Beyond the Page: Building a BookTok Empire with William Lee.

In the landscape of modern publishing, the “isolated author” is a dying breed. To succeed as an indie today, you don’t just need a gripping story; you need a community. This past Friday, the Writing Community Chat Show (recently ranked #3 in the UK!) sat down with a man who has mastered this evolution: indie thriller author William Lee.Known for his dark, atmospheric mysteries and a rise on TikTok, William joined us to pull back the curtain on his process, his live streams, and the upcoming release of his second book.From Failing English to Crafting Thrillers.It’s a story many of us can relate to: William didn’t start out as a bookworm. In fact, he admittedly “badly failed” his mock exams in school. It wasn’t until a wake-up call from his father that he dove into creative writing techniques, eventually picking up reading as a hobby after high school.That spark turned into a flame, and eighteen months later, he released his debut, Gone Before the Moon. What started as a “superhero” concept morphed into a gritty, supernatural series when William realized he preferred realistic, high-stakes tension over “red spandex.”The “Secret Sauce” of TikTok Live.While many authors view marketing as a chore, William has turned it into a cornerstone of his brand. He moved away from shouting “buy my book” into the void and instead leaned into the power of TikTok Live.Why it works for him:* The Personal Touch: He wraps orders, signs books, and adds extras like bookmarks and tea bags live on camera.* Royalties: Selling directly through TikTok Shop is often more beneficial for indie authors than the traditional Amazon cut.* Vulnerability: By showing his face and chatting about his day, he sells himself as a person, which naturally leads to people wanting to read his work.Overcoming the “Indie” Hurdles.William was incredibly candid about the struggles of the self-published path, particularly Imposter Syndrome. Even with five-star reviews calling his work “atmospheric” and “un-put-downable,” he admits to worrying if book two will live up to the hype.His advice for those “dragging their feet” on social media? Just start. The community is supportive, and being “consistent” is far more important than being “perfect.”What’s Next: The Black Veil Files.Fans of the series won’t have to wait long for more. William shared that he has a five-book arc planned for The Black Veil Files, with short stories and a prequel novella also in the works.The next instalment, Dragged into the Maw, is slated for a March or April 2026 release. It promises to keep the supernatural thrills going, featuring a “Negan-esque” villain inspired by The Walking Dead.Watch & Listen.You can watch the full, hour-long interview below to catch William’s live reading of the Gone Before the Moon prologue and hear his answers to community questions about his “superhero” inspirations and his “worst fears.”Connect with William Lee:* TikTok: @william_lee_author* Website: williamleebooks.co.ukFor more interviews with the world’s best indie and traditionally published authors, subscribe to the Writing Community Chat Show here and on Youtube.Catch it on the go wherever you get your podcasts. 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.

The Writing Community Chat Show is back for 2026, and we are kicking off Season 17 with a masterclass in humor. Whether you’re writing a laugh-out-loud sitcom or looking to inject a bit of levity into a dark thriller, this guest is the person who quite literally “wrote the book” on the subject.We were joined by the legendary Dave Cohen. a founding member of the Comedy Store Players, a BAFTA-winning songwriter for Horrible Histories, and a writer for iconic shows like Spitting Image and Not Going Out.Dave shared his incredible journey from Leeds to the heart of the UK comedy scene, offering invaluable advice for writers at every level.Key Takeaways from the Interview.* Comedy is Character: Dave emphasizes that the best jokes aren’t just one-liners; they are born from character. In comedy, the obstacle isn’t just an external “baddie”—it’s often the character themselves looking in the mirror.* The “Momentary Removal of Sympathy”: Referencing comedy guru Dennis Norden, Dave explains that we laugh at characters like Stan and Ollie or Basil Fawlty because of a brief break in our sympathy, only to reconnect with their humanity moments later.* Humor in Genre: You don’t have to be writing a “funny novel” to use comedy. Dave discusses how writers like Mark Billingham use humor to provide a necessary change of pace and relieve tension in even the grimmest thrillers.* The Shakespeare Mindset: Dave gave us a sneak peek into his brand new project, The Shakespeare Mindsetpodcast. He explores how Shakespeare was essentially writing “sitcom” elements into his deepest tragedies and why the Bard is the ultimate guide for navigating the complexities of modern life.* Finish the First Draft: A vital tip for all writers: use a different “brain” for each draft. The first draft is for getting it down without judgment; the third or fourth draft is where you start “punching up” the jokes.Connect with Dave Cohen.Dave is passionate about building a community for comedy writers. If you’re looking for a writing group or want to hone your craft, you can find his courses, his novels, and his new podcast at davecohen.org.uk.Watch or Listen Below.You can watch the full interview right here or head over to YouTube to join the conversation in the comments. The Writing Community Chat Show is also available on all major podcasting platforms. Our Spreaker Prime Show.Watch it right here:The WCCS is a live-streaming YouTube podcast featuring interviews with NYT best-sellers, celebrities, and indie authors. We were recently ranked #3 in the Top 10 writing podcasts in the UK for 2025.Together as one, we get it done!Support Our Non-Profit CICAs many of you know, The Writing Community Chat Show is now officially a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). Our mission is to support authors and creatives through interviews, workshops, competitions, and community projects.Running the show takes time, effort, and resources — from live streaming and editing, to event hosting and outreach. If you enjoy what we do and want to help us continue providing a platform for authors, please consider donating directly to our PayPal. Every contribution goes right back into growing the show and supporting the writing community.Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCSEven the price of a coffee makes a difference in helping us keep the lights on, the mics live, and the conversations flowing. 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.

The journey to becoming a published author is rarely a straight line, but few paths have been as globally adventurous, or involved a greater number of pachyderms and famous spies, as that of Vaseem Khan.From his decade living in India to his new role continuing the legacy of James Bond’s very own gadget master, Q, here are the key takeaways and inspiration points from a writer who proves that persistence truly is the only non-negotiable trait in this business.100 Rejections and the Power of Persistence.Vaseem’s story is a powerful reminder that rejection is not destiny, it’s just part of the process.After being encouraged by an English teacher in school, he wrote his first novel, a comic fantasy, at the age of 17. The response? A swift, harsh rejection. This was followed by a staggering two decades of writing and seven more rejected novels across various genres.* A Brutal Education: Over that period, Vaseem collected over a hundred rejection letters, describing the feeling as “like being kicked in the bollocks repeatedly every few years.”* The Commitment to the Dream: What kept him going was the fundamental love for books and the idea of being a writer. He believes those who last the course never give up on that core dream.* The Breakthrough Moment: His career finally launched at age 40 when he tapped into his personal experience: his 10 years living in India. He wrote The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra - a crime novel set in modern Mumbai featuring a serious policeman who inherits a baby elephant. His editor loved it precisely because it was “completely different to anything we’d seen in the crime fiction market.”Vaseem’s Advice on Finding Your Voice: You have to write what you know, or at least, what you are uniquely positioned to write. The trick is to do something “completely different, but the same, take an established genre, stick to its core beats, but tweak the formula just enough to offer a unique perspective.”Commissioned by Ian Fleming: The Q Mystery Series.Perhaps the most exciting new development in Vaseem’s career is his commission by the Ian Fleming Estate to continue the story of James Bond’s gadget master, Q.The request was clear: they did not want another straight spy novel.* The Perfect Pitch: The Estate asked for “something halfway between Mick Herren’s Slow Horses and Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club.“* The Premise: In the first book, Quantum of Menace, Q is booted out of MI6 at age 50. He returns to his small hometown, having left a “messy past behind,” to reinvestigate the mysterious death of a childhood friend. The hope is that he will evolve into an amateur detective, solving mysteries in this small-town setting.* The 007 Cameo: For Bond fans, Vaseem confirmed that he’s included plenty of Easter eggs, and Commander James Bond “does make a meaningful appearance in the second half of the book.”The Single Most Important Piece of Writing AdviceWhen asked for the one crucial tip he gives in his workshops, Vaseem didn’t hesitate:“The number one reason that books are rejected by agents is because the quality of the book does not meet their minimum standard for them to be able to have confidence sending it out to a publisher.”His concrete advice is to focus on craft before submission:* Understand Your Genre: Know the standards for prose, plotting, and characterization required for your specific genre (e.g., crime fiction needs a strong hook and right ‘beats’ over literary prose).* Get Quality Feedback: You must get feedback. Don’t rely solely on friends; consider paying an experienced, trusted editor who has a proven history in the industry.* Don’t Ruin the Hook: You normally only get one good chance with a brilliant idea. Bad execution will ruin your chance with an agent, forcing you to write something else. Make the best possible fist of your manuscript before you send it in.Vaseem’s interview was a masterclass in commitment, creativity, and the power of finding that one unique idea that can change everything. You can find his books, including his new Q novel, on his website and at all major bookstores.Catch the full interview with Vaseem Khan on our YouTube channel: 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.

We were thrilled to welcome back acclaimed psychological thriller author and Richard & Judy Bestseller, Lizzy Barber, to the show. Lizzy is the author of several gripping novels, including Be Mine, and has a knack for cutting right through the polished facade of the author life to reveal the messy, chaotic, and often hilarious reality.As The Writing Community Chat Show, recently ranked among the top 10 writing podcasts in the UK, we’ve interviewed over 360 authors, from NYT best-sellers to indie superstars. Few, however, have been as candid as Lizzy about the sheer struggle of creative output when life throws everything at you.This conversation is essential listening for anyone who feels they are running out of time, energy, or hope while chasing their writing dreams.1. The Real Cost of ‘The Slow Draft.’Lizzy shared that her current novel, her fifth, has been the slowest to write, a process she describes as being “on ice.” This wasn’t due to a lack of ideas but due to life: the birth of her daughter, dealing with family loss, and major personal hardships.The interview kicked off with a major truth bomb about managing expectations. Lizzy, who is working on this novel while juggling motherhood and dealing with family issues, admitted she has learned to accept a 500-word-a-day target.“I have worked out that for me that has meant 500 words a day. And I’m comfortable with that. And some days I will write a thousand and think, ‘what a great day.’ And then the next day I might write two.”She argues against the perceived hierarchy in the writing community that values speed and high word counts. While some authors happily “splurge 4,000 words a day,” Lizzy opts for quality, slow progress, where her 500 words are likely to be “500 really good words that won’t get cut up or replaced.”This is a powerful reminder: the goal is the finished product, not the speed of the first draft.2. Navigating Publishing: Big Five vs. Indie.Lizzy has the unique experience of having worked with both ‘Big Five’ publishing houses and an indie publisher (Dura). She offered a rare, side-by-side comparison of the two models:3. The Uncomfortable Question: Imposter Syndrome.Perhaps the most resonant part of the conversation for aspiring and established writers alike was Lizzy’s raw honesty about self-doubt.When discussing the draft she just completed after two years, she was upfront about her inner turmoil: “There is a part of me that thinks that this might not actually work as a book and that I might junk it.”This is imposter syndrome at its highest level - the doubt that creeps in after hundreds of hours of work. For Lizzy, this feeling is exacerbated by an “uneven publishing experience” and the anxiety of never finding a constant publisher “home.”“The worst thought is this kind of awareness of never being published again—that you’re kind of you’re done... That’s the kind of constant fear that you kind of live on the highwire of as an author.”Her advice for surviving this? Focus solely on the writing, because that is the only thing you can control. Don’t chase trends, and don’t let external noise or sales charts dictate your self-worth.4. The Author Brand: Be Yourself. (Even If You’re ADHD)Lizzy, who recently started to explore the possibility that she has undiagnosed ADHD, spoke about how she manages her time and how her personality informs her public persona.She admits she is good at jumping into pockets of time but “can’t write around the chaos.” She needs to compartmentalize her writing time, a vital lesson for any busy creative.On building an author brand, her advice is simple: Be authentic.If you are an introvert who hates reels and being on camera, don’t force it, it won’t feel fun or look genuine. But if you, like Lizzy, are comfortable debating, answering difficult questions, and being visible:“I love being on camera. I trained as an actress... I like the sound of my own voice. I don’t mind being silly. I don’t mind being filmed. I say [to my publisher] use me for that. I’m very comfortable to kind of debate and be asked hard questions.”Find your niche, whether it’s through newsletters, blogs, or public appearances, and commit to it. But whatever you do, avoid the pressure to join the “5 a.m. writer’s club” just because it sounds productive. Prioritize your sleep and your process.Watch the Full Interview.Lizzy’s interview is full of crucial, honest advice for writers at every stage of their career. We cover everything from the psychological complexities of her thrillers to the magic of the Harrogate Crime Writers Festival.Watch the full episode below (or listen to the podcast audio):Connect with Lizzy Barber:* Instagram: @byLizzyBarber* Buy Her Books: Available on Amazon, the Dura website, and all good bookstores.Join our brand new community on our Stanstore! After conducting 360 plus interviews, we have compiled digital products to help your writing. Plus, community members get access to our live writing sprints where we write with you, keep you accountable, and give you free access to our 1-on-1 video coaching. There are forum like tabs in our community group where you can post work and receive advice, plus, much more. Join here: https://stan.store/TheWCCSSupport Our Non-Profit CIC.As many of you know, The Writing Community Chat Show is now officially a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). Our mission is to support authors and creatives through interviews, workshops, competitions, and community projects.Running the show takes time, effort, and resources — from live streaming and editing, to event hosting and outreach. If you enjoy what we do and want to help us continue providing a platform for authors, please consider donating directly to our PayPal. Every contribution goes right back into growing the show and supporting the writing community.Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCSEven the price of a coffee makes a difference in helping us keep the lights on, the mics live, and the conversations flowing.Featured on these blog posts as one of the best writing podcasts:Number 7 in the top 11 writing podcasts of 2025 by Million Podcasts. com https://millionpodcasts.com/author-interview-podcasts/…Number 3 in the top 10 best writing UK podcasts of 2025.https://podcast.feedspot.com/uk_writing_podcasts/The 10 best writing podcasts of 2024, No1 The Writing Community Chat Show - 10 Best UK Writing Podcasts You Must Follow in 2024 (feedspot.com) 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.

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Phoebe Morgan, the rare publishing powerhouse who has seen success on both sides of the desk. As an Executive Fiction Publisher at Simon & Schuster and a Sunday Times bestselling author of psychological thrillers like The Trip and The Doll House, Phoebe offers unparalleled insight into the world of commercial fiction.What You’ll Learn:The Editor’s Secrets: Phoebe lifts the lid on the opaque world of the Big 5 publishers, revealing exactly what editors look for in a submission and how books truly get acquired, marketed, and turned into bestsellers.The Perfect Hook: Discover the critical element that separates a book club hit from a manuscript that fails to launch. Phoebe breaks down the commercial “hook” and how authors can use it to sell their stories.Mastering Psychological Thrillers: Get an inside look at her writing process, including how she plots (or doesn’t plot) her high-stakes suspense novels and balances a demanding full-time job with a prolific writing career.If you’re an author serious about navigating the industry, understanding the market, and writing a bestseller, this interview is essential viewing.Buy Pheobe’s latest book, The Trip, here.Podcast LinkListen to the full audio episode wherever you get your podcasts:Listen on Spreaker (The Writing Community Chat Show Podcast)Join our brand new community on our Stanstore! After conducting 360 plus interviews, we have compiled digital products to help your writing. Plus, community members get access to our live writing sprints where we write with you, keep you accountable, and give you free access to our 1-on-1 video coaching. There are forum like tabs in our community group where you can post work and receive advice, plus, much more. Join here: https://stan.store/TheWCCS 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.

The Writing Community Chat Show is proud to bring you insights from the writers dominating the charts. We recently sat down with Pip Landers-Letts, the winner of the prestigious 2025 Kindle Storyteller Award, to discuss her incredible journey from a 15-year career in retail banking to winning one of the UK’s biggest literary prizes.The £20,000 Leap of Faith.For fifteen years, Pip Landers-Letts navigated the structured world of retail banking. But underneath the suits and spreadsheets, a powerful story was waiting to be told. Pip’s shift from the stability of a corporate career to the uncertainty of a full-time author is the epitome of the creative leap many writers dream of—and fear.In our interview, Pip shared the pivotal decision to step away from the bank, admitting she didn’t know who she was without that career. Writing, however, quickly became the spark she needed.“I owed it to myself to invest in the thing that brought me back to life.”This commitment to her craft—spending nine months meticulously rewriting and learning the rules after a fast first draft—is a vital lesson for anyone considering the pivot to professional writing.Choosing Indie: The Power of Creative Control.Pip’s success story isn’t just about winning an award; it’s a monumental win for self-publishing. She made a conscious decision to forego the traditional route, choosing instead to publish independently via Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).For Pip, this choice was essential for maintaining creative control and ensuring authentic representation. Her book, Pyg, is a queer retelling of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion. Having grown up feeling a “drought of sapphic representation in mainstream media,” self-publishing provided the direct platform she needed to share nuanced, relatable stories without waiting for permission from traditional “gatekeepers.” This path champions the idea that diverse voices don’t need validation from the establishment to find their audience.Pyg and the Art of Reclaiming Your Life.The winning novel, Pyg, is a high-heeled burst of chaos and transformation. Inspired partly by her own life milestone and the feeling of being lost when you’re supposed to have it figured out, Pip describes the book as a story about “getting a grip of your life—letting go of the bad stuff to create space for the good.” It explores themes of kindness, compassion, and radical self-acceptance.Pip credits the success of Pyg partly to the lessons learned while writing her first novel, where she realized the necessity of mastering the craft. The resulting work captivated readers and judges alike, leading to the unprecedented success of winning the £20,000 prize.Buy PYG here.The Validation of a Lifetime.The £20,000 Kindle Storyteller Award celebrates the best self-published book of the year, blending bestseller rankings and reader reviews with the opinions of a distinguished judging panel. For Pip, the award served as a powerful antidote to a common affliction: imposter syndrome.“Winning the Kindle Storyteller Award has given me a huge shot of validation... What an honour to be recognised for the thing I love doing the most—writing!”The prize money itself is earmarked as a crucial investment in her burgeoning writing career, securing her place in the industry she was always meant to join. Her story proves that investing in yourself, trusting your voice, and choosing the path of creative independence can lead to the highest level of industry recognition.Watch or Listen to the Full Interview!Don’t miss the full conversation with Pip Landers-Letts on her award, her book, and her tips for aspiring authors.The Writing Community Chat Show is ranked in the top 10 writing podcasts in the UK, bringing you over 360 interviews with bestsellers, celebrities, and indie authors.Watch the full interview on our YouTube channel:Podcast LinkListen to the full audio episode wherever you get your podcasts:Listen on Spreaker (The Writing Community Chat Show Podcast)Join our brand new community on our Stanstore! After conducting 360 plus interviews, we have compiled digital products to help your writing. Plus, community members get access to our live writing sprints where we write with you, keep you accountable, and give you free access to our 1-on-1 video coaching. There are forum like tabs in our community group where you can post work and receive advice, plus, much more. Join here: https://stan.store/TheWCCS 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.

The challenge every successful debut author faces is the pressure to repeat themselves. When we recently sat down with acclaimed Irish author Chloe Michelle Howarth (Author of the Nero-shortlisted Sunburn), we learned why she made the bold choice to defy expectations and pivot her career completely.Her new book, Heap Earth Upon It, is a striking departure: a dark, 1960s-set Gothic novel miles away from the contemporary, coming-of-age tone of her debut. This article breaks down the three most valuable insights Chloe shared on creative fulfillment, editing mastery, and writing with purpose.1. Creative Fulfillment Demands a Genre Pivot.Chloe’s first novel, Sunburn, was a critical and commercial success, leading to an obvious question: why not write Sunburn 2?Chloe’s answer was pure creative drive. She admitted that she chose the complete opposite direction—a dark, gritty 1960s Gothic—simply because she felt she had to prove to herself that she could do something else.The setting of the new novel was key: a small, quiet, rural village in the depths of January. As Chloe explained, that atmospheric choice naturally lends itself to the Gothic, demanding new language, new emotions, and a different type of bite than her previous work. For writers struggling with a second project, her advice is clear: do what excites you, not what you think the audience (or publisher) expects.2. The Hardest, Most Necessary Editing Lesson.Whether you are writing a sweet romance or a haunting Gothic novel, this single piece of editorial advice, which Chloe received from her agent, is a game-changer: “Less can be more.”Chloe confessed that she loves “over-the-top, very dramatic, detailed prose,” often describing a statement in five different ways. She was challenged to find where it was necessary to be indulgent and where it was simply not serving the story.The takeaway here for any author is to learn how to refine the work. You must be willing to let go of the dramatic flair you love if a concise sentence serves the story better. Her willingness to be open to this professional critique was ultimately what changed her initial manuscript into the published novel.3. Writing a Legacy: Rural Queerness.Perhaps the most impactful takeaway from our conversation was Chloe’s dedication to defining her own writing legacy.When asked what she hopes her work will be remembered for, she emphasized her focus on rural Irish queerness. As she notes, queer experiences are far more often depicted in urban spaces, making her depiction of a nuanced, isolated existence in a smaller community a vital counter-narrative.Her advice for writers aiming to be more inclusive? Write from a genuine place. Don’t feel the need to crowbar diverse characters in to “tick a box.” Instead, write the character as a full person first, and then let their specific experience be a secondary, natural layer, rather than the defining element.You can dive into the full conversation with Chloe Michelle Howarth, including her thoughts on balancing multiple narrative viewpoints, her unorganised “pantser” process, and her essential book recommendation, by watching the full video below:WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW OR LISTEN ON YOUR FAVOURITE PODCAST PLATFORM: Chloe Michelle Howarth on Writing Irish Gothic Fiction & Her Queer Rural Legacy (HEAP EARTH UPON IT & SUNBURN)Join our brand new community on our Stanstore! After conducting 360 plus interviews, we have compiled digital products to help your writing. Plus, community members get access to our live writing sprints where we write with you, keep you accountable, and give you free access to our 1-on-1 video coaching. There are forum like tabs in our community group where you can post work and receive advice, plus, much more. Join here: https://stan.store/TheWCCSSupport Our Non-Profit CIC.As many of you know, The Writing Community Chat Show is now officially a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). Our mission is to support authors and creatives through interviews, workshops, competitions, and community projects.Running the show takes time, effort, and resources — from live streaming and editing, to event hosting and outreach. If you enjoy what we do and want to help us continue providing a platform for authors, please consider donating directly to our PayPal. Every contribution goes right back into growing the show and supporting the writing community.Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCSEven the price of a coffee makes a difference in helping us keep the lights on, the mics live, and the conversations flowing.Featured on these blog posts as one of the best writing podcasts:Number 7 in the top 11 writing podcasts of 2025 by Million Podcasts. com https://millionpodcasts.com/author-interview-podcasts/…Number 3 in the top 10 best writing UK podcasts of 2025.https://podcast.feedspot.com/uk_writing_podcasts/The 10 best writing podcasts of 2024, No1 The Writing Community Chat Show - 10 Best UK Writing Podcasts You Must Follow in 2024 (feedspot.com) 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.

The latest episode of The Writing Community Chat Show was an absolute masterclass in grit, psychology, and the art of crafting a killer thriller. We had the immense pleasure of sitting down with Nikki Allen, the brilliant mind behind the Apple Books Thriller of the Month, The Hideaway.Nikki isn’t just an author; she’s a BACP-registered therapist, and her deep understanding of the human psyche shines through every twist and turn of her novels. If you’re looking for inspiration, practical advice, or just a fascinating peek into a unique writing journey, you’re in the right place.Key Takeaways & What We Explored:Our chat with Nikki was packed with insights, from her unique background to the practicalities of being a published author. Here are some of the highlights:* The Therapist’s Edge in Thriller Writing: How does a professional understanding of human behavior translate into creating compelling, sometimes morally ambiguous characters and nail-biting suspense? Nikki shared how her therapy background is both a “blessing and a curse” for her plotting!* From Harrogate to Pan MacMillan: Nikki walked us through the pivotal steps of her writing journey, detailing how an interview at the Harrogate Crime Writers Festival was just one stop on her road to securing a major publishing deal with Pan MacMillan. Her advice on targeting agents is a must-hear for aspiring authors.* The Hideaway: Behind the Scenes: We explored the inspiration behind her debut, a chilling destination thriller set in a remote Costa Rican wellness retreat. Nikki discussed balancing the allure of a tranquil setting with the dark undercurrents of murder and deception, and how the book subtly critiques modern wellness culture.* Navigating Writing with ADHD: This segment was incredibly powerful. Nikki openly discussed how her ADHD impacts her writing process, offering invaluable tips and strategies for fellow neurodivergent writers. It’s a candid look at how ADHD can be both a challenge and a superpower for creativity, enabling her to craft three novels in just two years.* What’s Next? Below The Deck! Get an exclusive sneak peek into Nikki’s highly anticipated second novel, Below The Deck, a destination thriller set on a superyacht in French Polynesia. Get ready for more intrigue, stunning locales, and, no doubt, plenty of psychological twists!Why You Should Read The HideawayIf you haven’t picked up The Hideaway yet, now is the time. It’s a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very last page. Named Apple Books Thriller of the Month, it’s a testament to Nikki’s skill in weaving complex plots and unforgettable characters.Connect with Nikki Allen* Website: https://nikkiallen.co.uk/about* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkiallenauthor/* Find The Hideaway: https://amzn.to/3JpInJCListen to the Podcast Episode (Audio)For those who prefer to listen on the go, you can catch the full audio of our conversation with Nikki Allen right here.Watch the Full Interview (Video)Dive deep into the discussion and watch our full interview with Nikki Allen on YouTube:Thank you to Nikki Allen for such an engaging and insightful conversation!“Together as one, we get it done.”Join our brand new community on our Stanstore! After conducting 360 plus interviews, we have compiled digital products to help your writing. Plus, community members get access to our live writing sprints where we write with you, keep you accountable, and give you free access to our 1-on-1 video coaching. There are forum like tabs in our community group where you can post work and receive advice, plus, much more. Join here: https://stan.store/TheWCCS 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.

Authors, fund the ultimate creative hub with other likeminded authors, feedback and guidance from your hosts, digital products, and more. Join our StanStore here: https://stan.store/TheWCCSBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

We had the pleasure of hosting USA Today Bestselling Author Sharon M. Peterson. If you’re a fan of witty romantic comedies, an aspiring writer looking for a shot of inspiration, or anyone navigating the creative process with ADHD, this is an interview you absolutely don’t want to miss.Sharon’s journey to becoming a beloved rom-com author is nothing short of extraordinary. Imagine receiving 107 rejections for your first novel. Most of us would have packed it in. Not Sharon. Her story is a powerful testament to the fact that perseverance truly is “90% of it.”Why We Need Laughter (Especially Now.)As a former middle school teacher, Sharon found her calling in humor. She explained that she writes romantic comedies because, in her words, “laughter is hopeful.” In a world that often feels heavy, her books offer a delightful escape—a chance to find joy and cope with life’s stresses through heartwarming stories and genuine belly laughs.The Unspoken Chapter: Writing with ADHD.One of the most candid and impactful parts of our conversation revolved around Sharon’s adult diagnosis of ADHD. This realization was a turning point, shedding light on why external deadlines were always crucial for her focus and productivity. She also highlighted the often-misunderstood representation of ADHD, especially in women, and shared her own “aha!” moment connecting with others who navigate similar challenges.This discussion wasn’t just personal; it was packed with actionable advice. Sharon generously shared her top tips for maintaining focus and boosting productivity—strategies that resonate deeply whether you have ADHD or simply juggle a busy life:* The Brain Dump Before Bed: A simple yet powerful technique to clear your mind and reduce anxiety by writing down all your next-day tasks before you sleep.* The 20-Minute Alarm: Turn writing into a game! Set a timer for 20 minutes and challenge yourself to beat your previous word count. It’s a fantastic dopamine boost.* Minimize Distractions: Utilize focus modes on your word processor, eliminate distracting tabs, and even turn off the word count display to stay immersed in your story.Diving into The Fix Up.We also shone a spotlight on Sharon’s latest novel, The Fix Up. This “grumpy sunshine” forced-proximity rom-com introduces us to Ellie, a single mom, and Gil, a secret grandson, who are forced to co-inherit a property in charming Two Hearts, Texas.Sharon revealed a personal connection to Ellie—her protagonist also has adult-diagnosed ADHD, making this book a particularly challenging but rewarding one to write. And for those who love practical life hacks, you’ll be fascinated by Ellie’s unique Sticky-Note System for managing her “chaotic brain”—a system divided into “Now,” “Soon,” and “In the Future” tasks.Beyond the Books: Poodles, Success, and What’s Next.From her hilarious confession about a lifelong poodle phobia (it’s a “fight or flight” response, she assures us!) to her heartfelt definition of success—making people smile and laugh—Sharon offered a glimpse into the person behind the pages. And for those eagerly awaiting more, she teased an exciting new book in the Two Hearts series, featuring the character Iris!This interview was truly a masterclass in resilience, a deep dive into the craft of writing, and a touching conversation about embracing one’s unique brain. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting your writing journey, there’s so much wisdom to gain from Sharon M. Peterson.Listen to the full podcast or watch the interview here:Don’t forget to check out Sharon M. Peterson’s fantastic rom-coms wherever books are sold, and let us know your biggest takeaway from this inspiring interview in the comments below!Support Our Non-Profit CICAs many of you know, The Writing Community Chat Show is now officially a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). 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