The Writing Life

Writing non-linear narratives with Outer Wilds' Kelsey Beachum

Indie game Outer Wilds has been rapturously received and we were very excited to talk with Kelsey Beachum, writer on the project. We discuss writing non-linear stories, how to handle player agency and interactions, mixing game mechanics with storytelling and how to inject characterful dialogue into exposition. Hosted by Simon Jones and Steph McKenna. Find out more at https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk Music by Bennet Maples.

#50 Chris Gribble on year one of the National Centre for Writing

"Books are the closest thing to magic." Chief Exec of the National Centre for Writing Chris Gribble is back on the podcast for episode #50, celebrating not only a year of the podcast but also the first full year of the Centre re-opening after the refurbishment of Dragon Hall in 2018. Inside this very podcast you will find out which two books changed Chris' life, his favourite books of the last year and who would win in a fight: Jane Austen or George Eliot. Also: the 10-year journey to bring the NCW to life, why we're based in Norwich, what the literature world can do to reduce its carbon footprint and why Dragon Hall is a bit like Marsten House in Salem's Lot (but not really). Find out more about the work we do on our website: http://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk

#49 Sarah Perry gives the Harriet Martineau Lecture

Author of The Essex Serpent and Melmoth, Sarah Perry, delivered this year's Harriet Martineau Lecture at the Norfolk & Norwich Festival. Sarah explores the notion of the 'Essex girl', invoking unexpected moments from history and popular culture. This year's lecture was made possible thanks to the support of The Martineau Society. Hosted by Steph McKenna and Simon Jones from the National Centre for Writing at Dragon Hall in Norwich. Find out more at http://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk Music by Bennet Maples: http://sonicfruit.co.uk

#48 Ivanka Mogilska on finding time to write as a new parent

Today we've got an interview with Bulgarian writer Ivanka Mogilska, who stayed with us back in 2018. In the interview she discusses the writing of a new short story, 'The Miracle of St Peter Mancroft', which we're excited to also include in this very episode courtesy of a special reading from Peggy Hughes. We also talk about the monthly Dragon Hall Salons, our big writerly social get-togethers. If you haven't been along to one yet make sure you put July 16 in your diary! Find out more about what we do at nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk Music by Bennet Maples: http://sonicfruit.co.uk

#47 Writing about grief and hope with Carl Gorham

Today we've got an interview with the lovely Carl Gorham about his 2017 book The Owl at the Window: A Memoir of Loss and Hope. In it Carl writes about the loss of his wife and his attempts to rebuild his life with their six year old daughter. You have probably encountered Carl's work on TV, such as with the animated series Stressed Eric and the CITV adaptation of Meg and Mog. On the other end of the interview today is Hannah Garrard, our Learning & Participation Programme Manager. It's a really wonderful interview about Carl's approach to bereavement, and how the book emerged out of his own need to write through his grief. Meanwhile, Steph and Simon take a look back at the Norfolk & Norwich Festival, the Nottwich UNESCO conference, the Walking Norwich book and the next big festival event: the Noirwich Crime Writing Festival. Find out more about what we do at http://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk Music by Bennet Maples: http://sonicfruit.co.uk

#46 Reda Gaudiamo In Conversation

In March this year, we were joined by Indonesian writer Reda Gaudiamo. Her residency was in partnership with the British Council as part of the Indonesia Market Focus at The London Book Fair 2019. In today's podcast Kate Griffin sits down for a chat. Reda is also a nationally renowned singer, of well-loved Indonesian poems turned into songs. All we're saying is that you must make sure you listen all the way to the end of this episode... Hosted by Simon Jones. Find out more about the National Centre for Writing: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/ Music by Bennet Maples: https://sonicfruit.co.uk/

#45 The 10 year road to publication with Kelleigh Greenberg Jephcott

Kelleigh Greenberg-Jephcott, writer of the Women's Prize for Fiction longlisted book Swan Song, joins us on the podcast to discuss her debut novel and it's 10-year road to publication. Also on the pod today: We talk about the Nottwich gathering of delegates from the UNESCO Cities of Literature network, which took place earlier this week, and this weekend's exciting Norfolk & Norwich Festival literature extravaganza. Hosted by Simon Jones and Steph McKenna, with guest Flo Reynolds. Find out more about the National Centre for Writing:https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/ Norfolk & Norwich Festival: http://nnfestival.org.uk More info on Nottwich: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/article/nottwich-begins/ About UEA Live: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/uea-live/ Music by Bennet Maples: https://sonicfruit.co.uk/

#44 Walking Norwich and Kathleen Vereecken

It's a bumper episode this week, featuring an in-depth conversation between Sarah Bower and Belgian writer Kathleen Vereecken in which they discuss writing historical novels, the relationship between facts and storytelling and finding time to write in and around your assumed or imposed responsibilities. Kathleen was in Norwich on a residency, staying in the writer's cottage here on the Dragon Hall campus. You can find out more about residencies here: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/residencies/ Meanwhile, Steph and Simon are joined by Communications Director Alice Kent to introduce our upcoming book Walking Norwich: The Real and Imagined City. Released 21 May 2019 the book features award-winning writers sharing their experiences of the city and revealing their favourite hidden walks. Hosted by Simon Jones and Steph McKenna. Find out more about the National Centre for Writing: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/ Music by Bennet Maples: https://sonicfruit.co.uk/

#43 Literature at the Norfolk & Norwich Festival

The Norfolk & Norwich Festival is upon us! Simon, Steph and Peggy get over-excited about our line-up for the City of Literature weekend and the festival programme as a whole. If you're looking for tips on which events to go to (spoiler: all of them) give this a listen ASAP. Hosted by Simon Jones and Steph McKenna. Book your tickets for the festival: https://nnfestival.org.uk Find out more about the National Centre for Writing: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/ Music by Bennet Maples: https://sonicfruit.co.uk/

#42 Developing a new project with Hannah Jane Walker

In today's ep Seren Saunders talks with Hannah Jane Walker about developing a new show, and the inspiration behind her latest project Highly Sensitive. Meanwhile, Simon and Steph are joined by Programme Assistant Vicki Maitland to find out everything about the Handover Festival and our work with young people. Hosted by Simon Jones and Steph McKenna. Find out more about the National Centre for Writing: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/ Book your Handover Festival tickets: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/whats-on/handover-literary-festival-in-a-day/ Find out about Engage: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/engage/ Find out about Young Ambassadors: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/young-ambassadors/ More info on the Norfolk & Norwich Festival: https://nnfestival.org.uk/ Music by Bennet Maples: https://sonicfruit.co.uk/