalsmithing techniques of chasing and repoussé, Blyfield makes intricately te…

1
High Tea with Mrs Woo, MAKE Award finalist 22:23

1+ y ago22:23

22:23

Meet clothing designers High Tea With Mrs Woo. Rowena, Angela and Juliana Foong are three sisters who run a clothing label that focuses on sustainability and ethical production and who collaborate on design, making, mending and more. In this episode, you'll hear comments from MAKE Award judges Jason Smith, Hyeyoung Cho and Brian Parkes. And find ou…

1
How to Write a Script with Molly Naylor 59:09

1+ y ago59:09

59:09

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, writer and theatre director Jen Dewsbury speaks with writer, performer and NCW Academy tutor Molly Naylor about the craft of scriptwriting. Molly Naylor is the co-creator and writer of Sky One comedy After Hours. Her plays have been toured nationally and broadcast on BBC Radio 4. She wrote and performed …

1
MAKE Award winner, ceramic artist Vipoo Srivilasa 21:57

1+ y ago21:57

21:57

Meet the winner of the Inaugural MAKE Award, ceramic artist Vipoo Srivilasa. Vipoo tells us about the themes that inspire his work, the process of making the winning piece Diverse Dominion Deities, his strategic approach to the MAKE award, and Vipoo's ongoing charity project 'Clay For'. Hear comments from judges Jason Smith, Hyeyoung Cho and Brian …

1
Series 3: Behind the scenes of the MAKE Award 1:52

1+ y ago1:52

1:52

Series 3 introduces the winner, four finalists and the judges of Australia’s newest and richest award for contemporary craft - the MAKE Award. This major new national award by us, the Australian Design Centre, celebrates innovation in contemporary craft and design. Over five episodes you’ll meet winner Vipoo Srivilasa and finalists the Foong Sister…

1
In conversation with bestselling crime writer Ian Rankin 47:04

1+ y ago47:04

47:04

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, former NCW CEO Chris Gribble spoke to bestselling crime writer Ian Rankin about his new standalone short thriller The Rise. Ian Rankin was born in the Kingdom of Fife in 1960 and graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1982. He is the internationally bestselling author of the Inspector Rebus and De…

1
The craft of life writing with Fiona Mason 43:05

1+ y ago43:05

43:05

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, former NCW CEO Chris Gribble caught up with author Fiona Mason to discuss her memoir 36 Hours and the craft of life writing. Originally from the Midlands, Fiona Mason now lives between the salt marshes of the east of England, and the Ariege Pyrenees in southwest France where she's renovating a house with…

1
Writing Short Stories with Yan Ge 43:47

1+ y ago43:47

43:47

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Programme Officer Vicki Maitland caught up with writer and NCW Academy tutor Yan Ge to discuss the process of writing short stories. Yan is a fiction writer, writing in both Chinese and English, and is the author of thirteen books in Chinese, including five novels. She has received numerous awards and was na…

1
Music and translation with Kalaf Epalanga & Daniel Hahn 1:02:39

1+ y ago1:02:39

1:02:39

This episode of The Writing Life features musician and writer Kalaf Epalanga and writer, editor and translator Daniel Hahn on the process of writing and translating Kalaf’s exhilarating debut novel, Whites Can Dance Too. They were interviewed by NCW Programme Manager Rebecca DeWald. Kalaf Epalanga is a musician and writer. Best known internationall…

1
Priscilla Morris on writing resistance and community in Black Butterflies 49:27

1+ y ago49:27

49:27

In this episode we’re bringing you a conversation with debut novelist and creative writing teacher Priscilla Morris. Priscilla’s first novel Black Butterflies is the author’s personal response to the war that devastated her mother’s hometown of Sarajevo, Bosnia, in the former Yugoslavia, from 1992-1996. Priscilla spoke to NCW Communications Assista…

1
Working Class Noir with Tom Benn 57:46

1+ y ago57:46

57:46

In this episode of The Writing Life, we are joined by author, screenwriter and lecturer Tom Benn to discuss his latest novel, Oxblood. Set in 1980s South Manchester, Benn's blazing novel of female solidarity and the legacy of male violence centres on three generations of women at the heart of an underworld family. It won the 2022 Sunday Times Charl…

1
Writing Real People in Memoir with Katy Massey 34:54

2y ago34:54

34:54

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Programme Officer Vicki Maitland speaks with writer, editor and workshop leader Katy Massey about the process of writing real people in memoir. Katy was a journalist for many years before studying for an MA and PhD in Creative Writing. Her memoir, Are We Home Yet? was published in 2020 and praised by Bernard…

1
How to Write Suspense Fiction with Claire McGowan 50:11

2y ago50:11

50:11

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Chris Gribble caught up with Claire McGowan to discuss how she got started as a writer, her route(s) into publishing and how she’s maintained and developed a career in writing across a range of genres and over a lengthy period of time. Claire McGowan published her first novel in 2012, and has…

1
Writing a Biography with Patrick Barkham 42:06

2y ago42:06

42:06

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Chris Gribble speaks with writer Patrick Barkham about the process of writing his new book The Swimmer, and how he found ways to ‘hear’ the voice of an author whose work he knew well, but who he never met. Patrick Barkham is an award-winning author and natural history writer for the Guardian.…

1
Life as a Poet - with Raymond Antrobus 57:19

2y ago57:19

57:19

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Chris Gribble speaks with writer, poet and educator Raymond Antrobus in an interview which was recorded ahead of his performance at the City of Literature weekend 2023. City of Literature takes place in May each year and is a National Centre for Writing and Norfolk & Norwich Festival partners…

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National Centre For Writing Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen