In our latest podcast Ali talks to Japan based Scottish novelist Iain Maloney – in the pub. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, what followed was a fascinating and illuminating chat which will be of interest to those who write, have an urge to write, or simply share a love of books.
Iain was just about to start a whirlwind tour of the UK to promote his third novel, The Waves Burn Bright, but thankfully took time out to talk to Scots Whay Hae! about that book, his previous work and influences, his life as a novelist, and what living abroad has taught him about home.
Maloney’s First Time Solo is one of the best debut novels of recent years (and you can read Ali’s Indelible Ink review here). His second, Silma Hill, wrong footed readers, and the writer himself, and in our conversation Maloney sets out why.
Before that he discusses why place is important to The Waves Burn Bright, the difficulties in dealing with real-life tragedy in fiction, and how his characters evolve. Scots Whay Hae! has been a fan of Maloney’s work for some time and it was a real pleasure to finally get to meet the man and talk books with someone who is passionate about what he does (at least another hour’s worth of chat went unrecorded). We hope you enjoy listening as much as we did recording it.
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Next time, on the Scots Whay Hae! Podcast – prepare to be dazzled…