This week we're joined from Italy by the brilliant Katherine Mezzacappa. Born in Ireland, Katherine is now based Tuscany, a country which has inspired her work as a historical and contemporary novelist. Her most recent novel, The Ballad of Mary Kearney was published earlier this year, sees Katherine return to her Irish roots, telling the tragic tale of an 18th century nobleman who secretly marries his servant, in defiance of law, class, and religion. But Italy also features heavily in Katherine's work, including The Maiden of Florence published in 2024, based on true events involving the powerful Medici family. Writing as Katie Hutton, Katherine has also published four novels with leading publisher Bonnier Zaffre. Katherine is also a passionate advocate of short fiction, and works with us as a judge on The Henshaw Short Story competition. This interview is laced with brilliant advice for authors of all persuasions.

Also this week, we hear about trouble for retail giant WH Smith, while rivals Waterstones go from strength to strength thanks to a growth in sales to a younger generation of readers.

Katherine Mezzacappa – Katherine Mezzacappa – Author

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ballad-Mary-Kearney-Katherine-Mezzacappa-ebook/dp/B0CZQJFJD6

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Maiden-Florence-captivating-historical-retelling-ebook/dp/B0CWFBKHX7

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