Capturing Medieval Mayhem in Fiction with Tim Hodkinson

Tim Hodkinson talks to Jillian and Peter about how his childhood passion for the Vikings and the Normans lead him into studying  Medieval History and ultimately into fictionalising stories based around that era. Old Norse, Medieval English and Celtic civilization all feature in his novels with ‘Sword of the War God’ and ‘Eye of the Raven’ being the latest in a string of his recent publications.[Music by Shane M.]

Books in Translation Recommendations

Some of our favourite books are translations and Jillian and Peter take the opportunity to share some of their best reading recommendations of translated fiction. [Music by Shane M.]

Lost in Translation – Clara Ministral

Clara Ministral from Madrid is a literary translator and takes time out to share with Jillian and Peter the intricacies of her job and the skills it takes to translate novels by some of most well known local authors including Jan Carson, Louise Kennedy and Colin Bateman.[Music by Shane M.]

Interview with Anthony Horowitz

Bestselling author Anthony Horowitz gets personal with Peter and Jillian—talking about how a tough childhood shaped his storytelling, writing for kids and grownups, and what it’s like adapting his books for TV with his wife, producer Jill Green.[Music by Shane M.]

Book of the Month for June 2025 is The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier

The Glassmaker is a sweeping historical novel infused with magical realism. It follows Orsola Rosso, a young woman born into a family of glassmakers on the island of Murano, near Venice, in 1486. Despite societal restrictions on women in the craft, Orsola secretly learns to make glass beads, finding both creative fulfilment and financial independence.[Music by Shane M.]

Making Poetry Accessible in a Digital World with Brian Bilston

Ever wondered how a poet goes viral? Brian Bilston—aka the "Banksy of Poetry"—shares how posting witty verse during lockdown turned into sold-out shows, published books, and even a musical album! Tune in as he chats with Peter and Jillian about humour, humanity, and how poems can help us make sense of the madness.Music by Shane M.

Nibbies - British Book Awards

Hot on the heels of the Nibbies British Book Awards 2025, Jillian and Peter discuss some of the winners and short-listed titles in this latest edition of the Bookcited! podcast. How many have you read so far?Music Shane M.

Tony Macaulay - The PaperBoy Phenomenon

Tony Macaulay shares his memories of growing up at the top of the Shankill Road in the 70’s in his bestselling book Paperboy. He talks to Jillian and Peter about how the success of this and the subsequent Breadboy and All Grow’d Up – not to mention their adaptation into very successful Musicals – has taken him by surprise and have now led him on to writing fiction; his latest is ‘Kill the Devil’ a collaboration with a young author from Rwanda. [Music by Shane M.]*** Have your say on the Bookcited! Podcast ***Take the short survey at the link below by typing it into your web browser:https://tinyurl.com/lnipodsurvey

Martina Devlin – The Irish Bronte Connection

Omagh born author Martina Devlin joins Jillian and Peter from her home in Dublin to chat about her latest novel Charlotte. Based around the life of Charlotte Bronte and the Irish family connection with Banagher in Co. Offaly, Martina talks about the challenges of fictionalising a story around known facts and the need to embellish, add local colour, characters and events in order to craft a successful novel.[Music by Shane M.]*** Have your say on the Bookcited! Podcast ***Take the short survey at the link below by typing it into your web browser:https://tinyurl.com/lnipodsurvey

Book of the Month for May 2025 is Butter by Asako Yuzuki

Butter by Asko Yuzuki is the Book of the Month for May and in this episode Jillian, Peter and Conor chat about this and some other popular Japanese fiction that they have been inspired to read recently with the surge in interest in Japanese novels.Music by Shane M.

Holiday Reading Recommendations

Heading off on holiday? Don’t pack your suitcase without listening to this! In our brand-new episode, Jillian and Peter round up their top must-reads for your getaway – from sun-soaked Greek myths to gripping cosy crime you won’t want to put down.Whether you are poolside, beach-bound or unwinding in a hammock, these picks will keep you turning pages (or pressing play). And with eBooks and audiobooks available via Libby and BorrowBox, you can bring the whole bookshelf with you – no extra luggage required!Music by Shane M.

Claire Allan - Fiction and Mental Health

Derry author Claire Allan has openly shared about her late ASD and ADHD diagnoses on social media and discusses with Jillian and Peter how it has affected, and helped, her writing life up to now with over 20 novels published. ‘The Perfect Mother’ is her latest thriller. [Music by Shane M.]*** Have your say on the Bookcited! Podcast ***Take the short survey at the link below by typing it into your web browser:https://tinyurl.com/lnipodsurvey

Byddi Lee - Climate Fiction – an Uncertain Future

Byddi Lee, an author from Armagh joins Conor and Jillian for a spirited discussion on the so called Cli-Fi (Climate Fiction) trend that is becoming more and more relevant in these current days. Is it just scare mongering or is there something to be gained from projecting possible scenarios into an uncertain future?Music by Shane M.

Kelly McCaughrain - The Responsibility of Writing for a YA audience

Award winning 'Young Adult' author Kelly McCaughrain is still spinning after being shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal Awards for her YA novel ‘Little Bang’. She joins Jillian and Peter to share her writing journey and how important she feels it is for realistic stories of teenage relationships to be portrayed in novels to educate and inform the readers as well as to entertain.Music by Shane M.

Libraries NI Book of the Month for April is Donal Ryan’s Heart, be at Peace

Join Peter and Jillian as they chat about the Libraries NI Book of the Month for April. Donal Ryan’s Heart, be at Peace is an award winning novel based around a small town in rural Ireland. Told in polyphonic voices we follow the colourful, intertwined and at times messy lives of the towns people through trials and tribulations culminating in an explosive and dramatic conclusion. No spoilers here though – pick up a copy for yourself from your local NI library or listen online through Libby or BorrowBox, free with Libraries NI.Music by Shane M.

Sharon Dempsey: After the Party

Belfast author Sharon Dempsey joins Jillian and Peter in the build up to the release of her new standalone novel ‘After the Party’ after the success of her crime thrillers based in Belfast. They discuss exploring class and gender in crime fiction as well as the challenges of basing novels in your hometown.Music by Shane M.

Jo Zebedee: Sci-Fi and Fantasy - Crossovers and Growth

In preparation for the Sci-Fi Convention in Belfast over the Easter Weekend Jillan and Conor have a chat with local Sci-Fi and Fantasy author Jo Zebedee discussing the crossover between the two genres and the growth in popularity of both in recent times.Music by Shane M

Celebrity Authors and Children's Reading Habits

Do celebrity authors help get children reading? Library Assistant Beverley Dempsey from Ballyclare Library joins Jillian and Pete to discuss the impact of famous names on children’s fiction. From reluctant readers to Junior Reading Groups, Beverley shares her insights on how star-studded book releases shape young readers’ choices—and whether they inspire a lifelong love of books.Music by Shane M

World Poetry Day with Gail McConnell

To mark World Poetry Day, Jillian and Pete sit down with award-winning poet Gail McConnell for a powerful discussion about the personal experiences that shape her work. From childhood trauma to parenthood, Gail reflects on how life influences poetry and shares her thoughts on Belfast’s growing poetry scene. Plus, don’t miss a special reading of her poem Untitled / Villanelle.Music by Shane M

Brian McGilloway: The One You Least Expect

Local author Brian McGilloway joins Jillian and Pete to talk about his writing journey, from his early works to his latest projects. He also gives an exclusive insight into his upcoming standalone novel, The One You Least Expect, set for publication in May 2025. Tune in for a fascinating chat about crime fiction, storytelling, and what’s next for this acclaimed author.Music by Shane M

Musical Connections 2 – Duke Special

In this episode, Jillian and Pete chat with the one and only Duke Special, a musician known for his distinctive style and genre-defying performances. He talks about the inspirations behind his work, from his love of home to the joys of deep research, and how embracing the unexpected has shaped his artistic journey. Expect fascinating insights, a touch of musical magic, and plenty of surprises along the way.Music by Shane M

Awards Season in Books

With the Oscars just days away, Jillian, Pete, and Conor are talking about the books that have made it to the big screen—both past and present. From classic adaptations to this year’s awards contenders, they’re diving into the stories that captured Hollywood’s attention! Tune in for some pre-Oscar book chat!Music by Shane M