What does it actually take to survive a thousand “no’s” and still walk straight into a dream publishing deal?

In this episode of The Tortured Writers Podcast, I welcome the unstoppable Louise Beech - author of the aptly titled debut How to Be Brave - who turned 1,000 brutal rejections into a triumphant traditional publishing career. From the soul-crushing early days to the moment the tide finally turned, Louise spills the raw truth on rejection, resilience, and why bravery isn’t the absence of fear; it’s writing the next book anyway.

Plus, Bookaholic Bex wrecks us all with an emotional must-read recommendation.

What You’ll Learn

- Rejection Survival 101: The mindset shifts and practical habits that kept Louise submitting (and smiling) through a thousand knock-backs.

- Bravery in Practice: Why “don’t give up on it, baby” became her mantra and how it applies to every writer staring at a blank page.

- From Pain to Publication: The pivotal moments that flipped the script, proving persistence plus talent eventually wins.

Louise Beech is living proof that the writers who keep going are the ones who get there. A luminous, laugh-out-loud, don’t-you-dare-quit episode for every tortured soul still chasing the dream.

The Tortured Writers Podcast is sponsored by Cheshire Novel Prize, an international writing competition for debut writers where every entry gets feedback. Go to cheshirenovelprize.com for more details or follow on Instagram @cheshirenovelprize.

The Tortured Writers Podcast is produced by Urban Podcasts.