*This podcast was made possible through the generous support of Book Alchemy’s paid membership. To support the show and future projects, please consider becoming at member at secretlibrarypodcast.com

Saying goodbye is bittersweet

Nine years ago, I launched a podcast with very little certainty that it would thrive. I didn’t know if we would even hit ten episodes. Today I fact-checked my total of 250+ episodes and learned I was WILDLY off. This is technically episode 487.

I would not have been able to continue this long without the incredible generosity of both my guests and my listeners. Without Haley Hatcher of Heart-Centered Podcasting’s support. Without the multiple logos Barry McWilliams patiently created, and without Emily Hawkins, who composed the dream theme music I wish we’d had from the very beginning.

In this final episode, I am honored that my friend Katherine May offered to take over the interviewer’s role, letting me reminisce and share the experience of producing this show for so long. Thank you Katherine, I couldn’t have closed this well without you.

The show will be here in the archives for you to revisit, and now we close one chapter. I’m delighted, relieved, exhausted and a bit sad all at once.

Thank you, above all, for listening.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.book-alchemy.com/subscribe

*This podcast is made possible through the generous support of Book Alchemy’s paid membership. To support the show, please consider becoming at member at secretlibrarypodcast.com

Creating a cloud in book form

This week, I spoke with the queen of fog, Laura Pashby, a photographer and author with a deep fascination for this ethereal phenomenon. We dive into the inspiration behind Laura's latest book Chasing Fog, discussing her lifelong relationship with fog, its role in her photography and writing, and how it became a central theme in her life and work.

We also look at the broader implications of fog in literature, its emotional and philosophical significance, and the challenges of writing and capturing such an elusive subject. Additionally, our conversation touches on including the personal and memoir elements within the book, Laura's journey to publication, and the reception of her work. As the final interview of the Secret Library, this was a poignant moment, and I was moved by feeling of the show drifting into fog as well.

Chapters:

00:21 Meet Laura Pashby: A Lifelong Bookworm02:07 The Fascination with Fog05:16 From Photography to Writing About Fog08:15 The Journey to Publishing Chasing Fog12:44 Writing Memoir Elements in a Nonfiction Book20:33 Fog in Literature and Personal Reflection23:35 Revisiting Childhood Fears23:50 Folklore and Fog on Dartmoor26:07 Climate Change and Fog29:42 The Process of Writing the Book from a Proposal32:34 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Book Reviews35:20 Finding Enchantment in Fog

About Laura:

Laura Pashby tells stories using words and photographs. She is the author of the narrative non-fiction book Chasing Fog, which is published by Simon & Schuster and was described by Literary Review as ‘a frequently beguiling and thought-provoking book’.

She shares stories with her engaged Instagram following, on her bestselling Substack, and in beautiful magazines.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.book-alchemy.com/subscribe

*This podcast is made possible through the generous support of Book Alchemy’s paid membership. To support the show, please consider becoming at member at secretlibrarypodcast.com

Burnt out to embracing joyous reading + writing

In this episode of The Secret Library Podcast, I am joined by Petya Grady, writer and the creator of A reading life on Substack. Petya shares her unique journey from Bulgaria to the US, including her unexpected career transition from academia to UX strategy and social impact startups. Burned out from the corporate world, Petya turned to her love of books to find solace, leading to a fascinating discussion about 'reading and writing kinks.' We explore the psychological allure of reading and writing, how certain themes and settings captivate us, and why it's important to embrace what truly excites us in our literary pursuits. This episode fully embraces the pleasure principles of reading and writing, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

Chapters:

01:26 The Concept of Reading and Writing Kink04:01 Exploring Pleasure Principles in Literature07:44 Personal Reading Kinks and Favorite Authors11:10 The Joy of Recognizing You Personal Reading Fingerprint17:08 Preferences Regarding Place and Setting in Books21:35 Cold War Fascination and Spy Stories22:12 The Bulgarian Umbrella Case23:55 Surveillance and Spy Devices24:49 Cold War Literature and Personal Reflections26:44 The Relevance of Historical Fiction28:42 When Life and Literature Meet36:17 Speculative Fiction and Creative Freedom

About Petya:

Petya K. Grady is the author of A Reading Life, a newsletter exploring books, reading, and the pursuit of intellectual fulfillment. She is currently at work on her first novel, set in Communist-era Bulgaria. Petya lives and writes in Memphis, Tennessee.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.book-alchemy.com/subscribe

*This podcast is made possible through the generous support of Book Alchemy’s paid membership. To support the show, please consider becoming at member at secretlibrarypodcast.com

From Chef to Sleuth

In this delicious episode, my guest is Orlando Murrin, a former high-profile food writer who transitioned into the world of mystery writing. After sharing his foundation in food writing, Orlando reveals the pivotal moment when a friend's book deal ignited his own passion for writing mysteries. I learned so much from Orlando, as we discussed his writing process, the creation of his protagonist Paul, editing challenges, and the importance of physical wellness for writers. We also touch on his inspirations, future book ideas, and invaluable advice for aspiring writers. Plus, as you’ll hear, there were multiple laugh-out-lound moments in this one. A must-listen!

Chapters:

01:46 From Food Writer to Mystery Novelist03:48 The Turning Point: A Friend's Success06:08 Crafting the Mystery: Character and Plot12:13 Writing Techniques and Challenges17:53 Life Lessons and Writing Advice21:49 Paul's Adventures and Future Plans24:34 The Joy of Imaginative Writing25:43 Character Development and Reader Reactions27:55 Setting and Scene Crafting30:42 The Writing Process and Plotting41:29 Physical and Mental Wellness for Writers46:29 Conclusion and Future Projects

About Orlando:

After being flung into the culinary limelight as a semi-finalist on Masterchef, Orlando Murrin edited Woman and Home, BBC Good Food and founded Olive magazine; then he switched track to become a chef-hotelier in SW France and Somerset.

He has written six cookbooks and received an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Guild of Food Writers, its highest accolade. A popular guest on TV and radio, and at food and literary festivals, he is also a regular podcaster and podcast host.

From his grandfather, a Met detective who rose to become a crack MI5 interrogator, he inherited a fascination with crime and mystery. He lives in domestic bliss in Exeter, Devon, and has written two culinary crime novels: Knife Skills For Beginners (shortlisted for the McDermid Debut and Crime Fiction Lover Debut Awards) and Murder Below Deck.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.book-alchemy.com/subscribe

*This podcast is made possible through the generous support of Book Alchemy’s paid membership. To support the show, please consider becoming at member at secretlibrarypodcast.com

Diving into the Cold

In this episode of the Secret Library Podcast, I speak with Anna Brones from the middle of her current book writing adventure. Anna shares her experiences working on her forthcoming book about cold water practices and communities, inspired by her own cold water swimming routine. We look at the shift in her creative process as she takes on a research-heavy nonfiction book, which is a new direction after her previous titles. She also shares historical and cultural context for cold water immersion. We get into the challenges of balancing different types of creative work and the importance of celebrating small victories along the way. Join us for a fascinating conversation about the intersections of art, writing, and the natural world.

Chapters:

01:40 Anna's Journey: From Cookbooks to Cold Water03:45 The Concept of Cold: Exploring the New Book04:32 Cold Water Practice: A Personal Journey05:33 Building a Cold Water Community08:41 The Writing Process: Challenges and Insights10:51 Travel and Research: Immersing in Cold Cultures15:19 The Creative Process: Embracing the Struggle19:03 Writing Gnomes: The Magic Behind the Words21:20 The Unknowable Element of Creativity22:25 Visual Art vs. Writing: A Creative Comparison23:54 Balancing Passion and Relaxation26:47 Victorian Ladies and Cold Water Cures34:11 The Fluidity of Creative Processes41:18 Celebrating the Creative Journey

About Anna:

Anna is a writer, artist, and educator based in the Pacific Northwest. She works as a papercut artist, hand cutting illustrations from single pieces of paper, which have been used everywhere from books to wine labels to public art installations. Passionate about sharing creativity with others, she regularly teaches workshops, both in person and virtually. She is also the author of several books including Fika: The Art of the Swedish Coffee Break, Live Lagom: Balanced Living the Swedish Way, and Best Served Wild: Real Food for Real Adventures. She contributes to a variety of digital and print publications and is currently at work on her forthcoming book Cold: Lessons of Place, Presence, and Practice (2026)

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.book-alchemy.com/subscribe

*This podcast is made possible through the generous support of Book Alchemy’s paid membership. To support the show, please consider upgrading your subscription at secretlibrarypodcast.com

Self-Discovery Through Fiction

In this episode, Emma Gannon and I explore the nuances of writing fiction versus non-fiction, the significance of intergenerational friendships, and the representation of women in literature, particularly through the lens of the aunt figure. We delve into the themes of self-discovery, chosen family, and the evolution of confidence as women navigate different life stages. The discussion highlights the importance of storytelling in providing alternative narratives and the impact of personal experiences on character development. Emma and I look at the complexities of independence within relationships, the role of friends in self-discovery, and the challenges of the creative process. We share the transformative power of writing in our own lives, sharing the personal growth that comes from completing a novel. Emma talks about her journey of writing her latest book and hints at her upcoming non-fiction project about creativity, emphasizing the importance of community and self-reflection in the creative journey. This is a must listen, and will make you even more excited to read her latest novel, Table for One.

Chapters:

00:10 Meet Emma Gannon: Bestselling Author00:27 Discussing Emma's New Novel: Table for One00:35 Fiction vs. Non-Fiction Writing01:42 Emma's Book Tour and Public Speaking02:51 Exploring Themes in Table for One03:07 Character Development and Inspirations04:40 Generational Perspectives in the Novel11:53 The Role of Aunts in Literature19:53 The Journey of Self-Discovery21:50 Exploring Willow's Relationship Dynamics23:00 Balancing Independence and Partnership26:05 The Role of Penn in Willow's Life28:42 The Struggles and Rewards of Writing31:17 The Journey of Writing a Novel37:05 Future Projects and Creativity

About Emma:

Emma Gannon is the Sunday Times bestselling author of 8 books, including Olive, her debut novel, which was nominated for the Dublin Literary Award. Her second novel Table For One publishes in April 2025 with Harper Collins. She runs the popular newsletter The Hyphen and was one of the first in the UK to reach thousands of paid subscriptions on Substack.

Connect with Emma Gannon:

Get your copy of Table for One

The Hyphen on Substack

Instagram

Work with Caroline:

Work with Caroline 1:1

Join the waitlist for the next Your Writing Year Intensive

Learn more about writing courses

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.book-alchemy.com/subscribe

*This podcast is made possible through the generous support of Book Alchemy’s paid membership. To support the show, please consider upgrading your subscription at secretlibrarypodcast.com

The Scientific Method Meets Writing

In this conversation, Anne-Laure Le Cunff and I discuss the principles behind her book, Tiny Experiments, exploring how small, manageable experiments can transform the writing process. We explore the importance of curiosity, community, and redefining success in creative endeavors. The discussion emphasizes the value of learning in public, the role of experimentation in writing, and how to embrace the creative process without the pressure of perfection. These concepts have profoundly impacted my writing life, and I know they’ll transform yours, too.

Chapters:

00:08 Meet Anne-Laure Le Cunff: Neuroscientist and Author01:10 The Birth of Tiny Experiments01:39 The 100 Articles Experiment02:45 Balancing Creativity and Rest04:11 From Newsletter to Book: The Journey07:26 Writing as an Experiment26:41 The Role of Curiosity in Creativity29:02 Procrastination and Productivity33:57 Reflections on Writing and Support38:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About Anne-Laure:

Anne-Laure Le Cunff is an award-winning neuroscientist and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Ness Labs, where her weekly newsletter is read by more than 100,000 curious minds. Her research at King’s College London focuses on the psychology and neuroscience of lifelong learning, curiosity, and adaptability. Her book, Tiny Experiments, is a transformative guide for living a more experimental life, turning uncertainty into curiosity, and carving a path of self-discovery. Previously, she worked at Google as an executive on digital health projects. Her work has been featured in Rolling Stone, Forbes, Financial Times, WIRED, and more.

Connect with Anne-Laure:

* Get a copy of Tiny Experiments

* Ness Labs

* Instagram

Work with Caroline:

* Work with Caroline 1:1

* Join the waitlist for the next Your Writing Year Intensive

* Learn more about writing courses

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.book-alchemy.com/subscribe

*This podcast is made possible by the generous support of Book Alchemy’s paid membership. To support the show, please consider upgrading your subscription.

The Pound Project

In this episode, I speak with JP Watson, a writer from Birmingham, UK, and the founder of The Pound Project. This initiative has published and sold thousands of books worldwide. JP shares how his frustration with the publishing industry's limitations led him to create a unique publishing model based on collaboration and sustainability. We discuss the creative and business aspects of crowdfunding and the importance of maintaining creative integrity. JP also reflects on the democratizing power of the internet, the potential impact of AI on the creative industry, and the future of publishing. He emphasizes the need for a symbiotic relationship between big publishing houses and independent models, greater responsibility in social media use, and the importance of encouraging reading among young people. JP also hints at exciting new projects, including a subscription service and a handwritten writing initiative. This episode highlights JP's journey from disappointed writer to entrepreneurial publisher, offering inspiration and practical insights for writers and readers alike.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Secret Library Podcast 00:21 Meet J.P. Watson and The Pound Project 01:36 The Origin Story of The Pound Project 03:48 Crowdfunding and Publishing Model 06:09 Challenges and Successes in Publishing 10:12 Sustainability and Design in Publishing 16:36 Entrepreneurial Spirit in Writing 25:17 The Future of Publishing and AI 33:27 Encouraging Reading and Writing 42:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mentioned:

* Tuckey Print, Birmingham

* Enshittification, coined by former SLP guest Cory Doctorow in this article.

* Persephone Books

* The Futurebook Conference, run by The Bookseller

* Burn Before Reading, Daisy Buchanan

Related SLP Episodes:

About JP:

JP Watson is a writer from Birmingham UK who founded The Pound Project, which has sold thousands of books to more than 100+ countries worldwide.

Connect with JP:

* Get the latest news from The Pound Project

* Instagram: @_pound_project

* March 8th: The Pound Project is hosting a live event with activist and author Gina Martin. Get tickets here, which include her e-book To Hate and Love Men.

Work with Caroline:

* Work with Caroline 1:1

* Join the waitlist for the next Your Writing Year Intensive

* Learn more about writing courses

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.book-alchemy.com/subscribe

*This podcast is made possible by the generous support of Book Alchemy’s paid membership. To support the show, please consider upgrading your subscription.

Ready to Read Yourself Happy?

In this engaging conversation, Daisy and I explore the profound impact of reading on personal well-being, the joy of rediscovering old favorites, and the importance of embracing diverse reading preferences. We discuss the comfort found in rereading beloved books, the slow reading movement, and how literature can serve as an antidote to anxiety. The conversation also touches on the radical nature of reading for pleasure and the evolving language used in book discussions, culminating in a celebration of the intimate relationship between readers and books.

This conversation could have gone on MUCH longer than we had time for, but I very much hope you have fun eavesdropping on our love fest with books and how not only reading, but rereading has been an instrumental part of our writing education.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Reading03:31 The Joy of Rediscovering Old Books06:29 Rereading as a Path to Comfort and Craft09:02 The Importance of Slow Reading11:21 Reading as an Antidote to Anxiety18:38 The Role of Books in Understanding Perfection and Vulnerability26:04 The Quest for True Desires26:51 Life Lessons from Literature28:39 Cultural Differences in Literature29:34 Books to Movies: Anticipation and Adaptation32:19 The Aesthetic of Book Covers35:18 Language and Its Evolution37:46 Reading as a Radical Act40:23 The Joy of Reading for Pleasure

Books Mentioned:

*to the best of my ability - if we missed any, please ask for details in the comments!

* Read Yourself Happy, Daisy Buchanan

* Expiation, Elizabeth von Arnim

* Enchanted April, Elizabeth von Arnim

* Ballet Shoes, Noel Streatfield

* Invitation to the Waltz, Rosamund Lehmann

* The Motherless Land, Nikki May

* Consider Yourself Kissed, Jessica Stanley

* Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel (slow read is on Footnotes and Tangents)

* Tolstory Together, Yiyun Li

* Bleak House, Charles Dickens

* Middlemarch, George Eliot

* Bridget Jones’ Diary, Helen Fielding

* Swann’s Way, Marcel Proust

* The Guermantes Way, Marcel Proust

* Gone Fishing, Bob Mortimer + Paul Whitehouse

* Beyond Anxiety, Martha Beck

* American Psycho, Brett Easton Ellis

* Alison, Lizzie Stewart

* Rachel’s Holiday, Marian Keyes

* Peter Hujar’s Day, Linda Rosenkrantz

* The Light Years (Cazalet Chronicles), Elizabeth Jane Howard

* Camp! The Story of the Attitude That Conquered the World, Paul Barker

* Rivals, Jilly Cooper

* By Grand Central Station, I Sat Down and Wept, Elizabeth Smart

SLP Episodes mentioned:

About Daisy:

Daisy Buchanan is an award-winning journalist, author and speaker. Her work includes the non-fiction books How To Be A Grown Up and The Sisterhood, and the novels Insatiable, Careering, and Limelight. She regularly contributes to every major UK newspaper and magazine, from the Guardian to Grazia, and the Times radio book show.She is a TEDx speaker and the host of the chart-topping literary interview podcast You’re Booked, as well as the Daisy Is…podcast series. She appears regularly on TV and radio speaking about everything from pop culture to feminism. Her latest book, Read Yourself Happy, is out now.

Connect with Daisy:

* Get your copy of Read Yourself Happy

* Instagram: @thedaisybee

* Daisy’s Substack: Creative Confidence Clinic

Work with Caroline:

* Work with Caroline 1:1

* Join the waitlist for the next Your Writing Year Intensive

* Learn more about individual course options

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.book-alchemy.com/subscribe

It’s almost my favorite time of year: Novel Possible time!

For the past two years, I’ve run a challenge every November with a few simple guidelines:

* Mission Prompts arrive every day

* You can choose to accept the mission and write it, or not

* The Mission Prompt self-destructs after we reach midnight around the world

* Write as many days as you like

* No falling behind and no guilt

Writing can be fun!

If you’d like to play around with me this November, join us for Novel Possible.

You can play the daily mission prompts in our substack community, or receive them in a podcast app.

This challenge is available to all paid members of Book Alchemy.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to join us for the third year of Novel possible here:

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.book-alchemy.com/subscribe

*To support the show, please visit membership.secretlibrarypodcast.com.

So many of us take soul-sucking jobs for a living, while we promise ourselves that we’ll write at night or on the weekends… but years go by and we haven’t made progress, and instead feel defeated and depressed. If you’re in this camp, know that you’re not alone. Sonal Champsee is back on the Secret Library podcast to share her day job tales from software engineering, freelance writing, and real estate before focusing entirely on her own writing career. But more writing time doesn’t necessarily lead to ease and flow. Tune into the full episode to learn how she’s moved through the obstacles in her writing life.

Topics:

* Sonal’s history with engineering, freelance copywriting, and real estate on the search for financial freedom to focus on writing

* The small writing steps that Sonal took to sustain herself while working in jobs she hated

* Struggling with consistency and deadlines as an author when only accountable to yourself

* Handling rejection and finding an editor who really cares and keeps you motivated

* Remembering that uncertainty as a new (and veteran) writer is normal as you cultivate trust and confidence

* What Sonal would tell her younger writing self and the habit she wished she had developed sooner

Resources:

* Sonal’s past ep: Stone Soup: Murky Middle Advice | Sonal Champsee

About Sonal:

Sonal Champsee’s short fiction and essays have been published by magazines such as The New Quarterly, Ricepaper, and Today’s Parent. Her novel-in-progress, Everyone Can’t Be Wrong, was shortlisted for the 2022 UBC/HarperCollins Canada Best New Fiction prize. She was a finalist for the Writer’s Union of Canada’s 2017 Emerging Writers Short Prose contest, and has had a play produced by Prathidhwani Drama Wing in Seattle. Sonal holds an MFA in Creative Writing from UBC, and has studied writers such as with Gail Anderson-Dargatz, Sarah Selecky, Zsuzsi Gartner and Jessica Westhead. She served on the prose editorial board for PRISM International for five years, and is a creative writing instructor for Sarah Selecky’s Writing School. Sonal lives in Toronto.

Connect with Sonal:

* Website

* Instagram: @sonalchampsee

* Subscriber to Sonal's Newsletter

Work with Caroline:

* Work with Caroline 1:1

* Join the waitlist for the Manageable Yet Meaningful Writing Lab

* Learn more about individual course options

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.book-alchemy.com/subscribe