Always Take Notes

In this compendium of literary wisdom, celebrated authors share insights and anecdotes on the art of turning good stories into bestsellers.

Simon Akam and Rachel Lloyd, hosts of the renowned podcast Always Take Notes, have spent years delving into the lives and minds of literary luminaries. Now they share the most illuminating and unforgettable interview moments, as writers from Irvine Welsh to Tracy Chevalier and Marlon James reveal the secrets to their success and the hard-earned lessons they’ve gathered in their remarkable careers.

This volume serves as a beacon for both aspiring and established writers, discussing everything from finding inspiration to the trials and triumphs of getting your book published. It also offers a first-hand look into the daily challenges of writing and the critical habits that help writers persevere.

Contributors include David Mitchell, Kate Mosse, Ian McEwan, Elif Shafak, Ruth Ozeki, Niall Ferguson, Howard Jacobson, William Boyd, Geoff Dyer, Max Hastings, and many others.