Mastering Romance & TikTok: Fiona Lucas on Character Arcs, Plot Twists, and Going Viral.

In this episode of The Writing Community Chat Show, Chris sits down with UK-based television producer, script editor, and debut author, Charlotte Robinson!Charlotte brings an incredible wealth of storytelling knowledge from the screen to the page. After working her way up from an on-set runner (mastering the art of making the perfect cup of tea), she became a driving creative force behind major TV hits like Sky’s Fortitude, Amazon Prime’s adaptation of The Power, and Steven Knight’s A Thousand Blows for Disney+.Now, she’s translating that high-stakes, binge-worthy pacing into her highly anticipated debut sci-fi thriller, MARS ONE( publishing May 23rd with Transworld).If you have ever struggled with pacing, character depth, or bloated first drafts, this episode is an absolute masterclass. Grab a pint or a perfectly brewed tea, and get ready to take notes!In this episode, we dive into:The "Ruthless TV Editor" Mindset: How Charlotte applied TV production rules to cut a staggering 80,000 words from her first draft.The Margaret Atwood Timeline: A brilliant character-building exercise to give your protagonists deep psychological context.Writers' Room Secrets: How to use the "Post-It Note" method and Scrivener to weave together multiple POVs without losing the emotional thread.The Billionaire Space Race: A fascinating debate into the real-world inspirations behind Mars One and the geopolitical dangers of handing space exploration over to private companies.The Geek Vault: How a professional script editor would fix the controversial ending of Game of Thrones, and the fictional characters Charlotte would take on a one-way trip to Mars!About Charlotte Robinson: Charlotte is a writer, TV producer, and die-hard sci-fi & fantasy fan living in Essex. Her debut novel, MARS ONE, is a fast-paced thriller about a reality TV-funded colonization mission to Mars where a saboteur strikes in the dark vacuum of space.Pre-order MARS ONE: https://amzn.to/4e1G9NMShow Notes & Resources:🚀 Join the 100-Day Writing Challenge! We kick off on May 1st. Join the community, get your templates, and hop into our Discord by heading to our Substack: https://thewccs.substack.com/p/write-your-novel-with-us-in-just?r=20fopa💻 Get 20% off Scrivener! Use the code COMMUNITY at checkout to get an exclusive discount on the ultimate writing software. https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview?fpr=welcome&fp_sid=mSupport The WCCS: Together as one, we get it done! If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave us a 5-star review, and share it with a fellow writer.Website: thewritingcommunitychatshow.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.Connect With The Community🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: PayPal.MeTogether as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

Welcome back to another fantastic episode of The Writing Community Chat Show! With over 400 interviews under our belts - chatting with everyone from indie debutants to NYT bestsellers - we are incredibly proud to continue bringing you the very best insights into the publishing world. It’s been an amazing journey recently reaching number 3 in the top 10 writing podcasts in the UK, and we couldn’t do it without this brilliant community.This week, we are thrilled to welcome the award-winning author of contemporary women’s fiction and romance, Fiona Lucas (also known for her decades of enchanting readers as Fiona Harper). Fiona has written over 30 books, hit the number one spot on the Kindle bestseller list, and cracked the code for authors on TikTok, accumulating over a million likes!Whether you are plotting your first romance or trying to figure out how to market your latest release on social media, Fiona’s journey from a mother of two seeking a creative outlet to a seasoned industry veteran is packed with actionable advice.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.Connect With The Community🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: PayPal.MeTogether as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

How do you turn the rhythm of a song into the heartbeat of a novel?In this episode of The Writing Community Chat Show, we sit down with the multi-talented Antonio Michael Downing—a writer, musician, and "creative force" whose work spans critically acclaimed memoirs like Saga Boy and his stunning new debut novel, Black Cherokee.Antonio shares a perspective on the craft that is as soulful as it is practical. We dive deep into his "sensory hypnosis" ritual—why he writes every first draft longhand with a "sacred" fountain pen—and explore his "gardening mindset" for productivity, which might just change the way you look at your daily word counts forever.In this episode, we discuss:The Economy of Words: What novelists can learn from hip-hop legends and the tight structure of a three-minute song.Ritualising the Flow State: How to use physical objects to "hypnotise" your brain into writing mode.Writing What You Don't Know: The meticulous research and radical empathy required to write across culture, gender, and history.Reverse-Engineering Emotion: How to study the books that move you to figure out exactly how the "magic" works.The 1990s & The "Trail of Tears": Why Antonio chose a pre-cellphone era to explore the history that "never stays in the past."Whether you’re an indie author struggling with your first draft or a seasoned pro looking for a fresh spark of inspiration, this conversation is a masterclass in staying curious and finding your own unique "fingerprint" on the page."Your job is to be available... to create the conditions so that tomatoes can grow. Then the tomatoes will naturally grow." — Antonio Michael Downing.Connect with Antonio:Website: antoniomichaeldowning.comInstagram: @antoniomichaeldowningJoin the WCCS Community: Don't forget to like, subscribe, and check out our upcoming community project, "The 100," where we’ll be writing 80,000 words together starting this May! Visit https://substack.com/@thewccs for more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.Connect With The Community🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: PayPal.MeTogether as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

One viewer described this episode as “a university lecture on creative writing.” This week, we unearth the systems behind a sustainable, profitable indie author career.Our guest is romantic suspense author and book coach Maria L. Secoy.As a former English teacher with a Master’s in Secondary English, Maria spent over a decade in the classroom before transitioning into a full-time indie career. Her teaching background shines through as she breaks down the science of writing and the business of being an author.In this episode, we discuss:The 15-Hour Productivity Rule: How to write four high-quality books a year without burning out.The "Legacy Quest": Transitioning from writing for your soul to building a commercial catalog.Crafting Fierce Heroines: Using the "Vulnerability Gap" to create strong, relatable characters.The 80/20 Research Method: How to build authentic tech and security worlds without "data dumping."The Masterclass HighlightsProductivity & Deep Work: Maria emphasizes that full-time writing doesn’t require a 40-hour week. By utilizing "Power Hours"—60 to 90 minutes of disconnected deep work—and batching administrative tasks, you can protect your creative energy. The Science of Character: We dive into Maria’s Taylor Industries and On-Trail Love Adventures series. She explains why competence is key for romantic suspense heroines and how to find the one thing your strongest character is afraid of.Treating Writing as a Business: Passion is the spark, but systems pay the bills. Maria advocates for a "Truly Successful Author" mindset where rest is treated as a vital productivity metric.The Research Balance: Learn how Maria handles deep research into tech and security. The goal is to use research to build your own confidence so the dialogue feels authentic to the reader, even if 80% of the facts never leave your notes.Join the Community: If you enjoyed this "University Lecture" on the craft, consider subscribing for more deep dives into the indie author world.Visit our home base: thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.Connect With The Community🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: PayPal.MeTogether as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

The Burden of Mental Noise: Social Anxiety & Psychic Thrills with D.I. JollyWhat if you couldn’t turn off the thoughts of everyone around you? In this episode of The Writing Community Chat Show, we sit down with Berlin-based indie author D.I. Jolly to dive into his latest psychological thriller, Blurred Lines.More than just a "superpower" story, Blurred Lines serves as a visceral metaphor for social anxiety. We discuss how the protagonist, Miles, navigates a world of overwhelming mental chatter and the moment a psychic cry for help forces him out of his self-imposed isolation.Inside the Episode:The Power of Practice: How writing over 300 short stories for the Berlin Poetry Club sharpened Jolly's craft.Genre-Bending & Metaphor: Using lycanthropy to explore bipolar disorder in the Mostly Human series.The Research Process: Consulting with therapists to accurately portray the mechanics of anxiety and human thought.Killing Your Darlings: The reality of cutting 15,000 words to save a story.The Indie Hustle: Insights into the “Buy My Effing Book” marketing strategy and the impact of living in seven different countries on world-building.Whether you're an aspiring novelist looking for consistency tips or a fan of dark, psychological fiction, this conversation is packed with raw honesty and wit.Connect with D.I. Jolly:Buy Blurred Lines: https://amzn.eu/d/05ZGvoUoSupport the Show: We are celebrating our 6th Birthday! Help us make it a big one by visiting: https://thewccs.substack.com/p/six-years-400-episodes-and-166-days?r=20fopaFollow The Writing Community Chat Show: Ranked in the top writing podcasts in the UK, we bring you interviews with NYT best-sellers, celebrities, and the best indie voices in the business.Watch the video version on YouTube: The Writing Community Chat Show - YouTubeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.Connect With The Community🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: PayPal.MeTogether as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

The Secret Sauce to a 'Big Five' Deal with Linda Wilgus.The WCCS: Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025)An overnight success 21 years in the making.We were joined by the brilliant Linda Wilgus, author of the enchanting debut novel, The Sea Child. From writing during two-hour nap times to securing a "Big Five" publishing deal and a coveted starred review from Publishers Weekly, Linda’s journey is a masterclass in persistence.The Story of The Sea Child is set against the rugged cliffs of 1800s Cornwall during the Napoleonic Wars. The Sea Child follows Isabel—a widow found as a child, dripping wet and alone. Is she the daughter of a seboka (sea spirit)? When a wounded smuggling captain is carried into her cottage, a timeless tale of folklore, adventure, and romance begins.💡 Masterclass Tips: The Linda Wilgus MethodThe 75% Rule for Plotting: Plan 75% for structure, but leave the final 25% open so your characters can surprise you.The “Crap First Draft” Philosophy: You can edit a bad page, but you can’t edit a blank one. Stick to your daily word count!Don't Self-Reject: Linda landed a superstar agent by being brave enough to hit "send" on a "long shot" query.The “Tiffany Effect”: How to balance 18th-century authenticity with modern readability in historical fiction.Magic Needs Rules: In Magical Realism, magic must have firm limits—it can't be a "get out of jail free" card for your plotFollow Linda: Instagram @LindaJWilgus | LindaWilgus.comWatch the Interview: https://youtube.com/live/sBan9N46S0QSupport the Community: Join our Substack for more "stories behind the stories. WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | SubstackThe WCCS: Together as one, we get it done!What was your favorite tip from Linda? Let us know in the comments!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.Connect With The Community🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: PayPal.MeTogether as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

Katherine Bradley: Writing The Institute, AI Fears, & The “No Tea” Rule.The WCCS: Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025)Are we right to be worried about technology, or are we just worried about being worried? This week on The Writing Community Chat Show, we sat down with the brilliant Katherine Bradley, author of the critically acclaimed The Sisterhood and her haunting new release, The Institute. Described as The Sanctuary meets Shutter Island, Katherine’s work explores the dark limits of human connection and the terrifying power of collective impulses.Inside the Episode:Balancing the Hustle: How Katherine manages life as a full-time Head of Year responsible for 300 students while writing high-concept psychological thrillers.The "Flock Phenomena": The chilling inspiration behind The Institute—what happens when humans lose individual agency to a collective, tech-driven trance?Black Mirror Realities: Why Katherine is frequently terrified by the very AI and technology she writes about.The "No Tea" Rule: A masterclass in pacing. Why an agent told her, "No one wants to read about people drinking tea," and how to ensure every page moves the story forward.💡 Masterclass Tips for Authors:Bet on Yourself: Why Katherine turned down a major promotion to protect her writing discipline.The Road to Writing: The "Filter Coffee and Tenacity" method for writing before the 9-to-5 grind.Finding the Right Agent: Katherine discusses her partnership with Stephanie Glencross at David Higham Associates and how to avoid "mean" agents.What’s the Story? The Institute: Set on a remote island off the coast of Scotland, The Institute follows Billy, a survivor of a "flocking event," sent to a mysterious spa-like facility for brain injuries. But is the Arbor Institute a place of healing, or a gilded cage?Connect & SupportThe WCCS is a registered CIC (non-profit) dedicated to supporting authors, readers, and creatives.📺 Watch the Interview: https://youtube.com/live/tXVjpaYKiG8📚 Get the Book: https://amzn.to/4bN1Xdh✍️ Join the Community: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack☕ Support our Mission: PayPal.MeFollow Katherine Bradley: Find her on Twitter/X and Instagram @KateBradley.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.Connect With The Community🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: PayPal.MeTogether as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

Welcome back to another episode of The Writing Community Chat Show, recently ranked number 3 in the top 10 writing podcasts in the UK for 2025. In this special “eve of Valentine’s Day” edition, hosts Chris and the team dive into the messy, complicated, and wonderful world of intimacy with the internationally recognized sexologist and best-selling author, Dr. Trina Read. Trina Read With over 25 years of experience helping people navigate the world of pleasure, Dr. Read joined us to talk about her journey from a syndicated sex columnist to a pioneer of the “self-help fiction” genre. Her latest novel, The Taboo Show, is set to challenge perceptions and make us laugh while rethinking what we know about pleasure.Trina answers the questions we want to know. How much sex in a relationship is normal? What should couples do after 10 years of marriage, and much more. Plus, listen to CJ reading Chris Hooley some ai generated suggested sext texts. From Non-Fiction to “Self-Help Fiction”Dr. Read’s transition into fiction was born from a desire to reach women who might find traditional non-fiction a “slog”. After the success of her bestseller Till Sex Do Us Part, she developed a five-step program that she eventually wove into the lives of four fictional characters in The Sex Course.Her new book, The Taboo Show, continues the journey of these four women as they explore the “Taboo Sex Show”—a trade show experience Dr. Read knows well from her years as a mainstage speaker. From tantric skepticism to “Wiccan sex magic,” the story uses relatable characters to demystify complex topics.Expert Advice for Writers and Couples.One of the most enlightening parts of the episode was Dr. Read’s advice on the craft of writing intimacy. She admits that writing sex scenes is “incredibly difficult” and requires a delicate balance. Her top tip? Edit out the “darlings.” To keep fiction engaging, she often removes up to 80% of the educational content to focus on the character’s emotional reaction rather than the instruction itself.Advice for couples at every stage:* New Couples: Slow down and enjoy the courtship; don’t rush the buildup.* The 6-Month Mark: This is when bad habits form. Start having conversations now before the “newness” wears off.* The 10-Year Veterans: Focus on “erotic threads” outside the bedroom—small acts of kindness and desire throughout the day to help bridge the “delayed sexual response”.Demystifying the “Taboo.”Dr. Read also breaks down the common misconceptions around Tantra, describing it simply as an exchange of energy and a way to build pleasure through connection. She encourages couples to lean into the awkwardness of talking about sex, noting that most people can share their bodies for decades but still struggle to share their words.Final Thoughts & Pre-Order Info.Whether you’re looking to spice up your Valentine’s weekend or looking for tips on writing authentic, “classy” intimacy in your next novel, this episode is a must-watch.Dr. Trina Read’s new novel, The Taboo Show, is available for pre-order now and officially launches on February 28th. Visit her website at trinaread.com for pre-order bundles and free educational resources..Watch the full episode here: Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our Substack for more interviews with NYT best-sellers, celebrities, and indie authors. Together as one, we get it done! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.Connect With The Community🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: PayPal.MeTogether as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

If you tuned into our latest live stream, you know we didn’t hold back. Usually, we’re joined by New York Times best-sellers or indie superstars, but this week, it was just us, Chris and Chris, getting real with the community. We dove into the “unpopular opinions” that every writer thinks but few dare to say, and we launched something that could change your publishing journey forever. It was a fun conversation. Full of questions from the audience and more.Comments on the video on YouTube:“Really interesting show guys. Nice one.”“Superb show!”The “Hot Takes” That Divided the Chat.We opened the floor to the writing community’s most controversial takes on literature. From the broad application of symbology in Dan Brown’s work to the structural repetitiveness of the Harry Potter series, no giant was safe.While we all appreciate the success of these icons, we discussed how certain “formulaic” approaches can be a double-edged sword for new writers. Based on our Facebook thread that had hundreds of replies to the question: what highly popular book do you dislike?Why Most Books Get Rejected.The title of the show wasn’t just clickbait. Rejection is the one thing every author has in common, but why does it happen? Often, it isn’t the story itself, it’s the package.A weak pitch, a cluttered synopsis, or a query letter that misses the mark can end a book’s journey before an agent even reads Chapter One. We’ve seen it time and again over 380+ interviews, and that’s why we decided it was time to take action.BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: The WCCS Query Clinic is OPEN!We are thrilled to officially announce the Query Clinic, hosted right here on our Substack. We wanted a way to give back to the community and provide the kind of hands-on help that usually costs a fortune.How it works:* For Paid Members: Once a month, we will open a dedicated thread where you can submit your work for critique. We will select submissions to be showcased and edited in a monthly video, explaining what we changed and why.* For Founding Members: We are offering a guarantee. Once a month, we will personally work through your first 10 pages, your synopsis, and your pitch letter. Plus, we’ll provide a curated list of agents specifically suited to your work and advice on how to hit “send” with confidence.Our goal is to turn this Substack into a workshop environment where we can all develop our craft together. Don’t be shy, it’s all for the good of the community!What’s Next for WCCS?The year is only getting busier! Mark your calendars for:* The London Book Fair (May): Chris and I will be there in person, interviewing industry leaders in a very posh setting.* Harrogate (July): We’ve been invited back to the world-famous crime writing festival for the 04th time in a row!* Next Week’s Guest: Get ready for something a little different as we welcome Dr. Trina Reed, a Canadian sexologist. We’ll be talking about her new book and perhaps asking some “inappropriate” questions about love triangles in fiction the day before valentines day.Ready to fix your query? [Upgrade to a paid subscription] to join the Query Clinic and get your work in front of us. Let’s get those manuscripts out of the “reject” pile and into the hands of readers.Together as one, we get it done!Find the full video here:Our Mission: Bringing reality to the writing community. From NYT bestsellers to indie pioneers, we share the stats, the setbacks, and the strategies that define the modern author career. We help you write smarter, sell faster, and see the truth behind the numbers.With over 380 interviews and being ranked the No. 3 UK writing podcast of 2025—as well as a top-3 “Must Follow” for 2026—you are in the right place to succeed. Our motto holds true:THE WCCS - TOGETHER AS ONE WE GET IT DONE! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.Connect With The Community🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: PayPal.MeTogether as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

How do you write a future that feels real? We sit down with environmental scientist and war correspondent Paul E Hardisty to discuss the conclusion of his “The Forcing” trilogy and why literacy is our last defense against a new feudalism.The Road to Writing: From 5-Year-Old Typist to Front-Line Witness.Paul E Hardisty didn’t take the traditional path to becoming a critically acclaimed novelist. Though he began typing stories at age five, he hit a wall at eighteen. Inspired by Hemingway’s advice to “Write what you know,” Paul realized he didn’t know anything yet.He spent the next 30 years gaining that knowledge as an environmental scientist and journalist, reporting from dangerous regions like Yemen, Ethiopia, and most recently, the battlefields of Ukraine.“I want to write fiction that comes as close to truth—conveying essential truth—as possible. I think that is the purpose of literature.” — Paul E Hardisty.Confronting “The Hope”: A Vision of 2082.The interview centers on the release of The Hope, the explosive conclusion to a trilogy that started with The Forcing and The Descent.Set in a windswept, contracted world where the global population has plummeted below a billion, The Hope introduces us to Boo, a 16-year-old with a photographic memory living in a society where books are illegal and literacy has vanished.BUY IT HERE.Writing Advice: The Iceberg Principle.For the writers in our community, Paul shares his “anti-course” philosophy. Having never taken a creative writing class, he advocates for:* Finding your own path: “Be yourself, because everyone else is already taken.”* The Iceberg Principle: Focus on immediacy—sights, smells, and tactile feelings—rather than being didactic.* Biting on the Nail: Inspired by Hemingway, Paul’s Substack name refers to the discipline of getting up and doing the hard work of writing, no matter what happened the night before.Key Themes from the Episode:* The Science of Fiction: Paul explains how he used robust IPCC climate projections to build a plausible 2082, focusing on “refugia”—pockets of the planet that remain habitable.* The New Feudalism: A chilling warning about how plummeting literacy rates and the rise of the smartphone era could mirror the dark ages, making society easier to dominate.* Authenticity in Action: Paul discusses his three trips to Ukraine (with a fourth planned) and how bearing witness to trauma and stoicism informs the emotional core of his work.🎧 Watch the Full Interview!For more on Paul’s experiences as a pilot, his favourite Ukrainian borscht, and why he chose a blue fist for his final book cover, watch the full episode here: From Ukraine to The Great Barrier Reef: Writing Truth in Fiction with Paul E Hardisty📚 Where to Find Paul’s Work* Book Release: The Hope is available January 29th, 2026. Paul encourages supporting local independent bookstores.* Substack: Subscribe to Bite on the Nail (no paywall!) for weekly essays on conflict, the environment, and short stories. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.Connect With The Community🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: PayPal.MeTogether as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.