Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard The Hidden Lives of Writers

S04 E09 Samantha Shannon

Loading player...
Samantha Shannon is the internationally bestselling author of the BONE SEASON series of urban fantasy novels, as well as the epic fantasy novel THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE.

Samantha joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about why she is rereleasing the BONE SEASON series as 'the author's preferred edition' with all new artwork.

She explains what it was like to strike a major book deal at a young age, and discusses the challenges she faces in writing while living with chronic pain.

Gail and Samantha discuss the way she subverts gender expectations throughout her novels, and Samantha explains how THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE is a retelling of the myth of St George and the dragon.

For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you! Please join the conversation:
Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com
Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod
Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod
YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers
Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters
Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers
Chapters
  • 00:30 Introduction
  • 08:25 Samantha's writing process and routine
  • 10:30 Plotting vs. Pantsing
  • 16:00 Re-editing the Bone Season series
  • 44:00 Challenges of translations and international publishing
  • 50:00 Subverting gender stereotypes and centring female experiences
  • 01:00:53 Navigating literary and fandom cultures
  • 01:05:03 Closing
4 Nov 2024 English South Africa Books · Arts

Other recent episodes

S07 E05 David Cornwell

David Cornwell is the author of the critically acclaimed novel HELL OF A COUNTRY, which has been making waves since its release date. David joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about the challenges of writing a fictional reimagining of real-life events and how he made his creative choices…
20 Apr 1 hr 07 min

S07 E04 Karen Jennings

Karen Jennings is an internationally acclaimed author whose work has been rewarded with a Booker Prize longlisting. Karen joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about how new ideas sometimes come to her in the form of a colour, and how she writes multiple drafts of the same manuscript…
13 Apr 1 hr 03 min

S07 E03 Jassy Mackenzie

Jassy Mackenzie is a multi-award-nominated author who combines talent with hard work and an excellent head for business. Jassy joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about how she got her start writing gritty, Joburg-based crime, before being approached to write with James Patterson. She talks about the obligations…
6 Apr 1 hr 10 min

S07 E02 Mike Nicol

Mike Nicol is one of South Africa's leading crime writers. His Mace Bishop and Fish Pescado series have enthralled readers for years. Mike joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about how he once wallpapered a room in his house with rejection letters. He describes how he found his…
30 Mar 1 hr 12 min

S07 E01 Sally Andrew

Sally Andrew is a South African literary superstar. Her Tannie Maria books are loved by many thousands of readers and have been turned into a successful international TV series. Sally joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about how she plots her books under a huge and ancient tree,…
23 Mar 58 min
All episodes