Best Aubrey and Emma Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 3.33 Emma Steele - The Echoes of Us 45:24

5h ago45:24

45:24

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Emma Steele about her romance novel The Echoes of Us. We discuss why a real-life tragedy and a paranormal concept inspired her to write this novel, how she originally started writing a romcom before she realised her writing leaned sadder and more serious and the unusual story of how…

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Episode 3.32 Rufaro Faith Mazarura - Let The Games Begin 32:48

5d ago32:48

32:48

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Rufaro Faith Mazarura about her romantic comedy Let The Games Begin. We discuss how her love of the Olympics gave her the idea for a rom-com, why she left gaps in her first draft and wrote the witty dialogue last and why you should treat becoming a debut novelist like a wedding. Con…

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Episode 3.31 Ania Card - Above Us The Sea 40:42

12d ago40:42

40:42

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Ania Card about her literary novel Above Us The Sea.. We discuss how her novel began life as short stories that captured friendship, why it was so important to authentically capture the experience of Eastern-European immigrants in the UK and what it’s been like to work with a small …

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Episode 3.30 Daniel Aubrey - Dark Island 55:22

21d ago55:22

55:22

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Daniel Aubrey about his crime novel Dark Island. We discuss the importance of putting an authentic autistic character front and centre, why Orkney is the perfect place to set a crime series and the brave move Daniel made when he told his agent to pull an earlier novel from submissio…

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Episode 3.29 L.J. Shepherd - The Trials of Lila Dalton 47:05

26d ago47:05

47:05

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to LJ Shepherd about her psychological suspense novel The Trials of Lila Dalton. We discuss how to find high concept ideas, writing what you know but with a twist and why it's important to surprise smart and savvy readers. And right at the end of the episode, in a special spoilerific s…

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Episode 3.28 Jack Anderson - The Grief Doctor 54:45

1M ago54:45

54:45

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Jack Anderson about his psychological suspense novel The Grief Doctor. We discuss exploring the concept of grief through a doctor who will go to extreme lengths to cure it, trying to scare the reader and how his writing journey began with a viral post on Reddit. Confessions of a Deb…

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Episode 3.27 Jane Flett - Freakslaw 51:17

1M ago51:17

51:17

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Jane Flett about her horror novel Freakslaw. We discuss why her inspiration started with bringing together her obsessions and interests, why Stephen King inspired her choice to use an omniscient narrator and how teaching and working alongside other writers helps her get through the …

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Episode 3.26 Alan Murrin - The Coast Road 48:58

2M ago48:58

48:58

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Alan Murrin about his literary novel The Coast Road. We discuss authentically inhabiting the voices of three distinctive Irish women, why it took time to work out a fitting end for the novel and how he got the novel written by making bargains with himself. Confessions of a Debut Nov…

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Episode 3.25 Amy Twigg - Spoilt Creatures 40:20

2M ago40:20

40:20

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Amy Twigg about her literary novel Spoilt Creatures. We discuss creating a charismatic cult leader, why she deleted the first 90k words and the importance of voicing your publishing worries. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop* Buy Spoilt Creatures: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10…

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Episode 3.24 Nathan Newman - How to Leave the House 35:07

2M ago35:07

35:07

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Nathan Newman about their literary novel How to Leave the House. We discuss setting a novel in a 24 hour period, how Nathan found their comedic voice by setting out to write something to make their friends laugh and what it’s like to write to impress your mentor, when your mentor is…

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The Diary of Theresa Angelino Viscardi part 2: Sister Feels 1:36:53

2M ago1:36:53

1:36:53

Dear Diary, This week we are wrapping up our discussion on West to a Land of Plenty: The Diary of Theresa Angelino Viscardi! And boy, there is so much to discuss. We pick up where we left off, with the Viscardis and Co. who have exchanged a steam train for a wagon train and are making their way across the Dakotas. Disease and death plague the trave…

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Episode 3.23 Kaliane Bradley - The Ministry of Time 46:22

2M ago46:22

46:22

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling Kaliane Bradley about her literary novel The Ministry of Time. We discuss how her novel was inspired by writing fanfiction about a real Victorian polar explorer, creating a near-future world with time-travel and how her success with short …

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Episode 3.22 Aimée Walsh - Exile 40:28

3M ago40:28

40:28

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Aimée Walsh about her literary novel Exile. We discuss how she creates characters by observing strangers in real life, writing about sexual assault without showing the scene and how she connected with an agent by sliding into their DMs. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop* Buy …

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The Diary of Theresa Angelino Viscardi part 1: West to a Land of Trains 1:30:48

3M ago1:30:48

1:30:48

Dear Diary, New story time! Today we are starting our recap of West to a Land of Plenty: The Diary of Theresa Angelino Viscardi. This story takes place in 1883 and follows Theresa and her family as they travel west to the Idaho Territory. The book was written by Jim Murphey (his first Dear America book) and published in 1998. The first half of this…

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Episode 3.21 Ashani Lewis - Winter Animals 42:23

3M ago42:23

42:23

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Ashani Lewis about her literary novel Winter Animals. We discuss transforming a short story idea into a novel, researching a novel setting when you can’t travel there and how she blocks out scenes in stage directions in early drafts when she’s not in the mood to write beautiful sent…

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Episode 3.20 Rob Perry - Dog 53:06

3M ago53:06

53:06

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Rob Perry about his contemporary novel Dog. We discuss how Rob created his teenage main character by amplifying the fears he had when he was a teen, using his phone to keep notes on life’s funny observations and the challenge every writer faces – accepting your novel will be flawed.…

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Episode 3.19 Samuel Burr - The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers 50:14

3M ago50:14

50:14

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Samuel Burr about his commercial novel The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers. We discuss why his novel was inspired by an appreciation of the stories told by older people, how his hook comes first when coming up with ideas and how he deals with the buzz and hype surrounding his novel, whil…

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Episode 3.18 Elizabeth O'Connor - Whale Fall 39:39

3M ago39:39

39:39

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Elizabeth O'Connor about her literary novel Whale Fall. We discuss how she created a fictitious island community, her technique for overcoming problems with plotting and how she signed with an agent before she even had an idea for a novel. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop* B…

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Historical Note: Ranger Sam Mischke from the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park 59:14

3M ago59:14

59:14

Dear Diary, We made another new friend! Added to our collection of National Parks Service Ranger guests is Ranger Sam Mischke from the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park in Beaufort, South Carolina. Sam told us the fascinating history of Beaufort's role as a hub for the Union Army and freed African Americans beginning in 1861. We talk abou…

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Episode 3.17 Emily Howes - The Painter's Daughters 42:13

4M ago42:13

42:13

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Emily Howes about her historical novel The Painter’s Daughters. We discuss discuss using present tense in historical fiction, trying to sustain tension in the saggy middle of a novel and what theatre class taught her about writing through the body. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bo…

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A Brief Update 5:00

4M ago5:00

5:00

This is a short update regarding the future of Thinking Sideways. Feel free to message me over on Instagram: thinking_sideways_podcast Want to support Thinking Sideways even more? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2055565/support Any and all support is greatly appreciated :) Support the Show.By Aubrey

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Club Penguin 50:54

4M ago50:54

50:54

POV: I talk to you for 50 minutes straight about Club Penguin :) Did you read above? Because that is literally what this is. I yap about the history and drama of Club Penguin. A lot information regarding the history of Club Penguin was retrieved through several blogs such as this one: https://rocketsnail.com/blog/2011/02/21/experimenting-with-pengu…

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Episode 3.16 Olivia Ford - Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame 44:54

4M ago44:54

44:54

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Olivia Ford about her commercial novel Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame. We discuss using real people as a starting point for creating characters, her tips for finishing a novel when you work full time and the challenge of writing an uplifting novel and including sadder and serious subject…

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The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl Part 2: Promises Promises 1:45:48

4M ago1:45:48

1:45:48

Dear Diary, Today we accomplished a true feat by charging through the rest of Patsy's story! Join us as we power through to find out what happens to Patsy and the rest of the freed folk of Davis plantation. Will they ever get a teacher? Will Patsy choose her new name? Yours Truly, Cate and Jen RibbonBookClubPod.com @RibbonBookPod on Facebook and In…

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Episode 3.15 Kristen Perrin - How to Solve Your Own Murder 45:56

4M ago45:56

45:56

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Kristen Perrin about her mystery novel How to Solve Your Own Murder. We discuss playing fair with your readers when writing crime, how she used flash fiction character sketches to help flesh out her side characters and her surprise but successful move to withdraw her full manuscript…

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Episode 3.14 Alice McIlroy - The Glass Woman 33:05

4M ago33:05

33:05

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Alice McIlroy about her psychological suspense novel The Glass Woman. We discuss her world-building in a novel where the technology is slightly more advanced than our own, writing about AI before it had hit public consciousness and the impact this had on trying to sell the novel and…

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The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl part 1: Reconstruction Deserves More Attention 1:04:18

4M ago1:04:18

1:04:18

Dear Diary, This week we are cracking open a new book! I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly: The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl was written by Joyce Hansen and published in 1997. It was awarded the Coretta Scott King Award in 1998, which recognizes "outstanding books for young adults and children by African Americans that reflect the African American…

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Episode 3.13 Musih Tedji Xaviere - These Letters End in Tears 40:11

5M ago40:11

40:11

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Musih Tedji Xaviere about her contemporary novel These Letters End in Tears. We discuss how she was inspired by a courageous gay couple in Cameroon who stayed together despite the laws forbidding their love, the challenges of using second person and why she made the tough decision t…

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Episode 3.12 Miranda Pountney - How to Be Somebody Else 38:24

5M ago38:24

38:24

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Miranda Pountney about her contemporary novel How to Be Somebody Else. We discuss her “un”-coming of age story, why poetry encouraged her to be experimental and why it’s important not to rush the writing process. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop* Buy How to Be Somebody Else:…

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Historical Note Continued: Susan Campbell Bartoletti 54:04

5M ago54:04

54:04

Dear Diary, We have a special extra treat for you! We are here with a further historical note about the Irish Famine with author, Susan Campbell Bartoletti! Bartoletti is an author and speaker who does not shy away from tough topics in history. We had her on the show to talk about writing history and historical fiction for young readers. We also ha…

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Episode 3.11 Toby Lloyd - Fervour 44:33

5M ago44:33

44:33

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Toby Lloyd about his literary novel Fervour. We discuss we discuss taking inspiration from Bible stories, how he tried to represent a variety of Jewish experiences and why having your work critiqued is one of the most valuable things you can do when starting out. Confessions of a De…

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Historical Note: Ranger Aubrey Brown 1:41:51

5M ago1:41:51

1:41:51

Dear Diary, This week we got to talk to Ranger Aubrey Brown who works at the Lowell National Historic Park! Aside from becoming instant best friends, we also learned a lot about the real history of Lowell, Massachusetts, and the textile mills that made it famous. Tune in to hear about how the city of Lowell was planned, how textile mills worked har…

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Episode 3.10 Jodie Matthews - Meet Me at the Surface 46:51

5M ago46:51

46:51

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Jodie Matthews about her contemporary novel Meet Me at the Surface. We discuss writing the weird and creepy but keeping the world grounded, researching the Cornish folklore of where Jodie grew up and why she loves Bookstagram and thinks finding a community of readers is just as impo…

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Episode 3.9 Madeleine Grey - Green Dot 27:24

6M ago27:24

27:24

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Madeleine Grey about her literary novel Green Dot. We discuss writing the "other woman" in an affair with empathy, how Madeleine's work as a critic gave her an understanding of how novels work and the importance of keeping note of overheard conversations and funny observations. Conf…

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Accessibility 1:10:12

6M ago1:10:12

1:10:12

We talk about the lack of accessibility that we have witnessed in our lives, and the ways in which people and businesses can make changes. Some of our topics include wheelchair use, the treatment of blind people, treatment of Deaf people, and a few others. While we may not be directly affected by a lack of accessibility, it is still worth having a …

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Episode 3.8 Emma Hinds - The Knowing 43:39

6M ago43:39

43:39

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Emma Hinds about her historical novel The Knowing. We discuss giving her female characters agency in a Victorian era, her brilliant tips to find an agent, how she uses fanfiction as a playground and the long and difficult submission process she went through. Confessions of a Debut N…

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The Diary of Mary Driscoll, an Irish Mill Girl Part 2: Is She, You Know 1:30:14

6M ago1:30:14

1:30:14

Dear Diary, On to the second half of our discussion of So Far From Home: The Diary of Mary Driscoll, an Irish Mill Girl! This time, we finally make it to Lowell and the mills! Mary catches on quickly to her work in the mills. Thanks, in part, to her new friend, Annie. And aren't they just great gal pals? But life in the mills is hard work. Accident…

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Episode 3.7 Jennie Godfrey - The List of Suspicious Things 45:51

6M ago45:51

45:51

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Jennie Godfrey about her commercial novel The List of Suspicious Things. We discuss what it means to be a super lead and how it feels emotionally to know your book is primed for success but also what it's like to carry that pressure on your shoulders, how Jennie developed her charac…

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Episode 3.6 Sarah Marsh - A Sign of Her Own 26:36

6M ago26:36

26:36

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Sarah Marsh about her historical novel A Sign of Her Own. We discuss how her novel was inspired by a part of history that’s not well known, putting a deaf woman at the heart of her novel and her career-changing prize success. TRANSCRIPT: download Confessions of a Debut Novelist Book…

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The Diary of Mary Driscoll, an Irish Mill Girl Part 1: We'd Huck a Rotten Potato at an English Landlord No Problem 1:33:51

6M ago1:33:51

1:33:51

Dear Diary, It's new book time! And this one is a fan favorite. We're reading So Far From Home: The Diary of Mary Driscoll, an Irish Mill Girl. This is the second book in the series by Barry Denenberg and it was published in 1997. The story begins in Skibbereen, Ireland where Mary Driscoll lives with her Ma and Da. Ireland is in the depths of the p…

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Episode 3.5 Jessica Bull - Miss Austen Investigates 39:12

7M ago39:12

39:12

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Jessica Bull about her crime novel Miss Austen Investigates. We discuss why Jane Austen makes the perfect detective, how Jessica knew the time was right to query her dream agent and what it's like writing a novel that went onto sell in 18 territories. Confessions of a Debut Novelist…

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Episode 3.4 Georgia Summers - The City of Stardust 42:18

7M ago42:18

42:18

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Georgia Summers about her fantasy novel The City of Stardust. We discuss how she was inspired by stories from her childhood describing portals to another world, using real places to inspire her fantastical world building and her insight as a former editor and whether she writes with…

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Episode 3.3 Fiona Williams - The House of Broken Bricks 37:25

7M ago37:25

37:25

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Fiona Williams about her contemporary novel The House of Broken Bricks. We discuss discuss using nature writing to reflect the story's mood, reading work aloud to find rhythm and melody in a sentence, and how exposing the publishing process is for introverts. Confessions of a Debut …

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Episode 3.2 Hester Musson - The Beholders 33:29

7M ago33:29

33:29

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Hester Musson about her historical novel The Beholders. We discuss the challenges of writing in a diary form, how to transform one dimensional characters and the crushing story of how Hester thought she was going to be published with a different novel, but it sold only to Italian pu…

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Campus Highlights 58:08

7M ago58:08

58:08

We're back... again...? Okay but seriously, how many times are we going to say that?? Any hoot, in this episode we talk about books, relationships, and some of the little moments along the way that helped to bring us closer together. Who knows what happens here, maybe even our roommate Chloe makes an appearance... Feel free to message us over on In…

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Episode 3.1 Lottie Hazell - Piglet 36:02

7M ago36:02

36:02

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Lottie Hazell about her contemporary novel Piglet. We discuss how Lottie does what she calls “playful method writing” by cooking along with Piglet to connect with her character’s headspace, why food is a great way for writers to explore characters and after working in marketing at a…

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Episode 2.49 Emma-Claire Wilson - This Child of Mine 48:44

8M ago48:44

48:44

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Emma-Claire Wilson about her commercial novel This Child of Mine. We discuss why she uses first person perspective to help readers live through her character’s light and dark, how she chose to transform her novel into a commercial style and building a writing platform before she had…

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Episode 2.48 Lizzie Huxley-Jones - Make You Mine This Christmas 1:13:57

8M ago1:13:57

1:13:57

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Lizzie Huxley-Jones about their festive rom-com Make You Mine This Christmas. We discuss character creation with mood boards and playlists, writing a disabled love interest and what ‘write for hire is’ and how this gave Lizzie their route into publishing. Confessions of a Debut Nove…

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Episode 2.47 Lucy Barker - The Other Side of Mrs Wood 45:44

8M ago45:44

45:44

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Lucy Barker about her historical novel The Other Side of Mrs Wood. We discuss her interest in Victorian seances and the true story that inspired her novel, how she created a warm and witty voice and how Lucy’s lack of faith in herself meant things didn’t work out with an agent in he…

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Episode 2.46 Stacey Thomas - The Revels 41:25

8M ago41:25

41:25

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I’m talking to Stacey Thomas about her historical novel The Revels. We discuss adding a touch of fantasy to historical fiction, her advice for making a historical setting feel lived in and what happens when other books come out that sound similar to yours? Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*…

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