London Writers' Salon #165: Carys Shannon — Debut Novelist on Choosing an Indie Press, Finding Your Voice, Writers’ Hour, and Holding Your Vision
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Oct 22, 2025 Carys Shannon, a Welsh debut novelist, shares her journey with her acclaimed book, Truth Like Water. She talks about the importance of staying true to her voice through editing and agent feedback. Carys explains why she chose an editorially led indie press, highlighting the personal touch and support they provide. She also discusses the craft of writing, including point of view choices and the significance of asking what your book wants to be, ultimately redefining success in publishing on her own terms.
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Long Journey To A Finished Novel
- Carys started Truth Like Water in 2011 and revised it across many years while balancing other creative work.
- The pandemic and Writers' Hour propelled her to complete major drafts and enter competitions that shaped the book.
Agent Feedback Revealed A Bigger Question
- Agent feedback confirmed her writing was strong but pushed her toward clearer genre labels she didn't want.
- That tension forced Carys to re-evaluate what success and authorship meant for her work.
Follow Up On Past Publisher Interest
- If a publisher previously expressed interest, follow up — you might be avoiding the obvious route.
- Use coaching or mirrors to spot opportunities you’ve dismissed through assumptions.
