From Tabloid Newsroom to Literary Fiction: Alex Starritt’s Unconventional Writing Journey

Hi, I’m Wayne Kelly, a writer, podcast host and coach. I love to help writers develop their skills and get their books and stories out into the world.

This week, I’m chatting to author Alex Starritt, whose latest novel Drayton and Mackenzie is an ambitious, thought-provoking exploration of friendship, purpose, and modern life. We talk about the challenges of writing a big, literary novel spanning over a decade of social and political upheaval, the role of work in fiction, and how Alex’s background in journalism and public service has influenced his writing. We also dig into how his process has evolved, the importance of trusting your gut, and the delicate balance between planning and discovery.

In this candid and inspiring chat, we discuss:

• Why Drayton and Mackenzie took five years to write – and why Alex wouldn’t do it the same way again
• The powerful role work plays in our lives – and why it’s so often ignored in fiction
• His early experiences in tabloid journalism and the strange mix of cynicism and idealism in tech
• How growing up in rural Scotland (without a telly!) shaped his love of books
• The long road to publication, including three unpublished novels and a brush with Penguin
• Learning to recognise when a project isn’t working – and how to listen to your instincts

Book That Saved Your Life 📚

Alex chose War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, which he first encountered as a teenager but truly appreciated in his twenties. He describes it as “the greatest novel ever written” and admires how it seamlessly weaves intimate character insight with sweeping historical perspective.

Alex also shared a vulnerable moment from his writing journey — the period after he’d written three unpublished novels, felt creatively stuck, and finally had to admit, “I just need to get a job.” Broke and feeling left behind by his peers, he ended up taking a sub-editing role at the Mail on Sunday. It was a turning point that pulled him out of a creative rut and gave him a new perspective on storytelling, audience, and life beyond the literary bubble.

About Alex Starritt

Alex Starritt is a London-based author and former journalist. His writing explores contemporary life, relationships, and the wider social forces that shape us. His latest novel, Drayton and Mackenzie, follows two men from university to midlife as they search for meaning and direction against a backdrop of economic upheaval and cultural change. A former tabloid sub-editor and co-founder of a global public sector tech organisation, Alex draws from a diverse and fascinating career to bring depth and authenticity to his work.

Find out more

You can follow Alex on Twitter/X @AlexStarritt. He’s yet to launch an official author site — for now, he remains a bit of a literary mystery.

Self-Publishing Support

If you're working on a book of your own and want help navigating the publishing process, check out my Complete Self-Publishing Package at wkwproductions.co.uk/selfpublishing. From ISBN registration to formatting and upload support, I’ll help you get your book out into the world – professionally and stress-free.

Thanks for listening to The Write Place Podcast.
Happy writing – and I’ll see you next time!