Australian Book Lovers

Ep 148 has Veronica and Laurie in the Writer's Room and under the (book) covers with Miranda Luby and Holly Cardamone. They're two writers who capture some of life’s most precious and unique moments through a young adult (YA) lens.  Intro - 0:57 Miranda Luby Bio - 3:47 Book Spotlight - The Edge of Everything - YA contemporary - 04:13 Holly Cardamone Bio - 6:23 Book Spotlight - Summer, In...

Episode #147 has Veronica and Laurie sharing the latest literary news and views, quotes and new book spotlights. Veronica chats with the trio of talented creatives behind The Brownout Murders, a graphic novel based on a horrifying true event. Luke Jackson, Maya Graham and Kelly Jackson share their inspiration and creative process. Book spotlights: 1. Dogs, A Counting and Comparing Book by Frances...

In episode 146, Veronica and Laurie talk quirky second hand book shops, literary events and industry news. Laurie chats with speculative fiction author and musician Stephen Higgins about his words, music and Aurealis the magazine. We preview next month's book giveaways, share book spotlights, quotes and so much more. Book spotlights: 1. Friends of the Flood by Rhyll Ganter – children’s 2. Gol...

Love stories? Then join Veronica and Laurie in Australian Book Lovers podcast episode #145. They're in the Writer's Room with Madeleine D'Este and Zena Shapter talking dark and stormy stories, worldbuilding, Australian flavour, and writing advice for emerging writers. Intro - 0:57 Zena Shapter Bio - 2:49 Book Spotlight - When Dark Waters Burn by Zena Shapter - science fantasy - 04:4...

In Episode 144, Veronica and Laurie discover John Koenig's meaning of vellichor, keir, and keta. They share industry news, writerly events, quotes, ideas for getting your books into libraries and local stores, and book spotlights. Laurie chats with Elly Both, author of 'A Kids Book about ADHD'. Book spotlights: Killer by Joe Villanti - mystery, thriller & suspense Breaking Schoo...

In Australian Book Lovers podcast episode #143, Veronica and Laurie are in the Writer's Room with Christina Giuffré & Suzi Samuel. Two wonderful authors who write beautifully about what they know, sharing their life experience in unique ways. Intro - 0:57 Christina Giuffré Bio - 3:32 Suzi Samuel Bio - 5:05 Book Spotlight - Dear Friend by Christina Giuffré - self-help/personal development...

In episode #142 Veronica and Laurie discover beloiter and ecury, share industry news, giveaways and quotes. They both chat with the brilliant mother daughter author team of Linda and Marly Wells about their YA time travel fantasy 'Desert Tracks', which is based in and around Mparntwe (Alice Springs). Marly is a proud woman of Warlpiri and white Australian descent and Linda is of white se...

In Australian Book Lovers podcast episode #141, Veronica and Laurie are exploring crime fiction in the Writer's Room with Andrea Barton and Zane Lovitt. We chat about how to use your friends and contacts (nicely) to write better stories. We also dive into fictional financial grey areas and tortured twists on romantic notions of love. Intro - 0:57 Zane Lovitt Bio - 2:42 Andrea Barton Bio - 3:4...

Episode 140 has Veronica and Laurie exploring epic fantasy and imposter syndrome, sharing industry news and events, and learning the meanings of momophobia and siso. Plus Veronica chats with WA fantasy author Abigail Mader about 'The Crystal Dynasty' series. Book Spotlights: 1. The Spirit Circle by Tara Calaby – speculative historical fiction 2. The Body Next Door by Zane Lovitt – suburb...

In Australian Book Lovers podcast episode 139, Veronica and Laurie are back in the Writer's Room, diving into suspense and speculative fiction with Ann Dombroski and lifting the contemporary theatre curtain with Deborah Pike, two authors with some unexpected things in common. Intro - 0:57 Deborah Pike Bio - 2:58  Ann Dombroski Bio - 4:03 Book Spotlight - After the Great Storm by Ann Dombroski...

Episode #138 has Veronica and Laurie delivering industry news and events, and getting sidetracked on their favourite authors and the meaning of bildungsroman. Laurie shares a fabulous interview with prolific Australian author John Kinsella. Book Spotlights: After the Great Storm by Ann Dombroski - Speculative Fiction Thriller The Unintentional Medium by Suzi Samuel - Non-fiction The Dark at the Th...

In episode 137 Veronica and Laurie are in the Writer's Room with wonderful picture book authors Frances Mackay and Richard LeCouteur. Both generously share their experience, their passion for picture books, tips for educating and entertaining children, and advice for authors. Intro - 0:57 Frances Mackay Bio - 3:25 Richard LeCouteur Bio - 6:35 Children's books and resources 12:25 Book Spo...

In Episode 136 Veronica and Laurie bring you industry news and events from the world of publishing including the Understanding Australian Readers Report from Australia Reads, and how to find your own writing group. They share more treasures from the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows and dive down twisty writing rabbit holes. Plus Laurie interviews author Stephen Downes about his inpsiration and writin...

In episode #135 Veronica and Laurie dissect what goes into creating a great story villain, and share news, events and grants for the writing community. Laurie gets the long straw and has a chat with fabulous sci-fic and fantasy author S.F. Sowter. Book spotlights: A Night So Dark and Full of Stars by Nikky Lee - fantasy/sci-fi/horror The Rarkyn's Fall by Nikky Lee - fantasy Out of Time: Roari...

In episode #134 of the Australian Book Lovers podcast, Veronica and Laurie chat industry news, writing events, trends in Australian book sales. Plus made up words from John Koenig, a shout out to Holden Sheppard for the launch of Invisible Boys on Stan, and a delightful interview with super early rising, middle-grade author Tina Strachan (no relation). Book Spotlights: The Subjugate by Amanda Brid...

In episode 133, Veronica & Laurie tap into the inner worlds of two wonderful non-fiction authors. Bronwyn Frazer and Adrian Emery share their life and writing stories, philosophies and reflections on life purpose. It's a wide-ranging chat that gives listeners an opportunity to look at life from a different angle. Intro - 0:57 Bronwyn Frazer Bio - 2:40 Adrian Emery Bio - 3:41 Change and tr...

In episode #132 of the Australian Book Lovers podcast, Veronica and Laurie chat industry news (so many events), story seeds, editing and the fabulous K.M. Allan's latest blog which has tips for overcoming author burnout. Veronica interviews the wonderful author Diane Clarke about mystery, history and the inspiration behind her writing. Laurie reviews The Rarkyn's Fall by Nikky Lee Book S...

In episode 131 Veronica and Laurie are joined in the Writer's Room by Australian romance writers Rowena Mabbot and Jodie Benveniste. They chat about happily ever afters, Australian settings, simpler times, youth mental health and healing. Both writers are great observers of the human condition and share their fabulous insights and experience as well as their transitions to published authors....

Episode 130 has Veronica and Laurie planting plenty of seeds for daydreaming over the summer break. They have news (Laurie has sent the final book (5) in her Stones of Power off to the publisher), and events to share along with five book spotlights. Laurie chats with the multi-talented author Dirk Strasser about his latest book 'Conquist', his unique writing journey, backpacking a plot a...

In Episode 129, Veronica & Laurie get into the underbelly with crime and thriller writers Dan Kaufman and Lisa Kenway. We chat inspiration, experience, character arcs and red herrings. And we explore themes from the human psyche, connected consciousness, research and plot retrofitting. Intro - 0:57 Lisa Kenway Bio - 2:47 Dan Kaufman Bio - 6:34 Book Spotlight - All You Took From Me - Lisa Kenwa...

In episode #128, Laurie finally gets Veronica under the author spotlight. We learn of the Heroine's Journey, how the pathway to publication can be filled with ogres and dragons, and how important family, friends and writing communities are for fostering emerging authors. Then it's Laurie's turn to share why she writes, what she reads, fan fiction, her creative triggers, future plans...

In Episode 127, Veronica & Laurie share Australian writing and publishing industry news, writing events & more wonderful words from John Koenig. Laurie dives into a fabulous conversation about writing original science fiction novels, media tie-ins, screenplays and so much more with the amazing, award-winning and versatile Australian author, Amanda Bridgeman. Book Spotlights: Broome Enigma...

In episode 126 Veronica and Laurie are joined in the Writer's Room by authors Lisa Darcy and Dr Bella Ellwood-Clayton. We dive into contemporary fiction writing, female relationships in its many forms across the generations, the concept of perfection, navigating the vicissitudes of life and ultimately triumphing over adversity. Lisa and Bella share their different writing and editing processe...

Episode 125 brings ABL co-founder Darren Kasenkow back for an insightful interview with author, artist and advocate, Damien Linnane. Dive into this brilliant discussion on crime, the justice system, and memoirs as Damien shares some of the traumas and triumphs of his life story, his writing, his art, and his passion for lifelong learning.  Intro - 00:56 Author Interview - 02:25 Post interview chat...

Episode 124 starts with an audio book excerpt of Midnight Man by Kevin Klehr. Then Veronica and Laurie dive into industry news and events, explore new words and book spotlights. We have a wonderful interview with author Finegan Kruckemeyer. Plus, the importance of reading for children, supporting artists of all kinds, and reminding everyone what great gifts books are - and of course all the other...