Best London Writers Salon Podcasts (2025)

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#153: Find A Literary Agent & Get Published, Advice From Four Lit Agents Ed Wilson, Lucinda Halpern, Madeleine Milburn & Sam Copeland 57:56

3d ago57:56

57:56

How do you write a great query letter, find the right agent, and stand out in today’s crowded submissions inbox? In this special compilation episode, four top literary agents: Ed Wilson, Lucinda Halpern, Madeleine Milburn & Sam Copeland, share their honest advice on getting signed, writing marketable books, and navigating today's publishing industr…

1
#152: Margaret Heffernan — The Secret Weapon of Great Artists: Harnessing Uncertainty, Wandering & Creative Instincts That Machines Can't Create 1:00:18

11d ago1:00:18

1:00:18

What if uncertainty wasn’t something to fear, but your greatest creative ally? Dr. Margaret Heffernan—author, entrepreneur, and TED speaker—on how artists and writers thrive in chaotic times. We also talk about embracing the unknown, navigating AI-driven anxiety, and staying creatively resilient in a world that rewards certainty. We discuss: Margar…

1
Story Radio Writers' Salon on the theme of Libraries 1:17:43

15d ago1:17:43

1:17:43

Our Writers' salon on the theme of libraries explores characters as diverse as saints, memories, universities, the necessity of writing novels, dystopian visions of the future and seed banks. We chose the theme of Libraries because at a time of book burning and censorship the Library remains a place of freedom of thought and expression. Our first r…

1
#151: Melissa Febos — The Art of Memoir: Turn Life Into Art, Undoing Shame, and Choosing The Artist’s Life 1:03:50

18d ago1:03:50

1:03:50

Celebrated writer and memoirist Melissa Febos on the art of the memoir, the alchemy of personal experience and literary craft, and how to turn the raw material of life into art. We also her latest book, The Dry Season, where she examines the solitude, freedoms, and feminist heroes Febos found during a year of celibacy. We also talk about: - Writing…

1
#150: Seth Godin – How To Build A Thriving Creative Writing Practice In the Age of AI. Plus, Stop Seeking Validation, Find Your Audience And Overcome Obscurity (From the Vault) 50:15

25d ago50:15

50:15

Legendary Seth Godin, bestselling author of Linchpin, Purple Cow, The Dip, Tribes, and The Practice on wrestling with creative resistance, getting past self-doubt, and how to build a resilient creative practice that thrives—even in an age of AI We talk about: Why writing isn’t about talent—but about creating the conditions for skill Why “Do you lik…

1
#149: Tim Duggan – You Can Make Your Work More Meaningful, Plus How to Ideate And Write Bestselling Nonfiction Books 1:21:22

1M ago1:21:22

1:21:22

How can you make your life and work more meaningful? Bestselling author Tim Duggan on ideating and writing bestselling non fiction books, creating killer opening lines and plotting. We also talk about how to unclog our creativity, find meaning in our work and life through a simple hack. We discuss: Tim’s outlining and editing process for non-fictio…

1
#148: Mark Haddon — The Writing Habit That Changed Everything: Lessons from 18 Books, Creative Doubt & Writing Without A Map 59:05

1M ago59:05

59:05

Mark Haddon, bestselling author of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, A Spot of Bother, and The Red House on his process writing 18 books, including his latest book Dogs & Monsters, plus how he approaches success and failure. We discuss: Why writing begins before you start writing Creating strong beginnings How poetry can expand you…

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#147: Jane Friedman — The Publishing Industry is Changing. Here’s What Writers Should Know About Pitching, Platforms & Protecting Their Work 1:07:42

1M ago1:07:42

1:07:42

What does it take to craft a pitch that truly grabs attention in today’s publishing world? In this conversation, Jane Friedman—publishing industry expert and author of The Business of Being a Writer shares her journey into the publishing world and she shares her advice for writers looking to perfect their submission materials and navigate the ever-…

1
Secrets of the Thames 1:00:21

2M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

In this episode Story Radio visited a fascinating exhibition about mudlarking on the Thames and interviewed some of the mudlarks and other people involved in the exhibition. London Museum Docklands recently opened its new major exhibition Secrets of the Thames: Mudlarking London’s lost treasures (4 April 2025 – 1 March 2026) and we were delighted t…

1
#146: Alda Sigmundsdóttir — How Blogging Changed My Life, Indie Publishing 101, Memoir, Writing About Culture With Integrity 59:06

2M ago59:06

59:06

Alda Sigmundsdóttir is a journalist, author, and independent publisher who has built a thriving literary life outside the traditional system. From blogging about Iceland to launching her own press, Alda has published over 11 books and grown a loyal global readership—while staying in full control of her creative work. We discuss: Alda’s early writin…

1
#145: Maggie O’Farrell — Confessions of a Novelist: Writing from Instinct, Why Revision is Essential, Facing Doubt & Finding the Story’s Heartbeat (From the Vault) 42:52

2M ago42:52

42:52

Award-winning and bestselling author Maggie O’Farrell Hamnet and The Marriage Portrait author takes us behind the scenes of her creative process—from the early struggles of starting out to the discipline and instinct that shape her acclaimed novels. We explore the irresistible drive to write, the role of characters in steering a story, and how she …

1
#144: Eleanor Anstruther – The Book Industry Rejected Me. So I Built My Own Audience on Substack; Serialising Online, Writing Literary Fiction; Being an Independent Artist, Creating Your Artist DNA 1:00:32

2M ago1:00:32

1:00:32

What if the traditional publishing world says “no”? Eleanor Anstruther—acclaimed novelist and creator of The Literary Obsessive—shares her bold leap into indie publishing, serialising fiction and memoir on Substack, and why you need an Artist DNA to draw an audience. We discuss: Her aristocratic background and experience living in a commune Navigat…

1
#143: Julia Cameron – How to Reignite Your Creativity Through Daily Rituals, Believing Mirrors & The Artist’s Way (From the Vault) 42:18

2M ago42:18

42:18

Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way and one of the most influential voices on creativity of the last three decades, shares timeless wisdom on nurturing the artist within. We discuss: Morning Pages and Artist Dates as tools for creative recovery. Why being of service is at the heart of writing. Writing in dialogue with intuition (and the divin…

1
Story Radio Writers' Salon on the theme of Love 1:33:56

3M ago1:33:56

1:33:56

A Story Radio Salon on the theme of Love, with readings from works in progress by some of our regular writer guests. Kristin Burniston is a graduate of the MA Screenwriting program at the University of Arts London. In 2023, her short film scripts TREE and HAIRY MARY were selected by the City of Angels Film Festival, WOFFF (where HAIRY MARY placed 2…

1
#142: Chris Banks – How To Use AI In Your Writing , Staying Weird & Keeping Control as Creatives 39:21

3M ago39:21

39:21

(Interview from 2024) The founder of ProWritingAid, Chris Banks, shares his thoughts on how AI is reshaping writing, editing, and the creative process. Recorded in front of a live audience after Writers' Hour. We discuss: - AI as a creative partner: Can it replace writers? - Using AI responsibly to save time, enhance editing, and elevate your craft…

1
#141: Jono Hey – Build a Creative Practice That Sticks: Mastering Visual Thinking, 900+ Sketches, Deep Simplicity and Collaborating with Bill Gates 1:02:22

3M ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Jono Hey, author of Big Ideas Little Pictures and creator of Sketchplanations, shares insights from over a decade of explaining the world through sketches. We discuss: The power of visual thinking Building a new identity when changing careers Knowing when a piece is done and ready for publishing Tips to get started with sketching & lessons from lon…

1
#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 30:01

3M ago30:01

30:01

Matt Trinetti, co-founder of the London Writers' Salon, on building the world’s most engaged writing community, the role of creativity in the face of AI and the transformative power of writing for creative and mental health. * ABOUT MATT TRINETTI Matt Trinetti is the co-founder of London Writers' Salon, our community, dedicated to helping writers c…

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#139: Steve Almond – The Truth About Creative Failure, Overcoming Ego, and Writing Stories That Actually Matter 1:00:34

3M ago1:00:34

1:00:34

Steve Almond, bestselling author on ‘failing’ for decades, finding flow, finding success in Hollywood, overcoming writer’s block and telling the stories only you can tell with truth and mercy. * ABOUT STEVE ALMOND Steve Almond is the award-winning author of twelve books of fiction and nonfiction, including the New York Times bestsellers Candyfreak …

1
Not Yet by Joanna Hershon 44:22

4M ago44:22

44:22

Not Yet is the story of Gabrielle, a woman traveling to the absurdly picturesque coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula with her son, their first family trip since her separation from his father. It is a place that holds many memories, and when she suddenly finds herself bleeding uncontrollably all over Tulum, the past catches up with her. It’s a …

1
#138: Nicola Slawson – From Journalism to Book Deals: Pitching, Newsletters, and Building a Writing Life on Your Own Terms 1:11:25

4M ago1:11:25

1:11:25

Nicola Slawson, creator of the award-winning newsletter The Single Supplement, shares her journey of building a creative career on her own terms. From launching her newsletter with zero subscribers to securing a book deal, Nicola offers insights into embracing your unique story, building an authentic community, and navigating the realities of freel…

1
#137: Sareeta Domingo – Writing Love That Feels Real, Breaking into Publishing, Writing Intimacy on the Page, and Selling Romance 57:11

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

5M 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…

1
Let The Good Times Roll by Duncan Robert Illing 39:01

5M 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…

1
#133: Michael Dean – The Invisible Patterns Behind Great Essays: How Essay Architecture Can Shape Your Writing and Break Through Perfectionism. 42:44

5M 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…

1
#132: Dava Sobel — The Art of Science Storytelling, Writing Hidden Histories & How a Rejected Pitch Became a Bestseller 55:44

5M 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…

1
#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

5M 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

5M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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 *…

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

6M 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

6M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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 …

1
Interview with Hanna Nordenhök about her novel Caesaria 38:29

8M 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…

1
#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

8M 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

8M 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…

1
At the Watts Memorial EC1 by Simon Roberts 21:32

9M 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…

1
#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

9M 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…

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Story Radio Writers Salon 1:33:34

10M 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…

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

10M 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

10M 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. *…

1
#116: Pádraig Ó Tuama — Using poetry to notice the world, Knowing when a poem is done, How to strengthen your poetry writing 17:09

10M 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: …

1
#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

10M 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

11M 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 …

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