A Reading Life, A Writing Life, with Sally Bayley Podcast By Sally Bayley Andrew Smith cover art

A Reading Life, A Writing Life, with Sally Bayley

A Reading Life, A Writing Life, with Sally Bayley

By: Sally Bayley Andrew Smith
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Acclaimed writer Sally Bayley lives on a narrowboat, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, sustained by reading and writing. In this series, she invites us into her life, showing us how books have the power to change your life. Sally has recently been diagnosed with an auto-immune disease, but this is not a misery memoir podcast; she shows us how literature and connection to nature can console and give courage and insight. The series is produced by Andrew Smith, James Bowen, Lucie Richter-Mahr, and Dylan Gwalia. To find out more about Sally please visit: https://sallybayley.com.Copyright 2022 All rights reserved. Art Biological Sciences Literary History & Criticism Science
Episodes
  • Poppies in October Revisited
    Mar 22 2026

    ‘Even the sun-clouds this morning cannot manage such skirts.’

    This week, Sally returns to Sylvia Plath’s ‘Poppies in October.’ Listen for a mediation on the mouth, sound, and their essential role in approaching the lyric.

    The wonderful piano music in the closing section is ‘Sirens’ by Paul Seba. More information on Paul and his work can be found here.

    This episode was edited and produced by James Bowen.

    Special thanks to Andrew Smith, Violet Henderson, Kris Dyer, and Maeve Magnus.

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    24 mins
  • Worm in the Bud: A Fable
    Feb 22 2026

    ‘Enter Lillian…’

    This week, we join Sally once again in conversation with the producer, James Bowen, on the subject of Sally’s latest work, Worm in the Bud: A Fable. Listen for a conversation on interpretation, ambiguity, and the instructive value of narrative.

    Worm in the Bud is published by the New Menard Press, and is available from all good booksellers.

    The wonderful piano accompanying Sally's reading of 'The Forest' is ‘Monday’, by Paul Seba. More on Paul and his work can be found here.

    This episode was edited and produced by James Bowen. More information on James and his work can be found here.

    Special thanks to Andrew Smith, Violet Henderson, Kris Dyer, and Maeve Magnus.

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    52 mins
  • Sweeping and Editing
    Jan 24 2026

    ‘A paragraph made up of waiting…’

    We join Sally this week in the process of editing her forthcoming work, Mrs Parnell, focusing in particular on a single paragraph. Listen for a meditation on the creation of space and time in writing, and how a text can carve out a space to pause.

    The wonderful piano music in the opening section is ‘Doubt’, by Paul Seba. More on Paul and his work can be found here.

    This episode was edited and produced by James Bowen.

    Special thanks to Andrew Smith, Violet Henderson, Kris Dyer, and Maeve Magnus.

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    22 mins
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