Episodes

  • Episode 12 - I Did It Different’

    Episode 12 - I Did It Different’
    Mar 23 2023
    We begin with a zebra-crossing incident; one that made wonder what visitors to Amsterdam think of our traffic style. Then we look at some of the changes made in my approach to writing — changes that ultimately led to the publication of my first novel.
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    20 mins
  • Episode 11 - My Kind Of Storytelling

    Episode 11 - My Kind Of Storytelling
    Mar 22 2023

    Graffiti Bridge in 2007
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    17 mins
  • Episode 10 – Rejection, Rejection, Then Finally...

    Episode 10 – Rejection, Rejection, Then Finally...
    Mar 7 2023
    We ease into today’s episode with a reminder of how experience can keep you out of trouble. Then, we turn our attention towards rejection (also known as ‘the confidence crusher’, ‘the ego emasculator’, ‘soul incinerator’ or ‘the big R’). It’s a very familiar subject to anyone who has tried to get onto an agent’s list or have publisher take an interest in their work.
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    24 mins
  • Episode 9 – The Wrestling Match

    Episode 9 – The Wrestling Match
    Mar 6 2023
    We start the episode with a visit to an old favourite spot and the curious ritual I discovered on my return. Then, we have a look at why it’s been impossible to podcast for the last few months…
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    10 mins
  • Episode 8 - In The Zone

    Episode 8 - In The Zone
    Nov 15 2022
    Two and a half weeks of writing — the act, and not the content — is the reason for this episode. You know the one where you become so involved in whatever it is you are doing, everything else disappears, the door to the zone opens wide… that’s where we’re headed today. This episode begins with a fragment of two passing cyclists’ conversation; the topic is whether one of them went through a red traffic light, and a few words about tourists confused by Amsterdam traffic behaviour. Next, we have a look at some of the effects getting ‘in the zone’ has on writing. It is, as you know, the most beautiful, exciting part of the process. Time warps as you slip into a groove; you build a world and populate it with landscapes, cities, characters…
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    17 mins
  • Episode 7 - Some Of Them Scenes

    Episode 7 - Some Of Them Scenes
    Oct 26 2022
    The last episode reminded me (as if that was really necessary) how important observation is to my storytelling. With that in mind, we take the time to visit a few of the scenes I remember from the recent and distant past. The billowing coat from a cartoon-like character; getting lost in thoughts generated by fallen autumn leaves; a post office worker with a phenomenal form-stamping action; a grown man battling with kids for free goodies; rejoicing Ajax supporters’ celebrations; a father climbing a tree with his kids. You can hear all about that, and more, in this episode.
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    27 mins
  • Episode 6 - Where Do They Come From?

    Episode 6 - Where Do They Come From?
    Oct 19 2022

    Episode extra: Why I Simply Couldn’t
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    21 mins
  • Episode 5 - Preparation and Rituals

    Episode 5 - Preparation and Rituals
    Oct 12 2022
    Coffee in the right mug, the writing pad angle shuffle, the “Am I standing in the right place?” all get a look in. And let’s not forget the “Hey! What’s that over there?” or the “Might be time for a walk.” Given there’s nothing unusual about the combination of writer and ritual, why not an episode about just that?
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    18 mins