Salena Godden talks about life and death and writing and joy, about sharing the very early stages of Mrs. Death on national radio, about a life spent revelling in words - and about having your debut novel optioned for film by Idris Elba. Join us for an hour of joy in lockdown. Pessimism, after all, is for lightweights. This interview contains a recording of Salena performing her poem ‘Pessimism is for Lightweights’ live at Tongue Fu. Thank you, Tongue Fu, for permission to include it.

Etta James – God’s Song

Arlo Parks - Black Dog

Nirvana - Where did you sleep last night

Talking Heads - Psycho Killer

Nick Cave & PJ Harvey - Henry Lee

Elliott Smith - Between The Bars

Ella Fitzgerald - Sunshine of your love

Gil Scott Heron - I’m new here

Patti Smith - Smells like Teen Spirit

Iggy Pop - Lust for Life

Irma Thomas - Time is on my side

Tracy Chapman - All that you have is your soul