London Writers' Salon

Salena Godden, an award-winning poet and novelist of Jamaican–Irish heritage, shares her journey from the shadows of self-publishing to celebrated author. She discusses the importance of writing authentically and her 'rule of three' for balancing creativity and income. Salena reveals techniques for drafting poetry and prose from fleeting thoughts and the emotional challenges of memoir writing. She emphasizes self-care rituals after intense writing and the necessity of archiving one's work, all while holding onto hope and resilience.

Mary Jean Chan, an award-winning poet and academic, discusses the heart of contemporary poetry—emotional truth. She shares insights on using imagery and juxtaposition to convey complex feelings, particularly around queerness and grief. Chan emphasizes the importance of restraint in writing, advising how to craft impactful poems without tipping into melodrama. She also addresses the writing process, submission strategies, and the lessons gained from judging prestigious literary prizes, highlighting the significance of originality and emotional resonance in poetry.

In this insightful conversation, bestselling novelist Adele Parks, known for 25 hit novels, shares her journey from imitating writers to embracing her unique voice. She discusses the influence of personal loss on her creativity and the importance of treating writing as a disciplined craft. Adele reveals her daily word targets and inventive character interview techniques. She offers advice on navigating criticism, balancing success with humility, and staying connected with readers. It’s a masterclass on resilience and the art of storytelling!

Anne Ditmeyer and Martin Lake dive into the realities of self-publishing. They discuss the importance of budgeting for editing and design while redefining success beyond bestseller lists. Listeners will learn about the slow journey of an indie career and the significance of backlist effects. The guests reveal practical marketing strategies that don't require a massive following, highlighting the use of various platforms like Amazon and Shopify. They also share vital tips on avoiding scams and navigating third-party publishing services.

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.

In this episode, Kate McKean, a literary agent and author, dives into the complexities of the writing world. She shares tips on crafting a compelling pitch and reading rejection letters for constructive feedback. Kate emphasizes the importance of enjoying the writing process rather than fixating on publishing outcomes. She sheds light on the differences between US and UK agenting, as well as the realities of self-publishing. With her engaging insights, she empowers writers to build resilient careers and prioritize their creative joy.

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.

Liv Maidment, Head of Books at the Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency, shares her insights into the world of literary agents. She discusses the art of crafting compelling elevator pitches and the importance of strategic comp titles. Liv breaks down the difference between blurbs and synopses, emphasizing what to include in both. She addresses the evolving submission landscape and the impact of AI in publishing. Plus, she offers advice on author bios and market trends, revealing how ambition plays into long-term success for writers.

Indyana Schneider, an international opera singer and novelist from Sydney, draws connections between her dual creative careers. She shares insights on writing rhythm and tension, developed while drafting her debut on the Tube. Indyana emphasizes the importance of varying sentence lengths and the use of sensory sequencing to create engaging narratives. She also discusses the emotional aspects of literary success and how to handle rejection, blending her musical background with her writing craft. Expect a masterclass in balancing creativity and pursuing your passions!

In this conversation, Natalie Lue, a beloved writer and podcaster of The Baggage Reclaim Sessions, explores the themes of grief and letting go in her new book, Let Go. She discusses the challenges and techniques of writing about personal pain while maintaining boundaries, using tools like journaling and pattern-spotting. Natalie shares the importance of self-care in the writing process and why she chose the unique publishing model of The Pound Project. With insightful prompts, she encourages writers to reflect deeply and confront their truths.