Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading

Andrea Thompson talks to Cheryl about her writing process, the challenges of embracing her identity and finding her voice, and how her personal experiences as a gender-diverse woman influenced her debut novel,  Geraldine , which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Description: Amy Matthews talks to Cheryl about her journey through historical romance and romantic comedies. She discusses how her writing evolved from slow pre-writing to fast drafting once the characters and plot are set. The conversation also touches on the emotional depth of characters, the balance between commercial and literary fiction, and the creative challenge of juggling multiple w...

Ronni Salt talks to Cheryl about her journey to publication, tahe feedback that led to the creation of her debut novel Gunnawah , the importance of social media in connecting with readers, and how her experiences with editors and publishers have shaped her writing. Her latest novel, Gunnawah , is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emily Paull sits down with Cheryl to discuss her journey into writing historical fiction, exploring how research and feedback play a crucial role in shaping her stories. She also shares insights into the freedom she feels being outside the constraints of a contract and the process of revising her debut novel,  The Distance Between Dreams , which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...

Mary-Lou Stephens talks to Cheryl about her journey from radio to writing, the joy of slow travel, and how her experiences inspire her creative projects like jam-making and crumpet-baking. Her latest novel, The Jam Maker, is out now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ashley Kalagian Blunt talks to Cheryl about how her illness has shaped her writing, her love for true crime, and the challenges of drafting new novels. Her new book, Cold Truth , is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Horan talks to Cheryl about her writing journey, the challenges of getting published and the mentorship she received. Her latest novel,  The Inheritance,  is out now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Petronella McGovern (Six Minutes, The Liars) and Margaret Hickey (Broken Bay, Stone Town) talk about their latest books, growing up in small rural towns, how to write thrillers and their lives outside of writing. Learn more about the two authors, their families, what inspired their latest books, and of course, the publishing industry in this new episode of "Authors on Authors". Hosted on Acast. Se...

Rachael Johns ( The Other Bridget, Outback Dreams) and Belinda Alexandra (White Gardenia, The Mystery Woman) talk about their upcoming books, the mental health impacts of social media, overcoming bad reviews and the intense pressure of deadlines. Learn more about the two authors, their loveable cats, the darker side of writing, and of course, the publishing industry in this new episode of "Authors...

Tim Ayliffe ( State of Fear, The Greater Good ) and Anna Downes ( The Shadow House, Red River Road ) talk about their newest books, the first time they met and what has inspired their writing journeys so far. Learn more about the two authors, their exciting pasts as an actor and a journalist, and of course, the publishing industry in this new episode of "Authors on Authors". Hosted on Acast. See a...

Michael Connelly ( Resurrection Walking, Lincoln Lawyer ) and Candice Fox ( Devil's Kitchen, Crimson Lake ) share some laughs and talk about their first encounter in a New York City bar. Learn more about the two authors, their books, and the publishing industry in this brand new series "Authors on Authors". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sara talks to Cheryl about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine, the power of storytelling as a form of resistance, and the inspiration behind her latest book,  The Sunbird , which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Penelope talks to Cheryl about the evolving opportunities for women in literature, her personal reflections on her beautiful home and garden, and the importance of research in crafting authentic, impactful stories. Her latest novel, The Summerfield Saddler, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rose Carlyle talks to Cheryl about her writing journey, the realities of the publishing industry, and the delicate balance between creative expression and commercial expectations. Her latest novel, No One Will Know , is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Helen Garner talks to Cheryl about the art of writing nonfiction, her journey as an author over the years and how age has shaped her perspective on life. Her latest book, The Season, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lainie Anderson talks to Cheryl about Kate Cookson's life as South Australia's first female police officer, the complex history of forced adoptions, and the research behind her new novel. The Death of Dora Black is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathy George talks to Cheryl about the emotional challenges of publishing, the balance between family life and creativity, and her dedication to her latest book,  The Scent of Oranges , which is out now.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Wish-Wilson talks to Cheryl about his unconventional path to writing, his motivations for writing crime fiction and the significant themes he explores in his work. His latest novel Culter is out now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tess Woods speaks with Cheryl about the ongoing impact of tourism on Venice, her experiences navigating the publishing industry, and her upcoming book set in Cairo, which delves into themes of the Middle East and personal heritage. Her latest novel, The Venice Hotel , is available now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christian White talks to Cheryl about how personal experiences, especially fatherhood and aging, influence his writing, the differences between crafting novels and screenplays, and the importance of trusting readers to engage actively with his stories. His latest novel,  The Ledge,  is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Emma Beckett talks to Cheryl about her passion for food-themed fashion, and the challenges of breaking away from the restrictive narratives that diet culture often imposes, particularly on women. Her latest book,  You are More Than What You Eat , is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Winton talks to Cheryl about his evolving worldview and the importance of community, highlighting how his work speaks to the complexities of life and the enduring hope for a better future. Tim Winton discusses the themes of survival, moral courage, and humanity in his latest novel, set in a dystopian future impacted by climate change. His latest novel, Juice , is out now.  Hosted on Acast...

Michael Connelly talks to Cheryl Akle about his writing journey, from witnessing a crime to becoming a crime novelist, mentors, and the importance of place in novels. His latest novel,  The Waiting , will be out in October 2024.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hasib Hourani talks to Cheryl about the displacement and dispossession of the Palestinian people, as well as the broader context of global politics, media, and the ongoing conflict in Palestine. His latest work, rock flight , is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caroline Overington sits down with Cheryl Akle, the founder of Better Reading, to celebrate its 10th birthday! They reflect on the journey of building a vibrant community of readers and writers, the challenges faced along the way, and the innovative ways Better Reading has fostered a love for books in Australia. Cheryl shares her insights into the evolution of the publishing landscape, the impact...