Simon Wroe, author of 'Ghost Month' - BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick discusses listening to your instinct, getting into your characters' heads, and writing a novel for London

Simon Wroe started work as a chef and still works in a kitchen. Only this time, he writes novels in them. He's worked as a journalist for The Guardian, The Economist, The Times and more, and his debut, 'Chop Chop', was nominated for the Costa First Novel Award. He also penned the screenplay for 'Sweet Dreams', a mixed-media film starring Munya Chawawa and Morgana Robinson.

His new novel is 'Ghost Month'. It tells the story of how strange a month September has become. Every year, the spirits of the dead return for 4 weeks only. The novel focuses on 4 characters and their experiences of this time, and how society has learn to live with, and profit from, the haunting month.

We talk about how it was inspired by personal, and societal, grief, also how he got into the headspace of multiple characters, and how much pressure he felt to make things chilling.

You can hear about his wide-ranging research and influences, the seeds for the idea, and why he wanted to write a novel for London.

Get a copy of the book - uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutine

This week's episode is sponsored by Faber Academy's 'Writing a Novel' course. Find out more at faberacademy.com

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