Such a great conversation – and an incredible story – thanks for joining me!

A selfie of Frank. He has a window behind him and a cream wall with brown beams. He is wearing a navy jumper and light blue shirt and has glasses. His hair is dark with some grey and short. He is smiling at the camera.

The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.

'If you want to be a journalist you need passion, enthusiasm and to be able to show it's what you really want.'

Writer @frankmalley.bsky.social joins me on Northern Voices to talk about the incredible true story behind his latest novel, The Singing Spy.

on.soundcloud.com/aOp0aW1LQsup...

A photo of Steve from the waist up standing on what looks like a very high hill. More hills are in the background and it is a cloudy day. He is resting his right arm on a stone wall and holds a stick in his left. He has a backpack on and a black long sleeve top. His hair is short and grey and he is smiling at the camera.

The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.

'People should celebrate their accent, write about what they know and where they are.'

Byker Grove writer and novelist Steve Chambers is on Northern Voices today, talking about his novel The Dark Months and more.

on.soundcloud.com/Fkb6FXyw1BpE...

A head and shoulders shot of Colwill in full colour with a blurred green outdoor landscape in the background. She is wearing a black leather jacket over a green, white and black striped jumper. Her hair is wavy and shoulder length and both that and her lips are bright red. Her facial expression is serious. She has brown eyes and is looking directly at the camera.

The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.

'We talk about class as if it's straightforward, but it's actually really complex.'

Award-winning writer and proud Donny lass Colwill Brown, author of We Pretty Pieces of Flesh, is on Northern Voices today talking about writing friendships, home and dialect.

on.soundcloud.com/OhSJJ27WIXMp...

A photo of Dan standing against a wall painted to look like large stones, with text graffiti behind him. He is standing with his legs apart, looking up to the sky. He is wearing a black and white patterned fleece jacket with black pockets and khaki grey combat trousers and black and white trainers.

The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.

'Being prolific is about putting things in place that you can always go back to.'

Today on Northern Voices, I have poet, performer and proud North East lad Dan Husband joining me to talk about community, communication and commitment to writing.

on.soundcloud.com/nwdwTXy4i6JD...

Mental, isn't it? Justin couldn't believe it when we came over and came up from Heathrow.

Sharing this because you should go see Stu, but also because it highlights the ridiculous cost of going to London.

A greyscale photo of Tania leaning against a brick wall. Only her head and shoulders are visible and she has cropped dark hair. She is wearing a dark top and slightly lighter cardigan, and she is smiling at the camera.

The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.

'To be a writer, all you need to do is write.'

Experimental writer, scientist and creative writing mentor @taniahershman.bsky.social is on Northern Voices today talking about blending science, creativity and genre, plus much more.

on.soundcloud.com/zET3rRUVdz6Q...

🙌

Keshed on the beach Down Under ... @stuhennigan.bsky.social

Mine's on the way so I'll send you Keshed in Aus when it arrives ;) will take it for a surf with the girls.

A photo of Andrew from the shoulders up against a plain white wall background. He is side-on to the camera so that his body faces to the left but his face is looking directly at us. He has short, dark hair and glasses and he is smiling. He is wearing a bright green and black striped t-shirt.

The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.

'Publishers need to understand that Northern writing in no way has to be about the North.'

Northern Voices is back and the first episode of 2026 features prize-winning writer @andrewokeyauthor.bsky.social discussing writing, winning and the North.

on.soundcloud.com/9sgItHGJrHxP...

Haha love it

C*nting Crows (wasn't sure it would let me post with the 'u' in it haha)

Can confirm Blackwells are great for international postage. Cheaper than some books I've had posted from Aus suppliers even!

Oh class, just got yours and Ben M's from Blackwells and it was really reasonable! Nice one, Stu. Thanks for the tip. Look forward to reading when it arrives. 🙃

That is very fair, the cost of sending things abroad is pretty crazy. I will find a way!

Very keen to get a copy when it comes out. Do Ortac post internationally? If not I can get a copy sent to mam's and she can post it out maybe?

A black and white photo of Chloe sitting on a chair. She is leaning forward with one hand resting on crossed legs and the other supporting her chin. She is wearing several rings, a light long sleeved top and dark trousers. She has glasses and mid-length straight hair. She is looking at the camera and smiling slightly.

The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.

'I like writing about women making terrible decisions'

Novelist @cdelull.bsky.social is on the final episode of Northern Voices for 2025 talking about writing bisexuality, her book Cacoethes and sassy, female-led fiction.

on.soundcloud.com/GkbhsBZagkm5...

A black and white photo of Malcolm from the neck up. He has short hair and is looking just left of the camera and smiling slightly. He is wearing a dark polo shirt and jacket. Behind him is an out of focus bookshelf.

The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.

'It's getting much harder to be published the traditional way.'

Author @malhavardwriter.bsky.social joins me on Northern Voices to talk about why his foray into traditional publishing made him decide to do it himself.

on.soundcloud.com/LH2Wo0rK1V0I...

A photo of Ceri in front of a blurred brown background. She is sitting on the floor with her hands behind her knees. She is looking at the camera and smiling. She is wearing a blue dress with brown flowers and has short black hair with a full fringe. She has green eyes and is wearing pale pink lipstick.

The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.

'Folklore is still part of everyday life in the cities as well as in the countryside.'

Novelist and folklore academic @cerihoulbrook.bsky.social is on Northern Voices today talking about boggarts, writing and her new book, Folklore, from @manchesterup.bsky.social

on.soundcloud.com/Zn0M7epQr9rg...

Ah it's aunty-nephew juggling in this case, but yes still fun. Especially in the middle of giving a class. I had some very amused students.

End of term marking – but with a 3.5 year old toddling in every five minutes and shouting 'knock knock are you busy!??'

A photo of Thea in front of a glass bookshelf filled with old gold and leather-bound books. She is side on from the camera and photographed from the shoulders up. She is smiling at the camera and has swirly eye makeup, bronze lipstick, blonde straight hair and brown eyes. She is wearing gold necklaces and a black vest top.

The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.

'I know so many neurodivergent writers who have had rejections for "unrelatable" characters.'

Novelist @alethearlyons.bsky.social joins me on Northern Voices today to talk about diversity, writing and why AI isn't actually 'intelligent'.

on.soundcloud.com/gA1cXapmgwJ5...

Would also be remiss of me not to tag @ofmooseandmen.bsky.social and @newwritingnorth.bsky.social

A photo of Benjamin from the chest up standing in front of an old wooden door. He is wearing a bright blue coat, green shirt and black turtleneck. He has a sandy grey beard and brown eyes and is looking at the camera with a serious face. He is also wearing a camel-coloured hat with a wide brim.

The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.

'In the North, we don't wait for handouts or to be given permission because that rarely comes. We just get on and do it.'

A special episode of Northern Voices today featuring the legendary @benjaminmyers76.bsky.social on his new novel, the North & more. @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social

rb.gy/tmsjtd

Should it not be corduroy given it's a publishing thing? 😅

As good a time as any to note that from early next year Northern Voices will be going out fortnightly rather than weekly. We've got a bit going on at home here having recently relocated to Perth (moving interstate 2/10 do not recommend) and had a bit of a job shuffle.

A selfie of Jodie showing her from the shoulders up. She is wearing a dark blue and white floral patterned blouse. Her blonde hair is shoulder length and she is wearing pink lipstick. She has blue eyes and is smiling at the camera. Behind her is a beige wall.

The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.

'Publishers need to be more approachable at a grassroots level.'

Author and indie publisher Jodie Jones joins me on (the delayed) Episode 105 of Northern Voices talking about publishing, imposter syndrome and the natural storytellers of the North East.

on.soundcloud.com/ByhGc1YUBp67...

A selfie of Melanie, who is wearing a red, orange, brown and white paisley top. She has long, tousled red hair and blue eyes. She is looking at the camera and smiling. Behind her is a green woodland backdrop.

The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.

'There needs to be more transparency from publishers about the financial side of things.'

Today @foxandinkbooks.bsky.social author Melanie Taylor joins me to talk about her novel, Love Digitally, financial accessibility, and more.

@liverpool-lit.bsky.social

on.soundcloud.com/0aEtGDdVjHc4...