🎙 INTERVIEW: Writing with Truth and Mercy: A Conversation with Steve Almond
​** This is a LIVE interview with author Steve Almond about the craft of writing and reality of building a writing career. Attendees will be sent a recording after the interview. **
​How do we uncover the deepest truths in our writing? How do we break past creative blocks—both our own and our characters’? And how can writers balance the demands of truth and compassion in their work?
​Steve Almond has spent his career wrestling with these questions. A bestselling author, celebrated storyteller, and master of the craft, he has written twelve books spanning fiction and nonfiction—including Candyfreak, Against Football, and Which Brings Me to You, now a feature film. He’s also a longtime collaborator of Cheryl Strayed and a beloved teacher of writing.
​In his latest book, Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow, Steve explores the art of writing with honesty, courage, and emotional depth—challenging writers to embrace the complexities of truth and tell the stories only they can.
​Steve turns his attention to the craft of writing, challenging writers to embrace the complexities of truth and find the courage to write the stories that only they can tell.Â
​Join us for a conversation with Steve as we discuss how to write with authenticity, infuse your work with emotional resonance, and navigate the challenges of a writer’s life with stamina, humility and courage.
​We'll also explore...
​The role of vulnerability in creating unforgettable narratives
​How Steve approaches his own creative processÂ
​Overcoming writer’s block, envy and fear of exposure.
​Crafting stories that stay with readers long after they finish
​Practical strategies for staying motivated and inspired
​Steve’s favorite tools, exercises, and resources for sharpening craft
​About Steve AlmondÂ
​Steve Almond is the author of twelve books of fiction and nonfiction, including the New York Times bestsellers Candyfreak and Against Football. You can check those out here.
​His recent books include the novel All the Secrets of the World, which has been optioned for television by 20th Century Fox, and William Stoner and the Battle for the Inner Life.
​For four years, Steve hosted the New York Times Dear Sugars podcast with his pal Cheryl Strayed. He is the recipient of a 2022 NEA grant in fiction, and his short stories have been anthologized in the Best American Short Stories, The Pushcart Prize, Best American Erotica, and Best American Mysteries series. He also publishes crazy, DIY books.
​Your London Writers' Salon Hosts:
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​Parul Bavishi and Matt Trinetti are the co-founders of the London Writers' Salon, creators of the webby-nominated Writers' Hour daily writing sessions, and hosts of the London Writers' Salon podcast.
​Parul Bavishi has been an editor for over a decade. In addition to running LWS she helps thriller, YA and non-fiction writers level up their craft and get published. She writes and edits for the Story Grid. She has worked as an editor and literary scout at Random House, Quercus & Eccles Fisher. She analyses TV hit shows (Killing Eve, Ozark, Game of Thrones) on the Story Grid Showrunners Podcast.
​Matt Trinetti is a writer, publisher, TEDx speaker, and facilitator. In addition to running LWS, Matt designs programs to help unfulfilled professionals pursue creative work, start businesses, and reinvent their careers. Matt's work has appeared in Quartz, Observer, Creative Mornings, and on his blog GiveLiveExplore.
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