This week on The Conversation, Nadine Matheson welcomes the uniquely talented Will Carver, an author known for his darkly original fiction. In this episode, they dive deep into Will's latest novel, Bad Influence, a gripping tale that explores the murky waters of social media and its impact on youth culture. Bad Influence follows two young friends from different social backgrounds who stumble upon the bizarre phenomenon of 'frogging', living undetected in someone else's home. Their adventure takes a dark turn when they target a fitness influencer, leading to unexpected consequences as their lives intertwine with the reality TV world.

Will shares his thoughts on the challenges of writing about contemporary issues, the delicate balance of humor and horror, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling. Along the way they discuss why social media is both essential and exhausting for authors, the "forced gratitude" culture in publishing, what it's like to be on panels at book festivals while out of pocket, and the woman who stood in a signing queue at Harrogate just to tell Will she hated his last book, which he took as a win.I

This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling in a world dominated by digital distractions.

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Welcome to Conversation Coffee Break! In this episode, Nadine Matheson sits down with crime writer Martyn Waites, writing under the pseudonym C.B. Everett, to chat about his brilliant new book, The Final Chapter.

The Final Chapter is a bold, genre-defying meta-thriller, two complete novels in one. It follows C.B. Everett (yes, Martyn's own pseudonym!) as he's asked to edit a mysteriously reappearing manuscript by a writer who vanished a decade ago. And the real story? It might be hiding in the footnotes.

In this conversation, Martyn reveals:

• Why he created the CB Everett pen name — and borrowed his daughters' initials to do it
• The Russian doll structure of The Final Chapter — a spy thriller inside a literary mystery
• 📺 Getting knocked back by a TV production company — and what they got wrong

This is a warm, witty, and wonderfully candid conversation about creativity, identity, and what it means to keep challenging yourself after 30 years of writing.

Martyn Waites Recommendation: Peacemaker

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This week on The Conversation, Nadine Matheson is joined by the talented Lulu Taylor, a Sunday Times bestselling author known for her captivating novels. With 15 books to her name, including six that have hit the bestseller list, Lulu's latest work, A Legacy of Secrets, explores the intricate dynamics of family relationships and the weight of inherited secrets.

In this engaging conversation, Lulu discusses her journey from publishing to writing, sharing insights on finding one’s voice and the challenges of ghostwriting. She reflects on the evolution of women's fiction, the impact of personal experiences on her storytelling, and the delicate balance between crafting compelling narratives and ensuring emotional resonance with readers.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the themes woven throughout A Legacy of Secrets, as Lulu delves into the complexities of motherhood, the struggle to break cycles of pain, and the search for belonging. This episode is a rich tapestry of storytelling, resilience, and the transformative power of literature.

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