
London Writers' Salon
A deep dive into the habits, mindsets, tools, craft secrets and creative practices bestselling writers use to write novels, plays, poetry, and articles. Hosted by the co-founders of the London Writers' Salon, Matt & Parul.
Latest episodes

48 snips
Apr 19, 2025 • 1h 2min
#141: Jono Hey – Build a Creative Practice That Sticks: Mastering Visual Thinking, 900+ Sketches, Deep Simplicity and Collaborating with Bill Gates
Jono Hey, author of Big Ideas Little Pictures and creator of Sketchplanations, shares his journey of simplifying complex ideas through visual sketches. He explores the power of visual thinking and how to build a creative identity during career transitions. Jono discusses the importance of knowing when a piece is ready for publication and offers tips for aspiring sketchers. He also reflects on his experiences illustrating for Bill Gates, outlining the intricate balance between structured creativity and deep work while navigating the publishing landscape.

10 snips
Apr 12, 2025 • 30min
#140: Matt Trinetti – Building The World's Most Engaged Writing Community: Navigating Boundaries, Fostering Belonging, Harnessing the Power of Connection & the Importance of Creative Health
Matt Trinetti discusses the importance of community for writers amidst challenges like AI. He highlights how fostering belonging and mutual support can create a vibrant writing environment. The transformative power of writing for mental health is showcased, emphasizing self-expression and personal growth. Innovative community-building strategies, including varied online spaces, are explored, illustrating how technology can enhance connections. Overall, the conversation encourages collaboration and appreciation within the writing journey.

Apr 5, 2025 • 1h 1min
#139: Steve Almond – The Truth About Creative Failure, Overcoming Ego, and Writing Stories That Actually Matter
Steve Almond, an award-winning author known for his bestsellers and the New York Times podcast Dear Sugars, candidly discusses creative failure and the importance of authentic storytelling. He shares insights on overcoming writer's block, navigating the emotional challenges of creativity, and prioritizing genuine connections with characters. Almond emphasizes the significance of vulnerability, self-compassion, and curiosity, encouraging writers to embrace their unique narratives and explore deep emotions in their work.

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.

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.

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.

43 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.

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.

62 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.

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.
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