London Writers' Salon #167: Anna Davis, founder of Curtis Brown Creative — Learning How to Write: Messy Drafts, the Rewrite Doctor, and What Agents Want
14 snips
Nov 8, 2025 Anna Davis, a novelist and founder of Curtis Brown Creative, offers invaluable insights for writers. She emphasizes that messy first drafts are part of the process, sharing her 'Rewrite Doctor' method to diagnose and refine manuscripts. Anna discusses how to stress-test structure and plot, the importance of playful writing exercises, and what agents truly seek in submissions. She also debunks publishing myths and highlights the long game of writing success, encouraging authors to stay true to their unique voice while preparing market-ready works.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Part-Time Contracts Led To A Career Pivot
- Anna took a part-time contracts role at Curtis Brown to create space for her own writing.
- That accidental role led to wider publishing experience and later teaching and agency work.
Curtis Brown Creative Began In A Boardroom
- Anna launched Curtis Brown Creative after seeing the Faber Academy and revisiting an old proposal.
- The first course ran from their boardroom for 15 students and immediately attracted many applicants.
Trust Your Individual Writing Process
- Accept that every writer's process is valid and find what works for you.
- Try different approaches and adopt the methods that let you produce and sustain writing.
