A bumper start to 2025: from literary discussions to thought-provoking journalism, our authors have been making waves in the media this month.
The travel journalist trio of Daniel Stables, Shafik Meghji & Mary Novakovich contributes to Words from the Road 2025, a collection of travel narratives curated by Deskbound Traveller. Their work also features in the Inspire Global Travel Awards 2025 shortlist. Recognised by Book Authority, Mary’s travel guide on Croatia has also been ranked among the best in its category. She also shares the joy of slow travel in The Guardian, recounting a three-week road trip through Croatia.
Michael Robb, author of Shelf Life, provided insights in Booktime as he discusses his latest work and the literary inspirations behind it. Read an interview with Michael for The History Press. “I would hope that those who love books and bookshops have a much better understanding about the history of this business, but also the importance of those who work in the book trade (and often are incredibly undervalued). I hope the book makes people value books and bookshops more highly.”
Joe Luc Barnes delved into the complexities of the Russian language’s survival across post-Soviet states for Riddle. “There’s a case to be made that Russian will soldier on despite Putin, simply because it is needed.”
In January edition of Country Life, Dr Richard Sugg shares extraordinary stories of animals who travel remarkable distances to reunite with their owners. He also explored canine sentience in Psychology Today, reflecting on the heroic Nome serum run. Richard’s next book, Impossible Journeys, showcases incredible homing journeys by dogs.
Speaking to The Bookseller, Seth Thévoz, author of Behind Closed Doors: The Secret Life of London Private Members’ Clubs (Little, Brown), and the forthcoming London Clubland, told The Bookseller of the venue’s impact: “The Groucho Club was absolutely critical in reinventing London private members’ clubs, from their traditional, fusty image into the fashionable phenomenon they are now – and it did that by being a hub for creatives, artists, writers, journalists and publishers.”
In an interview with Cinto Press, Tom Gaisford reflected on his lifelong passion for storytelling and its power to shape narratives. His debut novel, Sanctuary, is about a young idealist who sets out to save his vocation as a refugee lawyer and secure the affection of the woman he loves, and makes a series of discoveries about himself, those around him and about the complex world he inhabits. “I hope readers form their own responses to it. At the same time, it is essentially a rite of passage novel.”
Remembering the remarkable life of Noreen Riols, intelligence historian Michael Smith contributes an obituary for The Guardian. Trainer for the Special Operations Executive she acted as a ‘honey trap’ and later wrote novels based on her wartime experiences.
Featured in The Irish Times and The TLS, George Harrison’s debut novel, Season, has been praised for its literary prowess. ‘Harrison does an excellent job… Season captures the universal experience of fandom but its real concern is male loneliness’
In SpyTalk, Henry R. Schlesinger, author of Honey Trapped and the forthcoming Age of Amateurs examines the evolution of disinformation in the digital age and how a forgotten turn-of-the century author’s obscure study of Germany’s clever 1914-1918 propaganda tricks warned us about the future of psychological warfare
Writing for Drinks Business, Nick Breeze, author of COP OUT: How governments have failed the people on climate, reflects on the lessons COP28 taught us about climate change and sustainable winemaking.
Reporting for Context, journalist Dan Collyns investigates Brazil’s intensified efforts to combat illegal gold mining in the Amazon. Illegal mining has surged in Brazil as international gold prices have soared, while former president Jair Bolsonaro, in power between 2019 and 2023, advocated for wildcatters and sought to legalise mining on indigenous land.
Finally, contributing to The Conversation, Melissa Butcher continues to offer thought-provoking commentary on current affairs and social issues. Her book, The Trouble with Freedom (Manchester University Press) publishes next year—an illuminating exploration of how the very value that unites America is also the one tearing it apart.
As political divisions deepen and crises mount, Americans of all beliefs feel their freedom is under threat. Journalist and researcher Melissa Butcher travels across the country, uncovering not just anger and distrust but also the potential for understanding and change.
Cull & Co. Literary Agency Ltd 