London Writers' Salon cover image

London Writers' Salon

Latest episodes

undefined
Mar 29, 2025 • 1h 11min

#138: Nicola Slawson – From Journalism to Book Deals: Pitching, Newsletters, and Building a Writing Life on Your Own Terms

Nicola Slawson, a freelance journalist and the creator of The Single Supplement newsletter, shares her inspiring journey of building a writing career on her own terms. She discusses the challenges of transitioning from journalism to authoring a book, emphasizing the importance of personal storytelling and audience engagement. Nicola reveals effective strategies for growing a newsletter and the emotional complexities of the publishing process. She also highlights the vital role of community in supporting writers through their creative endeavors.
undefined
Mar 22, 2025 • 57min

#137: Sareeta Domingo – Writing Love That Feels Real, Breaking into Publishing, Writing Intimacy on the Page, and Selling Romance

Sareeta Domingo shares her journey in writing and publishing love stories that resonate with readers. She discusses the importance of crafting authentic intimacy and the evolution of the romance industry. Listeners learn about her experiences navigating the submission process and the balance between her roles as a writer and editor. Insights on the art of writing sex scenes and the unique challenges faced by authors of color are explored. The conversation also touches on indie publishing benefits and defining success in the literary world.
undefined
15 snips
Mar 15, 2025 • 1h 4min

#136: Tessa Hadley – The Secrets of Literary Fiction: How to Craft Powerful, Resonant Stories, Creating Compelling Stories, Publishing in your 40s, 50s and beyond

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.
undefined
37 snips
Mar 8, 2025 • 1h 8min

#135: Anne-Laure Le Cunff — The Science of Creativity: Using Tiny Experiments to Unlock Growth, Learning, and Better Writing

In this captivating discussion, Anne-Laure Le Cunff, a former Google digital health lead turned neuroscientist and founder of Ness Labs, shares her journey in creativity and writing. She discusses using tiny experiments to break free from traditional career paths, shifting her focus to writing in public, and growing her newsletter to over 100K subscribers. Anne-Laure delves into the psychology of procrastination as a tool for self-discovery and emphasizes flexible ambition over rigid goals, inviting listeners to embrace curiosity in their creative journeys.
undefined
Mar 1, 2025 • 1h 7min

#134: Jody Eddy – Michelin Kitchens, Monks & The Cookbook Playbook: What Top Chefs Taught Me About Rituals & Success; NonFiction Proposal & Food Writing

Jody Eddy, a celebrated food writer and cookbook author known for her exploration of food, culture, and storytelling, shares intriguing insights from her experiences in Michelin-star kitchens and monastic culinary traditions. She discusses the importance of rituals in both cooking and writing, unveiling their emotional significance. Jody reflects on her transition from chef to writer, the challenges of crafting cookbook proposals, and highlights the evolving landscape of food writing and publishing, providing valuable advice for aspiring food writers.
undefined
44 snips
Feb 22, 2025 • 43min

#133: Michael Dean – The Invisible Patterns Behind Great Essays: How Essay Architecture Can Shape Your Writing and Break Through Perfectionism.

Michael Dean, an essayist and editor, discusses the hidden frameworks of essay writing. He shares insights from his journey as a former architect, revealing how structural patterns can elevate writing. The conversation touches on the balance between discipline and creative freedom, and how AI can revolutionize the composition process. Dean emphasizes the importance of intuitive reading, editing, and the transformative effects of a writing practice, as well as personal growth through the craft of essay writing.
undefined
19 snips
Feb 16, 2025 • 56min

#132: Dava Sobel — The Art of Science Storytelling, Writing Hidden Histories & How a Rejected Pitch Became a Bestseller

Dava Sobel, a best-selling science writer celebrated for her works like Longitude, shares her journey of intertwining science and storytelling. She discusses transforming historical narratives into bestsellers and emphasizes women’s contributions to science, particularly focusing on Marie Curie. Sobel reflects on her transition from journalism to book writing, the complexities of simplifying scientific concepts, and effective self-editing techniques. Her insights on resilience in both writing and science offer inspiration for aspiring authors.
undefined
Feb 9, 2025 • 1h 2min

#131: Sophie Flynn — Writing Thrillers, Should You Be A Kindle Bestseller or Go Down The Traditional Publishing Route? Plus the Mindset for a Long-Term Writing Career

Bestselling thriller author Sophie Flynn, also the Managing Director of Jericho Writers, shares her journey from police press officer to successful novelist. She candidly discusses the pros and cons of traditional versus indie publishing. Flynn delves into key strategies for building a long-term writing career and the mindset needed to overcome rejection. Expect insights on crafting suspenseful narratives and the importance of community support for writers. Her experiences highlight the resilience required to navigate the emotional landscape of being a writer.
undefined
22 snips
Feb 2, 2025 • 55min

#130: Oliver Burkeman - An Imperfectionist's Guide to Overcoming Distraction and Finding Creative Flow, Writing NonFiction

Oliver Burkeman, bestselling author of Four Thousand Weeks and Meditations for Mortals, shares insights on the importance of embracing imperfection in life and creativity. He discusses how accepting limitations can enhance creativity and fulfillment. Burkeman explores the art of staying present, inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Ichigo Ichi-e. He offers strategies to navigate distractions through mindfulness and emphasizes the significance of reflecting on past experiences to foster personal growth. His experiences in writing underscore authentic expression and the flexibility in creative processes.
undefined
Jan 26, 2025 • 1h 6min

#129: Anita Bhagwandas - Pitching And Crafting Viral Stories, Navigating ADHD, and Breaking Beauty Myths.

Anita Bhagwandas is an award-winning journalist and beauty culture expert, recognized for her impactful writing in The Guardian and Vogue. She discusses her career journey, from passionate intern to celebrated writer, while sharing valuable pitching advice. Anita opens up about managing ADHD in her writing process and coping with rejection. The conversation dives into her book, "Ugly," unveiling the history of beauty standards and urging listeners to challenge societal ideals. Her insights blend personal narrative with cultural analysis, making a compelling case for redefining beauty.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode