#129: Anita Bhagwandas - Pitching And Crafting Viral Stories, Navigating ADHD, and Breaking Beauty Myths.

Award-winning journalist Anita Bhagwandas on her journey from ambitious intern to a celebrated writer with bylines in The Guardian, Vogue, and Condé Nast Traveler. Anita shares practical advice on pitching as a freelance journalist, crafting impactful articles, and how she finds the hidden angle for a topic. She opens up about her experiences as a neurodivergent writer, offering insights into managing ADHD, navigating rejection, and staying creative. We delve into the research behind her groundbreaking book, Ugly: Why the World Became Beauty Obsessed and How to Break Free, revealing the hidden histories of beauty standards.
*
ABOUT ANITA BHAGWANDAS
Anita is a renowned journalist and a leading voice in beauty culture. As a former Beauty Director at top publications like Stylist and Marie Claire, she has built a distinguished career spanning print, digital, and broadcast media. Her critically acclaimed book, Ugly (tinyurl.com/yfujw8f8) explores the origins and impact of unrealistic beauty standards, blending personal narrative with insightful cultural analysis.
*
RESOURCES & LINKS
• 📄 Interview Transcript (unedited) (docs.google.com/document/d/1Y1XZhUrTEPvCzGajwN…)
• Ugly by Anita Bhagwandas (tinyurl.com/yfujw8f8)
• The Powder Room - Anita’s Substack (anitabhagwandas.substack.com)
• The Shift - Sam Baker’s Substack (theshiftwithsambaker.substack.com)
• Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings (tinyurl.com/bdhaweej)

For show notes, transcripts and to attend our live podcasts visit: podcast.londonwriterssalon.com. (podcast.londonwriterssalon.com)
For free writing sessions, join free Writers’ Hours: writershour.com. (writershour.com)
*
FOLLOW LONDON WRITERS’ SALON
Twitter: twitter.com/​​WritersSalon (twitter.com/WritersSalon)
Instagram: instagram.com/londonwriterssalon
Facebook: facebook.com/LondonWritersSalon
If you’re enjoying this show, please rate and review this show!