In this episode, the last of Season 1, we celebrate the magic and message of A Christmas Carol, published on this day, December 19, 1843! We’ll explore how Charles Dickens harnessed the power of storytelling to deliver his message of generosity

How to Craft a Sense of Wonder: Lessons from Lewis Carroll

Dec 12th, 2021 19m 9s

In this episode, we explore the world of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and how the author created a timeless children’s story, adored, adapted, and accepted by millions of readers across the world. First, I’ll read the chapter aloud befor

How to craft Gothic Atmosphere: Lessons from C.J. Cooke

Dec 5th, 2021 13m 40s

In this episode, we explore C.J. Cooke’s The Lighthouse Witches and how the gothic atmosphere of this wonderfully immersive and compelling read has been created. First, I’ll read the chapter aloud before exploring key passages with a close read

How to craft Multiple Characters: Lessons from Leigh Bardugo

Nov 28th, 2021 46m 49s

In this episode, we look at the opening two chapters of Six of Crows’ by Leigh Bardugo to explore how she interweaves the multiple character storylines of her six protagonists. First, I’ll read the chapters aloud before exploring key passages w

How to build Fantasy Worlds: Lessons from Samantha Shannon

Nov 21st, 2021 23m 24s

How to Build Fantasy Worlds: Lessons from Samantha Shannon In this episode, we look at the opening chapter of The Priory of the Orange Tree, by Samantha Shannon and how this sets the scene for the world she has created. First, I’ll read the cha

How to absorb your readers into the story: Lessons from Erin Morgenstern

Nov 14th, 2021 19m 6s

Disclaimer: This episode contains one use of explicit language during the passage read aloud from Chapter 1 of The Night Circus.In this episode, we look at the opening chapter of The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern. First, I’ll read the chapt

How to drive your story with dialogue: Lessons from John Le Carre

Nov 7th, 2021 22m 10s

In this episode, we look at chapter one of The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, by John Le Carre. First, I’ll read the chapter aloud before exploring key passages with a close reading. We’ll look at the use of dialogue to create and deliver tensi

How to set the pace of your novel: Lessons from Shirley Jackson

Oct 31st, 2021 21m 7s

Read TranscriptIn this episode, we look at chapter one of The Haunting of Hill House, by Shirley Jackson. First, I’ll read the chapter aloud before exploring key passages in detail with a close reading where we’ll look at the narrative’s struct

How to set the scene for your novel: Lessons from Emily Bronte

Oct 24th, 2021 22m 33s

Read TranscriptIn this episode, we look at chapter one of Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte. First, I’ll read the chapter aloud before exploring key passages in detail with a close reading where we’ll look at the exposition of the narrative st

How to introduce characters: Lessons from Charles Dickens

Oct 24th, 2021 18m 26s

Read TranscriptIn this episode, we look at chapter one of Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens. First, I’ll read the chapter aloud before exploring key passages in detail with a close reading where we’ll look at character introductions, the r

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The Reading Room Podcast - Trailer

Oct 17th, 2021 1m 16s

Welcome to The Reading Room. I’m Xeni, a writing coach, workshop host, film and publishing marketer, and storyteller. In each episode, I’ll read selected story passages aloud and analyse these as a writer; inviting you to do the same with promp

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