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’: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Made-China-Fifty-Sonnets-Modern-ebook/dp/B08DMLPYZR/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3KI41E4V5F5ZE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Rf3HZYusIdvgYXofCbUMuw.B719F4EG3aqyn66kFLpvB2ttaeolJzDBvbqv2yfCZFo&dib_tag=se&keywords=Made+in+China%3A+50+sonnets+on+Modern+China&qid=1758932767&sprefix=made+in+china+50+sonnets+on+modern+china%2Caps%2C435&sr=8-1
Episodes
Want to know how to use your experience to write a novel that really kicks, but not sure how?
In this episode of 'What! The Heys,' Chester native Oliver Jensen, explains how you can use your experiences to improve your writing, particularly those that break your heart.
He also discusses the importance of his father reading to him when he was younger, and how Ernest Hemingway has had a considerable impact on ...
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 attending book fairs, how travel can have a positive impact on your writing, and how the podcast is providing a platform for other writers.
Perfect for writers and creators everywhere!
You can find out more about Ansuy...
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', together with some important tips on how to place your work in local bookshops, utilize beta readers, and use 'show not tell' on a more consistent basis.
Perfect for lovers of Fantasy, Romance...
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 of using AI not just in your writing but also in the wider publishing process.
He also reflects on some of his struggles with the podcast, not least booking guests, and how to use the sense of smell in your...
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.
She also gives her candid opinion on the #metoo movement, her experiences editing the book, and her current work in progress which revolves around the lives of four middle-aged women in LA.
Pe...
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 writing from attending writing retreats, hiring an editor, and entering various writing competitions.
What's more, she also discusses her writing routine, the key texts that have influenced her work, and ...
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 characters, plot lines, world building and maps) despite his hectic family life.
What's more, he also shares some of his tips for new writers, including how he distributes his novels across ...
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 publishing, along with some ideas on how to market your books effectively.
Perfect for writers and creators everywhere.
If you like this episode you can check out my novel, Jack Strong and the Red Gi...
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 stardom.
Join me as I sit down with Michele to explore everything from writing compelling YA fiction to navigating the growing influence - and risks - of AI in storytelling.
A must-listen for writers...
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.
Their John Stone action thriller series doesn’t just perform—it dominates, with standout indie sales and an impressive 4.2/5 average on Amazon.
If you want to write fast-paced, addictive fiction—and m...
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 in turn purchase his books (and rate them highly!). Check out my interview with him where he discusses these strategies along with his passion for science fiction and getting ...
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 from Phoenix, Arizona.
In this episode we discuss his life as a screenwriter and director, together with his debut novel, NoHo Confetti, a dark comedy that revolves around some ...
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 moment he first decided to become a writer, Heys shares the experiences that shaped both his life and his work.
He reveals how he builds memorable characters, discusses the writers who influenced him mos...
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 voracious reader of fiction.
In this episode we discussed some of the latest books that he’s read, the influences on some of his recent writing, and some of the trends in modern publishing. When he's not ...
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 social media follows, nothing is off the table. He also dives into one of the most debated rules in storytelling—show, don’t tell—and explores whether it’s always the golden rule writers b...
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 jungle world and sweeping character-led story. The saga continues in 2026 with the highly anticipated sequel, Songs of Flint. Perfect for writers and sci-fi lovers everywhere.
If you like this episode you ca...
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 about her upbringing and heritage, as well as nature and her travels abroad. Perfect for poets and creators everywhere.
"Everything can be a poem." - Ansuya Patel
If you like this ...
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 working on a new documentary about Chinese cuisine around the globe. In this episode he discusses his amazing book and his love and admiration of Chinese food culture worldwide. Perfect fo...
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-the-scenes look at his writing process. Insightful, honest, and packed with inspiration, it’s a must-listen for writers and creators everywhere.
If you like this episode you can check out ...
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 latest full-length collection Darling Blue (Indigo Dreams Publishing, 2025). Her many individual poem competition wins include the Pre-Raphaelite Society’s Poetry Prize 2024. A poetry f...
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