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London Writers' Salon
#136: Tessa Hadley – The Secrets of Literary Fiction: How to Craft Powerful, Resonant Stories, Creating Compelling Stories, Publishing in your 40s, 50s and beyond
Mar 15, 2025
Tessa Hadley, an acclaimed author known for her intricately crafted literary works, shares her journey to publication in her 40s. She discusses the significance of character development, emphasizing that conflict enriches storytelling. Listeners are treated to a reading from her new novella, exploring themes of nostalgia and youthful deception. Hadley reflects on the emotional struggles of a writer, the importance of community, and her creative process. Her insights emphasize how personal experiences shape compelling narratives, resonating with writers and readers alike.
01:04:05
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Quick takeaways
- Crafting flawed characters with elements of conflict enhances storytelling, reflecting the complexity of human nature in narratives.
- The journey to becoming a published author is often lengthy and requires a commitment to refining one’s craft over time.
Deep dives
The Importance of Flawed Characters
Writing should embrace the complexity of human nature, which includes crafting flawed characters. The advice offered by a mother figure stresses to avoid creating overly nice characters, encouraging a more realistic portrayal of human interactions. By integrating elements of bitterness and conflict, the narrative can resonate more profoundly with readers, as life itself is rarely sweet. This approach allows the author to explore the full spectrum of human experiences, whether tragic or comedic, leading to richer storytelling.
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