London Writers' Salon

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.

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.