Conversations on Craft

Conversations on Craft with Ty Ogunade

Hayley is joined by Ty Ogunade, a lawyer and writer of Nigerian heritage based in East London, to talk about publishing, craft, and how sci-fi and fantasy can become more accessible to underrepresented voices. Ty also shares the context behind his work as founder of the London Sci-Fi and Fantasy Authors Writing Group, and his cyberpunk novel A Blade Drawn from Envy, which won the Future Worlds Prize 2026.

Key topics

Ty Ogunade’s background as a lawyer and writer of Nigerian heritage in East London

Making publishing more accessible for voices that are often excluded from sci-fi and fantasy

The purpose of the London Sci-Fi and Fantasy Authors Writing Group

Ty’s lifelong love of sci-fi

His cyberpunk novel A Blade Drawn from Envy

The Future Worlds Prize 2026 win for A Blade Drawn from Envy

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Learn more about London Sci-Fi Authors or visit their webpage HERE

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Conversations on Craft with Katie Huttlestone

Katie Huttlestone joins the show to discuss her debut novel, A Healthy Appetite, and the long, collaborative route that led to publication. This episode is especially useful for writers who want a practical look at pitching, querying, competitions, beta readers, editing, and finding the right publishing home.

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Hayley and Katie also dig into the emotional side of the process, including imposter syndrome, chronic illness, and why community matters so much in a solitary creative life.

Key topics

In this interview, Katie Huttlestone shares the origin of A Healthy Appetite, a literary horror novel about Hannah, a 30-year-old living with late-stage cancer and the fallout of a phase one medical trial.

Katie explains that she writes as a discovery writer, and that her first idea for the novel came from her own experience of cancer and chronic illness.

We discuss how the novel changed very little from first draft to finished manuscript, with the main work being expansion, added scenes, and deepening character relationships rather than major structural rewrites.

Katie talks about the simple planning method she used early on: a before and after table that mapped her protagonist’s starting state, ending state, and transformation.

She shares why the book sits on the border between literary fiction and horror, and why Dead Ink felt like the right home for something spiky and hard to categorise.

Katie reflects on the unboxing moment and the emotional reality of seeing her finished copies and cover for the first time.

The cover discussion includes why the guinea pig image works as a metaphor for medical testing, and how the pink palette adds flesh, desire, and unease.

We discuss how competitions such as the Lucy Cavendish Prize and the Blue Pencil Agency Pitch Prize helped Katie gain external validation and confidence before querying agents.

Katie offers a clear view of querying strategy, including batch submissions, keeping a spreadsheet, and using an offer of representation to create momentum with other agents.

She explains how she developed her pitch, eventually distilling it into a short, punchy summary focused on character, setting, and crisis.

Katie describes the submission process after signing with her agent, including rounds of editor interest, choosing Dead Ink, and the importance of finding a publishing team that felt like the right emotional fit.

She shares how feedback, beta readers, critique partners, and editing have all strengthened her work, and why collaboration is energising rather than threatening.

Katie also speaks openly about the financial barriers around courses like the Faber course, and why she tries to support other writers wherever she can.

The episode closes with practical writing advice, including little and often drafting, letting people in, and staying in touch with the work without pressuring yourself unrealistically.

To learn more visit:
Ascent Novel prize

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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.

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Love writing BUT hate rejection? Then this episode is for you.

Most writers face relentless rejection and self-doubt—Rayo’s journey proves resilience can turn passion into impactful change. In this inspiring episode, she shares how she took her storytelling dreams into her own hands, publishing her debut children's book after years of industry setbacks, and turning her personal passion into social impact through innovative initiatives like Karanta Kids and the Tani Series.You'll discover how Rayo navigated her evolution from law student to published author, and the unshakeable confidence that comes from trusting your voice despite industry noise. She reveals the power of storytelling in shaping identity, especially for children of colour, and offers practical advice for writers feeling vulnerable or discouraged by rejection. We break down:

• The behind-the-scenes story of how her award-winning children’s book Sleepy Guppy Finds Its Voice was crafted, illustrated, and brought to life through community engagement.
• The significance of representation in children’s literature, and how her organizations are closing the access gap with affordable, culturally relevant stories via digital platforms.
• The hidden struggles of publishing as a black author and how her own experience with industry prizes like the Faber-Fab Prize fuelled her confidence and persistence.
• The role of motherhood in deepening her compassion and shaping her voice—leading to more authentic storytelling.
• Practical tips on building a writing routine amid parenthood, including leveraging voice memos and learning to embrace rejection as part of the journey.

Every writer’s path is littered with obstacles, but perseverance and the willingness to craft your own opportunities can make a difference. Whether you’re dreaming of publishing your first book or fighting to see your stories reflected in the world at large, Rayo’s story offers compelling proof that your voice can inspire change, no matter the setbacks. Perfect for aspiring children’s authors or anyone committed to using storytelling as a tool for empowerment and community-building—this conversation will leave you motivated to keep writing, creating, and impacting lives through your words.

Rayo is the CEO of the Tani Series and co-founder of Karanta Kids, dedicated to amplifying Black stories for children worldwide. Her debut children's book Sleepy Guppy received high accolades from Faber and Faber, and she’s a passionate advocate for diversity, access, and storytelling’s transformative power.

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Visit Tani Series here!

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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

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Visit Ascent Novel Prize for writing advice

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

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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)

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 for more or follow us on social media.

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

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

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.

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

Or visit: Ascent Novel Prize | international writing competition

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

Or follow us on social media: Ascent Novel Prize (@ascent_novel_prize) • Instagram photos and videos

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:

Instagram (1) Instagram

Facebook (20+) Facebook

Additional resources:

Free PDF for Aspiring Writers: subscribe at Ashleigh Nugent - Author of 'LOCKS' - Out Now

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