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The Writing Community Chat Show (WCCS) Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025)"Together as one, we get it done!" Welcome to The Writing Community Chat Show, the live-streaming podcast...
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The Writing Community Chat Show (WCCS)
Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025)"Together as one, we get it done!"
Welcome to The Writing Community Chat Show, the live-streaming podcast dedicated to the heart and soul of the literary world. Whether you are a traditionally published powerhouse, an indie trailblazer, or an aspiring author still working on your first "crap" draft, this show is your home.
What We Do: We bring you the stories behind the stories. With over 380 interviews and counting, we go beyond the book jacket to explore the creative persistence, daily habits, and industry secrets of the world's most fascinating creators. From New York Times best-sellers and celebrities to the most promising indie authors, we bridge the gap between the stars and the community.
What You’ll Discover
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Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025)"Together as one, we get it done!"
Welcome to The Writing Community Chat Show, the live-streaming podcast dedicated to the heart and soul of the literary world. Whether you are a traditionally published powerhouse, an indie trailblazer, or an aspiring author still working on your first "crap" draft, this show is your home.
What We Do: We bring you the stories behind the stories. With over 380 interviews and counting, we go beyond the book jacket to explore the creative persistence, daily habits, and industry secrets of the world's most fascinating creators. From New York Times best-sellers and celebrities to the most promising indie authors, we bridge the gap between the stars and the community.
What You’ll Discover
- Masterclass Insights: Actionable advice on plotting, character development, and world-building.
- The Business of Books: Unfiltered discussions on agents, "Big Five" deals, and self-publishing success.
- Creative Persistence: Real talk about overcoming rejections, balancing life, and finding the time to write.
- Community Connection: We are a live, interactive platform where your questions lead the conversation.
Support the Podcast
Episodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
Transcribed
21 APR 2026 · In this episode of The Writing Community Chat Show, Chris sits down with UK-based television producer, script editor, and debut author, Charlotte Robinson!Charlotte brings an incredible wealth of storytelling knowledge from the screen to the page. After working her way up from an on-set runner (mastering the art of making the perfect cup of tea), she became a driving creative force behind major TV hits like Sky’s Fortitude, Amazon Prime’s adaptation of The Power, and Steven Knight’s A Thousand Blows for Disney+.
Now, she’s translating that high-stakes, binge-worthy pacing into her highly anticipated debut sci-fi thriller, MARS ONE( publishing May 23rd with Transworld).
If you have ever struggled with pacing, character depth, or bloated first drafts, this episode is an absolute masterclass. Grab a pint or a perfectly brewed tea, and get ready to take notes!
In this episode, we dive into:
- The "Ruthless TV Editor" Mindset: How Charlotte applied TV production rules to cut a staggering 80,000 words from her first draft.
- The Margaret Atwood Timeline: A brilliant character-building exercise to give your protagonists deep psychological context.
- Writers' Room Secrets: How to use the "Post-It Note" method and Scrivener to weave together multiple POVs without losing the emotional thread.
- The Billionaire Space Race: A fascinating debate into the real-world inspirations behind Mars One and the geopolitical dangers of handing space exploration over to private companies.
- The Geek Vault: How a professional script editor would fix the controversial ending of Game of Thrones, and the fictional characters Charlotte would take on a one-way trip to Mars!
About Charlotte Robinson: Charlotte is a writer, TV producer, and die-hard sci-fi & fantasy fan living in Essex. Her debut novel, MARS ONE, is a fast-paced thriller about a reality TV-funded colonization mission to Mars where a saboteur strikes in the dark vacuum of space.
- Pre-order MARS ONE: https://amzn.to/4e1G9NM
Show Notes & Resources:
- 🚀 Join the 100-Day Writing Challenge! We kick off on May 1st. Join the community, get your templates, and hop into our Discord by heading to our Substack: https://thewccs.substack.com/p/write-your-novel-with-us-in-just?r=20fopa
- 💻 Get 20% off Scrivener! Use the code COMMUNITY at checkout to get an exclusive discount on the ultimate writing software. https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview?fpr=welcome&fp_sid=m
Support The WCCS: Together as one, we get it done! If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave us a 5-star review, and share it with a fellow writer.
- Website: https://thewritingcommunitychatshow.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.
Connect With The Community
🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.
- 📺 Watch the Full Shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritingCommunityChatShow
- ✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: https://thewccs.substack.com/
- 🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCS
Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.
Transcribed
8 APR 2026 · Welcome back to another fantastic episode of The Writing Community Chat Show! With over 400 interviews under our belts - chatting with everyone from indie debutants to NYT bestsellers - we are incredibly proud to continue bringing you the very best insights into the publishing world. It’s been an amazing journey recently reaching number 3 in the top 10 writing podcasts in the UK, and we couldn’t do it without this brilliant community.
This week, we are thrilled to welcome the award-winning author of contemporary women’s fiction and romance, Fiona Lucas (also known for her decades of enchanting readers as Fiona Harper). Fiona has written over 30 books, hit the number one spot on the Kindle bestseller list, and cracked the code for authors on TikTok, accumulating over a million likes!
Whether you are plotting your first romance or trying to figure out how to market your latest release on social media, Fiona’s journey from a mother of two seeking a creative outlet to a seasoned industry veteran is packed with actionable advice. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.
Connect With The Community
🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.
- 📺 Watch the Full Shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritingCommunityChatShow
- ✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: https://thewccs.substack.com/
- 🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCS
Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.
Transcribed
1 APR 2026 · How do you turn the rhythm of a song into the heartbeat of a novel?
In this episode of The Writing Community Chat Show, we sit down with the multi-talented Antonio Michael Downing—a writer, musician, and "creative force" whose work spans critically acclaimed memoirs like Saga Boy and his stunning new debut novel, Black Cherokee.
Antonio shares a perspective on the craft that is as soulful as it is practical. We dive deep into his "sensory hypnosis" ritual—why he writes every first draft longhand with a "sacred" fountain pen—and explore his "gardening mindset" for productivity, which might just change the way you look at your daily word counts forever.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The Economy of Words: What novelists can learn from hip-hop legends and the tight structure of a three-minute song.
- Ritualising the Flow State: How to use physical objects to "hypnotise" your brain into writing mode.
- Writing What You Don't Know: The meticulous research and radical empathy required to write across culture, gender, and history.
- Reverse-Engineering Emotion: How to study the books that move you to figure out exactly how the "magic" works.
- The 1990s & The "Trail of Tears": Why Antonio chose a pre-cellphone era to explore the history that "never stays in the past."
Whether you’re an indie author struggling with your first draft or a seasoned pro looking for a fresh spark of inspiration, this conversation is a masterclass in staying curious and finding your own unique "fingerprint" on the page."Your job is to be available... to create the conditions so that tomatoes can grow. Then the tomatoes will naturally grow." — Antonio Michael Downing.
Connect with Antonio:
- Website: http://antoniomichaeldowning.com
- Instagram: @antoniomichaeldowning
Join the WCCS Community: Don't forget to like, subscribe, and check out our upcoming community project, "The 100," where we’ll be writing 80,000 words together starting this May! Visit https://substack.com/@thewccs for more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.
Connect With The Community
🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.
- 📺 Watch the Full Shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritingCommunityChatShow
- ✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: https://thewccs.substack.com/
- 🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCS
Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.
Transcribed
21 MAR 2026 · One viewer described this episode as “a university lecture on creative writing.” This week, we unearth the systems behind a sustainable, profitable indie author career.Our guest is romantic suspense author and book coach Maria L. Secoy.
As a former English teacher with a Master’s in Secondary English, Maria spent over a decade in the classroom before transitioning into a full-time indie career. Her teaching background shines through as she breaks down the science of writing and the business of being an author.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The 15-Hour Productivity Rule: How to write four high-quality books a year without burning out.
- The "Legacy Quest": Transitioning from writing for your soul to building a commercial catalog.
- Crafting Fierce Heroines: Using the "Vulnerability Gap" to create strong, relatable characters.
- The 80/20 Research Method: How to build authentic tech and security worlds without "data dumping."
The Masterclass Highlights
Productivity & Deep Work: Maria emphasizes that full-time writing doesn’t require a 40-hour week. By utilizing "Power Hours"—60 to 90 minutes of disconnected deep work—and batching administrative tasks, you can protect your creative energy.
The Science of Character: We dive into Maria’s Taylor Industries and On-Trail Love Adventures series. She explains why competence is key for romantic suspense heroines and how to find the one thing your strongest character is afraid of.
Treating Writing as a Business: Passion is the spark, but systems pay the bills. Maria advocates for a "Truly Successful Author" mindset where rest is treated as a vital productivity metric.
The Research Balance: Learn how Maria handles deep research into tech and security. The goal is to use research to build your own confidence so the dialogue feels authentic to the reader, even if 80% of the facts never leave your notes.
Join the Community: If you enjoyed this "University Lecture" on the craft, consider subscribing for more deep dives into the indie author world.
Visit our home base: https://thewccs.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.
Connect With The Community
🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.
- 📺 Watch the Full Shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritingCommunityChatShow
- ✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: https://thewccs.substack.com/
- 🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCS
Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.
Transcribed
19 MAR 2026 · The Burden of Mental Noise: Social Anxiety & Psychic Thrills with D.I. JollyWhat if you couldn’t turn off the thoughts of everyone around you? In this episode of The Writing Community Chat Show, we sit down with Berlin-based indie author D.I. Jolly to dive into his latest psychological thriller, Blurred Lines.More than just a "superpower" story, Blurred Lines serves as a visceral metaphor for social anxiety. We discuss how the protagonist, Miles, navigates a world of overwhelming mental chatter and the moment a psychic cry for help forces him out of his self-imposed isolation.Inside the Episode:
- The Power of Practice: How writing over 300 short stories for the Berlin Poetry Club sharpened Jolly's craft.
- Genre-Bending & Metaphor: Using lycanthropy to explore bipolar disorder in the Mostly Human series.
- The Research Process: Consulting with therapists to accurately portray the mechanics of anxiety and human thought.
- Killing Your Darlings: The reality of cutting 15,000 words to save a story.
- The Indie Hustle: Insights into the “Buy My Effing Book” marketing strategy and the impact of living in seven different countries on world-building.
Whether you're an aspiring novelist looking for consistency tips or a fan of dark, psychological fiction, this conversation is packed with raw honesty and wit.Connect with D.I. Jolly:
- Buy Blurred Lines: https://amzn.eu/d/05ZGvoUo
Support the Show: We are celebrating our 6th Birthday! Help us make it a big one by visiting: https://thewccs.substack.com/p/six-years-400-episodes-and-166-days?r=20fopa
Follow The Writing Community Chat Show: Ranked in the top writing podcasts in the UK, we bring you interviews with NYT best-sellers, celebrities, and the best indie voices in the business.Watch the video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritingCommunityChatShow Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.
Connect With The Community
🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.
- 📺 Watch the Full Shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritingCommunityChatShow
- ✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: https://thewccs.substack.com/
- 🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCS
Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.
10 MAR 2026 · The modern literary landscape is crowded. With thousands of titles launching every month, even a masterpiece can disappear into the digital ether without a strategic nudge. Having interviewed over 380 authors, from indie breakouts to New York Times best-sellers, on our programme, we’ve seen one truth emerge repeatedly: visibility isn’t a lottery; it’s a strategy.If you want influencers, BookTubers, and bloggers to champion your work, you need to stop blasting and start building. Here is how to navigate the world of digital gatekeepers and get your book the attention it deserves.
1. The Art of the “Precision Pitch.”
The biggest mistake authors make is the copy & paste approach. Influencers receive dozens of enquiries a week; they can smell a generic BCC email from a mile away. Including those like we get where senders leave “insert name here,” in the opening of the email! Come on people, don’t be lazy!
- Do your homework: Identify influencers who actually read your genre. Sending a gritty noir thriller to a cosy fantasy reviewer is a waste of everyone’s time.
- The “Hook” isn’t just for your book: Your email subject line should be punchy. Instead of “Book Review Request,” try “Atmospheric Gothic Horror for fans of,” and try to name an author they love.
- Mention their content: Briefly reference a recent review or video they posted. Show them you aren’t just looking for a megaphone, you’re looking for a partnership.
2. Professionalism is Non-Negotiable.
If you want to be treated like a professional author, you must present like one. Before reaching out, ensure you have your author toolkit ready to go:The Essential Author Toolkit
- Professional Author Biographies: Prepare three versions of your bio: a tweet-sized one-liner (50 words), a medium paragraph (150 words), and a full-page version. This allows a host to quickly grab the version that fits their specific platform format.
- High-Resolution Visuals: Include a professional headshot and versions of your book cover (3D mock-ups and flat 2D images). Ensure these are high-resolution for print/web but also include web-friendly smaller files so they don’t clog up an inbox.
- The “Elevator Pitch” & Blurb: A punchy, one-paragraph summary of your book that focuses on the stakes and the unique hook. Avoid long-winded plot summaries; focus on why a reader should care now.
- Sample “Talking Points” or Interview Questions: Especially for podcasts and live streams, providing 5–8 suggested questions or interesting topics related to your research or writing process is invaluable. It helps the host prepare and ensures the conversation stays on-brand for your book.
- Digital and Physical ARCs (Advance Reader Copies): Have links to your book on professional platforms like https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.netgalley.com/&ved=2ahUKEwiO8YGyqpWTAxXsUkEAHfdbDGEQFnoECA8QAQ&usg=AOvVaw1-4xeJk0JcNWJvtBRtL2PT or https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://bookfunnel.com/&ved=2ahUKEwj4-fG4qpWTAxWJQkEAHQ0tN8AQFnoECDcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2knILkCg1rhnu58MCQxIb8ready to go. If you are sending physical copies, ensure they are accompanied by a handwritten note or a printed “one-sheet” summarising the book’s details.
- The “One-Sheet”: A single-page PDF that acts as a resume for your book. It should include the title, genre, ISBN, publication date, buy links, and a brief “About the Author” section.
- Social Proof & Accolades: A list of any awards, significant rankings (such as being featured on top-tier writing podcasts), or blurbs from other established authors. This builds immediate credibility with a reviewer.
3. The “Relationship First” Rule.
The most successful authors on the Writing Community Chat Show are those who have spent months, sometimes years, engaging with the community before they ever ask for a favour.
- Engage authentically: Follow them, comment on their posts, and share their content.
- The Soft Ask: Sometimes, it’s better to ask if they are accepting reviews before sending the pitch. It shows respect for their schedule.
- Offer Value: Can you offer their audience a signed giveaway? A guest blog post? An exclusive behind the scenes look at your research?
Writing Tips: Crafting the Pitch.
When writing to a blogger or influencer, your prose must be as sharp as your manuscript.
- Be Brief: Aim for under 300 words.
- The “Why Now”: Is there a seasonal hook? Does it tie into a current trending topic? Give them a reason to feature it thismonth.
- Check your English: If you are pitching to UK-based bloggers, ensure your pitch uses British spellings and conventions, unless you are in the USA, of course. It shows an attention to detail that suggests your book will be equally well-edited.
Pro Tip: Don’t ignore the micro-influencers.” A blogger with 1,000 dedicated, niche followers often has a much higher conversion rate than a celebrity influencer with 100,000 passive followers.The Long Game.
Getting featured isn’t just about a one-off post; it’s about building a reputation within the writing community. Treat every blogger, no matter their following size, with the same level of courtesy you would show a national journalist.Success in the literary world is often a marathon, not a sprint. Keep writing, keep pitching, and most importantly, keep supporting your fellow authors.
The WCCS - Together as one, we get it done!
The Writing Community Chat Show is now a NON-PROFIT organisation! A community interest company trying to create great things and support authors. To do this, we need support too. Consider becoming a paid subscriber to help us grow the non profit business. Or, simply advertise your book with us!
You can also donate to us https://t.co/BMK5C7GOVl
9 MAR 2026 · We’ve all seen them. The “Dear Esteemed Author” emails that look like they were translated from a language that doesn’t exist, promising us a spot on the New York Times Bestseller list for the low, low price of £500 and your firstborn child. Usually, they’re easy to spot. They’re clunky, they’re weird, and they usually end up in the bin before we’ve finished the first sentence. But lately, the bots have been going to school. They’re getting sophisticated. They’re getting... personal!I received an email this morning that was, frankly, a work of art. It wasn’t from “Marketing Pro 123.” It was from Joe Hill! Yes, that Joe Hill. It even had his face in the profile picture.
https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!XStq!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F82a37033-574b-42d6-9c88-db6a305f2718_1408x768.png
The “Joe Hill” Incident.
The email was a masterclass in AI-generated flattery. “Joe” told me he’d been on a bus (how relatable!) and saw a woman reading my book, Deep. He claimed she was so absorbed she didn’t even notice she was eating popcorn (which sounds like a choking hazard, but I’ll allow it). According to “Joe”: “She barely looked up so focused she was eating popcorn without noticing anything around her. That kind of attention is unmistakable.” Well, yeah. It has that effect. If you fancy being so gripped by a story that you lose all motor coordination and social awareness, you can https://linktr.ee/CJAggett.
The email went on to dissect the themes of the book—mentioning Dee, her father, and the moral seriousness of the plot. It was eerie. It’s a perfect example of how AI can now scrape your Amazon blurb and reviews to craft a “personal” message designed to lower your guard.The goal? To “connect me” with a professional book marketer. Translation: To lead me into a sales funnel for a service that will likely take my money and run—or worse, get my Amazon account banned for using dodgy promotional tactics.
What Happens if You Fall for It?
It’s tempting. We all want a legend like Joe Hill to notice our work. But if you reply and engage with these “highly recommended” marketers, here is what is actually waiting for you:
- The “Bot” Blast: They’ll charge you hundreds of pounds to blast your book to thousands of “readers.” In reality, these are bot accounts. Amazon’s algorithms are smart; if they see a spike in bot activity or fake reviews, they will nuke your account!
- The Data Harvest: By clicking their links or providing “author details,” you’re often handing over personal data to scammers who sell your info to even more aggressive phishers.
- The Ghosting: Many of these “services” simply take the payment and vanish. Because they used a fake identity (like Joe Hill’s), you have zero recourse.
How to Spot the Scam.
- The “From” Address: Check the actual email. Joe Hill is a multi-millionaire author; he isn’t using a random gmail.com address to scout indie authors on buses.
- The Over-the-Top Narrative: If the story sounds like a scene from a movie (the “lady on the bus” trope), it probably is.
- The “Unsolicited” Connection: Legitimate, high-level marketers rarely cold-email authors. They are usually so busy they require a referral or have a months-long waiting list.
- The Flattery Trap: If they spend 400 words telling you how much they “admire your courage” before mentioning a marketing service, keep your hand on your wallet.
Finding a Real, Genuine Marketer.
As we’ve discussed many times on the Writing Community Chat Show (currently ranked #3 in the UK, cheers for that!), the best way to find help is through the community, not through your spam folder or inbox.
- Vetting through the Community: Ask in writer circles. If a marketer is good, five other authors will be shouting their name from the rooftops.
- Check the Portfolio: A real marketer will show you books they’ve actually worked on. Reach out to those authors and ask: “Did this person actually help you?”
- Look for Transparency: Genuine marketers (like those at Reedsy or established indie agencies) have clear pricing, contracts, and realistic expectations. They won’t promise you “global stardom” overnight.
- Start Small: Never drop four figures on a marketer you’ve just met. A real pro will often offer a consultation or a smaller “starter” package to see if you’re a good fit.
The Bottom Line.
The AI is getting better at faking human connection, but it can’t fake reputation! If https://open.substack.com/users/16670557-joe-hill?utm_source=mentions actually wants to talk to me, he can come on the show for an interview! And, if you are reading this, now you are aware of what people are doing with your name! So, if an email looks too good to be true, it’s probably just an algorithm trying to eat your lunch.Stay sharp, keep writing, and watch out for those “popcorn-eating” readers!
THE WCCS - TOGETHER AS ONE, WE GET IT DONE!
9 MAR 2026 · You’ve spent months, perhaps years, labouring over every comma and character arc. But now comes the part that keeps most authors up at night: marketing. In a sea of millions of titles, how do you make sure yours is the one readers actually see? Social media algorithms are fickle, and screaming into the void of X (formerly Twitter) rarely shifts the needle. You need an audience that actually cares about books. You need a community.That is where The Writing Community Chat Show comes in.
https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ImY0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F747e46be-1359-4179-918e-1a57476fc1af_1280x720.png
Why Trust Us With Your Story?
We aren’t just another podcast. We are a staple of the global writing community. With over 380 interviews under our belt, we’ve sat down with everyone from indie debutants to household names and NYT best-sellers. In 2025, we were officially ranked Number 3 in the top 10 writing podcasts in the UK. When you advertise with us, you aren’t just buying a slot; you’re tapping into a dedicated, engaged, and book-hungry audience that trusts our voice.We Bring Your Book to Life.
Static images are fine, but video and audio are where the magic happens. We offer two straightforward, high-impact ways to get your work in front of our viewers and listeners.Whether you have a polished trailer ready to go or you need us to help you build one, we’ve got you covered.Our Advertising Packages.
We offer two clear options to help you get your book in front of our dedicated audience:
- Standard Package (£35 / $45): This includes a 30-second mention or a professionally read script of your book promotion during our show. We also ensure your book is easy to find by including links in both our YouTube and podcast descriptions.
- Plus Package (£50 / $65): For maximum impact, we will play your book trailer (up to one minute) directly within our YouTube and podcast episodes. In addition to description links, this tier includes a dedicated post on X and Facebook, alongside a featured promotion section in our Substack newsletter and email blast.
The Power of the Plus.
While our Standard package is a fantastic entry point, the Plus Package is designed for maximum stickiness. Not only does your book trailer appear in our live stream and podcast, but we also push it out to our social media followers and give you a dedicated slot right here on our Substack.This means your book arrives directly in the inboxes of hundreds of writers and readers who are looking for their next favourite read. Ready to get started?
Your book deserves to be heard. Let’s make some noise together.Email us at TheWritingCommunityChatShow@Gmail.Com to get started.
The Writing Community Chat Show is now a NON-PROFIT organisation! A community interest company trying to create great things and support authors. To do this, we need support too. Consider becoming a paid subscriber to help us grow the non profit business. Or, simply advertise your book with us!
You can also donate to us https://t.co/BMK5C7GOVl
Transcribed
3 MAR 2026 · The Secret Sauce to a 'Big Five' Deal with Linda Wilgus.
The WCCS: Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025)
An overnight success 21 years in the making.
We were joined by the brilliant Linda Wilgus, author of the enchanting debut novel, The Sea Child. From writing during two-hour nap times to securing a "Big Five" publishing deal and a coveted starred review from Publishers Weekly, Linda’s journey is a masterclass in persistence.
The Story of The Sea Child is set against the rugged cliffs of 1800s Cornwall during the Napoleonic Wars. The Sea Child follows Isabel—a widow found as a child, dripping wet and alone. Is she the daughter of a seboka (sea spirit)? When a wounded smuggling captain is carried into her cottage, a timeless tale of folklore, adventure, and romance begins.
💡 Masterclass Tips: The Linda Wilgus Method
- The 75% Rule for Plotting: Plan 75% for structure, but leave the final 25% open so your characters can surprise you.
- The “Crap First Draft” Philosophy: You can edit a bad page, but you can’t edit a blank one. Stick to your daily word count!
- Don't Self-Reject: Linda landed a superstar agent by being brave enough to hit "send" on a "long shot" query.
- The “Tiffany Effect”: How to balance 18th-century authenticity with modern readability in historical fiction.
- Magic Needs Rules: In Magical Realism, magic must have firm limits—it can't be a "get out of jail free" card for your plot
- Follow Linda: Instagram @LindaJWilgus | LindaWilgus.com
- Watch the Interview: https://youtube.com/live/sBan9N46S0Q
- Support the Community: Join our Substack for more "stories behind the stories. https://thewccs.substack.com/
The WCCS: Together as one, we get it done!
What was your favorite tip from Linda? Let us know in the comments! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.
Connect With The Community
🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.
- 📺 Watch the Full Shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritingCommunityChatShow
- ✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: https://thewccs.substack.com/
- 🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCS
Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.
Transcribed
25 FEB 2026 · Katherine Bradley: Writing The Institute, AI Fears, & The “No Tea” Rule.
The WCCS: Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025)
Are we right to be worried about technology, or are we just worried about being worried? This week on The Writing Community Chat Show, we sat down with the brilliant Katherine Bradley, author of the critically acclaimed The Sisterhood and her haunting new release, The Institute. Described as The Sanctuary meets Shutter Island, Katherine’s work explores the dark limits of human connection and the terrifying power of collective impulses.
Inside the Episode:
- Balancing the Hustle: How Katherine manages life as a full-time Head of Year responsible for 300 students while writing high-concept psychological thrillers.
- The "Flock Phenomena": The chilling inspiration behind The Institute—what happens when humans lose individual agency to a collective, tech-driven trance?
- Black Mirror Realities: Why Katherine is frequently terrified by the very AI and technology she writes about.
- The "No Tea" Rule: A masterclass in pacing. Why an agent told her, "No one wants to read about people drinking tea," and how to ensure every page moves the story forward.
💡 Masterclass Tips for Authors:
- Bet on Yourself: Why Katherine turned down a major promotion to protect her writing discipline.
- The Road to Writing: The "Filter Coffee and Tenacity" method for writing before the 9-to-5 grind.
- Finding the Right Agent: Katherine discusses her partnership with Stephanie Glencross at David Higham Associates and how to avoid "mean" agents.
What’s the Story? The Institute: Set on a remote island off the coast of Scotland, The Institute follows Billy, a survivor of a "flocking event," sent to a mysterious spa-like facility for brain injuries. But is the Arbor Institute a place of healing, or a gilded cage?
Connect & SupportThe WCCS is a registered CIC (non-profit) dedicated to supporting authors, readers, and creatives.
- 📺 Watch the Interview: https://youtube.com/live/tXVjpaYKiG8
- 📚 Get the Book: https://amzn.to/4bN1Xdh
- ✍️ Join the Community: https://thewccs.substack.com/
- ☕ Support our Mission: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCS
Follow Katherine Bradley: Find her on Twitter/X and Instagram @KateBradley. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.
Connect With The Community
🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.
- 📺 Watch the Full Shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritingCommunityChatShow
- ✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: https://thewccs.substack.com/
- 🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCS
Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.
Join “The Writing Community Chat Show” Supporters Club
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The Writing Community Chat Show (WCCS) Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025)"Together as one, we get it done!" Welcome to The Writing Community Chat Show, the live-streaming podcast...
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The Writing Community Chat Show (WCCS)
Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025)"Together as one, we get it done!"
Welcome to The Writing Community Chat Show, the live-streaming podcast dedicated to the heart and soul of the literary world. Whether you are a traditionally published powerhouse, an indie trailblazer, or an aspiring author still working on your first "crap" draft, this show is your home.
What We Do: We bring you the stories behind the stories. With over 380 interviews and counting, we go beyond the book jacket to explore the creative persistence, daily habits, and industry secrets of the world's most fascinating creators. From New York Times best-sellers and celebrities to the most promising indie authors, we bridge the gap between the stars and the community.
What You’ll Discover
show less
Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025)"Together as one, we get it done!"
Welcome to The Writing Community Chat Show, the live-streaming podcast dedicated to the heart and soul of the literary world. Whether you are a traditionally published powerhouse, an indie trailblazer, or an aspiring author still working on your first "crap" draft, this show is your home.
What We Do: We bring you the stories behind the stories. With over 380 interviews and counting, we go beyond the book jacket to explore the creative persistence, daily habits, and industry secrets of the world's most fascinating creators. From New York Times best-sellers and celebrities to the most promising indie authors, we bridge the gap between the stars and the community.
What You’ll Discover
- Masterclass Insights: Actionable advice on plotting, character development, and world-building.
- The Business of Books: Unfiltered discussions on agents, "Big Five" deals, and self-publishing success.
- Creative Persistence: Real talk about overcoming rejections, balancing life, and finding the time to write.
- Community Connection: We are a live, interactive platform where your questions lead the conversation.
Information
| Author | Christopher Aggett |
| Organization | Christopher Aggett |
| Categories | Books , How To , Self-Improvement |
| Website | Thewritingcommunitychatshow.com |
| thewritingcommunitychatshow@gmail.com |
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