Good things are better shared, whether that’s a wholesome loaf, steaming pot of tea, chocolatey treat — or the latest page turner. With our bakeries at the heart of communities, we’re always looking for new ways to bring people together. That’s why we've been working with Penguin Books to host a series of book launch events across our bakeries. Each of the cosy, intimate events involve an in-depth conversation with a leading author on their latest novel, inviting our communities to share their love of stories and literary insights over coffee and cake.
Last week, we celebrated the launch of Leodora Darlington’s gripping debut The Exes at our Southwark Fire Station bakery. The psychological thriller follows Natalie, a woman whose exes all share one unsettling trait: they’re no longer alive. Tense and full of twists, The Exes explores the deeper themes of relationship trauma, family and vengeance vs justice.
While the book is full of unexpected turns, Leodora didn’t know it would be that way from the outset. “I wasn’t actually aiming to write something that had twist after twist,” said Leodora. “It was really about the emotional development of the characters – a story of healing and self-discovery.”
The novel has already received high praise, with one reviewer describing it as “kicking the door clean off its hinges” in the thriller genre. But for Leodora, nothing beats the feeling of deeply moving the reader.
“I’ve always been a competitive person, but what really moves me is when I meet someone and I can see the impact the book has had on them,” she said. “That’s magic. As much as I want my books to sell hundreds of thousands of copies, really what I want is for someone to take something away from it – whether that's radical empathy or learning to love yourself.”
Before writing full time, Leodora worked as an editor at major publishing houses. While she has to be careful not to let her critical ‘editor’ brain get in the way while writing, her experience has taught her a lot about the craft. “If you’re working on a novel, read widely,” she said. “The best writers I’ve ever edited are the biggest readers.”
She added that reading voraciously can also help you pitch as you’ll have references to compare your book to. "If you've got your finger on the pulse of what’s working in the market it really helps," she said.
Our guests had plenty of questions for Leodora on the craft of writing. Her advice on how to overcome writer’s block was particularly refreshing. “Force yourself to accept that the writing might be terrible,” she said. “Let go of the idea that everything has to be good.” She recommended journaling (like the morning pages exercise in The Artist’s Way) as a great way to break out of a negative headspace and get started.
With minds refreshed and inspired, guests left with their own signed copy of The Exes and heart-shaped pistachio cake. If you're sad you missed out, we’re giving 10 readers the chance to win a signed copy and a £30 GAIL’s gift card. Just follow this link to enter.
We also have many more book launch events to come. To stay in the loop sign up to our loyalty programme.
