One of the best episodes on writing by a writer, to my ears at least. Write to discover. Sit down, write a thought, and grow it from there. Develop the characters, and therefore the plot, organically. Abandon yourself to the pleasure of the process, without a care for the “usual markers” (names, clothes) of characters. Instead, focus on what makes them tick. Wait for the story, and the end, to reveal itself. Write every day if you are a writer. This is how I do it, and it’s good to hear that’s how Eimear does it as well!

This was a fascinating episode on the disputed idea that an author’s characters can take on a life of their own, and somehow speak to the author, direct the next stages of the plot, or even appear in the author’s life! We might be splitting hairs here: it just seems that way to some authors, and not to others. Authors create the characters, and a good, interesting character will drive the plot. In that sense characters are plot devices, but they must be believable characters first. Sarah makes a good point about the dangers of romanticising the craft of writing, because some authors may not recognise these “conversations” as such, and be put off by such talk! It’s (harmlessly) all in the mind of certain writers, while other writers are happy with a more workaday explanation. For some, revising dialogue is just that, a piece of craft, working with words on the page, while other authors might recognise the craft element, but also describe it as “talking with” or “listening to” a character. Thanks for a thought-provoking 13 minutes!

Really enjoyed this episode about how to carry on writing a book despite the lockdown, or any other reason for writers' block. Appreciated the regimented approach: 2000 – 3000 words a day, a dirty draft, then two/three further drafts. Treat it like a job is the answer, but make sure you enjoy it!