Amanda shares her journey as a neurodiverse writer, the challenges and triumphs she’s faced, and how her unique perspective fuels her creativity. We speak about the mission behind Reconcile Creative, discussing the importance of inclusive support systems in the writing world.

She tells us the story behind her impactful book, The Healing Workbook: Tips and Guided Exercises to Help Overcome Trauma, including her route to publication and what inspired her to write it.

We explore further into Amanda’s creative process, discussing her writing routines, including her experience with Morning Pages from The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, and how she balances her multifaceted roles with her passion for writing.

In this week’s episode of The Write Club Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome the brilliant debut novelist Daria Lavelle.

Daria’s debut novel, Aftertaste - a dark comedy about food, ghosts, and the New York culinary scene - landed in May 2025 and has already made waves for its unique blend of sharp humour, sensory storytelling, and moving reflections on grief and memory.

She talks us through her 20-year journey to publication, the inspiration behind her unforgettable protagonist Konstantin, and how taste and food help her unlock creative ideas. We also discuss the challenge of balancing comedy with emotional depth, writing about loss, and her approach to the uncanny.

With a career spanning fiction, mentoring, and education, Ian brings a wealth of experience to the table. As a Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund at the University of East London and a regular columnist for Writing Magazine, he’s dedicated to helping writers at all levels improve their craft.

Join us as Ian shares his journey to becoming a writer, from discovering his voice to navigating the path to publication. He reflects on the influence of East London in his stories, offers advice for aspiring authors, and provides practical tips on overcoming obstacles, developing characters, and refining your craft.