What! The Heys
Welcome to the ‘What! The Heys’ podcast that tears the cover off the writing world! Whether you're a seasoned author, an aspiring novelist, or just a lover of great stories, I’m here to demystify the writing craft, explore the publishing industry, dive deep into the books we can't stop thinking about, and chat with amazing guests from across the literary universe. Get ready for a conversation that's as passionate and unpredictable as a plot twist. Let's get into it.
If you’re interested in my writing you can also check out my blog:
https://heyswolfenden.blogspot.com/?m=1
My Middle Grade/YA novel, ‘Jack Strong and the Red Giant’:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M22USRE?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
My collection of poetry, ‘Made in China: 50 Sonnets on Modern China’:
Episodes
30 episodes
#30: Poetry Unzipped - In Conversation with Ansuya Patel and Sarah James
Want to listen to some top-notch poetry?In this episode, three UK poets - Sarah James, Ansuya Patel, and Heys Wolfenden - discuss three of their poems. They also share their thoughts on the benefits of attendi...
#29: How To Write Romantasy Exceedingly Well - J.M. McGregor
Ever fancied writing a bestselling Romantasy novel, but you're not sure how?In this episode, Australian Romantasy author J.M. McGregor gives the lowdown on how she wrote her debut novel, 'Ash and Tide', togeth...
#28: How To Use AI Responsibly In Your Writing - Heys Wolfenden
Should writers completely accept or reject using AI in their writing? In this episode of the highly successful writing podcast, 'What! The Heys', the YA author Heys Wolfenden discusses the pros and cons o...
#27: How To Write A Dating Memoir Shockingly Well - Arielle Miller
In this episode of the highly successful 'What! The Heys' podcast, LA native Arielle Miller gives the lowdown on her recent book, 'F*ck Me: A Memoir', which chronicles her various post-divorce relationships.
#26: How Writing Retreats Can Improve Your Craft - K.J. Holmes
Want to know how to improve your writing but not sure where to start? In this episode of 'What! The Heys', Fantasy and Romance author K.J. Holmes breaks down all the amazing ways you can improve your writ...
#25: How To Plan And Write A Fantasy Series And Distribute Your Books Like A Pro - Ryan Null
Want to write a fantasy series, but not sure where to start? In this episode of the hugely engaging, 'What! The Heys' podcast, Indiana native Ryan Null breaks down how he plans and writes his fantasy series (think character...
#24: How To Write Fiction In An AI Dominated World - A.L. Lieske, Ryan Null, and Heys Wolfenden
Should writers embrace AI in their books, or should they reject it completely?In this episode authors A.L. Lieske, Ryan Null, and Heys Wolfenden discuss the ethical implications of using AI in writing and publ...
#23: How To Write Young Adult Fiction Absurdly Well - Michele Kwasniewski
Want to know what it feels like be a pop star at the height of fame? In her gripping trilogy, The Rise and Fall of Dani Truehart, Michele Kwasniewski delivers a heartfelt, unflinching look at the highs and lows of teenage...
#22: How To Get Seriously Good At Writing Action Thrillers - Allen and Brian Manning
Want to write books that actually sell?In this episode, Las Vegas authors Allen and Brian Manning reveal the secrets behind their success - from writing for your ideal reader to turning brutal reviews into artistic fuel.The...
#21: How To Place Your Books In Libraries And Market Them Effectively- Christoffer Vuolo Junros
Christoffer Vuolo Junros doesn’t just place ads on social media to promote his Origin Andromeda trilogy- he also distributes his books to local libraries. On top of that he also believes in engaging with other authors on social media, who then ...
#20: How To Become Incredibly Good At Storytelling - Hayden Croft
Hayden Croft has got it all: he’s a screenwriter, director, and a novelist. Oh, and when he’s not working on his next successful film, he’s also cranking out poems and short stories about Los Angeles, the city that he’s adopted since his move f...
#19: How Living In China Has Influenced My Writing (And Helped Me Get Better At The Same Time) - Heys Wolfenden
In this episode, YA writer and poet Heys Wolfenden dives into a wide-ranging conversation inspired by questions from fellow authors A. L. Lieske, David Pariseau, and Mars Wilson. From his years living in China to the...
#18: How Living An Eventful Life Can Make You A Better Author - Travis Byram
Travis Byram has lived all over the world (USA, Thailand, China, Qatar...) and now writes from the beautiful city of Izmir, Turkey. As well as writing short stories, he compiles his own dream journal, and is a voraci...
#17: How To Show Not Tell (And Improve Your Writing At The Same Time) - Heys Wolfenden
In this episode, YA writer and poet Heys Wolfenden tackles some of the biggest talking points for writers and creators today. From practical ways to grow your podcast audience to the frustrating reality of writers who never return...
#16: How To Use Beta Readers To Complete The Perfect Manuscript - David Pariseau
David Pariseau is a successful entrepreneur and rising voice in science fiction. His debut novel, Dreams of Verdure (2025), launched the epic Ndesa series, captivating readers with its imaginative jun...
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#15: How To Use Your Heritage To Write Poetry Fantastically Well - Ansuya Patel
Ansuya Patel is a British Indian poet who resides in London, U.K. Her debut collection, 'Wolves At My Door' published by Indigo Dreams won the Geoff Stevens Memorial Prize in 2024. In her poems she writes abou...
#14: How To Write A Memoir Absurdly Well - Curtis Chin
Curtis Chin is the author of the coming of age/coming out memoir, 'Everything I learned, I learned In A Chinese Restaurant' about his upbringing in Detroit in the 1980s. He also writes screenplays for TV and is currently wo...
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#13: My 2026 New Year's Resolutions (And How They Are Going To Make Me A Better Author) - Heys Wolfenden
In this episode, YA author and poet Heys Wolfenden shares his New Year’s resolutions for 2026, reflects on thought-provoking ideas from previous guests—A. L. Lieske, Travis Byram, and Sarah James—and offers a behind-...
#12: How To Write Poetry Fantastically Well - Sarah James
Sarah James (also published as Sarah Leavesley) is a prize-winning poet, fiction writer, journalist and photographer. Nine out of ten of her solo poetry titles have won or been shortlisted/highly commended for an award, including her lat...
#11: How To Succeed At Independent Publishing (And Get Better Whilst Doing It) - A. L. Lieske
A. L. Lieske is a mystery-indie author whose work fuses psychological intrigue with classic mystery. She draws upon a lifelong engagement with research and nonfiction writing, including philosophical and theological reflections, f...
#10: How Living Abroad Can Improve Your Writing - Ariella Gibson
Writer and artist Ariella Gibson lives a life many of us dream of—making art from a home abroad. But how does that constant shift in perspective actually shape her work? In this episode Ariella and I chat about the direct l...
#9: The Ghost In The Machine: Authors, AI, And The Future Of Publishing - Heys Wolfenden
In this episode, YA author and poet Heys Wolfenden dives into some of the most debated questions in modern writing: what kind of language should writers be using in their work? Should readers stop engaging with controversia...
#8: How Reading Regularly Can Improve Your Writing - Travis Byram
Travis Byram doesn't just get ideas from books, but from his own dream journal! He's lived all over the world (USA, Thailand, China, Qatar...) and now writes from the beautiful city of Izmir, Turkey. Oh, and when he's not crafting...
#7: The Best Writing Advice I’ve Ever Received (And How It’s Made Me Better) - Heys Wolfenden
Want to write with more clarity and confidence? In this episode YA author and poet, Heys Wolfenden shares the best writing advice he's ever received. Listen to this episode to find out about all the simple ways you can use ...
#6: The Worst Writing Advice I’ve Ever Received (And How It’s Made Me Better) - Heys Wolfenden
What's the worst writing advice you've ever heard? In this episode YA author and poet, Heys Wolfenden offers a deep dive into all the bad writing advice he's ever received, whilst also showing how you can use this to...
