Conversations on Craft – Details, episodes & analysis

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Conversations on Craft

Hayley King

Arts

Fiction

Frequency: 1 episode/20d. Total Eps: 12

Conversations on Craft is a monthly podcast from Ascent Novel Prize that dives deep into the art, and grit, of writing. Hosted by Hayley King, each episode features conversations with authors and agents who reveal the techniques, habits, and mindset required to become a powerful storyteller. Whether you're beginning a first draft or publishing your tenth novel, you'll find practical advice, inspiration, and honest discussions about what it takes to produce a book that works. If you're serious about the craft or writing, this podcast is for you. Subscribe now and transform your writing, one episode at a time.

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Apple Podcasts

🇬🇧 Great Britain - books
02/08/2026
#86

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https://www.ascentnovelprize.com/
7 shares
http://www.ascentnovelprize.com
2 shares
https://www.greenstoneliterary.com/
2 shares

https://www.instagram.com/ascent_novel_prize
8 shares
https://www.instagram.com/lizathelitagent
2 shares

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RSS feed quality

Good

Score global : 73%

Publication history

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On Rejection to Book Deal - with Cate Haynes

Season 1 · Episode 12

Friday, July 10, 2026 • Duration 56:21

From Rejection to Book Deal: The Journey of a Middle Grade Fantasy Author

Join us as Cate Haynes shares her inspiring path to publication, from early rejections to signing with her dream publisher. Discover the creative process behind The Spell Whisperer, tips for overcoming writer's doubts, and insights into balancing craft, resilience, and passion.

In this episode:

Cate's journey from childhood writing to literary success, including her first sci-fi book in 2001 and the long road to her debut novel

The importance of perseverance: submitting to 179 rejections before finding an agent

How her personal experiences with stammering inspired her latest book The Spell Whisperer

Her creative process: nursing ideas, meticulous planning, and the role of notebooks and mind maps

The value of writing groups, competitions, and continuous learning to hone craft

Insights into working with agents and editors, from initial query to publication deadlines

Practical advice for writers: keep learning, build community, and embrace feedback

Resources & Links:

Right Mentor - Supportive writing community and courses

Write Magic - Facebook-based writing sprints and accountability groups

Connect with Cate Haynes:

Instagram

To learn more visit:
Ascent Novel prize

Or follow us at:
Ascent_Novel_Prize

This episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt stories—ideal for writers at any stage of their journey.

Music: UJDM0MRSBB0POLNZ

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On how to break into publishing - with Liza DeBlock

Season 1 · Episode 2

Thursday, December 4, 2025 • Duration 36:19

Are you seeking an agent for your novel? Do the rejections seem to be coming thick and fast? Then this episode is for you!

In this episode of Conversations on Craft, literary agent Liza DeBlock shares her insights on the writing and publishing process. From the importance of editing and crafting a compelling synopsis to the realities of breaking into the industry, Liza provides valuable advice for aspiring authors. She discusses common mistakes writers make, the dynamics of the agent-author relationship, and the challenges of building a long-term writing career. Liza also highlights current trends in publishing and what she looks for in submissions, emphasizing the need for diversity and originality in storytelling.

To learn more about the literary agency where Liza works and to see how to submit to her, please visit: https://www.greenstoneliterary.com/

Liza DeBlock can be found online at: https://www.instagram.com/lizathelitagent/ To hear Liza's interview on Page One visit: https://youtu.be/ND4QwL2alfM

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Liza DeBlock and Her Journey 02:15 Editing Manuscripts: The Process and Importance 05:57 Knowing When a Manuscript is Ready 08:06 Common Mistakes Writers Make 09:15 Crafting a Great Synopsis 13:29 Breaking into the Publishing Industry 17:29 The Reality of the Publishing Process 19:34 The Agent-Author Relationship 21:47 What Happens if a Book Doesn't Sell? 23:44 Long-Term Careers in Writing 26:20 Understanding Lead Titles vs. Mid-List Writers 27:55 Diversity in Representation 29:28 Current Trends in Publishing 32:35 Advice for Struggling Writers 33:39 Liza's Wishlist for New Manuscripts 34:53 The Joy of Being an Agent 36:13 2.mp4

To support the show, subscribe, like and send to writer friends.

On Editing to Agenting - with Hannah Sheppard

Season 1 · Episode 10

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 • Duration 33:51

Hannah Sheppard, literary agent and founder of HS-LA, shares insights into the agenting process and her journey to launching her own agency, HSLA. She discusses changes in publishing, navigating the query process, offering representation, protecting writers, pitching and polishing manuscripts, and the future of publishing. Her commitment to demystifying the publishing process is evident in her approach to accessibility and transparency.

Takeaways

Agenting Insights
Navigating the Publishing Process

Chapters

00:00 Insight into Agenting
07:38 Navigating the Query Process
15:52 Protecting Writers
23:13 Pitching and Polishing Manuscripts
30:04 The Future of Publishing
36:17 Demystifying the Publishing Process

Visit HS-LA's Website

Visit Ascent Novel Prize for writing advice

Follow Ascent Novel Prize on Instagram

Written a book for children? Enter our children's prize here.

Music licensed through Soundstripe.
Code: GCRY1Z5E6NJBQ1BK

On Crafting the Gothic - with A. A. Sekhon - Bonus Episode

Season 1 · Episode 9

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 • Duration 38:41

Want to hook your reader with an atmospheric opening? Then this episode is for you!

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

Amazon UK

Connect with Ash Sekhon:

Instagram

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)

0n winning Ascent Novel Prize - with Erica Li

Season 1 · Episode 8

Friday, May 1, 2026 • Duration 32:14

Want to know what it takes to win an international writing competition? Then this episode is for you!

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

On Fantasy World Building - with Venetia Constantine

Season 1 · Episode 7

Friday, March 6, 2026 • Duration 42:03

Want to create fantasy worlds that readers will remember? Then this episode is for you!

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

For information on Ascent Novel Prize, follow here: (1) Instagram

On Writing the Book of your Heart - with Aje Roberts

Season 1 · Episode 6

Saturday, February 28, 2026 • Duration 45:18

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

On being a Virginia Woolf from the Ends - with Ashleigh Nugent

Season 1 · Episode 5

Friday, January 30, 2026 • Duration 57:50

From jail to published author with a PhD. Learn how you can take your experience and turn it into something that changes lives.

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

Ashleigh Nugent - Author of 'LOCKS' - Out Now

Writing on the Wall - Supporting Writing in Liverpool City Region

Ascent Novel Prize | international writing competition

Connect with Ashleigh Nugent:

Conversations on Craft – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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Conversations on Craft – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other17

Instagram7

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other17

Instagram7

Youtube1