Introducing the 'PROSE AND PASTRIES PODCAST': conversations about writing, publishing and creativity.

I'm delighted to announce the launch of the monthly Prose and Pastries Podcast! The first episode will air on Wednesday, 14th January at 5 PM GMT on both YouTube and Spotify.

A Warm Invitation to Join Us

Named after our coffee morning event of the same name, think of this podcast as a cozy chat about writing, publishing, and creativity. Each episode features a special guest who shares their insights and experiences.

You'll hear invaluable writing advice from authors, publishers, and booksellers. They’ll discuss what makes good writing and how to attract readers and literary agents. Plus, you'll learn about the personal journeys and routines of the authors themselves.

My Writing Journey

I’ve made no attempt to hide that while I’ve had some small success as a writer, my goal this year is to land that 'big fish' publishing contract and agent that so many of us dream about. Who better to learn from than those who have navigated this path themselves?

I’m thrilled to announce that our first guest is the award-winning author Liam Brown! He’ll talk about how he has maintained a decade-long career as a professional writer. Liam will share tips for writers trying to break into the industry, the honour of winning an award from the Romantic Novelists Association, and why his new novel may be deemed particularly controversial!

Subscribe and Stay Tuned

Please do subscribe to our channels so you’re ready for the first episode launch! Keep an eye out for clips posted throughout the week on our social media channels.

I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed recording the episode! And don’t forget, there’s only a couple of weeks until Liam joins us for the first retreat event of 2026, 'Stop Dreaming; Start Writing.' There are still a couple of tickets left if you want to join us. You can book here.

The Power of Community

Writing can often feel like a solitary journey. However, it doesn’t have to be! Engaging with a community of fellow writers can provide support, motivation, and inspiration.

At Secret Writing Retreats, we believe in fostering a nurturing environment. Here, you can share your ideas, receive constructive feedback, and celebrate each other's successes.

Embracing the Creative Process

Every writer has their unique process. Some may find inspiration in quiet moments, while others thrive in bustling environments. It’s essential to explore what works best for you.

Experiment with different settings, times of day, and writing tools. You might find that a change of scenery sparks new ideas or that a particular routine helps you stay focused.

Setting Goals and Staying Motivated

As writers, setting goals is crucial. Whether it’s completing a chapter, submitting a story, or finishing a novel, having clear objectives keeps us on track.

Break your goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small! This will help maintain your motivation and keep the writing journey enjoyable.

Conclusion

I’m so excited about the journey ahead with the Prose and Pastries Podcast! I hope you’ll join us as we explore the world of writing together. Remember, every great author started as a beginner. Let’s support each other in turning our ideas into finished works!

Happy Listening!

Jen