Best London Writers Salon Podcasts (2024)

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#120: Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky — Wellness For Writers, How to Matter, Writing Non-Fiction, Building Communities, Why You Should Stay Away From Narcissists 57:18

6d ago57:18

57:18

Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky has dedicated his life to studying happiness. In this episide we talk to him about ‘mattering’ and how we can use his research findings to write more, worry less about our status and embrace a lightness in our creative work. * ABOUT DR. ISAAC Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky holds the inaugural Erwin and Barbara Mautner Chair in Comm…

1
At the Watts Memorial EC1 by Simon Roberts 21:31

13h ago21:31

21:31

'At the Watts Memorial EC1' is a haunting recreation of some of the true stories told on the famous memorial in Postman's Park. The memorial commemorates brave people who lost their lives trying to save others in acts of heroic self-sacrifice in the last three centuries - most recently in 2007. We hear the heart-breaking stories of William Donald o…

1
#119: Penny Wincer — Home Design For Writers, How To Transform Any Space Into A Space to Write, Writing Non-Fiction Proposals, Balancing Creativity with Life’s Demands 1:03:14

17d ago1:03:14

1:03:14

Penny Wincer, an author, writer and non-fiction book coach on how writers can think deeply about their living spaces, what makes a house a home and we dive into her expertise around creating engaging non-fiction and creating a non-fiction book proposal to send to agents. * ABOUT PENNY WINCER Penny Wincer is an author, freelance writer and non-ficti…

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Story Radio Writers Salon 1:33:33

30d ago1:33:33

1:33:33

Writers Salon: Bohemia Theme – Brought to You from the Colony Room Green, London Welcome to the first-ever Writers Salon, hosted at the Colony Room Green, an artist-run bar in London. The theme was Bohemia, with tales of 1980s art models, 19th-century stage acts, clubbing in Tenerife, and a famous musician dying in hospital. Thanks to all the amazi…

1
#118: Sam Copeland — How to Catch The Eye Of A Literary Agent, Compelling Pitch Letters & Writing Funny Children’s Fiction 52:06

1M ago52:06

52:06

Literary Agent (RCW Agency) and children’s author Sam Copeland on what he’s looking for in his submissions pile, how to write a compelling pitch letter, what he thinks about submitting to agents internationally and how he constructs funny middle-grade fiction. * ABOUT SAM COPELAND Sam Copeland was shortlisted for Literary Agent of the Year at the 2…

1
#117: Kate Young — Writing Cookbooks, Viral Blogs, Plotting Romcoms and Writing Sex Scenes 58:25

1M ago58:25

58:25

Award-winning cookbook writer, blogger and novelist Kate Young on creating a viral cooking blog, how she turned her blog into a series of cookbooks, and what goes into a pitch for a cookbook. Plus her approach to plotting rom com, adding depth to rom-com characters, her approach to writing sex scenes and what she thinks every rom com should have. *…

1
#116: Pádraig Ó Tuama — Using poetry to notice the world, Knowing when a poem is done, How to strengthen your poetry writing 17:09

2M ago17:09

17:09

Practical advice from Irish poet Pádraig Ó Tuama on writing and editing poetry and expanding your world with poetry. Highlights from a previous episode. For the full episode, listen to interview episode #103 * ABOUT PÁDRAIG Ó TUAMA Pádraig Ó Tuama is a theologian, writer, and conflict transformation practitioner. His books include In the Shelter: …

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#115: Rachel Blackmore & Literary Agent Juliet Pickering — Getting Published, Historical Fiction, Making Your Pitch Stand Out & Inside a Literary Agent’s World 1:06:00

2M ago1:06:00

1:06:00

For decades, Rachel Blackmore dreamed of becoming an author. In 2020, she joined Writers’ Hour and began her first novel. Now, her debut, COSTANZA, is being published by Dialogue Books (Hachette) and is hailed as an addictive tale of desire and betrayal. In this special interview, we're joined by Rachel and her literary agent, Juliet Pickering. We …

1
Dolls are for Babies by Lana Citron 15:08

2M ago15:08

15:08

A young girl goes for a walk in the country with life-changing consequences. This short story by Lana Citron was originally published in US magazine Thin Air, 2022 under the title "The Understanding". Trigger warning: The following short story contains content and or references of a violent and sexual nature. These may be distressing or triggering …

1
#114: David Whyte - Reads poems: A Seeming Stillness, A Song for the Salmon and Start Close In. Plus Writing Rituals, Fallow Periods and Frontiers 19:24

2M ago19:24

19:24

A curation of our favourite questions and poems from our interview with poet David Whyte. We ask him: What we can do when we can’t access our writing? How do we live through fallow periods of writing and what rituals he uses for writing. He shares the poems: A Seeming Stillness, A Song for the Salmon and Start Close In. * ABOUT DAVID WHYTE David Wh…

1
#113: Lyn Slater — How to Reinvent Yourself At All Ages, Becoming An Accidental Icon, The Reality of Going Viral, Blogging for Pleasure, Writing Memoir & Moving Beyond Fame 1:02:50

3M ago1:02:50

1:02:50

Lyn Slater on going viral with her blog, Accidental Icon in her 60s, writing memoir How to Be Old and starting a Substack in her 70s and why getting older can be the most invigorating phase of life—full of rebellion, reinvention, connection, and creativity. * ABOUT LYN SLATER Lyn Slater is a cultural influencer, model, writer, content creator and f…

1
#112: Olivia Petter — The Power of Vulnerability, Finding Your Niche in Journalism, Viral Posts, Writing about Love, Relationships & Culture 1:06:25

3M ago1:06:25

1:06:25

Olivia Petter, award-winning journalist & author on breaking into journalism, vulnerability, writing about consent and celebrity (Gold Rush), finding her niche in journalism and landing a book deal. * ABOUT OLIVIA PETTER Olivia Petter is an award-winning journalist, author, and broadcaster based in London. As a journalist, she specialises in violen…

1
Interview with Daisy Goodwin the author of Diva 32:17

3M ago32:17

32:17

We interview Daisy Goodwin, novelist and screenwriter, about her latest novel, Diva (Head of Zeus March 2024), inspired by the life of the brilliant soprano Maria Callas. The novel opens at a time when Callas is at the height of her extraordinary career but in a stultifying marriage and haunted both by her unhappy childhood and the ever-present fea…

1
#111: Charlie Hoehn — Launching Bestselling Nonfiction; Why Play is Key For Happiness & Marketing For Writers 1:16:57

4M ago1:16:57

1:16:57

Marketing strategist, editor and author Charlie Hoehn on the key things bestselling authors do to create a successful and shareable books. We talk about: Helping Ramit Sethi and Tim Ferriss launch their books How to test and launch a nonfiction idea Creating a brand around your book, Effective marketing strategies The merits of self-publishing and …

1
#110: Beth Morrey — Writing Funny, Upmarket Fiction 58:22

4M ago58:22

58:22

Sunday Times Bestseller Beth Morrey (Saving Missey, Lucky Day) on her journey as a writer and TV producer and writing humorous upmarket books while exploring darker themes. We talk about her latest book Lucky Day and what it means to stop saying ‘yes’ and start living for yourself. * ABOUT BETH MORREY Previously Creative Director at RDF Television,…

1
Close to Revelation and Check Your Tire Pressure 14:53

4M ago14:53

14:53

This month we have two auto-fiction stories about parents and children. Our first auto-fiction piece, "Close to Revelation" written by Janet Lawrence, is set during the pandemic and tells the story of a woman trying to get pregnant using IVF while chaos erupts all around her. Janet Lawrence is a writer, journalist, and video producer based in New Y…

1
#109: Nora Neus — Turn Your Ideas Into Newsworthy Stories, Pitching Articles, Books and Graphic Novels 1:08:03

4M ago1:08:03

1:08:03

Nora Neus, Emmy-nominated producer, writer, and freelance journalist (CNN, Vice News, The Washington Post) and creator of the Long Form Lab on finding a story from the seed of an idea, how writers can discover and use their strengths and how to choose which media to use for a potential story. * ABOUT NORA NEUS Nora Neus is an Emmy-nominated journal…

1
#108: Oisín McKenna — Literary Novels, Breaking Into Spoken Word, Writing In Fragments, Trusting Your Impulses 1:03:18

5M ago1:03:18

1:03:18

SHOW SUMMARY Spoken word artist and writer Oisín McKenna on Oscar Wilde as inspiration, finding his footing in the spoken word world, turning his hand to writing a book, how he wrote his book in fragments and later added structure, and why you should be kind to yourself and how to trust that your writing will improve and get to where it needs to be…

1
#107: Niamh Mulvey — Writing Literary Fiction, Short Stories & Navigating The Publishing Industry, Creating Memorable Characters 59:07

5M ago59:07

59:07

Short story and literary novelist and former Hachette Editor, Niamh Mulvey on how to create memorable characters, finding her voice as a writer after years of failing, overcoming rejection and what she’s learned from her years in the publishing industry. * ABOUT NIAMH MULVEY Niamh Mulvey is from Kilkenny, Ireland. Her short fiction has been publish…

1
#106: David Heinemeier Hansson — Turning Blogs into Bestselling Books, Writing Non-Fiction, Books as Products, Selling 1 million copies, Rethinking Work, Finding Meaning In Business & Writing 1:10:20

5M ago1:10:20

1:10:20

David Heinemeier Hansson, serial entrepreneur and bestselling author on his 14-year journey to selling millions of copies of his books, why you should view your books as valuable products, and how he has co-written and marketed his books—all while running multiple successful businesses, including Basecamp, Ruby on Rails, and Hey.com. Plus how he us…

1
Interview with Katie Willis about The Quiet Act of Loving Bones 37:54

5M ago37:54

37:54

Story Radio interviews Katie Willis, author of The Quiet Act of Loving Bones, published by Joan Publishing. We discuss bones, inspiration, the colour yellow, Russia and lucid dreaming. "It is rare to come across a book that feels, at the same time, overwhelmingly strange and delightfully familiar. The Quiet Act of Loving Bones takes you into a worl…

1
#105: Krystal Sutherland — Secrets To Writing a Page-Turner, Writing Young Adult Fantasy & Thrillers, How to Motivate Yourself, Amazon Studios 58:33

6M ago58:33

58:33

Young Adult Bestselling author Krystal Sutherland on the reality of hitting the New York Times Bestseller list, how she constructs compelling hooks and endings for each chapter, moving across genres, and her advice for getting your book done and creating a page-turner. * ABOUT KRYSTAL SUTHERLAND Krystal Sutherland is the New York Times and indie be…

1
#104: Rupal Patel — Lessons from the CIA, Building A Creative Practice, Prioritising Time & Writing Non-Fiction 1:06:55

6M ago1:06:55

1:06:55

Rupal Patel, an ex-CIA agent and author of From CIA to CEO on applying CIA tools to your personal and creative life. Plus she gives us tips for how to create more time and how to pitch a non-fiction book. * RESOURCES & LINKS 📄 Interview Transcript (unedited) From CIA to CEO Rupal’s TED Talk, My Unexpected Discovery About Working at the CIA Rupal’s …

1
Anne by Kristin Burniston 31:44

6M ago31:44

31:44

Eleven-and-a-half months ago, Mary didn’t know she had sisters. Now, at her home in Hove on England’s South Coast, they meet to scatter their mother Anne’s ashes. This episode was written, directed, and produced by Kristin Burniston. Kristin is a graduate of the MA Screenwriting program at the University of Arts London. In 2023, her short film scri…

1
#103: Pádraig Ó Tuama — Reading, Analysing & Writing Poetry; Making A Living as a Poet 1:02:42

6M ago1:02:42

1:02:42

The poet and theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama tells us about his journey into poetry, how he knows a poem is complete and how poets might practice noticing. He also reads from his collection and deconstructs his poetry. We also discuss what it means to make a living as a poet. * ABOUT PÁDRAIG Ó TUAMA Pádraig Ó Tuama is a theologian, writer, and conflict…

1
#102: Michael Jamin — Writing for TV, Personal Essays, Self-Publishing & Building a Platform 59:12

6M ago59:12

59:12

TV writer Michael Jamin (‘Just Shoot Me!’ and ‘King of the Hill.’) on his experience as a writer and showrunner, growing his platform and how he created, promoted and self-published his book A Paper Orchestra, * ABOUT MICHAEL JAMIN Michael Jamin has been writing for television since 1996. His many credits include Just Shoot Me, King of the Hill, Be…

1
#101: Eliza Reid — Writing Fiction & Nonfiction as Iceland's First Lady 1:03:41

7M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

The First Lady of Iceland Eliza Reid on her writing habits, her creative life and why the Iceland Writers’ Retreat is a perfect place for writers. We also discuss her fiction and nonfiction, navigating self-doubt, being tenacious with time and how she balances her responsibilities as a writer with her role in public service. * ABOUT ELIZA REID Eliz…

1
Interview with Miki Lentin about Winter Sun 32:13

7M ago32:13

32:13

Martin Nathan and Tabitha Potts interview writer Miki Lentin about his new novel Winter Sun, published by Afsana Press in 2024. A nine-day winter break in Tenerife. Nothing is quite good enough. A son tries in vain to ask his ailing, elderly Irish Jewish father questions about their past before it is too late. The absurdity and hilarity of family h…

1
#100: Clara Vulliamy — Crafting Picture Books and Older Children's Stories, Dealing with Rejection, Finding Your Voice 1:01:21

7M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

Clara Vulliamy, a children’s author of over 30 books talks about how she approaches collaboration, and what she’s learned from decades in the world of children's publishing as an author and illustrator. * ABOUT CLARA VULLIAMY Clara Vulliamy is the daughter of author-illustrator Shirley Hughes and architect John Vulliamy. Her first experience of mak…

1
#99: Kim Krizan — Writing 'Before Sunrise' series, Crafting Memorable Characters For Ethan Hawke & Julie Delpy & Other Screenwriting Tips 1:01:21

8M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

Before Sunrise co-writer, Kim Krizan on plotting for the screen, creating memorable characters for Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy and advice on how to start writing a screenplay. * ABOUT KIM KRIZAN Kim Krizan is the Academy Award-nominated writer of the films “Before Sunrise” and “Before Sunset.” Her book Original Sins: Trade Secrets of the Femme Fata…

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#98: Chip Conley — Why Life Gets Better With Age, Creativity in Midlife, Role of Newsletters and Blogs, Creating Ideal Conditions for Writing 56:58

8M ago56:58

56:58

New York Times bestselling author Learning to Love Midlife on why life gets better with age, midlife as a chrysalis & awakening and how we can create the ideal condition for a Creative Life. * ABOUT CHIP CONLEY Chip Conley is on a mission. After disrupting the hospitality industry twice, first as the founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, the second…

1
#97: Leo Vardiashvili — Disciplined Writing, From Aspiring to Debut Author, Plotting Literary Fiction, Maintaining Pace, Organising the Query Process 53:14

8M ago53:14

53:14

Leo Vardiashvili on disciplined writing, completing his literary novel and writing about home. * ABOUT LEO VARDIASHVILI Leo Vardiashvili moved to London with his family as a refugee from Georgia when he was twelve years old. He studied English literature at Queen Mary University of London. * RESOURCES & LINKS Hard by a Great Forest by Leo Vardiashv…

1
Outing by Simon Roberts 16:19

8M ago16:19

16:19

A student goes on a day trip to the seaside with his mum, and ends up learning a great deal more about himself - and her. This story was written and read by Simon Roberts. Simon Roberts is currently based in West London and writes short stories and flash fiction. He was longlisted for the 2022 Fish Short Story Prize. He has read his work on Riversi…

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#96: Lucinda Halpern — How to Get Signed With a Literary Agent, Unlock Your Book’s Big Idea, Query Letter Essentials, Unconventional Ways to Engage With Beta-Readers 1:02:06

8M ago1:02:06

1:02:06

New York Literary Agent Lucinda Halpern on positioning your book, finding the big idea for your pitch and finding and getting signed with a literary agent. Also, query letter essentials and how to get feedback from beta readers. * ABOUT LUCINDA HALPERN Lucinda Halpern is a New York literary agent with over 15 years' experience securing book deals w…

1
#095: Hester Musson — Writing Gothic Historical Thrillers, Querying Agents, Moving Past Rejection, Creating Tense Dialogue 58:34

9M ago58:34

58:34

Hester Musson (The Beholders) on her writing and querying process for her gothic historical thriller. She also talks to us about how she overcame rejection and got published. * ABOUT HESTER MUSSON Hester Musson studied at Bristol University and the RCS in Glasgow. She worked as an actress and autocue operator in London before writing full time, and…

1
#094: Farrah Storr — Lessons from a former Editor-In-Chief at ELLE & Cosmopolitan on Writing Engaging Articles, Substack, and Leaning into Discomfort 54:59

9M ago54:59

54:59

Farrah Storr, former Editor-In-Chief (ELLE/ Cosmopolitan) and Head of Writer Partnerships for Substack on what it takes to grab the attention of a reader, overcoming the fear of publishing work and leaning into discomfort. We also discuss how we might think like an editor with our own writing, and how we might use feedback constructively. We also c…

1
#93: Jami Attenberg — Writing 1000 Words A Day, Learning How to Write Again, Finding Creative Inspiration, Committing to Creativity Daily 1:02:56

9M ago1:02:56

1:02:56

The New York Times bestselling author Jami Attenberg talks about her latest non-fiction book 1000 Words: A Writer’s Guide to Staying Creative, Focused, and Productive All Year Round, her journey from being a broke writer to creating a successful creative career, creating the #1000wordsofsummer movement and how she fights for a life of writing. We a…

1
Jane Labous Past Participle Interview 45:06

9M ago45:06

45:06

Listen to an interview with Jane Labous and hear her reading from her new novel, Past Participle, published by Afsana Press. Dakar, Senegal, 1987: On a rainy night after a wild party, the British ambassador’s wife, Vivienne Hughes, is involve in a car crash. Her vehicle hits the motorbike of a young Senegalese doctor, Aimé Tunkara, killing him. Ple…

1
#92: Alex Bescoby - Documentary Storytelling, Brand Partnerships, Funding for Filmmaking, Editing for TV and Pulling Together The Right Team 1:06:38

9M ago1:06:38

1:06:38

Filmmaker, author, presenter Alex Bescoby (The Last Overland) takes us behind the scenes of his Channel 4 documentary. We discuss brand partnerships, finding the right team, dealing with setbacks and the editorial process. * ABOUT ALEX BESCOBY Alex Bescoby is an award-winning filmmaker, best-selling author, and an experienced broadcaster. His films…

1
#091: Suzie Sheehy — Writing Popular Science, Making Complex Subjects Accessible, Narrative Nonfiction, The Reality Of Getting Published, Twelve Experiments That Changed Our World 1:04:11

9M ago1:04:11

1:04:11

Accelerator Physicist and author Dr. Suzie Sheehy (The Matter OF Everything: Twelve Experiments That Changed Our World) on simple storytelling techniques to make science and other complex subjects engaging. Plus, Suzie's early impressions as a first-time author, her process for writing and researching The Matter of Everything, and overcoming her 'v…

1
#090: David Arnold — Writing Love Stories, Building Strong Characters, Mastering Young Adult Novels, From Musician to Writer 59:41

10M ago59:41

59:41

New York Times bestselling author David Arnold on his journey from professional musician to writer, choosing POV, using vignettes and writing characters that YA readers can’t resist in his latest book, 'I Loved You In Another Life.' * ABOUT DAVID ARNOLD David Arnold is the New York Times bestselling author of Mosquitoland, I Loved You in Another Li…

1
Fantasy: Realms of Imagination interview with Matthew Sangster and Tanya Kirk of the British Library 46:09

10M ago46:09

46:09

Tabitha Potts and Martin Nathan interview the lead curator and guest curator of the British Library’s blockbuster exhibition, Fantasy: Realms of Imagination, Tanya Kirk and Matthew Sangster. The exhibition runs until 25th February 2024 and tickets can be booked here. The exhibition has been critically acclaimed with a five star review in The Telegr…

1
#089: Emma Gannon — The Success Myth, Substack, Self-Publishing, Productivity Dysmorphia, The Arrival Fallacy, Being A Happy Creative 1:04:19

10M ago1:04:19

1:04:19

Emma Ganon on The Success Myth, our obsession with achievement and how to let go of the idea of having it all. We dive into her creative journey as an entrepreneur and writer of both nonfiction and fiction and the world of Substack. We also talk about Emma’s different income streams, reflections on her Self-Publishing Era, and we look at how she di…

1
#088: Seth Godin — The Practice of Making & Shipping Work That Matters, Marketing, Creative Courage, The Resistance, Finding Purpose, Building Community 59:25

10M ago59:25

59:25

Seth Godin is one of the most influential writers and thinkers of our time. He is the author of twenty-one international bestsellers, and his work has been translated into over thirty-nine languages. In this conversation with Seth, we discuss his latest books, The Song of Significance and The Practice, and how we might find the courage to make and …

1
#087: Victoria Hislop — Writing Bestselling Historical Fiction, Researching History, Character Development, Evoking Sense of Place, Planning A Novel 57:51

11M ago57:51

57:51

Bestselling historical fiction novelist Victoria Hislop (The Island, The Figurines) on how she started writing, how she weaves her love of travel and history into her books, the realities of research, and her process for writing books that engineer conversation. We talk about how she evokes a sense of place, how she absorbs a new environment to wri…

1
#086: Gwyn Bennett — Navigating & Succeeding in Self-Publishing, Pros and Cons of Traditional Publishing, Writing Sales Copy, Amazon Categories, Building an Audience, Handling Rights, Hiring Help 59:00

11M ago59:00

59:00

Crime mystery author Gwyn Bennett about how she built a successful indie publishing business sold thousands of her own books, and why she accepted a publishing book deal with Indie Publisher Storm. We touch on why it's important to produce a professional indie published book, Gwyn's approach to writing sales copy for her books, hitting the Amazon b…

1
#085: Maggie Smith — Crafting Viral Poems, Writing Memoir, Becoming a Better Poet, Narrative Device, Substack, Commercial vs Creative Work 55:22

11M ago55:22

55:22

Award-winning poet and writer on her process of crafting a poem, how she brought lyric sensibility to her memoir, and how we can observe and distill our experience of the world. We also talk about how she constructed her memoir, chose what to include, and navigated the intensity of publication as a memoirist. * ABOUT MAGGIE SMITH Maggie Smith is an…

1
The Watchers by Kae Hart 9:18

12M ago9:18

9:18

A young woman watches over her little sister in a polluted dystopian world where her scientific knowledge is her only weapon. The story was written by Kae Hart. Kae is a university student who learned to speak by telling stories to everyone who would listen. The cashier at the local grocery store was her first fan. Since then, she has written stori…

1
#084: Jean Kwok — Writing Family Drama & Constructing Thrillers, Successful Daily Writing Routines, Handling Failure & Pressure, How to Stay Focused On Your Craft 1:02:30

12M ago1:02:30

1:02:30

Jean Kwok (New York Times bestselling author) on the process of creating compelling characters and structuring a psychological family drama thriller. Plus we talk about narrative tension, handling criticism and dealing with pressure and failure as a writer. * ABOUT JEAN KWOK Jean Kwok is the award-winning, New York Times and international bestselli…

1
#083: Peter Komolafe — Rewriting Your Relationship with Money & Visualising Success, Writing Non-Fiction, Building A Brand 1:03:35

12M ago1:03:35

1:03:35

Nonfiction writer and financial advisor Peter Komolafe, on pulling himself out of homelessness, struggles with debt through to becoming a financial expert. We explore how we might rewrite our relationship with money, his 5 "BASIC" principles of financial security, how visualisation helped him achieve his goals, and his experience writing The Money …

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