Conversations on Craft

S1:E9 A.A. Sekhon on Crafting the Gothic - Bonus Episode

Crafting the Gothic: Insights from A.A. Sekhon Discover the nuanced process behind writing and publishing a historical gothic novella set in Victorian London with author A.A. Sekhon. From crafting atmospheric openings to navigating the publishing world, Ash shares valuable tips rooted in years of experience. Resources & Links: Waterstones - UK Bookstore [https://www.waterstones.com/book/assumptions/a-a-sekhon/9781835841129] Amazon UK [https://www.amazon.com/Assumptions-Sekhon/dp/1835841120] Connect with Ash Sekhon: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/aasekhonauthor/] Main Topics Covered: Ash's unique writing process: balancing organic development and planning Creating atmospheric, tension-filled gothic openings The importance of historical accuracy and detailed research Overcoming self-doubt and rejection in the publishing journey The value of community, mentorship, and strategic publishing options Practical advice for maintaining motivation during writer’s block How revisions and understanding industry standards improve craft In this episode: Ash explains why they prefer starting drafts on paper and type up for editing (0:38) Discussion on favourite gothic authors, including Poe, Stevenson, and Kafka (0:59) The complex process of developing characters Richard and Henry (6:50) Insights into writing a novel over two to three years alongside other commitments (8:23) The significance of historical and cultural research, including Japanese societal observations (20:24) How Ash’s personal history influences their Victorian setting and themes (17:07) The importance of authenticity in language, spelling, and setting to maintain reader immersion (12:02) Practical tips for handling rejection and embracing perseverance (23:49) The strategic decision to choose specific publishing routes to retain rights (32:02) Ash's advice for writers facing doubts, writer’s block, or industry barriers (36:18) Visit Ascent Novel Prize [https://www.ascentnovelprize.com/] for more or follow us on social media [https://www.instagram.com/ascent_novel_prize/].

S1:E8 Erica Li on winning Ascent Novel Prize

Exploring the journey of Erica Li: From family stories to winning the Ascent Novel Prize, and navigating the complex process of writing and publishing a novel. Are you an aspiring writer looking for inspiration tips, practical advice on craft, or insight into the publishing world? Erica Li, a celebrated author and winner of the inaugural Ascent Novel Prize, shares her rich writing journey, from researching her family history to completing her debut novel, A Thousand Rivers of Time. Discover her writing routine, how she handles feedback, and her tips for fellow writers striving to refine their craft and navigate the industry. Main Topics Covered: Erica’s inspiration and research process for A Thousand Rivers of Time The role of family history and memory in her storytelling Challenges and strategies in completing and revising her novel Her experience with writing courses, workshops, and networking Practical tips for writers: reading, writing, and seeking feedback Insights into the publishing industry and considerations for debut authors Erica’s future plans for her writing and advice for aspiring writers Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Erica Li and her debut novel 00:38 - Overview of A Thousand Rivers of Time and its themes 01:28 - The research behind Erica’s family history and its influence 02:51 - Themes of loss, memory, and dementia in her story 04:24 - Erica’s previous writing projects and the evolution of her novel 05:44 - The writing timeline and journey of her first draft 08:15 - Changes between her early draft and award-winning manuscript 09:05 - Erica’s daily writing schedule and routines 10:37 - Which parts of writing Erika enjoys the most 11:20 - Her poetic beginnings and development of her writer’s voice 12:44 - Favourite authors and books that influence her writing style 13:51 - The moment Erica discovered she won the Ascent Novel Prize 14:37 - Motivations behind entering writing competitions 15:36 - The impact of writing accolades and courses like Faber Academy 17:03 - Balancing her legal career and writing ambitions 18:01 - Writing alongside her Faber course and adapting her projects 19:23 - The role of beta readers and feedback in shaping her work 21:21 - Experiences with the HarperCollins Author Academy 22:26 - Top tips for aspiring writers: read more, write more, join groups 23:50 - Challenges and resources in navigating the publishing industry 24:23 - Erica’s favourite character and multi-generational storytelling 25:09 - Organizing complex narratives with planning and organic growth 26:36 - Future plans for A Thousand Rivers of Time and the rewriting process 28:20 - Surprising insights about publishing logistics and book length considerations 29:33 - Reflections on reader attention spans and the evolution of book consumption 31:15 - Erica’s advice for writers: persistence, consistency, and self-belief 31:45 - Closing thoughts and encouragement for aspiring authors Visit: ascentnovelprize.com [http://ascentnovelprize.com] Additional notes: Erica emphasizes the importance of consistent writing, embracing criticism, and the value of networking and ongoing education. Her story is a testament to perseverance and passion for storytelling—valuable lessons for any writer at any stage.

S1:E7 Venetia Constantine on Fantasy World Building

Venetia Constantine, author of The Last Starborn Seer, joins us to discuss her spic world-building and her exciting journey to publication. We take a deep dive into the joy of commissioning character art and Venetia advises us all to claim our space as writers. Chapter include: 00:00 Introduction to Venetia Constantine 02:58 The Evolution of The Last Starborn Seer 05:42 Writing Process and Drafting 08:21 World Building in Fantasy 12:50 Character Development and Art 16:20 Crafting Satisfying Endings in a Trilogy 18:20 Journey to Publication and Finding an Agent 21:27 Choosing the Right Literary Agent 25:03 Navigating the Submission Process 28:35 Improving Craft Through Community 30:23 Reflections on Early Writing Journey 31:59 Challenges of Writing Under Contract 35:46 Connecting with Readers 38:01 Advice for Aspiring Writers 39:55 Future Aspirations as a Writer To find out more about Venetia and to publish her debut novel visit: Home - Venetia Constantine [https://www.venetiaconstantine.com/] For information on Ascent Novel Prize, follow here: (1) Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ascent_novel_prize/] Or visit: Ascent Novel Prize | international writing competition [https://www.ascentnovelprize.com/]

S1: E6 Aje Roberts on Writing the Book of your Heart

In this episode of Conversations on Craft, Hayley King sits down with Aje Roberts, Senior Commissioning Editor at Tor Bramble and judge for the Ascent Novel Prize, for a deep dive into the messy and magical world of publishing. Aje shares what she looks for in submissions, how she builds long‑term author careers, and why intersectional, diverse voices matter more than ever. Learn how to craft a unique hook and discover what happens at an acquisition meeting. We talk tropes (including the infamous “only one bed”), dream acquisitions, book‑to‑screen adaptations, and the reality of working across authors, agents, and editorial teams. R.J. also lifts the curtain on how she scouts new talent, nurtures relationships, and champions writers beyond the debut. Whether you’re querying or a published author, this episode is full of insight, encouragement, and industry clarity.   What we cover •             What a Senior Commissioning Editor actually does •             How submissions stand out in a crowded market •             The role of agents and how the author–agent–editor trio works •             Why fantasy has such a long tail in publishing •             How editors support authors beyond the debut •             Practical steps for championing diverse voices •             Tropes we love (and pretend to hate)   00:00 Introduction to R.J. Robert and Her Role 06:36 Building Relationships with Authors and Agents 09:52 Promoting Diverse Voices in Publishing 12:16 The Balance of Acquiring New Authors 14:35 Advice for Aspiring Writers 16:23 The Editing Process Explained 19:43 Insights into the Acquisitions Meeting 21:51 The Joy of Editing and Book Design 24:56 The Importance of Structural Edits 26:09 Advice for Aspiring Writers 28:06 Writing from Authenticity 30:05 Finding Authors in the Digital Age 31:01 The Instinct for Storytelling 32:32 Crafting Irresistible Hooks 34:52 Believing in Yourself as a Writer 37:07 Navigating the Publishing Landscape 38:31 Trends in the Publishing Industry 40:22 The Balance of Romance and Fantasy 42:13 The Future of Publishing 44:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement To learn more about Ascent Novel Prize visit Ascent Novel Prize | international writing competition [https://www.ascentnovelprize.com/] Or follow us on social media: Ascent Novel Prize (@ascent_novel_prize) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/ascent_novel_prize/]

S1:E5 Ashleigh Nugent on being a Virginia Woolf from the Ends

Ashleigh Nugent, author of Locks, is hailed as a 'Virginia Woolf from the ends'. He joins 'Conversations on Craft' for a discussion on identity, purpose and shares his own personal journey to publication. Discover how Ashleigh Nugent overcame personal and societal barriers to become a published author, delving into his creative process and the power of purpose in writing. This episode offers insights into Dr Nugent's stream-of-consciousness style and how he captures life as it's experienced. After leaving school believing education wasn't for him, he went through his own hero's journey and emerged with a PhD in Literature and was awarded Liverpool City Region's Artist of the Year. It was a trip to Jamaica in 1993 to find identity and escape the racism that found Ashleigh in a Jamaican detention centre. There, Ashleigh discovered, he was seen as the ‘white boy’. These are the events that inspired his debut novel LOCKS. It took Ashleigh nearly 30 years to get from a prison cell in Jamaica to a publishing deal with Picador. Resources & Links: Locks by Ashleigh Nugent - Pan Macmillan [https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/ashleigh-nugent/locks/9781529097917] Ashleigh Nugent - Author of 'LOCKS' - Out Now [https://ashleighnugent.com/] Writing on the Wall - Supporting Writing in Liverpool City Region [https://writingonthewall.org.uk/] Ascent Novel Prize | international writing competition [https://www.ascentnovelprize.com/] Connect with Ashleigh Nugent: Instagram (1) Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/locksbook/] Facebook (20+) Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010147927714] Additional resources: Free PDF for Aspiring Writers: subscribe at Ashleigh Nugent - Author of 'LOCKS' - Out Now [https://ashleighnugent.com/] Note: The book's journey from self-published to mainstream is a testament to perseverance, authenticity, and embracing one’s voice. Timestamps: 00:00 - Nugent's creative background 02:03 - Writing habits: pen and laptop, capturing ideas on the go 04:45 - The significance of early morning writing sessions 05:19 - The autobiographical foundation of 'Locke's' and the long writing process 06:30 - Overcoming barriers: education, racism, and self-doubt 08:20 - Learning the craft through trial and error over 8 years 09:27 - Navigating altered states of consciousness in prose 12:20 - Aeon's quest for identity and its reflection of societal constructs 14:58 - Race, societal roles, and spiritual metaphors 16:50 - The scientific view of identity and the universe 19:34 - How societal boundaries are blurring and the fear of change 20:58 - The trauma and resilience behind the novel's themes 24:37 - Time perception in extreme experiences and spiritual dimension 29:12 - Evolutionary biology, love, and empathy as fundamental human traits 30:16 - The spectrum of potentialities within all of us 32:04 - The performative aspect of storytelling and writing rhythm 35:00 - Journey from self-publishing to agency representation 36:00 - The importance of perseverance and authenticity 42:36 - Editing and refining: balancing space and intensity 44:58 - Structuring flashbacks and nonlinear storytelling 50:42 - Literary influences: Virginia Woolf and stream of consciousness 52:43 - Advice for writers facing industry barriers: persistence and luck 56:25 - How to find Ashleigh Nugent online and purchase his book