Diamond Life: in conversation with Anna Maconochie
Deep North Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2NP
Tuesday 16th June 2026
Join us for an evening of conversation with author Anna Maconochie to celebrate the release of her sharp, funny and emotionally rich short story collection, Diamond Life, published by Héloïse Press.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Diamond Life is a witty, intimate and darkly compelling collection exploring the blurred boundaries between friendship, love, ambition and self-destruction in contemporary London life. Across these interconnected stories, aspiring creatives, complicated lovers, flatmates, artists and dreamers navigate relationships shaped by longing, class, addiction, envy and desire.
Moving between social satire, tenderness and moments of quiet surrealism, Anna Maconochie captures the chaos and vulnerability of modern adulthood with remarkable precision. From toxic romances and failed internships to chance encounters, lifelong rivalries and unexpected transformations, these stories examine what people sacrifice in pursuit of connection, success and reinvention.
Praised by writers including Adam Foulds, Winnie M Li and Sabina Murray, Diamond Life has been described as “funny, smart and sharp,” “a delight to read,” and “a page-turner of a collection where each story has the emotional heft of a novel.”
Perfect for readers of Fleabag, Industry, Baby Reindeer and contemporary literary fiction that blends humour with emotional depth.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Anna Maconochie was born and raised in London, where she still lives. After working for over a decade in the film industry and at the BBC, she began writing short fiction inspired by those creative worlds and by the city around her.
Her work has appeared in publications including The Dublin Review, The London Magazine, The Erotic Review and The Bitter Oleander, and she was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2023 for her story “Victor & Cleo.” Her first short story collection, Only the Visible Can Vanish, was published by Cultured Llama Publishing. Diamond Life is her second book.
ABOUT THE PUBLISHER:
Héloïse Press is an independent publisher dedicated to championing female voices from around the world. Publishing both emerging and established writers, the press is known for its carefully curated catalogue of intimate, visceral and sophisticated literary fiction that foregrounds women’s stories and bold contemporary narratives.
ABOUT THE EVENT:
This will be an in-person, in-conversation event between Anna Maconochie and Opt Indie Books at Deep North in Ouseburn. Together, we’ll explore the themes and ideas behind Diamond Life, including contemporary relationships, creative ambition, loneliness, friendship, class and the strange emotional landscapes of modern city life, alongside Anna’s experience writing and publishing short fiction.
Where: DEEP NORTH, Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne
When: Tuesday 16 June, 7-9 pm
Book and ticket bundles will be available to pre-order, with copies of Diamond Life also available to purchase on the night. Drinks and doughnuts will be available throughout the evening.
Space is limited - be sure to reserve your place early to avoid missing out.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Diamond Life is a witty, intimate and darkly compelling collection exploring the blurred boundaries between friendship, love, ambition and self-destruction in contemporary London life. Across these interconnected stories, aspiring creatives, complicated lovers, flatmates, artists and dreamers navigate relationships shaped by longing, class, addiction, envy and desire.
Moving between social satire, tenderness and moments of quiet surrealism, Anna Maconochie captures the chaos and vulnerability of modern adulthood with remarkable precision. From toxic romances and failed internships to chance encounters, lifelong rivalries and unexpected transformations, these stories examine what people sacrifice in pursuit of connection, success and reinvention.
Praised by writers including Adam Foulds, Winnie M Li and Sabina Murray, Diamond Life has been described as “funny, smart and sharp,” “a delight to read,” and “a page-turner of a collection where each story has the emotional heft of a novel.”
Perfect for readers of Fleabag, Industry, Baby Reindeer and contemporary literary fiction that blends humour with emotional depth.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Anna Maconochie was born and raised in London, where she still lives. After working for over a decade in the film industry and at the BBC, she began writing short fiction inspired by those creative worlds and by the city around her.
Her work has appeared in publications including The Dublin Review, The London Magazine, The Erotic Review and The Bitter Oleander, and she was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2023 for her story “Victor & Cleo.” Her first short story collection, Only the Visible Can Vanish, was published by Cultured Llama Publishing. Diamond Life is her second book.
ABOUT THE PUBLISHER:
Héloïse Press is an independent publisher dedicated to championing female voices from around the world. Publishing both emerging and established writers, the press is known for its carefully curated catalogue of intimate, visceral and sophisticated literary fiction that foregrounds women’s stories and bold contemporary narratives.
ABOUT THE EVENT:
This will be an in-person, in-conversation event between Anna Maconochie and Opt Indie Books at Deep North in Ouseburn. Together, we’ll explore the themes and ideas behind Diamond Life, including contemporary relationships, creative ambition, loneliness, friendship, class and the strange emotional landscapes of modern city life, alongside Anna’s experience writing and publishing short fiction.
Where: DEEP NORTH, Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne
When: Tuesday 16 June, 7-9 pm
Book and ticket bundles will be available to pre-order, with copies of Diamond Life also available to purchase on the night. Drinks and doughnuts will be available throughout the evening.
Space is limited - be sure to reserve your place early to avoid missing out.
