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 was an Amazon Number 1 bestseller, The Bookseller One To Watch, Amazon Editor's Choice for Black History Month 2022, featured in The Guardian Children's & Teens Best New Novels and was on an Amazon Billboard for Black History Month in Leicester Square. Her latest book 'Only For the Holidays' was published autumn 2023.

She sits down with NCW Communications Assistant Caitlin to discuss her festive YA books 'Love in Winter Wonderland' and 'Only for the Holidays'. Together, they explore Abiola's advice for creating the perfect festive setting, her decision to write dual perspective books, and the importance of diversity in media set at Christmas.

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 We Come From: Rap Home and Hope in Modern Britain is a social history of British Rap. It was released via Faber & Faber in January 2024.

Together, Josh and Aniefiok discuss Neef's route into journalism, and why he decided to write about music in his debut book. They also touch on writing national and landmark stories, how to turn real life events into fully immersive and colourful storytelling, and the process of interviewing and reporting for narrative non-fiction.

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 thriller fans for his fast-paced page-turners full of unexpected plot twists, sinister characters, and accurate portrayal of modern day policing, he has won over 40 awards for his work including the WHSmith Best Crime Author of All Time Award and Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger.

Together, Peter and Peggy discuss the practical implications of his research for his thriller novels. They also touch on the start of his writing career, his advice for keeping readers glued to the page, and his process for writing and developing the characters for his crime thriller series.