S1:E8 Erica Li on winning Ascent Novel Prize

Exploring the journey of Erica Li: From family stories to winning the Ascent Novel Prize, and navigating the complex process of writing and publishing a novel.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 TimeThe role of family history and memory in her storytellingChallenges and strategies in completing and revising her novelHer experience with writing courses, workshops, and networkingPractical tips for writers: reading, writing, and seeking feedbackInsights into the publishing industry and considerations for debut authorsErica’s future plans for her writing and advice for aspiring writersTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Erica Li and her debut novel00:38 - Overview of A Thousand Rivers of Time and its themes01:28 - The research behind Erica’s family history and its influence02:51 - Themes of loss, memory, and dementia in her story04:24 - Erica’s previous writing projects and the evolution of her novel05:44 - The writing timeline and journey of her first draft08:15 - Changes between her early draft and award-winning manuscript09:05 - Erica’s daily writing schedule and routines10:37 - Which parts of writing Erika enjoys the most11:20 - Her poetic beginnings and development of her writer’s voice12:44 - Favourite authors and books that influence her writing style13:51 - The moment Erica discovered she won the Ascent Novel Prize14:37 - Motivations behind entering writing competitions15:36 - The impact of writing accolades and courses like Faber Academy17:03 - Balancing her legal career and writing ambitions18:01 - Writing alongside her Faber course and adapting her projects19:23 - The role of beta readers and feedback in shaping her work21:21 - Experiences with the HarperCollins Author Academy22:26 - Top tips for aspiring writers: read more, write more, join groups23:50 - Challenges and resources in navigating the publishing industry24:23 - Erica’s favourite character and multi-generational storytelling25:09 - Organizing complex narratives with planning and organic growth26:36 - Future plans for A Thousand Rivers of Time and the rewriting process28:20 - Surprising insights about publishing logistics and book length considerations29:33 - Reflections on reader attention spans and the evolution of book consumption31:15 - Erica’s advice for writers: persistence, consistency, and self-belief31:45 - Closing thoughts and encouragement for aspiring authorsVisit: ascentnovelprize.comAdditional 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.