London Writers' Salon #145: Maggie O’Farrell — Confessions of a Novelist: Writing from Instinct, Why Revision is Essential, Facing Doubt & Finding the Story’s Heartbeat (From the Vault)
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May 18, 2025 
Maggie O’Farrell, the acclaimed author of *Hamnet* and *The Marriage Portrait*, dives into her creative process, sharing the struggles and joys of writing. She discusses the vital urge to create and the importance of allowing characters to guide the narrative. O’Farrell emphasizes that true writing happens in revision and the necessity of accepting honest feedback. Her journey from self-doubt to confidence is inspiring, highlighting the blend of historical fact and imagination in her work, as well as the emotional intricacies of developing strong narratives.
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Each Novel Requires New Skills
- Every novel is different and demands a unique approach with its own challenges.
- Writers must recalibrate their methods for each work; past success doesn't guarantee ease.
Writing Focused on Work Alone
- Maggie ignores sales, reviews, and social media to keep a creative bubble for writing.
- Success is measured by the work's integrity, not external market forces or opinions.
Instant Inspiration from History
- The Marriage Portrait came suddenly from a brief research spark sparked by Robert Browning's poem and a Renaissance portrait.
- Maggie instantly knew Lucrezia de’ Medici's story was the next novel to write.
