S6 Ep19: Rosamund and Alice on writing through the breast cancer experience

 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 started12:24 Rosamund talks about the process of writing her book, 'Reconstruction'14:40 Advice for someone interested in writing16:35 Book recommendations18:30 Which authors inspire Rosamund the most19:50 Rosamund's best tips for writing23:06 Where to find Rosamund's work23:35 Laura's thoughts24:40 How writing affects Alice's mental health26:48 Where should people start if they are interested in writing?30:15 Advice for someone looking to get published31:20 Long form writing, e.g. blogs33:31 Alice's self-publishing process and advice36:55 Tips for writing or creativity41:27 Book recommendations49:05 Inspiring authors books/blogs54:10 Where to find Alice's workRosamundWell well well newsletter- rosamunddean.substack.comRosamund’s books- Reconstruction + Mindful Drinking @rosamunddeanAlice Alice's book- Life Lemons and Melonsalicemaypurkiss.co.uk @alicemaypurkiss Laura Laura's book- Single Bald Female@laurapricewritesBook recommendations:Hattie Crissel - In WritingOliver Burkeman - Four Thousand WeeksMiranda July - All FoursFran Littlewood - Amazing Grace AdamsKris Hallenga - Glittering a TurdBessel Van Der Kolk - The Body Keeps The ScoreSophie Savage - LifeshocksSusan Magsamen and Ivy Ross -Your Brain on ArtRick Rubin - The Creative ActWill Storr - The Science of StorytellingNewletters (substack) :Alice Vincent - SavourDaisy Buchannan - Creative Confidence ClinicPorna Bell - As I Was SayingHayley Nahman - Maybe Baby