iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

'You only need a piece of paper and a pen to be able to write.' @thewordupnorth.bsky.social New Northern Poet @l-strickland.bsky.social features on Northern Voices this week talking all things writing and why she aims to make readers cry. on.soundcloud.com/KRVzAOZ26HSP...

A head and shoulders photo of Laura who is standing in a park. Behind her are autumn leaves on green grass and the trunk of a large tree. The background is slightly blurred. She is wearing a pink double-breasted coat, a black sheer shirt and a silver necklace and earrings. She has a short, dark brown bob 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.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

'Historical fiction has to tread a line between speaking to today's readers and being authentic.' Award-winning novelist Carolyn Kirby @northodoxpress.bsky.social is on Northern Voices today discussing writing history, going to Oxford and her novel Ravenglass. on.soundcloud.com/9Xmy1UNAqLzq...

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

'Punk is all about that idea of just go and do it and if it fails, do something else.' Musician and journalist @johnrobbofficial.bsky.social is on Northern Voices today talking about his memoir, Punk Rock Ruined My Life @manchesterup.bsky.social on.soundcloud.com/2Bgy3Mz3sDXU...

A colour photo of John from the waist up against a blue/grey plain background. He is pulling his jacket forward at the waist, large silver rings on his right hand. His jacket is dark grey with white pinstripes and he is wearing a dark grey shirt. He is looking at the camera with a serious expression. His eyes are blue and his hair is in a mohawk style with a large quiff at the front. He has a black handkerchief in his breast pocket with white polka dots on it.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

'The best way of tackling the lack of diversity in publishing is to do what we're doing: widening the scope of Northern publishing and giving writers a chance to feature.' Leah, Elizabeth and Alicia talk about the launch of new Northern mag, Who Gives A Book? on.soundcloud.com/SMCFhjiiIgLA...

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

'He's a Northerner, he loves books and he's very well read, so that has to be a good thing.' Not the Booker Prize-winner Michael Stewart on writing gothic fiction, meeting his wife via the Brontës and why Andy Burnham's reading habits might make him a good PM. on.soundcloud.com/tJATRECczxne...

A photo of Michael standing partly in shadow against a grey/beige brick wall. He is wearing a black jacket and is looking in the direction of the bottom left of the image. He has grey hair slicked back in a quiff and dark eyebrows. His hands are in his pockets and his expression is serious.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

'As working-class writers we sometimes don't have that mentality of "I can do it".' Emerging writer Victoria Ferguson joins me on Northern Voices this week to talk about writing folk horror in Northern dialect, working-class mentality and the accessibility. on.soundcloud.com/JWEfsoOnjemA...

A head and shoulders photo of Victoria in front of a dark red wall with wallpaper of light brown leaves on it. She is wearing a tartan coat and her hair is shoulder length, light brown and wavy. She is smiling directly at the camera.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

'Getting an agent or book deal doesn't make all the writing struggles disappear.' A special episode of Northern Voices with @louisepowell.bsky.social about the submissions process that led to her debut novel Underdogs being picked up by @johnmurrays.bsky.social on.soundcloud.com/gndHwdfe4UHX...

A head-and-shoulders colour photograph of Louise who is wearing a black blouse with white spots. She has long blonde hair that is half up half down, small dangling gold and pearl earrings and blue eyes. She is smiling at the camera. Behind her is a blur of green trees.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Thanks so much for coming on! It was lovely to chat to you. :)

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

'As a menopausal wheelchair user, being from the North is the least of my worries' The wonderful @kayinckle.bsky.social joins me on Northern Voices today to talk cli-fi, lack of representation and marginalisation in UK publishing. @srlpublishing.bsky.social on.soundcloud.com/lXZLyXDod9FG...

A full-body photo of Kay sitting in a 3-wheel wheelchair. She is smiling at the camera and is wearing a purple and bright blue patterned dress. Her legs are bare from the knee down and she has a tattoo on her left calf. Her hair is grey and curly and in an up-do. Behind her is a wall with graffiti and some bright green bushes.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Prophet Song by Paul Lynch. Can't believe it's taken me this long to get to it. It's amazing!

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

On Northern Voices today, 3 students from @yorkstjohn.bsky.social creative writing degree Charlie Mason, Hannah Neave and Henry Wileman talk about the anthology they've produced, Beyond the Walls published by Valley Press. on.soundcloud.com/53T2slWZ96Iz...

A colour photo of Charlie taken from over her shoulder, she is looking back to the camera. She has bright red long hair, glasses and a nose ring. She is looking at the camera and smiling. Behind her is a countryside scene with trees and a gate.

A head and shoulders photo of Hannah. She has curly brown hair framing her face, blue eyes and pale green glasses. She is wearing a white lacy shirt. She is smiling at the camera and behind her is a white room.

A head and shoulders shot of Henry who is wearing a black t-shirt and gold necklace. He has round, gold rimmed glasses, short hair and a nose piercing. He is smiling at the camera. Next to him is a very full bookshelf.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

'One of the things connecting Northern and working-class writers is the land.' @drclaireocall.bsky.social is on Northern Voices this week talking all things Emily Brontë, including why the Wuthering Heights film made her laugh. @saraband-books.bsky.social on.soundcloud.com/f8x1InmCfAfx...

A black and white head and shoulders photo of Claire, who is side on to the camera. She is wearing a black leather jacket and dark lipstick. She has blonde, shoulder-length hair and is looking directly at the camera. She is smiling slightly.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Carolyn's latest novel Rose and Renzo is published by @northodoxpress.bsky.social and she is repped by @jennybrownagency.bsky.social

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

'To be told you need to adjust or reduce dialect in your writing is such an infringement on the creative impulse.' Novelist Carolyn O'Brien @carolynmanc.bsky.social is on Northern Voices today talking about dialect, historical fiction and the publishing process. on.soundcloud.com/qmaYRF2HrXmk...

A photo of Carolyn from the waist up leaning against a red brick wall. She has her arms folded and is smiling at the camera. She is wearing a buttoned up navy blue shirt and has a short brown bob.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Thanks for publishing this awesome book! It was brilliant to have Shaun back on – as a published author this time!

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

If you have not read @smwwriting.bsky.social Malc's Boy out now from @conduitbooks.bsky.social you really should. Brilliant, original, gripping.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

'Have a discussion first so the editor is familiar with your vision and style' Shaun Wilson @smwwriting.bsky.social guests on the first in a series of special episodes opening up the publishing process: Publishing Unpacked. Today is all about editorial @conduitbooks.bsky.social shorturl.at/om0od

A head and shoulders shot of Shaun sitting side on to the camera but turning to face the lens. The background behind him is dark and he is wearing a black polo shirt with a yellow border around the collar. He has dark hair and eyes and his expression is serious.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

And further proof that there is an appetite for books set in the North. Huge achievement Stu. Congratulations to you and @ortacpress.bsky.social still reading my copy and loving every page

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Such a great conversation – and an incredible story – thanks for joining me!

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

'If you want to be a journalist you need passion, enthusiasm and to be able to show it's what you really want.' Writer @frankmalley.bsky.social joins me on Northern Voices to talk about the incredible true story behind his latest novel, The Singing Spy. on.soundcloud.com/aOp0aW1LQsup...

A selfie of Frank. He has a window behind him and a cream wall with brown beams. He is wearing a navy jumper and light blue shirt and has glasses. His hair is dark with some grey and short. He is smiling at the camera.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

'People should celebrate their accent, write about what they know and where they are.' Byker Grove writer and novelist Steve Chambers is on Northern Voices today, talking about his novel The Dark Months and more. on.soundcloud.com/Fkb6FXyw1BpE...

A photo of Steve from the waist up standing on what looks like a very high hill. More hills are in the background and it is a cloudy day. He is resting his right arm on a stone wall and holds a stick in his left. He has a backpack on and a black long sleeve top. His hair is short and grey and he is smiling at the camera.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

'We talk about class as if it's straightforward, but it's actually really complex.' Award-winning writer and proud Donny lass Colwill Brown, author of We Pretty Pieces of Flesh, is on Northern Voices today talking about writing friendships, home and dialect. on.soundcloud.com/OhSJJ27WIXMp...

A head and shoulders shot of Colwill in full colour with a blurred green outdoor landscape in the background. She is wearing a black leather jacket over a green, white and black striped jumper. Her hair is wavy and shoulder length and both that and her lips are bright red. Her facial expression is serious. She has brown eyes and is looking directly at the camera.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

'Being prolific is about putting things in place that you can always go back to.' Today on Northern Voices, I have poet, performer and proud North East lad Dan Husband joining me to talk about community, communication and commitment to writing. on.soundcloud.com/nwdwTXy4i6JD...

A photo of Dan standing against a wall painted to look like large stones, with text graffiti behind him. He is standing with his legs apart, looking up to the sky. He is wearing a black and white patterned fleece jacket with black pockets and khaki grey combat trousers and black and white trainers.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Mental, isn't it? Justin couldn't believe it when we came over and came up from Heathrow.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Sharing this because you should go see Stu, but also because it highlights the ridiculous cost of going to London.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

'To be a writer, all you need to do is write.' Experimental writer, scientist and creative writing mentor @taniahershman.bsky.social is on Northern Voices today talking about blending science, creativity and genre, plus much more. on.soundcloud.com/zET3rRUVdz6Q...

A greyscale photo of Tania leaning against a brick wall. Only her head and shoulders are visible and she has cropped dark hair. She is wearing a dark top and slightly lighter cardigan, and she is smiling at the camera.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Mine's on the way so I'll send you Keshed in Aus when it arrives ;) will take it for a surf with the girls.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

'Publishers need to understand that Northern writing in no way has to be about the North.' Northern Voices is back and the first episode of 2026 features prize-winning writer @andrewokeyauthor.bsky.social discussing writing, winning and the North. on.soundcloud.com/9sgItHGJrHxP...

A photo of Andrew from the shoulders up against a plain white wall background. He is side-on to the camera so that his body faces to the left but his face is looking directly at us. He has short, dark hair and glasses and he is smiling. He is wearing a bright green and black striped t-shirt.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

C*nting Crows (wasn't sure it would let me post with the 'u' in it haha)

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

Can confirm Blackwells are great for international postage. Cheaper than some books I've had posted from Aus suppliers even!

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

Oh class, just got yours and Ben M's from Blackwells and it was really reasonable! Nice one, Stu. Thanks for the tip. Look forward to reading when it arrives. 🙃

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

That is very fair, the cost of sending things abroad is pretty crazy. I will find a way!

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

Very keen to get a copy when it comes out. Do Ortac post internationally? If not I can get a copy sent to mam's and she can post it out maybe?

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

'I like writing about women making terrible decisions' Novelist @cdelull.bsky.social is on the final episode of Northern Voices for 2025 talking about writing bisexuality, her book Cacoethes and sassy, female-led fiction. on.soundcloud.com/GkbhsBZagkm5...

A black and white photo of Chloe sitting on a chair. She is leaning forward with one hand resting on crossed legs and the other supporting her chin. She is wearing several rings, a light long sleeved top and dark trousers. She has glasses and mid-length straight hair. She is looking at the camera and smiling slightly.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

'It's getting much harder to be published the traditional way.' Author @malhavardwriter.bsky.social joins me on Northern Voices to talk about why his foray into traditional publishing made him decide to do it himself. on.soundcloud.com/LH2Wo0rK1V0I...

A black and white photo of Malcolm from the neck up. He has short hair and is looking just left of the camera and smiling slightly. He is wearing a dark polo shirt and jacket. Behind him is an out of focus bookshelf.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

'Folklore is still part of everyday life in the cities as well as in the countryside.' Novelist and folklore academic @cerihoulbrook.bsky.social is on Northern Voices today talking about boggarts, writing and her new book, Folklore, from @manchesterup.bsky.social on.soundcloud.com/Zn0M7epQr9rg...

A photo of Ceri in front of a blurred brown background. She is sitting on the floor with her hands behind her knees. She is looking at the camera and smiling. She is wearing a blue dress with brown flowers and has short black hair with a full fringe. She has green eyes and is wearing pale pink lipstick.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

Ah it's aunty-nephew juggling in this case, but yes still fun. Especially in the middle of giving a class. I had some very amused students.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

End of term marking – but with a 3.5 year old toddling in every five minutes and shouting 'knock knock are you busy!??'

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

'I know so many neurodivergent writers who have had rejections for "unrelatable" characters.' Novelist @alethearlyons.bsky.social joins me on Northern Voices today to talk about diversity, writing and why AI isn't actually 'intelligent'. on.soundcloud.com/gA1cXapmgwJ5...

A photo of Thea in front of a glass bookshelf filled with old gold and leather-bound books. She is side on from the camera and photographed from the shoulders up. She is smiling at the camera and has swirly eye makeup, bronze lipstick, blonde straight hair and brown eyes. She is wearing gold necklaces and a black vest top.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

'In the North, we don't wait for handouts or to be given permission because that rarely comes. We just get on and do it.' A special episode of Northern Voices today featuring the legendary @benjaminmyers76.bsky.social on his new novel, the North & more. @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social rb.gy/tmsjtd

A photo of Benjamin from the chest up standing in front of an old wooden door. He is wearing a bright blue coat, green shirt and black turtleneck. He has a sandy grey beard and brown eyes and is looking at the camera with a serious face. He is also wearing a camel-coloured hat with a wide brim.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

Should it not be corduroy given it's a publishing thing? 😅

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

As good a time as any to note that from early next year Northern Voices will be going out fortnightly rather than weekly. We've got a bit going on at home here having recently relocated to Perth (moving interstate 2/10 do not recommend) and had a bit of a job shuffle.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

'Publishers need to be more approachable at a grassroots level.' Author and indie publisher Jodie Jones joins me on (the delayed) Episode 105 of Northern Voices talking about publishing, imposter syndrome and the natural storytellers of the North East. on.soundcloud.com/ByhGc1YUBp67...

A selfie of Jodie showing her from the shoulders up. She is wearing a dark blue and white floral patterned blouse. Her blonde hair is shoulder length and she is wearing pink lipstick. She has blue eyes and is smiling at the camera. Behind her is a beige wall.

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Jen Bowden @jenbowden12.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

'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.

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