Claire Handscombe

Claire Handscombe moved from Europe to DC in 2012, ostensibly to study for an MFA in Creative Writing, but actually – let’s be honest – because of an obsession with The West Wing. She is the author of Unscripted, a novel about a young woman with a celebrity crush and a determined plan, and the editor of Walk With Us: How The West Wing Changed Our Lives. She also hosts the Brit Lit Podcast, a fortnightly show of news and views from British books and publishing. Blog: the Brit Lit Blog. Twitter: @BookishClaire

Why Authors Love You When You Leave a Book Review Online

Why do authors always ask for readers to leave reviews? Do reviews really help sell their books? Bottom line: yes.

The (Un)Importance of Book Twitter

What happens on book Twitter usually stays on book Twitter. It's time to stop assuming it's an accurate reflection of a broader conversation.

What If?: Books Like Sliding Doors

Books like Sliding Doors, including Silver Sparrow, where one detail or one decision change the course of somebody's life... maybe.

What to Read If You Love (or Love to Hate) EMILY IN PARIS

Want to understand French culture better than Emily does? Or just to escape into the City of Love for some romance? We've got you!

What Makes for Successful Social Media for Authors?

What does success on social media look like for an author? Is it just about immediate sales? (Spoiler: no.)

New Bookish Podcasts to Listen to in 2022

Want some new bookish podcasts in your feed? We've got some new ones hot off the press for 2022 to recommend!

Some of the Best Book Club Gifts for the Holidays

Candles, wine glasses, cushions and more: we've got great ideas for book club themed gifts for the holidays!

How to Support a Writer Friend During NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo is intense for writers. How can you support a friend who is doing this challenge? Here are some suggestions!

Publishers, Please Stop Trying to Trick Me Into Reading That Book

Marketing a book as "fun" and "light" without mentioning its darker, sadder sides does nobody any favors.

How I Started My Book Podcast (And You Can Too)

If you've been wondering how to start a podcast, here are some tips for you as you prepare to launch!