Best Sam Milburn Podcasts (2025)

1
#153: Find A Literary Agent & Get Published, Advice From Four Lit Agents Ed Wilson, Lucinda Halpern, Madeleine Milburn & Sam Copeland 57:56

Play Pause

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

14d 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
#151: Melissa Febos — The Art of Memoir: Turn Life Into Art, Undoing Shame, and Choosing The Artist’s Life 1:03:50

21d 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

29d 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…

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

2M 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
#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

3M 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
#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…

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

4M 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
#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
#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

6M 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
#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 *…

1
#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
#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
ADHD Consultant & Trainer H Harris shares their story on masking and how own the sh*t out of who you are 56:00

8M ago56:00

56:00

Today I’m joined by H Harris who coaches neurodivergent people to own the sh*t out of who they are! I came across them on social media when they shared a post that talked about double masking as a black neurodivergent person. We had an amazing conversation covering a lot of topics that I think will be helpful for so many people. In this episode we …

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

8M 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
#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
Sarah Cawood on ADHD, Navigating Menopause without HRT and Living a Life you Love after Surviving Cancer 57:45

8M ago57:45

57:45

Sarah Cawood is a TV presenter who regularly appeared on shows like Live and Kicking, Top of the Pops and MTV back in the 90s and 00s – if you’re a 40-something like me you’ll remember those days well! Sarah has had the most incredible and challenging few years surviving breast cancer and navigating menopause. She identifies with ADHD traits and ha…

1
ADHD, Neurodivergency and the Correlation with BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder) 39:42

8M ago39:42

39:42

In this episode I talk about the correlation between neurodivergency and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). I ran a webinar recently with BDD specialist Dr Lauren Peile for the BDD foundation (the only charity dedicated to supporting people with BDD) and found out that 80% of the children in the BDD specialist unit in London were neurodivergent. I hav…

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

9M 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
ADHD Right to Choose Expert Nicola Cheetham Shares Advice and Her Experience of ADHD 1:07:17

9M ago1:07:17

1:07:17

Nicola Cheetham is a fellow late diagnosed ADHDer and Advocate who received her diagnosis when she was 50. Nicola has grown a large following on Tik Tok and is dedicated to helpng people access a diagnosis through the right to choose pathway to avoid lengthy wait times and to empower people to advocate for them themselves. This is such a juicy epis…

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…

1
ADHD, Social Anxiety & Stigma - Public Speaker and Mental Health Advocate Wes Woodson Shares His Story and Insights 55:14

9M ago55:14

55:14

Wes Woodson is an incredible human, public speaker and mental health advocate making a difference to the lives of teenagers up and down the US touring Universities and Colleges. Through his talks and workshops fighting the stigma and giving children the tools to manage their mental health. In this episode we talk about: Wes’s experience at Primary …

1
ADHD Journey with Meredith Carder - Author, ADHD Coach and Multi-Passionate Entrepreneur 39:59

10M ago39:59

39:59

Meredith Carder is an ADHD Coach, creator and writer with a BS in psychology and MBA. As a true multi-passionate adult with ADHD, Meredith has gained considerable experience over the last 20 years working in employee training and development, as well as successfully running several small businesses culminating in a huge following on social media. M…

1
ADHD Journey with Journalist Helen Dewdney - Self Diagnosis and Dealing with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria when Making Complaints 51:51

10M ago51:51

51:51

Helen Dewdney is a well-known journalist and consumer champion who regular features in the media on programs like Sky, ITV News, Rip Off Britain and Alexis and Friends, giving her advice and expertise on consumer matters. Over the years it became clear to her colleagues that she was Neurodivergent, unbeknown to her! Until one day it all clicked. I …

1
#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
ADHD Impulsivity, hyper fixating and how I just had to have the tent! And the intense feelings that come with wanting everything 31:03

10M ago31:03

31:03

A friend said that the first part of your ADHD diagnosis is filing through memories and past life experiences and making sense of things. And this was an example of something that popped into my head this week. I get SO sad when I can't have the things I want. And that sounds like a spoilt brat right? But I don't have many other ways to describe it…

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
ADHD Journey with Louise Harman - Why self identifying and owning your ADHD now is so important and the steps you can start taking today 58:53

10M ago58:53

58:53

Louise Harman is a no BS copy and messaging coach and business friend who is on the pathway for an ADHD diagnosis. With 200K people on the wait list in the UK I’m a firm believer that we should feel empowered to start exploring those ADHD realisations while we wait in limbo, and so this conversation is really important to share with you all so you …

1
Is this what unmasking is? 9:36

10M ago9:36

9:36

Okay - I did a couple of experiments. To see how these things would feel. Whether this is unmasking or not, it felt great and I'm going to continue to lean into those feelings! A very honest episode I hope you enjoy it and it inspires you in some way to lean into those things you've told yourself you can't do because society frowns upon it. As many…

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
ADHD Journey with Heidi Mavir - Parenting Neurodivergent Children and Turning your Passion into your Business 44:33

10M ago44:33

44:33

Heidi helps families get the education their children deserve. Sunday Times Bestseller of ‘Your Child Is Not Broken’, advocate and speaker, Heidi was someone I’ve been wanting to talk to and I’m super thankful our mutual friend put me in contact. (Just a quick one! Please do follow and rate the podcast. I’m getting lovely messages from people that …

1
You don't look ADHD! How Inattentive ADHD presents itself 16:44

10M ago16:44

16:44

There is nothing worse than someone telling me they never would have said I was ADHD. Because I know they have stereotypical views on ADHD. And now I have to 'justify' my diagnosis to them. And explain why I'm ADHD. And I'm pretty sure they switch off when I start monologuing about it. So they still don't understand and come to the conclusion that …