Authors' Matters by ALCS
37 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 months ago -Authors' Matters is a podcast by the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS) where we talk to writers from across the profession about how they earn their living, or at least try to. From copyright to contracts, we’ll also talk about issues that make the writing living easier or more difficult.
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Episodes
Season 3, episode 7: Tom Chatfield on AI
August 10, 2023 07:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBEverything you ever wanted to know about generative artificial intelligence (AI) but were afraid to ask! Author and tech expert Tom Chatfield breaks down what AI is and what it means for authors and creators on the season finale of Authors' Matters.
Season 3, episode 6: Simon Ashdown talks telly
July 27, 2023 10:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBWith almost 20 years writing for EastEnders and multiple BAFTAs to his name, there's not much about screenwriting that Simon Ashdown doesn't know. In this episode, he talks to Caroline Sanderson about how he got started in the industry, what makes a great episode of TV and how to navigate the world of screenwriting.
Season 3, episode 5: Anna Codrea-Rado celebrates freelancer life
July 12, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 20.7 MBWhether you’re new to freelancing or a saged pro, this episode of Authors' Matters with journalist, author and podcast Anna Codrea-Rado is guaranteed to give you a fresh perspective on the profession and plenty of useful advice.
Season 3, episode 4: Alice Jolly gets real
June 27, 2023 10:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBExpect frank discussion of the publishing industry, author advances, and the ongoing academic strikes in this episode with novelist and creative writing lecturer, Alice Jolly.
Season 3, episode 3: Jeffrey Boakye on his writing adventures and where he's going next
June 14, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBAuthor and educator Jeffrey Boakye joins us for episode 3 where he shares how he manages being a full-time writer with primary school teaching (spoiler: he doesn't) and talks us through his latest works and the goals for social justice behind each one.
Season 3, episode 2: Connor Allen shares how writing turned his life around
May 30, 2023 15:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBIn episode 2, multidisciplinary artist and current Children's Laureate Wales Connor Allen shares how he got given a second chance at a young age to turn his life around. This is what made him into the successful poet, performer and ambassador for young people that he is today.
Season 3, episode 1: Sita Brahmachari on childhood, memory and rites of passage
May 17, 2023 05:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBWe're back with season 3 of Authors' Matters! In this season opener, our host Caroline Sanderson chats with celebrated children's writer Sita Brahmachari. Sita shares what inspires her to write stories that cross genres and explore themes of culture, history, refugee rights, identity and belonging.
Season 2, episode 8: Darren Chetty talks education, diversity and publishing
September 01, 2022 10:00 - 19 minutes - 13.8 MBIn the season finale, we hear from writer, teacher and researcher Darren Chetty on the economics of the publishing industry and what needs to change in order to level the playing field. Darren also shares his passion for children's literature and hip-hop culture and how the two relate to one another, perhaps more than you might think.
Season 2, episode 7: Claire Wade shares how her imagination has been her lifeline
August 18, 2022 08:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBIn this episode, novelist and co-founder of the Authors with Disabilities & Chronic Illnesses (ADCI) group, Claire Wade tells us how she got established as a writer and the challenges she has faced in an industry that is centred around well and able people. Claire shares how to be a good ally to writers experiencing disability or chronic illness and the role that community plays in raising the voices of this often overlooked group.
Season 2, episode 6: Antony Johnston gets organised
August 03, 2022 07:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBIn this episode, Antony Johnston gives us the lowdown on how to organise your writing life! No matter what kind of author you are, Antony's advice could get you focused and meeting every deadline.
Season 2, episode 5: Salena Godden on why pessimism is for lightweights
July 15, 2022 13:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MBGet inspired with this episode of Authors' Matters - poet Salena Godden tells us about her roots in the DIY punk scene of the 1990s, how she learnt to reject the starving poet cliché and shares the secret to her creative productivity.
Season 2, episode 4: writer and doctor Gavin Francis on his two vocations
July 06, 2022 13:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBIn this episode of Authors' Matters, writer and full-time GP Gavin Francis tells us how he manages to write alongside his busy medical career. Plus we take a deep dive into a writer’s relationship with their physical body – how being active is often the best boost for your brain and how it benefits your creativity to get out from behind your desk.
Season 2, episode 3: Helen Blakeman on writing for stage and screen
June 22, 2022 14:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBIn episode 3, BAFTA and International Emmy Award-winning writer Helen Blakeman tells us how she got established, why she's drawn to telling the stories of those who aren’t always heard, and she shares some top tips on how to improve your writing skills.
Season 2, episode 2: Daniel Hahn talks translation
June 09, 2022 08:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBIn episode 2, writer and editor Daniel Hahn tells us how he got into translating books, how to carve out a career in languages, and how essential translation is in making books accessible to readers.
Season 2, episode 2: Daniel Hahn talks translation
June 09, 2022 08:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBIn episode 2, writer and editor Daniel Hahn tells us how he got into translating books, how to carve out a career in languages, and how essential translation is in making books accessible to readers.
Season 2, episode 1: Anita Sethi on identity, nature and storytelling
May 24, 2022 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBAuthors' Matters is back for its second season! In this first episode, our host Caroline Sanderson talks to award-winning author and journalist Anita Sethi about finding her own voice and claiming her space, in terms of identity and as a writer, in her memoir I Belong Here.
Episode 10: Award-winning poet Karl Nova, SoA writing grants plus a record ALCS distribution
March 31, 2021 11:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBIn this episode of Authors' Matters, we chat to Karl Nova, Hip Hop artist, poet and winner of the 2020 ALCS-sponsored Ruth Rendell Award for Services to Literacy. He tells us about how he discovered his love for poetry, how he's still working to encourage young people to get into poetry during lockdown, and what it means to him to win the Ruth Rendell Award. We also speak to Sarah Baxter from the Society of Authors (SoA) about the organisation's grants for writers, including details of how ...
Season 1, episode 10: Award-winning poet Karl Nova, SoA writing grants plus a record ALCS distribution
March 31, 2021 11:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBIn this episode of Authors' Matters, we chat to Karl Nova, Hip Hop artist, poet and winner of the 2020 ALCS-sponsored Ruth Rendell Award for Services to Literacy. He tells us about how he discovered his love for poetry, how he's still working to encourage young people to get into poetry during lockdown, and what it means to him to win the Ruth Rendell Award. We also speak to Sarah Baxter from the Society of Authors (SoA) about the organisation's grants for writers, including details of how ...
Season 1, episode 9: Focus on your finances
January 29, 2021 15:00 - 26 minutes - 18.6 MBIn the new episode of Authors' Matters, we talk to novelist and Royal Literary Fund (RLF) fellow Sanjida O’Connell about how the RLF has supported authors for over 200 years, and how it continues to provide those in need with hardship grants and pensions in the 21st century. We also chat with Robert Taylor, Director of Writers Digital Payments (WDP), about how this not-for-profit organisation ensures TV and online writers receive fair remuneration for views on on-demand platforms like BBC ...
Episode 9: Focus on your finances
January 29, 2021 15:00 - 26 minutes - 18.6 MBIn the new episode of Authors' Matters, we talk to novelist and Royal Literary Fund (RLF) fellow Sanjida O’Connell about how the RLF has supported authors for over 200 years, and how it continues to provide those in need with hardship grants and pensions in the 21st century. We also chat with Robert Taylor, Director of Writers Digital Payments (WDP), about how this not-for-profit organisation ensures TV and online writers receive fair remuneration for views on on-demand platforms like BBC ...
Episode 8: Funding from the Arts Council England and a look back at 2020
November 30, 2020 10:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBIn the final Authors’ Matters episode of 2020, Paul Farrelly, Advocacy consultant at ALCS, talks to James Urquhart, Senior Manager for Libraries and Literature at the Arts Council England (ACE). They discuss the ways in which ACE has supported writers across the UK during the pandemic, as well as details of how to apply for the current programmes they have available for creators. We take a trip down memory lane with Tony Bradman, ALCS Chair, as he looks back at his current tenure, including...
Season 1, episode 8: Funding from the Arts Council England and a look back at 2020
November 30, 2020 10:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBIn the final Authors’ Matters episode of 2020, Paul Farrelly, Advocacy consultant at ALCS, talks to James Urquhart, Senior Manager for Libraries and Literature at the Arts Council England (ACE). They discuss the ways in which ACE has supported writers across the UK during the pandemic, as well as details of how to apply for the current programmes they have available for creators. We take a trip down memory lane with Tony Bradman, ALCS Chair, as he looks back at his current tenure, including...
Season 1, episode 7: Celebrating National Poetry Day with Nikita Gill and Adam Horovitz
September 28, 2020 14:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBIn this episode of Authors' Matters, we celebrate National Poetry Day (1 Oct) by chatting to contemporary poets, Adam Horovitz and Nikita Gill. They discuss how they earn their livings in one of the most challenging genres in which to pursue a writing profession. We also chat to Owen Atkinson, ALCS Chief Executive about the latest ALCS distribution.
Episode 7: Celebrating National Poetry Day with Nikita Gill and Adam Horovitz
September 28, 2020 14:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBIn this episode of Authors' Matters, we celebrate National Poetry Day (1 Oct) by chatting to contemporary poets, Adam Horovitz and Nikita Gill. They discuss how they earn their livings in one of the most challenging genres in which to pursue a writing profession. We also chat to Owen Atkinson, ALCS Chief Executive about the latest ALCS distribution.
Episode 6: Anthony McGowan, Wendy Riley and awards with ALCS
July 27, 2020 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBIn our second remotely-recorded episode, Anthony McGowan, winner of the 2020 CILIP Carnegie Medal, and Wendy Riley, winner of the ALCS Tom-Gallon Trust Award, join us to talk about how winning these respective ALCS-sponsored awards means to them. Alison Baxter, Head of Communications at ALCS, tells us why sponsoring prizes is an important part of ALCS’ work with writers. We also hear about some upcoming deadlines for ALCS members.
Season 1, episode 6: Anthony McGowan, Wendy Riley and awards with ALCS
July 27, 2020 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBIn our second remotely-recorded episode, Anthony McGowan, winner of the 2020 CILIP Carnegie Medal, and Wendy Riley, winner of the ALCS Tom-Gallon Trust Award, join us to talk about how winning these respective ALCS-sponsored awards means to them. Alison Baxter, Head of Communications at ALCS, tells us why sponsoring prizes is an important part of ALCS’ work with writers. We also hear about some upcoming deadlines for ALCS members.
Season 1, episode 5: Promoting Your Work During Lockdown
May 27, 2020 15:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBComing to you from lockdown, we talk with books publicist, Georgina Moore (@PublicityBooks) and author Pragya Agarwal (@DrPragyaAgarwal) about their tips for writers when it comes to promotion, social media and taking care of yourself at this strange time. Luke Alcott, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Advisor at ALCS, tells us how ALCS has been campaigning for writers and freelancers since the beginning of lockdown. And Alice Donovan, Communications Executive at ALCS, updates members on th...
Episode 5: Promoting Your Work During Lockdown
May 27, 2020 15:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBComing to you from lockdown, we talk with books publicist, Georgina Moore (@PublicityBooks) and author Pragya Agarwal (@DrPragyaAgarwal) about their tips for writers when it comes to promotion, social media and taking care of yourself at this strange time. Luke Alcott, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Advisor at ALCS, tells us how ALCS has been campaigning for writers and freelancers since the beginning of lockdown. And Alice Donovan, Communications Executive at ALCS, updates members on th...
Season 1, episode 4: Sara Collins and advocacy at ALCS
March 10, 2020 15:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBIn this episode of Authors' Matters, we chat with Sara Collins, author of The Confessions of Frannie Langton, which won the Costa Book Awards First Novel Prize in 2019. She speaks about immersing herself in the writing process, the power of reading and how she got into writing after working as a lawyer for 17 years. Barbara Hayes, Deputy Chief Executive of ALCS, updates us on how ALCS has been advocating for authors' rights around the globe and how writers can get involved with the campaign...
Episode 4: Sara Collins and advocacy at ALCS
March 10, 2020 15:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBIn this episode of Authors' Matters, we chat with Sara Collins, author of The Confessions of Frannie Langton, which won the Costa Book Awards First Novel Prize in 2019. She speaks about immersing herself in the writing process, the power of reading and how she got into writing after working as a lawyer for 17 years. Barbara Hayes, Deputy Chief Executive of ALCS, updates us on how ALCS has been advocating for authors' rights around the globe and how writers can get involved with the campaign...
Season 1, episode 3: Priya Basil, an ALCS Awards evening and results of the ALCS election
December 19, 2019 14:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBIn this episode of Authors' Matters, we talk to novelist and essayist Priya Basil, one of around 30,000 ALCS members who live and work outside the UK. It's also awards season at ALCS and to celebrate we'll be hearing from Michaela Morgan, one of the judges of this year's ALCS Educational Writers' Award, and Tom Palmer, winner of the 2019 Ruth Rendell Award for outstanding contribution to literacy. We also chat with Jonathan Douglas, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust the organ...
Episode 3: Priya Basil, an ALCS Awards evening and results of the ALCS election
December 19, 2019 14:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBIn this episode of Authors' Matters, we talk to novelist and essayist Priya Basil, one of around 30,000 ALCS members who live and work outside the UK. It's also awards season at ALCS and to celebrate we'll be hearing from Michaela Morgan, one of the judges of this year's ALCS Educational Writers' Award, and Tom Palmer, winner of the 2019 Ruth Rendell Award for outstanding contribution to literacy. We also chat with Jonathan Douglas, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust the organ...
Season 1, episode 2: Wendy Cope, a PLR International update and election time at ALCS.
November 01, 2019 09:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBIn this episode of Authors' Matters, we chat with Wendy Cope, renowned contemporary poet, about how important emotional, as well as financial, support is and how the internet isn’t always the best place for poets. Tony Bradman, children’s author and ALCS Chair, joins us to encourage members to vote in the 2019 ALCS Board election and we catch up with Dr Jim Parker, PLR International Co-Ordinator, at the 13th PLR International conference where he tells us about what’s been happening in PLR s...
Season 1, episode 2: Wendy Cope, a PLR International update and election time at ALCS.
November 01, 2019 09:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBIn this episode of Authors' Matters, we chat with Wendy Cope, renowned contemporary poet, about how important emotional, as well as financial, support is and how the internet isn’t always the best place for poets. Tony Bradman, children’s author and ALCS Chair, joins us to encourage members to vote in the 2019 ALCS Board election and we catch up with Dr Jim Parker, PLR International Co-Ordinator, at the 13th PLR International conference where he tells us about what’s been happening in PLR s...
Episode 2: Wendy Cope, a PLR International update and election time at ALCS.
November 01, 2019 09:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBIn this episode of Authors' Matters, we chat with Wendy Cope, renowned contemporary poet, about how important emotional, as well as financial, support is and how the internet isn’t always the best place for poets. Tony Bradman, children’s author and ALCS Chair, joins us to encourage members to vote in the 2019 ALCS Board election and we catch up with Dr Jim Parker, PLR International Co-Ordinator, at the 13th PLR International conference where he tells us about what’s been happening in PLR s...
Episode 1: Comedy writer Paul Powell plus what research from the Royal Society of Literature tells us about the needs of writers.
September 17, 2019 13:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBOn the inaugural podcast, we talk to Paul Powell, comedy scriptwriter and former ALCS Board member, about why writing jokes for a living can be, but isn’t always a barrel of laughs. We talk to Lisa Appignanesi, writer and chair of the Royal Society of Literature, about that organisation’s recent research into the working conditions writers need in order to thrive. Alison Baxter, Head of Communications at ALCS, also joins us with news of the next distribution of royalties. And finally Joann...
Season 1, episode 1: Comedy writer Paul Powell plus what research from the Royal Society of Literature tells us about the needs of writers.
September 17, 2019 13:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBOn the inaugural podcast, we talk to Paul Powell, comedy scriptwriter and former ALCS Board member, about why writing jokes for a living can be, but isn’t always a barrel of laughs. We talk to Lisa Appignanesi, writer and chair of the Royal Society of Literature, about that organisation’s recent research into the working conditions writers need in order to thrive. Alison Baxter, Head of Communications at ALCS, also joins us with news of the next distribution of royalties. And finally Joann...