Writes4Women

We all have financial responsibilities…but what do you do for your heart? This week’s episode is a meeting of the mentors with Valerie Khoo, CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre, sitting down to unpack creativity with our very own  Pamela Cook . Through her work at the AWC, Val has had a hand in shaping the careers of some of Australia’s bestselling authors and write...

 Guest host Michelle Barraclough chats to best-selling author Jessica Dettman about her latest book, 'Your Friend and Mine'. Jess's fourth novel, it's a warm, witty and wise novel about second chances, friendship and romance for readers of Marian Keyes and Liane Moriarty. Michelle and Jess discuss Jessica's inspirations, her writing process, and the intriguing narrative which involves a 43-ye...

A bold debut, a full-circle moment, and the craft of writing funny with heart This week on Writes4Women, Pam is joined by debut author and former student,  Holly Brunnbauer , for a warm, laugh-filled, and insightful conversation about writing her first rom-com  What Did I Miss . From school staff rooms and awkward first drafts to awards, agents, and publishing deals, Holly’s journe...

Imposter Syndrome. Comparisonitis. Self Doubt. Whatever we call it the fact is all writers and creatives suffer from it. In this episode host Pamela Cook delves into her personal struggles with imposter syndrome and discusses insights from previous podcast guests, including Eliza Henry Jones, Nikki Gammel, Sophie Green, Cassie Hamer, Natasha Lester, Holly Ringland, and Megan Della Camina, on manag...

What happens when a best selling Fantasy author does a sneaky genre swap? Guest host Jo Riccioni welcomes bestselling author Lynette Noni to discuss her genre shift and new book, 'Wandering Wild.' They explore the departure from Noni's typical fantasy genre to YA contemporary, featuring a Hollywood actor and an Australian teen navigating a survival adventure. Lynnette reveals her inspirations, cre...

If you only listen to one episode of W4W this year, THIS is the one you need to make time for. Pam talks AI, its implications and the future of writing with two women on the frontlines of championing artistic rights, journalist @traceyspicer and writer @sandiedocker. We promise, you’ll leave this episode informed, aware, determined and hopeful about the future of your work. These are scary t...

In this episode of Writes for Women, guest host Mary-Lou Stephens sits down with historical fiction author Emily Maguire to discuss her latest novel, 'Rapture', set in the ninth century. They delve into Maguire's transition from contemporary fiction, the extensive research involved, and the challenges of writing historical content while maintaining authenticity. Maguire also shares insights about...

 Join Pamela Cook on Writes for Women as she chats with Lauren Keegan about her debut novel 'All the Bees in the Hollow.'  Learn how Lauren's background in perinatal psychology shapes her storytelling and character development. Discover the intriguing folklore of Lithuanian beekeeping and the challenges of writing historical fiction.  Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/w...

Navigating the Journey of Indie Publishing with Sal Gallagher and Kirsten Nixon. In this episode of Rights for Women, host Pamela Cook delves into the world of indie publishing with guests Sal Gallaher and Kirsten Nixon. Sal discusses her novel 'Secrets in the Lakes', her journey through editing, and the challenges of self-publishing. Kirsten shares her experience writing 'Voices of Entrepreneuria...

 WRITING LOVE, LOSS & VENICE  What happens when a bestselling author walks away from publishing—only to return with her biggest book yet? This week on  Writes4Women , Pamela chats with  Tess Woods  about her five-year break from writing, rediscovering her passion, and the inspiration behind  The Venice Hotel . Tess shares the highs and lows of her journey, t...

 STITCHING STORIES TOGETHER  How do you turn fragments of family history into a novel that spans generations? This week on Writes4Women , Pamela sits down with  Chrissie Bellbrae  to talk about the magic of uncovering forgotten stories, the inspiration behind  The Florentine Quilt , and what happens when real-life twists shape our creative journeys. Chrissie opens up about...

WRITING FAIRYTALES FOR GROWN-UPS  What does it take to turn folklore into a rich, immersive novel? This week on  Writes4Women , guest host Jo Riccioni chats with the brilliant Kel Woods about crafting historical fantasy, blending research with imagination, and the writing process behind her stunning books  After the Forest  and  Upon a Starlet Tide . Kel shares how she fou...

Welcome to Season 6 of Writes4Women! Join host Pamela Cook and Megan Dalla-Camina, a leader in women's empowerment and leadership and author of 'Women Rising', as they delve deep into the psychological aspects of writing, discussing inner critics, procrastination, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome. Both authors share personal anecdotes on how they manage their time, nurture their creativity, an...

Looking for inspiration as you wrap up the year? Ready to dive into the highs and lows of the writing life, with insights from writers who’ve truly walked the path? This week on Writes4Women, it’s our 2024 Wrap-Up Episode! Join @pamelacookwrites as she chats with guest hosts @rachaeljohnsisanauthor @maryloustephenswriter, @joriccioni, and her VA @anniebucknall, reflecting on a transfor...

Struggling to find your unique voice or create stories that truly resonate? Wondering how to weave big ideas into page-turning narratives? This week on Writes4Women  with @pamelacookwrites, best-selling author @nikki.gemmell shares the secrets behind her latest feminist literary thriller, Wing, and how she transformed personal experiences into powerful, compelling fiction. Here’s why yo...

Struggling to write a story that hooks readers? Feeling unsure about how to balance plot, character, and big ideas? This week on Writes4Women  with Pamela Cook, Vanessa McCausland shares the secrets behind her latest novel, The Last Illusion of Paige White , and how she overcame the exact challenges you might be facing as a writer. Here’s how listening can help YOU: Tighten your plot : Vanessa bre...

Ever wanted to know how to edit a first draft? In this week’s solo episode Pamela Cook focuses on the craft of editing, sharing all of her insider tips–from structural elements, point of view, voice and more. With resources and insights galore, this episode is like a free mentoring session with one of Australia’s best-love writing coaches.   SHOWNOTES : Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @...

Join us for a fascinating chat with Sandy Barker, an Australian author known for her travel-inspired romance and rom-com novels. With 12 books under her belt, Sandy shares insights into navigating the publishing industry, the importance of determination and resilience, as well as tips on keeping the joy of writing alive. We discuss her latest books, writing schedules, the balance of travel and wri...

Jump into the latest episode of Writes4Women where Pamela Cook chats with international bestselling author Joanne Fedler about her enchanting new book, 'The Whale's Last Song.' Joanne and Pamela share deep discussions on the writing process, the transformative power of words, and the inspiration drawn from the sea. Get a sneak peek into Jo's journey from law to literature, her raw reflections on g...

Summary:  Join us in this week's episode as guest host Laura Boon chats with Gillian Wills about her new novel, Big Music!  Discover how Gillian pours her rich background in music into her writing, creating a riveting tale that intertwines passion, politics, and power plays within the world of classical music. Learn about her transition from a musician to an author, the challenges of writing ficti...

This week, guest host Mary-Lou Stevens chats with bestselling author Maryanne O'Connor about her delightful new historical Christmas novel, MARY CHRISTMAS. Discover how this fun and festive romance came about while also getting insights into the writing journeys of both Mary-Lou and Maryanne. Plus, hear about exciting updates from Writes4Women and find holiday cheer with special giveaways and more...

Guest host Jo Riccioni chats with fantasy author Madeleine Te Whiu about her Assassin trilogy's final instalment, crafting complex characters, balancing a vet nursing career with writing, and insights into her creative journey. Madeline's passion for books began when she was growing up in rural South Australia. Her youngest memory of books is sitting on the lounge room floor while her mum read The...

Unlock the secrets of radical confidence, take steps to silence that inner critic and learn the profound distinction between the Hero’s and Heroine’s Journey in this week’s bumper episode with Megan Dalla-Camina, author of WOMEN RISING. Megan Dalla-Camina is the Founder and CEO of Women Rising and a world leading expert in women’s leadership. A celebrated coach, influential...

In this 'From the Archives' episode of Writes for Women, host Pamela Cook sits down with award-winning author and mentor Lisa Hall-Wilson, author of 'Method Acting for Writers', to explore the craft of writing in deep point of view (DPOV).  Pam and Lisa chat about the nuances that distinguish DPOV from limited third-person narrative, the flexibility it offers in storytelling, and its popularity in...

Did you see Pam and some of the Writes4Women gang at the Northern Beaches Readers Festival last weekend? In this week’s episode Pam gives you her top takeaways after spending a weekend with amazingly talented writers and shares her exciting news!  SHOWNOTES : Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast   W4W Patreon https://www.writes4women.com/support-...