“The German guy tells this joke in the factory. It's reported by the foreman. This guy's then hauled away and executed. That's kind of the kind of regime you are living under with the Nazis.” ~Simon Scarrow What was it like to live in Berlin in 1940? We very often picture the war years from the perspective of the Allies, but for the Germans living under the oppressive rule of the Nazis, life very quickly turned hostile. Simon Scarrow is a historian and author of A Death in Berlin, the third installment in his World War 2 series following the life and work of German Criminal Inspector Horst Schenke. As gangs run amuck through Berlin and Nazi manipulation has people second guessing themselves, Schenke fights to keep criminals off his patch and protect his own dirty secrets. This isn’t Simon’s first historical series - he’s also well known for his Roman era series “Eagles of the Empire”, which follows the military careers of Cato and Macro. But here he’s tracing a part of history that is much closer to living memory. In this episode, you will learn: How to best get into the mind of your characters when telling a historical story The power of words and narratives - and how they can reshape culture and politics Why you should write from the heart and choose a story that touches you Find out more about Simon 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

“ I put that memoir out  and my mum in particular was really upset and she came to me and was like, that's not how I remember that happening.” ~Kate Fagan Writing a memoir is a tricky business - you may think writing about your own life is a straightforward process of telling fact after fact. The trouble is, very rarely do the people in your life recall events the same way you do. There are discrepancies in memory and emotion that are often impossible to unravel. That’s the challenge Kate Fagan ran into when she released her memoir, The Reappearing Act. And it’s a real-life conversation with her parents that served as the inspiration for her first foray into fiction writing. Kate has been a non-fiction writer for a long time, so this is a big pivot for her. The Three Lives of Cate Kay is the fictional memoir of a mysterious author, who’s lived under three different names in her life. There are several layers to the narrative, as the memoir is interwoven with chapters narrated by people who knew her in her different “lives”. During this conversation, Kate explains why she chose this complex - and highly effective - narrative strategy. In this episode, you will learn: How to play to your strengths when making a big pivot in your writing career How to get comfortable ditching old projects and starting from scratch Why liminal space is so important - and how audiences love working stuff out for themselves! Find out more about Kate 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

“ If you write about real situations, real names and real people, there's always somebody else's blood on the floor at the end of it.  Well this is me and my family's blood on the floor in this book.” ~Eoin McNamee Taking place in the shadow of The Troubles, The Bureau is a story of corruption, death, love and violence. Based on the real events of a murder-suicide between two lovers - the book also takes inspiration from its authors own life. Eoin McNamee has been tackling The Troubles in various ways since the release of his 1994 book Resurrection Man. Many years and many books later, he’s still exploring its aftershocks. His back catalogue typically explores Ireland’s violent history - from murders, to hangings to miscarriages of justice. And this is no different. During this conversation, Eoin explains why he’s still telling grisly stories about the past - and what draws him to them. And he explores his family connection to this story - and the horror of what really happened to his father and brother. In this episode, you will learn: Why you shouldn’t fear retelling stories more than once. Why you should focus on your characters above all else when writing about the past. How we all have an exceptional story to tell Find out more about Eoin 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

“All my publishers, my agents, my film agents, they have all rejected me multiple times in the past - and now I work with them!” ~Alex Aster Summer in the City is the new romance novel from internationally acclaimed author Alex Aster - known for her Lightlark series and massive social media following. Alex began writing at the age of 12, when she penned a 400-page novel and tenaciously approached every publisher imaginable. After a decade of rejections, she took matters into her own hands and amassed a 2M+ following across TikTok and Instagram. She then shot to fame with her 4-part fantasy series Lightlark. Now, with her romance book Summer in the City, she’s making a huge pivot in genre. During this conversation, Alex explains why she’s made the swap from fantasy to romance, how she was able to find success after so many years of trying, and how she used social media to kick-start her writing career. In this episode, you will learn: Why you shouldn’t be afraid to swap genres or change your niche. That no rejection is ever final - great authors are years in the making. Why traditional publishing isn’t the only route to success. Find out more about Alex 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

“ That's why I write books. I want to see those characters tear their way out of the page and just come to life.” ~Tess Gerritsen The town of ‘Purity’ may be fiction, but its secrets are very much based on real life. It may be hard to believe, but in the American state of Maine, there’s a town where former spies go to retire. It’s this strange reality that sets the stage for Tess Gerritsen’s Martini Club book series. Following on from her incredibly popular ‘The Spy Coast’, Tess has released another tantalising entry in the series titled ‘The Summer Guests’. The new novel focuses on an uneasy partnership formed between young police chief Jo Thibodeau and a group of former CIA spies, as they attempt to solve a deadly mystery. During this conversation, Tess explains what it was like first discovering the town she had moved to was full of retired spies. She offers sage advice from a lifetime of writing - taking us back to her early days. And she discusses the exciting news that the series could be coming to your TV soon. In this episode, you will learn: Why writing advice is not all created equal The importance of championing older people in your writing Why you should consider telling the story of your life through fiction Find out more about Tess 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

“ In my head, it's not a departure from the writer that I think I am.” ~James Rebanks You probably know him for his wildly successful books exploring his long family history farming in the Lake District - but James Rebanks has decided to turn his hand to something different this time. The Place of Tides is a departure from the work that has made him famous, namely bestsellers The Shepherd’s Life and English Pastoral. But to James, this is just an evolution of the writer he knows himself to be. This new book charts James’ journey to a remote Norwegian island, where he takes part in a centuries old trade that’s being kept alive by a single woman. During this conversation, James explains what first brought him to the island - and why he decided to make a return visit to write the book. He explores his unorthodox - but incredibly effective - writing style. And he explains his obsession with finding “the perfect metaphor”. In this episode, you will learn: Why you should immerse yourself in the location that you’re writing about The passage readers most love from James’ work What it means to fully committing to your craft Find out more about James 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

“ 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