So You Want to be a Writer

Meet Sandie Docker, who shares her journey and strategies for ensuring longevity in your author career. Sandie emphasises the importance of networking, connecting with readers, and seeking help in areas outside of one’s expertise. She also discusses her role in starting the Northern Beaches Readers Festival and how it has benefited her career. 00:00 Introduction 00:19 Upcoming webinar on avoiding...

Cassy Polimeni discusses her journey to becoming an author, the process of writing and publishing her books The Garden at the End of the World and Ella and The Amazing Frog Orchestra , and valuable insights into writing for the children's market. 00:00 Introduction to the podcast 02:02 Writing tips with Nat Newman 09:46 Interview with Cassy Polimeni 11:21 Writing and publishing children's books 13...

Meet memoirist Louise Southerden about her book Tiny , which details her experience building a tiny house while going through a challenging relationship. Louise shares her journey into travel writing, the dynamics of writing personal stories, and techniques for capturing the essence of travel experiences. 00:00 Introduction 04:16 Nat Newman’s writing tip 13:15 Book giveaway: Girl Falling by Hayley...

Children’s author Carla Fitzgerald is author of the middle-grade novel How to Break a World Record and Survive Grade 5 . Carla shares insights into writing compelling stories for children and offers five must-do tips for aspiring middle-grade authors. Additionally, Nat Newman provides a practical app tip about the benefits of using Google Docs. And more. 00:00 Introduction to the podcast 00:19 Spo...

In this special episode, we bring you an edited version of the recent webinar featuring bestselling author Kate Forsyth. The episode is jam-packed with insights, focusing on five essential lessons from different genres that can improve your writing. Kate Forsyth delves into historical fiction, crime and mystery, romance, fantasy, and magic realism, sharing her top tips for writing compelling and i...

Meet Deborah Frenkel, author of four picture books including her most recent: 100 Schools Days and The Truck Cat . Deborah reveals her journey to publication, her creative process and tips for aspiring authors. 00:00 Introduction to the podcast 00:19 Special series on children's authors 01:34 Nat Newman's app tip of the week 10:43 Interview with Deborah Frenkel 19:29 The journey to getting publish...

JP Pomare on writing gripping crime thrillers and his latest novel 17 Years Later. JP discusses his writing process, research methods, and experiences with book adaptations into TV series. The episode features insights on maintaining creativity, the importance of method writing, crafting captivating crime narratives, and tips for aspiring writers. JP highlights the intricacies of plotting and char...

Meet Lian Tanner, who reveals 5 strategies you need to build longevity into your author career. Lian also discusses her latest picture book, When the Lights Went Out. Lian covers: writing to your passions rather than market demands, seeking valuable feedback, continually learning the craft, and being open to reinvention. She also shares her process and experiences in writing middle grade and pictu...

Meet Julie Bennett, author of The Lost Letters of Rose Carey . Julie discusses her writing process, the inspiration behind her novel, researching historical fiction and career journey so far. 00:00 Introduction and welcome 00:19 Exploring Rocketbook 04:06 Shoutout to Jane Sullivan 05:29 Nat Newman writing tip: Introduce a dinosaur 14:12 Book giveaway: The Wilds by Sarah Pearse 15:55 Word of the we...

Meet Anna Johnston, author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife , her rapid success, and her writing process. 00:00 Introduction 01:15 Literary competitions and overcoming fear 02:58 Nat Newman writing tip: Taking your character on a date 10:24 Book giveaway: Two Daughters by Alison Edwards 11:52 Word of the week: Desuetude 13:23 Interview with author Anna Johnston 20:33 The importance of a writ...

Meet author Victoria Purman, an accomplished historical fiction writer, who delves into her research and writing process, the inspiration behind her latest book The Radio Hour . Victoria offers valuable writing tips and the episode provides a deep dive into her journey, character development, and practical advice for aspiring writers. 00:00 Welcome to Episode 614 02:42 Upcoming webinar: Matching S...

Meet Amy T. Matthews, an award-winning author and associate professor, about her varied writing career under different pseudonyms, where she shares her approach to balancing multiple writing projects and her thoughts on the romance genre. All of Amy’s books are traditionally published and she also writes under Amy Barry and Tess LeSue. 00:00 Introduction 00:18 TikTok and who is doing it right? 02:...

Meet Petronella McGovern, author of The Last Trace . Petronella shares her top 5 tips on creating narrative tension and so that readers keep turning the page. You'll discover techniques on character development, the challenges of editing, writing cliffhangers, ensuring you have internal and external conflicts and much more. 00:00 Introduction and welcome 00:18 TV series based on books 02:28 Nat Ne...

Meet award-winning poet, novelist, and translator Lia Hills. Lia reveals her innovative approach of narrating her novel, The Desert Knows Her Name , using voice recognition software while on location in the desert. She completed her first draft in TWO WEEKS! You’ll discover Lia’s methodology, challenges, and the profound connection between place and narrative. 00:00 Introduction and host's update...

Meet Kyra Geddes, author of The Story Thief . Kyra discusses her journey from idea to publication, the importance of research, and the challenges of editing her manuscript. The episode concludes with writing tips and a book giveaway: The Wrong Man by Tim Ayliffe. 00:00 Introduction 01:33 Nat Newman’s writing tips 09:10 Book giveaway: The Wrong Man by Tim Ayliffe 11:20 Word of the week: Fuscous 11:...

In this special time-sensitive episode of 'So You Want to be a Writer,' Valerie Khoo discusses the prestigious Richell Prize with Vanessa Radnidge, Head of Narrative Nonfiction and Literary at Hachette. The episode dives into the details and benefits of entering this unique prize, which offers a $10,000 reward and a year-long mentorship with a Hachette publisher. 00:00 Introduction and special epi...

Meet Michael Brissenden who chats about his latest novel Smoke . He discusses his research process, where he gets his ideas, how he uses a whiteboard in his writing process and transition from journalism to fiction writing. 0:00 Introduction and welcome 00:23 Success story: Sarah Speedie 03:40 Nat Newman's writing tips 05:58 Finding beta readers 12:41 Competition: Win 'Death in the Air' by Ram Mur...

Meet author Pamela Freeman and illustrator Liz Anelli. They discuss their collaborative process in creating the picture book Seed to Sky: Life in the Daintree. They talk about the research, writing, and illustration process, how they balance text and visuals, and the importance of accuracy in children’s non-fiction. 00:00 Introduction and welcome 03:00 Nat Newman’s writing tip 11:48 Book giveaway:...

Valerie interviews B.M. Carroll, whose latest thriller, One of Us Is Missing , revolves around a family dealing with a mysterious disappearance of one family member during a concert. The conversation also touches on B.M. Carroll's writing process, character development, and the importance of feedback and rewriting. 00:00 Introduction and shoutout to AWC graduate Richard Pritchard on this third boo...

Amy Hutton, author of Love From Scratch and Sit, Stay, Love . Amy discusses her journey from TV producer to successful romance novelist, the importance of social media presence for authors, and practical tips for aspiring writers. Host Valerie Khoo also chats to author Nat Newman who shares her experience with the Meisner acting technique, and provides valuable advice on dealing with rejection as...

Explore the world of co-writing and collaboration with Radek Sali and Bernadette Schwerdt. They explore the collaborative effort behind writing Radek’s book, How to Build a Billion Dollar Business , discussing challenges, the process of co-writing, the importance of capturing emotional depth in storytelling, and the profound impact of building a purpose-driven business. The episode touches on effe...

Meet Megan Daley, author of The Beehive . Megan talks about her passion for children’s literature, her role as a teacher librarian, and her picture book The Beehive . She also discusses her book Raising Readers , which emphasises the importance of instilling a love of reading in children from a young age and offers practical advice for parents. 00:00 Welcome to the world of writing and publishing...

Meet Jo Peck, whose memoir Suddenly Single at Sixty  details her journey through divorce and rediscovery. Jo discusses her writing process, the therapeutic value of journalling, the challenges of constructing a memoir , and her inspirations. She also offers advice for writers on being honest in their writing and the importance of self-analysis. 00:00 Welcome to the podcast & updates 02:03 Nat...

Meet Deborah Abela, author of The Kindness Project . Deborah is one of Australia’s most beloved children's authors. Her latest middle grade novel is The Kindness Project , which is her 29th book. Recently, she also released the Book of Wondrous Possibilities . While Deb writes mainly in middle grade, she has also written chapter books and picture books, such as Bear in Space and the upcoming No Mo...

Meet Indah Ahmad Zahri, author of 5 picture books including her latest How To Measure The Ocean . Indah, a doctor turned picture book author, delves into her career transition, the inspiration behind her books, and her advocacy work. 00:00 Celebrating 600 episodes: A journey of writing and publishing 01:19 Upcoming seminar: Mastering action in storytelling 03:45 Nat Newman’s writing tips 10:40 Boo...