Genre Fiction Podcast

In this episode, we welcome Brisbane author Diane Clarke who explains how her debut novel 'The Photograph' was inspired by the evacuations of children in London during world war 2 with the plot centred around a missing boy and the discovery of an old photograph which uncovers a dark family secret. Her second novel, 'The Bracelet' is a family drama and murder mystery due for release in March 2025....

In the second episode with author Alicia Thompson , the topic of author marketing is explored. Alicia breaks down marketing strategies that have worked for her including speaking events and workshops, registering with corporate book buyers, planning regional library road trips, networking within the writing community, social media, getting reviews, and thinking outside the box in terms of book dis...

This week's special guest is author Alica Thompson whose debut novel 'Something Else' was published in 2021 and her follow up crime novel 'Ex' was released in 2024. Alicia has a masters in creative writing and delivers workshops for emerging authors. In this episode, we explore the topics Alicia teaches including how to kick start your novel, exercising your writing muscles, and finding the plot....

In this week's episode, Dr Jo Skinner returns to talk about how she uses long-distance running to clear her mind and problem solve story plot issues. She also shares some interesting insights into the similarities between running a marathon and writing a novel. In this second and final episode, Jo delves deeper into the social issues that inspire her writing including domestic violence, positive m...

This week’s special guest is Doctor Jo Skinner , a Brisbane based GP who writes contemporary women’s fiction as well as freelance non-fiction articles about women’s issues and mental health. She also has a long-distance running habit. When she’s not working or writing you’ll find her accruing kilometres while plotting her next story. In this first of two episodes, Jo discusses how the creative wri...

In this episode, Jack Roney and Harry Colfer chat with author, poet and editor,  Lauren Daniels about benefits of participating in writers groups for feedback and support as well as how working with an editor can propel your writing to the next level. This episode is sponsored by the  Brisbane Writers Workshop  and  The Fellowship of Australian Writers Queensland .

In this final instalment of Harry and Jack’s chat with writer David Shield, he breaks down and explains 8 steps for creating characters, from making your characters visible and nuanced with believable faults, using placeholder names, giving characters a redeeming quality and unique vocal attributes. David also explains the importance of giving your character goals and fears and ensuring their beha...

In this episode, Jack Roney and Harry Colfer chat with author, poet and editor,  Lauren Daniels about how authors can improve their public speaking skills for public events such as writers festival panels, workshops and library author talks. This episode is sponsored by the  Brisbane Writers Workshop  and  The Fellowship of Australian Writers Queensland .

In episode 2 of the 3-part series with Japanese language translator and writer David Shield, he explains the rules for translating stories between English and Japanese and how AI will never replace the human element needed for accurate storytelling. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy!

David Shield is a writer and professional Japanese interpreter and translator, with a BA in Japanese language and Asian Political Studies, Master of International Studies and Master of Japanese Interpreting and Translation. David writes across genres including fantasy, historical fiction and sci-fi. His middle-grade fiction work My Dad’s an Evil Necromancer was shortlisted for the Qld Writers Cent...

In this episode, Lauren Daniels chats with Jack Roney and Harry Colfer about writing competitions, awards and volunteering to be a judge, as well as benefits of participating in anthology publications.

In this episode, Jack Roney and Harry Colfer chat with author, poet and editor, Lauren Daniels about benefits of attending writers conferences, events and retreats which can really help writers boost their careers. This episode is sponsored by the Brisbane Writers Workshop and The Fellowship of Australian Writers Queensland .

In this 3rd and final episode of Jack and Harry's chat with Dr Kate Cuthbert, the topic of vanity presses and predatory publishing houses is discussed, with advice given to writers on how to avoid being exploited. This episode also delves into aspects of writing craft, including 'showing' more than 'telling', effective use of verbs and adjectives, and dialogue tags.

In this episode, Jack and Harry continue their chat with Dr Kate Cutherbert about her advice to writers when pitching to agents and publishers, how to write a stand-out submission, self-editing and hiring a professional editor, and how having the right manuscript at the right time can play into a decision to either reject or accept your manuscript.

In this special episode, Harry and Jack recorded on location at the Qld Writers Centre (Qld State Library) Brisbane, where their guest was none other than QWC CEO Lori-Jay Ellis. If you've ever wondered how the centre can help you as a writer, this is the podcast episode to listen to. Lori-Jay explains the programs, events and workshops on offer as well as what's installed for the 2025 Genrecon wr...

Dr Kate Cuthbert has worked in publishing for almost 15 years and has held senior roles at Pantera Press, Writers Victoria and launched the Escape Publishing brand at Harlequin Australia. A genre fiction advocate and enthusiast, she completed a PhD proposing research methodologies for the examination of book covers and book titles. She is also a co-host on the popular podcast What Would Danbury Do...

Jack and Harry continue their chat with author Christine Gregory about her experiences working with an agent, landing a publishing contract, expectations around author marketing and promotions, finding time to write and maintaining resilience despite setbacks. A great episode for emerging writers.

Melbourne-based author, Christine Gregory , is an Australian writer of crime and general fiction. An earlier version of her novel The Community was runner up for the 2022 Banjo Prize. Christine has previously been shortlisted in the Sisters in Crime Scarlet Stiletto Awards. She is a former international aid worker and is now a director in a national not-for-profit, working on the prevention of vio...

Born in London, Brisbane-based author Kim Wilkins is Professor of Writing at the University of Queensland. She has a long list of published adult fantasy, women’s historical adventure, and young adult novels, as well as children’s books. Kim has also published academic books about genre fiction, most notably a co-written book titled ‘GENRE WORLDS – Popular Fiction and Twenty-First-Century Book Cul...

This week’s guest is Ky Garvey - childrens book author and host of Totally Lit! a monthly podcast celebrating reading, writing and literature. The podcast features writers, illustrators and all types of creators of books and stories. Ky discusses with Jack and Harry the inspiration for her book EASY PEASY and how her passion for creativity led her to creating her own podcast which is celebrating i...

In this episode, Jack and Harry were joined by award winning authors Heidi Catherine and Anne Freeman . Anne and Heidi have teamed up with 10 other authors to put together a Christmas romcom anthology called 12 Tropes of Christmas: A collection of festive romcom stories . (Cover revealed in July — and the release date is 1 October.) The collaboration involves indie and traditionally published auth...

In episode 2, Jack and Harry chat with author Sarah Todman about how she uses skills learned as a strategic content specialist to help grow her author profile. She shares great tips for authors on marketing and promoting your author brand. She also discusses the key elements to writing romance with a bit of 'Aussie grit' thrown in. Finally, the conversation centres on why readers connect with stor...

Sarah Todman's career as a writer spans more than 20 years. She has worked extensively as a journalist, communications manager and now as a strategic content specialist helping a range of clients to tell their brand stories. Her adventures in fiction writing took off in 2021 with the publication of her first children’s book, Bab’s Mermaid Adventure. This was followed by Bab’s Camping Adventure in...

In this final instalment of the chat with author Peter Schinkel, he discusses the reasons why he prefers short stories over long form writing. Topics include exploring the human condition through a diverse range of stories, working on several themes and ideas at the same  time, leaving the reader with something to ponder over, and benefits of releasing shorts stories as eBooks. 

Author Peter Schinkel returns for part 2 of 3 to discuss what inspires his story ideas, coming up with new ideas and retelling old themes with a fresh perspective.