Totally Lit!

.Host Ky Garvey speaks with debut author Carla Salmon about her coastal YA mystery set in a surf life‑saving club, Carla’s three‑year writing journey from teacher to published author, marketing and school‑workshop strategies, tackling imposter syndrome, encouraging teen readers (especially boys), and plans for future standalone teen mysteries. Carla Salmon Books https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/978...

Host Ky Garvey interviews Carolyn Bourke about her experience as a Chaplain and writer. They discuss Carolyn’s entry in the Totally Lit Micro Fiction Prize, her 10-year journey writing a novel about dementia, and the hopeful ‘garden’ strand that represents spiritual connection and reconciliation. The conversation covers lived experience with dementia and caregiving, practical publishing tips, ment...

Nathan J Thomas, General Manager of Exile Publishing and EK Books, discusses the company’s family history, the challenges of today’s publishing market, and how EK balances community-driven stories with commercial realities. He shares practical advice for authors—know your audience, follow picture-book structure, write your pitch in your own voice—and explains opportunities like the Children’s Publ...

In this episode Ky Garvey chats with author Sophie Masson and illustrator Lorena Carrington about the creation of their picture book The Giant — from the moment the idea struck on a walk, to collaborative illustration techniques, publisher relationships, and book launches. They discuss creative practice, handling rejection, school visits, practical advice for aspiring creatives, and how podcasting...

Bethany Loveridge joins Totally Lit to talk about her debut middle-grade novel, Harper Wells: Renegade Timeline Officer — a time-travel adventure where a girl meets a young Edith Cowan and runs afoul of a timeline officer. She discusses the trilogy, the audiobook, and her publisher, Wombat Books. The conversation covers Bethany’s long path to publication, the role of mentorships and critique group...

Host Ky Garvey chats with author Ben Hobson about his unexpected path to becoming a writer — from punk bands and audiovisual work to university, short-story wins, and his published novels. They discuss research for The Death of John Lacey, collaborations, Ben’s Book Club, and the creative experiments that keep his work alive. The conversation also dives into practical reality: balancing family, da...

Host Ky Garvey interviews author Helen Edwards about her Foreverability Award win for Legend of the Lighthouse Moon, a middle-grade novel featuring a main character with type 1 diabetes set in 1970. Helen shares how her own diagnosis informed the story, the emotional truths that remain the same across eras, and the importance of inclusion in children’s literature. The conversation explores stigma...

SALLY RIPPIN As the current Australian Children's Laureate (2024-2025), Sally is travelling around the country and internationally to chat about the ways we can share stories and support children who might struggle to read. Sally writes stories with heart and characters that resonate with children, parents, and teachers alike. Her widely popular books are beloved across the globe and have sold mor...

In memory of Josh Langley - a wonderful contributor to the kidlit community, a fantasic writer and a very special person. You will be missed Josh. Josh was amongst my very first top ten guests on Totally Lit. I was so grateful for his support for my emerging podcast.  Special Guest: Totally Lit's host Ky chats with Josh Langley, on his writing career and his Inspiring Kids Program. www.joshlangley...

Welcome to the latest episode of Totally Lit, where we dive deep into the world of young adult literature with author Catriona McKeown. In this engaging conversation, Catriona shares insights into her recent releases, including the intriguing 'Good Luck and Other Lies', a story about teenagers navigating financial hardships and the ethical quandaries of winning a lottery using AI technology. Catri...

Join host Ky Garvey on this episode of Totally Lit as she embarks on a fascinating conversation with author Angie Cui. Explore Angie's journey into the world of children's literature, where maps tell more than just geographical stories. Angie shares the inspirations and challenges behind her latest picture book, 'Our Map,' which follows two curious children who discover a missing country on their...

Welcome to another episode of Totally Lit, where we explore the world of reading, writing, and literature. In this episode, host Ky Garvey welcomes Jenny Valentish, journalist and memoir writer. Jenny discusses her latest book, 'The Introvert's Guide to Leaving the House', which offers practical advice for introverts, the socially awkward, and sociophobes alike.  Solid advice for introverts, awkwa...

Welcome to a fascinating episode of Totally Lit, where host Ky Garvey sits down with Rachel Jackson, the creative mind behind the unique 'Solve Your Way' book series for children. This episode dives into how Rachel blends storytelling with interactivity, offering young readers the chance to choose their own adventure. Her books, such as 'Escape from Cuttlefish Cove' and 'Escape from Marigold Manor...

In this episode of "Totally Lit," host Ky Garvey is joined by Danielle Binks, an acclaimed writer, teacher, and literary agent. Danielle shares insights into her latest book, "Six Summers of Tash and Leopold," a middle-grade novel exploring themes of friendship and school anxiety. The conversation delves into the importance of empathy in literature and how stories can build understanding among you...

In this episode of Totally Lit, host Ky Garvey sits down with Megan Dalla-Camina, founder of the Women Rising company and author of the inspiring book "Women Rising." Megan shares her insight into women's leadership and empowerment, discussing the platforms and movements that strive to help women in their personal and professional lives. With decades of experience in gender diversity and women’s d...

In this episode, we dive into a unique literary journey with debut author Steve MinOn, who talks about his first award-winning novel, 'First Name, Second Name'. Steve discusses his transition from a copywriter to a novelist, exploring themes of identity, migration, and family disconnection, inspired by his own mixed-race heritage. The story delves into the lives of two migrant families becoming on...

This is an exciting podcast collaboration with GenreCon and The Queensland Writer Centre. Join Ky as she interviews GenreCon Keynote speaker - Steffanie Holmes. Don't miss Steff's workshop: 12 months to Full time author.  Virtual tickets are still available! https://events.humanitix.com/12-months-to-full-time-author-with-steff-green-genrecon-2025-alchemy www.genrecon.com.au https://www.steffanieho...

This is an exciting podcast collaboration with GenreCon and The Queensland Writer Centre. Join Ky as she interviews GenreCon presenter - Tansy Rayner Roberts Don't miss Tansy's workshop: Art & The Crowd funding Author In person tickets are still available! https://events.humanitix.com/art-and-the-crowd-funding-author-with-tansy-rayner-roberts-genrecon-2025-alchemy  www.genrecon.com.au https://...

Welcome to a special episode of Totally Lit, where your host, Ky Garvey, introduces the multifaceted Samantha-Ellen Bound. Join us for a delightful conversation that ranges from Sam's furry companion, Damon Parker the rabbit, to her passion for writing and dance. Discover how childhood aspirations transformed into a successful literary journey, peppered with whimsical tales of magical creatures an...

Join Ky Garvey on this episode of Totally Lit as she delves into a heartfelt conversation with Jess Horne, author of "Bernie Thinks in Boxes." Explore the inspiration behind this unique children's book that brilliantly depicts the life of Bernie, who navigates her world in neatly categorized boxes. Jess shares her personal journey, from self-discovery following her autism diagnosis to her creative...

Welcome to Totally Lit, the podcast celebrating reading, writing, and creating literature. In this episode, we have the hybrid author herself, Joanne Morrell , joining us for an insightful conversation. Joanne is a talented author and podcaster based in Perth, Western Australia, known for her work in children's and young adult fiction, women's fiction, and nonfiction books. She shares her journey...

Join host Ky Garvey in this illuminating episode of Totally Lit as she chats with Nick Croydon, CEO of QBD Books. Delve into QBD’s exciting expansions, including their ambitious goal to open 100 stores nationwide. Discover the innovative programs like the Book of the Month and Local Author Spotlight, designed to uplift debut authors and connect them with eager readers. In this engaging conversatio...

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I hope you're excited to tackle your writing goals. In this episode, I express immense gratitude to my wonderful supporters of the Totally Lit Buy Me A Coffee campaign. Your contributions will help me continue engaging with Australian literary creatives this year. https://buymeacoffee.com/totallylit A special thank you goes out to: Tenille Seow -  https://www....

Welcome to this episode of Totally Lit, where we celebrate the world of literature and creativity. Join us as we sit down with Victoria Vanstone, host of the popular podcast Sober Awkward, and an inspiring author who has transformed her life by embracing sobriety. Victoria shares her candid journey from life as a party enthusiast to writing her memoir, "A Thousand Wasted Sundays," which chronicles...

In this episode of Totally Lit, host Ky Garvey welcomes author Belinda Topan to discuss her journey into the world of writing and self-publishing. Belinda shares her passion for vampires and how it inspired her upcoming book, "One of a Kind," a story about self-discovery and independence. Belinda reveals the process of bringing her high school story to life, from early drafts to a self-published n...