Bestselling Cork writers launch book podcast Natter

A new fortnightly podcast focused on storytelling and books has been launched by two Blarney-based writers.

Hosted by best-selling author Michelle McDonagh and award-winning short story writer and broadcaster Kate Durrant, the Natter podcast was launched in association with bookseller Bookstation.

Both Ms Durrant and Ms McDonagh are passionate about words and stories and felt there was a need for an honest ‘no notions’ podcast about books, people and stories.

“Ireland is a nation of storytellers, and Natter is all about telling some of these stories,” said Ms Durrant.

“We all have our own stories, told and untold, and we all love to hear other peoples too.”

“We felt there was a gap in the busy podcast market for a down-to-earth, chatty style of books podcast,” said Ms McDonagh.

“More people than ever are listening to podcasts, more people than ever are buying books and more people than ever are looking for escapism.”

Guest

Hoping to appeal to a global audience, Ms Durrant and Ms McDonagh announced that their first guest is Jeanine Cummins, author of the global bestseller American Dirt.

American Dirt was rapidly successful, having sold for a seven-figure sum after a bidding war, and was chosen by Oprah Winfrey as a book club pick. Soon after this, Ms Cummins was devastated by the very sudden death of her beloved father. She was subsequently met with mixed and controversial reviews of her work after its launch. This lead to a troubling time within her personal life, which she discusses on the Natter podcast.

Episode one is available for streaming now, with episode two due tomorrow. Episode two features special guest and author, Andrea Mara, who is currently taking Ireland and the UK by storm with her latest thriller, Someone in the Attic.

Bookstation’s head of marketing Alan Johnston said: “We are delighted to have partnered with the Natter podcast because it reflects our view that reading and enjoying books is for everyone. We can see that Kate and Michelle’s down to earth style and their choice of books and guests will make for great listening. It’s going to really appeal to our book loving customers,” he added.