Best London Writers Salon Podcasts (2025)

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#137: Sareeta Domingo – Writing Love That Feels Real, Breaking into Publishing, Writing Intimacy on the Page, and Selling Romance 57:11

2d ago57:11

57:11

Author and Editorial Director Sareeta Domingo on writing love stories that feel real, breaking into publishing, and crafting authentic intimacy in fiction. She shares insights on balancing her dual careers in writing and editing, the biggest mistakes authors make when submitting, and how the romance industry is evolving. * ABOUT SAREETA DOMINGO Sar…

1
#136: Tessa Hadley – The Secrets of Literary Fiction: How to Craft Powerful, Resonant Stories, Creating Compelling Stories, Publishing in your 40s, 50s and beyond 1:04:05

1d ago1:04:05

1:04:05

Best-selling Author Tessa Hadley on getting published in her 40s and beyond, the craft of literary fiction, developing character and conflict, and the importance of conflict. * ABOUT TESSA HADLEY: Tessa Hadley is the author of eight highly acclaimed novels, including Clever Girl and Free Love, as well as four short story collections, most recently …

1
#135: Anne-Laure Le Cunff — The Science of Creativity: Using Tiny Experiments to Unlock Growth, Learning, and Better Writing 1:08:13

14d ago1:08:13

1:08:13

Writer, neuroscientist, and Ness Labs founder Anne-Laure Le Cunff shares insights on redefining success, writing in public, and using tiny experiments to fuel creativity. She talks about growing her newsletter from 0 to 100K+, transitioning from writing articles to a book, and the neuroscience behind sustainable ambition. * ABOUT ANNE-LAURE LE CUNF…

1
#134: Jody Eddy – Michelin Kitchens, Monks & The Cookbook Playbook: What Top Chefs Taught Me About Rituals & Success; NonFiction Proposal & Food Writing 1:07:20

11d ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Foodwriter and Chef Jody Eddy on what goes on in Michelin-star kitchens, monastic culinary traditions, and the rigorous world of food writing. From working 17-hour shifts in elite restaurants to uncovering the rituals of monks and chefs alike, she reveals the hidden ingredients of storytelling, discipline, and turning culinary ideas into bestsellin…

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Let The Good Times Roll by Duncan Robert Illing 39:01

19d ago39:01

39:01

Let The Good Times Roll. Larry has been a circus clown for over thirty years. Now, with the threat of closure, he stands to lose everything. About Duncan Robert Illing Duncan is a writer living in Brighton, his first short story Let The Good Times Roll was published in June 2022 in Brighton & Beyond, A West Hill Writers Anthology. A writer of ficti…

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#133: Michael Dean – The Invisible Patterns Behind Great Essays: How Essay Architecture Can Shape Your Writing and Break Through Perfectionism. 42:44

18d ago42:44

42:44

Essayist, editor and creator of Essay Architecture, Michael Dean on the hidden structures and key patterns within great essays. * ABOUT MICHAEL DEAN Michael Dean is a writer, editor, and creator of Essay Architecture. A former architect and virtual reality specialist, he now studies the hidden frameworks that make essays work. * RESOURCES & LINKS M…

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#132: Dava Sobel — The Art of Science Storytelling, Writing Hidden Histories & How a Rejected Pitch Became a Bestseller 55:44

24d ago55:44

55:44

Best-selling Science Writer Dava Sobel on blending science with storytelling—how to craft compelling narratives, navigate deep research, and bring historical figures to life. Plus insights on nonfiction publishing, overcoming creative roadblocks, and making complex ideas accessible to readers. * ABOUT DAVA SOBEL Dava Sobel is the bestselling author…

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#131: Sophie Flynn — Writing Thrillers, Should You Be A Kindle Bestseller or Go Down The Traditional Publishing Route? Plus the Mindset for a Long-Term Writing Career 1:02:22

1M ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Bestselling thriller author Sophie Flynn reveals the raw truth about publishing—traditional vs. indie, rejection, and what it really takes to succeed. As Managing Director of Jericho Writers, she’s seen what separates thriving authors from those who quit. We dive into storytelling psychology, career-defining decisions, and the mindset shifts every …

1
#130: Oliver Burkeman - An Imperfectionist's Guide to Overcoming Distraction and Finding Creative Flow, Writing NonFiction 54:37

1M ago54:37

54:37

Oliver Burkeman, bestselling author of Four Thousand Weeks and Meditations for Mortals, on the power of embracing imperfection in both life and creativity, how to overcome distractions that hinder our creative flow, and the tools that can help us thrive in an imperfect world. * ABOUT OLIVER BURKEMAN Oliver Burkeman worked for many years at The Guar…

1
Medieval Women: In Their Own Words interview with Dr Eleanor Jackson and Julian Harrison 28:17

1M ago28:17

28:17

In this episode Martin Nathan and Tabitha Potts interview Lead Curator Dr Eleanor Jackson and Julian Harrison, about the British Library's latest blockbuster exhibition, Medieval Women: In Their Own Words, where visitors will discover how the voices of medieval women still resonate across the centuries and speak powerfully to our world today. We di…

1
#129: Anita Bhagwandas - Pitching And Crafting Viral Stories, Navigating ADHD, and Breaking Beauty Myths. 1:05:56

1M ago1:05:56

1:05:56

Award-winning journalist Anita Bhagwandas on her journey from ambitious intern to a celebrated writer with bylines in The Guardian, Vogue, and Condé Nast Traveler. Anita shares practical advice on pitching as a freelance journalist, crafting impactful articles, and how she finds the hidden angle for a topic. She opens up about her experiences as a …

1
#128: Sanjoy K. Roy — From 0 to 500k: Growing the Jaipur Literature Festival and Shaping Global Culture, How Art & Festivals Transform Cities 58:21

2M ago58:21

58:21

Sanjoy K. Roy, the visionary behind the Jaipur Literature Festival in India, on growing the largest literary festival in the world (half a million visitors) expanding it to the US, UK and beyond and how storytelling and creativity can shape culture and change cities. * LINKS AND RESOURCES Jaipur Literature Festival Sanjoy: Instagram Teamwork Arts *…

1
#127: Holly Black — Crafting Bestselling Fantasy: World-Building, Character Development, and The Prisoner’s Throne 51:58

2M ago51:58

51:58

Holly Black, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of fantasy novels, on her process for writing bestselling fiction, on getting vital feedback on drafts, how she overcomes rejection and what success in publishing actually is. * ABOUT HOLLY BLACK Holly Black is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of fantasy books, including the novels of El…

1
#126: John Muirs Laws — The Nature Journaling Framework To Unlock Boundless Creativity, Curiosity as a Superpower, and How to Deepen Your Writing 58:35

2M ago58:35

58:35

Naturalist, artist, and educator John Muir Laws on how writers can awaken curiosity, deepen their connection to nature, and unlock boundless creativity through the transformative practice of nature journaling. * ABOUT JOHN MUIRS LAWS John (Jack) Muir Laws is a principal leader and innovator of the worldwide nature journaling movement. He is the au…

1
Story Radio Writers Salon on the theme of Food 1:45:34

3M ago1:45:34

1:45:34

Our second live recording of six writers reading their work in the intimate surroundings of the Colony Room Green bar. There will be occasional drink mixing and pouring, laughter and doors opening! Listen to Lana Citron talk about food as an aphrodisiac, Sue Hubbard read her novel Three about food as a source of emotional renewal, Lindsay Gillespie…

1
#125: Vicky Reynal — Financial Therapy for Creatives, Balancing Art & Income, Financial Resilience, Writing Non-Fiction 55:44

2M ago55:44

55:44

Financial therapist and writer Vicky Reynal on how creatives can better understand our belief systems around money and what tools we can turn to when making hard decisions around money. * ABOUT VICKY REYNAL Vicky Reynal is a psychotherapist, and runs her own clinic in London specialising in financial therapy. She has a weekly column in the Daily Ma…

1
#124: Beth Kempton — Writing Non-Fiction, Turn Life’s Challenges into Creative Fuel, Unlocking Your Intelligent Heart, Fearless Creativity, Navigating Grief 53:36

3M ago53:36

53:36

Bestselling nonfiction author Beth Kempton shares how writers can navigate life’s transition,s embrace impermanence, and unlock fearless creativity by drawing on Japanese philosophy and the profound power of writing. * ABOUT BETH KEMPTON Beth Kempton’s bestselling titles include Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life and Kokoro: …

1
#123: Anna Bogutskaya — Writing Horror, Role of the Monster, Breaking Creative Boundaries, Writing Nonfiction 1:03:16

3M ago1:03:16

1:03:16

Anna Bogutskaya has studied thousands of horror films and books. In this interview we talk to Anna about the role of the monster and how writers can harness primal emotions to tell captivating stories. We also dive into her process for pitching and writing nonfiction books. * ABOUT ANNA BOGUTSKAYA Anna Bogutskaya is a freelance critic, author, film…

1
#122: David Perell — Find Your Voice, Make Your Writing Memorable & Build a Personal Monopoly plus The Write of Passage Story 37:28

3M ago37:28

37:28

Writer, Entrepreneur & Podcaster David Perell on simple frameworks you can use to bring your voice to life and write in a way that makes your writing memorable and has your readers calling you “one-of-a-kind." Links & Resources Write of Passage David Perell How I Write Podcast ABOUT DAVID PERELL David Perell has taught 2,000 people to write in his …

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Interview with Hanna Nordenhök about her novel Caesaria 38:29

4M ago38:29

38:29

In 19th-century Sweden, Caesaria is kept in a doctor's mansion as a trophy: she is the first baby to be born alive from one of his c-sections. In a Gothic ambience, Caesaria narrates in first person her experiences in the mansion and her encounters with its mysterious inhabitants and visitors. Does she know where she comes from? Where is her mother…

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#121: Kate Mosse — From Aspiring Writer to Literary Game-Changer, Launching The Women's Prize For Fiction, Writing Historical Fiction, Finding Success After Rejection 1:00:25

4M ago1:00:25

1:00:25

Literary Legend Kate Mosse on writing 11 + novels, finding her voice with her fifth novel, researching historical fiction, pushing past doubt, dealing with rejection and how she launched the Women's Prize For Fiction. * ABOUT KATE MOSSE Kate Mosse is the author of eleven novels & short story collections, including the No 1 bestselling The Joubert F…

1
#120: Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky — Wellness For Writers, How to Matter, Writing Non-Fiction, Building Communities, Why You Should Stay Away From Narcissists 57:18

4M ago57:18

57:18

Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky has dedicated his life to studying happiness. In this episide we talk to him about ‘mattering’ and how we can use his research findings to write more, worry less about our status and embrace a lightness in our creative work. * ABOUT DR. ISAAC Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky holds the inaugural Erwin and Barbara Mautner Chair in Comm…

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At the Watts Memorial EC1 by Simon Roberts 21:32

5M ago21:32

21:32

'At the Watts Memorial EC1' is a haunting recreation of some of the true stories told on the famous memorial in Postman's Park. The memorial commemorates brave people who lost their lives trying to save others in acts of heroic self-sacrifice in the last three centuries - most recently in 2007. We hear the heart-breaking stories of William Donald o…

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#119: Penny Wincer — Home Design For Writers, How To Transform Any Space Into A Space to Write, Writing Non-Fiction Proposals, Balancing Creativity with Life’s Demands 1:03:14

5M ago1:03:14

1:03:14

Penny Wincer, an author, writer and non-fiction book coach on how writers can think deeply about their living spaces, what makes a house a home and we dive into her expertise around creating engaging non-fiction and creating a non-fiction book proposal to send to agents. * ABOUT PENNY WINCER Penny Wincer is an author, freelance writer and non-ficti…

1
Story Radio Writers Salon 1:33:34

6M ago1:33:34

1:33:34

Writers Salon: Bohemia Theme – Brought to You from the Colony Room Green, London Welcome to the first-ever Writers Salon, hosted at the Colony Room Green, an artist-run bar in London. The theme was Bohemia, with tales of 1980s art models, 19th-century stage acts, clubbing in Tenerife, and a famous musician dying in hospital. Thanks to all the amazi…

1
#118: Sam Copeland — How to Catch The Eye Of A Literary Agent, Compelling Pitch Letters & Writing Funny Children’s Fiction 52:06

6M ago52:06

52:06

Literary Agent (RCW Agency) and children’s author Sam Copeland on what he’s looking for in his submissions pile, how to write a compelling pitch letter, what he thinks about submitting to agents internationally and how he constructs funny middle-grade fiction. * ABOUT SAM COPELAND Sam Copeland was shortlisted for Literary Agent of the Year at the 2…

1
#117: Kate Young — Writing Cookbooks, Viral Blogs, Plotting Romcoms and Writing Sex Scenes 58:25

6M ago58:25

58:25

Award-winning cookbook writer, blogger and novelist Kate Young on creating a viral cooking blog, how she turned her blog into a series of cookbooks, and what goes into a pitch for a cookbook. Plus her approach to plotting rom com, adding depth to rom-com characters, her approach to writing sex scenes and what she thinks every rom com should have. *…

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#116: Pádraig Ó Tuama — Using poetry to notice the world, Knowing when a poem is done, How to strengthen your poetry writing 17:09

6M ago17:09

17:09

Practical advice from Irish poet Pádraig Ó Tuama on writing and editing poetry and expanding your world with poetry. Highlights from a previous episode. For the full episode, listen to interview episode #103 * ABOUT PÁDRAIG Ó TUAMA Pádraig Ó Tuama is a theologian, writer, and conflict transformation practitioner. His books include In the Shelter: …

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#115: Rachel Blackmore & Literary Agent Juliet Pickering — Getting Published, Historical Fiction, Making Your Pitch Stand Out & Inside a Literary Agent’s World 1:06:00

7M ago1:06:00

1:06:00

For decades, Rachel Blackmore dreamed of becoming an author. In 2020, she joined Writers’ Hour and began her first novel. Now, her debut, COSTANZA, is being published by Dialogue Books (Hachette) and is hailed as an addictive tale of desire and betrayal. In this special interview, we're joined by Rachel and her literary agent, Juliet Pickering. We …

1
Dolls are for Babies by Lana Citron 15:09

7M ago15:09

15:09

A young girl goes for a walk in the country with life-changing consequences. This short story by Lana Citron was originally published in US magazine Thin Air, 2022 under the title "The Understanding". Trigger warning: The following short story contains content and or references of a violent and sexual nature. These may be distressing or triggering …

1
#114: David Whyte - Reads poems: A Seeming Stillness, A Song for the Salmon and Start Close In. Plus Writing Rituals, Fallow Periods and Frontiers 19:24

7M ago19:24

19:24

A curation of our favourite questions and poems from our interview with poet David Whyte. We ask him: What we can do when we can’t access our writing? How do we live through fallow periods of writing and what rituals he uses for writing. He shares the poems: A Seeming Stillness, A Song for the Salmon and Start Close In. * ABOUT DAVID WHYTE David Wh…

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#113: Lyn Slater — How to Reinvent Yourself At All Ages, Becoming An Accidental Icon, The Reality of Going Viral, Blogging for Pleasure, Writing Memoir & Moving Beyond Fame 1:02:50

7M ago1:02:50

1:02:50

Lyn Slater on going viral with her blog, Accidental Icon in her 60s, writing memoir How to Be Old and starting a Substack in her 70s and why getting older can be the most invigorating phase of life—full of rebellion, reinvention, connection, and creativity. * ABOUT LYN SLATER Lyn Slater is a cultural influencer, model, writer, content creator and f…

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#112: Olivia Petter — The Power of Vulnerability, Finding Your Niche in Journalism, Viral Posts, Writing about Love, Relationships & Culture 1:06:25

7M ago1:06:25

1:06:25

Olivia Petter, award-winning journalist & author on breaking into journalism, vulnerability, writing about consent and celebrity (Gold Rush), finding her niche in journalism and landing a book deal. * ABOUT OLIVIA PETTER Olivia Petter is an award-winning journalist, author, and broadcaster based in London. As a journalist, she specialises in violen…

1
Interview with Daisy Goodwin the author of Diva 32:18

8M ago32:18

32:18

We interview Daisy Goodwin, novelist and screenwriter, about her latest novel, Diva (Head of Zeus March 2024), inspired by the life of the brilliant soprano Maria Callas. The novel opens at a time when Callas is at the height of her extraordinary career but in a stultifying marriage and haunted both by her unhappy childhood and the ever-present fea…

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#111: Charlie Hoehn — Launching Bestselling Nonfiction; Why Play is Key For Happiness & Marketing For Writers 1:16:57

8M ago1:16:57

1:16:57

Marketing strategist, editor and author Charlie Hoehn on the key things bestselling authors do to create a successful and shareable books. We talk about: Helping Ramit Sethi and Tim Ferriss launch their books How to test and launch a nonfiction idea Creating a brand around your book, Effective marketing strategies The merits of self-publishing and …

1
#110: Beth Morrey — Writing Funny, Upmarket Fiction 58:22

9M ago58:22

58:22

Sunday Times Bestseller Beth Morrey (Saving Missey, Lucky Day) on her journey as a writer and TV producer and writing humorous upmarket books while exploring darker themes. We talk about her latest book Lucky Day and what it means to stop saying ‘yes’ and start living for yourself. * ABOUT BETH MORREY Previously Creative Director at RDF Television,…

1
Close to Revelation and Check Your Tire Pressure 14:54

9M ago14:54

14:54

This month we have two auto-fiction stories about parents and children. Our first auto-fiction piece, "Close to Revelation" written by Janet Lawrence, is set during the pandemic and tells the story of a woman trying to get pregnant using IVF while chaos erupts all around her. Janet Lawrence is a writer, journalist, and video producer based in New Y…

1
#109: Nora Neus — Turn Your Ideas Into Newsworthy Stories, Pitching Articles, Books and Graphic Novels 1:08:03

9M ago1:08:03

1:08:03

Nora Neus, Emmy-nominated producer, writer, and freelance journalist (CNN, Vice News, The Washington Post) and creator of the Long Form Lab on finding a story from the seed of an idea, how writers can discover and use their strengths and how to choose which media to use for a potential story. * ABOUT NORA NEUS Nora Neus is an Emmy-nominated journal…

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#108: Oisín McKenna — Literary Novels, Breaking Into Spoken Word, Writing In Fragments, Trusting Your Impulses 1:03:18

9M ago1:03:18

1:03:18

SHOW SUMMARY Spoken word artist and writer Oisín McKenna on Oscar Wilde as inspiration, finding his footing in the spoken word world, turning his hand to writing a book, how he wrote his book in fragments and later added structure, and why you should be kind to yourself and how to trust that your writing will improve and get to where it needs to be…

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#107: Niamh Mulvey — Writing Literary Fiction, Short Stories & Navigating The Publishing Industry, Creating Memorable Characters 59:07

9M ago59:07

59:07

Short story and literary novelist and former Hachette Editor, Niamh Mulvey on how to create memorable characters, finding her voice as a writer after years of failing, overcoming rejection and what she’s learned from her years in the publishing industry. * ABOUT NIAMH MULVEY Niamh Mulvey is from Kilkenny, Ireland. Her short fiction has been publish…

1
#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 1:10:20

10M ago1:10:20

1:10:20

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 us…

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Interview with Katie Willis about The Quiet Act of Loving Bones 37:55

10M ago37:55

37:55

Story Radio interviews Katie Willis, author of The Quiet Act of Loving Bones, published by Joan Publishing. We discuss bones, inspiration, the colour yellow, Russia and lucid dreaming. "It is rare to come across a book that feels, at the same time, overwhelmingly strange and delightfully familiar. The Quiet Act of Loving Bones takes you into a worl…

1
#105: Krystal Sutherland — Secrets To Writing a Page-Turner, Writing Young Adult Fantasy & Thrillers, How to Motivate Yourself, Amazon Studios 58:33

10M ago58:33

58:33

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 SUTHERLAND Krystal Sutherland is the New York Times and indie be…

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#104: Rupal Patel — Lessons from the CIA, Building A Creative Practice, Prioritising Time & Writing Non-Fiction 1:06:55

11M ago1:06:55

1:06:55

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 CEO Rupal’s TED Talk, My Unexpected Discovery About Working at the CIA Rupal’s …

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Anne by Kristin Burniston 31:44

11M ago31:44

31:44

Eleven-and-a-half months ago, Mary didn’t know she had sisters. Now, at her home in Hove on England’s South Coast, they meet to scatter their mother Anne’s ashes. This episode was written, directed, and produced by Kristin Burniston. Kristin is a graduate of the MA Screenwriting program at the University of Arts London. In 2023, her short film scri…

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#103: Pádraig Ó Tuama — Reading, Analysing & Writing Poetry; Making A Living as a Poet 1:02:42

11M ago1:02:42

1:02:42

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…

1
#102: Michael Jamin — Writing for TV, Personal Essays, Self-Publishing & Building a Platform 59:12

11M ago59:12

59:12

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 JAMIN Michael Jamin has been writing for television since 1996. His many credits include Just Shoot Me, King of the Hill, Be…

1
#101: Eliza Reid — Writing Fiction & Nonfiction as Iceland's First Lady 1:03:41

12M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

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 REID Eliz…

1
Interview with Miki Lentin about Winter Sun 32:13

12M ago32:13

32:13

Martin Nathan and Tabitha Potts interview writer Miki Lentin about his new novel Winter Sun, published by Afsana Press in 2024. A nine-day winter break in Tenerife. Nothing is quite good enough. A son tries in vain to ask his ailing, elderly Irish Jewish father questions about their past before it is too late. The absurdity and hilarity of family h…

1
#100: Clara Vulliamy — Crafting Picture Books and Older Children's Stories, Dealing with Rejection, Finding Your Voice 1:01:21

12M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

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 VULLIAMY Clara Vulliamy is the daughter of author-illustrator Shirley Hughes and architect John Vulliamy. Her first experience of mak…

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