The Tortured Writers Podcast

What if the thing we struggle with most as writers… is exactly what editors struggle with too? In this episode, I am joined by Phoebe Morgan, Executive Publisher for Commercial Fiction at Simon & Schuster UK and bestselling author of five novels. We talk openly about everything from hook-driven fiction to the reality of acquisitions, the trends dominating the industry right now, and what it re...

What does it take to sell over 680,000 books when life (and publishing) keeps throwing curveballs? In this episode of The Tortured Writers Podcast, I welcome bestselling author Laura Pearson. From switching agents (more than once) to battling serious illness while still hitting Kindle No.1 in the UK and US, Laura’s story is pure proof that persistence beats talent when talent gives up. Plus, Booka...

What does it actually take to survive a thousand “no’s” and still walk straight into a dream publishing deal? In this episode of The Tortured Writers Podcast, I welcome the unstoppable Louise Beech - author of the aptly titled debut How to Be Brave - who turned 1,000 brutal rejections into a triumphant traditional publishing career. From the soul-crushing early days to the moment the tide finally...

One viral video can catapult your manuscript from desk drawer to bestseller list - skipping agents, auctions, and all the polite rejections in between. In this episode of The Tortured Writers Podcast, authors bare their souls on the agony of starting over, the sneaky “time thieves” that derail us, and how to nail those elusive character voices while surviving the sting of rejection. Joining me is...

Picture the cursor blinking like a judgmental metronome while you scroll for the perfect air-fryer accessory you’ll never use… In this episode, I dive into confessions from authors including Will Dean and Alison Stockham on their writing torments, answers listener questions on building confidence and structuring chapters, and chat with award-winning poet, novelist, and coach Sophie Hannah about th...

What if the key to great writing isn’t avoiding the pain, but leaning into the procrastination and silence that fuels it? In this debut episode of The Tortured Writers Podcast, I kick off with confessions from fellow authors on their writing woes, answers listener questions on immediate scenes versus narrative summary and handling flashbacks, plus crime novelist Will Dean joins me to talk about hi...

Introducing The Tortured Writers Podcast - your go-to source for a brilliant blend of writing wisdom, engaging interviews, and book recommendations every writer will love! Join Editor and Writer Sara Naidine Cox as she dives into the minds of star guests from the literary world, who share their secrets, struggles, and successes. With writing craft tips from listener questions, whether you’re a sea...