Shows
Oscar WildOscar Contenders II: Original Song, Original Score, and Sound (feat. Bennett Prosser)The second part of the Contenders Series dives into the audio component of the cinematic experience and features frequent guest and Original Song aficionado, Bennett Prosser. Sophia and Nick are excited to hear about all of his insights into the nominees, including sharing their favorite songs and tracks, write-in votes and who they think should win in Original Song, Original Score (38:04), and Sound (1:06:48). Listen along for lots of unexpected laughs, score and soundtrack recommendations, and Academy Awards banter! #TeamDianeWarrenFollow Bennett on Letterboxd and Bluesky @bennettprosserFollow us on Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky, and TikTok @oscarwildpod
2026-02-061h 29
Decisions That Built a BusinessThe Moment the Business Finally Made Sense with Sophia BennettEvery founder faces moments of doubt, chaos, and uncertainty—but clarity changes everything. In this episode, Sophia Bennett, Founder and CEO, shares the pivotal turning point when her business finally made sense. From scattered priorities and internal doubt to focus, alignment, and renewed energy, Sophia reveals how one moment of insight transformed her company, her team, and her leadership, proving that clarity is the foundation of lasting success.
2025-12-2205 minOscar Wild2026 Oscar Shortlists Recap (ft. Bennett Prosser)Between critics groups and different awards bodies, we can finally glean some much needed information about the Academy’s true love love from this year’s diverse slate of films. How predictable will the list of inaugural Best Casting nominees be? Will Neon be able to successfully nominate all five of the international films in their slate? What were the biggest surprises announced? And most importantly, will Diane Warren earn her 17th (!!!) nomination? Tune in for this and much more as Sophia and Nick debate and analyze all 12 feature film shortlists with frequent guest and Original Song extraordinaire, Bennett Pros...
2025-12-191h 13
Your life in filmSophia Zolan - Comedian and FilmmakerOn this episode, I am speaking with Sophia Zolan. Sophia is a comedian, filmmaker and a lover of all things campy goth. Sophia's InstagramTed's LetterboxdMy film Reel Terror: https://youtu.be/XQv66805FHMSupport the show
2025-10-211h 41
Good Neighbor Podcast: FriscoEP 290: Sealing Trust: How Laura Bennett Brings Notary Services to Your FingertipsWhat Makes Laura Bennett with Entheos Notary a Good Neighbor?Ever wondered what happens when corporate expertise meets entrepreneurial spirit in an unexpected industry? Laura Bennett's journey to founding Entheos Notary reveals how discovering purpose in the details can transform both careers and communities.Laura shares how she pivoted from an 18-year corporate career to build a mobile and remote online notary service designed around convenience and compassion. She breaks down the fascinating technology behind remote online notarization—a process allowing clients anywhere in the world to securely notarize documents through video technology, id...
2025-07-2212 min
Conversations with Rich BennettHow Sophia Torrini Rewired Her Mind and Body for HealthSponsored by Daniel McGhee and The Victory Team In this transformative episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Sophia Torrini shares how she turned a life-threatening medical crisis into a journey of profound healing. After surviving a misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery that left her near death, Sophia discovered Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and neuroscience-based healing. Her compelling story of resilience, scientific insight, and spiritual awakening will inspire anyone seeking hope and healing beyond conventional medicine. Guest: Sophia Torrini Sophia Torrini is a certified Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Pra...
2025-05-281h 05
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Conversations with Rich BennettCarolyn Sophia on Why You’re Stronger Than You ThinkSponsored by Daniel McGhee and The Victory Team Mental health advocate, author, and speaker Carolyn Sophia Skowron joins Rich Bennett to share her raw and powerful journey from childhood bullying and a life-changing diagnosis to surviving a traumatic car accident and becoming a voice for hope and healing. In this deeply moving conversation, Carolyn opens up about her book Unbreakable, her coping techniques, and how she’s using her voice—literally and figuratively—to save lives and spread awareness. Guest: Carolyn Sophia Skowron
2025-04-301h 00Oscar WildOscar Contenders I: Original Song, Original Score, Sound (feat. Bennett Prosser)With the final countdown to the Oscars underway, it’s time once again for the most thorough series on this year’s nominees! Sophia and Nick begin with the sonic categories to not only hear from their expert song guest, Bennett Prosser, but to also understand how epic studio films and music heavy movies all function to transport audiences alongside stunning visuals. Listen to hear their category breakdowns including production facts, write-in votes, and what they think should win for Original Song, Original Score (34:36), and Sound (1:05:40).Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky, and TikTok @oscarwildpod
2025-01-311h 41
Brew with the BennettsEpisode #156 - Happy New Year, Phone free xmas, Come and speak to Grandma, Sophia's food trauma's, boxing day water, cold water dip and much more!Happy new year!The first one of 2025!Happy new year intro Resolutions Dickensian candle! Phone free Xmas Day Come and speak to Grandma! Christmas of crying Sophia’s Xmas Card Perished gussets! Exposed ballJemma’s Boxing Day Walk Bad food memoriesOur Open water swim Double dipping NannaKids versions of StrictlyScott is GladiatorGet in touch...
2025-01-051h 27
Emerging Brands PodcastSophia Racciatti & Oliver Spring, Founders OOSO Sparkling TeaOOSO is a sparkling tea inspired by natural wine. It's made with organic teas and only sweetened with organic honey. They believe beverages should be bold, not boring (like their standout branding!). Founders Sophia Racciatti & Oliver Spring (who are newly engaged) take us behind the scenes of how they started formulating recipes in their Brooklyn apartment to launching at the coolest retailers in NYC. Personally, OOSO Sparkling Tea is one of my personal favorite non alcohol beverages!
2024-09-0123 minOscar WildThe 2024 Oscar Shortlists (ft. Bennett Prosser)We’re another step closer to the 96th Academy Awards! In their annual tradition, Nick and Sophia are joined by Bennett Prosser to decode the recently released Oscar Shortlists and how certain branches may be feeling about a year of outstanding movies. Listen as they share which movies got a huge boost by appearing here and which may be in danger.Follow Bennett on Twitter and Letterboxd @BennettProsserFollow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwildpod with more content @ oscarwild.squarespace.comFollow Nick @sauerkraut27Follow Sophia @sophia_cimMusic: “The...
2023-12-241h 11
Your Favorite Self"I Like Money!" with Andi Diamond BennettThis week Sophia interviews photographer and real estate investor Andi Diamond Bennett about the relationship most women have with money. Whether hearing "I like money!" makes you feel cringe or do a fist pump in the air, this is a great episode for you. Here's how to connect with Andi: Connect with her photography business at www.andidiamond.com or the Facebook page. She also has a Facebook group with nearly 10,000 women, ADP Diamond Girls The hotel she owns is www.sunburstinn.com or on Instagram at @sunburst_innPurchase y...
2023-10-261h 14Oscar WildThe 61st New York Film Festival Recap (ft. Bennett Prosser)Follow along as Nick, Sophia, and returning guest Bennett Prosser recap everything they saw at #NYFF61! Bennett initially shares his experience as a first-time festivalgoer and what it's like traveling to New York to see 9 movies in just a few days. Then, they briefly recap the films by sharing reactions and how they think they'll fare during awards season. Note that many of these will feature extended discussions in the coming months during Awards Season Check-In episodes and their Oscar Contenders series after nominations are announced! In the first half, catch the following: May December, Priscilla, Ferrari, All Dirt, Roads...
2023-10-251h 16Oscar WildThe 2024 Awards Season Fantasy Draft (ft. Bennett Prosser)It's back to basics for Oscar Wild's 4th Awards Season Fantasy Draft with Bennett Prosser returning to compete with Sophia and Nick in anticipation of this upcoming awards season. They craft teams of movies, directors, actors, additional creatives, and some fun wild card picks that will hopefully align with wins with critics, technical guilds, and major award ceremonies. This year, they hope listeners will play along and submit their own teams via the following link: https://forms.gle/CjNJH1DD22qgPAUx6. Stay tuned for festival reactions, award contender highlights, and updates regarding the draft board, always counting down to next...
2023-08-251h 27Oscar WildReactions to The 95th Academy Awards All at Once (ft. Bennett Prosser)Bennett Prosser joins Sophia and Nick for their season finale to discuss everything that went down at the 95th Oscars! From seeing so many gorgeous white and silver looks everywhere on the champagne carpet to half of this year's Best Picture nominees getting blanked all at once and the many heartfelt speeches in between, listen to find out what they thought about this year's telecast. Also, stay tuned for a final tally of the Awards Season Fantasy Draft and a teaser for the Season 4 premiere!Follow Bennett on Twitter and Letterboxd @BennettProsserFollow us on...
2023-03-171h 08Oscar WildThe 2023 Oscar Shortlists (ft. Bennett Prosser)The shortlists for 10 of the 24 categories recognized at the Oscars have arrived and Nick and Sophia are here to break them down with returning guest, Bennett Prosser! They answer listener questions, explain how the shortlists work and who selects the 10-15 films, and share why the bake-off is one of the most exciting insider events that determines some of the final nominees. After a brief chat on the short film categories, they begin by dissecting Documentary Feature, International Feature, and Makeup and Hairstyling. Then, onto Original Score, Original Song, Sound, and Visual Effects (30:23). Stay tuned for a...
2022-12-231h 12
Live Without a NetLive Without A Net Episode 21: Sophia BennettThis week on Live Without A Net, host Jennifer Sherlock spoke with author and breast cancer survivor, Sophia Bennett. Throughout her battle with breast cancer, she picked up on many small and not-so-small lessons that she wished she had known prior to her 40s. During this episode, Sophia shares what it is like to deal with such a complicated disease at such a young age and how she overcame it by doing her own research, accepting her diagnosis, and being open to support which is not always so easy.
With a disease that can seem so unpredictable, Bennett discusses how s...
2022-08-1954 minLive Without a NetLive Without A Net Episode 21: Sophia BennettThis week on Live Without A Net, host Jennifer Sherlock spoke with author and breast cancer survivor, Sophia Bennett. Throughout her battle with breast cancer, she picked up on many small and not-so-small lessons that she wished she had known prior to her 40s. During this episode, Sophia shares what it is like to deal with such a complicated disease at such a young age and how she overcame it by doing her own research, accepting her diagnosis, and being open to support which is not always so easy.
With a disease that can seem so unpredictable, Bennett discusses how s...
2022-08-1954 min
Live Without a NetLive Without A Net Episode 21: Sophia Bennett
This week on Live Without A Net, host Jennifer Sherlock spoke with author and breast cancer survivor, Sophia Bennett. Throughout her battle with breast cancer, she picked up on many small and not-so-small lessons that she wished she had known prior to her 40s. During this episode, Sophia shares what it is like to deal with such a complicated disease at such a young age and how she overcame it by doing her own research, accepting her diagnosis, and being open to support which is not always so easy.
With a disease that can seem so unpredictable, Bennett discusses how s...
2022-08-1954 minLive Without a NetLive Without A Net Episode 21: Sophia BennettThis week on Live Without A Net, host Jennifer Sherlock spoke with author and breast cancer survivor, Sophia Bennett. Throughout her battle with breast cancer, she picked up on many small and not-so-small lessons that she wished she had known prior to her 40s. During this episode, Sophia shares what it is like to deal with such a complicated disease at such a young age and how she overcame it by doing her own research, accepting her diagnosis, and being open to support which is not always so easy.
With a disease that can seem so unpredictable, Bennett discusses how s...
2022-08-1954 min
Brew with the BennettsEpisode #22 - Hairbrush horrors, Platty joobs, Palm oil, Video doorbell anxiety, Sophia's impression, In da Club sandwichEpisode 22!This weeks show:Hairbrush HorrorPlatty joobsPalm oilVideo doorbell anxietySophia's impressionClub sandwich Plus all the regular features!Drop us a line to get in touch with the show, BWTBPod@gmail.comThanks for listening!Scott and Jem x Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more a...
2022-06-121h 36
Brew with the BennettsEpisode #14 - Greg Wallace calls in, Crimewatch, Threesomes, Rude list, Sophia's WorriesEpisode 14!This weeks show:Greg Wallace callsCrimewatchJemma's rude listSophia's worriesThreesomesPlus the usual features, Scott's vocab test and mundane task of the week! Drop us a line to get in touch with the show, BWTBPod@gmail.comThanks for listening! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
2022-04-171h 34Oscar WildAwards Season Check-In: Golden Globes, BAFTA Longlists, and SAG Nominations (ft. Bennett Prosser)It has been another busy week full of awards season updates that could very well influence the Oscar nominations being announced in only 25 days. Did the subdued Golden Globes Twitter release capture enough widespread attention? What were some searing snubs and exciting surprises from the BAFTA long lists? (19:27) Which actors and ensemble will prevail among the Screen Actors Guild nominations? (27:23) Follow Bennett Prosser @bennettprosserFollow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwildpodFollow Sophia @sophia_cimFollow Nick @sauerkraut27Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich
2022-01-1453 minOscar WildThe Oscars Shortlists and An Awards Season Update (ft. Bennett Prosser)Nick and Sophia welcome back Bennett Prosser for an update on the state of this awards season with multiple recent exciting announcements. First, they debate how or if The G*lden Gl*bes and Critics Choice nominations may influence or track how other voting bodies feel about movies this year. Then, listen as they break down the recently announced Oscars shortlists, including all of the surprises, snubs, and insight it may give to predicting other categories (21:03).Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwildpodFollow Nick @sauerkraut27Follow Sophia @sophia_cimMusic: “Th...
2021-12-231h 02
Prepublished#37 Talking about the story that haunts you with Justine PicardieAs well as her journalism, memoirs and a novel inspired by Daphne du Maurier, Justine has written an acclaimed biography of Coco Chanel. She tells me how she has to be 'haunted' by a story before she can write it. Her latest book, Miss Dior, tells the story of Catherine, Christian Dior’s sister and muse. A fighter in the French Resistance, she was a survivor of Ravensbruck concentration camp who received the Croix de Guerre and the Legion d’Honneur. Catherine became a rose farmer in Provence and died a dozen years ago aged 90. Justine's account of her life...
2021-09-0341 minPrepublished#36 Talking about writing and illustrating with Thomas TaylorI was interested to know the part that RSI played in Thomas's shift from illustrating and writing picture books to writing middle grade novels. You might think that his cover art – for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – woud be the key moment in his career, but what is truly fascinating is that it isn’t. That moment came over twenty years later, in 2018. I found it honestly inspiring. Listen out, too, for Thomas’s top tip, which corrects a mistake that many prepublished writers I know have made. Apologies for the sound quality of this epis...
2021-08-2734 minPrepublished#35 Talking about writing Christie and page-turnability with Sophie Hannah, Part TwoIn my first conversation with Sophie , we discussed her successful career as a poet and thriller writer and the support she gives to other writers through the Dream Author programme. Many listeners have already been inspired by her words about resilience and self belief in the face of repeated rejection, which is something most of us are familiar with. If you haven’t heard that episode yet, I strongly suggest you give it a listen. In part 2, as well as telling me about her writing process and using the blurb as a 'story promise', she int...
2021-08-2050 minPrepublished#34 Talking about comic fiction and sci fi with Jenny ColganAfter a false start in standup and comic strip writing, Jenny's career took off with her first novel, Amanda’s Wedding. She is one of those rare authors who has been successful from the word go. She talks about the auction for her first book, the limo that arrived to take her to the successful publisher’s, and the importance of good timing, the Great British Bakeoff and her ‘wolverine tenacity’. Among writing about writing that she admires, I thoroughly recommend her suggestion of The Writer's Tale by Russell T Davis and Benjamin Cook, which I'm please...
2021-08-1329 minPrepublished#33 Talking about writing contemporary novels with Amanda CraigI first encountered Amanda when she was children’s book critic for The Times, and was a judge on the Times/Chicken House competition that won me my first book contract, for Threads. As a journalist and reviewer she has been a huge champion of what she calls the third golden age of children’s literature, spotting Harry Potter, His Dark Materials and The Hunger Games in their early days. As she is also the author of nine novels, I was keen to find out about her own writing process. We also discuss the hard truths...
2021-07-3046 minPrepublished#32 Talking about the writing coach with Sophie HannahI wanted to talk to Sophie about many things – her career as an international bestselling thriller writer of books such as Little Face, The Carrier and the Monogram Murders, her work with the Agatha Christie estate, what got her into writing, and how she helps writers with her Dream Author coaching programme. This was more than we could fit into the time available, so we had to save crimewriting, the Christie estate and Sophie’s special tips for planning for part 2, which I’ll be releasing soon. In part one, we discuss the essential urge to write...
2021-07-231h 02Prepublished#31 Talking about crime writing and PhDs with Luke Deckard and Alex ReeveWay back in the mists of time, when I was too scared to simply sit down and write, I did a PhD in Italian Literature. The focus was reading other people’s work, not creating my own. So I was fascinated to know how a creative writing PhD works. Why do it? Does it help you get published? What about right brain/left brain? Does studying a subject academically for three years help or hinder the creative process? Luke is an aspiring crime writer who has published in various literary magazines and journals; Alex already has...
2021-07-1649 minPrepublished#30 Talking about the habit of writing with Joanna NadinJo is the author of the Penny Dreadful series and the Rachel Riley books, and we discuss the importance of funny books for children, and her tips on how to write them. I think her partnership with Chris Hoy and the illustrator Clare Elsom in the Flying Fergus series is the model for celebrity publishing, so listen out. It can be done well! We discuss the habit of writing, the accountability of Zoom writing sessions in lockdown – highly recommended, even now – and getting your book made into a BAFTA-winning TV show. Does it change your life...
2021-07-0940 minPrepublished#29 Talking about a sense of place with Michelle LovricMichelle's titles include Carnevale, The Water’s Daughter, and The Book of Human Skin. She also helped Gemma Dowler write about her late sister Milly. Michelle's novels are usually set in Venice, which she knows intimately, and are always imbued with history, vivid imagination and an element of fantasy. She has taught Guardian Masterclasses in How to Write for Children and is a consultant editor for The Writers Workshop and The Faber Academy, as well as hosting writing boot camps of her own. Her environmentalism and work with her community were sides of Michelle’s work...
2021-07-0247 minPrepublished#28 Talking about foreign rights with Natasha FarrantNatasha has been a children’s writer for a long time, and awards such as the Costa weren’t always on the cards. You might be interested in her answer to my question about when she felt ‘safe’ as a writer – I wasn’t surprised at all. We met through her job as a book scout for my first publisher, Chicken House. Listen to my lockdown brain failing to grapple with what exactly scouts do, despite the fact that I have first-hand experience of it. Back to the writing, she describes taking an editor...
2021-06-2545 minPrepublished#27 Talking about the Carnegie medal with Anthony McGowanAnthony McGowan is the author of various children’s books but the one that won the Carnegie Medal was Lark, which he wrote for one of my favourite publishers, Barrington Stoke. As well as Anthony's contemporary books featuring young, male protagonists, I was curious to hear about the Carnegie Medal process and I think Anthony explains very well why the shortlist is exciting, for readers as well as for writers. The Carnegie tends to favour a certain kind of book, but he reminded me about the range of other prizes out there too, and the abs...
2021-06-1851 minPrepublished#26 Talking about writing and marketing with Phil EarlePhil was born in Hull, where he grew up wanting to play football for Hull City. His first job was as a care worker in a children’s home. Nowadays, when he’s not writing, he works as head of sales and marketing for the independent book publisher, David Fickling Books, who publish Philip Pullman. We talk about getting into reading through comics and graphic novels, agree on a book that’s a masterclass in structure and characterisation – a checklist of excellence, Phil calls it – and the joy of the rollercoaster of writing a story for the firs...
2021-06-1142 minPrepublished#25 Talking about acting and a sense of place with Carol DrinkwaterHow many of us dream of meeting a glamorous Frenchman, finding a tumbledown house by the sea and restoring it together, whiling away our afternoons in the sparkling pool between writing sessions and heavy manual labour on crumbling walls? Well, anyway, I do. The first of Carol's Olive Farm book makes it clear that money was very tight, and while I was reading it I wanted to know how she felt when she took the risk of writing it. After all, she couldn’t be sure it would earn the money she so desperately needed. I ha...
2021-06-0439 min
Prepublished#24 Talking about writing and teaching with Julia GreenAs we’ll hear, Julia's writing and teaching careers developed side by side. I wanted to talk to her because over 60 students on her courses at Bath Spa have gone on to be published writers, some, like Elen Caldecott and Sally Nicholls, with stellar careers.We talk about Julia’s path to teaching, and how it feeds her writing, the importance of staying grounded and keeping the day job, getting a PhD after a career and bringing up children, and the effect of lockdown on writing. We also discuss the process and the benefits of something like an M...
2021-05-2849 min
PrepublishedSeason 3 introAfter two dozen episodes of Prepublished, who's next? Sophia introduces some of her guests in the upcoming weeks and the topics they talk about, including creative writing courses. Are they worth it? What can they teach?
2021-05-2803 minOscar WildReactions to the 2021 Oscars Ceremony (ft. Bennett Prosser)Sophia and Nick are back for their FINAL episode of the season with guest star Bennett Prosser to run through everything that happened during this year’s Oscars and share all of their reactions. Beginning with an overview of the ceremony, the pre-show, and how they thought about the show’s layout (1:49), they then discuss all of The Good (13:16), The Strange (26:39), and The Bad (32:40) moments that proceeded. How did they feel about that sped up, yet abrupt ending?Afterwards, they sum up this elongated awards season and how this journey has affected their Oscars mindset (53:30). Remember that Awar...
2021-04-281h 08
Prepublished#23 Talking about The Windsor Knot with Caroline Green and Sophia BennettThis episode is about changing direction as a writer, and writing a high concept novel. Writing as Cass Green, Caroline Green is the author of bestselling crime novels such as In a Cottage in a Wood, The Woman Next Door and The Killer Inside. Like me, she was a YA writer first. She teaches a crime writing course at City Uni and she was the first person I interviewed for Season One of this podcast, where she talked about the art of plotting. She was also the first person I spoke to, outside the family, wh...
2021-01-2851 min
Prepublished#22 Talking about under-represented voices with Abiola Bello and Attiya KhanThis is an episode I’ve wanted to record for a long time. Publishers are making changes, which have speeded up since the Black Lives Matter campaign, but I still don’t see the rich variety of experiences of race, gender and class that emerge every year from my writing groups reflected on the shelves of bookshops and libraries. As Attiya Khan says in our conversation, she didn’t want to write another terrorist Muslim woman. The reading public are missing out on so many stories. I want to know what it takes to speed things up. Att...
2021-01-2352 minPrepublished#21 Talking about understanding the market with Holly TonksHolly wants both aspiring editors and new writers to understand the process as clearly as possible. I love it when she says ‘writing is not something you can either do or not do’. It doesn’t come instantly to most people, but it’s something you can work at, like any other career. And as she adds, ‘you will find your place.’ We talk about writing with an awareness of the market, the picture book process, and what exactly it is an editor does, beyond commissioning books and working on track changes. It’s more than you might i...
2021-01-1454 min
Prepublished#20 Talking about rethinking your story with Sheena WilkinsonSheena is a teacher as well as a writer of feminist, historical YA fiction. She and I did a training course together with the Royal Literary Fund, to teach academic writing skills – and I saw in practice what a talented and encouraging teacher she is. A tutor at the Arvon Foundation, she’s someone whose calm confidence and experience can make any nervous new writer start to feel as if they can indeed conquer the mountain, whether it’s a book, a short story or an academic essay. She’s obviously disciplined in the way she researches, plans and writes...
2021-01-071h 03
Prepublished#19 Talking about poetry in lockdown with Fraser GraceIt’s a difficult time for anyone in the performing arts, as we all know. But talking to Fraser, I found it inspiring to hear how the spirit of creation survives somehow, whatever life throws at it. And also, how thinking about performance can inform our writing, whatever kind of writing that is. Fraser has some really good tips for keeping your writing going, I think. And I love his understanding of how writing is a part of who we are and that we need to express that and find the time to do it.https://wordcageonline.wo...
2020-12-3156 min
Prepublished#18 Talking about writing for radio with Sarah WooleyWhat I’ve always admired about Sarah is her professionalism. She writes to commission, and always has several projects on the go. I love getting to listen to the results on the radio, and I’m really looking forward to her next play, Rodgers and Hart and Hammerstein, set on Broadway, which will be broadcast on Radio 3 on the 27th of December. Do catch it if you can. There is a link to it in the show notes. I’m fascinated by the whole writing process, from which plawrights inspire her and why, to how she gets...
2020-12-2451 min
Prepublished#17 Talking about writing crime with Ruth WareRuth has been called a modern Agatha Christie for her ingenious plotting. She is also one of the friendliest writers I know and is the first person I turn to if I have a question about how something works in the world of publishing. I was delighted when she agreed to be on Prepublished this season, and talk about her influences and her writing process. We discuss developing new plot ideas, creating authentic characters, why being a reader is so important, fitting writing in around daily life, and different types of writer's block. It’s an honest, fascinating and re...
2020-12-1747 min
Chiltern Voice Book ClubSophia Bennett (12th December 2020 )Sophia Bennett talks perseverance, reinvention and the rewards of self-compassion as we untie the wonder of The Windsor Knot, in which Queen Elizabeth II turns Golden Age detective.Grace Jones - Slave to the Rhythm Kylie - Santa Baby Ian Dury - Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick Madeleine Peyroux - Dance Me To The End of Love Pet Shop Boys, West End Girls David Bowie - Fashion Siouxie and the Banshees - Dear Prudence The Beatles, In My Life Maria Muldaur - Midnight at the Oasis...
2020-12-141h 06
Prepublished#16 Talking about writing for different age groups with Adele GerasDespite being a prolific novelist across almost all the age ranges, Adele didn’t want to be a writer when she was growing up – she wanted to be a star. She performed in the West End in the 1960s, and I can’t think of anything cooler. Writing runs in the family. Her daughter, Sophie Hannah, writes thrillers and runs her own life coaching service for writers. What an excellent idea. https://adelegerasbooks.comhttps://nga.gov.au/rajahquilt/https://dreamauthorcoaching.com
2020-12-1037 min
Prepublished#15 Talking about self editing with Emma DarwinEmma was an associate lecturer at the Open University and has a PhD in creative writing. She runs popular courses and workshops, including ‘Self-editing your novel’, with Debi Alper. I had an orderly list of questions to ask her, but as soon as we started talking about writing, we ended up going wherever the subject took us, from free writing to beta readers, psychic distance, showing and telling, and why rewriting is what it’s all about. https://www.emmadarwin.comhttps://emmadarwin.typepad.com/thisitchofwriting/https://members.jerichowriters.com/bazaar/self-editing-novel-online-course/
2020-12-031h 09
Prepublished#14 Talking about getting the first deal with James NicolIn season one of Prepublished, I talked mostly to writers, agents and editors in the world of children’s fiction, as that’s where I spent the first ten years of my published life. Season two will spread its wings a bit and include conversations with writers across all age groups, including poets and playwrights, debut authors and bestsellers. As before, we’ll also take a look behind the scenes at the world of publishing. But I start where I left off, with children’s writing. James Nicol is the author of a fantasy children’s series, published b...
2020-11-261h 04
PrepublishedA Safe Space to Fail - talking about writing groups with the MastermindsThe ‘Masterminds’ name was actually suggested years ago by Christopher, who produces Prepublished. It’s a term commonly used for groups that get together to learn and share knowledge on a specialist subject. In this case: writing YA fiction. The group meets once a week or once a fortnight (online during lockdown) to workshop a couple of pieces and to be each other’s encouragement, writing conscience and inspiration. As you’ll hear, this was more necessary than ever at the time we spoke.Thanks as always to Christopher Pett for production and editing.Links: City L...
2020-04-2053 min
PrepublishedWhere Do You Belong? Talking about writing to be seen, with Catherine JohnsonCatherine Johnson is a multi-award-winning writer of twenty novels. She’s best known for her history writing for young adults, but has also written contemporary novels and screenplays, and taught creative writing in schools, universities, art galleries and prisons. She has great personal style and we could have spent the time talking fashion, art and growing up in London – but we were mostly disciplined, and talked books. Her work is brave and feminist, addressing the history of slavery, but also throwing much-needed light on black people in history who were adventurers, medics and aristocrats. Thanks as always to Ch...
2020-04-0843 min
PrepublishedIt Takes a Lot of Knocks - talking about first novels with Jasbinder BilanJasbinder Bilan is a debut children’s author and winner of the Times/Chicken House competition and the Costa Children’s Book Award. After a career in teaching she did an MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University, and her first novel was started on that course. She shares her writing journey, why family are so important to her, and how one of the tips she picked up on her course helped her to build the story Asha and the Spirit Bird. Thanks as always to Christopher Pett for production and editing.Links:
2020-03-0940 min
PrepublishedFunny and Dark - talking about being an agent with Stephanie ThwaitesStephanie Thwaites joined Curtis Brown sixteen years ago. She represents authors including Francesca Simon and Tom Fletcher.Sophia went to the agency’s expansive offices in Central London to talk to her about what she’s looking for from prepublished writers (you don’t need to worry about the synopsis!) and what an agent does once you sign up.In addition to living authors, Stephanie represents the estates of AA Milne and John Steinbeck. (Yes, she really does represent Tom Fletcher and John Steinbeck. The life of an agent...)Thanks as always to Christ...
2020-03-0234 min
PrepublishedThe Bridget Jones Method - talking about writing YA fiction with Keren DavidKeren David’s first YA thriller, 'When I Was Joe', was published in 2010. It started as an exercise in a creative writing course she did at City University. At one stage it had the distinction of being the most stolen book from libraries in young offender institutions. Since then she’s published a further 10 novels, and taught that course at City University. Keren is currently a features editor at the Jewish Chronicle. Her latest YA novel, 'What We’re Scared Of', will be out in 2021. Thanks as always to Christopher Pett for production and editing.Links: ...
2020-02-2458 min
PrepublishedWriting the Book Teaches You How to Write It - talking about voice with Sara CollinsSara has an exceptional talent for describing the craft of writing, so when the first attempt at recording the podcast didn’t work Sophia was determined to try again. This time it went better. Sara Collins was a lawyer for seventeen years before she embarked on a Creative Writing Masters at Cambridge University. While there, she won the 2015 Michael Holroyd Prize of Re-creative Writing and was shortlisted for the 2016 Lucy Cavendish Prize. So it is perhaps not surprising that the book she began writing then ended up winning the 2019 Costa First Novel Award. She is now working on the sc...
2020-02-1430 min
PrepublishedThe Role of Luck - talking about writing for boys with Robert MuchamoreRobert happened to be writing his first children’s book at a time when Anthony Horowitz’s Alex Rider series was about to make child spies the next big thing. He didn’t know this at the time, but he describes how useful Alex Rider was in getting his story noticed. He then went on to sell 13 million books – and counting – of the Cherub series starring James Adams, which are the most successful books I know for getting pre-teen boys avidly reading. That said, 40% of the people in Robert’s queues are girls, and he can write strong female characters t...
2020-01-191h 07
PrepublishedThere Are No Rules - talking about what publishers want with Annie EatonAnnie talks to Sophia about what an editor is looking for in a great story, what it was like to work with authors like Philip Pullman and Malorie Blackman, and why chemistry with an author is important. It's great to get Annie's insight into the marketing process and what a publisher is thinking when it comes to launching your book.Thanks as always to Christopher Pett for production and editing.Links to resources: Before I Die by Jenny Downham: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Before_I_Die Tales on Moon Lane: https...
2019-12-1554 min
PrepublishedAllow The Magic To Disappear - talking about submitting with Candy GourlayCandy was born and raised in the Philippines. For years, as a pre-published writer, she was the author of the blog 'Notes From the Slushpile'. Eventually, her debut novel, 'Tall Story', won the National Children's Book Award of the Philippines in 2012 and the Crystal Kite Award for Europe in 2011. 'Tall Story' was shortlisted for 13 further prizes, including the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, the Branford Boase Award, the Blue Peter Book Award and the UKLA Children's Book Prize. Her second novel, 'Shine', won the Crystal Kite Award for the British Isles in 2014. 'Bone Talk' was shorlisted for the Costa Book...
2019-12-1557 min
PrepublishedStart With The Beast - talking about series fiction with Karen BallSophia and Karen talk about how to hook reluctant readers with pacy plots and catch phrases, working with unpublished writers (pre-published writers) and why voice is so important. Karen also brilliantly describes the essential boost for your self-esteem that having another creative pursuit, such as sewing, can give you. Thanks as always to Christopher Pett for production and editing.Links to resources: Karen’s website: http://www.speckledpen.com Karen’s blog about sewing: https://didyoumakethat.comUnbound (for crowd-funded books): https://unbound.com Wool and the Gang: https://www.wool...
2019-12-1552 min
PrepublishedNancy Drew In Ancient Rome - talking about writing inspiration with Caroline LawrenceCaroline is the writer of over 30 books for children, including the series: 'The Roman Mysteries', 'The Roman Quests', 'The Time Travel Diaries' and 'The PK Pinkerton Mysteries'.Thanks as always to Christopher Pett for production and editing.Links to resources: Caroline’s website: https://carolinelawrence.com/'How to Write a Great Story' by Caroline Lawrence: https://carolinelawrence.com/how-to-write-a-great-story/John Truby 'Anatomy of Story' course: https://truby.com/the-anatomy-of-story/ 'Save the Cat' by Blake SnyderWebsite: https://www.savethecat.comBook: https://store.savethecat.com/col...
2019-12-1558 min
PrepublishedYou Can’t Make It Dark Enough - talking about character with Cliff McNishOver a 20-year career, Cliff has written many fantasy, sci-fi and supernatural stories for children and young adults. The Doomspell Trilogy, his debut series, sold to 26 countries. His 2006 ghost novel, Breathe, was voted as one of the top 100 adult and children's novels of all time by the Schools Network of British Librarians in 2013.Thanks as always to Christopher Pett for production and editing.Links to resources: Cliff’s website: https://www.cliffmcnish.com Cliff’s posts on 'Notes From the Slushpile': https://www.notesfromtheslushpile.com/2013/05/deepening-character-conversation-with.html https://www.note...
2019-12-1551 min
PrepublishedAnd Then Is Not Good - talking about plotting with Caroline GreenCaroline is a bestselling crime writer of books such as 'In a Cottage in a Wood', under the name Cass Green. She teaches the short course in writing crime fiction at City University, London. As Caroline, she’s also an award-winning writer for young adults, with books including 'Dark Ride' and 'Cracks'. Thanks to Christopher Pett for production and editing.Links to resources: Caroline’s website: https://cassgreen.co.uk The plotting mountain - traditionally known as Freytag’s pyramid: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dramatic_structure Writing Advice from M...
2019-12-151h 00
PrepublishedIntroducing Prepublished, Series 1 - with Sophia BennettIt took Sophia ten years to get her first contract. If you’re writing your own stories, these conversations are designed to help you avoid all the mistakes she made. We look at themes such as plotting, creating compelling characters and what a publisher is thinking when they come to consider your book. You can hear our favourite tips, learn from our writing gurus, and listen to us disagree about what works as we explore the highs and lows of writing a book. This series focuses on the world of children’s books, but almost all the idea...
2019-12-1302 min