Beyond The Plot Podcast

What does it take to write fifteen novels, build an international readership, and avoid creative burnout? In this episode, bestselling UK romance author Laura Carter joins me to discuss her incredible journey from corporate lawyer to full-time author, the inspiration behind her fifteenth novel, Out of Bounds , and why embracing change has transformed both her writing career and her life. Known for...

How do you go from a career in journalism to publishing your debut dark romance novel? In this episode, I sit down with Australian author Emma J Warrender to discuss her debut novel, Driven —a thrilling blend of street racing, romance, suspense, and unforgettable characters. Emma shares her inspiring journey from journalism and acting to becoming a published romance author, taking us behind the sc...

Australian psychological thriller author Petronella McGovern joins the podcast to discuss her highly anticipated new novel, Every Time She Wakes , releasing June 30. In this episode, Petronella shares her journey from passionate childhood reader to bestselling author, revealing how she transitioned from writing romance to crafting gripping psychological thrillers. We dive into the inspiration behi...

What does it take to turn a lifelong dream into a published novel? In this episode, author Libby Tanner shares the story behind her debut rom-com, Better Than Gelato , and the journey that took her from aspiring writer to traditionally published author. Libby opens up about balancing family life, work, and creativity while navigating the challenges of querying literary agents, handling rejection,...

How do you turn a lifelong dream into reality? In this inspiring author interview, debut novelist Samantha Ross shares her incredible journey from aspiring writer to signing a publishing deal with Penguin Random House for her novel Possible Springs . Samantha reveals how manifestation, visualization, resilience, and unwavering belief helped her navigate years of rejection and ultimately achieve he...

Australian-American novelist Mary Colussi joins the podcast to share the remarkable journey behind her debut novel, Touch Grass . From growing up between Australia and the United States to navigating the challenges of publishing, Mary offers an honest look at the realities of becoming a published author. In this episode, we discuss how her multicultural background shaped her storytelling, the insp...

International bestselling romance author Leeanne Slade joins the podcast to discuss her incredible journey from maternity leave and corporate life to becoming a full-time author with bestselling audiobooks, a global fanbase, and film adaptations in development. In this episode, Leeanne shares how she built a successful career through Audible Originals, why romance novels continue to resonate with...

Award-winning author Liz Flanagan joins the podcast to discuss her remarkable journey from writing beloved children’s fantasy books to publishing adult historical fiction. In this episode, Liz shares insights into the creative process behind her latest novel, When We Were Divided , set during the English Civil War, and opens up about genre shifts, research, publishing, editing, and finding confide...

Bestselling romantic comedy author Hannah Doyle joins the podcast to share her inspiring journey from celebrity journalism to becoming a published novelist. Hannah opens up about breaking into the publishing world, balancing motherhood with writing, navigating editors and industry changes, and creating her latest rom-com with a sci-fi twist, The Long Haul . If you're an aspiring author, romanc...

In this episode, we sit down with UK author Andi Epimoni—founder of Meet Cute BookFest—to unpack her journey from entering a Twitter writing competition to building a full-time career in romance publishing. Andi shares how she transitioned from literary fiction to commercial romance, the strategy behind writing under multiple pen names, and what it really takes to succeed in today’s fast-moving pu...

In this episode of Five Authors, Five Questions , author Jess Kitchen dives into the power of authenticity in writing, sharing how emotional honesty and personal experiences can transform storytelling. Jess discusses why writers should focus on finishing their first draft before editing, how trauma and lived experiences shape compelling fiction, and the importance of building real connections with...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Australian author Anna Johnston to explore her remarkable journey from health promotion professional to internationally recognised novelist—with a Netflix adaptation on the horizon. Anna shares how deeply personal experiences, including her relationship with her grandfather and her later ADHD diagnosis, have shaped her voice as a storyteller. We dive int...

In this episode of five authors five questions, we go behind the scenes with a Jodi McAlister to explore the real moments that shape a writing career—from unpublished scenes and unexpected inspiration to the advice that can change everything. Discover how a new series emerged from lockdown conversations, why research matters (even down to sommelier-level detail), and how embracing imperfect first...

In this episode, Leon Mitchell—author and creative director—shares how he transitioned from working in music and film into building a career as an independent author. We explore how his creative background shaped his storytelling approach, the realities of self-publishing, and what it takes to maintain creative control while building an audience. Perfect for aspiring authors, creatives, and anyone...

In this April special, author Laura Carter shares powerful writing advice, surprising research stories, and career-defining moments. Perfect for aspiring authors, novelists, and creative writers looking for inspiration and practical tips. ✨ Topics covered: Best advice for new writers Weird research behind stories Unpublished scenes and ideas Emotional reader connections Career-changing writing ad...

How do you turn an idea into a published book—and then into a full writing career? In this episode, author J.M. Simpson shares her journey from a spontaneous moment of inspiration to building multiple crime thriller series across self-publishing and traditional publishing. We talk about writing, marketing, branding, and what it really takes to succeed as an author today. 🔑 In This Episode Startin...

In this segment, five authors, five friends we hear from Rebecca Armitage this week. From writing the book you want to read to the unexpected research behind fiction, this episode is a fast dose of inspiration for writers at any stage. Key Takeaways: Self-motivation and ownership in writing Practical advice from experienced authors Creative storytelling ideas and reinterpretation The impact storie...

In this episode, we sit down with rising crime thriller author Mercedes Mercier to explore how she turned rejection into success and built a thriving writing career. From early storytelling as a child to publishing gripping crime fiction, Mercedes shares how she found her voice, transitioned from romance to crime thrillers, and developed her latest novel The Couples Retreat . If you're an aspiring...

In this segment of Five Authors, Five Questions , we dive into the creative world of Lucy Jane Wood and her journey as a writer of magical, witchy stories. From embracing messy first drafts to building rich character backstories that never make it onto the page, Lucy shares honest, insightful advice for writers at any stage. We also explore the quirky realities of writing fantasy—from Googling unu...

In this episode, author Georgia Harper shares her journey from hearing an inner voice to becoming a published novelist. We explore the realities of writing, editing, and securing a publishing deal, along with the importance of authenticity, resilience, and trusting your creative voice. Georgia also dives into her character development process, the themes of female empowerment and safety in Dove ,...

What does it really take to go from hobby writer to published author? In this episode, we sit down with author Seána Tinley to explore her journey into professional writing, the realities of publishing, and how she successfully writes across multiple genres using different pen names. Seána shares powerful insights into building a sustainable writing career, including the importance of mentorship,...

How do you go from building a book community on Instagram to publishing your own gothic vampire romance? In this episode, debut author Lily Crozier shares her inspiring journey from working in the publishing industry to landing a book deal and releasing her atmospheric vampire novel “Vow of Eternal Night.” We dive into Lily’s creative process, how Bookstagram and TikTok helped grow her platform, a...

Ali Lowe joins us to discuss the real journey behind becoming a published thriller author. Originally from the UK and now based in Australia, Ali shares how she moved from a successful journalism career into fiction writing and eventually became a bestselling novelist. In this conversation we explore her creative process, the inspiration behind her latest thriller The Second Wife , and the realiti...

Are you wondering how to get published—or what it really takes to become a published author? In this episode, Olivia Jackson shares her complete author journey—from writing comics at age 12 to landing a publishing deal with HarperCollins UK. She opens up about overcoming rejection, navigating the publishing industry, improving your writing craft, and developing the resilience every writer needs. I...

In this episode, bestselling author Pip Drysdale shares her powerful transition from singer-songwriter to published novelist. Pip opens up about making the leap into writing in 2015, the grit required to finish a manuscript, and the patience needed to navigate the long road to publication. She discusses the realities of book marketing, the unpredictability of promotion, and why building a strong c...