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The podcast industry has grown exponentially in recent years, with recommendations for new podcasts as common as tips for restaurants and shows on Netflix. But what do experts listen to? The Conversation asked eight authors from across their sections to tell us about their favourite podcasts – and why you should tune in.
February 7, 2017
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Ben Aaronovitch is sci-fi and fantasy author. He's best known for his Rivers of London series, which follows a young police officer recruited by a special branch of the Metropolitan Police dealing with magic and the supernatural. Holly Newson spoke to Ben about writing for Doctor Who, the importance of libraries, and whether he’s honest when giving his opinion on his friend’s books...
December 21, 2016
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Going to university can be a test for anyone, fresh, or not-so-fresh from school. Students are not only expected to adapt to independent study and increased reading loads, but they also have to learn as soon as possible how to “do” the kind of academic writing and academic talk their given field demands. And for those students with dyslexia, this can be particularly challenging.
December 5, 2016
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It’s an all too rare occurrence that I find myself sacrificing sleep to keep the characters in my ears. The Goldfinch was such a book and, despite what I considered an all-too-soap-box-y ending, I thought it was wonderful. Two things happen when I enjoy a book to that extent. One, I insist everyone around me get a copy. (If too much resistance is shown, copies are procured as gifts). Two, I’m ravenous to pursue the author’s other works. To devour their back catalogue, to feel all shaken and entranced once again.
November 28, 2016
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Last week I, like many other people, started to get a cold. And whilst colds are rubbish, it did prompt me for the first time in ages to think more about looking after myself, particularly health-wise. And this is what Self Care Week is all about.
November 14, 2016
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It is estimated that around one in ten people have dyslexia – a common learning difficulty which can cause problems with reading, writing and spelling. But dyslexia can cause more than just spelling difficulties, because it effects a person’s self-esteem and self-worth. Many dyslexics feel that they are “stupid” or “dumb”, but this is simply not the case. And in fact, most dyslexic students are no different to their non-dyslexic peers in their understanding of their academic subject.
October 24, 2016
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One hurdle that can be tricky for any writer to clear is identifying their target audience. Sometimes, figuring out exactly who’d like to read their book and the best way they can engage them is harder than it sounds. But imagine if you were writing for an audience who aren’t even born yet.
October 17, 2016
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Mental Health Day happens once a year, and is a great way of raising awareness of mental health and mental illnesses. It's important, though, that the awareness and the messages present on Mental Health Day don't get lost on the other days of the year. We've picked some tweets that are useful reminders on how we might view our own mental health and that of others - saved here so you can look again whenever is useful.
October 10, 2016
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This week marks a year since we began Listening Books Blog! We've loved every minute of it, and hope you have too! We've written about topics ranging from the history of audiobooks to the joys of volunteering. We've had interviews with Eragon author Christopher Paolini, and travel author Bill Bryson to name but two. And we've put together lots of recommendations for audiobooks of all sorts.
September 28, 2016
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National Read a Book Day happens every year. This doesn't mean that it's the only day that's great for reading of course, but it's a brilliant reminder to pick up a book or audiobook if you haven't read for a while, or to choose your next title to read! It can be hard to decide what to read next, so recommendations are super helpful to point you in the right direction...
September 6, 2016
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