London Writers' Salon

Mason Currey, a writer and editor known for his insights into artists' routines, shares valuable lessons on focus and discipline. He discusses how his Daily Routines blog turned viral, leading to his acclaimed books. Mason emphasizes the importance of unique, flexible routines tailored to individuals and reveals his method of 'double mornings' for productivity. He highlights the significance of small, consistent progress—dubbed 'Worm Zooms'—and offers practical tips for creating a sustainable creative life while balancing the need for financial stability.

Debut novelist and 2023 Reese’s Book Club LitUp fellow Allison King on blending history with magical realism, and what it takes to build a writing life while navigating the modern publishing landscape.We discuss:Allison’s early relationship with stories and the role her grandmother played in shaping it.The path from fan fiction and short stories to publishing a debut novel.The dual timeline and braided structure of The Phoenix Pencil Company, moving between WWII-era Shanghai and contemporary Cambridge.Building a magic system at the heart of the novel, and why its consequences matter more than its mechanics.Pragmatic outlining and structural tools (including reverse outlining) for managing timeline-heavy drafts.Researching family history without turning the book into an autobiography.Writing about Alzheimer’s with care, and what Allison learned in revision about emotional precision.Resources and Links:Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi ThorpeRedwall by Brian JacquesThe Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King Last Boat Out of Shanghai by Helen Zia LitUp FellowshipOnce Upon a Time in Dollywood by Ashley Jordan My Brilliant Friend by Elena FerranteA Tale For the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki About Allison KingAllison King is an Asian American writer and software engineer based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In technology, her work has ranged from semiconductors to platforms for community conversations to data privacy. Her short stories have appeared in Fantasy Magazine, Diabolical Plots, and LeVar Burton Reads, among others. She is also a 2023 Reese's Book Club LitUp fellow. The Phoenix Pencil Company is her first novel. 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!

Neuroaesthetics researcher Susan Magsamen and Google design leader Ivy Ross on creativity as a biological necessity, intuition, and the aesthetic mindset for a good life.   You'll learn:Habits that Susan and Ivy turn to when they need to re-centre.What Susan and Ivy are trying to change in the world with their day jobs. The beginning of Susan and Ivy working together.Clear evidence that proved to Susan and Ivy that their work was needed.Advice for using your intuition to be more creative.How a writer might find their voice.Questions to ask yourself if you’re writing a similar book to Your Brain on Art.Principles that Susan and Ivy use to help them live a good life. The link between nature and neuroaesthetics.The transforming power of journaling.Resources and Links:📄Interview TranscriptYour Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform UsWebsiteNeuroarts Resource CenterAbout Susan Magsamen and Ivy RossSusan Magsamen is the founder and director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she is a faculty member, and she co-directs the NeuroArts Blueprint. Ivy Ross is Vice President of Design for hardware product area at Google, leading an award-winning team, and is also an arts grant recipient and recognised creative leader. 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!

Award-winning poet Mary Jean Chan shares her journey from business school to poetry, revealing how 'bad' poems can provide solace. David Whyte discusses overcoming writer's block by writing about it and emphasizes the power of repetition in live readings. Anthony Anaxagorou reads a poignant piece inspired by the Brexit referendum, detailing his approach of mining notebooks for compelling lines. Each poet highlights the craft choices that shape their work, offering valuable insights into the emotional truth behind their words.

What does it mean to turn a life of art, love, and loss into story? How do we write honestly about the people who shaped us? And what can theater teach us about the art of memoir?In her debut memoir No Stars in Jefferson Park (Northwestern University Press), writer and professor Maggie Andersen tells a Chicago coming-of-age story that alternates between the exhilaration of founding a theater company and the devastating realities of loss, resilience, and rebuilding.In this conversation with Maggie Andersen, we discuss the craft of storytelling at the intersection of theater and memoir, what it means to write through loss, and the risks and revelations of choosing your own story.Resources and Links:No Stars in Jefferson Park About Maggie AndersenMaggie Andersen has published fiction and nonfiction in magazines such as Salt Hill, Blood Orange, the Los Angeles Review, Creative Nonfiction, Grain, Cutbank, and DIAGRAM. She has been a finalist for the Montana Prize for Nonfiction and has been nominated twice for the Pushcart Prize. She is an Associate Professor of English at Dominican University and an ensemble member at the Gift Theatre. Her debut memoir, No Stars in Jefferson Park, was published by Northwestern University Press in October 2025.   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!

Anthony Smith, the Director of Trailers for The Diary of a CEO, brings a wealth of experience from working with Disney and Marvel. He dives into the art of storytelling, emphasizing the crucial 3–5 seconds for capturing attention. Discover how to create compelling hooks and cliffhangers that keep audiences 'gutted' for answers. Anthony also discusses the balance of intrigue and respect in storytelling, the emotional rollercoaster in narratives, and the importance of testing titles and thumbnails. His insights bridge video storytelling and fiction writing, making it a must-listen!

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.