Take a look here to see how I can help you publish your book!

In this week’s episode, I chat to author and illustrator Gemma Denham, whose debut adult novel The Storm is a gripping locked-room mystery set in the Lake District. We talk about Gemma’s fascinating path from children’s book illustrator to crime writer, why she made the switch, and how a personal 40-before-40 challenge helped her finally write her first novel.

We also dig into the benefits of writing retreats, plotting versus pantsing, and the pressures of following up your first book—especially when you're already deep into book four!

✏️ In This Episode:

– The inspiration behind The Storm and its remote, cut-off setting
– Why writing crime fiction was a natural step after illustrating picture books
– Gemma’s structured-but-flexible plotting process and how she lets her characters lead
– How visual thinking and cover design influence her approach to books
– The reality of professional edits and what “show don’t tell” really means
– How mini-plotting sessions and character work can keep your writing on track
– Why the second book can feel tougher than the first—even without external pressure
– Using feedback from trusted beta readers and writer friends to level up

📖 Book That Saved Your Life

Gemma shares how a chance visit to the library during a difficult time led her to discover The Chemistry of Death by Simon Beckett. The book reignited her love of reading and eventually sparked her move into crime fiction.

💀 Their Darkest Hour

We explore the challenge of putting returning characters through another traumatic plot without stretching credibility, and why book two can feel like the trickiest one to write—even when no one’s read book one yet!

🧠 Creative Advice

“You can’t edit a blank page.” When stuck, Gemma writes anything—even a line about not knowing what to write. It’s often enough to unlock the next scene.

🔎 Find Out More

The Storm is available now wherever books are sold.
Website: www.gemmadenham.com
Follow Gemma on Instagram and Twitter: @gemmadenham

If you’re dreaming of launching your own book into the world but feeling overwhelmed by the process, I’ve just launched a range of affordable self-publishing packages. Whether you need help with editing, cover design, or the whole journey from manuscript to market, I’ve got you covered – check out wkwproductions.co.uk for details.

• ✍️ Sign up to my Write or Die monthly newsletter and get your FREE Writer’s Survival Kit: Sign up here
• 📖 Haven’t read Safe Hands or The Call Back yet? Grab them on Kindle, in paperback or read for free via Kindle Unlimited
• 📨 Want to say hello or share your writing struggles? Drop me a line: wayne@waynekellywrites.com

Take a look here to see how I can help you publish your book!

This week’s guest is the brilliant Russ Litten – author, screenwriter, editor and long-time writer-in-residence in prisons across the UK. We discuss his latest novel The Crime Writer, a gritty, compelling story inspired by his first-hand experiences working with inmates on their life stories.

Russ shares insights on the blurred line between fact and fiction, why authenticity matters, and how to retain your creative curiosity – even after years in the game. We also dig into how working with new writers, particularly those in challenging environments, can reignite your own creative fire.

In This Episode:

• How The Crime Writer was inspired by real stories from inside UK prisons
• Why writing 'what you know' doesn’t mean sticking to the literal truth
• Editing advice from someone who’s worked with hundreds of writers
• Finding your voice – and why it's more important than being ‘perfect’
• The realities of working in film and why Russ prefers fiction
• Two books that changed his life and shaped his creative path
• Why beginner mindset can be a secret weapon
• And loads more on storytelling, process and purpose

About Russ Litten:

Russ Litten is an author and editor based in Hull, with a diverse background in film, radio, music and publishing. His latest novel, The Crime Writer, explores the murky line between inspiration and theft, authenticity and exploitation. Russ has written for screen, stage and radio, and is well known for his powerful work delivering creative writing workshops in UK prisons. His past books include Swear Down, Scream If You Want To Go Faster, and Kingdom, and you can find out more at russlitten.co.uk

If you’re dreaming of launching your own book into the world but feeling overwhelmed by the process, I’ve just launched a range of affordable self-publishing packages. Whether you need help with editing, cover design, or the whole journey from manuscript to market, I’ve got you covered – check out wkwproductions.co.uk for details.

• ✍️ Sign up to my Write or Die monthly newsletter and get your FREE Writer’s Survival Kit: Sign up here
• 📖 Haven’t read Safe Hands or The Call Back yet? Grab them on Kindle, in paperback or read for free via Kindle Unlimited
• 📨 Want to say hello or share your writing struggles? Drop me a line: wayne@waynekellywrites.com

Take a look here to see how I can help you publish your book!

In this episode of The Write Place, I chat with Northern Irish author Hannah King about the creative process behind her gripping second novel, The Blind Spot. We talk about dual timelines, writing from a child’s perspective, and how to keep readers turning the page. Hannah shares her journey from creative writing student to published novelist, her experience as a legal transcriber, and the reality of writing the dreaded second book.

We also touch on her writing rituals, how she develops characters, and why she’s finally returning to a long-abandoned manuscript with fresh enthusiasm. Whether you're an aspiring author or a crime fiction fan, there’s loads to enjoy in this honest and thoughtful conversation.

And if you’re dreaming of launching your own book into the world but feeling overwhelmed by the process, I’ve just launched a range of affordable self-publishing packages. Whether you need help with editing, cover design, or the whole journey from manuscript to market, I’ve got you covered – check out wkwproductions.co.uk for details.

In This Episode:

• • The spark behind The Blind Spot
• • Writing complex sibling dynamics and difficult moral dilemmas
• • Using dual timelines to explore character and structure
• • The second book struggle and how Hannah overcame it
• • Writing through trauma and the therapeutic power of crime fiction
• • The influence of creative writing courses and short stories
• • Channeling a child’s voice – and the power of nostalgia
• • Great advice for pushing through creative blocks

About Hannah King:

Hannah King is a crime and psychological fiction writer from County Down, Northern Ireland. Her debut novel, She and I, was published to critical acclaim, and her latest book The Blind Spot continues her exploration of dark family secrets, emotional complexity and moral ambiguity. Drawing on her background as a legal proofreader and court transcriber, Hannah brings authenticity and insight to the legal and criminal elements of her stories. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing from Queen’s University Belfast and is an alumna of their fiction anthology programme.

You can find Hannah on Instagram at @hannahkingauthor

• ✍️ Sign up to my Write or Die monthly newsletter and get your FREE Writer’s Survival Kit: Sign up here
• 📖 Haven’t read Safe Hands or The Call Back yet? Grab them on Kindle, in paperback or read for free via Kindle Unlimited
• 📨 Want to say hello or share your writing struggles? Drop me a line: wayne@waynekellywrites.com