Best Yan Kay Podcasts (2025)

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New year, new writing goals: Julia Crouch on getting started, finding inspiration, and writing what excites 43:08

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1h ago43:08

43:08

In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, crime writer and NCW tutor Julia Crouch welcomes the New Year with us and shares her advice and encouragement for the writing year ahead. Julia is the author of ten internationally published crime novels, including Cuckoo, Tarnished, The Long Fall, and Her Husband’s Lover. Unable to find a sub-genre of c…

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Writing festive thrillers: Nicola Upson on The Christmas Clue 42:04

10d ago42:04

42:04

In this festive episode of The Writing Life Podcast, crime writer Nicola Upson delves into the themes and appeal of crime novels set at Christmas. Nicola Upson’s debut, An Expert in Murder, was the first in a series of crime novels to feature Josephine Tey — one of Britain’s finest Golden Age crime writers – and was dramatised for BBC Radio 4. Seve…

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What is ‘experimental fiction’?: Clara Chow on travelling, writing about taboo subjects, and having fun 55:54

1M ago55:54

55:54

In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, Singapore-based writer Clara Chow delves into the world of 'experimental fiction' and why she takes on projects that push against the grain. Clara Chow works across genres of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Her strange experiments under Hermit Press include obscure prose chapbooks such as The Melancholy…

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Writing grief and the body: Lisabelle Tay & Heather Parry in conversation with Yan Ge 54:04

2M ago54:04

54:04

In this Halloween-flavoured episode of The Writing Life Podcast, we’re resharing an illuminating discussion between writers Lisabelle Tay and Heather Parry on writing grief and the monstrous body. Heather Parry is a Glasgow-based writer and editor, originally from South Yorkshire. Her debut novel, Orpheus Builds a Girl, was shortlisted for the Salt…

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Writing flawed characters: Sarah Moss on Ripeness 42:00

2M ago42:00

42:00

In this episode of The Writing Life, acclaimed British author and academic Sarah Moss (known for Ghost Wall and Summerwater) joins us to discuss her latest novel, Ripeness, ‘a breathtaking story of love and the search for belonging, from 1960s Italy to present-day Ireland.’ Sarah reflects on the novel’s dual structure, which follows Edith both as a…

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The poetry of motherhood: Erica Hesketh and Jenny Pagdin on language, recovery, and balance 38:28

3M ago38:28

38:28

In this episode of The Writing Life, poets Erica Hesketh and Jenny Pagdin share insights into the poetry of motherhood, and how they each share their ‘emotional truth’ in their writing. Erica Hesketh is a poet and editor, originally from Japan and Denmark, now based in London. Her poetry has been commissioned by the Royal Festival Hall, Spread the …

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A writer’s journey: Vanessa Bell on book tours, friendship, and revisiting old projects 54:40

3M ago54:40

54:40

In this episode of The Writing Life, poet, editor, and literary activist Vanessa Bell discusses the journeys she has taken as a writer, both literally and figuratively, and her recent book tour around the UK. Based in Quebec City of Literature, Vanessa Bell is co-director of CONTOURS and director of the poetry collection at Éditions du Quartz. Her …

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Representation in children’s literature: Hayley Wells on The Spectacular Suit 29:29

4M ago29:29

29:29

In this episode of The Writing Life, illustrator Hayley Wells delves into the importance of representation in children’s books. Hayley Wells is an Essex-based illustrator with an MA in Children’s Book Illustration from Cambridge School of Art. Their work has been shortlisted for the World Illustration Awards, featured on television, and published w…

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Reimagining classics: Pat Barker on the Regeneration Trilogy 38:36

4M ago38:36

38:36

Content warning: Mentions of rape, sexual assault, and war. In this episode of The Writing Life, bestselling author Pat Barker shares insights about the art of retellings, and the craftsmanship and research needed to write reimaginings of classic literature. Pat Barker was born in Yorkshire and began her literary career in her late thirties, when s…

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Writing contemporary crime fiction: Val McDermid on Past Lying 42:15

5M ago42:15

42:15

In this episode of The Writing Life, award-winning writer Val McDermid shares insights on writing contemporary crime fiction, and the importance of learning patience as a writer. One of the UK’s most accomplished and respected novelists, Val McDermid has sold over 19 million books to date across the globe and is translated into more than 40 languag…

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Becoming a published author: Wen-Yi Lee on representation, writing residencies, and building a readership 51:28

5M ago51:28

51:28

In this episode of The Writing Life, writer and Dragon Hall Cottage resident Wen-yi Lee shares insights into building a writing career, and the process of taking a project from conception to completion. Wen-yi Lee likes writing about girls with bite, feral nature, and ghosts. She is the author of historical fantasy When They Burned the Butterfly an…

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Writing between genres: Michael Pedersen on Muckle Flugga 53:10

6M ago53:10

53:10

In this episode of The Writing Life, prize-winning poet and writer Michael Pedersen shares his experience writing between genres, and how pushing the boundaries of literary categories can enhance your writing. Michael Pedersen is a prize-winning poet and author of the memoir Boy Friends, which was a Sunday Times Critics Choice and shortlisted for t…

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World building in horror fiction: Julia Armfield on Private Rites 39:35

6M ago39:35

39:35

In this episode of The Writing Life, prize-winning writer Julia Armfield shares insights on world building in horror fiction, and writing catastrophic and intense circumstances. Julia Armfield's work has been published in Granta, The White Review and Best British Short Stories 2019 and 2021. In 2019, she was shortlisted for the Sunday Times Young W…

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The world of Substack: Eleanor Anstruther & Simon K Jones on serial fiction 57:36

6M ago57:36

57:36

In this episode of The Writing Life, writers Eleanor Anstruther and Simon K Jones discuss the world of Substack, and how they use the platform to publish and share their work. Eleanor Anstruther is the author of A Perfect Explanation, and A Memoir In 65 Postcards & The Recovery Diaries. Her new novel, In Judgement of Others, is out now. You can fin…

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Writing love stories: André Aciman on Room on the Sea 34:28

7M ago34:28

34:28

In this episode of The Writing Life, bestselling author André Aciman shares the intricacies of writing romance, from the magic of first meetings to the nuances of portraying older characters falling in love. André is the New York Times bestselling author of Call Me By Your Name, Find Me, The Gentleman From Peru, Out of Egypt, Eight White Knights, F…

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The power of language: Eimear McBride on The City Changes Its Face 34:37

7M ago34:37

34:37

In this episode of The Writing Life, novelist and screenwriter Eimear McBride on the power of language, and the ways literary fiction can evoke emotion and connection. Eimear McBride is the award-winning author of four novels: A Girl is a Half-formed Thing, The Lesser Bohemians, Strange Hotel and The City Changes Its Face. Her debut novel A Girl is…

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Writing strong female characters: Joanna Miller on The Eights 53:56

8M ago53:56

53:56

In this episode of The Writing Life, writer Joanna Miller shares her insights into writing strong female characters in historical fiction. Joanna Miller studied English at Exeter College, Oxford and later returned to the University to train as a teacher. After ten years in education, she set up an award-winning poetry gift business. She is an alum …

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The rise of romantasy with Sangu Mandanna 38:53

9M ago38:53

38:53

This week on The Writing Life, we’re diving into the world of romantasy — a genre that blends the best of romance and fantasy. Romantasy novels have taken the publishing world by storm in recent years, with sales expected to hit a staggering $610 million in 2024. And on TikTok, the #Romantasy tag has amassed over 800 million views. What is it about…

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Writing about sports and masculinity with George Harrison, Alex Allison, and Ashley Hickson-Lovence 41:44

10M ago41:44

41:44

In this episode of The Writing Life, writers Alex Allison, George Harrison, and Ashley Hickson-Lovence share their insights into writing about sport and modern masculinity. Alex Allison is a writer from London. He is the author of two novels, published by Dialogue. His second novel, Greatest of All Time, was released on 30th January 2025. With humo…

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Developing your creative practice with Julia Bird 31:24

11M ago31:24

31:24

In this episode of The Writing Life, writer, poetry programmer, and NCW Academy mentor Julia Bird shares her insights into developing your creative practice. Julia Bird is a highly experienced poetry programmer who has worked for organisations including the Poetry School and The Poetry Society. As a freelancer, she’s worked for literary development…

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Writing about nature with Chloe Dalton 43:45

12M ago43:45

43:45

In this episode of The Writing Life, writer Chloe Dalton shares her insights into writing about nature and landscape. Chloe Dalton is a foreign policy specialist and writer. She spent over a decade working in the UK Parliament and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as a special adviser and speechwriter. She now works as a consultant on internatio…

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Writing a festive bestseller with Abiola Bello 40:05

1y ago40:05

40:05

In this episode of The Writing Life, YA writer Abiola Bello shares her insights into writing festive novels. Abiola Bello is a Nigerian-British, prize-winning children’s/YA author who was born and raised in London. She is an advocate for diversity in books for young people. Her debut YA, 'Love in Winter Wonderland', was published in winter 2022. It…

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Writing about music with Aniefiok Ekpoudom 55:56

1y ago55:56

55:56

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, cultural writer and editor Josh Baines is joined by narrative non-fiction writer Aniefiok Ekpoudom to discuss writing about the music industry. Aniefiok ‘Neef’ Ekpoudom is a writer and storyteller from South London whose work documents community and culture in contemporary Britain. His debut book Where W…

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Researching for crime novels with Peter James 38:38

1y ago38:38

38:38

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Peggy is joined by bestselling author Peter James to discuss researching for crime novels. Peter James is a UK No.1 bestselling author, best known for his Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series, now a hit ITV drama starring John Simm as the troubled Brighton copper. Much loved by crime and…

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Routes into writing with S G Bell 45:36

1y ago45:36

45:36

In this podcast, NCW Communications & Participation Assistant Ruby is joined by S G Bell to discuss routes into writing. S G Bell is a writer working from his rural home in Norfolk. The Epilogue Event is the first instalment in the AI Aftermath series. In his fiction, he explores ideas intercepted at the boundaries of his professional and academic …

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Writing dialect in fiction with Ferdia Lennon 38:26

1y ago38:26

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In this podcast, NCW Head of Programme & Creative Engagement Holly is joined by author Ferdia Lennon to discuss writing dialect in fiction. Ferdia Lennon was born and raised in Dublin. He holds a BA in History and Classics from University College Dublin and an MA in Prose Fiction from the University of East Anglia. His short stories have appeared i…

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Writing through place: Heidi Williamson & Rebecca Goss on poetry, memory and healing 47:01

1y ago47:01

47:01

In this episode of The Writing Life, poets Rebecca Goss and Heidi Williamson discuss using place as a vessel to write about difficult subjects and memories in poetry. Rebecca Goss is a poet, tutor and mentor, living in Suffolk. Her poems have appeared in many literary journals, anthologies and have been broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Arts online.…

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Structuring non-fiction with Nick Acheson 45:51

1+ y ago45:51

45:51

In this podcast, NCW Programme Officer Ellie is joined by author and presenter Nick Acheson to discuss structuring non-fiction, and how to create rhythm with your writing. Nick Acheson is an author, conservationist and environmentalist living in North Norfolk. He has written for BBC Wildlife, British Birds, British Wildlife, The Guardian, The Big I…

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Writing collaboratively with Maarja Pärtna & Penny Boxall 29:09

1+ y ago29:09

29:09

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Associate Programme Director Kate Griffin is joined by writers Maarja Pärtna and Penny Boxall to discuss the process of multi-disciplinary collaboration. Maarja Pärtna is an Estonian writer, translator, and editor who focuses on socio-ecological themes in her work. She has published five poetry collections. …

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Advice for emerging writers with Benjamin Johncock & Megan Bradbury 1:12:08

1+ y ago1:12:08

1:12:08

In this episode of The Writing Life, novelists and NCW Academy tutors Benjamin Johncock and Megan Bradbury give insight into their writing lives, and offer their advice to emerging novelists and writers of all kinds. Benjamin Johncock is an award-winning novelist, short story writer and journalist. His debut novel, The Last Pilot, was published in …

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Writing the 'difficult second novel' with Melissa Fu 41:17

1+ y ago41:17

41:17

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Programme Officer Vicki is joined by novelist and NCW Academy tutor Melissa Fu to discuss the difficult task of writing your second novel. Melissa’s writing appears in several publications including The Lonely Crowd, International Literature Showcase, Bare Fiction, Wasafiri Online, and The Willowherb Review.…

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Writing romantic comedies with PJ Ellis 43:30

1+ y ago43:30

43:30

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Communications Assistant Caitlin is joined by author PJ Ellis to discuss writing romantic comedies. PJ Ellis is a journalist covering relationships, pop culture and LGBTQ+ issues. His writing has appeared in publications including GQ, Teen Vogue, Man Repeller, Men’s Health and MTV. His short fiction …

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Researching for fiction with Jon McGregor 48:20

1+ y ago48:20

48:20

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by author Jon McGregor to discuss researching for fiction. Jon McGregor is an award-winning author and short story writer. He has been nominated for the Booker Prize for three of his novels, including his 2002 debut If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things, which a…

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Writing soaps with James McDermott & Stephen Keyworth 48:37

1+ y ago48:37

48:37

In this episode of The Writing Life, scriptwriters Stephen Keyworth and James McDermott discuss the craft and industry of writing for long-running radio or television serials, commonly known as soaps. Stephen Keyworth is an award-winning director and writer who has worked extensively as a director in theatre and written over 60 hours of television,…

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Writing narrative non-fiction with Dan Richards & Edward Parnell 58:02

1+ y ago58:02

58:02

In this episode of The Writing Life, we’re joined by writers and NCW Academy tutors Dan Richards and Edward Parnell to discuss the process of researching, writing, and publishing narrative non-fiction books. Dan Richards is a writer and journalist who specialises in travel, memoir, and culture. He has taught at Bristol University, and currently tut…

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How to be a craftivist with Sarah P Corbett 50:31

1+ y ago50:31

50:31

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by author and professional campaigner Sarah P Corbett to discuss craftivism, a form of activism and collective empowerment that is centered on practices of craft. Sarah P Corbett is an activist, author, speaker, and the founder of Craftivist Collective. She is k…

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Writing for performance with HighTide 43:23

1+ y ago43:23

43:23

In this episode of The Writing Life, Holly is joined by Colchester-based playwright and HighTide/Peggy Ramsay Foundation writer in residence Nicola Werenowska and Norwich-based folk musician Georgia Shackleton to discuss writing for performance. Nicola and Georgia were central to the development of Suffolk-based theatre company HighTide’s touring s…

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Writing poetry with Martin Figura 45:21

1+ y ago45:21

45:21

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by award-winning poet Martin Figura to discuss the process of writing poetry, and how things make their way into his poetic imagination. Martin Figura was born in Liverpool and lives in Norwich. His collections include The Little Book of Harm (Firewater Press, 2000), Ah…

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Reintroducing Harriet Martineau with Stuart Hobday & Gaby Weiner 51:43

1+ y ago51:43

51:43

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by writers and members of The Martineau Society Stuart Hobday and Gaby Weiner to discuss their new book Reintroducing Harriet Martineau: Pioneering Sociologist and Activist, which explores the innovative, sociological approach adopted by Harriet Martineau in her efforts…

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Crafting identity in fiction with Michael Donkor 49:26

1+ y ago49:26

49:26

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Head of Programmes & Creative Engagement Holly speaks with novelist Michael Donkor about crafting identity in fiction. Michael Donkor was born in London to Ghanaian parents. He studied English at Wadham College, Oxford, followed by a Masters in Creative Writing at Royal Holloway. His first novel, Hold, was l…

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Writing subversive women with Naomi Wood 59:08

2y ago59:08

59:08

In this episode of The Writing Life, former NCW Communications Assistant Molly speaks with author Naomi Wood about writing subversive women. Naomi Wood is the award-winning author of three novels, including the bestselling Mrs. Hemingway. Her stories have been published in the Mid-American Review, Washington Square Review, Joyland and Stylist, and …

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Virtual residencies with Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar, Sim Wai-chew and Tse Hao Guang 59:40

2y ago59:40

59:40

In this episode of The Writing Life, writer and translator Daniel Hahn speaks with three former virtual residents Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar, Sim Wai-chew and Tse Hao Guang about the quirks of virtual residencies, and how their expectations compared to reality. We were delighted to host them from June to December 2023, in a virtual residency generously su…

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Writing the grotesque body with Heather Parry 49:57

2y ago49:57

49:57

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Senior Communications and Marketing Manager Steph speaks with author Heather Parry about writing the grotesque body. Heather Parry was born in Rotherham and lives in Glasgow. She has won the Bridge Award for an Emerging Writer, Cove Park's Emerging Writer Residency and the Laxfield Literary Launch Pr…

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Writing and chronic illness with Polly Atkin 40:32

2y ago40:32

40:32

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Emerging Translator Mentorships Programme Manager Annie speaks with author Polly Atkin about writing with a chronic illness. Polly Atkin is a multi-award-winning writer, essayist and poet. She is the author of the poetry collections Basic Nest Architecture, which won a Northern Writers' Award, and Much With …

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Writing for younger audiences with Chip Colquhoun 51:30

2y ago51:30

51:30

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Programme Officer Ellie speaks with author and NCW mentor Chip Colquhoun about oral storytelling and writing for younger audiences. An NCW Associate Artist, Chip is a storyteller and children’s author. He’s trained teachers through the Department for Education’s English Hub, young creatives through Rathbone …

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Writing modern noir with Margot Douaihy 48:48

2y ago48:48

48:48

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Programme Officer Ellie speaks with American author Margot Douaihy about the development of the noir genre in crime writing. Margot Douaihy is the author of several noir titles including the mystery novel Scorched Grace, the inaugural title of Gillian Flynn Books. Douaihy is originally from Scranton,…

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Writing unreliable narrators with Hannah Vincent 50:23

2y ago50:23

50:23

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, Head of Programmes and Creative Engagement Holly speaks with novelist Hannah Vincent about point of view and different types of narration. Hannah Vincent is a novelist, short story writer and playwright. Her first novel, Alarm Girl was published in 2014 and her second, The Weaning in 2018. Her 2020 short…

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Into the contemporary poetry archive 44:19

2y ago44:19

44:19

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW CEO Peggy Hughes speaks to four dazzling voices in contemporary poetry. On Wednesday 22 November, Jay Bernard, Anthony Vahni Capildeo, Gail McConnell and Joelle Taylor gathered to celebrate the launch of exciting new poetry archive collection, ‘Towards a Centre for Contemporary Poetry in the Archive'. This p…

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How to Write a Script with Molly Naylor 59:09

2y ago59:09

59:09

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, writer and theatre director Jen Dewsbury speaks with writer, performer and NCW Academy tutor Molly Naylor about the craft of scriptwriting. Molly Naylor is the co-creator and writer of Sky One comedy After Hours. Her plays have been toured nationally and broadcast on BBC Radio 4. She wrote and performed …

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In conversation with bestselling crime writer Ian Rankin 47:04

2y ago47:04

47:04

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, former NCW CEO Chris Gribble spoke to bestselling crime writer Ian Rankin about his new standalone short thriller The Rise. Ian Rankin was born in the Kingdom of Fife in 1960 and graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1982. He is the internationally bestselling author of the Inspector Rebus and De…