On Tuesday 20 January, we returned to Braithwaite Hall for the third edition of Lit Nights – our modern-day literary salon that continues to carve out space for thoughtful conversation around topical subjects and contemporary issues.
This time, we welcomed Sunday Times bestselling author, Emma Gannon, for a reflective evening, exploring burnout, rest and what it means to step away from the relentless pressure to always be doing more.
Emma is a well-known voice on modern life. From The Multi-Hyphen Method to OLIVE, and most recently Table for One (2025), Emma’s writing has long explored how we live, work and define success. But after years of writing about productivity and ambition, Emma hit a wall. Chronic burnout left her unable to get out of bed. Something had to change.
Her latest book, A Year of Nothing, documents that turning point: a quiet rebellion against the cult of constant doing. Over four seasons, Emma steps away from the noise and rediscovers joy in life’s simplest pleasures – from dog borrowing and dopamine dressing, to relearning how to swim and embracing a child-free life.
It was a theme that clearly struck a chord with our audience…
A conversation that went deep
During the conversation, expertly guided by journalist Isabella Silvers, Emma shared how her personal experience and the book’s messages (that it’s ok to take time out, have a “fallow” year, and ask for support) could be of benefit to others.
After the talk (and an initial awkward pause!) the audience questions came thick and fast. They were thoughtful and refreshingly honest – from women navigating burnout themselves, to fellow writers keen to get Emma’s professional perspective.
Questions included how to write about a former version of yourself when you’re now in a completely different headspace, to what advice Emma’s younger self might give to her older self.
Emma’s responses prompted nods of recognition across the room, as many attendees saw their own experiences reflected back in her words.
Books, signings and post-talk chats
Guests then had the opportunity to purchase books from the Waterstones stall. These included, A Year of Nothing, which was being sold exclusively on the night two days before its official public release. Emma joined the stall to sign books and chat with guests one-to-one, giving attendees the chance to continue the conversation beyond the stage.
Cocktails for contemplation
This time, we partnered with Black Lines for the evening’s drinks. Known for their premium, pre-mixed bottled cocktails and on-tap serves, Black Lines aim to make bar-quality drinks accessible – and they certainly delivered.
Guests enjoyed a mix of Dirty Shirley (alcoholic) and Shirley Temple (non-alcoholic) bottled cocktails – the latter being Black Lines’ first alcohol-free serve and the world’s most iconic “virgin” cocktail. We topped up their generosity with an extra order of alcoholic cocktails – correctly predicting that the Lit Nights crowd might not be fully committed to Dry January. 😉
If you liked what you tasted, you can find Black Lines cocktails on tap locally at Trickle, or stocked at Dirty Crunch deli to take home.
Soundtracked reflections
Providing the soundtrack for the night was Sam from Reconnect, who created a beautifully soulful, chilled soundscape that perfectly complemented the evening. Subtly woven into the mix were a few tracks chosen by Emma herself, taken from the curated playlist we ask each of our Lit Nights authors to create. You can find her full selection over on our Spotify.
Capturing the collective mood
As ever, guests were invited to contribute to the Zeitgeist Wall – our anonymous way of capturing thoughts and feelings sparked by the evening’s discussion. This time, we took inspiration for the questions from Emma’s book (each chapter of ‘A Year of Nothing’ ends with a series of questions for the reader). They included:
- What is a small, joyful part of your day?
- What does “pottering around” look like to you?
- What aspects of your 18-year-old self do you still carry with you?
The responses were varied and quietly powerful – a reminder that slowing down doesn’t mean opting out, but tuning back in.
If the topics raised have inspired you to slow down and give yourself some headspace, do check out The Switch Off (our phone-free, silent events for burnt out women).
What you said
Guests shared some lovely reflections after the event including:
“I’ve been wanting to come to Lit Nights for a while but when I saw you managed to get Emma Gannon, I booked tickets immediately! I really enjoyed it (as did my friend who I brought with me) and can’t wait for the next one. Thank you so much for organising and for all the events you do to help build community in Croydon.” Kaya
“Another incredible Lit Night – this one left me with lots to think about as I ease into the New Year.” Laura
“Lovely to be back at another Lit Nights. A thoughtful evening with writer Emma Gannon reflecting on taking life paths that aren’t necessarily the norm – either through choice or necessity.” Julia
Once again, Olive Tree Productions (the Croydon-based, family-owned creative studio) have beautifully captured the evening with this video:
Thank you to everyone for joining us for this third edition. Make sure you’re signed up to our newsletter to be kept updated on future events.
GALLERY
EAST CROYDON COOL 