The podcast for new writing

‘Emerging’ writers on the University of Manchester’s Centre for New Writing MA programme meet to talk about all things writerly. From daily practice and works-in-progress, to notions of success and that ultimate question: how do I make my money? Presented and produced by Kathryn Tann, this is the first series of a new podcast platform which hopes to bring together interesting conversations from across the writing industry.

1. 'I am a writer': Identifying as a creative

Kathryn Tann is joined by Alexander Hanan (Alex) and Georgia Hase (George) to discuss the trials and benefits of identifying as a creative. Looking at attitudes towards the industry, experiences in our school years, and the reasons why being a writer should be a noble goal, not a hidden one. Original music by Danny Booth.

2. Age: The demographic of emerging writers

Does an emerging writer mean a young writer? Kathryn Tann is joined by MA students Joe Hunter and Marilyn Roseman to talk about the various paths a person might take towards writing. Thank you to the Centre for New Writing for their continued support and encouragement as we work through uncertain times. Original music by Danny Booth.

3. Daily practice: Writing rituals and helpful habits

Kathryn Tann is joined by MA students Joss Areté and Debbie Enever, to compare notes on how they work, and share their favourite hand-me-downs in writing wisdom. Thank you to the Centre for New Writing, and to everyone who has enjoyed listening to this new series so far. Original music by Danny Booth.

4. Time and Money: Balancing life and writing

Time and money: two essential ingredients for writing. Kathryn Tann is joined by Leona, Ryan and Rob to chat about how they fund their creative pursuits, and what the practicalities of a professional career in writing might look like. Thank you to the Centre for New Writing for your support throughout this funny lockdown time. Unfortunately, the necessity for long-distance recording has meant lower-quality sound in some parts of this episode, but we hope you enjoy listening regardless. Original music by Danny Booth.

5. Writers Who Read: The importance of literature

Absorbing literature – whatever its form – is important regardless of what we choose to do in life. But as a writer, there’s another deeper level to the benefits we can derive from picking up a book. In this episode, Kathryn Tann is joined by MA students Grey Marlow and Rozie Kelly, who share their thoughts on how and why they read – including a number of brilliant book recommendations. As always, thank you to the Centre for New Writing, and to everyone who has enjoyed listening to this new series so far.

6. Defining success: With special guests Jessica Moor and Rachael Allen

In this final episode of the series, Kathryn Tann is joined by the novelist Jessica Moor and poet Rachael Allen, who are this years’ Anthony Burgess Writing Fellows at the University of Manchester. They discuss what the word ‘success’ means for them, and what it can mean for an emerging writer. They also answer some questions from this year’s MA students, including advice on dealing with rejection, balancing work, and getting through that first draft. 

Thank you to the Centre for New Writing for sharing and supporting this podcast, to artist Danny Booth for his music, and to everyone who has listened.