It's summertime! Or so we're led to believe. Susie & Esther swap summer tips, and also cover sunburn, tanning and why everything sounds better in the sun. They also cover their incredibly pale legs, arms and pretty much every other bit of their bodies to avoid blistering... This week's special guest is actor, director, mentor, and award-winning mot…

Soul Searching - As the great Bryan Adams once sang 'Search your heart, search your soul...' (a song featured in the greatest film of all time according to Susie) and this week, the gals are encouraging you to do the same. Their special guest is the fabulous LINDSAY MACK. Hailed as “one of the most important new voices in the world of modern spirit…

Games! A word that strikes fear into some, and absolute glee into others. This week Susie & Esther are discussing all things games and gaming. Board, card or ball - you name it, it might have been mentioned. Maybe put a bet on it (although we don't condone gambling...). The gaming theme continues with this week's very special guest - director Kate …

Episode 2 of this season is utterly brilliant - funny, moving and insightful featuring surprising stories & touching honesty, with a superb guest and a hilarious sketch. Strong recommend... Well, this ep is all about CHAMPIONING! Where better to start than with our own podcast?! But we don't just big up ourselves this week, we also asked you for yo…

LTO is back for Season 4!Everybody's Changing and Susie & Esther don't feel the same... At the end of the last season, they thought, we Can't Stop Now! If only they don't Bend & Break, with Perfect Symmetry, they could create Somewhere Only We Know for a very special first episode of the new season. Featuring Jesse Quin from the band, KEANE! Jesse …

We stand at the end of Season 3 (for an ovation, right?!) This week's episode is all about being your best self and whatever that means to you - one gal's seaswim is another gal's sticky toffee pudding and a good book. Esther & Susie discuss themselves (for a change...) and Susie reveals some worrying gaps in her knowledge of how bodies actually wo…

Esther and Susie go Back to the Future and get high on 80s nostalgia in this week's episode of LTO. There are no Careless Whispers as these Uptown Girls try Holding Back the Years, and Relax with memories of the decade that gave us Roland Rat, Wacaday and Agadoo. Let's travel back in time Together In Electric Dreams. Lovely jubbly. The gals are joi…

In this week's episode Esther & Susie showcase talents even they didn't know they had. And they probably don't. Let's just say, Eminem does NOT need to worry... They discuss talent v success, and if baby is born with it or if it's maybe-learnt. Again, Eminem does not need to worry! Thankfully someone with a tangible talent is their special guest th…

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussions about death and grief. This week Susie & Esther turn their attention to mortality. They discuss attitudes to death and mourning, and spend considerable time imagining the spectacular nature of their own funerals. Let's hope the Royal Albert Hall is available on the day... The special guest is SARAH…

The radio accompanies us through our lives. Helping to define our eras; dragging us out of bed on a Monday morning; helping us through long drives; and becoming almost family! We grow up with our favourite radio DJs, following them as they move stations. And we jump around the dial depending on our mood. This week’s episode is dedicated to all of t…

Cue the fireworks! That bit between Christmas and New Year is a time for munching through all the festive chocs while watching films you've seen 100 times before; considering jogging and deciding against it; and, the new tradition, listening to your favourite podcast - LIMITED TIME ONLY! Esther and Susie are stuffed to the gills on liquorice and tu…

It's Chriiiiiiiistmaaaaaas! And it's the inaugural LTO Christmas Special! Featuring a Christmas chat; a Christmas quiz; FOUR Christmas sketches; two giddy hosts; one amazing guest; and a partridge in a pear tree. Joining Esther and Susie for the Christmas Special is actress and comedian, Janice Connolly. Janice is a familiar face on television as H…

Hohoho and merry Christmas! Join Julia as she welcomes three fantastic guests into the studio: Uju Asika - author of Raising Boys Who Do Better (listen to Julia's interview with Uju from season 4 here). Jules Swain - Book Blogger of the Year 2023 - Follow Jules on Twitter here. Suzy K Quinn - author of the Bad Mother series. Follow Suzy on Instagra…

In a departure from literature, quizmaster Meredith Hepner quizzes us on our knowledge of John Hughes and Richard Curtis's Christmas films. Julia got 8/13. This episode is swear-free so you can enjoy it with the family. How did you do? If you want to share your score, join my new Book Club on Facebook, which welcomes fans of all genres. Support Jul…

Today, Julia chats with Susie Ridell about the art of audio book narration. Susie is a performer, voice over artist and co-Artistic Director of the theatre company, Idiot Child. She trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Susie plays Tracy Horrobin in BBC Radio 4's The Archers and is actually taking a break today from recording to sp…

Today, I'm joined by Alivia Fleur, all the way from a farm in Australia. In this brilliant quiz, Alivia asks the vital questions: is it a RAKE or a RADISH? Alivia is a historical romance author who moved from writing short stories to novels when her characters kept showing up with copious amounts of emotional baggage, demanding it be explored. Her …

What's the point? is a common refrain in Susie & Esther's households. They explain the various reasons why. And they're probably even weirder than you think. During the course of the conversation, Susie learns something. Everyday's a school day when chatting to Esther. They both learn lots while speaking to their first INTERNATIONAL GUEST! Australi…

Carrie Elks is the author of thirty contemporary romance books (and counting). Since 2014, she has been both traditionally and self-published, and her stories have been translated into over ten different languages. She lives in Essex with her husband, two children and a pug called Plato, and when she isn’t reading, writing, or loafing about, she en…

This episode is sponsored by Bookfunnel. Carrie Elks is the author of thirty contemporary romance books (and counting). Since 2014, she has been both traditionally and self-published, and her stories have been translated into over ten different languages. She lives in Essex with her husband, two children and a pug called Plato, and when she isn’t r…

Something wicked this way comes in this quiz with quizmaster Anne Hughes (a.k.a. Julia's mother-in-law). This is a good one and you'll be screaming the answer to number 6, too, as Julia tries desperately to remember who wrote...well, you'll have to listen to the quiz to find out. How did you do? If you want to share your score, join my new Book Clu…

Following on from our episode about writing historical figures as characters, Katie Ginger quizzes us on Historical Figures in Fiction. You can check out Katie's website here. Follow her on Instagram here. How did you do? If you want to share your score, join my new Book Club on Facebook, which welcomes fans of all genres. Support Julia by buying h…

It's nearly winter and the hedgehogs are heading into hibernation, while the humans are heading into overdrive. In Episode 2 of Season Three, Esther and Susie explore the threat of burning out - a hot topic at the moment (see what we did there?!) This week's special guest is Hannah Miller - a Strengths-Based Coach who returns to LTO for the second …

Today I speak with Emma Royal aka Katie Ginger aka Annabel French about writing royalty in fiction. She has always loved historical fiction and has a Masters degree in history. You can check out her website here. Follow her on Instagram here. Keep in touch Order Shooters here. Order Chasing the Light, Julia's sequel to Shooters, here. I love our li…

Shoulder pads at the ready! You heard the episode about Bonkbusters, now take the quiz! Join Julia as Dr Amy Burge and Dr Jodi McAlister test her knowledge of the eponymous bonkbuster. This is a quiz you do not want to miss. Dr Amy Burge is Associate Professor of Popular Fiction at the University of Birmingham. Her work centres on popular genres, i…

To celebrate the release of Jilly Cooper's new book, Tackle, on November 9, I'm speaking with Dr Amy Burge and Dr Jodi McAlister about their research into the BONKBUSTER. Warning: we talk graphically about THAT goldfish scene in LACE. Dr Amy Burge is Associate Professor of Popular Fiction at the University of Birmingham. Her work centres on popular…

Today’s quiz master is Vicki Childs, a British expat now living in Florida. Vicki is the author of 'Rachel's Butterflies', as well as the 'At Home in Davis Crest' Holiday romance series. The theme of her quiz is Female Friendship. Visit Vicki's website. Vicki on Instagram Vicki on Facebook If you want to share your score, join my new Book Club on F…

It's a change of seasons of LTO and the first episode is all about...changing seasons (how on earth did they come up with that?!) Esther & Susie chat stationary, darkness and self-sabotage in a chat that is as silly as you'd expect. With a fair bit of honesty chucked in for good measure. You may well be inspired to buy a planner and floss your teet…

Writing advice from best-selling writer, Victoria Hislop, author of 10 novels, including The Island about a leprosy colony in Greece. The novel became an international best-seller, translated into 40 languages and turned into a 26 part Greek TV series. Her most recent book, The Figurine, is also set in Greece and is a page-turner full of history, r…

Today’s other lit chick is Victoria Hislop, author of 10 novels, including The Island about a leprosy colony in Greece. The novel became an international best-seller, translated into 40 languages and turned into a 26 part Greek TV series. Her most recent book, The Figurine, is also set in Greece and is a page-turner full of history, romance and fam…

Something wicked this way comes in this week's witchy quiz, courtesy of author Emma Jackson, author of WITCH YOU WEREN'T HERE, a romcom full of misbehaving magic, brother's best friend angst, and only one bed shenanigans, is available now, just in time for Halloween. It will not be hard to beat Julia's score this week! If you want to share your sco…

Guess who's back..back..back? Back again...gain...gain? LTO's back! Tell your friends... Yes, Esther and Susie are back for Season 3 of Limited Time Only - the podcast for anyone who feels there aren't enough hours in their life. Every two weeks they'll bring to your ears a mix of chat, comedy sketches, and interviews with interesting people. The g…

This episode is sponsored by Reedsy. Today we are discussing world building in fiction with Emma Jackson, author of the Best Selling A MISTLETOE MIRACLE. Emma is also a host on the SFFRomCast, a podcast dedicated to celebrating fantasy and sci-fi romance. Her latest book, WITCH YOU WEREN'T HERE, a witchy romcom full of misbehaving magic, brother's …

This episode is sponsored by Reedsy. It's Friday and we've got an extra special quiz for you about Love Stories. Our quizmaster today is Beth O'Leary, writer of five best-selling romcoms, including The Wake Up Call. Let us know how you did! The best way to do that is to join my new Book Club on Facebook, which welcomes fans of all genres. More abou…

This episode is sponsored by Reedsy. Excellent writing advice with writer Beth O'Leary, Sunday Times Bestselling author of The Wake Up Call. If you want to keep the book chat going, join my new Book Club on Facebook, which welcomes fans of all genres. Empowered Author Marketing Show Check out the Empowered Author Book Marketing & Publicity Show, ta…

Beth O'Leary is a Sunday Times bestselling author whose novels have been translated into more than thirty languages. Her debut, The Flatshare, sold over a million copies and changed her life completely. Her second novel, The Switch, has been optioned for film by Amblin Partners, Steven Spielberg's production company. The Road Trip, Beth's third nov…

This episode is sponsored by Reedsy. In today's quiz, author and best-selling ghostwriter Tom Bromley tests our knowledge of ghostwritten books. I managed to dredge my memory for some of those answers! A thoroughly enjoyable quiz and I got 6/10. Let us know how you did! The best way to do that is to join my new Book Club on Facebook, which welcomes…

This episode is sponsored by Reedsy. Today, I’m excited to be chatting with Tom Bromley, who has basically done every job in publishing and is now the Head of Learning for Reedsy. Tom’s been working in publishing for 25 years, starting off as a bookseller in Waterstones. Then he went to work at Little Brown as a copywriter. From there he went on to…

Think you're ready to write a spy thriller? Then you'd better take this quiz by David Bickford, the ex-legal director of MI5/MI6. Can you beat Julia's final score? (Yes, probably). Keep in touch Order Chasing the Light, Julia's sequel to Shooters, here. I love our listeners, and I want to hear from you. Please leave a review on one of my podcast pl…

This episode is sponsored by Reedsy. A follow-up chat with author David Bickford, former Under Secretary of State and Legal Director to the British Intelligence Agencies, MI5 & MI6. His spy thriller book, Katya, is available now (audio as well) and his second book, The Informer, will be out on December 1. David's social media Instagram Empowered Au…

An enlightening chat with David Bickford, a British author and former Under Secretary of State and Legal Director to the British Intelligence Agencies, MI5 & MI6. David spent his working life diving into the cold murky seas of terrorism, espionage and organised crime. At the forefront of the battle against international terrorism he was among the f…

This episode is sponsored by Reedsy. Anita Chapman is a self-published author. Her first book, The Venice Secret, came out in March 2023, and in its first six months reached number one in four Amazon UK Kindle charts, including Historical Fiction, and made it into the top one hundred in the overall Amazon UK Kindle chart. It’s also had 2.5 million …

This episode is sponsored by REEDSY. Kate Sawyer, author of The Stranding and This Family, shares her top writing advice for authors. Find Kate on Instagram: @MsKateSawyer Kate Sawyer website More about our sponsors Reedsy is a publishing eco-system for writers at any stage in their publishing journey. We provide a wealth of free educational resour…

Today my second Lit Chick is Kate Sawyer, author of The Stranding and This Family. She is also the host of the podcast Novel Experience, where she talks to authors across forms and genres. In her life before writing, Kate worked as an actor—also as an event and theatre producer, yoga teacher, shop-keeper, and as a waitress. Kate trained in acting a…

How well do you know your royalty in literature? If you're anything like Julia, not very well! But this is a fantastic quiz, written by Marguerite Kaye and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. As usual, let us know what you scored on social media. Keep in touch Order Chasing the Light, Julia's sequel to Shooters, here. I love our listeners, and I want …

This episode is sponsored by REEDSY. In this episode, Julia speaks with the writing duo, Sarah Ferguson (a.k.a. the Duchess of York) and her creative partner, Marguerite Kaye, about the process of "collabo-writing". Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, a bestselling author, philanthropist and public speaker. The Duchess has published over 70 books incl…

Our week of Jo Lyons is almost finished (boo), but she’s here to test our knowledge of her favourite subject: RomComs! Let us know you did on socials. Find Jo Lyons on: Twitter: @J0Lyons Instagram: @hinnywhowrites Amazon: Books by this author Website: www.jolyonsauthor.com Keep in touch Order Chasing the Light, Julia's sequel to Shooters, here. I l…

This episode is sponsored by REEDSY. We're back again with self-pub author Jo Lyons, whose first book Benidorm, Actually was shortlisted for the Comedy Women in Print prize in 2021. Jo gives us perhaps the most practical, actionable advice we've had so far. Have a listen and make sure you have a pen and notebook at the ready. You can sign up to her…

This episode is sponsored by BookFunnel. Jo Lyons is a huge wine and cheese enthusiast as well as the author of three bestselling romantic comedies including ‘Benidorm, actually’ which was shortlisted for the Comedy Women in Print Awards 2021. Jo spent years working in Turkey as a holiday rep, in the Alpes working at a ski resort and in the south o…

It's the final face off! Who will reign victorious in the end of season quiz - Ed or Julia? All the questions are on the main episodes of this series, so regular listeners, the challenge is also on... but even if you haven't heard all the eps, fear not, for the magic of multiple choice is (mostly) here to give us all (and especially Ed) a helping h…

Alex Hay is back for some writing advice! The author of one of the year's most exciting debuts - Edwardian mansion heist The Housekeepers - returns to let us know, among other things, how he researches his history; what comes first, the characters or the research; what the Curtis Brown Creative writing course he attended was like; and what it's lik…