Ray of Light with Eleanor Ray

Wintery Bookshop Romance: A Christmas Special Conversation

Step into the festive spirit with this special episode of Ray of Light! I’m joined by bestselling contemporary romance author Cressida McLaughlin, whose heartwarming novels have sold over a million copies. We dive into the magic of writing Christmas books (even in the middle of summer!), the power of a strong premise, and the journey from unpublished manuscripts to bestselling success.
Cressida shares her creative rituals—think fairy lights, cinnamon candles, and Michael Bublé on repeat—and offers honest advice for writers battling self-doubt. Whether you’re a book lover, aspiring author, or just looking for some cozy inspiration, this episode is packed with warmth, wisdom, and a sprinkle of Christmas sparkle.
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!Connect with me on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook: @eleanorraybooksFind more at: www.eleanorraybooks.com
Listen now and let the festive bookish vibes begin!

Christmas Crime and Cozy Light: An Interview with Chris Frost

In this special Christmas episode of Ray of Light, host Eleanor Ray sits down with Chris McDonald—writing as Chris Frost—to unwrap the secrets behind his chilling festive thriller, "The Christmas Tree Killer." Set against snow-swept landscapes, Chris’s latest novel follows DI Tom Stonem as he hunts a killer who leaves grisly gifts beneath the Christmas tree.
We dive into Chris’s journey from cozy crime to Christmas suspense, the inspiration behind his memorable characters, and how he balances writing with life’s challenges—including a surprise diabetes diagnosis. Chris shares his writing routines, advice for aspiring authors, and what brings him joy both on and off the page. Plus, get a sneak peek at his upcoming projects and festive tips for the holiday season.
Curl up with this episode for a blend of holiday warmth, spine-tingling crime, and creative inspiration.
Connect with Eleanor on social media @eleanorraybooks and visit www.eleanorraybooks.com for more updates, resources, and uplifting fiction. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoyed the show!

Heidi Swain on Uplifting Fiction: Hope, Healing, and Happy Endings

Bestselling author Heidi Swain joins Eleanor Ray to discuss her new novel "All Wrapped Up," the power of uplifting fiction, and the healing journeys at the heart of her stories. Tune in for inspiration, writing advice, and a celebration of hope and happy endings.
Connect with Eleanor @eleanorraybooks across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, or visit www.eleanorraybooks.com.

Finding Light in Dark Stories: A Conversation with Heather Critchlow

In this episode of Ray of Light, host Eleanor Ray welcomes Heather Critchlow—author of the McIlvanney Prize-shortlisted Cal Lovett crime series and the gripping dystopian novel, The Tomorrow Project.
Heather shares her journey from aspiring writer to published author, discusses the challenges and joys of writing across genres, and offers invaluable advice for aspiring authors. Together, Eleanor and Heather explore the power of perseverance, the importance of community, and how hope can be found even in the darkest stories.
Whether you love crime fiction, dystopian tales, or uplifting book club reads, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips for readers and writers alike.

Queens of History: Annie Garthwaite on Rewriting the War of the Roses

In this episode of Ray of Light, host Eleanor Ray welcomes acclaimed historical fiction author Annie Garthwaite, known for her novels "Cecily" and "The King's Mother," which reimagine the War of the Roses from the perspective of the women who shaped history.
Annie shares her journey from a lifelong fascination with medieval women to becoming a published author at 55, discussing the challenges and joys of researching and writing authentic historical fiction. The conversation delves into the importance of female perspectives in history, the process of building complex characters, and the impact of reader feedback.
Annie also offers writing advice for aspiring authors and teases her upcoming novel about Isabella, the formidable queen who deposed England’s Edward II.
Tune in for an inspiring discussion about storytelling, resilience, and finding light in dark times.

From Heartbreak to Bestseller: Clare Leslie Hall on Writing, Resilience, and Broken Country

In this episode of Ray of Light, host Eleanor Ray welcomes bestselling author Clare Leslie Hall to discuss her acclaimed novel "Broken Country." Clare shares the inspiration behind her gripping story of love, loss, and a murder trial, revealing how personal experiences and perseverance shaped her writing journey.
The conversation delves into the challenges of breaking into publishing, the importance of community and resilience, and the joy found in both the creative process and reader connections. Clare also offers heartfelt advice for aspiring writers and gives a sneak peek into her upcoming projects.
Tune in for an inspiring, honest, and uplifting conversation about books, writing, and finding happiness along the way.

From Whimsy to Worldwide: TE Kinsey on Cozy Crimes, Writing Joy, and the Power of Persistence

Bestselling author TE Kinsey joins Eleanor Ray for a delightful deep dive into the world of historical cozy crime fiction, the art of writing for joy, and the serendipitous journey from self-publishing to millions of readers. Discover the origins of Lady Hardcastle, the secrets behind crafting memorable characters, and why embracing whimsy (and a bit of luck) can lead to literary success. Tim shares candid insights on research, balancing writing with life, and finding happiness both on and off the page—including the unexpected pleasures of making music. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a devoted reader, or simply in need of a little inspiration, this episode is packed with warmth, wisdom, and plenty of laughs.
Subscribe for more conversations about writing, reading, and happiness!

Jackie Kabler on thrillers, finding joy in writing, and her new novel, The Revenge Plot

Kick off the very first full episode of the Ray of Light podcast as host Eleanor Ray welcomes bestselling author Jackie Kabler. In this inspiring and candid conversation, Jackie shares her journey from TV journalism to writing psychological thrillers, discusses her latest novel "The Revenge Plot," and opens up about the joys and challenges of the writing life.
The episode explores Jackie's creative process, her love of ultra-marathon running, the importance of connecting with readers, and practical advice for aspiring authors. Whether you're a fan of crime fiction, a writer, or simply looking for uplifting stories about following your passion, this episode is for you.

Introduction to Ray of Light

In this introduction to the 'Ray of Light' podcast, host and bestselling author Eleanor Ray announces her new series aimed at discussing reading, writing, and happiness. Eleanor plans to converse with various authors about their inspirations, creative processes, and challenges, also seeking book recommendations from lesser-known authors. The podcast aims to bring joy to readers and writers alike, offering deeper insights into the literary world. She invites listeners to subscribe and connect with her on social media.