“ Telling a story like this, about a real event that impacted so many people, does come with a special responsibility” ~Jonathan Lee The Lockerbie bombing is the UK’s deadliest terrorist attack, killing 270 people in the air and on the ground. Despite taking place 37 years ago, what happened that day is still mired in speculation and conspiracy theories. Now, author and screenwriter Jonathan Lee is exploring the controversy surrounding the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, in a brand new BBC drama - blending historical fact with fiction. As the author of High Dive, which explores the 1984 bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton, Jonathan is adept at uncovering the truth of recent historical events. In this episode, you will learn: Why our recent history is so often the most unknown to us and the least explored. Top tips on making the switch from books to screen How art plays a massive role in shifting geopolitical narratives and uncovering injustices. Find out more about Jonathan here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. Follow inkjockey on Substack here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk 2f3505837ab5fff6039f2a299cae19ba2cd1ed1e

“Under the most oppressive circumstances, where the intent is to not only end their lives, but end almost any evidence of their existence or their humanity on the planet, people make art. They lean into making art.”~Amber Massie-Blomfield Art can change the world. Whether it's the work of painters, writers, dancers or musicians, throughout history art has made a real difference in upending the status quo and fighting back against injustice. Acts of Resistance is a new book which highlights some of the times creators have used their art to transform history. Author Amber Massie-Blomfield has collected a variety of compelling stories to showcase the power of art - a must listen for any artist wondering if their work truly means anything. During this conversation Amber explains why she felt this book was necessary, and why the journey of discovering these stories was so powerful. She highlights some of the individuals who feature in the book, who fought to make a difference. And she explains why, amid the many global emergencies we face, art is needed now more than ever. In this episode, you will learn: Why art cuts through when all other forms of messaging fail How every small contribution makes a difference Why you should let your ideas take you on a journey of discovery Find out more about Amber here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. Follow inkjockey on Substack here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“Having the darkness makes the lighter bits… light. And when there is that happy end, you feel like they’ve earnt it. And it’s all the brighter for the trauma that they’ve been through” ~Helen Hawkins A traditional Hallmark book or film has a very clear path - a tried and true narrative loved by audiences. But this is a Christmas love story that hits a depth of emotion rarely covered by the typical novel in this genre. A Concert For Christmas is the debut novel from Helen Hawkins and brings us the beauty of a memorable festive love story, while also taking us on a journey through real trauma, turmoil and darkness. And it does it all while remaining a cost, fireside companion for anyone nestling down for the winter. During this conversation Helen and Mark discuss the jumping off point for the book and Helen’s love of the Hallmark genre. They explore the business of writing and what it really takes to go from writer to published author. They examine the psychology of reviews and why they shouldn’t always be taken to heart. And they explore the importance of injecting a bit of darkness into a romance novel like this. In this episode, you will learn: Why it’s crucial to look for a twist on conventional narratives The benefits of finding a community to enhance your writing How to see reviews of your work differently Find out more about Helen here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. Follow inkjockey on Substack here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“It's that juxtaposition of very grand figures from history and the very bog standard person. They're also two boys who are overlooked by life, and I think that connected them.” ~Louise Kulup Little is known about Hamnet Shakespeare, the son of the Bard himself, who died aged 11. But it’s thought his death shaped much of Shakespeare’s late works, including the famously melancholy King John. But now Hamnet has been brought to life in an unique and exciting way. Louise Kulup is the author of ‘Bard Boy’, which sees Hamnet return from the grave to haunt (and mentor) a 13 year old London schoolboy called Ben. Aimed at a middle-grade audience, the novel blends history, humour and supernatural elements. During this conversation Louise and Mark discuss the intriguing genesis of the book, which is surprisingly autobiographical given its supernatural twist. They explore the ups and downs of Louise’s writing journey, and how it saved her from a dark time in her life. And they tap into Louise’s career as an editor and publisher, to share useful advice and common writing pitfalls to avoid. In this episode, you will learn: Why you shouldn’t be afraid of self-publishing To embrace the joy of writing and the comfort it brings The challenges that come with writing for children  Find out more about Louise here and here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. Follow inkjockey on Substack here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“It really caught my attention in 2016, when there was the first ever case in Canada where two platonic female friends were granted the right to be co-mothers on a birth certificate. And I thought, how astonishing is that?” ~Ellen Wiles We’ve all heard the pact two platonic friends make, that if they’re both single by 40 they’ll get married. But what about making that same pact about having children instead? Would you raise a baby with your best friend? Ellen Wiles is the author of The Unexpected, a novel which explores exactly this situation, as platonic female friends Robin and Kessie make the unconventional decision to become co-parents. The book challenges the notion of what’s ‘acceptable’ or ‘correct’ in both the eyes of the law and of society - and how our understanding of family structure is evolving with time. During this conversation Ellen and Mark chat about what it means to be a modern woman, examining the untold number of pressures put on them by societal expectation. They explore how the legal system governs much of what we believe is right, and how it so often struggles to keep up with evolving cultural norms. And they look at the many ways different societies around the world, and the animal kingdom, parent their children. In this episode, you will learn: What’s conventional may not be right - find success your way. That we can’t expect the legal system to also be our moral compass. Why we need to stop putting so much pressure on women, in all aspects of life.  Find out more about Ellen here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. Follow inkjockey on Substack here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“We had the tapes and I was just giving them out. And by me giving the tapes out, it spread all across the country - the world!” ~Kamal Ahmed The Jerky Boys were a global phenomenon in the 90s - a comedy duo who rose to fame by prank calling unsuspecting recipients, and selling the recordings on comedy albums. Now, Kamal Ahemd, one side of that duo, is using the very tactics that jumpstarted his career decades ago to get his latest project off the ground. Since leaving The Jerky Boys in 2000, Kamal has directed 8 full-length films and most recently a TV mini series. That series is Crash The System, a sci-fi thriller focussing on the story of Tim Lonergan, who becomes a pawn to the weapons tech industry and decides to fight against it. Take a trip down memory lane as Kamal discusses his early days with The Jerky Boys. Hear as he discusses the current state of satire in the modern entertainment landscape - and why it’s become much harder to get right. And learn all about the genesis of Crash The System and what he’s set out to achieve. In this episode, you will learn: Why bootstrapping can be a great way of getting your idea off ground. Why you sometimes need to deviate from the “master plan”. How to bring your authentic self to your writing and art. Find out more about Kamal here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. Follow inkjockey on Substack here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“Every single thing I ever wrote was rejected by myself. I burnt nearly everything I wrote throughout my twenties because I was so ashamed of how bad it was.” ~Donal Ryan Donal Ryan is an author who’s not only dealt with rejection, but has flourished despite it - winning awards, writing bestsellers and becoming one of Ireland’s best loved authors. But what did it take for him to succeed against the odds? Donal’s latest novel, Heart, Be At Peace reintroduces us to the original cast of characters from his 2013 book The Spinning Heart. Meeting the inhabitants of this small Irish town 10 years later, we get to see how they’ve changed and grown - now dealing with a new demon… drugs! Discussing the book and his fascinating approach to writing, Donal explains why he chose to tell this story through so many voices - taking on a polyphonic approach. He explores the way he manipulates and plays with time, creating a beautiful rhythm to his writing. And, as someone who experienced a lot of rejection early in his career, he describes how he pushed through. In this episode, you will learn: Why it’s our job as writers to shine a light on darkness.  How to approach writing the second in a series of novels. Why you sometimes need to take your art into your own hands! Find out more about Donal here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“If we’re not on the same page as the underlying storyline, then we have fragmentation. And that fragmentation is really, very dangerous. It’s what’s breaking apart the world.” ~Peter Garrett Humanity’s story has become fragmented and our understanding of one another disconnected. And when we no longer share a common story, cracks start to show in every area of life.  Peter Garrett, author of A New Kind of Dialogue, explores this concept in his book - he calls it the fragmentation in consciousness. And through the book he proposes Dialogue as the solution - a way of reestablishing a common understanding with each other. Peter discusses the impact of Dialogue in deepening human connection and how he uses it in organisations where fragmentation is pervasive. He explains why he chose to tell the story of Dialogue through a series of first hand stories. And he explores his childhood growing up in the bush in Africa, where much of his learnings began. In this episode, you will learn: How there are more to conversations than simply the words we say.  Why writers must think about the overarching vision they want people to buy into. How everything we experience in life is the product of a story, Find out more about Peter here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“I saw someone with my book on holiday. I think we both ended up having a tear because it was just so lovely. That’s the goal, to see somebody out there reading your words!” ~Helen McGinn Once an author releases her fourth book in as many years, she learns a thing or two about writing a good novel - reflections become lessons, confidence builds and goals become clearer. Helen McGinn is an award-winning wine expert and author. The Knackered Mother’s Wine Guide is her first book, but her foray into fiction began during lockdown. In the early days of Behind The Spine we spoke to her about the launch of ‘This Changes Everything’, and since then she’s released another three books, with a fifth on the way. So what can we take away from the experiences of someone who’s managed to release a book a year while maintaining a high quality in her work? Helen shares the secrets of her success and how she juggles a busy work and personal life with writing. She explores lessons learnt along the way - like how she digs herself out of a writing rut. And there’s plenty of chat about wine too, of course. In this episode you will learn: Why taking time off to write might not be as effective as you’d think. To pay attention to your descriptions - without overdoing it. How to bring your passions to your writing. Find out more about Helen here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“It felt so powerful a moment of realisation to me, that the sum of who I am may be, in some significant way, measured in dollars.” ~Rumaan Alam Money controls us all, whether we have a lot of it, or not enough. And exposure to money can force people to do questionable things - and even stray from their morals and beliefs. Rumaan Alam is the New York Times bestselling author of Leave the World Behind, which was adapted for the screen by Netflix. His new book ‘Entitlement’ follows protagonist Brooke, a middle-class woman who finds herself transformed by her new job and proximity to extreme wealth. Tasked with dishing out the fortune of one billionaire philanthropist, Brooke’s story takes us on a journey through many themes - of race, privilege, legacy, entitlement, morality and class. In this episode Rumaan explains why money became the central point of this novel, how he used dramatic irony and sensory writing to enhance the reader’s experience, and what it was like to achieve such success with his previous book. In this episode you will learn: Why the parallels you want to draw through your narrative aren’t always obvious. A helpful way of coming up with an ending for your book. Why you need to throw perfectionism out of the window! Find out more about Rumaan here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“It looked like the club was going to just disappear completely. And then luckily, it was rescued by a tech millionaire, basically. It sounds like something that would happen far, far higher up the food chain.” ~Graham Sibley Worldwide cancellations and small clubs on the brink of extinction—COVID-19 turned the football world upside down. Though life is back to normal, there’s plenty about football that has been changed forever. Graham Sibley, host of the Sound of Football podcast, explores how the game has evolved post-COVID. From the fate of small non-league clubs to the European Super League, TV revenue drying up and the ongoing trials and tribulations of VAR. Returning to Behind The Spine after appearing in the first-ever series of the podcast, Graham fills us in on the many trials faced by his favourite non-league team, Whyteleafe FC. He shares his thoughts on the rise of the Lionesses and the mainstreaming of women’s football. He discusses much more, including England’s brand new interim manager and the ongoing success of his podcast. In this episode you will learn: How there are compelling stories to tell about even the smallest players in football, or any industry. Not to fear AI - why people will always crave a human touch Why you should consider expanding your personal brand by selling merch. Find out more about Graham here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“I love finding out people’s back stories. It’s the grittier, it’s the weirder, it’s the bits where people’s lives go wrong that shines a light on their glories later on.” ~Alice Loxton History’s most famous figures are remembered only for their great deeds and achievements, but rarely for their lives before. What were the likes of Empress Matilda, Richard Burton or Chaucer like when they were teenagers - when they were just 18? Alice Loxton, one of Britain’s most exciting young historians, explores this in her new book Eighteen: A History of Britain in 18 Young Lives. You may have spotted Alice on social media where she has more than 2 million followers. She’s also the author of Uproar: Satire, Scandal and Printmakers in Georgian London. Alice explores how, despite narrow curriculums and stuffy history shows on TV, social media is changing how we perceive history, making it more compelling for a wider and younger audience. She explains why she felt it would be so powerful to tell the stories of the 18 year old versions of history’s greatest names. And she shares fascinating insights into their lives, highlighting the strange paths many walked before finding fame. In this episode you will learn: How some figures from history are still waiting for their stories to be told. The importance of giving your characters histories and backstories of their own. Why it might be worth your while starting a social media channel. Find out more about Alice here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“I had a friend who read an early version of the book, and she just said, well, I mean, it's a bit far fetched though, isn't it? And I was like, no, no, no, this did happen.” ~Josie Ferguson Being separated from a loved one, never sure when you might be reunited again - a familiar feeling for many of us, having lived through the COVID lockdowns. But for Berlin residents alive in 1961, when the Berlin Wall was put up almost overnight, this happened on a devastating scale. Josie Ferguson is the debut novelist of The Silence in Between, a dual-timeline historical story that follows Lisette, a mother separated from her newborn baby when the wall slices the city in two. The book follows her journey to escape East Berlin to be reunited with her child - but it also takes us back to Lisette’s childhood, during World War 2. Josie explores the genesis of the book - her experience of being separated from her own family during covid, shortly after the birth of her child. She explores the connection between the atrocities of World War 2 and Russia’s war on Ukraine that still rages on. And she explores the long road as an unpublished author that led her to this moment. In this episode you will learn: How familiar events of the past still have new stories to tell  Why it is vital we continue to write about the tragedies of wartime Why determination in the face of failure is essential as a writer Find out more about Josie here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

💬 “When I’ve been really unwell, I lose the ability to understand spoken language. But what happens is I hear music with crystal clarity in my mind.” Did you know that bipolar disorder can fuel intense creativity? We often fear complex mental health issues - words like psychotic and mental are regularly used to describe villains across TV and film. But this stigma and prejudice is not just inaccurate, it also fails to account for the wide range of lived experiences of people with these conditions. Capturing what it’s like to live with bipolar disorder, Matt Ottley has done the seemingly impossible. His multimodal work The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness explores his own experiences with the condition through a book, poem, orchestral arrangement and film. And it’s stunning. In this episode, you will learn: ➡︎ The link between mental health disorders and creativity - and why we shouldn’t romanticise this connection. ➡︎ Why exactly Hollywood and media portrayals of mental health can be so damaging. ➡︎ How Matt came to create his stunning masterpiece following a series of severe psychotic episodes. ➡︎ How Matt hopes his journey will inspire and help others like him. Find out more about Matt and his project here.  Copies of Matt’s book, The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness, are available at all good bookstores in the UK.   Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up for the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“That experience of going under the ground and feeling how alienating it feels down there. That feeds very nicely into the sort of gothic ideas that we're talking about here, that sense of the past is oppressive.” – Rosie Andrews Somewhere on the border between Wales and England, Miss Catherine Symonds arrives at the shadowy Locksley Abbey to take on the role of governess. She’s traveling in disguise, because what she’s really after is uncovering the circumstances surrounding her sister Emily’s death. Emily was the previous governess.  In The Puzzle Wood, author Rosie Andrews delves into tales of Welsh mythology, forgotten childhood memories, and an unreliable narrator. With this second book, the bestselling author of The Leviathan offers us a classic piece of gothic literature.  This episode explores how Rosie Andrews managed to write a pure gothic novel, inspired by gothic legends like Robert Louis Stevenson and M. R. James, while simultaneously retaining her own style. Hear about her choice of including a crime in the plot, as well as the challenges of writing a second book after a successful one. In this episode, you will learn: Why you should leave your house to become a better writer. How settings and landscapes can become characters in your story. How to write that perfect twisty end to your mystery novel. Find out more about Rosie here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up for the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“Yes, there is oppression and hardship, but there’s also culture and joy and beauty and love and friendship. I think sometimes even we forget that there is life, and life always finds a way, even under occupation.” – Sarah Agha What gives you a sense of identity and makes you feel connected to your community, your people? The narratives we build through art are at the heart of these identities. As we explore in this episode, getting them right is crucial, especially if you are Palestinian today.  The Arab Film Club showcases exceptional cinema from the Arab World. The first series of their new podcast, which launches today, focuses on five pioneering Palestinian directors and their multi-award-winning films. Over the years, Sarah Agha, the club's founder, has shared a great deal of her culture and expertise in the subject.  This episode explores some of the narratives built around Arab, and specifically Palestinian, lives, and who gets to tell those stories. It reminds us of the long history of Palestine, as Sarah recounts what it was like returning to the land where her father is from. And gives you recommendations on how to start your journey into the exciting world of Arab cinema.  In this episode, you will learn: Why you shouldn’t be afraid of your own ignorance.  Why research is a central part of the writing process. Why there are no small stories. Find out more about Sarah Agha and the Arab Film Club here. You can listen to their brand new podcast here. You can listen to the episode of The End of the Line featuring Sarah here.  Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up for the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“I've certainly met men like Cole and you are fooled by them because they're fooling themselves. They're so dangerous and insidious for that reason, because you are actually sucked in a bit” - Araminta Hall Are you “one of the good guys”, supportive of women’s rights and equality and opposed to gender injustice? This episode will make you think twice. Cole has escaped to the coast after his marriage imploded, and finds himself caught up in a media firestorm after two feminist activists go missing in the area. One of the Good Guys is the sixth book from established author Araminta Hall and is an exploration of how women are treated in the modern world. Written in three distinct parts, we first see life through the eyes of “good guy” Cole. The story is then told through the eyes of his ex-wife, and that’s when we begin to see his perception of himself unravel. And in part three we’re caught up in the social and mainstream media reaction to what happens to Cole. This episode explores the abuse women still have to put up with in a post #MeToo era, and the fear they still feel simply walking the streets alone. It looks into the insidious nature of patriarchal power. And it ventures into the territory of social media, and how damaging our obsession with “the truth” can be. In this episode, you will learn: Why stories about minorities facing injustice don’t need to be victim stories. Why characters that believe they are good are more frightening than those that are pure evil. To examine your own ideas about being “one of the good guys”. Find out more about Araminta Hall here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up for the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“This senior copper said to me, Well, you have to remember we're dealing with criminals who know no restraints at all, who are just absolutely hard bastards with no emotion and no compassion. We have to have a few of them in our ranks to balance it out.” - Alan Johnson Alan Johnson is a well-known name in British politics, having held a range of cabinet positions in both Blair and Brown governments, including Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Health. Utilising his insider knowledge, he’s created a compelling, authentic and truly immersive series of crime books. The Mangan Series stars detective constable Louise Mangan. In the latest, Death On The Thames, we’re taken back to 1999 as she follows a lead that takes her to Tagg Island, a community of houseboats near Hampton Court in London. We’re then brought to the present, where trouble rises from that same island. This episode explores Alan’s intimate knowledge of politics and the police and how that has influenced much of his fiction writing career. We discuss the misogyny faced by our protagonist throughout the novel and hear why Alan decided to pay homage to murdered TV personality Jill Dando. In this episode, you will learn: Why it can be useful to write fictional stories in real places. That there isn’t one single way to do a dual-timeline narrative. To always keep your audience in mind when you’re thinking of moving onto the next big idea. Find out more about Alan Johnson here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up for the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“I didn't get to see my family or Georgia for 17 years. So when I did go back, I found it really strange, really surreal. That was very emotional for me. So I started writing it really trying to make sense of it in my own head.” -Leo Vardiashvili Inspired by his own estrangement from his homeland, Leo Vardiashvili tells the story of a family torn apart as they wrestle with the events of the past. Hard By A Great Forest is told through the eyes of Saba, who is forced to leave London and return to Georgia, in search of his missing father and brother, 18 years after they fled the war-torn country. Saba follows breadcrumb clues left behind by his brother, whilst guided on his journey by strangers and old ghosts. This episode explores Leo’s own experiences leaving Georgia, only to return to the country as a stranger. We hear about the history of the Georgian Civil War which is weaved throughout this novel, and about the culture and the people of Georgia. And we learn what Leo had to give up in order to write the book. In this episode, you will learn: How to use the inspiration of your own life experiences in your writing. Why minor characters must be furnished with a complete set of complex characteristics. If your novel seems like a dead-end, it may simply be missing one crucial ingredient you haven’t thought of yet. Find out more about Leo Vardiashvili here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up for the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“I am probably the consumer from hell when it comes to this stuff, and I do like to believe that I’m fighting on behalf of other people. Some sort of consumer rights, compliance vigilante.” -Christian Hunt If you’ve ever spotted a road sign that makes no sense at all, or been sent round in circles trying to cancel a TV subscription, you’re not alone. Society relies on us complying with rules on a daily basis, but sometimes the rules laid out for us are confusing.  Christian Hunt is an expert in compliance and risk management, and the author of Humanizing Rules: Bringing Behavioural Science to Ethics and Compliance. From the funny to the deadly, he’s been analysing many of these peculiar rules through his Compliance in the Wild series on social media, spurring his fans to send in examples of their own. This episode explores the impact these compliance faux pas have on consumers and the general public, and why we should make it our duty to call businesses out on this stuff. We hear how Christian’s method of crowdsourcing content allows him to take bigger creative risks and evolve his message. And we explore some of the challenges writers face and how Christian is dealing with them. In this episode, you will learn: How to evolve and adapt your message after your book has been written. How to deal with criticism and stop overthinking failure. Why audience connection is so valuable to a creator. Find out more about Christian Hunt here. Hear Mark interviewing Christian about his book on his own podcast, Human Risk. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up for the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk