Podcast: The Writing Life

We’re a weekly podcast for anyone who writes. We talk to writers about their writing journeys and techniques, from early career debuts to self-publishers and narrative designers. We’ve featured Margaret Atwood, Jackie Kay, Sara Collins, Antti Tuomainen, Val McDermid, Sarah Perry, Elif Shafak and many more!Brought to you by the National Centre for Writing at Dragon Hall in Norwich.

How to be a craftivist with Sarah P Corbett

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by author and professional campaigner Sarah P Corbett to discuss craftivism, a form of activism and collective empowerment that is centered on practices of craft….

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Writing for performance with HighTide

In this episode of The Writing Life, Holly is joined by Colchester-based playwright and HighTide/Peggy Ramsay Foundation writer in residence Nicola Werenowska and Norwich-based folk musician Georgia Shackleton to discuss writing for performance.
Nico…

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Writing poetry with Martin Figura

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by award-winning poet Martin Figura to discuss the process of writing poetry, and how things make their way into his poetic imagination.
Martin Figura was born in Liverpo…

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Reintroducing Harriet Martineau with Stuart Hobday & Gaby Weiner

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by writers and members of The Martineau Society Stuart Hobday and Gaby Weiner to discuss their new book Reintroducing Harriet Martineau: Pioneering Sociologist and Activi…

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Crafting identity in fiction with Michael Donkor

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Head of Programmes & Creative Engagement Holly speaks with novelist Michael Donkor about crafting identity in fiction.
Michael Donkor was born in London to Ghanaian parents. He studied English at Wadham Co…

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Writing subversive women with Naomi Wood

In this episode of The Writing Life, former NCW Communications Assistant Molly speaks with author Naomi Wood about writing subversive women.
Naomi Wood is the award-winning author of three novels, including the bestselling Mrs. Hemingway. Her stories…

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Virtual residencies with Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar, Sim Wai-chew and Tse Hao Guang

In this episode of The Writing Life, writer and translator Daniel Hahn speaks with three former virtual residents Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar, Sim Wai-chew and Tse Hao Guang about the quirks of virtual residencies, and how their expectations compared to real…

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Writing the grotesque body with Heather Parry

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Senior Communications and Marketing Manager Steph speaks with author Heather Parry about writing the grotesque body.
Heather Parry was born in Rotherham and lives in Glasgow. She has won the Bridge Awa…

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Writing and chronic illness with Polly Atkin

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Emerging Translator Mentorships Programme Manager Annie speaks with author Polly Atkin about writing with a chronic illness.
Polly Atkin is a multi-award-winning writer, essayist and poet. She is the author of…

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Writing for younger audiences with Chip Colquhoun

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Programme Officer Ellie speaks with author and NCW mentor Chip Colquhoun about oral storytelling and writing for younger audiences.
An NCW Associate Artist, Chip is a storyteller and children’s author. He’s tr…

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