The Hobcast Book Show

236: Secrets and suspense - with Jo Furniss

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:58:16 GMT

Fear. There's a lot of it about currently. That's the currency of thriller and suspense authors of course, and our guest this week, British journalist and author Jo Furniss is brilliant at mining reader's inherent fears. Her most recent novel, Guilt Trip, poses a scenario all parents will dread: a minibus carrying the school swimming team never arrives back from a gala. The police don't know where it's gone and the school's 'no phones' policy means none of the kids has a device. They have vanished. Jo takes us through her craft, from original idea to finished novel, and shares the secrets of a great psychological suspense thriller.

Also this week, a Cambridge University survey suggests that over half of authors believe AI will replace them in future, and we discuss a new scheme to ensure the book you buy is written by a human, rather than a bot.

Jo Furniss

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Guilt-Trip-unputdownable-thriller-Belinda-ebook/dp/B0DTRQHG6D

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235: The real deal - with Ilana Berry

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:04:07 GMT

The Hobcast Book Show brings you an unmissable one-hour interview with U.S. author and former CIA officer I.S. Berry. Ilana's multi award-winning debut novel The Peacock and the Sparrow has been hailed as a modern spy classic, blending real-world intrigue with gripping fiction. Ilana's inspiration came from her intelligence work during the Arab Spring, and we explore her journey from intelligence to literature, uncovering the secrets behind her storytelling. If you love thrillers, espionage, and insider perspectives, this episode is your passport to the shadow world.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca share insights from the Indie Press Network's marketing day in London, and reveal Amazon's plans to offer authors AI translations for their books.

I.S. Berry

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Peacock-Sparrow-Winner-Edgar-Award-ebook/dp/B0CTB1BC38

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234: A love of modern romance - with Jeevani Charika

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:01:00 GMT

We're back! Our summer hiatus was a little longer than we planned, but we're delighted to bring you The Hobcast Book Show again. Our guest this week is Rhoda Baxter, queen of witty, heartfelt romcoms. She also writes as Jeevani Charika, exploring multicultural women’s fiction with depth and warmth. We talk about smart heroines, nice‑guy heroes, and the craft of writing under two names. A former microbiologist turned intellectual property specialist, Rhoda brings a unique perspective to her writing life—balancing science, creativity, and a love of cake. It's a truly inspiring interview.

Also this week, we hear how leading UK independent publishers have warned that they're facing an existential threat, and can you really publish a book that smells of mayonnaise?

Jeevani Charika and Rhoda Baxter – Comfort reads with a dash of fun

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233: The Romance of Italy - with Katherine Mezzacappa

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:40:13 GMT

This week we're joined from Italy by the brilliant Katherine Mezzacappa. Born in Ireland, Katherine is now based Tuscany, a country which has inspired her work as a historical and contemporary novelist. Her most recent novel, The Ballad of Mary Kearney was published earlier this year, sees Katherine return to her Irish roots, telling the tragic tale of an 18th century nobleman who secretly marries his servant, in defiance of law, class, and religion. But Italy also features heavily in Katherine's work, including The Maiden of Florence published in 2024, based on true events involving the powerful Medici family. Writing as Katie Hutton, Katherine has also published four novels with leading publisher Bonnier Zaffre. Katherine is also a passionate advocate of short fiction, and works with us as a judge on The Henshaw Short Story competition. This interview is laced with brilliant advice for authors of all persuasions.

Also this week, we hear about trouble for retail giant WH Smith, while rivals Waterstones go from strength to strength thanks to a growth in sales to a younger generation of readers.

Katherine Mezzacappa – Katherine Mezzacappa – Author

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ballad-Mary-Kearney-Katherine-Mezzacappa-ebook/dp/B0CZQJFJD6

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Maiden-Florence-captivating-historical-retelling-ebook/dp/B0CWFBKHX7

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232: Ice and Crime - with Sólveig Pálsdóttir

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:38:22 GMT

If you're beginning to think we're obsessed with Icelandic crime fiction here on The Hobcast Bookshow - you may be right. We're delighted to be joined this week by our third great Icelandic crime fiction writer in recent months, Sólveig Pálsdóttir, the author of the popular Ice and Crime series. As we explore in this wide-ranging interview, Sólveig enjoyed a varied career prior to becoming an author, including several years as one of Iceland's leading actors, before family life encouraged a switch to teaching, with the occasional appearance in TV dramas. But now her principal focus is writing further cases for her detectives, Guðgeir and Elsa Guðrún, translated into English by the brilliant Quentin Bates and published by Corylus Books.

Also this week, we discuss the threat posed by AI-written low quality books posing as established titles. Is it time for online retailers to tighten up their submission protocols?

Sólveig Pálsdóttir – Corylus Books

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08Y5NPMKV

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231: Launching a new series - with Victoria Dowd

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 18:14:41 GMT

In many ways, British crime authors are lucky. They stand on the shoulders of giants from the so-called 'Golden Age' of the genre: Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Margery Allingham, G.K. Chesterton and Ronald Knox were just a few of the greats who established both the rules of the genre, and laid the foundations for crime fiction's enduring popularity with UK and international readers. Our guest this week, Victoria Dowd, is an avowed fan of this era, so when it came to creating her new series, The Charlotte Blood Chronicles, it was natural that she set the opening novel, Death in the Aviary in 1928. Victoria has given both the traditional country house setting and locked mystery a twist: her cast of characters are trapped in a lift, the lights cut out, there's a shot, and a victim lies dead. As Victoria tells us, launching a new series in a historical period required huge levels of research, not least into the habits and behaviour of ravens! It's a departure from the books that established Victoria as one of Britain's rising crime-writing stars, The Smart Woman's Mystery Series. And it doesn't harm that Victoria is a former barrister who worked regularly at the Old Bailey.

Also this week, we ask is the CEO of Penguin Random House's response to the recent scandal engulfing Raynor Winn's The Salt Path adequate? And can you really give each of the novels long-listed for this year's Booker Prize a two word review?

About – Victoria Dowd

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Death-Aviary-Charlotte-Blood-Chronicles/dp/1915523532

https://www.amazon.co.uk/COMPLETE-MYSTERIES-gripping-terribly-mysteries-ebook/dp/B0DQVHFGKB

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230: A love letter to Oakland - with Nick Baham

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:06:05 GMT

It sometimes feels as if this podcast feeds our "must visit pile". Whether it's Iceland, Seattle, Barcelona, Romania or Maine, our guests fuel our wanderlust with their passion for their home areas. That's the case again this week with our enthralling conversation with Dr. Nicholas Louis Baham III as we discuss his debut crime novel, The People's Detective. Set in present day Oakland, California, it's a celebration of all facets of Nick's fascinating home city. As he tells us, Oakland is a city of contradictions with great wealth and considerable poverty, and being a major port, a true melting pot of different nationalities. It's also a city with a proud record of protest and the struggle for equality, which underpin Nick's work. Nick's passion for Oakland shines through in this fascinating interview.

Also this week, as the dust settles on another Harrogate Crime Fiction festival for another year, we ask "how much?". Yes, it seems bar prices have reached a new stratospheric level at the UK's premier crime fiction event. And we celebrate the growth of niche independent bookshops as a romance specialist store opens in Notting Hill in London.

Home | Nicholas Louis Baham

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Peoples-Detective-Sonny-Trueheart-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0D886W1ZG

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229: The Organised Writer - with Antony Johnston

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 10:09:44 GMT

Some guests are so good we have to give them two shows. So we're delighted to welcome back Antony Johnston again this week to discuss the methods and techniques he uses to cope with writing multiple projects in multiple formats at the same time. His advice is based on years or trial and error during his career as a writer for video games, films, graphic novels and fiction, as well as extensive research into many productivity systems and ideologies. First published in 2020, his book The Organised Writer distils all this research and advice, and suggests methods all creative professionals can adopt to improve their productivity and flow. So prepare to put aside a weekend, re-organise your workspace, and enjoy the benefits of uninterrupted creative endeavour. It's a brilliant interview full of useful insights and advice.

Also this week, we delve into the controversy surrounding Raynor Winn, the author of the best-selling memoir The Salt Path, and we discuss if AI really can translate your work into multiple languages at the press of a button.

Antony Johnston

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Organised-Writer-projects-never-deadline/dp/1472977181

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228: The Polymath Writer - with Antony Johnston

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 11:57:35 GMT

Antony Johnston's list of achievements as a writer take the breath away. His work has been made into a star-studded Hollywood film. He's a legend in the video games industry with some of the biggest franchises amongst his credits. He's worked in the Marvel Comic universe with superheroes such as Daredevil and Wolverine. Antony is also an accomplished novelist working across a number of genres, including thrillers, cosy crime, and now, an innovative take on the "whodunnit" where readers try to solve the crime themselves and have to make decisions as they read Can You Solve The Murder which was published last month. This is a fascinating interview. So good in fact, that we've split it into two parts. Next week Antony will take us through his system for improving your productivity as a writer or freelance creative.

Also this week, we run through the winners of this year's CWA Daggers, and ask, should job-sharing become standard practice in publishing?

Antony Johnston

Can You Solve The Murder: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Can-You-Solve-Murder-Investigate-ebook/dp/B0D5QP9W2H

Dog Sitter Detective series: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BW9MGPQC

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227: Adopting the Eastern Story Structure - with Jodie Robins

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 09:59:30 GMT

We had one of those moments this week. In fact we had a few. Those moments when you are given an insight or information that challenges your perception of the world or the work you do. One of those came during our interview with author Jodie Robins, whose debut novella The Off-Season was published earlier this month. Jodie adopted the Eastern Story Structure or Kishōtenketsu, which is traditionally divided into four acts and, in contrast with western story structures, does not require conflict to drive the narrative. As Jodie tells us, it was both challenging and liberating in equal measure. The result is a captivating story set in wintry Blackpool, described by one reviewer as a "darkly glittering fairground of a novella." It's been published by our friends at Wild Hunt Books as part of their Northern Weird series.

As for the other moments of insight, Rebecca and Adrian attended this year's Self Publishing Show Live 2025 in London this week. How has the show changed since we first attended five years ago? What are the latest trends in book marketing for independent creators? And how will a landmark legal ruling impact the long-running battle between copyright holders and big tech companies looking to fuel their AI systems?

Jodie Robins | Substack

The Off-Season by Jodie Robins The Northern Weird Project — wild hunt books

The Northern Weird Project — wild hunt books

The Self Publishing Show LIVE! 2024 - Digital Tickets

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226: The continuing rise of Icelandic crime fiction - with Jón Atli Jónasson

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 17:23:01 GMT

The rise and rise of Icelandic crime fiction continues, and we at The Hobcast Bookshow are here for it! We're delighted to be joined this week by internationally acclaimed playwright, screenwriter and author Jón Atli Jónasson, whose brilliant novel Broken was published in translation this month by Corylus Books. His plays have been performed in major cities including London, Paris, Berlin, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Athens.

Jón has also written a number of film scripts, most notably The Deep, produced by 101 Studios Iceland and based on his own play, which was shortlisted for Best Foreign Feature at the 85th Academy Awards in 2015. His crime novels all take place in modern-day Iceland and focus on themes such as corruption within the police force, changing dynamics in Iceland’s society, the evolving underworld and shifting power structures in politics and business. This is a brilliant interview with a master storyteller, who is also joined by translator and former Hobcast guest, Quentin Bates.

Also this week, we discuss major changes at leading UK indie crime publisher Bloodhound Books including a partnership with AI-powered editing service, Pro Writing Aid, and is a 31% rise in UK audiobook sales in 2024 as exciting as it seems?

Jón Atli Jónasson – Corylus Books

Broken: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Broken-J%C3%B3n-Atli-J%C3%B3nasson-ebook/dp/B0DVZFZ6Y7

132: Inside Icelandic Noir - with Quentin Bates - The Hobcast Book Show | Acast

Enhancing Our Editorial Process: A New Partnership with ProWritingAid — Bloodhound Books

Audiobooks and fiction drove growth in 2024 - Publishers Association

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225: Risking Everything - with J.D. Barker

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 08:44:48 GMT

Every so often, when Rebecca and I put down our microphones after an interview, we turn to each other and say: "That was great." Our interview with New York Times bestseller J.D. Barker is a classic example of that feeling. His journey to the top of the bestseller lists is remarkable. Encouraged by his wife, J.D. sold up everything and they moved to a small duplex in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania while he wrote his debut novel Forsaken. With some support from Stephen King, the book took off, and soon J.D. was being approached by major publishers. He's also written six novels in partnership with James Patterson, and in this fascinating interview J.D. reveals how the two men have influenced each other in the way they approach the craft. J.D's latest novel, Something I keep Upstairs, is his latest release under his own imprint within the Simon and Schuster empire. This is a remarkable story of how taking a huge risk can pay off with skill, creativity, and daring.

Also this week, we look again at the downwash from the issues at struggling indie-publisher Boundless/Unbound, and we ask - why are children reading less?

J.D. BARKER - NY Times Bestselling Author | Master of Suspense

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forsaken-J-D-Barker-ebook/dp/B00P1W6RDQ

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Something-Keep-Upstairs-J-D-Barker-ebook/dp/B0DJW9ZHWV

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224: Storytelling for all ages - with Anne Booth

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 15:54:57 GMT

You'll know by now that we're obsessed with good storytelling here at The Hobcast Bookshow. Our guest this week, author Anne Booth, has a passion for engaging readers, whatever their age. Anne waited until she was 49 before her first book was published, but she's certainly making up for lost time. Her publisher credits include Puffin, Nosy Crow, OUP, Walker Books, Templar, Tiny Owl, Egmont and Lion, and Catnip. Her works range from picture books for the under fives, through to cosy mysteries for adults. Her story is an inspiring one, demonstrating an unrelenting commitment to creativity and a determination to persevere. As Anne tells us, not all her ideas are going to attract interest, but you should never be disheartened or give up.

Also this week, we examine the shortlist for the Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Novel of the year, and we hear how one aspect of publishing is being positively influenced by AI.

Anne Booth – Author

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=anne+booth&i=amazon-devices&crid=15TPMJP6M5ZU8

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223: The coach will see you now - with Rachel Grosvenor

Fri, 30 May 2025 10:31:46 GMT

Anyone embarking on writing a book will know how tough a journey that can be, and how many unexpected bumps and hurdles can be encountered. Our guest this week, Rachel Grosvenor, has combined her knowledge as a writer and editor with her training as a certified life coach to become a writing coach. She aims to help her clients through the creative writing process from idea to completion, and help them to balance busy lives with completing their writing goals. Rachel draws heavily on her own experience - she completed her PhD while working two jobs, so she understands the competing pressures facing her clients. Rachel is also a successful author: The Finery was published to great acclaim in August 2023, and her next novel, Witchborne will be published in September.

Also this week we reveal how authors formerly published by UK independent publisher Unbound will have to wait longer to receive the money they're owed, and we look at the CWA Daggers shortlist for 2025, how many former Hobcast guests feature on the lists.

Rachel Grosvenor Author – Rachel Grosvenor Author

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Finery-Rachel-Grosvenor-ebook/dp/B0CGVF282Q

Witchborne by Rachel Grosvenor | flyonthewallpress

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222: Finding inspiration - with Alison Stockham

Fri, 23 May 2025 11:53:21 GMT

We're thrilled to be speaking to author Alison Stockham again on The Hobcast Book Show. Alison joins us for a third time, to celebrate the recent release of her latest psychological thriller, The Man She Married published by Boldwood Books. Regular listeners will know that Alison has a background in TV and film production, worked with the Cambridge Literary Festival, and is now a full-time author. In this great interview, Alison discusses the challenges she faced ensuring that her latest protagonist, an Australian woman, was authentic and believable. So sit back and enjoy our in depth discussion about accents, Neighbours and coffee!

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss the potential implications of yet another huge change in the way that audiobook distributor Findaway Voices will operate from August as rights-holders are forced to use two platforms for their productions rather than one.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Man-She-Married-Alison-Stockham-ebook/dp/B0CW1PV9HD

Spotify Transitions Select Audiobook Distribution Services to INaudio

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221: Meet the queen of Catalan crime fiction - with Teresa Solana

Thu, 15 May 2025 16:30:11 GMT

Can crime fiction rebuild a national identity? Our guest this week, award-winning author Teresa Solana, believes it can certainly help. Teresa has won admirers world-wide for her crime fiction centered on her native Catalonia and Barcelona, which has been translated into eight languages. But she's most proud of her contribution to rekindling the Catalan language, so long repressed under the regime of General Franco following the Spanish Civil War. Teresa tells us that crime fiction is the perfect vehicle to celebrate the language, the culture and unique humour of the people of the city and wider region. Now living in Bristol, Teresa is also a translator, and was director of the translation center in Tarassona between 1998 and 2004. Her most recent novel, Black Storms, was published in translation by Corylus Books last October. This is a joyous interview celebrating the power of language.

Also this week, Amazon and KDP announce a cut in royalties for paperbacks priced below a certain threshold. Does this spell the end of indie and self-publishing? And can Rebecca master a new random accent?

Teresa Solana – Corylus Books

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Storms-Teresa-Solana/dp/1739298977

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220: Juggling Multiple Series - with Douglas Skelton

Thu, 08 May 2025 14:23:52 GMT

Our guest this week, Scottish crime author Douglas Skelton probably won't mind us saying that he's had an eclectic career, so juggling writing several book series in parallel might be easier for him than it would be for other authors. As we discuss in this wide-ranging interview, Douglas wrote several true crime non-fiction books before switching to crime fiction in 2013. Nominated multiple times for the prestigious McIlvanney prize, Douglas has established himself as one of Scotland's leading crime authors, and last year published three novels: his sixth Rebecca Connolly contemporary thriller The Hollow Mountain, and two books in his historical crime and adventure Company of Rogues series set in the early 18th century. So how does he manage to juggle the demands of two series and be so prolific?

Also this week, we discuss how last week's release of an AI enabled writing course from Agatha Christie has gone down on social media, and we celebrate releasing our latest Hobeck title, the brilliant Year Zero by Rob Gittins.

Douglas Skelton - Crime Writer

The Hollow Mountain: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hollow-Mountain-Rebecca-Connolly-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0CM4N8SDD

A Thief's Blood: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thiefs-Blood-gripping-historical-thriller-ebook/dp/B0D52DXP38

Year Zero: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=year+zero+rob+gittins&crid=3L1RZ56WH8XHU

https://www.hobeck.net

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219: Planning for publishing success - with Jayne Chard

Thu, 01 May 2025 14:57:50 GMT

We love speaking to true storytellers on The Hobcast Book Show. Our guest this week, Jayne Chard, fits that description perfectly, even though she published her debut novel, More Than Murder this week. It's the first in a series of cosy crime novels Jayne plans to publish. But Jayne is no stranger to telling crime stories. She is a hugely successful and award-winning TV and film drama producer, with the hugely popular BBC cold-case drama Silent Witness prominent in her list of credits. She's also been a documentary maker, playwright and theatre director. But Jayne will be the first to admit that she's found the process of publishing her first book at times challenging and frustrating, with many hurdles thrown up by the publishing platforms and industry systems. So can you plan your way to publishing success, applying the lessons learned from a career at the top of TV and film production? This is a fascinating and wide-ranging interview.

Also this week, should we dismayed that Agatha Christie has been brought back to life by the BBC and AI to teach aspiring writers the secrets of her craft? And should a book published by an imprint owned by Penguin Random House feature in the Independent Publishing Bestseller lists?

Jayne Chard – Author Of More Than Murder

https://www.amazon.co.uk/More-Than-Murder-unputdownable-intriguing-ebook/dp/B0F381RKHS

Agatha Christie AI BBC Maestro behind-the-scenes: https://youtu.be/26Tn5OjMcAM?si=0n6HwXpX1oL7D_ZW6Tn5OjMcAM?si=0n6HwXpX1oL7D_ZW

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218: Protest in America - with Denise Ohio

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 09:51:06 GMT

It's fair to say that 2025 has been an unusual and surprising year so, driven largely by events in the United States. Almost as soon as we record our news section for The Hobcast Book Show, it fast becomes out of date as President Trump signs a new executive order or publishes his latest social media post. Upheaval in America is nothing new of course, but for our guest this week, author and film maker Denise Ohio, current challenges hold strong echoes with an event she has spent many years researching and publicising, the 1916 Everett Massacre. It's the subject of Ohio's documentary Verona: The Story of the Everett Massacre which took twenty years to make. It tells the story of the events of Sunday 5th November, 1916, when members of a union, the I.W.W arrived on the dock at Everett to support the striking shingle weavers who'd been on strike for five months. When violence broke out, several men lay dead or dying. It's become a celebrated event in the struggle for free speech in the United States, but as Ohio tells us, events were far more complex than that - so much so - she has now embarked on writing eight novels telling the stories of some of the people involved. This is a fascinating and thought-provoking interview that draws parallels between today's events and the struggles of the past.

Also this week, we discuss how the closure of crowd-sourced publishing pioneers Unbound will leave some contributors out of pocket, and is it ever write to microwave a mug of coffee?

Verona: The Story of the Everett Massacre

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217: What young people read - with Toorop Mavo students, NL

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 12:28:09 GMT

We're really excited to be bringing you something different in this week's show. We're joined by six students from Toorop Mavo in Rotterdam in the Netherlands, all of whom are taking the Cambridge English course as an additional option to their usual studies. All our guests are around 15 years old, and each read one of our Hobeck books before we interviewed them - choosing between Echo Rock by Robert Daws, and a prequel novella by Lin Le Versha. So what did they make of their first taste of crime fiction? And what do they normally read? This is a fascinating interview that highlights the challenges younger reader face in finding time to read, and even access to books.

Also this week, we ask if the UK government are exploiting the country's creative sector to secure a trade deal with the United States, and we discuss a new development for Kindle users - "Recap" - which uses AI to give readers a reminder of key events from book series they love before they read their next instalment.

De Toorop Mavo De TooropMavo

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216: Entertainingly Murderous - with Caroline Westbrook

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:10:12 GMT

A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of speaking to veteran entertainment and celebrity public relations expert and author, Peter Berry. He gave us an insight into how difficult it is to mediate between his celebrity clients and the demands of journalists. It's time to hear from the other side of things. Debut author Caroline Westbrook is an entertainment journalist who has faced the challenge of encouraging her celebrity interviewees to say something fresh and interesting, even if it's the hundredth interview of their promotional tour. Drawing extensively on her career in newspapers, magazines and the BBC, her novel Troublemaker delves into the high-pressure world of entertainment journalism and gives it a murderous twist. As Caroline, writing as C.R Westbrook explains, many of her colleagues believe they've been the inspiration behind her characters.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss the potential impact of Donald Trump's trade tariffs on the publishing industry. Will books be harder to sell in uncertain economic times?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TROUBLEMAKER-C-R-Westbrook-ebook/dp/B0DQ16S84J

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215: Panning for gold - with Chris Lloyd

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 19:41:34 GMT

In the second part of our interview with award-winning historical author Chris Lloyd, we discover how unexpected historical research details impact his storytelling and novels. Chris spends three months digging into the minutiae of life in wartime Paris for each of his Occupation Series novels, and is often surprised by what he finds. As he explains, his plans can change dramatically as a result.

Also this week, we discuss this year's author line-up for the Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Festival in Harrogate. Is it the same old faces, or can we look forward to something a bit different from this year's chair, Mick Herron?

The Occupation Series — Chris Lloyd

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214: Embrace your author nature - with Chris Lloyd

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:28:23 GMT

Some interviews are so fascinating we decide to run them over two episodes. That was certainly the case with our guest this week, Chris Lloyd, winner of the Historical Writers' Association Gold Crown for the best historical novel of the year. The winning title, The Unwanted Dead was the opening novel in his Occupation Series, set in wartime Paris, in which Detective Eddie Giral tries to ensure justice is served despite working under Nazi occupation. In part one of this interview, Chris explains that he's learned to accept that he's a born pantser as an author, and that his best work comes when he allows inspiration to lead him, rather than a firm plan.

Also this week, we discuss the story that has dominated the minds of indie authors and publishers this week - the revelation that Facebook's parent-company Meta has used illegal pirate websites to ingest vast quantities of copyright-protected fiction and non-fiction to teach its AI models. How should authors react? And what can be done to protect their rights and incomes?

Chris Lloyd - Crime Fiction Author

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unwanted-Dead-Chris-Lloyd-ebook/dp/B086GJ2B83

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213: How to follow a dream debut - with Callum McSorley

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 20:16:37 GMT

We'd like to introduce you to two words, if you haven't already discovered them, that will change your life. One is stramash, a Scottish noun for "uproar, brawl or tumult." The other, which also features in the back cover blurb of our guest Callum McSorley's second novel, is the brilliant shitemire, which we think succinctly sums up the world at present. As you'll hear, both words feature fairly heavily in our interview with Callum, who enjoyed a stellar debut with his breakthrough novel Squeaky Clean in 2023. Amongst the accolades and amazing critical reviews it received, it won the coveted McIvanney Prize for the best Scottish crime novel. Set in a car wash in East Glasgow, and inspired by Callum's experience of working in one, it's a dazzling and funny crime novel. His follow up, Paperboy, was released last week. So how has Callum coped with the pressure of second-novel syndrome?

Also this week, it's an exciting week for Hobeck Books with the release of our psychological thriller , What You See by Hilly Barmby, and Rebecca reflects on her visit to this year's London Book Fair.

callummcsorley.com

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Squeaky-Clean-Callum-McSorley-ebook/dp/B0BT8SGQLV

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paperboy-Callum-McSorley-ebook/dp/B0DFYC9KFH

https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-You-See-page-turning-psychological-ebook/dp/B0DS44FTSG

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212: Writing on the job - with Jenny O'Brien

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 14:42:03 GMT

Finding time to write can be one of the biggest challenges for any author. That's certainly the experience of our guest this week, Jenny O'Brien, who for years had to find pockets of time in her busy career as a nurse to jot down ideas or write scenes. She tells us she always had a notebook handy, and sometimes used dictation during her breaks on the ward to add to her work in progress. Now the successful author of the popular Detective Gaby Darin series published by HQ Digital, as well as romances and psychological thrillers, her next novel published next month, The Book of Lost Children, is a departure for Jenny; it's partially set in Guernsey in 1943. Also in this inspiring interview, Jenny explains how a love of open water swimming has fueled her creativity.

Also this week, we discuss how American tariffs are scaring the U.S publishing industry, and Rebecca looks forward to her visit to this year's London Book Fair in London.

Jenny O'Brien Author | Irish writer

Detective Gaby Darin (6 book series) Kindle edition

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Book-Lost-Children-Jenny-OBrien-ebook/dp/B0DTX81TG4

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211: The Wonder of Storytelling - with Cauvery Madhavan

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 13:14:29 GMT

We're always on the lookout for ways to unlock the creative juices, and our guest this week, author Cauvery Madhavan recommends an early morning round of golf to set the mood. Born in India, but based in Ireland since her early twenties, Cauvery draws inspiration from both her homeland and her adopted country for her storytelling. The author of four novels, her most recent work, The Inheritance, was published last year. Set in the stunning Beara Peninsular in south-west Ireland, it tells the story of Marlo, a young London-Irish man who moves to the area to recover from a devastating revelation. He inherits a minibus service from a neighbour, unleashing a series of surprising adventures. As Cauvery explains, she never sets out with a plan for her books, but delights in the way her characters and settings guide her work. This is a joyous interview.

Also this week, we discuss how several leading UK literary festivals are working together to survive hard times, and how arts bodies in the United States are reacting to tough new directives brought in by the Trump administration.

Cauvery Madhavan – Author, Journalist, Blogger

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inheritance-Cauvery-Madhavan-ebook/dp/B0DF93T83H

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210: Finding the spark - with Roxie Key

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 11:32:04 GMT

Over the course of four years of creating this podcast we've noticed certain themes emerge, not least the challenging path many writers take to final publication. Our guest this week, author Roxie Key, is a good example. As she tells us, she faced dozens of rejections from both publishers and agents before she secured representation and finally a deal with HQ for her debut novel, The Deadly Spark. It's an inspiring tale of perseverance. Roxie also explains how a creative writing degree from Middlesex University helped her to discover her voice, but perhaps more importantly showed her which writing styles and genres suited her best. The final key moment came when she discovered the crime fiction of Jane Casey in a charity shop, and Roxie fell in love with the genre.

Also this week, we discuss how many of the UK's leading creative figures are pressuring the government not to give AI companies free-reign to use their work without compensation, and we celebrate the publication of two new Hobeck Books titles by Lin Le Versha and David Jarvis.

Roxie Key - Author | Facebook

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deadly-Spark-brand-new-addictive-psychological-ebook/dp/B0CLN33FG3

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blood-Spots-gripping-Suffolk-mystery-ebook/dp/B0DPRCPBDY

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mongoose-Cobra-Mike-Kingdom-Thrillers-ebook/dp/B0DLQV47YV

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209: Meet the Deadly Dozen - with Peter Berry

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 11:20:00 GMT

Regular listeners to The Hobcast Book Show will know how obsessed Adrian is about Sir Michael Caine. So imagine his excitement when he found out our guest this week has acted as the great man's P.R. Not only that, but Peter Berry has represented some of the biggest film, TV, and music stars of the past thirty years, not to mention superstar chef Jamie Oliver too. Now Peter has become an author, with the second of his crime novels featuring The Deadly Dozen, Revenge of the Deadly Dozen, published by Bloodhound last month. As Peter explains, he wanted to create a team of retired protagonists for these novels - each bringing their specialist skills to the collective. But isn't managing the storylines of so many characters a huge challenge? Listen to hear how Peter dealt with that issue, and how a certain Hollywood superstar would call him each year to wish him a happy Christmas...

Also this week, we discuss how a cyber attack has disrupted one of the UK's leading book printing companies, and ask if the UK industry is ready to follow the lead of Simon and Schuster and abandon the practice of seeking puffs or blurbs to put on book covers.

Peter Berry — Bloodhound Books

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Revenge-Deadly-Dozen-unmissable-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0DFYP926Y

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208: From Comedy to Crime - with Colin Bostock-Smith

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 22:49:45 GMT

We often get a little giddy when we anticipate speaking to our guests on the show. That was certainly the case when we perused Colin Bostock-Smith's extraordinary list of comedy writing credits: The Two Ronnies, Not the Nine O'Clock News, The Clive James Show and Metal Mickey to name but a few. Now Colin has turned his hand to crime fiction. His debut novel, Sting of the Nettle was published by Diamond Books last month. It's a cosy murder mystery set in rural Devon in the 1950s, and draws extensively on Colin's childhood memories. As Colin tells us, the novel, the first in a series, came together quickly - a career of having to write rapidly for TV and radio certainly helped. This is a fascinating interview that takes you straight into the writing rooms of some of the greatest shows in British TV history.

Also this week, we discuss how the 'Big Six' UK publishers all enjoyed sales growth for their e-books in 2024, and the revelation that 90% of all e-book sales last year were sold through Amazon.

Colin Bostock-Smith ⋆ Diamond Books

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sting-Nettle-Martin-Mysteries-Book-ebook/dp/B0DSGPPYFX

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207: The power of prizes - with Anna Vaught

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 12:47:18 GMT

As you may be aware, we run a short-story competition alongside presenting The Hobcast Book Show and our publishing firm, Hobeck Books. The Henshaw Short Story competition has uncovered many new talented authors, and raised funds to support school libraries. So we were delighted to be contacted by author Anna Vaught who has created The Curae Prize for non-paid carers. There are millions of people in the UK alone who fall into this category, and Anna is proud that it has given so many people their first opportunity to explore their creativity despite often very difficult day-to-day circumstances. Anna herself is an accomplished published author of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Her fascination with magical realism shines through her work. She's also an editor, reviewer and English teacher. This is a fascinating, and dare we say it, magically eclectic interview!

Also this week, we welcome the decision by one Simon and Schuster executive, Sean Manning, to call for an end to the industry-wide practice of chasing authors for 'blurbs' or 'puffs' from their contemporaries. He argues that all that time spent chasing around for nice comments that can be splashed on the cover or inside pages is a waste of time, which could be better used writing more books instead. And we ask, will the new international trade tariffs imposed by President Trump signal difficult times ahead for publishing?

Anna Vaught Writes – Dr Anna Vaught: teacher, mentor, author, campaigner – Novels, short fiction, nonfiction, teaching, mentoring and editing

The Curae Prize – A writing prize – just for writers who are also carers

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206: The state of the crime fiction nation - with Donna Morfett

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 10:44:19 GMT

As we start 2025's run of shows, we thought we'd catch up with one of UK crime fiction's biggest champions, Donna Morfett, who returns to the show for the third time. Donna is a prolific blogger, the founder of The Dark Side of Brighton weekend crime festival, and an author in her own right. In recent weeks though, she's revealed how she's become embroiled in a dispute with a well-known fiction editor who she offered to help by lending her PayPal account. The act, made in good faith, left Donna owing a debt recovery company £1000. Encouraged by many members of the UK Crime Fiction community, Donna launched a Go Fund Me campaign and raised enough money to cover the debt in less than three days. As she tells us, the generosity of the donors has been extraordinary, and she remains determined to ensure that others don't face the issues she has.

Also this week, we pay tribute to former guest Amer Anwar (episode 118) who very sadly passed away this week. And we ask, will the potential sale of the WH Smith UK high shops change the publishing landscape?

Donna Morfett - Author

Select tickets – The Darkside of Brighton 2025 – Old Ship Hotel

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205: Learning from co-writing - with Joel Hames

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:55:59 GMT

As we return for 2025, the new year has already proved one thing - nothing in publishing ever stands still. It's an industry that is constantly evolving and adapting and facing new challenges. Our guest this week, author and editor Joel Hames, in many ways reflects this. As he tells us, when he released his first novel in 2014 he assumed the world would be ready to embrace it. Now, as an editor of dozens of books and a much more experienced author, he views his craft very differently. It's his close working relationship with bestselling author Rachel McLean that has made the biggest difference, Joel says. The fifth novel in their co-authored Cumbria Crime Series, The Lake, is released this week. With three books scheduled to be released each year, with reader magnets in between, Joel has had to become far more prolific and adapt his craft. In this fascinating interview he shares how he's adapted and changed as an author over the past decade.

Also this week, does the brief TikTok shutdown in the U.S herald more upheaval in the marketing sphere, and we discuss the issues facing innovative crowd-sourced publisher, Unbound.

Joel Hames – Author – Books that make you want to read

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lake-Cumbria-Crime-Book-ebook/dp/B0DGYN1DFT

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204: Crossing Genres - with Claire Sheldon

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 14:46:46 GMT

We're delighted to be joined this week by crime author Claire Sheldon, author of the Jen Garner series. Published by Choc Lit, an imprint of Joffe Books, Claire has laced her main character's life with a host of secrets and contradictions that threaten her perfect life. With four books published to date, the series offers a mix of psychological fiction and police procedural, and has built a loyal fan base.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca ask if The Bookseller's attempt to rank commissioning editors using data science misses the whole point and art of discovering new talent, and they reflect on another busy year as we approach Christmas. NOTE - The Hobcast Book Show will return in the New Year.

Claire Sheldon - Author | Facebook

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Lie-addictive-thriller-Detective-ebook/dp/B0DJDG4L1F

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203: Finding your voice in poetry - with Maria Cohut

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 06:01:37 GMT

We've delved into poetry on a few rare occasions on The Hobcast Book Show, so it feels right we explore it again with our guest, Maria Cohut. Maria's most recent published collection is Spatter Pattern, in which she takes inspiration from her love of classic crime fiction to give her poetry a narrative theme and power. As Maria tells us, she wants to explore challenging themes, particularly around gender-related violence, and leaning into crime fiction themes and metaphors gave her greater freedom creatively. This is a fascinating and thought-provoking interview.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca react to the news that next year's Crimefest will be the last, and ask with that platform gone, how will up-and-coming crime authors get their voices heard?

Maria Cohut (@mariac_phd) • Instagram photos and videos

Spatter Pattern - Maria Cohut

CrimeFest - Bristol's Annual Crime Fiction Convention

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202: A career as a storyteller - with Georgia Jeffries

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 06:01:13 GMT

We're delighted to be joined this week by multi-award winning author and screenwriter Georgia Jeffries from her home in Pasadena, California. Georgia's career in Hollywood began in the early 80s when she was invited to join the team behind a new cop drama, Cagney and Lacey, after she sent in a script on spec. With countless Writers Guild Awards and Golden Globes to her name, Georgia has recently released her most personal project to date - The Younger Girl - a historical thriller based on the tragedy that befell her aunt Aldine Younger in 1933 just outside Chicago. Georgia explains how the novel emerged from a journey that she and her father took shortly before he died to uncover the true story of Aldine's fate. Now a professor at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, Georgia explains how she has drawn on her extensive career in TV and film to bring this family story to life.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss the claim by new publishing startup Spines they'll be able to publish 8000 books next year by leaning heavily into AI publishing technology. Is it a threat to the existing publishing model, or is it vanity publishing in a different guise?

About | Author Georgia Jeffries

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Younger-Girl-Historical-Thriller-Based-ebook/dp/B0DFRC4YD3

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201: Juggling a complex narrative - with Ben Hawken

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 12:13:45 GMT

The great American novelist, Sinclair Lewis, was once asked by another writer how to approach flashbacks in fiction. The answer was simple and blunt. "Don't." So what do you do if your story demands time jumps? How do you deal with the complex narrative threads and keep your readers on board? It's one of the issues that our guest, Ben Hawken, faced with his debut novel Chandelier. His solution came in his editing process. He revised his manuscript repeatedly and read it out loud to spot any inconsistencies or issues. Ben says he hopes the result is a thrilling and expansive story, "both breathtaking in its scope and intensely intimate in its approach." This is a fascinating interview delving deep into how Ben realised his ambitious vision for the novel.

Also this week, we ask if Elon Musk's reach and power is really scaring publishers off from releasing biographies of him, and we delve into the new phenomenon of low-cost re-releases of classic works that have gone out of copyright. Is it really ok to add AI generated analysis of Dickens in the preface and call it scholarship?

https://www.benhawken.com/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chandelier-Ben-Hawken-ebook/dp/B0DFP6R3B8

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200: The secrets of a successful series - with Michael Wood

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 10:27:09 GMT

We've done it! 200 episodes of The Hobcast Book Show! To celebrate this landmark, we're joined by bestselling crime author Michael Wood, creator of the DCI Matilda Darke series. His twelfth novel in the series, Last One Left Alive, was published by Harper Collins imprint One More Chapter last month. In this fascinating interview, Michael explains how he moved from being an avowed crime fiction fan to successful author, and his secrets for keeping the novels fresh and inventive, as well as taking his principal character into unexplored challenges and difficulties. He also shares with us the challenges he's faced creating a new psychological thriller series, starring Dr Olivia Winter.

Also this week. we discuss the implications of a major takeover in the UK crime fiction publishing scene, and we're delighted to hear that 50 year old book tokens can still be used to buy books!

Amazon.co.uk: Michael Wood: books, biography, latest update

DCI Matilda Darke (13 book series) Kindle edition

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CV4YPDST

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199: The Future of Truth - with Lindley Gooden

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 13:26:48 GMT

Never has "truth" been under greater scrutiny than in the past months leading up to Donald Trump's re-election to the Presidency last week. It seems that every side of every debate claims to be speaking the truth, and accuses their opponents of spreading disinformation or downright lying. No matter what the issue, not everyone can be right, can they? So how do you discern what you can believe and what you can't. Our guest this week, Lindley Gooden, has written The Future of Truth: And How to Get There. Drawing on his many years as a journalist, Lindley offers some tips and techniques anyone can apply to check the veracity of what they read, are told and what they see. As Lindley tells us, these techniques have never been more needed.

Also this week, we discuss why Jamie Oliver has been forced to withdraw his latest children's book from sale worldwide, and we run through the shortlist for the world's weirdest book titles this year.

Lindley Gooden

The Future of Truth (and How to Get There)

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198: Drawing on your life experience - with Gillian Jackson

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 10:56:13 GMT

Every so often an interview will take a truly unexpected direction. That's the case this week as we speak to prolific author Gillian Jackson in her first ever podcast appearance. Gillian principally writes psychological fiction, which to some extent draws on her professional experiences as a therapeutic counsellor working with Victim Support. But as she reveals in this startling interview, she also draws on some difficult experiences of her own. He most recent novel, Ask Laura, marks a departure for Gillian into women's fiction, but all her work is imbued with humanity and empathy.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss the results of the Written Word Media Survey of independent authors which reveals a growing antipathy towards paid advertising platforms like Facebook and Amazon Ads. So what's the alternative?

Gillian Jackson – Fiction, Non-fiction and Short Stories

https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/2024-indie-author-survey-results-insights-into-self-publishing-for-authors/

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197: Bringing it home - with A J Aberford

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 11:46:10 GMT

We're delighted to be speaking to Hobeck Books author Tony Gartland, writing as AJ Aberford, in this episode, to mark the release of The Car Horn Revolution - the sixth and potentially final novel in the George Zammit series. It's perhaps the most personal adventure for our accidental Maltese police hero, as the book is set firmly in Malta, and his whole family face danger as geopolitical intrigue and outside forces threaten the island. It's been a remarkable journey for author and character alike - originally Tony wrote Bodies in the Water as a standalone thriller, but three years and five books further, George has risen through the ranks of the Maltese police. We discuss the cultural impact that George has made on Malta, and Tony also shares plans for a change of direction in his writing career.

Also this week, will a letter signed by over ten thousand famous creators really make the AI companies pause for thought? And we hear how Bob Dylan lost sleep thanks to the night time antics of hordes of publishers.

Home | AJ Aberford

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Car-Horn-Revolution-action-packed-Inspector-ebook/dp/B0DDHSWZKL

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196: AI Can't Write, But You Can - with Tom Albrighton

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 10:15:41 GMT

Regular listeners to The Hobcast Book Show might be forgiven for thinking that we're obsessed with AI. There's barely a week when we don't discuss the latest encroachment of AI into the publishing world, whether it be machine generated text and covers, or AI mimicking the work of audiobook narrators. Above all, we're concerned about how the big tech companies have ingested copyrighted works into their systems without any recompense for their creators. Our guest this week, Tom Albrighton, has just released a book examining these issues and assessing the scale and impact of AI systems on human creativity, particularly writing. How much of a threat do AI systems pose? In AI Can't Write, But You Can: Why human writing matters in the age of ChatGPT, Tom argues that AI systems are essentially highly-developed predictive text machines. They're good at synthesising what's expected in a certain type of writing, but they remain soulless and prone to mistakes. Tom says that humans should lean in to what makes them unique as authors, and make the most of what AI's lack - emotion. This is a provocative and timely interview.

Also this week, have Penguin Random House found a way to beat the AI companies? And why are hardback sales down year-on-year?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cant-Write-But-You-Can-ebook/dp/B0DFJ3RXRB

(25) Tom Albrighton | LinkedIn

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195: The melody of great writing - with Nigel Stewart

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 09:11:12 GMT

It's been an odd week here at The Hobcast Book Show. Rebecca and I have been watching the BBC's new smash-hit cosy crime series, Ludwig, starring David Mitchell. Nothing unusual in that you might say, but each episode has multiple aerial shots of the centre of Cambridge, where the stories are set. Each time they pop up, I exclaim, "there's my church!". I'm referring to Great St Mary's, where I was head chorister back in the early 80s. It reminds me of one of the happiest periods of my life. So why am I mentioning it now? Well, our guest this week, Nigel Stewart was also a chorister in the rather grander setting of Hereford Cathedral. Unlike me, he carried on with his passion for making and writing music. He's also a novelist, with five books released to date, including Colouring In, The Road Home, and Justinian's Daughters. How much do music and writing overlap? Listen to this fascinating interview to find out.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca react to the claim by Sir Ian Rankin that crime novels are becoming too long, and should be capped at 300 pages. Is that realistic?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Colouring-Nigel-Stewart/dp/1912677067

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Road-Home-Nigel-Stewart/dp/1739501217

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Justinians-Daughters-Nigel-Stewart/dp/173916525X

https://www.thetimes.com/article/2a5a03a7-af9d-4b2f-ba4a-b6c29bc8eb84?shareToken=1c45daea137b5399b42bd662d66c1fe4

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194: The power of tropes - with Jennifer Hilt

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 09:46:15 GMT

We'd be the first to admit that when we hear the word "trope", we give it negative connotations. It might be a British thing, but a trope is often equated to a cliche - something to be shunned and avoided. But our guest this week, bestselling author Jennifer Hilt, believes that authors should embrace tropes and lean into them as much as possible. She argues that all celebrated literature is full of tropes, and that they are the foundation stones of great storytelling. Jennifer, known colloquially as "The Trope Lady", explains her philosophy in her book, The Trope Thesaurus. Jennifer says she was initially slow to recognise the importance and power of tropes, but once she'd made that realisation, she couldn't enjoy a favourite book or film without spotting them. She hopes that authors will also see their importance, and lean into and twist tropes to strengthen their work.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca reflect on their trip to London for the inaugural gathering of the new Indie Press Network, and ask if publishing is ready to cope with some new EU legislation that will significantly complicate printing books in future.

Jennifer Hilt, USA Today Bestselling Author of Non-fiction and Urban Fantasy

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trope-Thesaurus-Jennifer-Hilt/dp/B09PHG395P

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193: Coming of age as an author - with Jon McBrine

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 05:01:03 GMT

We're linking up with the U.S again this week to meet YA author Jon McBrine. Joining us from his home near Dallas, Texas, Jon shares his journey from graphic designer, illustrator and comic book aficionado to author. His first YA superhero adventure, Unsecret Identity was published last year, and introduces Eric Icarus, a 14-year-old with the ability to fly. You'd think that would be a gift, but for Eric it's the last thing he needs, drawing unwanted attention to him at a time of acute teenage sensitivity. As Jon explains, he wanted to use the superhero genre to explore the themes teenagers face as they prepare for the wider world.

Also this week, we discuss Pan Macmillan's withdrawal from X (formerly Twitter), and Adrian reveals details of a big writing project he's just been commissioned to deliver in 2025.

https://jonmcbrine.com/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unsecret-Identity-Eric-Icarus-Book-ebook/dp/B0CJTK86Z5

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192: Launching your author brand - with Roger Corke

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 17:43:42 GMT

You've written the book, and found a publisher. But how do you find your readers? Our guest this week, Roger Corke, has taken a meticulous approach to building the promotion around his debut thriller, Deadly Protocol. With a successful career as a documentary maker and investigative journalist, Roger used his research skills to discover how best to promote his novel. Drawing on the advice and experience of a range of established authors, he has explored all avenues in creating a buzz around the book - building an extensive blog and podcast tour, tracking down elusive book reviewers from the print media, and creating a wide range of video content for various social media platforms. As Roger tells us in this wide-ranging interview, the onus is on authors to build their own audience, even if they have a supportive publisher. Roger also explains how a chance conversation with a British scientist led to the plot of the novel - who would benefit from the death of a scientist on the verge of curing cancer?

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca support a new initiative to connect BookTok stars with authors and publishers, and they reflect on how they coped when they lost WiFi for four days.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deadly-Protocol-Roger-Corke-ebook/dp/B0DFYBLBQ3

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191: The second act - with Jamie West

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 12:27:49 GMT

We welcome back author and theatre-automation expert Jamie West to The Hobcast Book Show again this week. Jamie has just published his second novel, Murder at the Matinee, which reacquaints us with playwright and amateur sleuth Bertie Carroll, and glories in the setting of London's West End Theatreland in the 1930s. Bertie is intrigued when a newspaper advert predicts a death in Act 3 of a play in which there are no deaths expected. When a body is duly discovered, Bertie himself is not above suspicion. In this wide-ranging interview, Jamie explains how he's taken inspiration from promoting theatre shows to his book marketing, and how he now believes that authors would help themselves by taking time to build interest in their work long before publication date.

Also this week, with distribution outlets for independent publishers becoming more challenging to find in the UK, how are they coping? And Adrian and Rebecca discuss the importance of fact-checking everything before a book goes to print.

Jamie West Author

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Murder-Matinee-golden-age-theatrical-Thorogood-ebook/dp/B0CYT7WQC5

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190: Writing that tricky second series - with J. M. Simpson

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 05:01:56 GMT

It's always lovely to catch up with our guests on The Hobcast Book Show. We first spoke to author J.M. Simpson on episode #103, and eighty-seven episodes later she's back to discuss how Jo has developed her existing Castleby series, but how she's also poised to launch a new crime series based in the Highlands of Scotland and a mountain rescue team that operates there. We discuss how Jo's established audience has influenced the direction of her work, and we look at the challenges of balancing a busy day-to-day life with the demands of being an indie author.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca run through the newly published Top 10 list of Kindle authors in the UK. Six on the list are crime authors, and three have been guests on this podcast!

J.M. Simpson | Author of drama and suspense novels (jmsimpsonauthor.co.uk)

Buy the Castleby series by J.M. Simpson here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sea-State-Castleby-Book-1-ebook/dp/B09L6W5XJL

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189: Born to teach - and write - with James Murphy

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 05:01:10 GMT

We're heading back to Belfast for the second time in three episodes of The Hobcast Book Show to meet author James Murphy. James is the author of the Terror Trilogy crime series which follow the adventures of Mark Shaw, who inherits Farset Investigations based in the Falls Road. As James tells us, he draws heavily on his memories of growing up in the West Belfast area. His new series will be published by Spellbound next year. James is also a creative writing tutor, both in Belfast and at Liverpool's Edge Hill University. Remarkably, he became a head teacher at the age of just 28, and as he tells us, that challenging role has given him plenty of insights that feed his fiction. James has also presented his own crime podcast, as well as a weekly radio show, Crime Scene. This is a fascinating conversation.

Also this week, we answer a question posed by listener Hannah Bainbridge - should authors aid AI narration systems by offering clearer emotional prompts in their fiction? You perhaps won't be surprised by Adrian and Rebecca's reaction...

https://www.jamesmurphywriter.org/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/James-Murphy/author/B07W5JBWGK

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188: Submarines and sci-fi - with Valeriya Salt

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 12:10:06 GMT

One half of The Hobcast Book Show team is a submarine obsessive. So imagine Adrian's delight when he learned that our guest this week, Russian author Valeriya Salt, shares that passion. Her debut novel, Dive Beyond Eternity, is a sci-fi adventure partly set on a German wartime Type 23 U-Boat which is discovered undamaged on the floor of the North Sea fifty years after the war ends. It's an intriguing premise, as the sub contains secret Nazi technology that threatens the future of the world. As Valeriya explains, her interest in submarines runs in the family - her mother served in Russia's Black Sea fleet. But how has Valeriya dealt with the challenges of writing a novel in English, her second language?

Also this week, we report on more efforts by the Society of Authors to hold the mega-tech companies to account over the use of copyrighted material in AI systems, and we celebrate the success of fellow UK indie publishers, Blue Moose Books.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dive-Beyond-Eternity-Sci-fi-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0CB78M7NM

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187: The secrets within; exploring domestic noir - with Alison Irving

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 10:04:24 GMT

Just long would you be prepared to endure a difficult marriage? How many years of mind games could you take? That's the dilemma facing Laura in Alison Irving's debut novel, Casual Cruelties, which was published by Bloodhound Books last year. As Alison is keen to stress to us from her home near Belfast, she is not writing from personal experience, but she did conduct extensive research in creating the world of her characters. Her second novel, Her Best Friend's Husband has just been published, and again it delves into the hidden darkness that can be masked by the outward trappings of a happy marriage and family life. As Alison tells us, she's so fulfilled by her writing experiences that she's chosen to change direction in her life - from a physiotherapist working in palliative care in a hospice - to writing full time.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss the revelations within a chart celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Sunday Times bestseller list. Which books spent most time in the top 10? The answers are quite surprising, and for fiction fans, not that encouraging!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Casual-Cruelties-nail-biting-domestic-suspense-breathtaking-ebook/dp/B0CHMNHBRL

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Her-Best-Friends-Husband-nail-biting-ebook/dp/B0D6RMNLP6

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186: Pursuing your passions - with James Ellson

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 11:52:31 GMT

There was a time, not so long ago, when the name Moss Side conjured up images of dystopian Manchester streets riddled with drug-related gang gun crime. The epicentre of 'Gunchester' in the 90s, the district was one of the toughest areas in the UK to police. Our guest this week, James Ellson did just that, and was responsible for serious crimes in the division, from shootings, robberies to suspicious deaths. Seeking a change of direction after his police career, James is now a smallholder in the Peak District, as well as a crime author. Drawing on his passion for Nepal where he has trekked extensively, James devised the DCI Castle series, which plunges Manchester-based DCI Rick Castle into a series of investigations in the Himalayan nation. As James tells us, it's a passion project, combining his front-line police experience with his love of Nepal and its people.

Also this week, we discuss how a Liverpool library was caught up in recent social unrest across the UK and the campaign to raise funds to replace the books destroyed in the subsequent fire, and we hear about the latest efforts to protect creative professionals and their incomes against the march of AI.

James Ellson – Writer, Smallholder, Speaker

DCI Castle Series - available here

Fundraiser by Alex McCormick : Books for Spellow Lane (gofundme.com)

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185: From Chariots & Cold Feet to the DS Cross crime series - with Tim Sullivan

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 08:36:12 GMT

When it comes down to it, The Hobcast Book Show is above all else a celebration of storytelling. Our guest this week, Tim Sullivan, has been a storyteller his whole career - beginning with theatre productions at Cambridge University, making short films, working throughout the Granada TV empire in all departments including news and drama, and becoming a director of shows such as Coronation Street, Cold Feet and The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes. Tim has directed and written films too, working with legendary figures such as Judi Dench, Alec Guinness and Eileen Atkins. He's written big-budget Hollywood animation movies, and most recently he's turned to crime fiction and the DS Cross Crime series, set in Bristol. As Tim tells us, he's proud of how George Cross has been received by readers, particularly those in the autism community. Tim spent many months research into autism before creating his lead detective, who he describes as being rude, awkward and difficult with people, but also a champion of the voiceless and dispossessed, with the best conviction record on the force. The most recent novel in the series, The Teacher, was released earlier this year. This interview is a celebration of storytelling in all its forms.

Also this week, we learn which genres dominate sales on Amazon in the UK, and Adrian reveals the impact that a new audiobook project on the Titanic disaster is having on him.

Home - Tim Sullivan

The Teacher: A brand new case full of twists for the unforgettable must-read detective in 2024 (A DS Cross Thriller) eBook : Sullivan, Tim: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

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184: Renaissance Florence meets Judge Dredd - with D.V. Bishop

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 10:30:07 GMT

There seems to be a theme emerging on The Hobcast Book Show. Iet's amazing how many guests begin their literary careers in comics and graphic novels. That's certainly the case for our guest this week, D.V. Bishop. David was the youngest editor ever of the celebrated 2000 AD comic. As he explains, many of the lessons he learned from that experience have given him advantages as a novelist and creative writing course leader. Author of the Historical Dagger-winning Cesare Aldo series of historical crime novels set in Renaissance Florence, David's evocative recreation of the city at its height in the 16th century has gained him many admirers. As he explains in this illuminating interview, his passion for literature was forged in his New Zealand upbringing - where finding books to read involved a lengthy bike ride to access the mobile library service once a week.

Also this week, we look ahead to the release of two new Hobeck audiobooks, and we debate some of the 3200 new words added to the Cambridge Dictionary. Just what is a "face journey"?

D. V. BISHOP (dvbishop.com)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CKXN9W6S

Bodies in the Water Audiobook: https://open.spotify.com/show/2zPQ27dQcCWbRAKOJaxloG?si=zkWTF7icTlOB_2RtHQ8bgA

Blood Notes Audiobook: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QREmjP90mjN7A4sQ47dJc?si=chp1InqCSk-JUinSwjNIig

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183: The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook - with Alysoun Owen

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 11:10:58 GMT

There can't be many authors who haven't dipped into the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook at least once in their career. First published in 1906, the 2025 edition came out last week. It's the go to reference guide for the UK publishing industry, with comprehensive listings of all the agents, publishers, periodicals, newspapers, awards and festivals that make up the British publishing scene. But as yearbook editor, Alysoun Owen, tells us - the book is far more than that. Each year she commissions articles and essays from leading authors and industry figures shining a light on the key developments within the industry - whether it be the growth of independent publishing or the influence of new technology and AI. It's a huge challenge for Alysoun and her team to reflect all the changes within publishing and illustration each year, but the yearbook has retained it's reputation as the most trusted chronicle of the evolution of the industry over the 118 years since it was first published. It's a fascinating insight into what it takes to keep this great institution fresh and relevant.

Also this week, we discuss the shock felt by some academics that their work has been licensed to Microsoft AI by their publisher without consulting them, and we reflect on our feelings at missing this year's Harrogate festival.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Writers-Artists-Yearbook-2025/dp/1399411780

Alysoun Owen Consulting

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182: Writing a modern thriller - with David Jarvis

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 09:16:27 GMT

On this week's Hobcast Book Show, we talk to our latest Hobeck Books author, David Jarvis about his new thriller - The Violin and Candlestick, and about how a career as an internationally-renowned strategic planner has fueled this latest novel in the Mike Kingdom series. Michaela 'Mike' Kingdom is a former desk-bound CIA analyst who becomes a reluctant freelance field agent thanks to the machinations of her former boss, Leonard De Vries. In this third adventure, Mike finds herself investigating the death of a leading Canadian billionaire who's made his fortune supplying the building boom across the Gulf states, but who's been living a secretive double life. As David explains, he draws heavily on his personal experience of the hidden parts of the Gulf that tourists never see, as well as his understanding of the power-dynamics at play in this fascinating region.

Also this week, Adrian reveals the personal impact that a major UK crime story had on him this week, and Rebecca prepares herself to chair her first meeting as a 'boss'...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Violin-Candlestick-Mike-Kingdom-Thrillers-ebook/dp/B0D54FBVK8

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181: Be afraid of the plants around us - with Jill Johnson

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 11:14:30 GMT

Who knew that the innocent looking Foxglove at the bottom of the garden could kill you? Or could your Peace Lily be trying to poison you? Our guest this week, author Jill Johnson, has drawn on her knowledge from her degree in Ornamental Horticulture and wider passion for plants to create her Eustacia Rose mystery series. Eustacia is the putative professor of Botanical Toxicology at University College London, and her expertise in the poisonous qualities of various plants draws her into becoming an amateur sleuth. Jill's first novel, Devil's Breath was featured on BBC2's Between the Covers review show, and her second book in the series, Hell's Bells is published on 11th July 2024. But Jill's literary roots, (awful pun, we know) are deep - she opened London's leading comic-book store Gosh! comics shortly after arriving in the UK. This is a fascinating interview in which Jill reveals although she writes crime novels, she's not read many other books in the genre. Does that hold her back?

Also this week, what will the UK general election result mean for publishing? And how are UK book festivals doing to bridge the funding gap caused by the withdrawal of support by controversial investment management firm, Baillie Gifford?

Jill Johnson – Author of Devil's Breath & The Time Before The Time To Come (jilljohnsonwrites.com)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CJ2YHCXQ

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CC4YW9M9

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180: Self Publishing Show Live Special with Ricardo Fayet, Craig Thomson and David Jarvis

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 09:59:32 GMT

Welcome to this special edition of The Hobcast Book Show, bringing you highlights from Europe's biggest independent publishing show, SPS Live! 2024. Hundreds of authors descended on the South Bank Centre in London for this fourth edition, for two days of talks by bestselling authors and industry figures - all offering insights into the potential future for independent publishing. The two dominant themes this year were the march of AI in publishing, and the developments in the audiobook industry. Picking up on those themes, we speak to Ricardo Fayet of Reedsy, and Craig Thomson of audiobook giants W.F Howes Ltd. How big a role do they see AI playing in the future? Or will the need for human connection keep the bots at bay?

Also this week, as we proudly publish two books in his Mike Kingdom thriller series, we speak to new Hobeck Books author David Jarvis about the world he's created for his reluctant freelance ex-CIA field agent.

Reedsy: Find the perfect editor, designer or marketer | Reedsy

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazon-Ads-Authors-Advertising-Potential-ebook/dp/B0BQ3BR152

W. F. Howes | RBmedia (rbmediaglobal.com)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0D5799WYG

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179: Artful dodging and self-publishing - with James Benmore

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 11:07:07 GMT

Whatever happened to the Artful Dodger? That's a question that our guest James Benmore has explored with The Dodger Papers trilogy of novels, exploring how one of Charles Dickens' most-beloved characters might react on his return to London after five years hard labour in Australia which was his fate at the end of Oliver Twist. Some might say that it's a brave call to return to the world of a literary giant like Dickens and ask 'what if?', but for James it was something he felt compelled to do. He secured a publishing deal with Quercus, before taking the rights back and publishing the books himself. His most recent novel is Ask for Mercy, a contemporary crime thriller. So what has he learned from the transition from traditionally published author to becoming an indie author?

Also this week, we discuss what's behind that rarest of phenomena in publishing - industrial action - and we look ahead to our visit to the Self Publishing Show Live in London this week.

James Benmore Author Website | mystery thrillers (james-benmore.com)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CV8ZW2CX

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ask-Mercy-James-Benmore-ebook/dp/B0CJ8BPM5V

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178: The Joy of Publishing - with Phil Rowlands, Diamond Books

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 09:43:52 GMT

You'll forgive us for talking shop this week on The Hobcast Book Show, as we speak to fellow indie-publisher, Phil Rowlands of Diamond Books. Set up by three friends during the Covid crisis, Diamond Books specialises in crime fiction. Phil, and his fellow founders Jeff Dowson and Steve Timmins all had experience as authors, directors and script writers in their own right. Born partly out of frustration at their experiences with the publishing industry, they set up Diamond Books to give a platform to talented unpublished writers. So what's their publishing journey been like? What challenges have they faced and how have the adapted? As you'll hear in this revealing interview, it's been tough at times, but they remain determined to forge on and continue to publish work by new authors.

Also this week, we discuss the shortlist for the new Theakstons McDermid Debut Award for newly published crime writers, and we examine the implications of a survey of Canadian readers that suggests that more than half of them access all their books and audiobooks from free sources.

https://diamondbooks.co.uk/

https://diamondbooks.co.uk/authors/phil-rowlands

McDermid Debut Award - Harrogate Theakston Crime Awards

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177: Comedy, Drama and Crime - with Liz Webb

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 11:06:37 GMT

One of the joys of interviewing authors for The Hobcast Book Show is delving into the myriad ways they conduct research for their novels. Our guest this week, Liz Webb, is a great believer in immersing herself in a setting and finding inspiration from those experiences. So it was quite natural for Liz to take the plunge into the freezing waters on a remote 'slate' island off the west coast of Scotland to gain insights for her most recent novel, The Saved, which begins with a husband being resuscitated despite being clinically dead after drifting in the water following a boat accident. We also explore Liz's varied career - she spent ten years on the UK stand up comedy circuit, before becoming a radio drama producer with the BBC. This interview is a celebration of storytelling and making connections with the people and the world around us.

Also this week, we discuss the continuing impact of the campaign by pressure group Fossil Free Books as investment firm Baillie Gifford pull their support for a number of UK book festivals, and hear how some authors are alarmed that their Facebook ads have suddenly begun to spend far more than they budgeted for.

Liz Webb, Author. Order The Saved now!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Saved-Secrets-bodies-remote-Scottish-ebook/dp/B0C6FS7NMT

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176: Crime fiction through the ages - with Martin Edwards

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 09:20:16 GMT

Crime fiction is the most enduring genre in UK publishing, as well as the most popular. For over two hundred years, readers have had a love affair with whodunnits and murder mysteries, police procedurals and amateur sleuths. So what lies behind crime fictions eternal appeal? Who better to ask than our guest this week, Martin Edwards, who is recognised as the foremost authority on the history of British crime fiction. Martin is the president of the Detection Club, succeeding such legendary figues as G.K Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers and Agatha Christie. He's also a former chair of the Crime Writer's Association, a Diamond Dagger recipient and the author of dozens of novels and non-fiction works. His most recent books are Sepulchre Street, the fourth novel in the Rachel Savernake Golden Age mystery series, and award-winning non-fiction work, The Life of Crime - Detecting the History of Mysteries and their Creators. In this fascinating and wide-ranging interview, we ask what lies behind crime fiction's popularity and how has the genre changed to meet changing public taste?

Also this week, we ask how the once powerful Romance Writers of America organisation has collapsed into bankruptcy, and we discuss the challenge that arts festivals face as campaigners force the Edinburgh Literary Festival to become the latest event to sever links with a major sponsor over their links to fossil fuel companies.

Martin Edwards - Martin Edwards Books

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sepulchre-Street-Rachel-Savernake-Book-ebook/dp/B0B2FFJR12

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Crime-Detecting-Mysteries-Creators-ebook/dp/B09JB4GV7Q

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175: Trusting the process - with Orla Owen

Mon, 27 May 2024 13:53:21 GMT

"Relax. The inspiration will come." That's the message for writers from our guest this week, novelist Orla Owen. The author of the critically acclaimed Christ on a Bike, Orla has learnt to trust in the writing process to solve problems she faces, whether it be a plot point or character development, or any other of the myriad puzzles that need solving during the creation of a novel. Orla is also a great believer in putting a manuscript aside and returning to it several months later. She finds that will help her to recognise any issues or flaws that need solving, and she also finds reading the work aloud a great help in improving the flow of the prose. This is an interview full of insight into the creative process and a deep dive into the writing craft.

Also this week, as a UK general election is called, Adrian and Rebecca reflect on the potential impact that an important piece of legislation that was passed last week may have on the way that publishing is impacted by the big digital companies such as Amazon and Facebook.

Orla Owen

Christ on a Bike | Bluemoose Books

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174: The joy of longhand writing - with Jennifer Lee Thomson

Mon, 20 May 2024 09:20:17 GMT

So much of publishing of the publishing process has been sped up by waves of digital technology over the past three or four decades, so it's rare to meet an author who believes in the creative power of putting pen to paper rather than slaving in front of the computer screen. For our guest, Jennifer Lee Thomson, the magic of writing longhand unlocks her creativity in a way that a word processor or typewriter never could. It may be a slower process, but it's one that's allowed Jennifer to write crime and zombie fiction as well as several self-help titles. Her most recent novel is Vigilante City, the third in her 'Detective in a Coma' crime series. Detective Inspector Duncan Waddell is assisted by his colleague DC Stevie Campbell, even though the latter is in a coma due to an injury in the line of duty. During this fascinating interview, Jennifer shares details of how her agoraphobia has impacted and even fueled her creative process.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss the latest shockwaves being felt in digital marketing and ask - is advertising on Facebook worth it or just too much of a gamble?

https://diamondbooks.co.uk/authors/jennifer-lee-thomson

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vigilante-City-3-Detective-Coma/dp/1915649382

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173: Writing with a neurodivergent brain - with Amanda Marples

Mon, 13 May 2024 12:40:08 GMT

It's only in the past few years that neurodiversity has entered the wider consciousness. For instance here at The Hobcast Book Show, we are both touched by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but we've only become aware of it recently. It helps explain our lifelong experience of feeling on the outside of society - never quite fitting in or being comfortable behaving as others would expect. It's simply not how our brains are wired or function. For authors, neurodiversity can present a range of challenges, not least trying to implement structure to their work or applying strategies for productivity drawn up for neurotypical writers. Our guest this week, author Amanda Marples, knows these challenges well: she is neurodiverse herself, and as a mental health professional she works as a mentor for students with a range of backgrounds and conditions. Drawing on her expertise and personal experience, Amanda has created a mentoring service for neurodivergent writers called Reconcile Creative, helping authors to overcome the hurdles they face and explore unconventional strategies to reach their goals. This is a fascinating, valuable and insightful interview.

Also this week, we discuss the shortlists for the UK crime writing 'Oscars' - the CWA Daggers, and look ahead to the release of our latest Hobeck Books title, Her Charming Man by Rachel Sargeant.

innercritic | Reconcile Creative M

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Her-Charming-Gloucestershire-Crime-Book-ebook/dp/B0CY5ZFRR4

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172: A listening ear and cafe culture - with Alison Stockham

Mon, 06 May 2024 18:33:59 GMT

We're always keen to explore where an author's inspiration comes from. What inspires that kernel of an idea that leads to a novel? In this week's episode we speak to Alison Stockham, who explains how the seeds for her recently published third novel, The New Girl, were sown some years ago after a conversation with a friend. As Alison explains, she's always had a gift for taking inspiration from overheard conversations, and that's one of the reasons she'll often be found in a Cambridge cafe both writing and picking up ideas for her writing. It's a strategy that clearly works, as Alison shares the news that she's now a full-time author.

Also this week, we reflect on the impact that this week's extraordinary general meeting of the Society of Authors has had, and we reveal the latest changes that Amazon have made to the way they run advertising for authors and publishers.

Alison Stockham-Author | Facebook

https://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Girl-addictive-psychological-BESTSELLER-ebook/dp/B0CPBJRDLB

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171: Meet the Midnight Man - with Julie Anderson

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 08:56:47 GMT

We're delighted to be joined again by our guest, Julie Anderson this week, as we celebrate the launch of her new novel for Hobeck Books, The Midnight Man. Set in post-war Clapham, the book introduces us to two very different women, Elly and Fay, who become an unlikely sleuthing duo following a chance meeting in the cafeteria of the South London Hospital for Women and Children. It was a remarkable institution - created by two pioneering women surgeons who themselves fought the male-dominated Establishment to found the hospital in 1912. It's the perfect setting for this atmospheric thriller, and as Julie tells us, recreating the world of this long-closed hospital where for most of its history all the staff, from surgeons to porters, were women, has been an epic labour of love. It's a remarkable novel.

Also this week, we examine this year's long list for the coveted Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2024 and ask, are we right in imagining the same authors are nominated every year? And just how open are independent bookshops to stocking independently published fiction?

Julie Anderson – Writer and author (julieandersonwriter.com)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Midnight-Man-FLEMING-ASSOCIATION-LONGLISTED-ebook/dp/B0CY2M5BMQ

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170: The Doctor and dyslexia - with Dr Luke Deckard

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 09:41:49 GMT

We had the pleasure back in February 2024 to appear on The Secret Circle podcast discussing the challenges of running a small publishing house in the current marketplace. This week, we have the pleasure of returning the invitation to the show's host, Dr Luke Deckard. Luke is an author with a deep passion for noir, both written and film, and is a creative writing mentor at the University of Westminster. He holds a Masters and now a PhD in Creative Writing from Kingston University, achievements all the more remarkable as Luke has dyslexia. So how has he navigated the issues that being dyslexic has posed in his journey into the world of writing and literature? It's a fascinating interview.

Also this week, the UK publishing industry is gearing up for its award season, with long lists announced for both the National Book Awards and the Crime Writer's Association Daggers. Are Adrian and Rebecca impressed with the choices? Not entirely...

DR Luke Deckard

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169: Striving to make publishing sustainable - with Stuart Debar

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:09:59 GMT

There are so many challenges that publishers face as it is, so is it possible to also tackle the environmental impact of creating books too? Our guest this week, Stuart Debar of UK independent press, SRL Publishing, believes it is. In fact, he argues that publishers have a duty to publish in as sustainably as they can, from choice of paper stock for their print copies, planting trees to offset those felled to create that paper, or paying close attention to the chemicals used in the printing process. As Stuart tells us, this focus on sustainable publishing developed gradually as SRL grew in recent years, and now the company is recognised as the world's first Climate Positive publisher. There's so much to learn from this fascinating interview.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca again discuss the march of A.I in publishing, with a recent survey revealing that one third of translators say that they've lost work to A.I systems in the past year.

SRL Publishing

(27) 🌳 Stuart Debar | LinkedIn

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168: Life as a micro publisher - with Joe Chadwick

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 09:57:24 GMT

Why become an independent publisher? It can't be the hours? Or the pay. So what motivates people to enter the industry? That's a question we put to our guest this week, Joe Chadwick, author and creator of Essex-based micro-publisher Crescent Swan Publishing. Joe set up the company in order to publish his first novel, The Briarmen in 2021, and with that experience behind him, he signed his first author, Tim Franks, who appeared on this podcast recently. Joe says he, like many other small publishers, is still learning as he goes, but he's determined to build his imprint steadily in the coming years. This is an interview where Joe's passion for books shines through.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca question whether it's right for celebrities to write new books in the Roald Dahl world, and we debate the reaction to the cancellation of a major Scottish literary when a grant application was turned down by Creative Scotland.

Independent Publishing | Crescent Swan Publishing

The Briarmen: A fairy-tale for adults: Amazon.co.uk: Chadwick, Joseph A.: 9781838308407: Books

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167: The professor will see you now - with C McGee

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 09:59:43 GMT

We're heading Stateside again this week on The Hobcast Book Show to meet our guest, C McGee. By day, he's Professor Caleb Husmann, teaching political science at William Peace University in North Carolina, and by night he's C McGee, author of satirical mystery, Owen O'Shea - Stay-At-Home Dad, Wannabe Detective. As Caleb explains to us, once his dreams of becoming a professional soccer player ended, he needed a new challenge, one that took him way outside his comfort zone. That was writing. He also explains how challenging it can be to hold the attention of his students in a world of electronic distractions. It's a great interview.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss the disturbing findings of a UK publishing industry survey that suggests that 97% of respondents had suffered from burnout, and they explain how April 1st 2024 will go down in publishing history with the launch of their new AI service - CAT GPT!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Owen-OShea-Stay-At-Home-Wannabe-Detective-ebook/dp/B0CPBKPN2B

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166: Marrying crime and humour - with Tim Maleeny

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 06:01:00 GMT

Would you ever consider writing a chapter from the perspective of an octopus? Our guest this week, New York-based author Tim Maleeny certainly has, but as he explains in this episode of The Hobcast Book Show, he'll consider anything if it entertains his readers. Tim is the author of the Cape Weathers Mysteries series; the latest novel Hanging the Devil was published in 2023, and deals with the murky world of international art dealing. Described by NY Times bestselling-author Gregg Hurwitz as: "A caper stuffed with comedy and crime...equal parts adrenaline and heart," - it's perhaps no surprise that our interview with Tim is also an entertaining thrill ride.

Also this week, where do publishers turn when their distributor pulls the plug? And we hear about the latest moves to ensure A.I systems are kept honest.

Author Tim Maleeny

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0C7F6TN6N

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165: Be careful what you wish for - with Stacey Murray

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 06:01:15 GMT

It's been something of a mad week for us at The Hobcast Book Show. We've been on the road with our annual visit to the London Book Fair at Olympia, and spent two days in Dorset discussing books with bestselling author Rachel Maclean. Somehow we've also found time to speak to Hobeck Books author Stacey Murray ahead of the release of her first novel for us, the brilliant psychological thriller The Thief of Joy. Stacey sets her story in Buxton and the surrounding hills and valleys of the Peak District, where our protagonist Roz veers from one bad decision to another in her desire to have the life that everyone else around her seems to enjoy. We learn how Stacey's storytelling has been influenced by her experiences in commercial law and film-making, and she reveals what it was like to share a conversation with the late, great Sir Sean Connery.

Also this week, we digest the big news that emerged during LBF24, including big royalty changes promised by Audible to authors and narrators, and will new legislation in the United States to ban TikTok halt the BookTok juggernaut? Plus, we finally bring you a message from the now legendary, Mr Pineapple!

The Thief of Joy: A dark and twisty suspense novel about the dangers of comparing yourself to others eBook : Murray, Stacey: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

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164: 5 Novels, 3 Screenplays in 1 Year? No sweat - with JD Kirk

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 06:01:13 GMT

We're thrilled to be joined again by one of the true stars of the UK independent crime fiction scene - JD Kirk. In the past few years he's developed a huge following for his work, especially the best-selling DCI Logan crime thriller series - with 19 books to date. His year to come looks busy, to say the least, with 5 novels scheduled and three screenplay adaptations of his romance series for a leading Hollywood studio. How does he do it? JD ascribes some of his writing speed to his inability to see images in his mind, instead he sees words. JD has also just released an online course for authors taking them through the steps that have made him a bestseller. This is an inspiring and insightful interview with one of the true stars of the UK crime writing scene.

Also this week, Rebecca explains how the wider publishing industry is going through a revolution called "The Freeze", and we celebrate the opening of a specialist crime fiction bookshop in York this week.

Home - JD Kirk - Scottish Crime Fiction Author

DCI Logan series: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07RF9TYS8

JD's Bookstrapping course: Learn how to self-publish a book without blowing the bank (pagetopublished.com)

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163: The Bard and the Beautiful - with Guy Hale

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 09:43:09 GMT

It's perhaps not a thought widely shared, but we think that William Shakespeare is one of the English language's original crime authors. You don't have to look far into his canon for murder mysteries, whodunnits, revenge thrillers or even the odd domestic noir. The Bard has certainly proved an inspiration for our guest this week, author Guy Hale who releases the first novel in his latest series, this week. The Croaking Raven is set in Stratford-Upon-Avon in 1972, where an embittered actor returns after fifteen years in the wilderness to begin a series of revenge killings against the people he holds responsible for the collapse of his on stage career. In this first book of The Shakespeare Murders trilogy, Hamlet provides the template for our murderous thespian Oliver Lawrence, and it's up to new Detective Constable Toby Marlowe and his grizzled senior partner DS Fred Williams to stop him. It's a rollicking ride. Guy also shares his secrets for building support within the independent bookshop community for his work, and how he's at the forefront of selling books direct to readers rather than relying on Amazon et al.

Also this week, Spotify are again in the news with another development in their controversial audiobook strategy, and we hear how a new publisher, Inkitt, is using AI to create new books tailored to meet market demand.

Guy Hale Author - Comeback Trail Series - Buy Direct Online

The Croaking Raven - Hardback Edition | Guy Hale

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162: A storyteller's soul - with Paul Waters

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 11:02:08 GMT

Our guest this week on The Hobcast Book Show rarely takes no for an answer. Author, journalist and podcaster Paul Waters sees a 'no entry' sign as a challenge to be overcome rather than a deterrent. Take, for instance, how he produced the first live foreign radio show in communist Cuba by somehow smuggling in a satellite dish through the airport. And how many Hobcast guests can claim to have cooked a meal for Pele? Paul draws on his rich and widely-traveled life and career in his fiction. His first book, Blackwatertown, a historical crime novel set in 1950's Armagh has attracted praise from greats such as Peter May and Frederick Forsyth. With a new series out on submission, Paul reveals himself to be a natural storyteller, and someone determined to make the most from all life has to offer.

Also this week, we follow up on last week's furore about changes made by Findaway Voices by Spotify to their audiobook distribution contracts, with the UK's Society of Authors demanding further clarification. Plus we discuss the news that Richard Osman is launching a new crime series. Will this have the same impact on UK crime fiction that his Thursday Murder Club bestsellers did?

Paul Waters - Author (paulwatersauthor.com)

Blackwatertown: Amazon.co.uk: Paul Waters: 9781783529254: Books

We'd Like a Word – with Paul Waters and Stevyn Colgan (wedlikeaword.com)

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161: Untold human stories - with Miriam Halahmy

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 11:20:51 GMT

The world seems ever more divided and fractured at present, with discordant voices drowning out appeals for reason and peace. Our guest this week, author Miriam Halahmy, is an ardent campaigner for peace, particularly in the Middle East. Miriam is a prolific author of middle-grade and young adult fiction tackling difficult subjects such as the Holocaust, enforced migration and drug abuse. Her most recent book, A Boy From Bagdhad for instance tells the story of Salman, a 12 year old Iraqi Jew forced to flee Iraq for Israel in 1951. But the 'promised land' is anything but for Salman and his family, as the majority Ashkenazi jewish population treat his family as outsiders. It's a resonant and timely story of how perseverance, friendship and family can overcome hardship and prejudice.

Also this week, we discuss at length the latest controversial changes to contracts proposed by Findaway Voices and Spotify that have caused a storm of protest from publishers, authors and narrators, leading to a boycott of the platform and a subsequent repeal of some of the changes. We ask, can any creators trust Big Tech companies any more?

HOME - www.miriamhalahmy.com

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Boy-Baghdad-Miriam-Halahmy/dp/1784389900

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160: How clear is your writing? - with Tim Franks

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 12:52:44 GMT

As authors, it's sometimes easy to lose track of how accessible our writing actually is. We often assume that whatever we write, as long as it makes sense and is grammatically correct, it will be easy to follow and enjoy. Our guest this week, author Tim Franks, begs to differ. As a former teacher working with the phonics system of teaching children to read, he recognised that many books written for that audience weren't as accessible and user-friendly as they should be. He contacted the Oxford University Press and urged them to look again at the way their school text books were written and structured. The result? Tim became a consultant and author for them, specialising in phonics for the Oxford Reading Tree programme. Now Tim has retired from education, he applies the same rigour to his fiction, and revises his books to make them as readable as possible. His first novel, Day of Long Shadows was published this month - a thriller set in the underworld of Sheffield.

Also this week, why are Gen Z readers being drawn back to physical books? And we hear how one publishing house is trying to create products to allow people with dementia to experience the joy of books once more.

Days of Long Shadows: A unique and unputdownable gritty Northern crime thriller eBook : Franks, Tim: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

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159: Under the cover of crime fiction - with Roger A Price

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 09:48:37 GMT

Since we began The Hobcast Book Show just over three years ago, we've spoken to a number of former police officers turned authors. All of them have fascinating stories to share, and valuable insights into how to mix the reality of policing with the need to tell a good story. Our interview with thriller author Roger A. Price follows that tradition. A former Detective Inspector, with a thirty-one police career and extensive experience running under cover operations, Roger has been a published author for a decade. His most recent novels,The D.S Martin Draker series are published by Sharpe Books. In this fascinating interview, we discuss what authors get right and get wrong about policing, and Roger shares his thoughts on how he judges if his books have the right balance of action, dialogue and exposition.

Also this week, does the EU's decision to regulate the way AI companies operate offer the publishing industry hope of being protected? And have Spotify really made a difference to author incomes since they offered 15 hours of free audiobooks a month to subscribers?

Unputdownable Books | Roger A. Price - Author | Preston (rogerapriceauthor.co.uk)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CKFK8Y9Q

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158: Making dreams come true - with Daniella Blechner

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 14:30:36 GMT

We first met our guest on this week's Hobcast Book Show at the London Book Fair in 2022, and we're delighted to have the chance to speak at length to Daniella Blechner, author and founder of Conscious Dreams Publishing. Daniella has dedicated the past few years to enabling a huge range of authors to bring their stories and ideas to print. For instance, there's 7 year-old Tiana-Rose-Akoy-Arrey, whose debut children's book, My Afro, Twin Best Friends, became an international media sensation. Or another Hobcast guest, Jasmine Beverley, author of The Unseen Veil, a powerful account of her abusive marriage. Daniella believes everyone has a story to tell - they just need the right guidance to help them tell it.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca lift the lid on the seedier side of BookTok, and share insights from the newly-formed Indie Press Network.

ABOUT – Conscious Dreams Publishing

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157: Austen: The Next Generation - with Linda O'Byrne

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 06:01:07 GMT

The appeal of the works of Jane Austen never diminishes. As each new TV or film adaptation comes out, so a new generation discovers the enduring magic of Austen's world, even two centuries after her death. Austen wrote six novels, with Pride and Prejudice her most celebrated. Our guest this week, Linda O'Byrne, has written six novels that take Austen's world twenty years into the future, each focusing on the lives of the young women from the next generation of the D'Arcy, Bennett and Wickham families - The Cousins of Pemberley series. Linda began writing them during the lockdown, inspired by a family member who wanted more Austen stories to enjoy. The sixth book in the series, Beth, is published on 26th January 2024. Linda's publishing and writing career is long and varied, and as she tells us her career as the fiction editor of several national magazines is proving more of a hindrance than a help, now she's writing novels full-time.

Also this week, we romance is on our minds as we discuss a new direction for Mills and Boon, and Adrian asks the question - are the major bookshop chains actually interested in selling books anymore?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beth-Cousins-Pemberley-Book-ebook/dp/B0CQFZXPPQ

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156: Publishing Trends and Goals for 2024

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 09:51:56 GMT

In a departure this week, Rebecca and Adrian discuss a recent article from Written Word Media predicting the 10 trends for publishing in 2024. It's set to be the year that generative AI takes a firm grip on the industry, creating fresh opportunities and challenges for everyone involved in the creative industries. Will reader tastes change as a result? Will the market become further saturated as AI speeds up the creative process? We take a look at how these trends might translate to running a small independent publishing house, and all the people we work with. Plus, we have some exciting domestic news to share...

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155: New Year - Will publishing change for the better? - with Derek Thompson

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 21:44:48 GMT

It's tempting to approach every new year with refreshed focus and aspirations, and we're no different here at The Hobcast Book Show. But let's be realistic. 2023 was a year of major upheaval in the creative industries with the growing impact of generative AI, combined with a cost of living crisis, and rising production costs. So can we look forward to a year of positive changes in 2024? Our guest this week is Derek Thompson, prolific author of the Thomas Bladen thriller series and the DS Wild Crime Mysteries for Joffe Books. He's also written comedy material for radio. As he tells us, it's challenging to predict where publishing is heading, and how authors will survive as changes sweep the industry.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss their plans for the year ahead for the show, and for their plans for their publishing company, Hobeck Books.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/COMPLETE-THOMAS-THRILLERS-gripping-thrillers-ebook/dp/B089KSMTF8

https://www.amazon.co.uk/COMPLETE-DETECTIVE-MYSTERIES-heart-pounding-mysteries-ebook/dp/B0CBKYV3WV

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154: New Year's Police Procedural Special - with Rachel Sargeant, Brian Price and Harry Fisher

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 06:01:32 GMT

Happy New Year from The Hobcast Book Show team. This week we pool the collective talents of three Hobeck Books authors to look in depth at police procedurals. Why do they remain enduringly popular? What are the challenges of remaining on top of the latest investigatory techniques and science? How do you ensure your writing remains credible but also engaging for the reader? To answer those questions we're joined by three brilliant Hobeck authors, Rachel Sargeant, Brian Price and Harry Fisher, who share their experience and insight into creating compelling police procedural fiction.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca ask what 2024 holds for independent publishing, and how new developments and technology will impact on their business at Hobeck Books.

Home - Harry Fisher Writer

Home | Brian Price Author

Welcome to the official website of author Rachel Sargeant

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153: 2023 Xmas Special - Humour and Crime Fiction - with Ali Morgan, Sue Shepherd and Jennie Ensor

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 06:00:15 GMT

To mark Christmas, we've brought together three wonderful Hobeck authors for a special festive edition of The Hobcast Book Show to discuss how humour and crime fiction can work together. Joining us are A B Morgan, Sue Shepherd, and Jennie Ensor, who've all wrestled with the conundrum of how to marry humour and murder together. What line do you have to dance as an author? Are there subjects that are taboo? How do you avoid upsetting your readers? Sit back and enjoy a mince pie, a tot of mulled wine and three great authors discussing their craft in this Christmas special.

Jennie Ensor's Author Website – Daring fiction – from crime to satire and everything in between

https://www.facebook.com/SueShepherdWrites

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/AB-Morgan/author/B075LJ66WM

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152: Giving a voice to the voiceless - with Helen Matthews

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 11:20:41 GMT

Among all the noise in the media and politics about the impact of mass migration, it's perhaps easy to lose sight of the human aspects of the situation. Our guest this week, Helen Matthews, writes psychological suspense novels which deal with the darker side of human nature. Her first novel, recently republished as Girl Out of Sight, explores the issues and themes of modern slavery and exploitation. As Helen explains, she supports the work of anti-slavery charity Unseen UK by giving talks about the issue based around the book. Her novel, The Girl in the Van, was the 2022 Pageturner Book Award winner for the suspense and thriller genre. It's a fascinating and thought-provoking interview.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss the continuing march of AI generated narration for audiobooks, and note Queen Camilla's plans to enter the world of literary podcasting.

Home (helenmatthewswriter.com)

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151: Fulfilling a dream - with Natalie Chandler

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 10:34:32 GMT

On this week's show, we meet Natalie Chandler, the author of two bestselling psychological thrillers, Believe Me Not and What We Did for Headline Accent. Natalie shares with us her author journey, from re-writing Roald Dahl stories as a child through to using the opportunity of lockdown to finally finish and polish her first novel. Natalie credits the input of her tutors on a Curtis Brown creative writing course for helping her to hone her style and craft, and explains how much she's learned from her agent and editors and how they've helped her improve her work.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss how publishers in the U.S are fighting back against the march of the big A.I companies, and is there trouble ahead of Spotify?

Natalie Chandler - author | Facebook

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Believe-unputdownable-edge-your-seat-psychological-ebook/dp/B09BF2QPRK

https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-We-Did-chilling-unpredictable-ebook/dp/B0BNDHZL34

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150: The continuing adventures of an accidental hero - with A J Aberford

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 10:48:12 GMT

Last week, Hobeck Books had the honour of publishing the fifth novel in the George Zammit series, The Last Bird of Paradise by A J Aberford. Set in Malta and the wider Mediterranean area, the books have built a strong following for the adventures of the humble Maltese police officer who finds himself at the centre of epic adventures and intrigue through little fault of his own. We felt it was a good opportunity to speak to author Tony Gartland about the development of the series, and the challenges of creating new installments in the series with its complex cast of characters and explosive set piece action scenes.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca review the new 'auto-narration' feature from Google Books, and ask, is AI really ready to replace human performers?

The: Last Bird of Paradise: 5 (The Inspector George Zammit Series): Amazon.co.uk: Aberford, AJ: 9781915817280: Books

Home | AJ Aberford

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149: How to write a novel in just 20 minutes a day - with Stephen Ronson

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 10:15:14 GMT

It's fair to say that the COVID crisis and the attendant lock downs had one unexpected silver lining for many people - the space and opportunity to finally fulfil a life-long dream to write a book. That's certainly the case for our guest this week, Stephen Ronson, whose debut novel The Last Line was recently published by Hodder and Stoughton. Set in 1940, Stephen's novel is set in his native Sussex, a county that witnessed the daily dog fights of the Battle of Britain, and the real expectation that at any moment, German troops would land on English shores. It's that sense of peril, claustrophobia and distrust that Stephen taps into as his protagonist John Cook discovers a dark conspiracy. As Stephen reveals, the key to finishing the project was committing himself to writing for twenty minutes a day.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca are surprised by German copyright laws that cover book titles, and look forward to the latest Hobeck release from bestseller A J Aberford and the latest adventure in the George Zammit series.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Line-gripping-thriller-Robert-ebook/dp/B0C3XG5VQC

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148: Bringing history to life for children - with Jacqueline King

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 10:28:35 GMT

It's fair to say that as presenters of The Hobcast Book Show we often hark back to our childhood experiences of reading adventure fiction and being inspired by those books to seek adventures of our own. That's certainly the spirit that our guest this week, Jacqueline King, evokes in her children's book, Cake for the Gestapo. Set in occupied Jersey during the Second World War, Jackie draws on both her own childhood memories of the island from her post-war holiday visits to her grandparents, but also from the many stories she researched from the islanders themselves of living under German occupation and the challenges and privations they faced.

But wait, we have two interviews this week! We also speak to new Hobeck author, Hilly Barmby about her latest novel, Best Served Cold which was published last week to great reviews.

Jacqueline King | Author

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cake-Gestapo-Jacqueline-King/dp/1916204201

hillybarmbyauthor

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Best-Served-Cold-Hilly-Barmby-ebook/dp/B0CK4J2LV

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147: Staging the perfect murder mystery - with Jamie West

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 09:47:58 GMT

What is it about The Hobcast Book Show and Brighton? Or more accurately, what is it about Brighton that lends itself as a setting for murder mysteries? Our guest this week, Jamie West, transports his readers back to the Palace Pier Theatre in 1933 and introduces them to his hero, playwright-come-amateur-sleuth Bertie Caroll. Jamie's debut novel, Death on the Pier is a love-letter to golden age crime fiction and for a long-lost theatre - only a few fragments of the original structure remain. As a sought-after automation expert in London's West End Theatreland, Jamie draws on his love of these historic venues to recreate the pre-war heyday of British theatre.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss one leading independent publisher's move to exclusively printing hard copies on demand, and they examine the shrinking world of book reviews in the traditional media and the implications for the wider publishing industry.

https://www.jamiewest.co.uk/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Death-Pier-Jamie-West-ebook/dp/B09RXZXNXJ

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146: The state of British Crime - with Donna Morfatt

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 06:01:53 GMT

On this week's episode we ask - how healthy is British crime fiction? Who better to ask than prolific reviewer and crime festival organiser, Donna Morfett, who returns to The Hobcast Book Show for a second time. A week after hosting her event, The Dark Side of Brighton, which featured some of the biggest names in UK crime fiction, Donna explains that whilst the genre remains hugely popular, new entrants to the industry are finding it harder than ever to find their way in.

Also this week, Adrian bemoans KDP's announcement to begin beta-testing AI narrated audiobooks in the U.S, while Rebecca asks if W H Smith's new book recycling service will impact second-hand sales in charity shops?

(645) Donna Morfett - YouTube

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145: Sport, Fiction and Speech Writing - with Sanjeev Shetty

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 11:51:30 GMT

This week's show is a departure for The Hobcast Book Show, as we're joined by one of Adrian's old BBC colleagues, Sanjeev Shetty. Sanj was a BBC Sport producer and presenter for many years, before taking a job as a speech-writer for the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. He's also the author of five books - two fiction and three non-fiction, with his latest novel, Who Is Jeff Walker, published in 2022. In this interview, Sanj explains how he's balanced the demands of his broadcast career with family life, whilst finding time to become an author of books on subjects such as Lionel Messi or a classic era of British boxing that featured characters such as Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn. Above all, Sanj ascribes his achievements as down to a high work ethic and 'discipline' - forged during a day job where it was customary to write up to 4000 words a day to keep up with the demands of a busy broadcast and news agenda.

Also this week, Rebecca tackles the issue of plagiarism in non-fiction publishing in the light of a furore caused by a leading UK politician's new book, and we return to the debate over whether it's right to listen to audiobooks at a sped-up rate.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Who-Jeff-Walker-Sanjeev-Shetty/dp/1398489735

(26) Sanjeev Shetty | LinkedIn

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144: A spirit of adventure - with Geoff Major

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 10:14:57 GMT

This week we have a first on The Hobcast Book Show. Our guest, Geoff Major, is our first to have trekked to the North Pole. Not only that, but he's walked in the Sahara too, and over the years has raised thousands of pounds for charity. But our focus in this interview is on a more recent challenge for Geoff - writing crime fiction. His first novel Deadline was published in 2020, and his second, Hell Hath No Fury, earlier this year. As Geoff explains, he has plans for several more books, but they all have to compete with further charity challenges and running his business consultancy. This is a fascinating interview that explores how it's possible to juggle so many projects at one time.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca examine recent revelations about people's audiobook listening habits, and share their experiences as guests at the wedding of one of the UK's most successful indie authors, Rachel McLean.

Home (geoffmajor.info)

Deadline eBook : Major, Geoff: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hell-Hath-Fury-Geoff-Major-ebook/dp/B0BQB4L3DR

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143: In remembrance of times past - with J.G. Kelly

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 10:13:42 GMT

We love historical thrillers on The Hobcast Book Show. There's something beguiling about asking the question - "what if...?" - and applying it to a famous historical setting and story. That's certainly the approach taken by our guest this week, the brilliant J.G. Kelly, whose latest novel The White Lie asks if the fabled heroic failure of Captain Scott's Terra Nova expedition to the South Pole in 1912 ended in tragedy not because of bad luck or poor planning, but were murdered instead? The novel is also set in 1969, and draws parallels between the Apollo moon landings that year, and the events in Antarctica almost six decades earlier. This is a fascinating insight into what it takes to find fresh narrative opportunities from a well-known and celebrated piece of history.

Also this week, more scrutiny of Spotify's plans to stream audiobooks for free, this time from the Society of Authors, and we pay tribute to author Dale Brendan Hyde who passed away last week.

Homepage - J.G. Kelly (jgkelly.co.uk)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/White-Lie-J-G-Kelly/dp/1529357837

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142: Noir from Nagoya - with Stephen J. Golds

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 10:45:04 GMT

We're joined this week by British author Stephen J. Golds from his home in Nagoya, Japan. Regular listeners to the show will know that we are big fans of Japanese culture, so it was a real pleasure to speak to Stephen about his experiences of living and working in Japan for the past 17 years. Originally from London, Stephen is the author a series of hard-boiled noir novels, which until recently were published by Red Dog Press, which closed in August. We ask Stephen how that has impacted on him as an author, about his plans for a new series, and how poetry provided the gateway to becoming a writer.

Also this week, we discuss industry concerns about Spotify's plans to offer 15 hours of free audiobook content to subscribers each month, and Rebecca reflects on a weekend of travel challenges in rain-soaked Edinburgh.

Books – Stephen J. Golds (wordpress.com)

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141: Mudlarking and middle-grade fiction - with Kate Wiseman

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 08:51:33 GMT

Our guest this week, Kate Wiseman, had a late start to her author career. Attending university at 38 gave her the confidence to pursue writing, and she's now established herself as an accomplished author of Middle-Grade and Young Adult fiction. For her most recent series, Kate has drawn on her passion for mudlarking - exploring the foreshore of the River Thames to find forgotten objects in the mud and silt when the tide is out. Whether it be pieces of jewelry, lost toys or even Roman mosaic fragments, Kate feels a deep connection with the past with each discovery. But in the 19th century, mudlarking was a way of life for many, and their only way of sustaining themselves. It's a fascinating interview.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca reflect on the results of a recent survey of American authors which reveals that writers really are struggling to make a living from their craft.

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140: Small publishers of the world, unite - with Elaine Bousfield

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 09:11:32 GMT

This week, Rebecca attended the Independent Publisher's Guild Autumn conference in London, where the impact of AI was the number one topic of debate among delegates. It's also where she bumped into our guest this week, Elaine Bousfield MBE, who runs Zuntold, a small independent publisher based in Manchester. Zuntold publish fiction to support mental health and well-being, working with established voices as well as debut authors. Elaine is also a pioneer in bibliotherapy, using reading and creative writing as a form of therapy to create positive outcomes for a range of mental health issues. As you'll hear, Zuntold and Hobeck Books share a number of the same pressures and challenges, trying to make an impact in the publishing world. It's a frank yet inspiring interview.

Also this week, Adrian updates us on his recovery from a recent mental health episode, and we ask if Amazon's efforts to curb AI written books flooding the market is too little, too late.

ZunTold

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139: Exploring darker times - with Stacey Thomas

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 08:59:32 GMT

We admit, at The Hobcast Book Show, that we can be a little obsessed with the modern phenomenon of "cancel culture" - and how rumour, innuendo and group think has the potential to destroy lives. It has echoes of another period of English history, the Civil War, where witch-finding became an obsession for a society riven along political and religious lines. It's the era in which our guest this week, Stacey Thomas, has set her brilliant debut novel, The Revels. Set in 1645, Stacey brings us a dark tale of witchcraft and the paranormal set against the background of the Civil War. This is a truly fascinating interview .

Also this week, in a change to our regular format, Adrian reflects on a very difficult week where his mental health issues came to the fore, and Rebecca shares the impact events have had on her, our wider families and Hobeck Books itself.

(1) Stacey Thomas (@Staceyv_Thomas) / X (twitter.com)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Revels-Stacey-Thomas-ebook/dp/B0BQPGLDVS

The Revels – Signed Copy | Booka Bookshop

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138: Chasing times past - with Mark Wightman

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 09:34:34 GMT

We're delighted to be publishing Chasing the Dragon by Mark Wightman this week at Hobeck Books. It's the second instalment of the Betancourt series set in Singapore in 1940. Mark's first novel, Waking the Tiger was hugely successful, securing shortlistings for four major prizes. It's been two years between the publication of the two books, and Mark explains how that's in part down to the level of research needed to recreate the historical setting accurately. One of the key themes of the novel is the prevalence and influence of opium throughout the British Empire, and it's impact on all strata of society.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss the impact of piracy on their business, and wonder what Spotify's plans to offer free audiobooks to subscribers means to right holders and narrators.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chasing-Dragon-SCOTTISH-SHORTLISTED-Betancourt-ebook/dp/B0CFG7ZPX7

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B091DMDR4M

Historical Crime Fiction | Mark Wightman Author | Scotland

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137: Creating a new author voice - with Antonia Lassa and Dr Jacky Collins

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 09:58:30 GMT

We're all familiar with the concept of pen names. There are dozens of reasons why an author might adopt one, and some of our own Hobeck authors write under aliases. But what if you want to take that concept a stage further, and create a complete alter-ego to go with that name, and write from a completely different perspective to your own? That's the challenge celebrated Basque author Luisa Etxenike gave herself in writing as Antonia Lassa for her first crime novel, Skin Deep. Translated into English by our second guest this week, Dr Jacky Collins, aka Dr Noir, Luisa adopted a completely different voice and perspective as Antonia. For one thing, Antonia is French. She's younger than Luisa too, offering the author the freedom to find a fresh approach to her craft and an alternative voice to her established literary work. Then there's the challenge for Jacky to capture the spirit of Antonia's work in English. This is a fascinating interview not to be missed.

Also this week, 'Blurb-gate' rumbles on in the UK publishing industry, and Adrian gives us a sneak preview of the next Hobeck blockbuster audiobook, Chasing The Dragon by Mark Wightman which is published next week.

Luisa Etxenike | web oficial

https://youtube.com/@newcastlenoir7292?si=J60xsSvn2ofzwi2R

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Skin-Deep-Antonia-Lassa/dp/173929890X

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chasing-Dragon-SCOTTISH-SHORTLISTED-Betancourt-ebook/dp/B0CFG7ZPX7

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136: Time to get cosy - with Greg Mosse

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 06:26:15 GMT

We don't make a habit of inviting guests back so soon on The Hobcast Book Show, but we've made an exception for Greg Mosse, who joined us on Episode 94. This week we discuss Greg's foray into cosy crime with recent release, Murder At Church Lodge. Drawing on his own experiences growing up in rural Sussex, Greg takes us into the world of his protagonist, Maisie Cooper, and the challenges she faces as she returns home to the village of Framlington in 1972. As ever, this is a fascinating interview that delves deep into Greg's huge knowledge of the creative process.

Also this week, with the announcement of the closure of Red Dog Press, Adrian and Rebecca reflect on the state of independent publishing and the challenges facing the sector.

https://www.gregmosse.com/

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135: The freedom to write - with Tony Mott

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 09:53:20 GMT

Imagine falling in love with the crime fiction genre, but facing a perpetual shortage of books to read. That was the situation our guest Tony Mott faced growing up in Romania under the Communist regime of Nicolae Ceausescu. Classic western European authors like Agatha Christie were widely available in translation as they were regarded as politically neutral, but modern writers were banned. As Tony tells us, she developed a network of fellow readers who shared smuggled books between each other. Now, the situation is completely different, and Tony is celebrating the release of her novel Deadly Autumn Harvest in English, with another crime novel to follow soon. This is a fascinating interview and a celebration of the freedom to create after years of restrictions.

Also this week, we reflect on the impact that Sir Michael Parkinson had on us as interviewers, and we ask, are there parallels between the hospitality industry and the publishing world?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deadly-Autumn-Harvest-Tony-Mott-ebook/dp/B0BYT5ZJD8

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134: Bringing it home - domestic noir with Caroline England

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 12:37:26 GMT

If there's ever a career that could prepare you to become an author of domestic noir and psychological thrillers, then being a divorce lawyer must be pretty high on the list. You'll witness all aspects of human behaviour, and watch as dark domestic secrets emerge. So perhaps it was natural for our guest, Caroline England, to specialise in these genres. Writing also as C E Rose, Caroline explains to us how she's fascinated by how secrets and hidden rules develop in relationships between people.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca examine the potential impact of the takeover of Simon & Schuster by a private equity firm, and they reveal plans to present next week's podcast in a very different fashion.

CAROLINE ENGLAND – Also writes as CE ROSE (carolineenglandauthor.co.uk)

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133: From real life P.I to crime author - with Linda Mather

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 09:54:46 GMT

"Write what you know." It's probably the most over-used piece of advice to aspiring authors. That said, if what you know is being a private investigator, that's not a bad piece of advice for a potential crime fiction author. Our guest this week, Linda Mather, drew on her experience to create her main character, Jo Hughes, a PI who uses astrology to help solve her cases. With the sixth book in her Jo and Macy series due out this month, Linda has established herself as one of one the UK's leading crime authors. It's a fascinating interview.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca ask if Amazon is heading for further legal trouble in the U.S over their ebook policies, and they celebrate the enduring success of fellow indie publisher, Bluemoose Books.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CDH9BLVS

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132: Inside Icelandic Noir - with Quentin Bates

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 10:50:21 GMT

What does it take to translate fiction? That's the question for our guest this week on The Hobcast Book Show, Quentin Bates, who in recent years has built a career as a translator of Icelandic fiction into English, working with some of the best authors from the island. Quentin tells us it's not as straightforward as translating each book word for word; he has to get inside the story and the author's voice. Quentin is also an author himself, and has an extraordinary life story too - not least that his gap year visit to Iceland became a 'gap decade,' involving spells as a trawlerman and all the dangers that entailed.

Also this week, as another independent publisher launches a crowdfunding campaign in order to stay in business, Adrian and Rebecca debate the true state of the UK indie scene, and they ask, are literary prizes worth the effort?

Gráskeggur – . (graskeggur.com)

Books – Gráskeggur (graskeggur.com)

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131: "And we've got Gareth Gates..." - with Liz Mistry

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:38:02 GMT

It's that time of the year - Harrogate! This week the show comes from the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the UK's premier event celebrating the genre. Joining us at The Old Swan Hotel is Liz Mistry, the prolific Bradford-based author and creator of two hugely popular crime series.

We discuss the influence Bradford has had on her writing, and the impact of her mixed-race marriage on the themes of her work. Liz also shares with Rebecca and Adrian plans for a third series, set in her native West Lothian in Scotland.

Also this week we discuss the role played by one of the Hobeck family in winning a the big prize at Harrogate this week, the mammoth seven-figure deal signed by British crime author T M Logan, and reflect on the closure of another of the UK's best-known independent publishing houses.

Liz Mistry Crime Writer – Author & Writer

Liz Mistry - Book Series In Order

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130: Asking your way to a great story - with Alison Stockham

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 19:51:56 GMT

What if? Two simple words that can unlock a world of stories. Throw in a few more questions, examine your ideas from different angles, and you can really come up with a compelling story. That's certainly the approach taken by our guest this week, Alison Stockham, a Cambridge-based author of psychological fiction. Her debut novel, The Cuckoo Sister, was a break out success. The premise is simple and compelling. You want the best for your sister, but what if that sister wants what you have - especially your children? With her second novel, The Silent Friend due out later this month, it's a great time to speak to Alison about her approach to generating ideas. We also discuss what she's learned from her involvement in the Cambridge Literary Festival.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca on the three years since they first published The Rock series by Robert Daws, and ask if crowdfunding is the future of independent publishing.

https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Friend-unputdownable-psychological-bestselling-ebook/dp/B0C1FY8PBF

https://www.amazon.com/Cuckoo-Sister-Alison-Stockham-ebook/dp/B09YTJ48YQ

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129: Books and the Blues - with Guy Hale

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 05:01:26 GMT

We've often said on The Hobcast Book Show that are more than a few similarities between the book trade and the music business. True, it's not often that an author fills a stadium with screaming fans, but there's no doubt that the two industries share common challenges and risks. No matter how hard you work creatively, you never know if your next novel or album will find a big audience. So imagine having a foot in both worlds? Our guest this week, Guy Hale has done just that, setting up his own record company specialising in the Blues, and now self-publishing a series of crime novels set in the music industry. So what lessons has Guy brought from the music business to his writing career? Guy tells us that it's the responsibility of each artists, whether they be musician or author to promote their own work, and keep up that effort for as long as it takes. It's an interview that will provoke some debate.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca wish the British Library a happy 50th birthday, and Adrian shares some experiences he's had with some new A.I publishing tools.

Guy Hale - Guy Hale Author

Books – Hillside Global (hillside-global.com)

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128: Teacher to thriller writer - with Louise Mumford

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 05:01:06 GMT

It's one thing to teach English for a living, it's another to practice what you preach. Our guest this week, Louise Mumford, after years at the front of the classroom, has now established herself as one of the rising stars of the UK thriller scene, but her big break came by chance at an arts festival in Suffolk. Being the organised person she is, Louise was carrying a sample of her first novel when she bumped into a commissioning editor for a major publishing imprint. Four years on, she has published three bestselling novels with Harper Collins offshoot, HQ. Louise is also committed to promoting crime fiction in her native Wales, and is the co-chair of Crime Cymru – The Welsh Crime Writing Collective, which holds a physical festival every two years. It's a fascinating interview.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca reflect on an illuminating visit to one of the UK's biggest book printing companies, and Adrian makes a confession about how his Attention Deficit Disorder played havoc with a major project this week.

For a full transcript of the interview with Louise Mumford, click here:

https://www.louisemumfordauthor.com

Crime Cymru – The Welsh Crime Writing Collective

CPI Print | Home | Uk's leading Book printing company (cpi-print.co.uk)

primadonnafestival.com – Primadonna Festival

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127: Vitalising Purpose - with Jonathan Bland and Jamie Veitch

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 05:01:26 GMT

This week's Hobcast Book Show is a departure from our usual subject areas. We're joined by the co-authors of Vitalising Purpose, Jonathan Bland and Jamie Veitch. Drawing on their years of experience working in the UK's social enterprise sector, the book offers insights and suggestions for improving vital public services we all rely on, by introducing lessons learned from organisations and pioneers who've partnered with local authorities, government and public bodies to improve outcomes for the people who use those services. As Jonathan tells us, both he and Jamie hope the book will inspire new thinking and approaches to running public services.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca lament job cuts at one of the UK's most influential universities for creative writing, and discuss if a call from independent bookshops for publishers to stop referring readers to Amazon is a realistic approach to improving sales.

For a transcript of our interview with Jonathan and Jamie - click here

Jamie Veitch

jonathan bland – Social Business International

E3M | Vitalising Purpose Book

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126: Modernising locked room mysteries - with Heather Fitt

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 05:01:30 GMT

What's behind the enduring popularity of the 'locked room' mystery? Agatha Christie was without question the queen of the genre, but they remain a mainstay of crime publishing. Our guest this week, Heather Fitt has published two modern takes on the locked room mystery, setting her novels on an airliner and a transatlantic yacht respectively. So what's the secret to writing a successful one? In this great interview, Heather shares her journey from managing car mechanics to literary editor and crime author.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss the trend for big name authors to skip the festival circuit and stage their own theatre talks/book signings, and we relay the heartwarming story of how one Hobeck author has inspired a wonderful friendship between two of his fans.

Download a transcript of our interview with Heather here

Heather J. Fitt — Bloodhound Books

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125: Born with a book in your stomach - with Jónína Leósdóttir

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 05:01:36 GMT

You might imagine we've lost our minds here at The Hobcast Book Show with an episode title like this, but, believe it or not, it's a common Icelandic phrase, such is the power and popularity of literature there. Our guest this week is one of the most influential figures in Icelandic fiction, Jónína Leósdóttir. Jónína is a playwright, journalist, and author of twenty-one books. Her most recent book, Deceit, is her sixth crime novel. She was also the founder of the Women's Prize for Fiction in Iceland. As we discuss in this wide-ranging interview, Jónína is no stranger to having to withhold the truth; it was 15 years before her relationship with her now wife, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir became public. Johanna was Iceland's Prime Minister between 2009 and 2013, and the world's first openly LGBT+ in modern history. This is an inspiring interview.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca absorb the impact of changes at Amazon, and discuss if a book's formatting and type-setting should really be a factor in a reviewer's rating?

Download a full transcript of our interview with Jónína at https//www.hobeckbooks.net/hobcast

Find more details of Jónína Leósdóttir here

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The Bad Neighbour - a Hobcast Special - with Jennie Ensor

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 11:19:18 GMT

In a departure for The Hobcast Book Show we're bringing you a special episode celebrating the launch of one of our latest Hobeck titles, The Bad Neighbour by Jennie Ensor which has raced to number one in two Amazon categories already. Set in an English village at the height of the COVID-19 crisis, it's a sparkling pschological suspense mystery laced with dark humour. Adrian and Rebecca are joined by Jennie to discuss the challenges of writing a novel set during such an unusual and challenging period in recent history, and we have two exclusive readings from The Bad Neighbour by Diana Berriman as Tara, and Miranda Hampton as Elspeth.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bad-Neighbour-deliciously-entertaining-psychological-ebook/dp/B0C4FRSP1

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124: Getting the details right - with Kim Booth

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 11:07:03 GMT

We all know how a crime is investigated don't we? After all, we've read enough books, watched enough TV cop shows and read the papers. Interviewing a suspect? We'd all give it a fair go wouldn't we? But would we? How quickly would we commit an elementary mistake of procedure or due process? How soon would a soon would a savvy lawyer unpick our case or cast enough suspicion on our evidence to have their defendant freed? Former Detective Inspector Kim Booth is here to help authors get the key details right. An author himself, he knows how hard it can be to balance authenticity and dramatic licence in fiction. This is a fascinating interview, drawing on Kim's 35-year policing career during which he investigated every type of major crime and worked on cases that took him around the world.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca welcome a familiar face as the new chair of the Crime Writer's Association, announce a new Hobeck author, and they reveal how close AI came to recreating the magic of Sir Ian Rankin's Rebus novels...

For the episode show notes visit: https://www.hobeck.net/hobcast

A Cruel Deception eBook : Booth, Kim: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

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123: From social worker to copy editor extraordinaire - with Abbie Rutherford

Mon, 29 May 2023 05:01:58 GMT

There's no doubt that editing can make a huge difference to any finished work of fiction or non-fiction. Our guest this week, Abbie Rutherford, describes her move from social worker to copy editor and proofreader as a mixture of necessity and fulfilling her passion too. Abbie now one of the UK's most established editors, and specialises in crime fiction from her home base in Sunderland. In this wide-ranging interview, we discuss the impact on AI on the publishing world, and how authors need to do more work on their manuscripts before they send them off to their editors.

Also this week, Adrian reflects on his visit to the world's biggest podcast show in London, and we discuss the news that the big publishers are finally acknowledging that with costs rising fast, the price of books will also have to rise to reflect the new situation.

About (abbie-editorial.com)

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122: Sci-fi and sword play - with Jude Austin

Mon, 22 May 2023 05:01:00 GMT

We've linked up with Japan this week to speak to our guest, sci-fi author Jude Austin. As Jude tells us, her dreams of becoming an actress ended when a bad knee injury forced her to abandon her training at a Japanese film school, where physical challenges and combat classes were a key part of the curriculum. Jude has since turned her creative passions towards sci-fi and fan fiction, and she has a passion for map-making as part of that creative world-building process.

Also this week, we reflect on the shock waves reverberating around the UK crime fiction community following events at Crimefest '23, where comments made at the festival's gala dinner have caused uproar on social media. As Adrian explains, the polarised nature of the debate has opened up some very personal scars for him.

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121: Broadway dreams and debut novels - with Rachel Corsini

Mon, 15 May 2023 05:01:00 GMT

It's always a delight to share launch week with a debut novelist on The Hobcast Book Show. Rachel Corsini once dreamed of Broadway and ballet success, especially during her teenage years as a student at one of Manhattan's famed performing arts high schools. While she watched friends and contemporaries reach their dreams, Rachel's path to creative success was far longer and tougher. It was an aunt who suggested she express herself as writer instead, and the result is her debut novel, Sushi and Sea Lions, which launches on Tuesday 16th May. This is a delightful and inspiring interview.

Also this week, we present the show from Crimefest 2023 in Bristol, where concerns about the impact of AI dominated discussions.

Rachel Corsini - Writer

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120: Crowdfunding and cyberpunk - with Matt Adcock

Mon, 08 May 2023 05:01:00 GMT

Crowdfunding is becoming a growing factor in independent publishing. You have a book you would like to publish, but need funds to cover the editing, production and promotion. The solution? Ask your readers for support. Our guest this week, Matt Adcock has taken this route to support some of his writing projects, converting his cyberpunk novel Complete Darkness into a graphic novel version, and developing his own comics. It's just one of the topics we cover in this fascinating interview.

Also this week, we discuss how the Coronation has made an impact on the UK book charts, and reveal a huge change in independent publishing thanks to a new approach to printing and distributing books.

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119: From women’s weeklies to full-scale fiction - with Jude Hayland

Mon, 01 May 2023 05:01:00 GMT

It's one of the sadder realities of modern publishing: the traditional market for well-told short stories is drying up with the closure of magazines all over the world. That's certainly the case in the UK, where a host of household name titles have closed down in recent years. Jude Hayland cut her teeth as an author for women's weekly magazines, enjoying a steady income and much of her work being translated for the wider world market. But that's all changed now, and Jude moved to writing full novels, with three published to date and another in the pipeline. So how do you move from writing to a 3000 words limit to full-length fiction? Jude's journey is a fascinating one, not least because she also teaches English too.

Also this week, Rebecca reveals how the organisers of London Book Fair are defending the lack of chairs at this year's event, and we discuss just what should first-time authors expect from their publishers?

Jude Hayland - Writer and Tutor

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118: An extraordinary journey to publication - with Amer Anwar

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 11:58:12 GMT

We're all storytellers at heart in the fiction publishing world, right? Our guest this week, thriller author Amer Anwar's personal story though is truly astonishing. Brought up in Southall in West London, Amer always assumed that someone from his background could never become a writer, until he won the coveted CWA Debut Dagger award for the opening 3000 words of a novel he'd begun writing at a creative writing workshop. Agents immediately clamoured for his signature. The only issue was, those 3000 words were all he had to offer. It would take him a further five years to finish that novel. His agent stuck by him, but couldn't find a traditional publisher to take it. So Amer published it himself, using every trick he could think of to promote the novel. It paid off, and that first book, Brothers in Blood, was picked out by both The Guardian and The Times newspapers as one of their books of the year. This is an interview you will not want to miss.

Also this week, Rebecca reflects on a busy day at the London Book Fair, and there's news of Hobeck Books new approach to judging submissions...

Amer Anwar | Author | Writing and Random Stuff

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117: Glasgow grit and a dentist’s dilemma - with Heleen Kist

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 05:01:00 GMT

Our guest this week is no stranger to awards recognition. Heleen Kist is the author of three published psychological thrillers, the first two of which were shortlisted for a host of major international awards. Drawing on her surroundings in her adopted home of Glasgow, and inspired by the experiences of friends, her latest novel, What I Hid From You, features Radha, a dentist whose addiction to valium drags her into the orbit of one of the city's drug gangs. As Heleen explains, the scenario is all too real.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca draw inspiration from a visit to Birmingham, the home of the world's longest-running continuing drama serial, The Archers ...

Heleen Kist (author) - Home

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116: From the outside in - with Louise Mangos

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 05:01:00 GMT

If there's one genre that has dominated the mystery and suspense market in recent years, it is psychological suspense and thrillers. Our guest this week, Louise Mangos, has built a strong reputation in the genre, with three novels published to date. Louise is, like no less than four of our own Hobeck authors, a graduate of the Crime Fiction MA at the University of East Anglia. That gave her the foundations of her writing craft, but her inspiration often strikes her while she takes advantage of the fabulous scenery around her in Switzerland. If Louise isn't writing, she can be found kayaking, skiing, running, open-water swimming or cycling around the lakes and mountains nearby.

Also this week, we lament the latest cutbacks at Amazon to impact on the book trade, and how one publisher found themselves unwittingly at the centre of an identity theft scam.

https://louisemangos.com/

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115: Write what you know - with Nick Edmunds

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 05:01:00 GMT

It's probably the number one piece of advice handed out to all aspirant authors - "write what you know." Our guest this week has perhaps drawn on this advice in two key regards: write where you know, and write when you knew. Nick Edmunds, writing as N J Edmunds, is the author of Miles Away - a dark psychological mystery novel set in 1970s Scotland, and draws on Nick's own experiences of the period and locations, as well as his career as a GP. In this revealing interview, Nick reveals he's always been fascinated in the way the mind works, even inspiring him to become a hypnotherapist.

Also this week, we discuss the contribution made by the late Peter Usborne, founder of Usborne Books, and we admire the growing portfolio of publishing companies acquired by fellow UK independent publishers, Joffe Books.

www.njedmunds.eu

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114: Bringing a business book to life - with Bryn Thompson and Steve Lowndes

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 09:15:39 GMT

We wear many hats at Hobeck Books. We're editors, cover designers, proof-readers, marketeers and audiobook creators to name but a few of our roles. We recently decided to combine these skills with a new arm of the company, Arch Publishing Services - helping clients to get their books from concept to finished product. This week we speak to our first clients, Bryn Thompson and Steve Lowndes of New World Selling, a consultancy offering world-class sales training for the business-to-business sector. They'd first considered writing a book together twelve years ago, but it wasn't until the Covid lockdowns that they actually made real progress with their manuscript. We became involved a year ago, and their debut book Transformational Selling was published two weeks ago to considerable acclaim. This may not be traditional Hobcast interview territory, but we're sure you'll learn a great deal about the new way to do business in this rapidly changing world.

Also this week, we discuss Penguin Random House's decision to limit their internships to candidates from lower socio-economic backgrounds and ask if that will work, plus there's another classic author being put through the modern sensitivity reader mangle. Is Agatha Christie really that offensive to contemporary audiences?

HOME | Newworldselling

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113: Exploring Transmedia Storytelling - with Colin Harvey

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 11:15:02 GMT

There are so many potential avenues to pursue for the gifted writer. In recent episodes we've touched on poetry and writing plays, but have you ever considered the key role writers play in creating video games? Our guest this week, Colin Harvey, is a published fiction, non-fiction, and comic author in his own right, but it's his expertise in transmedia storytelling that we focus on in this interview. Colin was first drawn to the potential of writing in the digital space as a boy when he won an Atari home computer in the 80s. He's now Principal Writer with Saber Interactive, having been lead writer with Sony's PlayStation London Studio. It's a fascinating insight into a world many writers have no idea exists for them to explore working in.

Also this week, Adrian is concerned about more changes to the way that audiobook distributor Findaway Voices works, and Rebecca reflects on a positive return to Exeter University to inspire students to explore publishing.

https://www.colinbharvey.com/

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112: Making words work - with Sam and Barry Hall

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 05:01:00 GMT

Our guests on The Hobcast Bookshow this week have inspired thousands of people to become writers. Sam and Barry Hall combine their day jobs with running Wordsmithery, an independent literary arts organisation and publisher in the Medway area of Kent. Wordsmithery was founded with the aim of encouraging more people to get into writing and reading, and to work on interesting literary projects with individuals and community groups. As you'll hear - Sam and Barry are incredibly inventive and creative in their approach to their mission. It's an inspiring interview for anyone who loves writing and the pleasures of literature.

Also this week, Adrian shares his views on the dominant media story of the week in the UK, and Rebecca reveals a hidden talent...

Wordsmithery | Live Literature and Publishing | Kent

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111: What book coaching can bring to your writing - with Nicole Johnston

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 06:01:00 GMT

Just ten minutes a day could make a huge difference to your writing productivity. That's the message from our guest this week, author, ghost-writer and book coach Nicole Johnston. Using that time to write, without self-editing, can help authors through writer's block she says, with the added benefit of increasing your overall creativity. Nicole has coached dozens of authors to overcome their writing roadblocks, drawing on her experience as an author, and her career in politics as an advisor to some of the biggest names in Australian and UK politics, including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. It's a fascinating interview.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss efforts by Bookshop.org to build a new ebook platform to rival Amazon, and reflect on the recent IPG Spring conference where the issue of the future impact of AI in publishing dominated discussions.

Ghostwriter, Author & Writing Coach Nicole Johnston - The Writing Tribe

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110: Poetic inspiration - with Susan Darlington

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 06:01:00 GMT

This week is a departure for The Hobcast Book Show, as we focus on poetry with our guest Susan Darlington. Speaking to us from her home in Leeds, we learn how nature inspires her poetry, and Susan shares her love of the challenge verse demands, especially choosing the optimum words to express the themes she wants to explore. Susan has published three collections of her work to date, and is a regular contributor and reviewer for a range of publications and websites.

Also this week, as Adrian and Rebecca enjoy a week away in Rye in East Sussex, they debate the recent sensitivity changes made to Roald Dahl's childrens books and the furor that's created in the publishing world.

Under the Devil's Moon: Amazon.co.uk: Darlington, Susan: 9781326187583: Books

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109: Taking ’pantsing’ to the next level - with Abigail Osborne

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 09:32:23 GMT

Are you a plotter or a pantser? It's arguably the question we ask most often on The Hobcast Book Show of our guests. This week we speak to an author who takes pantsing, or if you're being more politically correct, discovery writing to new levels. Abigail Osborne says the only way she can approach her craft is to write as her mood dictates, and jumps around the timeline of her stories as a result. She relies on the editing process to make sense of the raw material she create, and while unconventional, her method has brought success with three superb psychological thrillers published to date. Abbie says it's her way of harnessing her ADHD superpower, and shows no matter how unconventionally your mind works, there is always a way to bring your writing to the world successfully. It's a brilliant and inspiring interview.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca reflect on the disappointment of not securing a nomination for the Nibbies (National Book Awards) this year, and ask if the new trend of big publishers trawling TikTok for potential authors is a welcome development or not?

Abigail Osborne – Author

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Abigail-Osborne/e/B01JN1G4CY

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108: Celebrating Clapham - London’s literary powerhouse - with Julie Anderson

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 06:01:00 GMT

There are few cities, if any, that rival London for their literary impact, and whilst the grime of Dicken's London, or the elegant squares of Bloomsbury are celebrated as literary locations, there's one borough that can justifiably claim to match all others - Clapham. As our guest this week, author Julie Anderson explains, Clapham has been home to some of the most celebrated British authors, such as Samuel Pepys, Graham Greene, Roald Dahl, Noel Coward and Angela Carter. There's a healthy community of writers in Clapham now too, and for the past few years, Clapham Writers have organised the Clapham Literary Festival, attracting leading authors from all genres of fiction and non-fiction to speak there, and while other festivals have found times difficult since the pandemic, it seems that Clapham's is going from strength-to-strength.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca express their dismay at the revelation that Hobeck Audiobook productions have potentially been used to feed the development of A.I narration systems, and they support moves announced this week to raise freelance pay rates in the UK publishing industry after years of stagnation.

claphamwriters | Living & writing in Clapham (wordpress.com)

Julie Anderson – Writer and author (julieandersonwriter.com)

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107: Creating a ’cult’ book - with Cailean Steed

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 06:01:00 GMT

We're delighted to focus on another debut author this week on The Hobcast Book Show. Caileen Steed's first novel, Home, a dark tale of a woman escaping the pernicious grip of a cult, has been showered with critical praise. Heat magazine calls it "highly engrossing," and The Scots Magazine says Home is "masterfully written, both enthralling and disturbing in equal terms." Praise indeed. So how does Cailean find the time to write between teaching in a secondary school and busy family life? We speak to them from their home on the banks of the Clyde, in Helensburgh, Scotland.

Also this week, we get excited about the prospect of watching Hobeck's own Robert Daws on stage in his latest one-man show, and Rebecca has a go at replacing Adrian as an audiobook narrator - with interesting results...

Cailean Steed Author

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106: How Plottr might ease your writing pain - with Troy Lambert

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 06:01:00 GMT

The Hobcast Book Show team would happily describe themselves as 'pantsers' when it comes to writing. Perhaps the politer and more politically correct term would be 'discovery writers,' exploring our muse and seeing where the story goes. That's not to say we don't envy authors who have the ability to map out their plots and story beats before they commit to a first draft. Perhaps a recently developed piece of software called Plottr could help? It promises to make plotting a breeze, with popular story structures already set up for every conceivable fiction genre, and a suite of features to aid the series author to manage the details of the worlds they create. We're joined by one of the team behind Plottr, author and educator Troy Lambert to explain more.

Also this week, we discuss how hardback sales are dropping as the cost of living crisis bits, and how we had a shock at Hobeck Books when we received a quote for a reprint of one our titles - a 25% increase in costs in just 15 months!

https://plottr.com/

Telling Stories, Changing the World - Troy Lambert (troylambertwrites.com)

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105: From firefighter to thriller author - with David Beckler

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 06:01:00 GMT

It's no surprise to us at The Hobcast Book Show that thrillers remain one of the most enduring and successful genres in fiction. Sharing the danger with our heroes is one of the key elements that attract readers, especially when the author is writing from experience to back up their creative imagination. Our guest this week, David Beckler, knows all about the courage and camaraderie that helps people face extreme situations. A firefighter for almost twenty years, mostly in Manchester, he draws on his experiences to inspire his novels. He has two series to his name: His Sterling and Mason series features two ex-Royal Marines, one of whom is now a firefighter, and his Antonia Conti series features a journalist uncovering corruption in a dystopian near-future setting.

Also this week, we tot up the sales of Spare as Prince Harry's memoir smashes sales records, and we look ahead to the launch of our latest Hobeck book - Cut and Shut by Jonathan Peace.

DAVID BECKLER AUTHOR – DISCOVER MY WRITING

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104: Drawing on life to inspire your writing - with Anne Coates

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 06:01:00 GMT

One of the joys of writing is using every experience you have to feed your creativity. That's certainly the belief of our guest this week, journalist and crime-author Anne Coates. She has vast experience to draw on too from her career as a journalist in some of the UK's most popular magazine titles, and as an editor for Reader's Digest. As she tells us, that's armed her with some valuable knowledge of how to structure a story, and perhaps most importantly, what to leave out as much as what to leave in. Anne is the author of the Hannah Weybridge series of novels published by Red Dog Press, and her most recent title, Stage Call, is inspired by her lifelong passion for attending the Old Vic Theatre in Waterloo, London.

Also this week, Rebecca challenges Adrian to name the UK's Top 5 cosy crime authors in 2022, and they also discuss what job cuts at Amazon might signify.

Anne Coates – Author, editor (annecoatesauthor.com)

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103: Creating a sense of place - with J M Simpson

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 06:01:00 GMT

Happy New Year! We start 2023 with our guest, UK drama and suspense author J M Simpson, whose Castleby series of suspense novels has built a loyal following recently. Castleby is loosely based on the Pembrokeshire resort of Tenby, but Jo draws widely on her upbringing in Devon and Cornwall to embellish the seaside setting. As she admits, the fictional town has taken on a life of its own.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca reflect on the most popular UK books of 2022, and they critique Apple's latest venture into audiobook narration using AI technology.

J.M. Simpson | Author of drama and suspense novels (jmsimpsonauthor.co.uk)

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102: Voodoo dolls and Victorian Asylums - with Sally-Anne Martyn

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 11:05:22 GMT

We often take a trip to the dark side on The Hobcast Book Show. It comes with the territory of being crime publishers after all. But this week's episode is darker than most, as we meet Sally-Anne Martyn who admits to developing a love and fascination of horror and the paranormal from childhood. It's that background that fueled her debut novel for Joffe Books, The Clinic which was published in October, as well as the experience of working in one of the UK's fabled and feared Victorian-built asylums shortly before they were all closed and sold off.

Also this week, we discuss changes at Penguin Random House, and how the UK postal strike is creating issues for publishers.

Sally-Anne Martyn | Author of Dark Thriller Book 'The Clinic' (sallyannemartyn.com)

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101: Last Tango In Halifax - with Matthew Smith

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:43:02 GMT

The Hobcast Book Show has been on its travels again, braving snow and fog to attend Halifax Noir at the invitation of our former guests and great friends, R C Bridgestock. It was a chance to talk all things crime and books, and take a realistic look at the state of the UK publishing market as we approach Christmas. We also caught up with Matthew Smith, who recently made the switch from publisher to literary agent. As he tells us, it's a tough world out there.

Also this week, as a major survey reveals a huge drop in author incomes, Adrian and Rebecca ask if there's anything that can be done to help writers make a living from their work?

Home - Exprimez

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100: The 100th episode special - with Elly Griffiths

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 11:32:46 GMT

Well, we made it! Welcome to the 100th episode of The Hobcast Book Show! This week is a celebratory show, complete with a fabulous interview with one of the UK's most celebrated crime authors, Elly Griffiths. Elly has written almost 30 novels, including 15 in the brilliant Ruth Galloway series set in Norfolk. Her most recent novel, Bleeding Heart Yard is the third in her Harbinder Kaur series, and was released in September this year.

So, settle in as Adrian and Rebecca celebrate 100 episodes of The Hobcast Book Show...

Welcome - Elly Griffiths

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bleeding-Heart-Yard-Breathtaking-Galloways-ebook/dp/B09KMYJ4YY

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99: The power of editing - with Rebecca Millar

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 06:01:00 GMT

When four of our previous guests all paid tribute to the same person, we knew we had to speak to them on The Hobcast Book Show. Rebecca Millar has edited the work of a huge range of authors including Simon McLeave, Lucy Hooft, Morgan Greene and Cat Yaffe. Starting her career within both indie and traditional companies, a move to Australia forced Rebecca to become freelance. It was a challenging switch but allowed her to focus on her first love - crime fiction. In this revealing interview, Rebecca shares the range of skills and judgement she's developed to help both established authors and first-time writers to deliver their best work.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca breathe a sigh of relief that Amazon have finally published The Un Family by Linda Huber after two weeks of stress, and they reveal the identity of the special guest of the 100th episode of the podcast next week.

Rebecca Millar Editorial – Fiction developmental and line editor and proofreader specialising in crime, thriller and suspense

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98: Thrillers, Travel and Giant Kelp - with Lucy Hooft

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 13:09:51 GMT

Our guest this week, Lucy Hooft, wins our unofficial award for being our most remote guest yet. She joined us from the tiny coastal town of Luderitz in Namibia, where it rains just 17 days a year on average, and a shopping trip can involve a 260-mile round trip for the basics. But adventure and challenges are no stranger to Lucy and her husband Daniel. They met in the Georgia, and the Caucasus provide the inspiration for Lucy's first thriller The King's Pawn which was published by Burning Chair Publishing last week. Lucy has worked for the British Government in many exciting and challenging countries, but together with Daniel is now involved in Kelp Blue, a company focusing on harnessing the benefits of Giant Kelp forests - which could play a major role in solving many of the world's environmental issues. Writing is all part of the mix for Lucy, who describes herself as a "juggler". She has to be with three young children to look after whilst launching a new school in the local area.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca reflect on a tough week both in the Hobeck office and outside, and yet more issues with the Amazon beast ...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kings-Pawn-Sarah-Black/dp/1912946300

Spy Fiction | Lucy Hooft

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97: A launch pad to literary success - with Maureen Myant

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 13:29:34 GMT

The Hobcast Book Show had the delightful opportunity to attend the book launch for The Confession by Hobeck Books author, Maureen Myant in Glasgow this week. Believe it or not, it's the first time we've attended a physical book launch since we launched the company. The novel is a fantastically twisty noirish thriller with a great premise: Julie Campbell's decaying body is discovered with a note - confessing to five murders. The issue is, none of the victims is dead - yet ... It's a great novel, full of human frailty and vanity, and demonstrating Maureen's depth of understanding of people drawn from a career as a clinical psychologist. So, join us as we take you to the book launch itself, and a special tour of one of the key locations for The Confession.

Also this week, we discuss how a computer glitch at Amazon has created issues for us at Hobeck Books, and how Harper Collins is the latest publisher to report a significant drop in sales.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Confession-Maureen-Myant-ebook/dp/B0BKGV6N88

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96: Fighting back - with Cat Yaffe

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 09:34:47 GMT

We've met many remarkable people over the past three years since we decided to set up Hobeck Books, but few are as inspiring as our guest this week, Cat Yaffe. We discovered each other online, and then met in person at Crimefest '22 in Bristol last May. It was Cat's first public foray during her battle with breast cancer, and as she explains to us, the period since that first meeting has been a process of regaining her confidence - both mental and physical. Cat is the author of the DI Ziggy Thorne series, with her latest novel When We Deceive, due out in March next year. As Cat tells us, she's dealt with multiple setbacks while she's pursued her writing dream, but has approached it all with the same fierce determination that drove her to build a successful digital marketing business. This is an inspiring interview.

Also this week, we discuss the latest changes at Twitter since Elon Musk's takeover, and we look at the six titles up for the infamous award for weirdest book title of the year.

Home - Catherine Yaffe

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95: Untold history - the power of forgotten stories - with Kate Mosse

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 11:44:44 GMT

Kate Mosse is one of the UK's most celebrated authors. Her Languedoc Trilogy of novels which began with the multi-million selling Labyrinth brought her worldwide recognition, but she was a hugely influential figure in publishing before that, co-founding The Women's Prize for Fiction, now entering its 28th year and recognised as one of the most prestigious literary awards in the world. Kate is no stranger to non-fiction either, joining us on The Hobcast Book Show during a break in promoting her latest book, Warrior Queens & Quiet Revolutionaries: How Women (Also) Built The World. This is a fascinating interview with one of the most influential authors of our time.

Also, this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss how economic factors are hitting the big tech players like Amazon and Facebook, and how that could impact on the publishing industry.

https://www.katemosse.co.uk/

Labyrinth (katemosse.co.uk)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Warrior-Queens-Quiet-Revolutionaries-Women-ebook/dp/B0B252P4TJ

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94: From the stage to the page - with Greg Mosse

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 09:39:39 GMT

There's nothing more satisfying than attending a literary event and making connections with fellow travelers in the publishing industry. We met Greg Mosse at the recent Fatal Shore event in Shoreham near Brighton and immediately established a great rapport. Greg's contributions to two panels that day were full of insight and wisdom about what makes a great story, and Rebecca and I made copious notes as he spoke. We're delighted Greg could join us on The Hobcast Book Show, and we're sure you'll learn a great deal too. Greg is a playwright, theatre director, and novelist, with his first novel, The Coming Darkness released by Moonflower Publishing next month. He also describes himself as am "encourager of writers," and runs a brilliant project with the Criterion Theatre in London to discover new writing talent.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss how 'Super Thursday' was not quite the bonanza that independent bookshops hoped, and Rebecca reflects on how starting a new diet can have unexpected consequences.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Coming-Darkness-Greg-Mosse/dp/1919618759

Greg Mosse

Moonflower Publishing - A commercial publisher with an indie heart (moonflowerbooks.co.uk)

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93: The serious business of comics - with Charles Martin and Jerry Bennett

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 09:02:42 GMT

It's a bit of a departure for us on The Hobcast Bookshow as we delve into the world of comics and graphic storytelling. Charles Martin set up Literati Press in 2010 with aim of creating a home for Oklohoma's burgeoning comic book artists and writers. He admits it took several years and many mistakes before he and his team found their true path as a business, but this is a story of creative perseverance and determination. Charles is joined by artist Jerry Bennett, who has developed a huge following and has been with Literati Press since the beginning. It's a fascinating insight into the art of comic book creation - how do you marry so few words with images to convey the story?

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca report back from the wonderful Fatal Shore crime day in Shoreham near Brighton, and discuss further worrying news from the U.S that book sales are falling.

Literati Press Comics & Novels (literatipressok.com)

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Episode 92: The why’s and wherefores of audiobooks - with Greg Patmore

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 10:25:52 GMT

Regular listeners to The Hobcast Bookshow will know that the art of audiobook narration is something close to Adrian's heart. He's not shy in sharing his views on what a narrator needs from an author to make the process easier, but is he speaking for others? Our guest this week is Greg Patmore, a British actor and hugely experienced and successful audiobook narrator. What are the challenges he faces in the booth? How does he deal with authors who want their characters to appear exactly as they hear them in their heads? How does he find the stamina and energy to tackle a book that's hundreds of thousands of words long? It's a fascinating insight into the craft of audio storytelling.

Also this week, as Waterstones announce their computer system issues are fixed, we reflect on the impact the problems have created for UK publishers, and the comments by Karen Sullivan of Orenda Books that publishing is fast heading towards industry-wide burn out as the pressures on publishers build day by day.

Actor - Musician - Voice Artist (gregpatmore.actor)

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Episode 91: Yorkshire’s crime-writing super-duo - with R C Bridgestock

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 10:06:14 GMT

Our guests this week on The Hobcast Bookshow are Bob and Carol Bridgestock. The husband-and-wife writing team have established themselves as two of the UK's best police procedural authors - writing under the pen name, R C Bridgestock. Bob draws heavily on his experiences as detective, retiring at the rank of Detective Superintendent in West Yorkshire Police. Carol was a civilian employee of WYP, and she takes responsibility for adding the emotional heart of their stories. In recent years, they've also worked as advisers to film and TV companies, most notably the award-winning BBC drama, Happy Valley, set in Calderdale, an area that Bob policed throughout his career. It's a fascinating interview, and one we thoroughly enjoyed.

Also this week, we discuss what the impact of the recent 'mini budget' might be on our business, and discuss how Richard Osman has unwittingly been in a spot of bother with other crime authors this week.

http://www.rcbridgestock.com/

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Episode 90: Tips from Hobeck’s own king of TV drama - with Rob Gittins

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 05:01:00 GMT

Eastenders, Emmerdale, Eldorado, Pobol Y Cwm, The Bill, Vera and Casualty. If you check out our guest Rob Gittins' credit list on IMDB you will be dazzled by the scale and variety of it. A winner of multiple awards for his work both on TV and radio, Rob is also the author of seven novels. His latest, I'm Not There is published by us at Hobeck Books this week. It's a brilliant novel that deals with the impact of childhood trauma and loss, and how that can impact lives many years later. As Rob tells us, through his career in serial television he's understood the importance of laying the foundations for stories that pay off sometimes years later. This is an interview you will not want to miss, as Rob reveals some of the secrets behind some of the biggest shows in UK television, and the thinking that goes into the storylines.

Also this week, we discuss a major concession from Amazon towards the independent publishing community, and we lament the passing of a true great, Hillary Mantel.

Rob Gittins

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Im-Not-There-Rob-Gittins-ebook/dp/B0BD2J8ZYQ

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Episode 89: Acting and the author - with Catherine Yardley

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 05:01:00 GMT

The events of the past week overshadow this episode of The Hobcast Book Show. We conducted our interview with our guest, Catherine Yardley, the day before the passing of Her Majesty the Queen on Thursday 8th September, but recorded the rest of the podcast on Saturday 10th, not long after our new king, Charles III, was officially proclaimed our new monarch. For this reason, the show has a different feel to previous episodes. There's no intro or outro music, or publishing news. Instead, we reflect on the events of the past few days and our own brief encounters with Her Majesty and the wider Royal family.

As mentioned earlier, we speak to Catherine Yardley who recently published her first novel, Embers. She's currently writing a crime/thriller, and draws extensively on her experience as an actor and director to breathe life into her characters. Her advice to all authors is - book yourself on an acting course!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Catherine-Yardley/e/B09VMY2HBB

https://t.co/9XJM2iJ32N

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Episode 88: Bringing new voices to print - with Amy Le

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 05:01:00 GMT

Our guest this week on The Hobcast Book Show has an amazing story to tell. Several, in fact. Amy Le escaped from Vietnam as the war ended with the collapse of the South. She was just a few months old. Taken in by the United States, they fought hard to establish a new life, with Amy's mother pushing her daughter hard to achieve a better life through education and hard work. When her mother passed away a few years ago, Amy embarked on an emotional journey to research and tell her mother's remarkable story of love, strength and perseverance in a trilogy of books. Amy has turned that new passion for writing into a business: Quill Hawk Publishing - and over the next few years she aims to assist dozens of writers from diverse backgrounds to find their voice and an audience for their work. It's a great interview.

Also this week, we ask is it really true that half the books released in the U.S sell only 12 copies? And we reflect on a fascinating BBC report revealing the hidden practices used by big publishers to influence the sales charts.

https://www.amy-m-le.com

Quill Hawk Publishing | Facebook

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Episode 87: Bikes, boats and brilliant fiction - with Zoe Sharp

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 10:32:10 GMT

How's this for an introduction: "If I were a woman, I'd be Zoe Sharp. If Jack Reacher were a woman, he'd be Zoe Sharp's main character, Charlie Fox." No small compliment for our guest this week, paid to her by Lee Child himself. In our fascinating interview with Zoe Sharp, we learn about her unconventional start in life, her rise through journalism into full-time writer, and the development of her three main crime and thriller fiction series. We also discover that there's no better way to master fight scenes than learning the martial arts techniques for yourself. This is a high-octane interview with one of Britain's most accomplished authors.

And if that's not enough, we meet Eliza Chambers, a young actress and stage performer who has been working with us to bring Jennie Ensor's Silenced to audio. What's it like to work with the 'Ho' of Hobeck in the studio? Not as frightening as you may think...

zoesharp.com

Eliza Chambers - The Urdang Academy - London Area, United Kingdom | LinkedIn

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silenced-gripping-urban-psychological-thriller-ebook/dp/B09KJPQY4P

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Episode 86: Murder in an English country garden - with Rae Sargeant

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 08:15:17 GMT

We have a busy week ahead of us at Hobeck Books with the launch of two new titles. Alongside the release of A J Aberford's second George Zammit thriller, Bullets in the Sand, we're delighted to be publishing Her Deadly Friend by bestselling author Rae Sargeant. Rachel has been hugely successful with her psychological thrillers for Harper Collins, but her first novel for Hobeck is a departure - a mix of suspense and police procedural set in the fictional city of Gleveham, based loosely on Rachel's home city of Gloucester. Rachel joined us in one of the key settings for the book, the beautiful Painswick Rococo Gardens near Stroud to discuss her new series.

Also this week, is the publication industry exploiting young recruits? And will the fall in Amazon Prime subscribers impact on publishing?

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Episode 85: Historical crime fiction - it’s all in the details - with Mark Ellis

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 09:10:08 GMT

The sales figures bear this out: historical crime fiction is on the rise. This week we speak to one of the modern masters of the art, Mark Ellis, author of the superb Frank Merlin series set in World War Two. Originally from Swansea, Mark studied at Cambridge, became a barrister, then moved into banking before becoming a computing entrepreneur. The sale of his company has allowed him to follow his passion for writing, with his first Frank Merlin novel Princes Gate published in 2011. His latest Merlin novel, Dead in the Water was released in May this year. As Mark explains to The Hobcast Book Show, he takes several months to research each novel to ensure that his books reflect accurately actual wartime events; one mistake can easily destroy a reader's trust in the author's credibility.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca react to the shocking attack on Sir Salman Rushdie, and also examine some surprising data about the state of British publishing as a whole.

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Episode 84: Writing Noir with a welsh twist - with Malcolm Pryce

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 09:50:22 GMT

The Hobcast Book Show team have been on their travels over the past week, first to Wales and then to Devon for a family holiday. Inspired by their experiences, they were determined to feature an author connected with one of those areas, so this week's guest is the brilliant Malcolm Pryce, author Louie Knight Mystery series of novels set in the coastal town of Aberystwyth in Mid-Wales. As Malcolm explains to Adrian and Rebecca, his childhood experiences of growing up in the town provided ample inspiration for his satirical take on American hard-boiled detective fiction. We also discuss how a career as an advertising copywriter has influenced his work, and how he's using his experience to create a new writing course for authors.

Also this week we discuss the legal case which is dominating publishing in the United States, and we reflect on comments by Anthony Horowitz in a recent interview about the issues facing authors tackling sensitive subjects.

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Episode 83: Celebrating the craft - with April Doyle

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 06:32:38 GMT

'It's more than speculation, it's a prediction.' That, famously, was the tagline for The Swarm - the 1978 disaster movie starring Michael Caine that depicted the impact that a swarm of 'African Killer Bees' would have on the United States. It's a sad reflection that the opposite is now true, and bees and other pollinators are under threat. That's the starting point for Hive - the award-nominated novel by our guest this week, April Doyle. In a fascinating interview, we discuss how she was drawn to the subject, and we also explore her work as a creative writing teacher in her home county of Kent.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss the impact of issues created by a new computer system at the UK's leading bookshop chain, and look forward to a busy month ahead for Hobeck Books with three books being released in August.

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Episode 82: Harrogate Crime Festival ’22 Special - with Mick Herron, Will Dean and Denise Mina

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 06:22:34 GMT

It's the big one! This week The Hobcast Book Show comes from the world's biggest crime writing festival, the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Festival set in the grounds of the Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate. Back to full capacity for 2022, the event was a huge success, attracting some of the biggest names in global crime fiction. As you'll hear in this special show, Adrian and Rebecca caught up with some star guests, including this year's winner of the Crime Novel of the Year award, Mick Herron. We also speak to Will Dean, who draws inspiration for his Tuva Moodyson novels from his own life deep in the Swedish forests. And we also catch up with Dame Denise Mina who was the festival's programme director this year, and ask her where she feels Harrogate needs to go next to maintain it's position as the world's most prestigious crime fiction festival. So settle back and enjoy the energy, the sounds, and the gossip from Harrogate 2022.

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Episode 81: Harrogate preview special - with Vaseem Khan

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 14:06:05 GMT

It's that time of year again. The Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Festival begins this week in Harrogate, bringing together the great and good from the UK and international crime writing scene. It's like Glyndebourne for the morbid, or Henley for those whose rivers run with blood. One of the highlights of the four day event is the announcement of the Theakstons award for Crime Novel of the Year. In this special edition of The Hobcast Book Show, we speak to one of the six authors nominated for this hugely sought after prize, Vaseem Khan. Vaseem has established himself as one of the most popular and talented crime authors of his generation, with first his Baby Ganesh series set in present day India, and now the Malabar House series of novels set in 1950s India. In this fascinating interview, we learn about Vaseem's long road to publication, his views on improving and widening diversity within publishing, and his passion for cricket.

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Episode 80: Malta, Malt and Murder - with A J Aberford

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 13:14:24 GMT

We're delighted to be launching a new series of wonderful thrillers this week - the Inspector George Zammit series by A J Aberford. Set in Malta, George is an unlikely hero. He's not ambitious, carries too much weight, and enjoys the quiet life, but events conspire to place our hero at the centre of a series of complex international conspiracies. As author Tony Gartland, (writing as A J Aberford), tells us, Malta is the perfect location for his novels that combine gripping action, compelling characters, and no little humour. The first novel in the series, Bodies in the Water, is published by Hobeck this week.

Also in this edition of the Hobcast, we discuss how failing up can lead to riches if you're a certain departing UK Prime Minister, and we look ahead to a special edition of the show as part of our build up to the Harrogate Crime Writing festival.

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Episode 79: Does fiction do journalists an injustice? - with Sarah Sultoon and Holly Watt

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 14:17:16 GMT

One half of the Hobcast presentation team has spent half his life in journalism, and Adrian has lost count of the number of times he's sworn at the TV over the depiction of his former trade. But do journalists get a bad rap in fiction? Isn't it fair enough that writers use their creative licence to depict journalists in a way that suits their own stories? Or should writers work harder to get the details right and better reflect the reality of what it's like to chase down stories, often in harsh environments? In this episode of The Hobcast Book Show we speak to two leading UK journalists and crime authors, Sarah Sultoon and Holly Watt. Sarah worked as an international news executive and producer for CNN, a role that placed in some of the world's most challenging war zones. Holly has also faced similar challenges working for The Sunday Times and The Telegraph, and drew widespread acclaim for her work on the MP expenses scandal.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca reflect on a big proposed change to the UK book distribution scene, and bemoan the decision to end the coveted Blue Peter book awards after 22 years.

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Episode 78: CWA Daggers Awards special

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 12:52:05 GMT

One half of Hobeck, (Adrian), put on their glad rags this week to head to the prestigious CWA Daggers Gala Dinner in London. Our very own Mark Wightman was nominated for the John Creasey New Blood Dagger for Waking the Tiger. Sadly, Mark wasn't successful, the award going to Janice Hallett's The Appeal. As you'll hear in this special show, the night was a celebration of the UK's most popular fiction genre, crime, capping off a successful Crime Reading Month across the country.

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Episode 77: History and mystery - with Mary Kendall

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 05:01:00 GMT

We're constantly drawing inspiration from history here on The Hobcast Book Show, and the same is true for our guest this week, U.S author Mary Kendall. As Mary explains, it was whilst delving into her own family history that she discovered the real life events that inspired her debut novel, the The Spinster's Fortune. Set in Washington D.C, Mary draws on her experiences growing up in the city to bring the setting to life, but she still had to embark of months of research to ensure she captured the events of 1929 correctly.

Also this week, we celebrate another major award nomination for a Hobeck author, and we ask why so many universities are suddenly launching Masters degrees in publishing?

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Episode 76: Slaughter in Southwold - with Cara Hunter and William Shaw

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 08:52:49 GMT

The Hobcast Book Show has been on its travels again, this time to the charming Suffolk coastal town of Southwold for its annual crime-writing festival, Slaughter in Southwold. It brought together a host of crime fiction fans and heard from eight leading writers, including our own Hobeck author Lin Le Versha, whose Steph Grant mystery series is largely set in the town. As we hear in this special episode, Lin was joined on stage by Adrian to share insights about writing her novels Blood Notes and Blood Lines. We also hear from two of the most successful UK crime authors, Cara Hunter and William Shaw.

Cara moved from working in the City of London, via PR, to finally a hugely successful novelist. Her DI Adam Fawley series is set in Oxford, but as she explains, she tends to avoid using the university as a setting for her books, preferring to reflect the wider city.

William Shaw has been shortlisted for this year's Golden Dagger at the CWA Dagger Awards, one of the highest honours in UK crime fiction writing for his novel The Trawlerman. He lives in Brighton, UK, and sets many of his books in the unique coastal community of Dungeness in Kent, with it's other-worldly setting that inspired the work of the late film director, Derek Jarman. William began his writing career in the febrile world of pop magazines in the 80s, and frequently spiced up his interviews with the era's biggest stars by asking: "Have you ever seen a dead body?" His fascination with death on the human psyche shines through in his work, and his brilliant talk at the festival.

Settle back for our special from the wonderful Slaughter in Southwold, featuring of course not one, but two amazing examples of Rebecca's random questions.

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Episode 75: Passing the torch - taking over Jack Reacher - with Andrew Child

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 05:01:00 GMT

100 million copies sold. Two Tom Cruise movies and a wildly successful Amazon Prime TV series. Jack Reacher is one of those fictional characters that everyone has heard about. So what's it like to take responsibility for the future of the character? Our guest this week Andrew Child has done just that, taking over from his brother Lee to write Reacher's 26th adventure, Better Off Dead. The brothers collaborated on the direction of the novel, but as Andrew explains to us, he's now responsible for the words on the page. It's a far-ranging and fascinating interview.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca reflect on more upheaval in UK publishing with the announcement that the Costa Book Award is coming to an end, and the call from a former head of Blackwells for publishers to finally have an honest conversation with retailers about the price of books in the UK given the huge rise in production costs in recent months.

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Episode 74: Crime in a city of culture - with Nick Quantrill

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 05:01:00 GMT

When it comes to cultural significance, the city of Kingston upon Hull is often overlooked in favour of the likes of London, Edinburgh, Liverpool or Manchester. But that's unfair for a city that was the home of poet Phillip Larkin, David Bowie's most famous backing band The Spiders from Mars, and the setting for Ted Lewis's seminal crime novel Jack's Return Home which was adapted to become Get Carter starring Michael Caine. That reputation changed when Hull became the UK's City of Culture in 2017, attracting an estimated five million visitors. Our guest this week, Nick Quantrill, harnessed the buzz to co-create the Hull Noir crime-writing festival. He's the author of four novels featuring private investigator Joe Geraghty, and has enjoyed spells as a writer-in-residence at a leading rugby league club and the National Railway Museum in York. It's a fascinating interview.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca congratulate former Hobcast guest Ian Rankin on his knighthood, and we ask - just why are male readers reluctant to read books by female authors?

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Episode 73: Hobeck’s latest launch - with Jonathan Peace

Mon, 30 May 2022 05:01:00 GMT

There's very little more satisfying in publishing than bringing a great new talent and their debut crime novel to print. We loved Jonathan Peace's submission to Hobeck Books, and we're delighted to be releasing Dirty Little Secret this week. Set in 1987, it's set in Jonathan's home town of Ossett in West Yorkshire, and features WDC Louise Miller, who not only faces a tough investigation into the death of a young girl, but also the challenges of small-town small-mindedness and misogyny from her male colleagues. It's a brilliant debut for a series which will continue with From Sorrow's Hold in July this year. We went to meet Jonathan at his local pub near Nottingham.

Also this week we hear from another Hobeck author, Harry Fisher about his latest novel Yes, I Killed Her, and we discuss the big winners at the National Book Awards this week.

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Episode 72: Writing from the heart - with Caron McKinlay

Mon, 23 May 2022 05:01:00 GMT

What do readers want? That's the question we ask ourselves every day at Hobeck Books. The truth is, that changes all the time, but there's no doubt that if a writer can connect emotionally with a reader, you're going to find plenty of readers. Our guest this week, Caron McKinlay published her first novel The Storytellers this week, and already the feedback has been overwhelming, with many readers saying they've been moved to tears by her tale of three women recalling their lives and debating if any of them have experienced real love. Caron draws heavily from her own experiences and those of her family and friends. It's a powerful book, and a great interview.

Also this week, Rebecca reveals her shock at her alma mater, The University of Wolverhampton cutting Fine Art from their prospectus, and Adrian discusses the latest data showing E-book sales have dropped dramatically in the past year in the UK.

And as promised, you can book tickets to meet Hobeck author Malcolm Hollingdrake at an event in Wigan on June 11th 2022 - tickets available from https://www.theoldcourts.com/shows/crime-at-the-old-courts-meet-the-authors/

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Episode 71: A Crimefest ’22 Special - with Ann Cleeves

Mon, 16 May 2022 05:01:00 GMT

Who doesn't enjoy a good festival? The UK crime season is in full swing, and we took The Hobcast Bookshow to Bristol this week for Crimefest '22 - back for the first time in three years following the pandemic. In this special edition of the podcast, we bring you some of the highlights of the event, including an in depth interview with one of the UK's most successful crime writers, Ann Cleeves, best known for her Shetland series that has been adapted for TV as Vera starring Brenda Blethyn.

We also bring you a little taste of our conversation with Andrew Child, who has famously stepped in to fill his brother Lee's boots to continue writing the incredibly successful Jack Reacher series of thrillers. We'll bring that full interview at a later date. And we also had the chance to gather together around a third of our own Hobeck Books author roster at Crimefest, which again proved why it's one of the best crime writing festivals anywhere in the world.

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Episode 70: Bring out your inner entrepreneur - with Nicola Cook

Mon, 09 May 2022 05:01:00 GMT

Some members of the indie publishing community might treat it as a dirty word, but "selling" is all part of the job. Nicola Cook, writing fiction as Isabella Wiles, is one of the most sought after motivational speakers in the UK on the subject of selling and developing great sales teams. She's also the author of two worldwide non-fiction bestsellers, so she felt her next challenge was writing fiction. Following a trip to London Book Fair in 2019 where she met some of the leading lights in the UK indie fiction community, she decided to pursue that dream, and has released a trilogy of modern women's fiction novels, The Three Great Loves of Victoria Turnbull series. As Nicola tells us, the key to success in business is holding your nerve long enough to reap the rewards.

Also this week we hear from Lin Le Versha as she releases her second Hobeck novel Blood Lines, and Adrian and Rebecca look ahead to their trip to Crime Fest in Bristol next week.

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Episode 69: Let the festivals begin - on stage with Robert Daws

Mon, 02 May 2022 17:12:47 GMT

The 2022 UK literary festival season is upon us, and The Hobcast Book Show will be bringing you highlights from all the key crime focused events like Harrogate, Crime Fest and Bloody Scotland. But this week we hit the road to take the stage with actor and Hobeck author Robert Daws at the inaugural Royal Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival in Kent. This week we bring you the Q + A with Bob, chaired by Adrian.

Also this week, we digest the impact of Amazon's first quarterly loss since 2015 and ask, is the party over for the world's biggest online retailer?

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Episode 68: The life and times of an agent - with Euan Thorneycroft

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 09:01:00 GMT

Is there anything more mysterious in publishing than the world of the literary agent? There can't be many aspiring authors who haven't asked themselves - 'how do I get an agent?' There are copious 'how to' guides out there offering advice on how to secure representation, but how relevant is that advice? Euan Thorneycroft is a senior agent with A M Heath, a London-based agency established for more than 100 years. In this revealing and fascinating interview, Euan tells The Hobcast Book Show how he began in the business, how it's changed over the years, and how he deals with the never-ending tide of submissions he and his colleagues receive every week. He also explains the do's and don'ts of submitting your manuscript, and what he's looking for in a potential client and project.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca celebrate two Hobeck authors being long-listed for this year's CWA Daggers - congratulations to Mark Wightman and Antony Dunford.

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Episode 67: Blog Tours - are they worth it? - with Zoe-Lee O’Farrell

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 07:39:41 GMT

There's a healthy debate within publishing about the impact of blog tours. They're designed of course to support book releases and raise awareness of the authors. But just how effective are they? Our guest this week on The Hobcast Book Show is Zoe-Lee O'Farrell who is both a book blogger and a blog tour organiser. What does she see as their key value? We also discuss her first novel Ouija and her work with fellow indie press, Spellbound Books.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca reflect on a post London Book Fair bout of COVID, and discuss the impact a bad agent has had on one of the UK's leading promoters of new writing, Jericho Writers.

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Episode 66: London Book Fair 2022 Special Part 3 - with Mark Dawson

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 10:52:27 GMT

We made it! It's been an epic few days at the London Book Fair at Olympia, and in our concluding special Hobcast Book Show we speak to two of the key figures in the growth of indie publishing, Mark Dawson and Mark Stay.

Mark Dawson is the multi-million selling author of three series including the John Milton series, but he's also the creator of the Self Publishing Formula courses which have helped thousands of writers fulfill their dream of becoming full-time authors.

Mark Stay has also been highly influential in this area through his podcast The Bestseller Experiment which has now run to over 400 shows.

Adrian and Rebecca also speak to two further members of the Independent Publishers Guild: Jon Barton from Vertebrate Publishing and Alison Jones from Practical Inspiration Publishing.

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Episode 65: London Book Fair Special 2 - with Robert Daws

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 09:06:17 GMT

Never underestimate how huge the London Book Fair is. Hundreds of exhibitors, acres of show space and thousands of delegates - it can feel bewildering! In the second of our special shows from the London Book Fair 2022, we're joined by our very own Robert Daws. We also speak to a range of people and ask them what LBF means to them.

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Episode 64: London Book Fair Special#1 - with J D Kirk

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 08:32:29 GMT

The Hobcast Book Show is at the London Book Fair! In this first in a series of special podcasts, we speak to one of the most successful indie crime authors in the UK today, Barry Hutchison, who under the pen name J D Kirk has built a huge following for his DCI Jack Logan series. Originally a traditionally published author, Barry was quick to recognise the potential of the Amazon KDP platform and decided to become an independently published author of crime novels - a genre he'd never even read before he created Jack Logan! In this fascinating interview, Barry reveals the challenges he's overcome to become one of the UK's most successful crime writers.

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Episode 63: Words and music - with Guy Gardner

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 07:26:47 GMT

The relationship between music and literature is long established. For Dorset based author Guy Gardner, his love of one inspires the other. A gifted jazz musician, Guy published his first novel, The Mirror Game earlier this year. It's a historical thriller set in the 1920s. So how much work does it take to recreate such a complex decade accurately?

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss their plans for this week's London Book Fair where they'll be recording a series of special shows from Olympia.

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Episode 62: Tackling multiple genres - with Dave McCluskey

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 06:35:18 GMT

It's a debate that has raged among authors for decades. Write in one genre or literary area, or try as many as possible? Our guest on The Hobcast Book Show, Liverpudlian author Dave McCluskey has tackled quite a number over the past 11 years. Horror may be his mainstay, but he's also written romance, graphic novels, historical crime fiction and children's books too. As he tells Rebecca and Adrian, if he has a story idea, regardless of the genre, he HAS to write it come what may.

Also this week, we discuss Phillip Pullman's resignation from the Presidency of the Society of Authors, and could TikTok really be the answer to selling more audio books?

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Episode 61: The awards only indies can win - with Pauline Barclay

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 09:01:00 GMT

It's one of the aspects that frustrates us most at Hobeck Books. When it comes to awards, most of the odds are stacked in the favour of the big publishing houses and traditionally published authors. There are exceptions of course, but it was this situation that motivated our guest this week Pauline Barclay to launch the Chill Awards five and a half years ago. Only open to independent authors or small independent presses, the awards celebrate the wealth of great books produced by the indie community. Pauline has readers across the world who select the books on offer, and if several of them agree independently, the book wins an award. It's an inspiring interview.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss even more signs that print books are about to rise in price, and there's news of another author signing for Hobeck Books.

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Episode 60: The long winding road from Lahore to the bookshelves - with Awais Khan

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 07:22:21 GMT

Every writer dreams of being a published author. It's tough enough when you're based in a country like the UK with hundreds of agents and dozens of publishers to target, but when your own country has almost no fiction publishing scene - it's far harder. That was the challenge Awais Khan faced. At 25, with two degrees to his name, he followed his heart and signed up for the renowned Faber Writing Academy, studying online from his home in Pakistan. But finding a way to publication wasn't easy. Dozens of rejections followed before a London literary agent expressed an interest. Now working on his third novel, Awais has been widely praised for his second No Honour, a gripping depiction of the issue of honour killings in his native Pakistan.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca reflect on the future of Blackwells, and the latest industry trend in signing up stars from TikTok.

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Episode 59: The Queen of Crime - an Agatha Christie Special

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 09:27:26 GMT

Two billion books sold and 102 years after the publication of her first novel, we bring you this Agatha Christie special edition of The Hobcast Book Show. Adrian and Rebecca return to the place they first met, Exeter University to meet Annie Price, who curates the Agatha Christie archive within the university's special collections department.

As we discover, the collection charts the relationship between Agatha and her literary agent Edmund Cork, and reveals fascinating details about how she worked, how she thought, and how determined she was to ensure her characters were reflected accurately on stage and screen. With contributions from some of our own Hobeck authors about the influence Christie has had on their work, we are proud to present this unique insight into the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie.

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Episode 58: Know your genre if you want to sell books - with Rachel McLean

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 06:01:00 GMT

If you ever search for a crime novel on the UK Amazon store, the chances are you'll soon see an ad for Rachel McLean's books. In the space of three years, the Birmingham based author's two crime series have established an army of fans, and her titles regularly hit the number one spot. Rachel was also awarded the coveted Kindle Storyteller Award for 2021. So what does she put her success down to? Writing with your reader in mind. As Rachel tells us, if you truly meet reader expectations, they will reward you in return.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca have taken The Hobcast on the road again, this time to Anglesey in North Wales where they discuss just how costly Apple's changes to data sharing have been to Facebook, and the wider digital marketing landscape.

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Episode 57: Creating true evil - with Lewis Hastings

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 06:01:00 GMT

Lewis Hastings was our second signing for Hobeck Books back in 2020, and together we're about to publish his fifth Jack Cade thriller - The Chemist. The novel features the return of an old foe for Cade and those he cares for most, as they face their greatest danger yet. So how does Lewis create such wonderfully twisted and memorable villains? And how much of his career in law-enforcement play a part in his writing?

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss the ethics of author services offering a quicker route to agents and publishers, and how a couple of days away in the Cotswolds have given them renewed energy for running the business.

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Episode 56: Making connections with listeners - with Dian Perry

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 06:01:00 GMT

We've mentioned it many times on the show, but audiobooks are becoming an ever more important arm of publishing. Double-digit growth year-on-year, a trend accelerated by the pandemic. But how does a narrator connect with their audience most effectively? This week's guest on The Hobcast Book Show is Dian Perry. An American in London, Dian dreamed of becoming a character voice artist. Now with over twenty years of experience and success, she's the author of Voiceover Narration: Creating Performances from the Inside Out. As Dian explains in this fascinating interview, creating a real connection with listeners requires a different approach. It's not just about reading the words in the right order, or having a pleasant voice - it takes so much more than that.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca reflect on yet more evidence that the lack of raw materials is changing the publishing industry, and Adrian shares his excitement about an upcoming auction of personal items owned by a certain British actor.

Visit Dian's website: https://www.dianperry.com

Follow the Hobcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hobcast2

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Episode 55: That publication day feeling - with A J Hill

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 06:01:00 GMT

Over the past 12 months of The Hobcast Book Show, we've spoken to a number of debut authors, but we've never spoken to them on publication day itself, until now. Andy Hill, writing as A J Hill, celebrated the release of Dead Drift by speaking to us. We first met Andy at the Harrogate Crime Festival last summer, and he'd just been signed by Spellbound Books for an initial three book deal for his novels featuring Jack Lunn, a former Detective Inspector. As Andy tells us, there's more than a bit of himself in his lead character.

Also this week, we chew over the news that UK Ebook sales have dropped for most of the big publishers, and that one of favourite bookshops, Blackwells, is up for sale. And there's also a little music this week, partially provided by a very famous member of Rebecca's family...

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Episode 54: Indie Publishing facing tough times - with Dan Morgan (Part 2)

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 06:01:00 GMT

We had a shock this week at Hobeck Books. The rumours of rising production costs are very true as we were quoted a 20% higher price for the same print run we last ordered less than three months ago. So can you make indie publishing work? Yes, but as Dan Morgan, (writing as Morgan Greene), says in the second part of his revealing interview with us, it's tough and takes a lot of nerve.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca reveal their plans for the business in the months to come, and talk frankly about how health issues can affect day-to-day work.

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Episode 53: Publishing Noir - the reality of indie publishing with Dan Morgan

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 06:01:00 GMT

We're proud to be indie publishers at www.hobeck.net It's an exciting movement to be part of, but as we explore every week here on The Hobcast Book Show the reality of running a start-up publishing house is far tougher than some would have you believe. That's also been the experience of our guest, Dan Morgan, a Welsh author of Scandi-noir novels under the pen name Morgan Greene. Dan has built a strong following for his novels featuring DI Jamie Johannson, but as he tells Adrian and Rebecca, the path to success has been challenging. In the first of a two-part interview, Dan explains the path to becoming a bestselling author requires courage, talent, and perseverance.

Also this week, we discuss the shocking revelation of how the big publishers can buy their positions in the retail charts, and the welcome news that proposed changes to UK copyright laws have been postponed.

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Episode 52: Doctor in the house - writing as a second career - with Mairi Chong

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 06:01:00 GMT

You've trained for years to achieve your ambition to become a doctor, but what happens when a mental health crisis forces you to leave the profession? That's exactly what happened to our guest Mairi Chong, who was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in the weeks after giving birth to her son. The effects were so severe she had to leave the job she loved as a GP, and rebuild her life again, coming to terms with the impact of the condition. That's when she turned to writing, and this week Mairi is celebrating the release of her first novel for Bloodhound Books - Death by Appointment featuring sleuthing medic Cathy Moreland. It's a fascinating and uplifting interview that doesn't flinch from discussing the impact of mental health issues.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca ask if audiobooks can really help students to break their screen addictions, and we celebrate one of the most beloved books of the past forty years, the immortal Dear Zoo.

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Episode 51: How to become a bestselling author in two years - with Daniel Hurst

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 08:18:29 GMT

We've been lucky enough to speak to some spectacularly successful indie authors in the past year, like Simon McCleave and Jason Dalgleish, we can now add Daniel Hurst to that list. In just two years since he specialised in writing psychological thrillers and suspense novels, he's sold enough books to both give up his day job and employ his wife full-time to support him. As Daniel explains to Adrian and Rebecca, some of the keys to his success is hard work, writing and releasing books quickly, and writing to market. His new novel The Rivals is released on 15th January.

Also this week, we look at the predicted publishing trends for 2022, and we congratulate Ian Rankin on signing another seven-figure contract for his next two Rebus books.

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Episode 50: Dreaming among the spires

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 06:01:00 GMT

It's Episode 50! Adrian and Rebecca have taken The Hobeck Book Show on the road again to see in the new year with a visit to Oxford. The city of dreaming spires was the perfect place to look back on a momentous 2021, and set new goals and dreams for 2022. In this episode we hear again from some of the wonderful guests we've hosted in the past year, and we look ahead to what's in store for Hobeck Books in the year to come. Plus, there's some rather special personal news too...

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Episode 49: Bookbugs and Dragon Tales with Dan and Leanne Fridd

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 06:01:00 GMT

This week we compare notes with husband-and-wife book selling team, Dan and Leanne Fridd about the pleasures and pressures of working together in the world of books. They run the superb independent bookshop, Bookbugs and Dragon Tales in Norwich, UK, and as they tell The Hobcast Bookshow, they're determined to create a unique experience where customers of all ages can relax and discover the joy of reading and books. For ex-teacher Leanne, she wonders why she waited so long to pursue the dream, and they reveal the heart-warming impact their bookshop has had on the lives of countless children and young people of the area.

Also this week - Adrian and Rebecca reflect on The Bookseller's list of the 150 most influential people in UK publishing and ask, which publishing executive has the smuggest portrait photo expression?

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Episode 48: A literary blind date - with Sarah Manvel

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 07:37:46 GMT

We have a confession to make at The Hobcast Book Show. Our plans unravelled following a medical drama, so we had to launch an appeal for a guest this week at the last minute. Kindly, the brilliant Sarah Manvel stepped in, creating a literary podcast blind date for this week's show. Sarah is a writer and critic, and author of the hilarious semi-fictional account of dates that have gone horribly wrong. As you'll hear, You Ruin It When You Talk is Sarah's first book, but she's determined that it won't be her last. It's a fascinating conversation.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss further shake-ups in the indie publishing world, and how supply chain issues are forcing publishers to order print runs 9 months ahead of release dates.

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Episode 47: The power of research - gangs, knife-crime, and murder - with Jennie Ensor

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 06:01:00 GMT

Our latest Hobeck Books release, Silenced by Jennie Ensor, is potentially one of our most controversial. How controversial depends on your position on the debate about who is entitled to write about characters from a range of backgrounds and cultures. The novel tackles the impact of gang culture in North London, the horror of knife crime and the way communities live in fear of helping the police. Jennie tells us how she spent months building links with the people and communities affected by these issues, and how that research allowed her to write the book with understanding and authenticity.

Also this week, we hear how a fellow indie-publisher is using crowdfunding to keep their business going in difficult trading conditions, and Adrian and Rebecca discuss a busy week of releases for Hobeck, including the Christmas charity anthology, The Dark Side of Christmas.

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Episode 46: Independent Bookshops Special with Jules Button and Krissy Lloyd

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 06:01:00 GMT

It's been a brutal 18 months for independent bookshops. Feeling the ever tightening squeeze of a certain large online retailer, the Covid pandemic forced many to shut their doors for months, if not for ever. But is the outlook for the UK's independent bookshops so bleak? Not according to our guests on the Hobcast Bookshow this week: Jules Button owns the Woodbridge Emporium in Suffolk, whilst Krissy Lloyd manages the Medina Bookshop in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. As they tell Rebecca and Adrian, they've used all their creativity, local knowledge, and reputation to adapt and thrive in recent months, driven by a love of books.

Also this week, the team brave a blizzard to present the programme from the Derbyshire Dales, where they discuss efforts to ease the impact of Brexit by the UK's biggest book distributor, and Adrian does his best to explain the meaning of the Collins Dictionary word of the year...

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Episode 45: An A-level in murder - with Lin Le Versha

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 06:01:00 GMT

We all remember the jealousies and rivalries of our school years. The gossip swirls, rumours grow and take a life of their own - no one is immune. Add a musical genius from a sheltered background, suffocated by a protective mother's love, and you have the ingredients for Lin Le Versha's superb debut novel, Blood Notes, set in a fictional sixth form college in Suffolk. Lin tells Rebecca and Adrian how her experience of working in education helped her to create this world, into which comes Steph Grant, a former detective trying to rebuild her life following bereavement and a career-ending error of judgement.

Also in this week's Hobcast Book Show, we reveal how the wider publishing world has reacted to the recent shake-up in the audiobook industry, and we explore how one indie bookshop in Wales has launched an appeal to keep its doors open.

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Episode 44: The secrets we bury - with Linda Huber

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 06:01:00 GMT

We all have things we'd rather forget from our childhoods, but what if a whole community chooses to bury a dark secret? That's the theme of Linda Huber's brilliant and dark psychological thriller for Hobeck Books. Pact of Silence is a departure from her first bestseller for us, Daria's Daughter, and as Linda reveals in this wide-ranging interview, the scenes and themes of her new novel have haunted her.

Also this week Adrian and Rebecca mark the passing of the legendary Wilbur Smith, and ask if some big money takeovers mark a serious shake-up to the audiobook industry.

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Episode 43: To edit is divine - with Helen Gray

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 06:01:00 GMT

As we promise in the opening of every Hobcast Book Show - we speak to the people who make Hobeck Books possible, including editors. Helen Gray has worked with two of our authors, Malcolm Hollingdrake and Harry Fisher on their crime series, and in this interview, we learn how she uses her experience and judgement to build strong working relationships with the authors she works with. Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss how audiobook technology is changing, and we discover who's in the running for the most bizarre book title of the year.

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Episode 42: Mastering historical crime fiction - with Abir Mukherjee

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 05:01:00 GMT

5000 words, a competition, and a measure of luck launched Abir Mukherjee's glittering literary career five years ago. With The Shadows of Men, the fifth novel in his Wyndham and Bannerjee historical crime fiction series due out on November 12th, Abir has cemented himself as one of the genre's best authors. His books have sold over 250 thousand copies and been translated into 15 languages. As he tells Rebecca and Adrian in this week's Hobcast Book Show, he takes nothing for granted and always strives to improve as an author. Also this week, the team discuss further evidence that rising costs are impacting the independent publishing scene, and we reveal details of Hobeck Books upcoming charity anthology, The Dark Side of Christmas.

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Episode 41 - Feeling the chills with Judi Daykin

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 10:50:01 GMT

Hallowe'en approaches. No better time then to release some spine-tingling spooky fiction as we did at Hobeck Books this week. Judi Daykin's Wayland Babes is a wonderful collection of five inter-related ghost tales based on the legend of the Babes in the Wood, set in Norfolk's Wayland Woods. Adrian and Rebecca joined Judi on location to discover more about the inspiration behind the book. Also this week, we discuss the remarkable story from Spain about how a 1 million euro literary prize was won by an author called Carmen Mola turned out to be three men working behind a female pseudonym, and how digital publishing became the leading source of revenue for the industry as a whole.

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Episode 40 - The Big Questions - with Olly Jarvis

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 06:40:30 GMT

Is there one thread that binds us all? A link through history that explains the human experience? These are some of the themes tackled by Hobeck author Olly Jarvis in his brilliant new thriller, The Genesis Inquiry. Described by Stephen Fry as a 'compulsively readable legal thriller', the novel introduces care-worn barrister Ella Blake, who's hired to investigate the disappearance of a brilliant Cambridge academic, and unearths a conspiracy to keep world-changing revelations a secret. Olly draws on his own background as a leading UK criminal barrister in his writing, and we discuss the challenges he faces day-to-day in a justice system creaking through over-work and under-funding. Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca debate if it's ever acceptable to ask Waterstones to display your book, and ask the biggest question of all - is Sir Michael Caine really retiring?

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Episode 39: The power of publicity - with Angela McMahon

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 05:01:00 GMT

The line between marketing and publicity is often a blurred one. Everyone in publishing, whether traditional or independent will have experience of marketing, but publicity is a different game altogether. Securing coverage in newspapers, interviews with broadcasters, and reviews from influencers is an art in itself, and one that our guest Angela McMahon excels in. Angela runs Flow Communications, using her vast experience working with leading publishers to become an independent consultant - securing invaluable media coverage for her clients. What are the secrets of a successful campaign? Angela has been working with us at Hobeck books on our latest release, The Genesis Inquiry by Olly Jarvis, who joins us to introduce his brilliant novel, described by Stephen Fry as 'a real winner.' Also this week, Rebecca's voice is struggling, but we discuss big changes at Amazon, and Adrian pays tribute to an old friend, the late UK government minister, James Brokenshire.

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Episode 38: Sunshine from Leith - with Harry Fisher

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 05:01:00 GMT

Every so often we receive a submission at Hobeck Books that blow our minds. Harry Fisher's Be Sure Your Sins was one of those. Set in Leith, home of Ian Rankin's Rebus novels, Harry introduces us to no-nonsense copper, DS Mel Cooper in the first of a new series. Harry reveals how a close-knit team of family and friends has helped him shape his work and launch his writing career. Also this week, Rebecca and Adrian reveal how illness has struck Hobeck Towers this week, and as you'll hear, it's something of a miracle that this week's show went ahead at all.

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Episode 37: The real CSI - from SOCO to crime author with Kate Bendelow

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 05:01:00 GMT

Crime fiction has come a long way from simply discovering a body in the library, a handful of clues and the revelation of the killer over dinner. Developments in forensics have advanced at a ferocious rate in recent years, and our guest on the Hobcast Book Show this week has witnessed them all for real. Kate Bendelow has been a scene of crime officer for Greater Manchester Police for the past 19 years. As a SOCO, she brings her specialist knowledge to her crime fiction writing, with her debut novel Definitely Dead published in May this year. It's a fascinating interview that you won't want to miss. Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca discuss how the cult of celebrity continues to dominate the UK book charts, and with a week left to submit your novel to Hobeck Books, Rebecca reveals how many authors have applied so far...

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Episode 36: Bloody Scotland and Killer Bees - with guest, Tina Baker

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 06:53:20 GMT

Murder. The word on everyone's lips in Stirling this past weekend as some of the world's greatest crime authors gathered for the Bloody Scotland Crime writing festival. Held in person and online, it showed once again that the crime writing community knows how to put on a show, and we at Hobeck Books enjoyed every moment of this special event. It was our first Bloody Scotland, as it was for our guest Tina Baker, whose first novel Call Me Mummy, a darkly funny and disturbing tale of a childless woman stealing a young girl from her dysfunctional family raced to number one on the Amazon Kindle charts. Now out in paperback, Tina told Rebecca and Adrian how the three main characters are all extensions of parts of her own personality, and Tina also shared some of the secrets of a career reviewing soap operas for the likes of GMTV and BBC Five Live. **Warning - there is some adult language in this episode.

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Episode 35: The science of crime fiction - with Brian Price

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 05:01:00 GMT

How often do you suspect that not everything you read in a crime novel is as accurate as possible? Alongside experts in policing, the legal system and forensics, Brian Price has established himself as one of the UK's leading consultants for authors who want to ensure the science of crime is correct. Brian's expertise is much sought after by some of the UK's leading authors, but now he's switching sides with the publication of his first novel, Fatal Trade, published by us at Hobeck Books. Released on Sept 14th, Fatal Trade starts with a first line so strong it won Brian an online competition, an achievement that inspired him persevere and write the rest of the novel! Also this week, we discuss supply problems in the UK publishing chain, and how a book signing could have cost one sport £40 million in lost income.

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Episode 34: Mastering ads for authors - with Matthew J Holmes

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 05:01:00 GMT

Like it or not, to sell books you need to advertise. And if our experience at Hobeck Books is anything to go by, this is a time consuming process that requires nerve, knowledge, skill and no little investment too. Our guest this week on The Hobcast Book Show, Matthew J Holmes, has achieved sometimes spectacular results using Facebook, Amazon and Bookbub ads. As he tells Rebecca and Adrian, there are no shortcuts, but through trial and error and sheer persistence he has got to grips with the platforms, and now manages the advertising campaigns of a range of authors. Also this week, we discuss how a review of copyright laws by the UK government could cost the industry millions, and Adrian shares his delight that a certain Swedish pop combo are back...

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Episode 33: From Rom Com writer to suspense author with Sue Shepherd

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 05:01:00 GMT

Sue Shepherd's first novel for Hobeck Books, Swindled, is published on 7th September, but as we discover on this week's Hobcast Book Show, this is not her first rodeo. Sue is a successful author of romantic comedy novels, but has decided that now's the right time to plunge into the world of crime and suspense. As she tells Adrian Hobart and Rebecca Collins, her fiction is based on creating credible characters, and she allows them to tell their own stories. Also this week, we discuss further evidence that the publishing environment is becoming tougher for small independent presses, and Adrian tries to explain why he's so excited about developments at his beloved Manchester United.

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Episode 32: The road to full-time indie author - with J M Dalgleish

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 05:01:00 GMT

Our guest this week on The Hobcast Book Show will cheerfully admit that he's had a varied career, before finally settling on the life of a hugely successful crime author. Writing under his pen name J.M Dalgleish, Jason Dalgleish has successfully launched not one but two crime series: The Dark Yorkshire novels and The Hidden Norfolk series. Three years after his first book was published, Jason has now sold over a million copies of his novels. So what's the secret of his success? Adrian and Rebecca were keen to find out. Also this week, to mark the 50th anniversary of Get Carter, the show is back on the road in Newcastle exploring what makes the film starring Michael Caine such an enduring classic.

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Episode 31: Supporting authors through Facebook - with Donna Morfett

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 05:01:00 GMT

The UK Crime writing scene is the envy of the world. No other country can boast the range of talented crime authors that the UK does, and that's not least down to the incredible support the reading community offers them. Donna Morfett is at the vanguard of this support. Her Facebook group, Donna's Interviews, Reviews and Giveaways has grown in recent months to become one of the most influential pages on the UK crime scene. Featuring almost daily in-depth interviews with authors, from the big names to first-time indie writers, Donna's group is recognised as one of the best places to discover new authors. What makes her give up her time? Donna tells The Hobcast Book Show from Hobeck Books that she simply wants to offer as much support as she can.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca, newly released from self-isolation, are on their travels again, to a certain city in the North West of England ...

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Episode 30: Living the author dream - with Lesley McEvoy

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 05:01:00 GMT

Once a writer, always a writer - someone wise once said. Becoming a published author though is a different matter altogether. That's been the 40-year-long dream of this week's Hobcast Book Show guest, Lesley McEvoy. Like so many writers, life, family and work combined to prevent her from pursuing a literary career. Instead, she built a successful freelance career as a psychologist and profiler, working in the corporate world, as well as some of the UK's most notorious prisons. But as she approached a 'significant' birthday, she decided the writing itch could not be ignored, and following a year away from the day job she secured her first book deal, with a little help from a certain Ian Rankin. Now signed up to a three-book deal with Bonnier's imprint Zaffre, Lesley tells us that determination was the biggest factor in achieving her dreams. Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca reflect on a tough week when COVID struck the Hobeck family, leaving a dream of their own in tatters ...

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Episode 29: Climbing the indie publishing mountain - with Simon McCleave

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 05:01:00 GMT

Snowdonia is one of Britain's most popular National Parks, beloved for it's ruggedly beautiful mountains and forests, and provides the inspired location for Simon McCleave's crime novels. His DI Ruth Hunter series only launched in January 2020, but Simon has already sold 800,000 books. Drawing on the skills he sharpened as a script editor on some of the UK's most popular TV shows, Simon writes quickly and cleanly, publishing a staggering 13 novels in the past 18 months alone. It's an astonishing achievement - and he shares some of the secrets of success with The Hobcast Book Show. Adrian and Rebecca also discuss huge developments at one of their fellow UK Crime publishers, Bloodhound Books, and they reveal the winner of their '#notatharrogate competition.

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Episode 28: Harrogate Festival special - featuring Ian Rankin, Mark Billingham and S J Parris

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 05:01:00 GMT

It's back! The Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival survived months of uncertainty to return to Harrogate in spectacular fashion, and the Hobcast was there to join in the fun. In this week's bumper episode, we speak to the godfather of British crime fiction Ian Rankin about the challenge of finishing another writer's work. S J Parris reflects on how the pandemic has affected her creative process, and Mark Billingham reveals some of the secrets of what happens when the UK's leading crime authors meet at the bar. Plus Adrian and Rebecca speak to the inspirational Martyn Waites about his work in prisons helping inmates to find their voice. It's Hobeck Books on tour, Harrogate-style!

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Episode 27: The secrets of a series - with Leigh Russell

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 05:01:00 GMT

Twelve years since her first novel was published, Leigh Russell has established herself as one of the UK's leading crime authors, selling almost two million books. She's published fourteen novels in her Geraldine Steel series, and successfully launched two spin-off series too. As Leigh admits in her inspirational interview with Adrian and Rebecca, she's probably made every mistake there is to make, but her passion for writing is undimmed.

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Episode 26: Bloody Scotland - ten years of criminally fine fiction - with Bob McDevitt

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 05:02:00 GMT

In the past few years Tartan Noir has become one of the dominant forces in UK crime fiction, with Ian Rankin and Val McDiarmid leading the charge up the charts. At the core of this movement is the Bloody Scotland festival, now entering its tenth year. With its two major awards, the McIlvaney Prize and the Debut award, Bloody Scotland has helped launch the careers of some of the most innovative and successful authors in the world. Bob McDevitt is the festival director, and he joins Rebecca and Adrian to explain the challenges of keeping the festival alive during the pandemic, whilst continuing to expand the influence of the Bloody Scotland organisation.

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Episode 25: From family sagas to crime. Switching genres with Terri Nixon

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 05:01:00 GMT

How difficult is it to master a new genre when you've built your writing career around another? That's the challenge that faced our guest on The Hobcast Book Show this week, Terri Nixon. She publishes Crossfire with Hobeck Books this week, after establishing herself as one of the leading authors in the UK of family sagas. She's also a leading fantasy writer. So what made her add crime to her portfolio of genres?

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca reflect on some key issues making waves in publishing, including an apology from the Old Peculier Crime Writing festival in Harrogate for failing to include any female authors of colour on their festival programme. There's further good news for Hobeck author Mark Wightman, and Adrian reveals how Martina Navratilova once shared details about her love life while they commentated together at Wimbledon for the BBC. All that and more in the Hobcast.

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Episode 24: The future of publishing - with Jenny Parrott (part 2)

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 05:01:00 GMT

In this week's episode, we hear again from Jenny Parrott in the second part of an interview first featured in episode 17 of The Hobcast Book Show from Hobeck Books, and discuss the impact of technology on the publishing industry, and what it means for authors. Adrian and Rebecca reflect on the growing campaign from literary agents for a fairer deal for their clients from audiobook royalties, and they discuss how losing the internet for 24 hours had some unexpected benefits.

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Episode 23: Second time around - with Alison Morgan

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 05:01:00 GMT

This week, The Hobcast Book Show speaks to Alison Morgan on the eve of the publication of the second of her Quirk Files Series novel, Throttled. What are the challenges to overcome second time around? How has she avoided the pitfalls of sequel syndrome? And what obstacles has Alison faced narrating the first novel in the series, Over Her Dead Body? Adrian and Rebecca also discuss the exciting news that Mark Wightman's debut Hobeck novel Waking The Tiger has been long-listed for the prestigious McIlvaney prize for best Scottish Crime novel, and reveal the challenges and opportunities that accolade has brought Hobeck Books this week.

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