Totally Lit!

In this episode, Courtney Pepinnell discusses her debut novel The Last Poem, the transition from poetry to fiction, themes of grief and healing, writing American settings as an Australian author, and her journey from self-publishing to traditional publishing. About the author: Courtney Peppernell is an internationally best-selling author from Australia, known for her deeply moving poetry and story...

Host Ky Garvey talks with Jane Sullivan about the origin and rapid growth of Birds of a Feather Book Club, her partnership with Rebecca Sparrow, and their mission to help women fall back in love with reading. They discuss community-building, supporting remote readers, author events, the challenges of monetising a book club, and new initiatives like a romance-only subgroup. This episode celebrates...

On this episode of Totally Lit, host KyGarvey speaks with author Edwina Shaw about her new book Dear Madman, which investigates a century-old family tragedy in the Lockyer Valley and the murder that has haunted generations. They discuss Shaw's years of research, the book's dual narrative voices, access to archives and mental health files, and the surprising discoveries about the perpetrator and hi...

Join Ky Garvey as she chats with Sophie Stern, whose debut novel 'What Is Left for Us' traces two estranged sisters returning to their grandmother's crumbling Bondi clifftop house. The episode explores family secrets, alternating timelines, a vivid sense of place and the environmental threat of coastal erosion that frames the story. Sophie shares her path to becoming a writer — taking permission t...

Host Ky Garvey interviews Lawrey Goodrick about his illustrated middle‑grade book Half‑Life, a lively AA battery adventure following Half and his friend Hope as they explore science, history and identity. The episode covers the book's STEM themes, neurodiversity and mental‑wellbeing, Laurie’s creative and publishing journey, his illustration process, and practical tips for aspiring authors. Lawrey...

And now for something completely different...In this episode I chat to Sally Leydon the host of The Missing Matter Podcast. Sally recounts her mother Marion Barter’s disappearance in 1997 and how podcasting transformed her search - from Channel 7’s investigation to her own series, The Missing Matter. She shares the international leads, community detectives who uncovered new evidence, the challenge...

2025 Top Listens #14 Author and agent Danielle Binks talks about her middle-grade novel Six Summers of Tash and Leopold — a tender suburban mystery about former best friends, school refusal, childhood anxiety and the slow rebuilding of trust. She also discusses her work as a teacher and agent, her World War I research, and her ambassadorship with Chapters for Change, encouraging listeners to join...

2025 Top Listens #15 In this episode Ky Garvey talks with Aaron Tate about his memoir Far Horizons, tracing his transformation from a young naval officer deployed after 9/11 to a humanitarian leader in Africa. Aaron discusses the trauma of war, the moral awakening that led him to pursue international development, the challenges of writing a raw memoir, and his hopes to inspire readers to live deli...

Celebrating 2025's Top Listens! Coming in at #16 is the incredible Lorena Carrington and Sophie Masson On this episode of Totally Lit, host Ky Garvey chats with author Sophie and illustrator Lorena about their new picture book, The Giant. They discuss how the story began, their collaborative process, Lorena’s mixed-media illustration techniques, working with publisher Midnight Sun, and experiences...

Celebrating 2025's Top Listens! Coming in at #17 is the incredible Ben Hobson! Host Ky Garvey talks with author Ben Hobson about his path from musician to writer, balancing family, day job and creative life, and the routines that keep him productive. They discuss research and collaboration (including work with Wadawurrung people), writing projects like Snake Island and contributions to Into Your A...

Celebrating 2025's Top Listens! Coming in at #18 is the AWESOME Christian White! Host Ky Garvey interviews bestselling author and screenwriter Christian White about his new novel, The Long Night, his process of writing both novels and screenplays, and how character drives plot. They cover writer’s-room collaboration, adapting work for screen, practical advice for aspiring writers (including the va...

Celebrating 2025's Top Listens! Coming in at #19 is the amazing Angie Cui! Host Ky Garvey talks with Angie Cui about her 2025 picture-book year, focusing on Our Map and My Mum Is a Bird. They discuss the inspiration behind Our Map, Angie’s long drafting process, working with publishers and illustrators, and the challenges of pitching and making a story marketable. The episode also covers themes of...

Celebrating 2025's Top Listens! Coming in at #20 is the amazing Rachel Jackson! Host Ky Garvey interviews Rachel Jackson about her Solve It Your Way series—interactive, puzzle-filled adventures for 8–12 year olds that blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with riddles, brainteasers, and multiple endings. They discuss Rachel’s writing and planning process (including using spreadsheets), test...

In this episode Ky Garvey talks with Aaron Tate about his memoir Far Horizons, tracing his transformation from a young naval officer deployed after 9/11 to a humanitarian leader in Africa. Aaron discusses the trauma of war, the moral awakening that led him to pursue international development, the challenges of writing a raw memoir, and his hopes to inspire readers to live deliberately. They also t...

In this episode of Totally Lit, host Ky Garvey speaks with Paula McLean about her debut novel, the inspiration behind publishing imprint Fearless Press (founded by her daughter Ginny Grant), and the importance of supporting women writers through prizes like the Stella Prize and the new Fearless Prize. They discuss the shift from memoir to fiction, Paula’s experiences as an editor, the challenges w...

Host Ky Garvey talks with novelist and screenwriter Christian White about his new book, The Long Night, his work adapting stories for screen, and his writing process. They cover character-driven storytelling, the writer’s room, and practical advice for aspiring writers. White also shares personal anecdotes—from the early days of submitting work and entering competitions to a quirky werewolf experi...

.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...