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.

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.

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.

Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, has transformed the Jaipur Literature Festival from 230 attendees to over 400,000. He discusses how art and storytelling shape culture and foster community engagement. Sanjoy shares inspiring stories of individuals like a former rickshaw driver who became a published author, and highlights the role of festivals in promoting inclusivity and social change. With a focus on collaboration and accessibility, he emphasizes how creativity can uplift marginalized voices and revitalize cities.

Holly Black, the #1 New York Times bestselling author known for her enchanting fantasy novels, opens up about her creative process. She shares how childhood experiences in a Victorian house filled with ghost stories inspired her magical worlds. Black discusses overcoming rejection in her writing journey and offers insights into character development and world-building. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in writing for different audiences, illustrating the balance between creative integrity and the unpredictable nature of publishing.

Join naturalist and educator John Muir Laws as he unveils the wonders of nature journaling. He discusses how tapping into curiosity can transform your creativity and observation skills. Muir Laws shares personal stories that highlight nature's impact on self-identity and the joy of immersive observations. He encourages embracing imperfection, especially for those with dyslexia, and introduces an exciting new platform for nature journalers to connect and collaborate. Dive into this enlightening conversation and unlock your inner creativity!

Vicky Reynal, a psychotherapist and author of "Money on Your Mind," discusses the surprising emotional ties that influence creatives' financial decisions. She shares insights on how understanding belief systems around money can lead to better choices. Vicky emphasizes the need for a balanced perspective between creativity and financial stability, especially for writers. The conversation touches upon cultural attitudes toward wealth, the emotional complexities in publishing, and practical strategies for fostering resilience and community in artistic endeavors.

In this engaging conversation, bestselling author Beth Kempton shares insights from her works like 'Wabi Sabi' and 'Kokoro.' She explores how Japanese philosophy can help writers navigate life’s transitions and embrace creativity. Beth emphasizes the connection between grief, self-discovery, and the intelligent heart. Listeners are encouraged to confront mortality and reflect on life’s questions through deep journaling. She also discusses the importance of letting go of fear in writing and finding joy in the creative process.

Anna Bogutskaya has studied thousands of horror films and books.  In this interview we talk to Anna about the role of the monster and how writers can harness primal emotions to tell captivating stories. We also dive into her process for pitching and writing nonfiction books.*ABOUT ANNA BOGUTSKAYA Anna Bogutskaya is a freelance critic, author, film programmer and creative producer. She writes for BBC Culture, Guardian, MUBI, the Face and TimeOut, amongst others, and programmes films for BFI, Edinburgh Film Festival and Fantastic Fest. She produces and hosts The Final Girls podcast. She’s the author of Unlikeable Female Characters: The Women Pop Culture Wants You to Hate and Feeding the Monster: Why Horror Has a Hold On Us.*RESOURCES & LINKSUnlikeable Female CharactersFeeding the MonsterThe Final Girls: A Horror Film PodcastThe BabadookIn the Dream House by Carmen Maria MachadoAdmit OneDanse Macabre by Stephen KingHouse of Psychotic Women by Kier-La Janisse For show notes, transcripts and to attend our live podcasts visit: podcast.londonwriterssalon.com.For free writing sessions, join free Writers’ Hours: writershour.com.*FOLLOW LONDON WRITERS’ SALONTwitter: twitter.com/​​WritersSalonInstagram: instagram.com/londonwriterssalonFacebook: facebook.com/LondonWritersSalonIf you’re enjoying this show, please rate and review this show!

David Perell, a writer, entrepreneur, and podcaster, shares insights on finding your unique voice and making your writing memorable. He discusses the transformative power of public writing, fostering connections through personal anecdotes, and identifying core ideas to stand out in a competitive landscape. Perell also delves into the emotional highs and lows of the creative journey and emphasizes the importance of community support among writers. Additionally, he touches on maintaining authenticity while navigating the public eye.