Beyond The Plot Podcast

What happens when you stop trying to control other people's reactions and start focusing on your own choices? In this episode, Lisa speaks with adventurer, keynote speaker, stress and resilience coach, and author Vicki Anstey about her powerful memoir Other People Are Like the Weather . Vicki shares the deeply personal journey behind the book, from leaving a long-term relationship and rebuildi...

Lisa sits down with Jade May , contemporary spicy romance author and creator of the completed Eden Series , including her newest release Unleash for Eden . Jade shares how she began writing during COVID after a lifetime of reading—especially as books helped her escape long hospital stays growing up. She walks through the entire arc of her publishing career: her first 10,000 words, an early bad con...

Melbourne-based crime writer  Katherine Kovacic  joins Lisa to talk about the long and unexpected road to becoming a published author. Katherine began her career in veterinary science before moving through family business, art history and academia. A Faber Academy writing course helped her reconnect with her creative voice, eventually leading to a pitch event, a publishing deal and a career in cri...

In this episode of Beyond the Plot , I chat with author Julia Tuffs about her unconventional journey from childhood writing, to television and teaching, and eventually back to fiction. Julia shares how exhaustion, boredom and becoming a parent unexpectedly led her back to writing — and how joining a local writing group helped her rebuild her confidence and take her creative ambitions seriously. Fr...

In this episode of  Beyond the Plot , I talk with award-winning Australian novelist  Victoria Hannon  about finding her voice, building a writing life that works for her, and the journey behind her third novel,  I Love the Whole World . Victoria has been a professional writer for more than 20 years, beginning in advertising as a copywriter before moving into fiction. Her breakthrough came in 2017,...

What happens when an academic career, a lifelong love of suspense, and one of Tasmania’s most enduring mysteries collide? In this episode of Beyond the Plot Podcast , I speak with Australian author Riley James — the pen name of academic Jackie Broad — about writing thrillers, life in academia, and the inspiration behind her upcoming novel, The Wreck . Riley takes us from her book-loving childhood...

In this episode of Beyond the Plot , I sits down with author Anne Freeman to talk about the winding path from lifelong reader and reluctant beginner to published novelist. Anne shares how motherhood, perfectionism, accountability, and one pivotal writing craft book helped her stop waiting for the “right” time and start writing. She takes us behind the scenes of drafting her first novel on her phon...

What happens when a life-changing accident makes you rethink everything you thought your future would look like? In this episode, I’m joined by Australian author Joanna Jenkins , who made the remarkable transition from a 30-year career as a corporate lawyer to pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a published author. Joanna shares the story behind her unexpected career change, her journey from c...

How do you go from dreaming about writing a novel to becoming a published romance author? In this episode, I sit down with debut romance author Olivia Simons to discuss the journey behind her heartwarming rom-com, Lying Is My Love Language . Olivia shares the realities of breaking into the publishing industry, navigating manuscript rejection, finding the right literary agent, and balancing motherh...

How do you turn a lifelong love of magic and storytelling into a published fantasy novel? In this episode, I sit down with debut fantasy author Christy Anne Jones to discuss the incredible journey behind her debut novel, Theodora's Tea Shop . From writing stories as a child to signing with Hachette after a competitive publishing auction, Christy shares the perseverance, creativity, and resilie...

How do you go from a career in journalism to publishing psychological thrillers after years of perseverance? In this episode, I'm joined by British-born, Sydney-based author Emma Babbington to discuss her inspiring writing journey, from working as a magazine journalist to securing a publishing deal after writing five novels. Emma shares how her family's love of storytelling sparked her pas...

How do you go from self-publishing your debut novel to signing a traditional publishing deal and seeing your book stocked by major bookstores? In this episode, I'm joined by thriller author Paula Johnston , who shares her incredible journey from independently publishing her debut novel, The Lie She Told , to securing a publishing deal with Bloodhound Books . Paula opens up about the highs and...

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...