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Novel Ideas

Novel Ideas is Northern Ireland’s longest-running author interview series. Across twelve seasons from 2015 to 2025, hosts Debbie McGrory, Mike Gaston, Elliot Lloyd, Tony Macauley, Karen Mooney and others sit down with local writers to discuss their latest publications.

The series spans an exceptionally wide range of genres and subjects. Fiction writers explore crime, fantasy and contemporary life; poets share their collections and creative process; historians examine topics from the shipyard communities to suffragettes, colonialism to the Troubles; and memoirists reflect on personal journeys through care, conflict and cultural identity. Guests range from internationally acclaimed figures like Bernard MacLaverty and Paul Muldoon to debut authors publishing their first novels.

Notable conversations include Peggy Seeger reflecting on her musical and political heritage, Margaret Ward on republican women, Peggy Seeger’s childhood in music and politics, Marianne Elliott on housing estates, and numerous crime writers including Kelly Creighton, James Murphy and Sam Millar. The series also covers cultural history – flute bands, Belfast riots, the West Belfast Festival, and local landmarks like Balmoral Cemetery.

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Novel Ideas: Gerry Armstrong

Gerry reveals how a brutal murder ripped through family life and his need to put to paper his story.
Show added:
01/08/2022

Novel Ideas: Bernard Conlon

Belfast poet and journalist, Bernard L. Conlon talks about his latest collection ‘The Poetry Process: A Pamphlet of Poems’.
Show added:
29/07/2022

Novel Ideas: Paul Harron

Dr Paul Harron from the Ulster Architectural Heritage talks about his second book in his Architects of Ulster series: ‘A Vigorous Mind’.
Show added:
29/07/2022

Novel Ideas: Pauline Carville

Pauline Carville, a successful actor, singer and vocal coach joins Robin Elliot in the studio to discuss her career and her latest book, ‘Am I Mad Or What?’.
Show added:
01/06/2022

Novel Ideas: Phillip Jordan

Phillip Jordan discusses his series of books, ‘Code of Silence ‘ and ‘Into Thin Air’ written during the pandemic.
Show added:
29/04/2022

Novel Ideas: Margaret Ward

Margaret Ward discusses her book ‘Unmanageable Revolutionaries: Women and Irish Nationalism’, a new edition of which has recently been published by Arlen House.
Show added:
11/04/2022

Novel Ideas: Ian Walsh

Chloe Murray speaks to Ian Walsh about the release of his latest book ‘The Belly of the Whale’; a first person narrative on his story and history with alcoholism.
Show added:
08/04/2022

Novel Ideas: Jonathan Fisher

Writer Jonathan Fisher talks about his new collection of short stories ‘Where The Stars Be Still As Bright’.
Show added:
24/01/2022

Novel Ideas: Millar Memorial Flute Band

Billy Ashe & James Millar introduce their new book, ‘Where the River Lagan’s Flowing’, which charts the story of the Millar Memorial Band over its 110 year history.
Show added:
16/01/2022

Novel Ideas: Monica McWilliams

Monica McWilliams discusses her new book ‘Stand Up, Speak Out: My life working for women’s rights, peace and equality in Northern Ireland and beyond’.
Show added:
16/12/2021

Novel Ideas: John Gray, ‘Red Panda’s Great Escape’

John Gray discusses his new children’s book, ‘Red Panda’s Great Escape’.
Show added:
09/12/2021

Novel Ideas: AG Lyttle

Chloe Murray in conversation with AG Lyttle about his biography, ‘The Storyteller’, which chronicles the life and times of his great grandfather, writer, performer and newspaper editor, WG Lyttle.
Show added:
26/11/2021
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