Confessions of a Debut Novelist

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Lisa Smith about her historical novel Jamaica Road. We discuss how the idea for this novel came from a creative writing exercise and voices that wouldn't leave her alone, using real newspaper extracts to make the political backdrop come alive and how a cancer diagnosis and a competition inspired her to take her writing seriously.Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Jamaica Road: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9780349703572Follow Lisa: @lisa4884smithhttps://www.lisa-smith.co.ukFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Seán Hewitt about his literary novel Open, Heaven. We discuss having to transport himself back to the intensity and naivety of teenage years, using 1st person perspective to explore what love feels like when you don't know whether the other person feels the same and why you should frame a query letter as you giving agents an amazing opportunity. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Open, Heaven: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781787335196Follow Seán: @seanehewitthttps://www.seanehewitt.comFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin about her contemporary novel Ordinary Saints. We discuss how her inspiration came from a true story about a modern-day teenager being made into a saint, why she deleted her first 20k words and how entering a competition to give herself a deadline changed her life. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Ordinary Saints: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781786584236Follow Niamh: @niamhsquaredhttps://www.niamhnimhaoileoin.comFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Claire Gleeson about her contemporary novel Show Me Where It Hurts. We discuss how she was inspired to write a story of survival after a shocking act of familicide, writing intense grief and high emotion in a restrained way, and how she does all her writing in snatched moments between work and parenting. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Show Me Where It Hurts: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781399734721Follow Claire: @clairegleeson_writerhttps://www.clairegleeson.comFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Chris Bridges about his psychological suspense novel Sick to Death. We discuss how Chris subverted tropes of having a sick protagonist, why almost 60 rejections from agents inspired him to write a more personal story and how having MS impacts his writing. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Sick to Death: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9780008698140Follow Chris: @chrisbridgeswriterFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Niloufar Lamakan about her romance novel Aged To Perfection. We discuss changing the narrative by putting women in their 60s in the spotlight and writing them truthfully, why as a complete novice how a diary form helped her find structure and her experience working with One More Chapter, a digital first publisher who accepts unagented submissions. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Aged to Perfection: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9780008685492Follow Niloufar: @nlamakanFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Kate Kemp about her crime novel The Grapevine. We discuss why she used a murder to explore a range of women in a 1970s suburban community, the challenge of writing from a 12-year-old narrator and how using social media to learn about the publishing industry helped her take the plunge to take her writing seriously. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy The Grapevine: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781399618977Follow Kate: @kate.kemp.writerFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everyone! Just to let you know Confessions of a Debut Novelist will be going on a short break while I recover from pneumonia. Thank you so much for the wonderful Jennie Godfrey for recording this announcement for me. I look forward to sharing the best new books and authors with you soon.Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy The List of Suspicious Things: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781529153293Follow Jennie: @jennieg_authorFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Celia Silvani about her psychological suspense novel Baby Teeth. We discuss how her research helped her delve into the world of internet forums and cults, the challenge of writing an unbiased and empathetic approach to the radical beliefs of her characters and why you should never send out the first draft of your manuscript to agents. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Baby Teeth: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781398714410Follow Celia: @celiasilvaniauthorFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Louise Hegarty about her contemporary novel Fair Play. We discuss how absorbing so many Poirot novels helped her get the voice right for her detective, why she wanted to explore grief using a murder mystery and a puzzle box structure, and how her published stories attracted an agent. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Fair Play: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781035036134Follow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Katie Buckley about her literary novel Hero. We discuss how she defines autofiction and why she loves it, what to do when you don't have an instinct for plot and why she believes you need to be emotionally ready before you start querying agents.Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Hero: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781035413072Follow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Bianca Gillam about her romance novel Bad Publicity. We discuss how her experience working within the publishing industry inspired her enemies to lovers romance, why she had to spend a few months away from the novel to get the ending right and why she thinks every aspiring author should think about having a clear vision for their book in terms of the cover and marketing package. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Bad Publicity: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781526676443Follow Bianca: @biancagillamFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Sanam Mahloudji about her contemporary novel The Persians. We discuss how this novel started life as a short story until Sanam realised there was so much more to say, why she began writing to free herself when she was working as a lawyer and how she impressed an agent at a book event by asking an insightful question.Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy The Persians: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9780008589042Follow Sanam: @sanammahloudjiFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Lucy Rose about her horror novel The Lamb. We discuss how her ADHD meant she had to find her own way to write without a routine, why film-making and working with a production designer has made her a better writer and because Lucy has created a whole brand around her novel using TikTok and Instagram I wanted to ask her advice about how to use social media to build a brand if you want to. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy The Lamb: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781399619714Follow Lucy: @lucyrosecreatesFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Salma Ibrahim about her speculative novel Salutation Road. We discuss how she explored coming of age and migration with a parallel world twist, the challenge of writing the same character from two alternate worlds and why despite several agent rejections she decided to keep the speculative element. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Salutation Road: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781035044344Follow Salma: @salma.s.ibrahimFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Sarah Handyside about her contemporary novel Instructions for Heartbreak. We discuss how her own heartbreak was the catalyst to write this book, why the device of including a handbook gave her a helpful way to structure the novel and how a longlisting in the Curtis Brown First Novel Award attracted her agent. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Instructions for Heartbreak: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781035032754Follow Sarah: @sarahhandysideFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Holly Stars about her crime novel Murder in the Dressing Room. We discuss how she wanted to showcase a different side to the drag scene and the variety of talent on show; the importance of having a non-binary main character and Holly's experience of recording her own audiobook. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Murder in the Dressing Room: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9780241683729Follow Holly: @hollywstarsFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Jenny Morris about her crime novel An Ethical Guide to Murder. We discuss setting the rules of her high concept crime novel with a fantasy twist, exploring the moral and ethical dilemmas of life and death and why her background in psychology helps her develop characters. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy An Ethical Guide to Murder: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781398534407Follow Jenny: dr_jennymorrisFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Rachel Bower about her contemporary novel It Comes From The River. We discuss why asking your characters simple questions can take them in interesting directions, how she represented folklore from the North of England and the psychological challenge of keeping the faith in your novel during the writing process. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy It Comes From The River: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781526672667Follow Rachel: @rachel_e_bowerFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Catherine Airey about her contemporary novel Confessions. We discuss how she found the soul of her family saga by experimenting with different perspectives depending on her narrator, the challenge of writing about controversial topics such as 9/11 and when it came to finding an agent, how she chose between them.Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Confessions: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9780241675182Follow Catherine: catherineaireyFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Holly Gramazio about her contemporary novel The Husbands. We discuss how online dating inspired her infinite husbands idea, why her background in video game design helped her figure out the rules of her magic attic and why turning 40 was the push she needed to start writing a novel. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy The Husbands: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781784745356Follow Holly: holly_gramazioFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk (**Discoveries Prize 2025** https://www.womensprize.com/writers/discoveries/)*affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Emma van Straaten about her literary novel This Immaculate Body. We discuss how her curiosity in a real life cleaning job inspired her, the challenge of getting into the mindset of an unpalatable character and how winning the Discoveries prize in 2021 changed her life.Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy This Immaculate Body: @evswritesFollow Emma: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9780349127309Follow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk (**Discoveries Prize 2025** https://www.womensprize.com/writers/discoveries/)*affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Ram Murali about his crime novel Death in the Air. We discuss how Ram never had dreams of being a writer but couldn't let go of his novel idea, how he took inspiration from Agatha Christie and The Secret History and how he made ruthless decisions when editing his scenes Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Death in the Air: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781805460008Before and After the Book Deal: A Writer's Guide to Finishing, Publishing, Promoting, and Surviving Your First Book by Courtney MaumFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk (**Discoveries Prize 2025** https://www.womensprize.com/writers/discoveries/)*affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Tom Newlands about his contemporary novel Only Here, Only Now. We discuss how homesickness in lockdown inspired this novel, why he wanted to explore the intersection between neurodivergence and poverty during adolescence and why Tom thinks avoiding all advice was the reason he finished his book.Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Only Here, Only Now: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781399607896Follow Tom: tomnewlands_https://www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/breakthrough-writers-programmehttps://www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/breakthrough-mentoring-programmeFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk (**Discoveries Prize 2025** https://www.womensprize.com/writers/discoveries/)*affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Genevieve Wheeler about her contemporary novel Adelaide. We discuss turning a therapeutic journaling exercise into fiction, putting a mental health diagnosis authentically on the page and writing about a toxic relationship from both sides. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Adelaide: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781035912742Follow Genevieve: @geewheelerhttps://genevieveewheeler.comFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk (**Discoveries Prize 2025** https://www.womensprize.com/writers/discoveries/)*affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Sarah Chamberlain about her romance novel The Slowest Burn. We discuss writing an opposites attract love story, why she used dual perspectives to help give both characters growth in the romance and why, if you like writing dialogue you should try writing first drafts like screenplays.Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy The Slowest Burn: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781408730195Follow Sarah: @sarahchamberlainauthorFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Nikkitha Bakshani about her contemporary novel Ghost Chilli. We discuss using life writing and repressed memories to inspire fiction, the difficult editing choice she made to delete an entire timeline and how she used astrology to deepen her characterisation.Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Ghost Chilli: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9780349727509Follow Nikkitha: @nikkitahaFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Tawseef Khan about his contemporary novel Determination. We discuss how his personal experience working as an immigration solicitor inspired this novel, why he chose to embrace similarities between him and his protagonist to make her come alive and his advice to see characters as a Rubik's Cube. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Determination: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781804440902Follow Tawseef: @itsmetawseefFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to David Goodman about his thriller A Reluctant Spy. We discuss why our huge digital footprints inspired his premise of spies borrowing civilian lives, why he loves writing stories with multiple POVs and how after years of rejection, David took one last shot to impress an editor after pitching the novel and writing 15k words over just a few days. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy A Reluctant Spy: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781035416011Follow David: @WordsByGoodmanhttps://www.davidgoodman.netAeon Timeline: https://www.aeontimeline.comFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Lucy Jane Wood about her fantasy novel Rewitched. We discuss how 90s witchy nostalgia inspired her story, her unusual route to publication where she got an editor before an agent and how her YouTube career has helped her become a bestseller.Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Rewitched: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781035045457Follow Lucy: @LucyJaneWoodyoutube.com/c/LucyWoodFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Oisín McKenna about his contemporary novel Evenings and Weekends. We discuss how starting with one character and writing about the most important people in their lives gave Oisín his cast of characters, creating propulsive secrets and storylines to engage the reader and the challenge of being a debut author and receiving reviews. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Evenings and Weekends: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9780008604172Follow Oisín: @ois_mckFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Rachel Blackmore about her historical novel Costanza. We discuss how to create accessible historical dialogue, why she swears by the 8-act structure and why age should never put you off writing a novel. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Costanza: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9780349131092Follow Rachel: @rjblackmore1Story Structure (8-Acts) book Rachel mentions: https://amzn.eu/d/7ih4PvFFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Moira Buffini about her sci-fi novel Songlight. We discuss why dystopian fiction is the best genre to explore the cataclysms of our current time, the differences between screenwriting and the expansiveness of novel writing and leaving your reader wanting more when you're writing a series. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Songlight: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9780571385669Follow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Josie Ferguson about her historical novel The Silence in Between. We discuss the harrowing true story that inspired this novel, her method for writing dual timeline narratives separately and why it took her four novels before she found success.Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy The Silence in Between: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9780857529695Follow Josie: @Inky_Josiehttps://josieferguson.comFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Roxie Key about her crime novel The Deadly Spark. We discuss why finding the right genre gave her a killer idea, the challenges of writing multiple timelines when your characters have many secrets, and Roxie's amazing agent story which gives hope to the social media addicts among us! Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy The Deadly Spark: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9780008500474Follow Roxie: @RoxieAdelleKeyhttps://www.roxiekey.comFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Ina Christova about her historical novel The Fabergé Girl. We discuss how much you can play with real figures in history, taking inspiration from Russian folklore and fairytale and how she overcame the challenges of bringing characters to life. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy The Fabergé Girl: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9786190113997Follow Ina: @Ina_ChristovaFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Sarah Brooks about her fantasy novel The Cautious Traveller's Guide to the Wastelands. We discuss why her strange real-life experience on the trans-Siberian Express gave her the seed of an idea, how winning the Lucy Cavendish Prize changed her life and the incredible 11-way auction of publishers who wanted to buy her book.Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy The Cautious Traveller's Guide to the Wastelands: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781399607537Follow Sarah: @Sarah_L_BrooksFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Juliana Adelman about her historical novel The Grateful Water. We discuss how a gap in her day-job research inspired her, treating the writing process as a homework assignment to get it done and what happens when an interested agent ghosts you. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy The Grateful Water: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781848409248Follow Juliana: @adelmanjulianaFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 her novel was published a year earlier in Germany before the UK. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy The Echoes of Us: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781802795332Follow Emma: @EmmaSteele85Follow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Let The Games Begin: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781405965415Follow Rufaro: @rufarofaithhFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 independent publisher. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Above Us The Sea: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781915368515Follow Ania: @aniacardFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 submission and start again with a new idea. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Dark Island: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9780008624408Follow Daniel: @SpacemanDan13Follow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 section we'll be discussing the ins and outs of her twisty ending. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy The Trials of Lila Dalton: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781782279853Follow LJ: @LJShepherdwordsFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy The Grief Doctor: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781526667540Follow Jack: @neon_tempoFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 writing slog. Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Freakslaw: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9780857529541Follow Jane: @thejanefletthttps://janeflett.comFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Confessions of a Debut Novelist, I'm talking to Alan Murrin about his literary novel The Coast Road. We discuss 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 Novelist Bookshop*Buy The Coast Road: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781526663702https://alanmurrin.com/Follow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/10990/9781035407910Follow Amy: @aetwiggFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Zadie Smith! Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy How to Leave the House: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9780349145631https://www.nathannewmanrules.comFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 stories got her noticed by agents.Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy The Ministry of Time: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781399726344Follow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Exile: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9781399815857Follow Aimée: @thereadpartsFollow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 sentences.Confessions of a Debut Novelist Bookshop*Buy Winter Animals: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10990/9780349703299Follow Chloe on Twitter: @clotimmsBuy Chloe's debut novel The Seawomen: https://linktr.ee/chloetimmschloetimms.co.uk *affiliate link - if you buy books linked to the Bookshop.org site, I may earn a commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.