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My new book on Writing - REAL WRITERS NEVER QUIT: What hundreds of authors reveal about not giving up is currently available to pre-order at a special pre-release only price of £2.99/$3.99 and, for UK listeners, you can buy a special signed paperback version with limited edition postcard and bookmark - RIGHT NOW!

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In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling husband-and-wife writing duo Ilona Andrews, who have been writing together professionally since 2007.

We dive into what it really looks like to build a long-term writing career as a partnership, how they’ve navigated both traditional and self-publishing, and why removing ego from the creative process is essential if you want to produce your best work.

We also talk about their latest novel This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me, a departure into epic fantasy, and how it came from an idea that simply wouldn’t leave them alone.

Along the way, there’s plenty of honest insight into the realities of publishing, the importance of finishing what you start, and why writing is less about inspiration and more about showing up and doing the work.

✍️ In This Episode, We Cover:

• How Ilona Andrews make co-writing actually work in practice
• The origin and concept behind This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me
• The shift from urban fantasy into epic fantasy
• The realities of traditional publishing vs self-publishing
• Why self-publishing offers freedom but comes with trade-offs
• The importance of finishing a book, not just starting one

🧠 Best Advice from the Episode

• “If it works, do it.”
• “Give yourself permission to write badly so you can finish.”
• “You have to put your butt in the chair and make words.”
• “50 unfinished books equal zero finished books.”

🌐 Find Out More About Ilona Andrews

Website: https://ilona-andrews.com

They’re particularly active on their blog, sharing writing insights, industry thoughts and the occasional slice of everyday life.

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me is available now from all major retailers, including special editions through UK outlets such as Waterstones.

In this episode of The Write Place Podcast, Wayne Kelly welcomes back award-winning author Margot Douaihy.

Margot first appeared on the show when her debut crime novel Scorched Grace introduced readers to Sister Holiday – a chain-smoking, tattooed nun with a punk past and a talent for solving crimes.

Now Margot returns to talk about the latest instalment in the series, Divine Ruin, and how the character – and the world around her – has evolved.

We talk about writing crime fiction that blends faith, punk rock, and noir sensibilities, the discipline required to build a successful series, and the emotional realities of sustaining a creative career.

Margot also reflects on the challenges writers face when success arrives suddenly, the pressure of expectations, and why returning to the page is always the only real answer.

In This Episode

• The origins and evolution of Sister Holiday
• Writing the latest novel, Divine Ruin
• Blending crime fiction with themes of faith, addiction, and redemption
• Building momentum after a breakout debut
• The realities of sustaining a writing career
• Margot’s darkest hour as a writer
• The book that saved her life

About Margot Douaihy

Margot Douaihy is the author of the Sister Holiday mystery series, including Scorched Grace, Blessed Water, and Divine Ruin.

Scorched Grace was widely acclaimed on release and was shortlisted for the LA Times Book Prize in the Mystery/Thriller category. Margot’s work has also been nominated for a number of other crime writing awards and praised for its distinctive blend of literary style, noir atmosphere, and dark humour.

Originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania, Margot now lives in Massachusetts where she is an Associate Professor of Creative Writing at Emerson College. Alongside her crime fiction, she has also published poetry and literary fiction.

Find Out More

Margot Douaihy Website: https://www.margotdouaihy.com

Support the Podcast

If you enjoy the show, please consider:

• Leaving a review wherever you listen
• Sharing the episode with a fellow writer
• Checking out Wayne’s self-publishing support packages at:
  https://wkwproductions.co.uk/selfpublishing
  
  

This week on The Write Place Podcast, I’m joined by bestselling psychological thriller author Lesley Kara, whose debut novel The Rumour became a Sunday Times bestseller and was later adapted for television.

We talk about her latest novel, Troublemaker, a tense psychological thriller set in Tunbridge Wells, and explore how grief, vulnerability and doubt shape both her characters and her storytelling.

Lesley shares:

• The real-life influences behind Troublemaker
• Why short chapters matter in suspense fiction
• What it was really like seeing The Rumour adapted for TV
• The business realities of commercial publishing
• Writing her debut at 55 and why it’s never too late
• How social media became a creative outlet rather than a chore

It’s a practical, honest conversation about craft, resilience and staying visible in a competitive market.

About Lesley Kara

Lesley Kara is the Sunday Times bestselling author of multiple psychological thrillers including The Rumour, Who Did You Tell?, The Other Tenant and her latest novel Troublemaker.

Her debut, The Rumour, was a breakout success and has since been adapted for television. Lesley lives in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and began her publishing career in her mid-fifties after years of writing and perseverance.

Topics Covered

• Writing lean prose in psychological suspense
• Structuring novels using three-act structure
• Managing pressure after a commercial breakthrough
• Adapting novels for screen
• Balancing creativity with the business of publishing
• Building community and reach through Instagram
• Late-start writing careers

Links

🌐 Lesley Kara Website: https://www.lesleykara.com

📸 Instagram: @lesleykarawriter
📖 Troublemaker – Available now in bookshops and online

If You Enjoyed This Episode

• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts
• Leave a rating and review
• Share the episode with a fellow writer

Work With Me

If you’re writing your own novel and want professional support with structure, editing or publishing, take a look at my self-publishing packages and mentoring options:

👉 https://wkwproductions.co.uk/selfpublishing