London Writers' Salon #148: Mark Haddon — The Writing Habit That Changed Everything: Lessons from 18 Books, Creative Doubt & Writing Without A Map
43 snips
Jun 7, 2025 Mark Haddon, bestselling author of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, shares his insights into the writing process. He discusses how writing often begins before you even start, the art of creating strong beginnings, and the expansive power of poetry. Haddon also dives into navigating self-doubt and trusting one's instincts, alongside the significance of conflict in storytelling. He explores the balance between personal expression and audience engagement while sharing his journey from illustrator to author, highlighting the struggles within the publishing world.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Agent's Crucial Belief
- Mark Haddon shared how his agent encouraged him to write better rather than settle for mediocre work.
- She believed in him independently of sales, offering crucial support for his career.
Writing Starts with Gathering
- Writing starts before putting words on the page, gathering experiences like building blocks in a sack.
- The process is reductive: cutting back an oak to a dense, powerful core.
Boarding School Brutality Anecdote
- Mark described the brutal reality of boarding school life based on his own experience.
- He contrasted this with myth-based stories in his Dogs and Monsters collection for emotional depth.
