So You Want to be a Writer

Feeling cosy? Then you’ll love meeting author Alexandra Almond, as she shares her cosy fantasy novel, Thoroughly Disenchanted . Alexandra unpacks how she built her distinct characters, the role of magic in everyday life and her experience in finding an agent and getting published, along with advice for aspiring writers. 00:00 Introduction 04:08 Words at dawn: a unique writing practice 09:55...

Crafting a novel is one thing, but author Kate Solly loves crafting ‘crafty’ novels – including her latest title,  The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-up . Kate shares her journey from casual writing in her family group chats to getting her first publishing contract, as well as how she manages to stay accountable and fit writing in while bringing up six kids!  00:00...

From the halls of Australia’s Parliament House to the dark corners of the Vatican! In this episode, author Sophie Clark talks about her writing process and how she pitched her debut ‘romantasy’ novel,  Cruel is the Light . She chats about her political background and how walking the ‘halls of power’ influenced her writing, as well as offering tips for aspiring wr...

Want to know the formula to writing success? In this episode, scientist-turned-author Rebecca Heath discusses her latest domestic thriller novel,  The Wedding Party and her unique journey from the laboratory to the library, as well as how she crafts each story and the importance of building a writing community. 00:00 Introduction 03:43 Nat Newman’s writing tip: the art of writing 06:45...

“Please sir, can I have some more Dickens?” In this episode, author Kathy George discusses her latest novel,  The Scent of Oranges – a retelling of the classic Dickens story Oliver Twist from the perspective of character Nancy. Kathy shares her love for gothic literature and why she chose this story to rewrite. 00:00 Introduction 04:46 Nat Newman’s writing tip: Charact...

Would you like to reinvent yourself as a writer? In this episode, accomplished author Karina May shares her advice on how to grow and setting yourself up for a successful author career. Karina also discusses her third print book, That Island Feeling , staying accountable as a writer, using social media, music playlists and more! 00:00 Introduction 06:05 Nat Newman’s writing tip: Desk love! 1...

Described as a ‘memoir with a message’, This Is Not A Book About Benedict Cumberbatch deals with many themes including celebrity obsession and shame. In this episode, author Tabitha Carvan discusses her experience writing this uniquely personal story, as well as offering advice for aspiring memoir writers. 00:00 Introduction 06:20 Nat Newman’s writing tip: Editing 10:23 WIN! Pict...

If you love fantasy, you’ll love our delightful interview with author Madeline Te Whiu, who shares her journey from writing her first book  The Assassin Thief to completing her trilogy with her latest release, The Queen Thief . Madeline talks about her experience writing while working full-time, her planning process, harnessing social media and advice for aspiring writers.  00:00 I...

Fasten your seatbelts and stow those tray tables, as we interview Joe Aston about his latest book, The Chairman's Lounge – The inside Story of How Qantas Sold Us Out . Joe is a former Australian Financial Review columnist and he discusses his experience writing about Qantas, its CEO and the company’s public branding crisis. He also shares insights on journalism, research and balancing objective re...

Meet Susannah Glenn, author of  Between Husbands and Wives . Susannah discusses her writing process, overcoming self-doubt, and the importance of setting and character development. She highlights the impact of persistence, learning from setbacks, and taking writing courses. 00:00 Introduction 01:53 The importance of doing the work 07:07 Writing tip: Keep it simple 11:13 WIN! Literary Journeys by J...

Meet Sebastian Smee, a Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic, who discusses his new book Paris in Ruins, its historical context, and the challenges of writing it. He also touches upon his previous book The Art of Rivalry, how to approach writing art criticism, and tips for aspiring writers. Sebastian now writes for The Washington Post, but got his start writing for The Sydney Morning Herald. He then w...

Meet Mitch Jennings, author of A Town Called Treachery , who shares his journey to becoming a novelist and his advice for aspiring writers. 00:00 Introduction 00:27 Reinvention 04:02 Writing opportunities and taking chances 07:58 Writing tip: The Pomodoro Technique 14:23 WIN: Everyone this Christmas Has A Secret by Benjamin Stevenson 15:12 Word of the week: Claque 18:32 Mitch Jennings and his page...

Meet New York Times bestselling author Laura Dave, who talks about her latest novel The Night We Lost Him , her writing process, and adapting her hit novel The Last Thing He Told Me for television. Laura shares her approach to character development, writing routines, and advice for aspiring writers. She talks about the importance of dedication, routine, and what you need to do before seeking publi...

Meet Amanda Willimott, who talks about her historical fiction novel Winter of the Wolf , informed by extensive research. Amanda reveals how she got her book deal with Penguin Random House and the power of persistence, planning and mentorship. 00:00 Introduction 03:56 Writing tip: Attend events 07:19 Competition: Win  The Dictionary of Terrible Ideas  by Dominic Knight 09:25 Word of the week: Ripar...

Meet bestselling author and screenwriter Christian White on his novel The Ledge and writing the Netflix hit Clickbait . his writing process, and his transition from books to screenwriting, including his work on TV shows like Clickbait and Apartment 7A . 00:00 Welcome to episode 635 01:46 Nat Newman's writing tip 02:41 Nat's creative writing journey 04:34 The importance of elevator pitches 09:07 Wi...

Meet Ariane Beeston, who shares insights into her powerful memoir Because I'm Not Myself, You See , exploring postpartum psychosis, her writing journey, and the therapeutic yet challenging process of recounting personal experiences. This memoir is brave and beautifully written. As a graduate of Australian Writers' Centre, we’re so thrilled for Ariane. 00:00 Introduction 00:19 Using prompts to disc...

Meet bestselling author Paula Hawkins, whose new book The Blue Hour explores a psychological thriller set on a Scottish island. Paula discusses her writing process, research on art, transition from a finance journalist to a novelist, how she wrote four romance novels under a pen name and her experiences following the success of The Girl on the Train . She also shares her writing advice, emphasisin...

Meet Ryan Butta, author of the new biography, The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli – a previously untold story of one of Australia’s forgotten wartime heroes. In this lively and interesting conversation, Ryan shares what led him to tell this particular story, his research process and other fascinating stories from here and overseas that inadvertently prepared him for a life as a published author. 00:00...

Meet Dani Vee, publisher at Larrikin House, whose latest book is Riley's Failproof Guide to Breaking a School Record , and her soon-to-be-released book is My Pet Croc . Dani shares her writing process but also provides insights into the children’s publishing industry, her role as a publisher and what she is looking for in a manuscript. Dani discusses the importance of finding the right voice, crea...

Meet writer and comedian Jennifer Wong, who discussed her new book Chopsticks or Fork , a nostalgic exploration of Chinese-Australian restaurants, based on her TV series. Jennifer shares insights into her writing journey and balancing her work across different media. 00:00 Introduction and welcome 00:20 Catching up after a trip 00:52 Listener shoutouts and publishing advice 03:20 Writing tip from...

Meet children's author Jess Horn, who shares her journey in writing, the inspiration behind her book Bernie Thinks in Boxes , and her intensive writing process. Jess also details her experience securing a book deal, the value of feedback, and the importance of community in the writing world. Jess provides tips for aspiring authors on maintaining passion, embracing feedback, and connecting with the...

Meet Scott Ryder, a former Australian commando, who discusses his memoir Forged in Fire , detailing his 22-year military career and the transition to civilian life. Forged in Fire takes us inside the secretive world of the commandos. 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Nat Newman’s writing tip 09:15 Giveaway: The Blanket Cats by Kiyoshi Shigematsu 11:31 Word of the week: lenitive 12:11 Creative nonfiction 13...

Meet Sandhya Parappukkaran, a picture book author with four wonderful books that have all been shortlisted or have won Premier’s Literary awards. This is a huge achievement for this former food technologist who started writing picture books on a whim not that long ago! Sandhya discusses her journey to becoming an award-winning writer, the inspiration behind her stories, and shares valuable tips fo...

Meet Lisa Kenway, author of the psychological thriller All You Took From Me . Lisa shares insights on how her medical background influenced her novel, the exhaustive research involved in writing about medieval reenactment, and the persistence required to secure a publishing deal after three years of pitching. 00:00 Introduction 02:25 Nat Newman's creative insights 05:43 Writing tips and techniques...

Meet Bec Nanayakkara who discusses her journey to becoming a published picture book author. Bec reveals how she got her book deals, her writing techniques, the illustration process, and much more. Also discover how our app recommendation can help you keep track of submissions. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:20 Special Series on Children's Authors 01:55 App Tip of the Week 06:56 Course Spotli...