The First Time

In our second episode of our new Masters Series, Kate speaks to British writer, Sarah Winman. Previously an actor, Winman is the author of three novels - A YEAR OF MARVELLOUS WAYS, TIN MAN and her latest, bestselling STILL LIFE. They discuss how Winman's acting experience has influenced her writing, the romance of a new idea, writing dialogue, research and some of her literary inspirations. Check...

The Competition was launched two days ago, it's a recap of all the feels. Plus, what the hosts have been watching, listening to and of course, reading. Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com or get in touch via Twitter (@thefirsttimepod) or Instagram (@thefirsttimepod) . Don't forget you can support us and the making of Season Five via our Patreon page . T...

Here it is! The very first episode of our brand new Masters Series. To kick off the season Kate speaks to writer, academic and activist, Tony Birch. He is the author of three novels, five short story collections and a collection of poetry. They discuss Tony's early publications, maps, writing place, short stories, confidence and the two traits of any good writer. Check out show notes for this epis...

Kate is fresh off the plane from Adelaide Writers Festival and has been posting blow by blow account of every glorious moment/person she met on Instagram. One of us cooks a cake for a well-known literary person and we introduce our new 'Masters Series'.  Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com or get in touch via Twitter (@thefirsttimepod) or Instagram (@th...

Kate and Katherine catch up and talk about the aftermath of book release, including a perplexingly bad restaurant, reviews and and a quote by Ella Baxter. Kate mentions she is writing but gives nothing else away. Plus, book recommendations!  Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com or get in touch via Twitter (@thefirsttimepod) or Instagram (@thefirsttimepod...

In keeping with the second book-related mini series -- this episode we talk publicity with Text publicist and all round excellent human Jane Watkins. She answers many burning questions including: What impact has COVID had? What is 'author care'? And of course, how is everything different when you're pitching authors for the second time?    Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.t...

Get out your pens and pencils because this is an epic lesson in social media! Kate and Katherine talk to marketing, social media and fashion/lifestyle guru, Shay Gardner. This episode is, frankly, a gift to authors wanting to navigate the world of Instagram and other online entities. It's choc-full of great advice on what to do, why and how it all works. The word 'algorithm' is used many times. Ch...

It's been a while since the Kate and Katherine caught up and there's a lot of excitement amid all the heat and humidity. As always, there's much much talk of books, including one particular one that comes out Feb 1st: The Competition ! Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com or get in touch via Twitter (@thefirsttimepod) or Instagram (@thefirsttimepod) . Do...

We're doing something a little bit different the next couple of episodes, in the lead up to Katherine's book The Competition coming out (Feb 2022). ( You can pre-order at your local bookshop or here! !).  We're starting with a three-part mini deep dive – no spoilers – but a kind of 'behind the scenes', then we'll have some interviews with experts on social media and publicity on what to do when yo...

We're doing something a little bit different the next couple of episodes, in the lead up to Katherine's book The Competition coming out (Feb 2022). ( You can pre-order at your local bookshop or here! !).  We're starting with a three-part mini deep dive – no spoilers – but a kind of 'behind the scenes', then we'll have some interviews with experts on social media and publicity on what to do when yo...

We're doing something a little bit different the next couple of episodes, in the lead up to Katherine's book The Competition coming out (Feb 2022). ( You can pre-order at your local bookshop or here! !).  We're starting with a three-part deep dive – no spoilers – but a kind of 'behind the scenes', then we'll have some interviews with experts on social media and publicity on what to do when your bo...

A special episode to kick of 2022! Kate speaks to writer and podcaster, Madeleine Dore about her creative career and her brand new book I Didn't Do the Thing Today: On letting go of productivity guilt . If you're keen for other writerly things to kick off your year, join Kate in her online workshop Basics for Beginners with Writers Victoria on Jan 29, 2022. And subscribe to the podcast to make sur...

It's the end of season four!  We're looking back on the year that was, with best reads, best listens, best watches... Best everything basically. Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com or get in touch via Twitter (@thefirsttimepod) or Instagram (@thefirsttimepod) . Don't forget you can support us and the making of Season Four via our Patreon page . Thanks f...

For our final interview of Season 4, Kate speaks to the woman herself - lit world legend, Helen Garner. They discuss diaries, editing, triangles, criticism, marriage, motherhood, sublime joy and how Garner pulled together her most recent, explosive volume of diaries - How to End a Story. It's a warm and clever and wonderful conversation and Kate just manages to hold her fangirling in. Check out sh...

Kate speaks to acclaimed novelist, lit journal co-founder and now screenwriter, Hannah Kent. They discuss the importance of lit communities, second book wobbles, making boundaries and why Kent is no longer wedded to the historical archive. Absolutely no spoilers re Kent's latest novel DEVOTION, but definitely excellent advice and writerly wisdom. Check out show notes for this episode on our websit...

Kate and Katherine are out of lockdown (again) and they take a moment to reflect on the last eighteen months and how the hell they are going to get their writing routines back on track. Some recommendations, events and general giddiness are Katherine's upcoming NEW RELEASE!!!    Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com or get in touch via Twitter (@thefirstt...

Katherine speaks to author Garry Disher. Garry is the author of more than 50 books across multiple genres including crime thrillers, general/literary novels and fiction for children and teenagers. They discuss how he researches his novels, perseverance, and how you need to write with a blue pen in order for the magic to happen. Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimep...

Katherine speaks to writer and author, Madeleine Ryan. They discuss Ryan's first novel A Room Called Earth, intuition, labels and Tarot.  Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com or get in touch via Twitter (@thefirsttimepod) or Instagram (@thefirsttimepod) . Don't forget you can support us and the making of Season Four via our Patreon page . Thanks for join...

Kate and Katherine are nearly out of lockdown and this episode is unscripted, general delirium. Plus, a considerable amount of gushing over Brendan Cowell.   Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com or get in touch via Twitter (@thefirsttimepod) or Instagram (@thefirsttimepod) .

Kate speaks to writer, playwright and actor Brendan Cowell. And okay, maybe she fangirls a bit. They discuss creativity in lockdown, toxic masculinity, poetry, football, success and the writing of Cowell's latest novel, PLUM. They are also joined by Brendan's mum, Yvonne Cowell, who is ace. Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com or get in touch via Twitter...

Katherine speaks with author Anna Buist, who has arguably the most varied writing career of any guest on the show so far. They discuss erotic fiction, mental health, planning, plotting and co-writing novels.    Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com or get in touch via Twitter (@thefirsttimepod) or Instagram (@thefirsttimepod) . Don't forget you can suppor...

Kate and Katherine talk to award winning best selling author (and our former Agony Aunt) Charlotte Wood about her new book The Luminous Solution, which is all about creativity, resilience and the inner life.   Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com or get in touch via Twitter (@thefirsttimepod) or Instagram (@thefirsttimepod) . Update Description

Kate finally speaks to Claire Christian, the author of Kate's most recommended 2020 book IT'S BEEN A PLEASURE, NONI BLAKE, (aka  The Orgasm Book Lady). They discuss how Claire moves from playwriting to novel writing, what women want, writing humour, finding voice, how to find pleasure in Instagram and SO MUCH MORE. Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com or...

Kate speaks to US writer, Maggie Shipstead. They discuss Shipstead's latest novel, the Booker longlisted novel GREAT CIRCLE, and Shipstead's writing process, addiction to awe and travel writing adventures. Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com or get in touch via Twitter (@thefirsttimepod) or Instagram (@thefirsttimepod) . Don't forget you can support us...

Kate and Katherine chat about failure, mudlarking and the real housewives TV show. Also: writing exercises for when you're feeling creatively challenged.    Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com or get in touch via Twitter (@thefirsttimepod) or Instagram (@thefirsttimepod) .