What happens when a dedicated poet decides to try their hand at fiction? For Krystelle Bamford, it led to a four-publisher auction and her stunning debut novel, Idle Grounds.

Our conversation delves into the peculiar contradictions of the publishing world, how everything happens both excruciatingly slowly and startlingly fast, how validation feels wonderful yet fleeting, and how imposter syndrome persists regardless of success.

Whether you're a writer navigating the publishing landscape or simply curious about creative journeys, this conversation offers honest reflections on finding your path, managing expectations, and discovering what truly matters in artistic pursuits. Listen now and join the conversation.

Idle Grounds

As always with these things it started with a birthday party.

On a bright summer day in 1989 New England, Abi, three years old, vanishes from her aunt’s secluded home. Upstairs, her young cousins are looking out of the window. Something is unfolding in the distance at the edge of the forest – something sinister that is watching them back.

The adults don’t seem to notice that the youngest of the group has disappeared. Too busy bickering over politics and reminiscing about the family’s domineering late matriarch, Beezy, they leave the children with no choice but to get Abi back themselves. As the cousins embark on a quest through their grandmother’s sprawling estate, buried family secrets come to light and long-awaited plans are set in motion. Will they lose themselves while trying to find her?

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