Insights from Beth O'Leary and Kate Hilton
About this episode
This episode features a double author interview with Beth O'Leary and Kate Hilton discussing their writing processes and craft insights.
A double author interview you don’t want to miss! Bestselling author Beth O’Leary breaks down her signature approach to writing high-concept, emotionally grounded romance—starting with a compelling “what if” hook and building outward into layered characters, structure, and setting. She shares how ‘ The Name Game’ evolved from a simple premise into a complex, multi-POV narrative with intentional use of diaries, emails, and dual timelines to deepen tension and deliver surprising twists. Beth also dives into craft essentials like differentiating character voice, managing pacing across timelines, and why first drafts are meant to be messy. From false starts and massive rewrites to the power of immersive world-building (even in contemporary fiction), this interview is a masterclass in trusting the process, refining your craft, and turning raw ideas into deeply satisfying stories. Author Kate Hilton shares how ‘ City of the Muse’ grew from a collision of real-world academic scandals and archival discoveries into a richly layered dual-timeline mystery spanning Egypt and modern-day Toronto. Drawing on her lifelong fascination with archaeology—and years of research into papyrology…
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