In this heartwarming episode of The Natter Podcast, bestselling author Carmel Harrington takes us on a journey through her life, her writing, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From the adventures that have shaped her worldview to the unconditional love of her dog, George Bailey, Carmel shares her philosophy on happiness—an active pursuit rather than just a feeling.

She also delves into the emotional depth of her characters, the hidden layers of human nature, and the inspiration behind her book, The Stolen Child. Through family history, travel, and the power of storytelling, Carmel weaves tales that connect past and present, creating meaningful and satisfying experiences for her readers.

Key Takeaways:

• Happiness is a choice – It’s an active pursuit, not just a state of being.
• Travel shapes perspective – Carmel’s adventures have deeply influenced her writing and life.
• Character depth matters – She believes in creating layered, authentic characters.
• We all wear masks – Stories help reveal the hidden truths behind people’s masks.
• Storytelling bridges past and present
• A satisfying ending is key – Carmel aims to leave readers with an emotionally fulfilling experience.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom, warmth, and a celebration of the stories that shape us!

The Natter Podcast is brought to you in association with Bookstation Ireland.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this thought-provoking episode of Natter, hosts Kate and Michelle sit down with acclaimed writer Amy Jordan to discuss her latest novel, The Dark Hours.

The conversation dives deep into the themes of aging, trauma, and the evolving representation of older women in literature. Amy introduces us to Julia Harte—a retired detective wrestling with her past—and explores how violence leaves a lasting imprint on both individuals and society.

Beyond the book, Amy offers an intimate look into her creative process, sharing the emotional journey of writing, the therapeutic nature of storytelling, and the challenges of structural editing. Whether you're an aspiring author or a devoted reader, this episode is packed with insights on character development, writing routines, and the art of crafting compelling narratives.

Key Takeaways:

• Age is a number, not a limitation—especially in storytelling.
• Writing can be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery.
• Structural editing is a necessary challenge in the writing process.
• Strong character development keeps readers invested.
• Every genre comes with expectations writers must navigate.
• Not everyone will love your work, and that’s okay.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about storytelling, resilience, and the power of the written word. Tune in now!

The Natter Podcast is brought to you in association with Bookstation Ireland.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the Season 3 premiere of Natter, hosts Kate and Michelle sit down with award-winning author Mary Watson to discuss her latest book, The Cleaner. This insightful conversation delves into themes of home, belonging, revenge, and identity. Mary also reflects on her experiences navigating life between South Africa and Ireland.

They explore the impact of technology and social media on childhood, the dynamics of power and inequality, and the emotional journey of writing and publishing a book. Mary also shares a personal story behind The Cleaner, inspired by her experience of cleaning one night at a show and the feeling of invisibility that came with it.

This episode is a must-listen for book lovers, writers, and anyone interested in great stories!

Key topics include:

• The inspiration behind The Cleaner and its themes of revenge and identity
• How the concept of home shifts across different cultural contexts
• The challenges of raising children in a digital world
• The role of power and inequality in storytelling
• Writing with purpose and using fiction to engage with societal issues
• The emotional process of publishing and letting go of a book

Tune in to Natter on your favorite podcast platform.

The Natter Podcast is brought to you in association with Bookstation Ireland.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.