Mel Pennant: Embracing The Writer and Imperfect Timing

What does it take to find your creative voice in a world that often pushes you toward the practical? In my conversation with debut author Mel Pennant, we explore the winding path that led to her debut novel "A Murder for Miss Hortense" , a journey spanning decades of creative exploration, professional balancing acts, and the courage to tell stories that authentically represent her community. Mel shares how she maintained her creative practice alongside a demanding legal career, describing writing as her "hideaway place" that provided balance when life"s other aspects felt constraining.  Whether you"re a writer seeking inspiration, a reader hungry for fresh perspectives in crime fiction, or simply someone who appreciates stories of creative perseverance, this conversation offers wisdom that transcends the page.  A Murder For Miss Hortense Retired nurse, avid gardener, renowned cake maker and fearless sleuth Miss Hortense has lived in Bigglesweigh, a quiet Birmingham suburb, since she emigrated from Jamaica in 1960. She takes great pride in her home, starching her lace curtains bright white, and she can tell if she"s been short-changed on turmeric before she"s even taken her first bite of a beef patty. Thirty-five years of nursing have also left her afraid of nobody - be they a local drug dealer or a priest - and an expert in deciphering other people"s secrets with just a glance. Miss Hortense Send us a textA Case Study In Corporate Fear "A Case Study in Corporate Fear" deconstructs how fear transforms successful... Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify The Ryan Pyle Podcast The Ryan Pyle Podcast with Ryan Pyle is a podcast and radio show hosted by adventure... Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show "Enjoying "The Conversation"? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going. https://ko-fi.com/nadinematheson Don"t forget to subscribe, download and review. You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you’ll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Follow Me: www.nadinematheson.com BlueSky: @nadinematheson.com Substack: @nadinematheson Instagram: @queennads Threads: @nadinematheson Facebook: nadinemathesonbooks TikTok: @writer_nadinematheson