London Writers' Salon

Huma Qureshi, author of the memoir "How We Met" and short story collection "Things We Do Not Tell The People We Love," delves into the emotional complexities of writing memoirs. She discusses the importance of vulnerability in storytelling, particularly when facing grief and personal history. Huma shares her journey from journalism to memoir writing, inspired by the confidence of others. She emphasizes finding one's authentic voice and the transformative power of personal storytelling, encouraging aspiring writers to embrace their unique narratives.

Bestselling author Oliver Burkeman @oliverburkeman on his process for writing impactful articles plus how he wrote his popular book Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. We chat about reevaluating our relationship with time, the truth about perfectionism, why it’s liberating to know that we are insignificant in the cosmos, and how we might use this reality to lead happier and more creative lives. *ABOUT OLIVER BURKEMANOliver Burkeman is a feature writer for The Guardian. He won the Foreign Press Association's Young Journalist of the Year Award and has been short-listed for the Orwell Prize. He wrote a popular weekly column on psychology, "This Column Will Change Your Life". His books include Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals and The Antidote: Happiness for People who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking.*RESOURCESFour Thousand Weeks: Time Management for MortalsArticle: Everyone is Totally Winging It, All of the TimeAll of Oliver's articles from his Guardian column: This Column Will Change Your LifeFinding Meaning in an Imperfect World by Iddo LandouOliver's next masterclass: Designing Your System for CreativityOliver's newsletter: The ImperfectionistConnect with Oliver on Twitter @oliverburkeman*For show notes, transcripts and to attend our live podcasts visit: podcast.londonwriterssalon.comFor 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! 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!

Rebecca Stott, an award-winning writer and historian, discusses her latest book set in 6th-century Londinium. She shares insights on balancing researching and writing in historical fiction, the importance of accuracy, and the 'history of emotions'.

Authors and writing coaches Bec Evans (@eva_bec) and Chris Smith (@beprolifiko) on techniques that have helped thousands of writers get unblocked and write. We talk about banishing procrastination, dealing with imperfect environments and why it’s so important to be present in your writing and not compare yourself to a past version of yourself. We also talk about their process of writing, editing and pitching their new book Written: How to Keep Writing and Build a Habit That Lasts. *ABOUT BEC EVANS & CHRIS SMITHBec Evans and Chris Smith are writers and the co-founders of Prolifiko, a coaching business that helps people build productive writing habits. Their latest book is Written: How to Keep Writing and Build a Habit That Lasts. *RESOURCES:Written: How to Keep Writing and Build a Habit That LastsArvon writing housesMindfulness by Ellen J. LangerStory GridProlifiko NewsletterGretchen Rubin's Four TendenciesAdrian Mole Diaries by Sue TownsendVictoria WoodFOLLOW THE AUTHORS:Prolifiko websiteBec on InstagramBec Evans on TwitterProlifiko on Twitter*For show notes, and transcripts and to attend our live podcasts, visit: podcast.londonwriterssalon.comFor 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! 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!

Jay Clouse (@Jay Clouse), entrepreneur, writer and host of The Creative Elements Podcast, on how to find your niche, become a professional creator and build your creative platform. We discuss the role of a creative platform and how to charge for your services without guilt. Plus, the importance of experimentation, finding and succeeding in your creative niche and leveraging platforms like Linkedin, Twitter, and Newsletters platforms.*ABOUT JAY CLOUSEJay Clouse hosts the Creative Elements podcast and the Creator Science newsletter. He is behind several courses including Podcast Like The Pros, Freelancing School, Marketing for Freelancers and Selling for Freelancers. His creative community, The Lab helps digital creators experiment and grow.  He was the founder of the community Unreal Collective which was acquired by Pat Flynn and Smart Passive Income (SPI).*RESOURCES & LINKSJay's websiteCreative Elements podcastCreator Science newsletterThe Lab creator communityJay on LinkedIn and TwitterWhy being a creator is a scienceEspree Devora: WebsiteJoy Sullivan poet: website, InstagramArticle about Creator Science rebrandWes Kao: Spiky point of viewJustin Welsh & Jay Clouse: Building your business on LinkedIn and Twitter*For show notes, transcripts and to attend our live podcasts visit: podcast.londonwriterssalon.comFor 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! 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!

Author and co-founder of Banshee Press, Eimear Ryan (@eimear_ryan) on her 13-year journey to writing her award-nominated debut book, the importance of creative resilience and a behind-the-scenes look at Banshee Press & Banshee Literary Journal.*ABOUT EIMEAR RYANEimear Ryan is a co-founder of the literary journal Banshee and its publishing imprint, Banshee Press. She was shortlisted for the Newcomer of the Year Award at the Irish Book Awards for her first novel, Holding Her Breath and she was nominated for the Bookseller's Rising Star Award 2021 for her work with Banshee Press.*RESOURCES:Banshee PressEimear’s WebsiteSocialsInstagramTwitterEimear’s WritingJournalismShort Stories & EssaysHolding Her Breath*QUOTES“In terms of common mistakes, throat clearing is my number one thing — a sense that the story hasn’t been redrafted enough by the writer. It is talking themselves into a story…A lot of these stories are really well written. They just haven’t been honed. When you’re a writer, you don’t realize that an editor is reading dozens and dozens of stories, so something really has to grab you from the first page for them to remember it and to fight for it.”*For show notes, transcripts and to attend our live podcasts visit: podcast.londonwriterssalon.comFor 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! 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 novelist and screenwriter Tom Rob Smith (Child 44 Trilogy & American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace) on his writing journey from Cambodian soap operas to screenplays and novels, why creating a treatment is integral to his planning process and how he thinks about writing quick-paced high-stakes stories,. We dive into his latest novel Cold People, a sci-fi thriller set in Antarctica and why he eagerly experiments with genres like sci-fi and romance.*ABOUT TOM ROB SMITHTom Rob Smith is the author of the acclaimed Child 44 trilogy, a global publishing sensation, selling over two million copies. His most recent novel, The Farm, was a Number One international bestseller. Tom also writes for television and won a Writer's Guild Award for best adapted series and an Emmy and Golden Globe for best limited series with American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace.*RESOURCES & LINKS Tom’s Work:Child 44 trilogyThe FarmCold PeopleAmerican Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni VersaceLondon SpyFollow Tom:Tom's websiteTom on Instagram @tomrobsmith*QUOTES“Be open, and be open to opportunities that might not be on your dream scenario. There is lots of stumbling but you know when you come across something that you have a strong reaction to and if you trust that, that is powerful”“Passion and love for the material always shines through”*For show notes, transcripts and to attend our live podcasts visit: podcast.londonwriterssalon.comFor 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! 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!

Novelist Laura Kay (@lauraelizakay) on her writing journey from journalism to novels, how her writing career was launched from Penguin WriteNow programme, queer visibility in fiction, writing sex scenes and how Laura writes and edits her romantic comedies. Laura also talks about tackling writer’s block with an ‘ideas walk’, the reality of forging a career as a full-time writer and her approach to dealing with critics and feedback.*ABOUT LAURA KAYLaura Kay is an author and journalist whose work has appeared in Diva Magazine, The Guardian, Stylist, The Metro, and more. Laura was one of ten writers selected for Penguin’s 2018 WriteNow programme, during which she developed her debut novel, The Split, published by Quercus in 2021. Her second novel, Tell Me Everything is out in paperback now. *RESOURCES:Laura’s books:The Split: Amazon UK/ Amazon USATell Me Everything: Amazon UK/ Amazon USAWild Things (coming in May 2023)*Follow Laura on socials:Twitter: lauraelizakayInstagram: lauraekayWebsite: laurakayauthor.co.uk*Books and links mentioned in the interview:Penguin's WriteNow programmeThe Split by Laura KayInfamous by Lex CroucherFirst Time for Everything by Henry FryDouble Booked by Lily LindonAuthor Matt CainAuthor Justin MyersIn at the Deep End by Kate DaviesWhat Page Are You On? PodcastOn Writing by Stephen King*For show notes, transcripts and to attend our live podcasts visit: podcast.londonwriterssalon.comFor 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! 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!

Christy Lefteri, the international-best selling author of The Beekeeper of Aleppo and Songbirds on finding inspiration from real life, how she brings her characters to life, and what it means to her to tell other people’s stories with compassion. We also chat about Christy’s writing, research, and plotting process.*ABOUT CHRISTY LEFTERIBrought up in London, Christy Lefteri is the child of Cypriot refugees. She is a lecturer in creative writing at Brunel University. Her debut novel A Watermelon, a Fish and a Bible is set during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and was which was longlisted for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. Her second novel The Beekeeper of Aleppo was born out of her time working as a volunteer at a Unicef supported refugee centre in Athens and deals with the flight of refugees from Aleppo in Syria to Europe during the Syrian Civil War. It was selected as a Richard and Judy Book Club Choice and has sold over 1 million copies. Her latest novel, Songbirds follows the disappearance of a Sri Lankan nanny from her new life in Nicosia.*RESOURCES:For show notes, transcripts and to attend our live podcasts visit: podcast.londonwriterssalon.comFor 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! 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!

The award-winning novelist Jean Kwok talks about her writing journey from poverty to becoming a bestselling author, how she drafts and plans her novels, why she uses Writers’ Hour to write her novels, and the importance of conflict in her writing. Also how she has overcome continual rejection throughout her life. *ABOUT JEAN KWOKJean Kwok is the award-winning, New York Times and international bestselling author of Searching for Sylvie Lee, Girl in Translation and Mambo in Chinatown. An instant New York Times bestseller, Searching for Sylvie Lee was selected for the Today Show Book Club and featured in The New York Times, Time, Newsweek, CNN, The New York Post, The Washington Post and more. Jean has been chosen for numerous honors including the American Library Association Alex Award, and the Sunday Times Short Story Award shortlist. *RESOURCES:Writers' HourJean’s websiteJean’s books:Searching for Sylvie LeeGirl in TranslationMambo in ChinatownThe Today ShowJenna Bush Hager’s Book Club*For show notes, transcripts and to attend our live podcasts visit: podcast.londonwriterssalon.comFor 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! 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!