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Always Take Notes

Always Take Notes
Publishing Industry
Philippa Gregory
Writing
Journalism
Jhumpa Lahiri
Everything You Have
Television Production
John Le Carré
Biography Writing
Central African Republic
Greece
The Race To the Future
Kassia St. Clair
The Secret Lives Of Colour
English Wine
Roman Stories
Interpreter Of Maladies
Harry Hole
Crime Fiction
Eleanor Moran

Always Take Notes is a fortnightly podcast from London for and about writers and writing. Hosts Simon Akam and Rachel Lloyd speak to a diverse range of people in the industry on a variety of topics, from the mysteries of slush piles and per-word rates, to how data are changing the ways newspapers do business and how to pitch a book. patreon.com/alwaystakenotes

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes249Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Arts

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Latest Episodes

Rachel and Simon speak to the playwright, screenwriter and novelist Moira Buffini. After training as an actor, Moira started writing for the stage; her plays include "Gabriel" (which won the Meyer-Whitworth Award in 1998), "Dinner" (nominated for an ... more

Simon and Rachel speak to the novelist Salman Rushdie, whose 17 works of fiction have been translated into over 40 languages. Salman's novels include include "Midnight’s Children" – for which he won the Booker Prize in 1981, the Booker of Bookers on ... more

In this episode, recorded live at Wimbledon BookFest, Rachel and Simon speak to the novelist Michelle Paver. Born in Nyasaland (now Malawi) to a South African father and Belgian mother, Michelle moved to Britain when she was three. After studying bio... more

In this episode Simon and Rachel speak to the prolific novelist Anthony Horowitz.  Anthony is the author of the teen spy Alex Rider series, which has sold more than 19 million copies worldwide. The books have been adapted into a film and a show on Am... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Moira Buffini
Playwright, screenwriter, and novelist
Episode: #229: Moira Buffini, playwright, screenwriter and novelist
Salman Rushdie
Novelist known for his impactful works and experiences as a writer under threat.
Independent author
Episode: #228: Salman Rushdie, novelist
Michelle Paver
Novelist and author known for her series including 'Wolf Brother' and her latest book 'Rainforest'.
Orion
Episode: #227: Michelle Paver, novelist
Anthony Horowitz
Novelist known for the Alex Rider series and other works
Penguin
Episode: #226: Anthony Horowitz, novelist
Susan Choi
Acclaimed novelist and author of Flashlight and Trust Exercise
Episode: #225: Susan Choi, novelist
Dean Koontz
Novelist known for his suspenseful and speculative fiction, including bestsellers like 'Watchers'.
Publisher: Thomas and Mercer
Episode: #224: Dean Koontz, novelist
Sarah Perry
Novelist known for her works exploring themes of faith, science, and personal struggle.
Published by Vintage
Episode: #223: Sarah Perry, novelist
James Alistair Henry
Screenwriter and novelist
Moonflower Books
Episode: #222: James Alistair Henry, screenwriter and novelist
Eimear McBride
Novelist known for her distinctive linguistic style and character-driven narratives.
Faber and Faber
Episode: #221: Eimear McBride, novelist

Hosts

Simon Akam
Co-host and host, experienced writer with a focus on literature and journalism.
Rachel Lloyd
Co-host and host, known for her interviews and insights into the writing community.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 206 ratings
  • Outstanding interviews

    I look forward to hearing these interviews.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NeverBored.
    United States5 months ago
  • Entertaining, helpful and informative

    I really enjoy Always Take Notes. It has the most incredible guests. My favourites so far are Harlen Coben and Lee Child. But it’s great when they move away into screenwriting and other platforms (James Graham and David Nicholls are also fab interviewees.)

    Simon and Rachel are intelligent and articulate interviewers.

    The most heartening thing to hear is how successful writers have struggled, either creatively, financially or emotionally with their work - but have found a way through.

    Also a us... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Rob M U rphy
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Philippe Sands episode is exceptional

    Philippe Sands episode absolutely fascinating. The best episode. Highly recommend!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    cbsurm
    Australiaa year ago
  • Really helpful

    As a graduate of an MA in Magazine Journalism, I recently discovered a podcast that perfectly complements and extends what I learned during my course. Even after graduation, I continue to learn something new from each episode. The best part is that most of the guest speakers are working journalists, making it feel like attending hundreds of journalism seminars without actually having to go. I highly recommend it!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Wangmo44
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Podcast overall good, but

    I enjoy the Always Take Notes Podcast. I don’t listen regularly but I do listen from time to time, I enjoy the hosts and being exposed to writers with which I’m otherwise unfamiliar. I took a point off just because I wouldn’t rate it a perfect 5, however I took another point off for the Naomi Klein interview. The approach Klein took to write her book Doppelgänger doesn’t sit well. It seems attacking, unaccepting and condemning of the work of Naomi Wolfe in a way that’s almost underhanded. Kle... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Jesus-in-the-City
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the insightful interviews with a range of fascinating guests.
Some feedback indicates a desire for improved interaction and active listening from the hosts during interviews.
The podcast is deemed an excellent resource for aspiring writers, providing practical advice and unique industry insights.
Many find the hosts intelligent and articulate, bringing valuable discussions to the table.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#249
United Kingdom/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#165
United Arab Emirates/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

#229: Moira Buffini, playwright, screenwriter and novelist
Q: So can theatre be a little bit navel-gazing that people don't regard it with the same kind of critical rigor that they regard film or TV work?
That point may be valid, but personally, I find theatre magical and deeply engaging; it extends beyond snobbery to evoke true emotional responses.
#229: Moira Buffini, playwright, screenwriter and novelist
Q: Have you found that freeing or daunting or both?
It's really freeing, sometimes daunting, but ultimately wonderful to spend time with and feel for the characters.
#229: Moira Buffini, playwright, screenwriter and novelist
Q: And at what point did you realize or know it was going to be a trilogy?
Fairly soon after completing the first draft of the first two books, which felt rushed and needed more detail to develop the characters and story.
#229: Moira Buffini, playwright, screenwriter and novelist
Q: Could we start with The Torch Trilogy? Where did the idea for the series come from?
The idea has been carried around for decades, stemming from a love of dystopian fiction and the desire to create an epic tale that no one would commission.
#228: Salman Rushdie, novelist
Q: What is the experience of returning to writing fiction after the 2022 attack been like?
It was a total joy and felt like the fiction door swung open in my head again once I finished writing Knife.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Always Take Notes

What is Always Take Notes about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Exploring the multifaceted world of writing and publishing, episodes feature in-depth conversations with accomplished authors, screenwriters, and industry professionals. Common themes include the creative process, the challenges of literary life, and insights into publishing dynamics, with notable discussions encompassing a spectrum of genres and styles. This podcast is particularly appealing to aspiring and established writers, as it offers practical advice along with intimate stories from those who have navigated the complexities of the literary landscape. Unique in its blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights, it serves as both an inspiration and a resource for anyone interested in the craft of writing.

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How many listeners does Always Take Notes get?

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How many subscribers and views does Always Take Notes have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Always Take Notes?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Always Take Notes:

1. The Waterstones Podcast
2. Front Row
3. Take Four Books
4. The LRB Podcast
5. London Review Bookshop Podcast

How many episodes of Always Take Notes are there?

Always Take Notes launched 9 years ago and published 249 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Always Take Notes?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Always Take Notes?

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What guests have appeared on Always Take Notes?

Recent guests on Always Take Notes include:

1. Moira Buffini
2. Salman Rushdie
3. Michelle Paver
4. Anthony Horowitz
5. Susan Choi
6. Dean Koontz
7. Sarah Perry
8. James Alistair Henry

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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