Nicholls, Barker and Makumbi in novel-writing podcast series

A podcast has launched aimed at helping aspiring writers to write a novel, with guest speakers including acclaimed authors such as David Nicholls and Pat Barker.

Supported by New Writing North with funding from Arts Council England, the "Write Your Novel" podcast is running over eight episodes and is hosted by award-winning author Yvonne Battle-Felton. In each episode Battle-Felton has a conversation with an author around an element of writing. Each episode ends with a writing exercise focusing on the technique the writer discussed.

The first episode is on structure with Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, the winner of this year's Jhalak Prize, and is available on

. There is also a Discord community for writers to come together to discuss their writing. 

Barker talks about how complex characters help to engage readers and provide moments of empathy, while Alex Wheatle discusses the use of tension, explaining the decisions he makes to guide readers through the narrative and maintain the feeling of suspense and shock. Sarah Moss talks about setting, and its role, not just in driving the narrative, but in developing character.

The series is devised and presented by Battle-Felton and produced by Candace Wilson for Sonderbug Productions. 

Battle-Felton said: “This series is about making creative writing accessible to writers at any stage of their craft.”