Making fiction real
In 2017, a chat in the pub with fellow writer Jaimie Batchan quickly developed into the kernel of an idea for a podcast and Unsound Methods was born.
As writers of fiction ourselves we wanted to create something different from the usual publicity mill and talk to authors that were creating innovative work about their process, rather than hearing the PR for their latest book.
Since the first episode went out in 2018, we’ve spoken to everyone from winners of the Nobel prize, Prix Goncourt, Leipziger Buchmesse and Man Booker International prize to debut novelists and short story writers.
We aim to share conversations about the nitty gritty of writing fiction and explore what makes fiction ‘real’. Join us as we speak to guest authors to discuss different approaches to a craft that is often commercially difficult and the motivation to sit down in front of an empty page and make things up…
Praise for Unsound Methods
By far the most interesting critical response to RIVER and Esther Kinsky’s work in the UK yet. It’s great to hear such stimulating and pertinent questions.
~Iain Galbraith, translator of River by Esther Kinsky (Fitzcarraldo Editions)Just discovered the Unsound Methods podcast — and I highly recommend it!
~Jonny Keyworth, Little, Brown Book GroupConsistently one of the most engaging literary podcasts. This recent interview with the genius that is Mathias Énard gives a fascinating insight into the working and editing process of a master.
~ Rónán Hession, WriterAttention podcast junkies & book lovers: Unsound Methods is here to give insight into writers who are doing something away from mainstream tastes & provide a platform to innovation & originality.
~ Nicolette Praça, Silver BirchEvery writer or aspiring writer should listen to this ASAP. Halfway through, once she starts talking about the ethics of the practice of writing (ie. the obligations you assume once you decide to embark on this activity), every goddamn word is gold.
~ Daniel Davis Wood, Splice Anthology
About us
Lochlan Bloom is the author of the novel The Wave, published by Dead Ink Books as part of their New Voices series, The Open Cage from Australian publisher InShort and the novella Trade.
Jaimie Batchan is a London based fiction writer. After growing up in Hook Norton, Oxfordshire, he has lived in Reading, Oxford, Ljubljana and Lancaster.
For suggestions, guests, interviewees contact us