Talking Aussie Books

Many avid readers and authors both here and abroad are familiar with Australia’s largest online reading community - Better Reading. Launched by Cheryl Akle back in 2014, Better Reading has become a staple feature of the Australian literary landscape - reaching over 1 million readers each month.  A testament to Cheryl’s passion and dedication to reading and her standing in   the Australian book ind...

In part 2 of this special collaboration episode, Nick Wasiliev and I chat about challenges for the Australian publishing industry and what challenges in particular writers themselves are facing and what the future holds. We also discuss some of the trends we're seeing (and loving) especially relation to debut novels We wrap up the conversation with a quick fire round of questions for each of u...

Tune into this special episode with Talking Aussie Books friend Nick Wasiliev and host of the wonderful podcast Date with a Debut. Like me, Nick is a seasoned podcaster as well as an author and facilitator.  Date with a Debut is currently in it’s fourth season of production and in it, you may know, Nick interviews debut authors, shining a light on their books and journey to publication.  And in Pa...

Lawyer-turned author Sarah Clutton was last on the podcast back in 2020 when we were discussing her second novel ‘The Daughter’s Promise’ - a thrilling drama dealing with a deep family secret set in the rugged wilds of Tasmania.  Since that episode was recorded, Sarah’s star has blazed even brighter with the publication of two further novels with Allen & Unwin. The first, published in early 20...

**Discussion of mature/explicit themes.** The idea that we should grow old gracefully - particularly that women should grow old gracefully - is a theme that often appears in contemporary fiction. A theme which -  now that I’m in my mid-fifties - I’m more and more intrigued by.  It's also something Rachel Fox McLeod has explored to great effect with her brilliant, insightful and highly entertai...

The last time Dianne Yarwood was on the podcast, we chatted about her then debut - the tender-hearted, funny, life-affirming novel 'The Wakes' - published in 2023. This year Dianne has released a second novel, 'Margaret, Are You Leaving' (Hachette). Another warm and witty read that celebrates the messiness and beauty of life. Dianne chatted with Cassie Hamer recently - giving us so...

Camille Booker is a Sydney-based award-winning author, an editor, teacher, literary judge and current PhD candidate.  Her debut novel ‘What If you Fly’ was longlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize in 2019 and published by Hawkeye Publishing in 2021.  In an interesting twist, this novel underwent a revamp and was re-released this year by Haweye Publishing as ‘Code Name Funnel Web’.  A dark,...

Kirsty Manning is a Melbourne based author who grew up in Northern NSW and who now has seven novels to her name.  Her first novel 'The Midsummer Garden' was published back in 2017, followed by the 'The Jade Lily', then 'The Lost Jewels', 'The French Gift'  and 'The Hidden Book'. In 2022, Kirsty’s writing took a slightly different direction when she launched...

The last time I interviewed award-winning, international bestselling author Dervla McTiernan was in February 2024.  Back then we were chatting about Dervla’s new release ‘What Happened to Nina’ which of course went on to win the General Fiction Book of the Year at the 2025 Australian Book Industry Awards.  And that same book is now currently in development for a screen adaptation - which is super...

Belinda Alexandra is a much-loved international bestselling Australian author whose novels are steeped in history, intrigue and adventure. History with mystery at its finest. Belinda is the daughter of a Russian mother and Australian father and describes herself as someone with passion for travel, culture, dancing as well as a lover of all creatures.  She is the author of novels that include '...

Katie Hoskins is a Sydney-based author whose debut novel ‘When the Party’s Over’ (Pan Macmillan) and has officially been on the shelves around the country since 31 March.   An astutely crafted novel about motherhood and the power of female friendships with a clever twist at the end that totally blew me away.  I enjoyed a wide-ranging chat with Katie recently about her writing journey, inspiration,...

Ten years on from her husband’s death, Emma Grey has become someone others can look to as an example of how you can not only survive such devastating loss, but thrive. As anyone who has been following Emma’s career over the last few years can readily attest to.  An award-winning USA Today and Australian best selling author, Emma's books have attracted multiple foreign translations deals and a...

From the bestselling author of 2025 smash hit novel 'The Wolf Tree' comes a brand new novel. 'The Cursed Road' by Laura McCluskey (published by HarperCollins Australia) picks up roughly ten months after the events of 'The Wolf Tree' and sees DIs Georgina Lennox and Richard Stewart head to the Scottish Highlands to investigate the murder of a young woman found on a road in a...

In this final episode for 2025, I'm talking to a debut Aussie author whose book is being touted as one of the biggest releases of the summer.  If you loved Netflix’s The Crown and devoured all the drama when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped away from the royal family and have wondered what that might have looked like behind the scenes, then this is the perfect book for you.  It’s been re...

Michael Burge is an author and journalist who lives at Deepwater in the New England region of NSW. His debut novel ‘Tank Water’ was inspired by old family stories and explores the shameful legacy of unsolved gay-hate crimes, set in a fictional rural community - not unlike the place Michael calls home.  ‘Dirt Trap’ is a follow-up to ‘Tank Water’ - though it can be read as a stand alone.  A brillian...

Libby Iriks is a Perth-based author and former Commissioning Editor of Romance for a boutique publishing house in the UK. Combining her passion for story and romance has resulted in publication of her debut novel ‘Home to the Heart Country’ - a moving, beautifully romantic story about one woman’s quest to uncover her identity and a sense of belonging.  Released at the end of November 2025 by HQ Fi...

The last time I chatted with Pamela Cook for the podcast was back in 2019 - to celebrate her self-published release 'Cross My Heart'. Six years later and 'Cross My Heart' is being re-released by Vinci Books and I took the opportunity to talk to Pamela about her journey from traditional published author, to indie publishing and back to traditional and the lessons she's learned a...

Brooke Crawford is a Melbourne based author of the terrific debut novel ‘Better Than the Real Thing’ published by HQ Fiction. Described as ‘Notting Hill’ meets ‘Bridget Jones’ Baby’ this novel is smart, pacy, funny, drama filled and utterly romantic.  I can’t recommend it highly enough!! The perfect summer read and one I suspect will be filling Christmas stockings around the country before too lon...

Darry Fraser is a bestselling Australian author of some twenty books the latest of which is 'The Adventuress of Albany'. Published by HQ Fiction, 'The Adventuress of Albany ' follows Molly Bentley who in 1881 chafes against the constraints of English society and with her father's help ventures to the unknown in the bustling port city of Albany in Western Australia. What starts...

Darcy Green is a Melbourne-based queer author whose debut novel 'After the Siren' (Penguin) has got readers hot under the collar for all the right reasons. A footy rom-com inspired by Darcy's own love of AFL and experience as a player, 'After the Siren' is a delightfully playful, sexy novel that will leave you wanting more. To learn more about Darcy and their book, tune in to t...

Fiona McKenzie Kekic's debut novel ‘Eva Reddy’s Trip of a Lifetime’ was published by HQ Fiction earlier this year and what a cracker novel it is! A tale about one middle-aged woman’s quest to get back to the person she knew she could be. A literal and figurative journey set between Sydney and India that had me laughing out loud. Funny, insightful and heartwarming, this is a book you'll wan...

Ky Garvey is a Brisbane-based author and host of the Totally Lit Podcast. A podcast dedicated to the celebration of reading, writing and creating literature.  With 100 episodes on offer right now, Ky has chatted with a wide-range of authors, industry professionals and booksellers while also managing to showcase events and other happenings that are important to her.  Things like the Totally Lit Mic...

'The One Remaining' (Fearless Press) is Paula McLean's debut novel. A stunningly written story about a novelist coming to terms with the grief and trauma she experienced as a child as she works through the writing of her memoir. As the first book published by new publishing imprint Fearless Books, it heralds the start of a new and exciting chapter in the lives of novelist Paula McLean...

Rhonda McCoy is a Tasmanian-based author whose debut novel 'Crow' was released by Ventura Press recently. A gripping family drama combined with medical intrigue, 'Crow' explores the tragic death of Harold Crow following routine surgery and the dark secrets his death exposes that threaten to tear two families apart. Cassie Hamer enjoyed a wide-ranging, insightful and deeply touching...

Amy Hutton is a Sydney-based author who grew up on the northern beaches and became an award-winning television producer. But about 7 years ago now, Amy gave up her job in network television to pursue her love of writing.  ‘Sit Stay Love’  - Amy’s first novel - was published by Simon & Schuster in 2023 and Amy followed that up with her second novel ‘Love from Scratch’ only a year later.  Amy de...