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jenbowden12.bsky.social
Jen Bowden
@jenbowden12.bsky.social
680 followers 720 following 180 posts
Journalist | Writer repped by @liverpoollit | Editor | Northern Voices podcast | Dr of Northern stories | #TeamHorn | Pityakker linktr.ee/jenbowden12
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jenbowden12.bsky.social
'There needs to be more transparency from publishers about the financial side of things.'

Today @foxandinkbooks.bsky.social author Melanie Taylor joins me to talk about her novel, Love Digitally, financial accessibility, and more.

@liverpool-lit.bsky.social

on.soundcloud.com/0aEtGDdVjHc4...
A selfie of Melanie, who is wearing a red, orange, brown and white paisley top. She has long, tousled red hair and blue eyes. She is looking at the camera and smiling. Behind her is a green woodland backdrop. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
November 13, 2025 at 12:09 AM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'I think celebrity writers are the biggest threat to authors at the moment – over and above AI.'

On Northern Voices, @canelobooks.bsky.social author @seanwatkinauthor.bsky.social talks writing crime, his novel Black Water Rising and Sonic the Hedgehog fan fiction.

on.soundcloud.com/osPOypoPlV3p...
A head and shoulders shot of Sean standing side on to the camera, looking directly at the lens. He has blue eyes and a silver nose ring. His shirt is pale blue linen and he also has a light brown beard and hair. He is smiling slightly. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
November 6, 2025 at 12:05 AM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'Regional diversity isn't spoken about enough and it would be lovely if publishers were braver.'

@panmacmillan.bsky.social author Sarah Handyside on her novel Instructions for Heartbreak, the celebrity books plague and the need for publishers to take more risks.

on.soundcloud.com/ll3TKykgtQJj...
Sarah is sitting sideways on a chair looking more glam than any of us can ever really hope to be. She is wearing a blue, purple and pink patterned long-sleeved dress. The chair is gold metal. She has a blonde fringe and her hair is tied up. She has blue eyes and is smiling slightly at the camera. The wall behind her is earthy brown and orange. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
October 30, 2025 at 8:37 AM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'In hard times people turn to creativity – it's a free resource available to anybody'

Writer and advocate Candi Martin is on Northern Voices this week talking about her poetry collection Burnt Ice Cream @writtenoffbooks.bsky.social and Northern imposter syndrome.

on.soundcloud.com/7Za8TeFyfW7H...
Candi sits on a blue couch with a multicoloured crochet throw on it. There is a picture on the white wall behind her that is muted green and grey colours. She is visible from the shoulders up and has a brown side fringe and green-brown eyes. She is wearing a black jumper with a red pattern on one shoulder and is smiling slightly at the camera. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
October 23, 2025 at 6:42 AM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'We can be old and new, broken and whole, and that is what makes a writer.'

The wonderful @drmabibby.bsky.social has the honour of being my guest on the 100th episode of Northern Voices today talking about horses, history and Northern heritage.

on.soundcloud.com/BoMDcRg4bXiU...
Miriam stands next to a white horse with a white mane that is nuzzling her hand. Behind her is a metal gate and a green field in the background. Miriam is wearing a white trilby with a grey trim, a black suit and lilac shirt. She has fair hair and is smiling at the camera. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image. There is a graphic of four balloons in the bottom left corner – red, orange, blue and green – and a big cartoon pink and yellow '100' in the top right.
October 16, 2025 at 6:13 PM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'Northern creatives need to set their sights further afield than just London.'

Podcaster and horror writer Neil McRobert @talkscaredpod.bsky.social joins me to discuss publishing, the North and having Stephen King as a writing friend. @wildhuntbooks.bsky.social

on.soundcloud.com/ExqvbmvBS3b0...
A greyscale photo of Neil from the shoulders up looking directly into the camera. His expression is serious and he is wearing headphones with wires. He has a beard and his hair is tied back. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
October 8, 2025 at 11:48 PM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'Being published isn't the end of the road and it can be rough on your mental health.'

Writer Dan Spencer @atlanticbooks.bsky.social joins me on Northern Voices today to discuss his novel, Cat Lover, the publishing process and feline intuition.

on.soundcloud.com/W7g9VDfmHuFa...
A photo of Dan from the waist up. He is standing in front of a rainbow-coloured shutter and is wearing a blue jacket and lighter blue jumper. He has a beard and a moustache and is wearing glasses. He has short sandy brown hair and is looking at the camera, smiling slightly. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
October 2, 2025 at 4:29 AM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'Why is it a local history when it's about the North but when it's about London it's not a local history?'

Academic and writer E. Jay Gilbert @jaylikesthings.bsky.social on her book Haunted @manillapress.bsky.social, history and the linguistic ambiguity of Hagrid.

on.soundcloud.com/Xwb7WxWcnURO...
A photo of Jay from the shoulders up standing against a light beige stone wall. She has a centre-parted fringe and her dark hair is tied back. She has a small stud in the top pf her ear and is wearing red lipstick. She is wearing a black top and jacket and isn't smiling. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
September 25, 2025 at 12:33 AM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
I'm in @thebookseller.com today talking about how we can get more young people interested in publishing and writing careers.

Featuring @sjbakerauthor.bsky.social and her wonderful, articulate and passionate students.

www.thebookseller.com/comment/wide...
September 19, 2025 at 12:39 AM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'You have to turn that isolation around and say these are experiences I can bring to an industry that doesn't have them.'

The vibrant Daisy May Johnson @chaletfan.bsky.social on baking, books and being proactive in publishing. @pushkinchildrens.bsky.social

on.soundcloud.com/ua4HeJlkoXYX...
A close up photo of Daisy showing her from the neck up. She is smiling at the camera and behind her is a wall of dark green leaves. She is wearing glasses, a black top and has short wavy brown hair. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
September 18, 2025 at 1:26 AM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'I couldn't write about autism until I was old enough to look at myself from the outside.'

On Northern Voices this week, poet Ella Frances Sanderson talks about accessibility, her creative inspiration and why she loves performing her work.

on.soundcloud.com/rJozfVEo0VH5...
Ella stands holding a mic with one hand and sheets of paper with the other. Behind her are blurred wooden bannisters and bookshelves. She has long straight blonde hair and glasses. In the photo she is speaking into the mic, performing her poetry. She is wearing a deep red blouse. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
September 11, 2025 at 1:53 AM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'Writing became something just for me, for my own wellbeing.'

Novelist and Write on the Tyne director Helen Aitchison is on Northern Voices today discussing accessibility, writing as therapy and taking matters into your own hands.

on.soundcloud.com/OjqL1sjV81oR...
A photo of Helen from the chest up standing in front of a slatted wooden wall. She has brown eyes and long wavy dark hair and is smiling at the camera. She is wearing a black, pink and white printed floral blouse. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
September 4, 2025 at 12:38 AM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'There's a real lack of guidance on where you can start out. Publishing is an industry behind closed doors.'

These are the words from one of @sjbakerauthor.bsky.social English students, six of whom feature on today's episode of Northern Voices alongside Susan. 1/

on.soundcloud.com/SVXzImbzMdF5...
A photo of Susan standing in front of a brown/beige wall. She is visible from the chest up and is wearing a navy top and blood-red textured jacket. She has short, cropped white hair and is wearing dangly earrings. She is smiling at the camera. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
August 28, 2025 at 2:11 AM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'We shouldn't exclude creative, passionate, talented people just because they live in another part of the country.'

In a special episode, @canelobooks.bsky.social Executive Publisher Louise Cullen joins me on NV to talk publishing, bias, diversity and the North.

on.soundcloud.com/0SkLFU7d6v6G...
A photo of Louise from the shoulders up with a white wall behind her. She is wearing a white t-shirt with pink writing on, pink lipstick and blusher. Her blonde hair is tied back and she is smiling at the camera. She has blue eyes. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
August 26, 2025 at 12:04 AM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'Millions of people living in towns and villages don't get represented because they're not in London.'

@srlpublishing.bsky.social novelist @robertwelbourn.bsky.social is on Northern Voices today talking gender inequity, romance and the scourge of social media.

on.soundcloud.com/d8iVGgWCEVu7...
Rober stands face-on to the camera, smiling slightly. He is visible from the chest up and is wearing a blue-and-white checked shirt and dark-rimmed glasses. He has a sandy blonde beard and moustache and sandy blonde short hair. Behind him is a beige brick wall. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
August 20, 2025 at 11:26 PM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'Do all your networking online. Don't worry about physical location.'

Novelist and educator Ken Powell is on Northern Voices this week talking about his writing process, the similarities between theatre and publishing, and the benefits of online networking.

on.soundcloud.com/Bo7lteZvmfq5...
A selfie of Ken standing against a metal railing on a platform overlooking a pebble beach. Behind him is the sea and the beach. He is wearing a dark blue fleece and silver wire glasses. He has a neat grey beard and hair and is smiling at the camera. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
August 14, 2025 at 1:12 AM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'There are so few resources that give explicit instruction on how the industry works.'

Writer Quinn Clark @adashofseaglass.bsky.social joins me on Northern Voices today to talk about access, wellness and octopus novels. @summersdalebooks.bsky.social

on.soundcloud.com/Iwuv0ldtABBj...
A selfie style photo of Quinn. They have big brown eyes and dark rimmed glasses. Their hair is cropped and is green. They are smiling and wearing a dark green jumper. In the background is a table and a window covered by curtains. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
August 7, 2025 at 6:48 AM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'If they can't see it, they can't be it. Young people need to see opportunities in writing and publishing.'

Novelist @naomikelsey.bsky.social is on Northern Voices this week talking female characters with agency, creative writing education and publishing careers.

on.soundcloud.com/EYobrdWvs6i4...
Naomi is sitting on the ground in her garden in front of a light brown fence. Behind her is a wooden trellis, some red and pink tulips and some green plants. She is wearing a grey cardigan and a yellow top. She has dark curly hair and she is smiling at the camera. She is visible from the waist up. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
July 31, 2025 at 4:29 AM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
I realise I am very late to the party, but happy publication to Northern Voices's first ever interviewee @connorhutchinson.bsky.social for his debut novel, Dead Lucky @littlebrown.bsky.social

Listen to the episode: on.soundcloud.com/azHZfRNXJHXt...

Buy the book: shorturl.at/6yMe5
July 29, 2025 at 1:36 AM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'We are grappling with a publishing industry completely obsessed with celebrity and making quick sales.'

This week on Northern Voices, The Judas Case author Nicholas Graham talks about writing historical fiction, publishing's celebrity obsession and more.

on.soundcloud.com/6STJLjoPZj7e...
A head and shoulders shot of Nicholas Graham. He is looking into the camera and smiling. Nick is wearing a black suit jacket and dark blue shirt. He has white hair and light brown eyes. Behind him is a dark grey background. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
July 24, 2025 at 3:33 AM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'Make your own contacts, don't wait for things to fall in your lap.'

Novelist Jack Byrne has some great advice on writing, publishing and breaking through class barriers on today's episode of Northern Voices. @liverpool-lit.bsky.social @northodoxpress.bsky.social

on.soundcloud.com/ytGeEyAzy2f5...
A black and white, head and shoulders shot of Jack. He is looking directly at the camera and smiling slightly. He has stubble and dark, cropped hair. He is wearing a dark jumper. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
July 17, 2025 at 12:07 AM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'I love writing for myself but in some ways supporting others is even better.'

Professor and novelist @abicurtiswriter.bsky.social is on Northern Voices this week discussing her novel The Headland @goldsmithspress.bsky.social, academia, creativity and more.

on.soundcloud.com/EHaFY2uG7xsg...
Abi stands in front of a wall of ivy leaves that are turning from green to red. She is wearing a v-neck paisley blouse that is navy with a blur, red and purple patterned print. She is looking off to the side and is also wearing gold dangly earrings. She has shoulder length brown-blonde hair. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
July 9, 2025 at 11:46 PM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'I've discovered that there really is a great beauty in those things we consider mundane.'

This week on Northern Voices, emerging writer Sharon Tyers talks about writing her memoir, The Wrong Socks, Leicester's rich history and giving voice to working-class women.

on.soundcloud.com/McOaYWqvOaVU...
A photo of Sharon from the shoulders up. She's wearing a black jacket with a pink top underneath, and a multicoloured beaded necklace. She has a blonde bob with a full fringe and is smiling. Behind her is a wall with a couple of black-framed pictures hanging on it. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
July 2, 2025 at 11:55 PM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'Publishing is a long process and that's something writers need to be aware of.'

Writer @jodierobins.bsky.social is on Northern Voices today talking about her novella The Off Season from @wildhuntbooks.bsky.social Northern Weird Project among many other things.

on.soundcloud.com/7v5IGdrn5pj0...
A photograph of writer Jodie Robins from the waist up against a brown/beige background. She is wearing a black, button down jumpsuit and has her hands in her pockets. Her hair is mid length and straight and chestnut brown. She is wearing glasses and looking at the camera, smiling slightly. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
June 26, 2025 at 12:32 AM
jenbowden12.bsky.social
'My work is about welcome and I want as many people as possible to have access to pretty much anything.'

Writer and artist Lisette Auton is on Northern Voices today talking about her novel Lights Up, performing Northern venues and the importance of accessibility.

on.soundcloud.com/hcUWZNFLHYeZ...
A woman wearing a black shirt with a print of tigers looks to the top left of the frame. She is gently smiling and has short brown hair with blonde highlights. She is wearing a gold necklace and silver earrings. There is nothing in the background. The Tyne Bridge is pictured in the centre of the frame over a still, reflective River Tyne in Newcastle, UK. Either side of the bridge are buildings with a warmer glow as the sun rises. The words Northern Voices in white lettering feature in the bottom centre of the image.
June 18, 2025 at 11:21 PM