The Pen to Published Podcast
A podcast for authors and self-publishers. Hosts Alexa Whitten, author, typesetter and independent book publisher, and Alexa Tewkesbury, author, editor and proofreader, talk you through the entire self-publishing process, from initial book idea to ultimate published product.
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 29 minutes
- Episodes
- 62
- Years Active
- 2021 - 2025
Interview with best-selling author Sophie Hannah
In the final episode of series 8, the two Alexas have the privilege of chatting with best-selling author and author coach, Sophie Hannah. As well as writing her many contemporary crime novels, Sophie…
Narrative techniques and why they're like a juicy layered cake - part 1
Whether you call them narrative techniques or literary devices, this is a big, big subject. There are so many of these devices, and understanding what they are and how to use them is crucial to your …
Character arcs and how to make your characters memorable
In this episode, the two Alexas talk more about writing craft and delve into character arcs: the journey authors take their characters on through their novel. Successes and failures are all a part of…
Getting your dialogue right
There's an art to writing brilliant dialogue in a novel - dialogue that truly brings your characters and your story to life. In episode 5, the two Alexas help you understand the craft of creating sna…
Writing a satisfying ending
You've started your book with a bang. You've got the middle bit under control. But what about the ending? How will you finish your story in a way that satisfies the reader? Whether you're aiming for …
Tackling your book's messy middle
The hardest and most challenging section of your book to write is likely to be the middle. It's the longest section within the three-act structure and it has to work for the reader in multiple ways. …
How to start your book well
You've got the idea for your book. You've made some kind of a story plan. You're at the computer or clutching your pen ready to start writing ... But how do you begin a book in the most captivating w…
Are stories everywhere?
In the first of a brand-new series, the two Alexas chat about the maxim that 'stories are everywhere'. Are they really? Can inspiration be found in just about anything? The answer is YES! But, of cou…
Coming up in Series 7 and 8!
The Pen to Published Podcast is back for 2025 with lots of juiciness for your writerly ears. Here's the line-up for series 7 and 8. So much goodness to help you on your writing journey!
The Pen to Published Podcast
SERIES 6 EPISODE 8: JUICY BITS FOR WRITERS ROUND-UP
In this final episode of series 6, Alexas 1 and 2 offer a round-up of the juicy nuggets covered by all the wonderful guests they've chatted to. For…
The Pen to Published Podcast
SERIES 6 EPISODE 7: INTERVIEW WITH CHILDREN'S AUTHOR PAULA FOWLER
In the penultimate episode of series 6, children's author, Paula Fowler, talks to the Alexas about how a stage 4 cancer diagnosis too…
The Pen to Published Podcast
SERIES 6 EPISODE 5: INTERVIEW WITH LOUISE HARNBY, FICTION EDITOR, AUTHOR AND PROLIFIC CONTENT CREATOR
In a bumper episode, the two Alexas chat to the amazing editor and author, Louise Harnby. With he…
The Pen to Published Podcast
SERIES 6 EPISODE 5: INTERVIEW WITH REBECCA COLE, AUTHOR AND SENSORY SEWER
Rebecca Cole is late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD. As a lifelong sewer, she has worked on the production team for Channel 4's …
The Pen to Published Podcast
SERIES 6 EPISODE 4: INTERVIEW WITH ANN BALL, AWARD-WINNING THERAPIST, TEACHER AND AUTHOR
Guest author, Ann Ball, talks to the two Alexas about her experiences with self-publishing, funding opportunit…
The Pen to Published Podcast
SERIES 6 EPISODE 3: INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR AND JOURNALIST SUE KITTOW
Are you interested in setting up a blog tour to help publicise your book? In this episode, Alexas 1 and 2 talk to author and journa…
The Pen to Published Podcast
SERIES 6 EPISODE 2: INTERVIEW WITH PUBLISHING CONSULTANT, EDITOR AND CONTRACTS NEGOTIATOR, JANEY BURTON
This episode gets into the nitty-gritty of the publishing world. Guest, the highly knowledgeabl…
The Pen to Published Podcast
SERIES 6 EPISODE 1: INTERVIEW WITH CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR LAURA MACLENNAN
The two Alexas return with a brand-new series of their podcast for authors. This series comprises interviews with authors and…
Bonus Petit Pod 5
MAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS IN ADULT FICTION
In another bonus Petit Pod, the two Alexas discuss whether maps and other illustrations are a good idea in adult fiction or whether they should be kept for chi…
Bonus Petit Pod 4
BEWARE OF OVERUSE IN YOUR WRITING
When we're in the full flow of writing, it's easy to get carried away and include too many of certain elements. In this bonus Petit Pod, the two Alexas explain why, …
Bonus Petit Pod 3
HELPFUL TIPS FOR SELF-EDITING
In this third bonus Petit Pod, the two Alexas chat through things to think about when working on the second, third etc drafts of your book, and how to tackle self-editin…