The Write Place (formerly The Joined Up Writing Podcast)
Joined Up Writing is now The Write Place! A new name but the same great content - hundreds of interviews with writers giving the stories behind their books and paths to publication. Packed with advice, inspiration and tips and hosted by crime writer, producer and writing coach, Wayne Kelly, The Write Place is a regular podcast for writers and book lovers. Tuesdays on the Web, iTunes, Android and Spotify.
The Write Place (formerly The Joined Up Writing Podcast)
Cyberpunk Noir and the Indie Route with Stefan Mohamed
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 joined by Stefan Mohamed, author of The House on Utopia Way. Stefan has published award-winning YA and speculative fiction, but in this conversation we dive into his surreal, cyberpunk-noir detective novel, and the winding road that took him from traditional publishing into the world of self-publishing. We also cover the frustrations of the current publishing landscape, the challenges of marketing your own work, and why writing communities are so important for keeping creative momentum alive.
As always, there’s plenty here to inspire and encourage you in your own writing journey.
About Stefan Mohamed
Stefan Mohamed is an award-winning writer originally from mid-Wales and now based in Bristol. His debut novel, Bitter Sixteen, won the Sony Reader Award – a short-lived but prestigious category of the Dylan Thomas Prize – and went on to launch a trilogy with Salt Publishing. Alongside his fiction, Stefan works as a freelance writer, editor, and events organiser.
His latest book, The House on Utopia is out right now.
You can find out more about Stefan and his work at https://www.stefmo.co.uk/
Episode Highlights
• The inspiration behind The House on Utopia Way and how online disinformation and fractured realities sparked the story.
• Why noir and sci-fi tropes work so well together.
• Stefan’s journey from writing on an Amstrad word processor as a child to publishing award-winning novels.
• The frustrations of traditional publishing and what led him to choose the indie route for his latest book.
• What he’s learned about editing, self-promotion, and finding support as an author.
• Why writers need to lift each other up in a landscape where publishers are stretched thin.
Find Out More
You can order The House on Utopia Way directly from Stefan’s website or grab the ebook on Amazon and Kobo. Keep an eye out for the special edition from Scarlet Ferret, which will include exclusive bonus content.
Follow Stefan on Instagram and Bluesky @stefmowords.
Links and Extras
Wayne’s Self-Publishing Packages – If you’re inspired by Stefan’s indie journey and want help bringing your own book to life, check out my publishing services at: wkwproductions.co.uk/selfpublishing