In Writing with Hattie Crisell
Self-Improvement
Episodes
- S6 Ep63: Jesse Armstrong, screenwriter
Jesse Armstrong, creator of Succession, shares insights on his projects, the significance of tone in writing, and his experiences working with collaborators like Armando Iannucci. The episode covers his career, including shows like Peep Sh…
- S6 Ep62: Sara Collins, novelist
Novelist Sara Collins, fresh from judging the Booker Prize, joins Hattie Crisell to discuss her writing process. Collins shares insights on plotting, her career transition from corporate lawyer to novelist, and her perspective on the publi…
- S6 Ep61: Tom Crewe, novelist
Hattie Crisell interviews novelist Tom Crewe, author of The New Life, about the publication process, structuring his novel, and other writing topics.
- S6 Ep60: Posy Simmonds, cartoonist and graphic novelist
Hattie Crisell speaks with artist and writer Posy Simmonds about her career, including her comic strips for The Guardian and graphic novels like Tamara Drewe, Gemma Bovery, and Cassandra Darke. Simmonds was recently honored with an exhibit…
- S6 Ep59: Nathan Silver, filmmaker
Filmmaker Nathan Silver joins Hattie Crisell to discuss his unique 'scriptment' screenwriting method, which blends novella-like scripts with filmmaking. They explore his collaborative and improvisational techniques, and how comedy serves t…
- S6 Ep58: Hattie in the hot seat
This bonus episode of In Writing with Hattie Crisell marks the launch of the host's new book. Hattie Crisell and guest Sathnam Sanghera discuss the writing life, including procrastination and writing habits.
- S6 Ep57: Yomi Adegoke, novelist and non-fiction writer
In this episode of In Writing with Hattie Crisell, novelist Yomi Adegoke discusses her successful career established in her twenties and thirties. Topics include her move from non-fiction to fiction, her views on editing, and literary crit…
- S6 Ep56: Craig Brown, satirist and biographer
Hattie Crisell talks with Craig Brown, known for his parody writing and biographies of cultural figures, about his method of blending imagination with fact to create portraits.
- S6 Ep55: Bella Mackie, novelist
Bella Mackie discusses the writing process for her bestselling books, including the nonfiction
- S6 Ep54: Donal Ryan, novelist
This episode features novelist Donal Ryan, known for his bestselling novels and short stories inspired by people from his home in County Limerick. He discusses his early self-doubt, recurring characters, and his wife's influence on his wor…
- S6 Ep53: Naomi Klein, author, journalist and activist
Hattie Crisell talks with influential writer and thinker Naomi Klein about the challenges of writing, including deciphering handwriting, structuring work, and honing her authorial voice. Klein also shares insights from a creative-writing t…
- S5 Ep52: Michael Rosen, poet and author
In this episode, poet and author Michael Rosen joins Hattie Crisell to discuss the role of writing in healing after trauma. They explore how performing poetry for children has shaped his work and how simple language can convey deep emotion.
- S5 Ep51: Barbara Trapido, novelist
Novelist Barbara Trapido discusses her approach to writing later in life and shares memories of introducing Maggie O'Farrell to her first agent. The episode features insights into Trapido's playful writing philosophy and her prolific caree…
- S5 Ep50: Nigel Williamson, obituarist
Nigel Williamson, an obituary writer for The Times, joins Hattie Crisell to discuss the craft of writing obituaries, which involves summing up a person's life for the permanent record. The conversation covers researching biographies and in…
- S5 Ep49: Tor Freeman, comic book writer and illustrator
Hattie Crisell speaks with writer and illustrator Tor Freeman about her work on comics and children's books, including "Sister Clawdetta: Murder at the Monastery" and "The Toucan Brothers." They explore creative inspiration, the integratio…
- S5 Ep48: Geoff Dyer, non-fiction writer and novelist
This episode features writer Geoff Dyer, known for his genre-defying work that blends fiction and non-fiction. Dyer discusses developing his unique authorial voice, his ideal writing environment, and his most recent book, "The Last Days of…
- S5 Ep47: Zoe Williams, columnist and opinion writer
Journalist Zoe Williams joins Hattie Crisell on In Writing to discuss her prolific career, including her writing speed, the benefits and drawbacks of personal writing, and advice from editors.
- S5 Ep46: Ruben Östlund, filmmaker
Hattie Crisell interviews Swedish director and screenwriter Ruben Östlund. Östlund discusses his unique writing process, how ski films influenced his dramatic style, and the enduring challenges in filmmaking. He references Stanley Milgram'…
- S5 Ep45: Sophie Mackintosh, novelist
Novelist Sophie Mackintosh, author of The Water Cure and Cursed Bread, discusses the balance between social and writing life with Hattie Crisell. Mackintosh shares how playlists aid her immersion into novel worlds and how she uses 'little…
- S5 Ep44: Raven Smith, columnist and memoirist
In this episode of In Writing, Raven Smith, columnist and author, shares insights on developing writing confidence, his perspective on pop culture and masculinity, and his experiences working with editors.
- S5 Ep43: Ayobami Adebayo, novelist
Nigerian novelist Ayobami Adebayo discusses her editing process and writing career with Hattie Crisell. Adebayo is the author of 'Stay With Me' and 'A Spell of Good Things'.
- A quick update
Hattie Crisell introduces the In Writing newsletter, designed to support writers. Writers can sign up for the newsletter at https://inwriting.substack.com.
- S4 Ep42: Rumaan Alam, novelist
Novelist Rumaan Alam discusses his writing process and narrative choices. He explains how he prepares for first drafts and manages mystery within his books. Alam also shares his views on the length of modern novels.
- S4 Ep41: Georgia Pritchett, comedy and drama writer
Georgia Pritchett, a writer for shows such as The Thick of It, Veep, and Succession, discusses her career and her memoir, "My Mess Is a Bit of a Life". She shares insights on comedy, drama, and her experiences writing for television.
- S4 Ep40: Shaun Usher, curator of correspondence
This episode features an interview with Shaun Usher, founder of Letters of Note. Usher discusses his career dedicated to finding and sharing significant letters, ranging from early correspondence by Tom Hanks to Albert Einstein.
- S4 Ep39: Liane Moriarty, novelist
Liane Moriarty, author of Apples Never Fall, joins host Hattie Crisell to discuss her career, her approach to plotting, and how she and her sisters support each other with reviews. Moriarty has sold over 20 million books worldwide.
- S4 Ep38: Craig Taylor, oral historian
Hattie Crisell interviews Craig Taylor, known for his oral histories like 'New Yorkers', about his island life, work routines, and his latest book which won a Brooklyn Public Library Literary Prize.
- S4 Ep37: Meg Mason, novelist
Novelist Meg Mason joins Hattie Crisell to discuss her novel Sorrow and Bliss. Meg shares insights into her memoir, an earlier unpublished novel, and offers advice on characterization and building writing confidence.
- GUEST EPISODE: The Offcuts Drawer with Laura Shavin
This episode is a guest appearance on 'The Offcuts Drawer' podcast with host Laura Shavin, recommending the show where writers share and discuss unfinished or rejected pieces. Today's guest is Chris Lang, writer of the ITV drama 'Unforgott…
- S4 Ep36: John Crace, journalist
In this episode of In Writing, Hattie Crisell interviews journalist John Crace. They discuss his work on satirical parliamentary sketches and diary columns for The Guardian, his published books, and his experiences with anxiety and depress…
- S4 Ep35: Christine Rose, joke writer
Hattie Crisell talks to joke writer Christine Rose about her career writing for comedy shows such as Have I Got News for You and entertainment programs.
- S4 Ep34: Amer Anwar, crime writer
In this episode, Hattie Crisell interviews crime writer Amer Anwar. They discuss his novels, which are crime thrillers set in Southall, and his journey to getting published, including an initial self-publishing effort.
- S4 Ep33: Elif Shafak, novelist
Hattie Crisell welcomes novelist Elif Shafak, who has authored 19 books. Shafak discusses her recent novel, The Island of Missing Trees.
- S3 Ep32: Graham Norton, novelist
Graham Norton, known for his media career, has also developed a second career as a novelist. This bonus episode of In Writing with Hattie Crisell features a conversation with him about his writing.
- S3 Ep31: Maggie O'Farrell, novelist
In the final episode of the third series of In Writing, host Hattie Crisell speaks with novelist Maggie O'Farrell from her home in Edinburgh.
- S3 Ep30: James Acaster, stand-up comic
In this episode of In Writing with Hattie Crisell, host Hattie Crisell talks with stand-up comic James Acaster about writing comedy.
- S3 Ep29: Wendy Erskine, short story writer
Hattie Crisell speaks with Wendy Erskine, author of the award-winning short story collection Sweet Home, which is set in modern Belfast.
- S3 Ep28: Will Storr, longform journalist and author
In this episode, journalist and author Will Storr speaks with Hattie Crisell. The conversation took place in November 2020 while Storr was on a solo writing retreat in Spain.
- S3 Ep27: Cressida Cowell, Children's Laureate
Writer and illustrator Cressida Cowell joins Hattie Crisell to discuss her work and creative process while recording from her writing shed.
- S3 Ep26: George Saunders, short story writer and novelist
George Saunders, author of numerous books including the Man Booker Prize winner Lincoln in the Bardo, discusses his career as a short fiction writer for The New Yorker and his role as a creative writing teacher.
- S3 Ep25: Grace Dent, restaurant critic and columnist
Grace Dent, a prominent restaurant critic, columnist, author, and Masterchef personality, is featured in this episode of 'In Writing with Hattie Crisell,' joining the host from her bed.
- S3 Ep24: Brandon Taylor, novelist
Novelist Brandon Taylor, author of Real Life, joins the podcast from Iowa to discuss his work.
- S3 Ep23: Hannah Reid, songwriter
This bonus episode of In Writing features an interview with Hannah Reid, the songwriter and vocalist for London Grammar.
- S3 Ep22: John Lanchester, novelist
In this episode of In Writing with Hattie Crisell, guest John Lanchester, a novelist, joins the host from his writing shed.
- S3 Ep21: Lucy Prebble, playwright and screenwriter
Lucy Prebble, known for her work on Sky's I Hate Suzie, HBO's Succession, and plays like A Very Expensive Poison and Enron, is featured in this episode of In Writing with Hattie Crisell.
- S2 Ep20: Jon Ronson, storyteller
Journalist and author Jon Ronson shares insights into his narrative non-fiction, his research into complex subjects, and explains why empathy is central to his work.
- S2 Ep19: Kit de Waal, novelist
Novelist Kit de Waal joins Hattie Crisell to discuss her writing process, reflecting on the challenges she faced when starting in her mid-forties and the techniques she uses to tackle difficult subjects with warmth and clarity.
- S2 Ep18: Robert Popper, comedy writer
TV writer Robert Popper discusses his sitcom Friday Night Dinner, his involvement in cult comedy shows like Look Around You, and his alter ego Robin Cooper. He shares insights into his unconventional entry into television and his approach…
- S2 Ep17: Mhairi McFarlane, novelist
Mhairi McFarlane, author of six romantic comedy novels, speaks with Hattie Crisell about the process of rewriting her first book, You Had Me At Hello, and the essential components of a good romcom.
- S2 Ep16: Will Harris, poet and essayist
In this episode, Hattie Crisell talks with poet and essayist Will Harris. They discuss how engaging with his family history influenced his poetry, the role of therapy in a writer's life, and the inseparable nature of the political and pers…