In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Laura speaks to fellow authors and previous podcast guests, Rosamund Dean and Alice May Purkiss. 

They talk about writing, specifically how to put your own breast cancer experience into words. Laura talks to Rosamund and Alice about how they started writing and why they wanted to share their experience with others. They each discuss topics such as how writing affects their mental health, imposter syndrome and how anyone can be a writer. Both Rosamund and Alice also share their book and newsletter recommendations for people experiencing a breast cancer diagnosis.  

Key Topics:

02:06 What made you decide to write about your cancer?

06:40 What affect does writing have on your mental health?

09:53 What do you find the most difficult part of writing?

10:51 Getting started

12:24 Rosamund talks about the process of writing her book, 'Reconstruction'

14:40 Advice for someone interested in writing

16:35 Book recommendations

18:30 Which authors inspire Rosamund the most

19:50 Rosamund's best tips for writing

23:06 Where to find Rosamund's work

23:35 Laura's thoughts

24:40 How writing affects Alice's mental health

26:48 Where should people start if they are interested in writing?

30:15 Advice for someone looking to get published

31:20 Long form writing, e.g. blogs

33:31 Alice's self-publishing process and advice

36:55 Tips for writing or creativity

41:27 Book recommendations

49:05 Inspiring authors books/blogs

54:10 Where to find Alice's work

Well well well newsletter- rosamunddean.substack.com

Rosamund’s books- Reconstruction + Mindful Drinking

@rosamunddean

Alice's book- Life Lemons and Melons

alicemaypurkiss.co.uk 

@alicemaypurkiss 

Laura

Laura's book- Single Bald Female

Hattie Crissel - In Writing

Oliver Burkeman - Four Thousand Weeks

Miranda July - All Fours

Fran Littlewood - Amazing Grace Adams

Kris Hallenga - Glittering a Turd

Bessel Van Der Kolk - The Body Keeps The Score

Sophie Savage - Lifeshocks

Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross -Your Brain on Art

Rick Rubin - The Creative Act

Will Storr - The Science of Storytelling

Alice Vincent - Savour

Daisy Buchannan - Creative Confidence Clinic

Porna Bell - As I Was Saying

Hayley Nahman - Maybe Baby