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London Writers' Salon

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Jun 1, 2024 • 1h 10min

#106: David Heinemeier Hansson — Turning Blogs into Bestselling Books, Writing Non-Fiction, Books as Products, Selling 1 million copies, Rethinking Work, Finding Meaning In Business & Writing

David Heinemeier Hansson, serial entrepreneur and bestselling author on his 14-year journey to selling millions of copies of his books, why you should view your books as valuable products, and how he has co-written and marketed his books—all while running multiple successful businesses, including Basecamp, Ruby on Rails, and Hey.com. Plus how he used his blog to create a viral book, why his editing process took years and why he’s certain that working more than 40 hours a week isn’t smart.*ABOUT DAVID HEINEMEIER HANSSONDavid Heinemeier Hansson is the creator of Ruby on Rails and co-owner of 37signals. He is also a Le Mans class-winning racing driver, antitrust advocate, investor in Danish startups, frequent podcast guest, and family man. His bestselling books include Rework and Remote: Office Not Required and Getting Real. *RESOURCES & LINKS📄 Interview Transcript (unedited)Ruby on Rails 37 Signals Hey.comGetting RealReworkRemote: Office Not RequiredBullshit Jobs by David Graeber On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs: A Work RantDavid on Tim Ferris’s podcast, episode #195: The Power of Being OutspokenStoicism Resources from Tim Ferris DHH on the Daily Stoic 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!
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May 18, 2024 • 59min

#105: Krystal Sutherland — Secrets To Writing a Page-Turner, Writing Young Adult Fantasy & Thrillers, How to Motivate Yourself, Amazon Studios

Young Adult Bestselling author Krystal Sutherland on the reality of hitting the New York Times Bestseller list, how she constructs compelling hooks and endings for each chapter, moving across genres, and her advice for getting your book done and creating a page-turner. *ABOUT KRYSTAL SUTHERLANDKrystal Sutherland is the New York Times and indie bestselling author of House of Hollow, A Semi-Definitive List of Worst Nightmares and Our Chemical Hearts, which was adapted into a film by Amazon Studios. Her books have been published in more than twenty countries and nominated for the Carnegie Medal and YA Book Prize, among others. Originally from Australia, she has lived on four continents and currently calls London home.*RESOURCES & LINKS📄 Interview Transcript (unedited)The InvocationsThe Bestseller CodeFollow Krystal:WebsiteInstagram: @km_sutherland*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!
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May 4, 2024 • 1h 7min

#104: Rupal Patel — Lessons from the CIA, Building A Creative Practice, Prioritising Time & Writing Non-Fiction

Rupal Patel, an ex-CIA agent and author of From CIA to CEO on applying CIA tools to your personal and creative life. Plus she gives us tips for how to create more time and how to pitch a non-fiction book.  *RESOURCES & LINKS📄 Interview Transcript (unedited)From CIA to CEORupal’s TED Talk, My Unexpected Discovery About Working at the CIARupal’s website*ABOUT RUPAL PATELThe daughter of Indian immigrants, Rupal Patel is a born-and-bred New Yorker now living near London. Her unconventional career as a CIA analyst and successful entrepreneur has taken her from dusty briefing rooms in jungles and war zones to the gilded halls of NATO and Capitol Hill. As a CEO, leadership consultant, and strategic advisor, she now helps founders, corporate leaders, and next-generation change-makers lead in powerful, meaningful ways while building mental toughness and unshakable resilience. 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!
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Apr 27, 2024 • 1h 3min

#103: Pádraig Ó Tuama — Reading, Analysing & Writing Poetry; Making A Living as a Poet

The poet and theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama tells us about his journey into poetry, how he knows a poem is complete and how poets might practice noticing. He also reads from his collection and deconstructs his poetry. We also discuss what it means to make a living as a poet.*ABOUT PÁDRAIG Ó TUAMA​Pádraig Ó Tuama is a theologian, writer, and conflict transformation practitioner. His books include In the Shelter: Finding a Home in the World; Daily Prayer with the Corrymeela Community; Sorry For Your Troubles; Borders & Belonging and Poetry Unbound: 50 Poems to Open Your World. He hosts the On Being Studios podcast Poetry Unbound with Krista Tippett’s studio.*RESOURCES & LINKS📄 Interview Transcript (unedited)On Being Studios podcast Poetry UnboundPoetry Unbound: 50 Poems to Open Your WorldIn the Shelter: Finding a Home in the WorldDaily Prayer with the Corrymeela CommunitySorry For Your TroublesBorders & BelongingReadings from the Book of ExileConcerning the Prayer I Cannot Make by Jane Mead Having Confessed by Patrick KavanaghPádraig’s Substack, Poetry Unbound *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!
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Apr 22, 2024 • 59min

#102: Michael Jamin — Writing for TV, Personal Essays, Self-Publishing & Building a Platform

TV writer Michael Jamin (‘Just Shoot Me!’ and ‘King of the Hill.’) on his experience as a writer and showrunner, growing his platform and how he created, promoted and self-published his book A Paper Orchestra,*ABOUT MICHAEL JAMINMichael Jamin has been writing for television since 1996.  His many credits include Just Shoot Me, King of the Hill, Beavis & Butthead, Wilfred, Out of Practice, Rules of Engagement, Lopez and Tacoma FD.  He’s also served as Executive Producer/Showrunner on Glenn Martin DDS, Maron, and Rhett & Link’s Buddy System. Michael currently lives in Los Angeles, where he continues to work in TV and is the author of the essay collection A Paper Orchestra.*RESOURCES & LINKS📄 Interview Transcript (unedited)A Paper OrchestraShows: King of the Hill; Maron10 Tips on Writing from Joyce Carol OatesMichael’s free weekly screenwriting webinarMichael on social media: TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, FacebookMichael’s podcastHindenburg Narrator for AudiobooksRyan Holiday’s Perennial Seller 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!
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Apr 6, 2024 • 1h 4min

#101: Eliza Reid — Writing Fiction & Nonfiction as Iceland's First Lady

The First Lady of Iceland Eliza Reid on her writing habits, her creative life and why the Iceland Writers’ Retreat is a perfect place for writers.  We also discuss her fiction and nonfiction, navigating self-doubt, being tenacious with time and how she balances her responsibilities as a writer with her role in public service.  *ABOUT ELIZA REIDEliza Reid is a journalist, editor, and cofounder of the annual Iceland Writers Retreat. Eliza grew up in the countryside near Ottawa, Canada, and moved to Iceland in 2003, five years after winning a student raffle for a date with the man who became her husband, Gudni Jóhannesson. When he took office as president of Iceland on August 1, 2016, Eliza became the country’s First Lady. In that capacity, she has been active in promoting gender equality, entrepreneurship and innovation, tourism and sustainability, and the country’s writers and rich literary heritage. Being the spouse of the head of state is an immense privilege, full of surreal and wonderful experiences. Eliza has been candid about the role, which is an unofficial position with no job description, penning a lauded op-ed in the New York Times and delivering a TEDx Talk on the topic. Her first book, Secrets of the Sprakkar, was an instant bestseller in Iceland and Canada, a New York Times Book Review Editors' Pick, and was recommended by Hillary Rodham Clinton, Margaret Atwood and many others. *RESOURCES & LINKS📄 Interview Transcript (unedited)Iceland Writers RetreatSecrets of the Sprakkar LWS Members Discount Code for 10% off the Iceland Writers RetreatIcelandic Saga DatabaseEliza’s 2019 opinion piece in the New York Times, I’m a First Lady, and It’s An Incredibly Weird Job Eliza on InstagramEliza’s forthcoming novel, Death of a Diplomat*Join our 24-hour Writing Sprint!Between April 12-13, we’re hosting our epic, annual, online, FREE 🌏 24-hour Writing Sprint! Join us for 1,2 or 24 hours of writing, bring a friend or two, and make serious progress on a creative project. 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!
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Mar 30, 2024 • 1h 1min

#100: Clara Vulliamy — Crafting Picture Books and Older Children's Stories, Dealing with Rejection, Finding Your Voice

Clara Vulliamy, a children’s author of over 30 books talks about how she approaches collaboration, and what she’s learned from decades in the world of children's publishing as an author and illustrator. *ABOUT CLARA VULLIAMYClara Vulliamy is the daughter of author-illustrator Shirley Hughes and architect John Vulliamy. Her first experience of making pictures was being allowed to use up her Mum’s paints at the end of the day, which she says ‘was like scraping the icing out of the bowl after baking’. She studied Fine Art at Chelsea School of Art, The Ruskin and The Royal Academy. After graduating she began illustrating in newspapers and magazines, and doing a weekly cartoon in The Guardian. She started writing and illustrating children’s books when she had a family of her own, and she’s been hooked ever since. She’s made 30 + books, including the Dixie O Day series, Marshmallow Pie, Dotty Detective and many others. Her latest series The Dog Squad is out with HarperCollins.*RESOURCES & LINKSClara’s websiteClara on Twitter and InstagramThe Dotty Detective SeriesThe Dog Squad SeriesThe Marshmallow Pie SeriesOrange Beak StudioClara’s mother Shirley HughesLondon Writers’ Salon course, Write a Children’s Picture Book Between April 12-13, we’re hosting our epic, annual 🌏 24-hour Writing Sprint! Join us for 1,2 or 24 hours of writing, bring a friend or two, and make serious progress on a creative project. 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!
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Mar 23, 2024 • 1h 1min

#99: Kim Krizan — Writing 'Before Sunrise' series, Crafting Memorable Characters For Ethan Hawke & Julie Delpy & Other Screenwriting Tips

Before Sunrise co-writer, Kim Krizan on plotting for the screen, creating memorable characters for Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy and advice on how to start writing a screenplay.*ABOUT KIM KRIZANKim Krizan is the Academy Award-nominated writer of the films “Before Sunrise” and “Before Sunset.” Her book Original Sins: Trade Secrets of the Femme Fatale is a tongue-in-cheek examination of history’s dangerous women. She is also the author of Spy in the House of Anais Nin, an analysis of the life of the 20th-century rule-bending diarist. Krizan’s work has been hailed as insightful, penetrating, and profound. She lives and writes in Los Angeles, California. You can find her on Instagram. She hosts The Magic Hour on Patreon, offering affordable creative writing support.*RESOURCES & LINKSThe ‘Before’ TrilogySpy in the House of Anaïs NinOriginal Sins: Trade Secrets of the Femme FatalKim’s Patreon: The Magic Hour - creative writing communityKim’s Instagram 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!
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Mar 10, 2024 • 57min

#98: Chip Conley — Why Life Gets Better With Age, Creativity in Midlife, Role of Newsletters and Blogs, Creating Ideal Conditions for Writing

New York Times bestselling author Learning to Love Midlife on why life gets better with age, midlife as a chrysalis & awakening and how we can create the ideal condition for a Creative Life.*ABOUT CHIP CONLEYChip Conley is on a mission. After disrupting the hospitality industry twice, first as the founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, the second-largest operator of boutique hotels in the world, and then as Airbnb’s Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy, leading a worldwide revolution in travel, Conley co-founded Modern Elder Academy, the first-ever ‘midlife wisdom school,’ in January 2018.Conley is also the award-winning author of New York Times bestseller Emotional Equations, alongside Peak: Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow, The Rebel Rules, Marketing That Matters: 10 Practices to Profit Your Business and Change the World, and Wisdom at Work: The Making of a Modern Elder, which forms the core of the Modern Elder Academy's curriculum. Conley's book A Year of Wisdom is based on daily inspiration and insight from his Wisdom Well blog. His latest book is Learning to Love Midlife, a book about rebranding midlife to help people understand a life stage that is misunderstood.*RESOURCES & LINKSLearning to Love Midlife by Chip ConleyModern Elder AcademyJoie de Vivre hospitalityThe Practice by Seth GodinChip’s daily blog Wisdom WellCarol Dwecks’ Growth MindsetPeak by Chip ConleyCollective Effervescence conceptAwe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner 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!
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Mar 3, 2024 • 53min

#97: Leo Vardiashvili — Disciplined Writing, From Aspiring to Debut Author, Plotting Literary Fiction, Maintaining Pace, Organising the Query Process

Leo Vardiashvili on disciplined writing, completing his literary novel and writing about home. *ABOUT LEO VARDIASHVILILeo Vardiashvili moved to London with his family as a refugee from Georgia when he was twelve years old. He studied English literature at Queen Mary University of London.*RESOURCES & LINKSHard by a Great Forest by Leo VardiashviliOne Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken KeseyStephen King’s On WritingLeo’s Spotify playlist for Hard By a Great Forest 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!

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