Chapters: A Life in Books is a major new podcast from The British Book Awards, bringing together some of the most celebrated and bestselling authors and illustrators of our time.
Hosted by broadcaster and journalist, Hannah MacInnes, each episode invites The British Book Awards-shortlisted writers into an intimate conversation about the books that shaped them, the childhood reads that first sparked their imaginations, the novels that changed their thinking, and the well-thumbed favourites they return to time and again.
Recorded inside independent bookshops, the series pairs literary star power with the warmth and authenticity of the spaces that sustain reading culture. Alongside reflections on their formative influences, guests also discuss their shortlisted work, offering listeners a rare insight into the creative lives behind today’s most talked-about books.
Insightful, nostalgic and full of literary passion, Chapters is a celebration of storytelling and of the writers shaping the cultural conversation right now.
This week, Hannah sits down with acclaimed author Elif Shafak. Elif discusses the books that have shaped her, her surprising love of heavy metal and provides an exclusive sneak peek into her forthcoming novel.
1 Jun 2026
Chris Chibnall | Chapters Podcast
This week, Hannah sits down with screenwriter, producer and author Chris Chibnall. Chris discusses his debut crime novel Death at the White Hart, reflecting on the differences between writing prose and television drama like his hit show Broadchurch.
25 May 2026
Donna Ashworth | Chapters Podcast
This week, Hannah imagines herself in Donna’s favourite bookshop, The Wee Bookshop in Dollar, Scotland. Though they’re not recording there in real life, Hannah and Donna settle into an intimate conversation about the books that have shaped Donna’s life. From the all-too-relatable Bridget Jones to life-changing reads like Louise Hay’s You Can Heal Your Life, join Donna on a journey through the books she treasures
Chapters: A Life in Books is brought to you by The British Book Awards. Each week we invite The British Book Awards-shortlisted writers into an intimate conversation about the books that shaped them, the childhood reads that first sparked their imaginations, the novels that changed their thinking, and the well-thumbed favourites they return to time and again.
Contact us: awards@thebookseller.com (mailto:awards@thebookseller.com)
Follow us on Instagram: @thebritishbookawards
18 May 2026
MC Grammar | Chapters Podcast
Tap into the power of language, rhythm and rhyme with MC Grammar
At All Good Bookshop, Hannah MacInnes sits down with MC Grammar, shortlisted children’s author, rapper and award-winning teacher. MC Grammar discusses his mission to get more kids reading, praising a range of children’s books from The Chronicles of Narnia to The Hungry Caterpillar.
Chapters: A Life in Books is brought to you by The British Book Awards. Each week we invite The British Book Awards-shortlisted writers into an intimate conversation about the books that shaped them, the childhood reads that first sparked their imaginations, the novels that changed their thinking, and the well-thumbed favourites they return to time and again.
Contact us: awards@thebookseller.com (mailto:awards@thebookseller.com)
Follow us on Instagram: @thebritishbookawards
11 May 2026
Lucy Steeds | Chapters Podcast
In this episode, host Hannah MacInnes is joined by Lucy Steeds — debut novelist and shortlistee for Debut Book of the Year at The British Book Awards 2026.
Lucy joined us at Morocco Bound Books in Bermondsey to talk about the books that have shaped her relationship to language and to give her all-time favourite recommendations.
Chapters: A Life in Books is brought to you by The British Book Awards. Each week we invite The British Book Awards-shortlisted writers into an intimate conversation about the books that shaped them, the childhood reads that first sparked their imaginations, the novels that changed their thinking, and the well-thumbed favourites they return to time and again.
Contact us: awards@thebookseller.com (mailto:awards@thebookseller.com)
Follow us on Instagram: @thebritishbookawards
3 May 2026
Ruth Jones | Chapters Podcast
In this episode, host Hannah MacInnes is joined by Ruth Jones — bestselling author, screenwriter and much-loved co-creator of Gavin & Stacey, whose storytelling has captivated audiences on page and screen alike.
Ruth steps inside Notting Hill's Saucy Books to discuss her childhood favourite reads, life-changing writing advice and the stories she returns to again and again.
Chapters: A Life in Books is brought to you by The British Book Awards. Each week we invite The British Book Awards-shortlisted writers into an intimate conversation about the books that shaped them, the childhood reads that first sparked their imaginations, the novels that changed their thinking, and the well-thumbed favourites they return to time and again.
Contact us: awards@thebookseller.com (mailto:awards@thebookseller.com)
Follow us on Instagram: @thebritishbookawards
30 Apr 2026
Ruth Jones Trailer
Chapters: A Life in Books is a major new podcast from The British Book Awards, bringing together some of the most celebrated and bestselling authors and illustrators of our time.
Hosted by broadcaster and journalist, Hannah MacInnes, each episode invites The British Book Awards-shortlisted writers into an intimate conversation about the books that shaped them, the childhood reads that first sparked their imaginations, the novels that changed their thinking, and the well-thumbed favourites they return to time and again.
Recorded inside independent bookshops, the series pairs literary star power with the warmth and authenticity of the spaces that sustain reading culture. Alongside reflections on their formative influences, guests also discuss their shortlisted work, offering listeners a rare insight into the creative lives behind today’s most talked-about books.
Insightful, nostalgic and full of literary passion, Chapters is a celebration of storytelling and of the writers shaping the cultural conversation right now.
In this episode, we’re joined by Ruth Jones — bestselling author, screenwriter and much-loved co-creator of Gavin & Stacey, whose storytelling has captivated audiences on page and screen alike.
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