Episode 130 has Veronica and Laurie planting plenty of seeds for daydreaming over the summer break. They have news (Laurie has sent the final book (5) in her Stones of Power off to the publisher), and events to share along with five book spotlights. Laurie chats with the multi-talented author Dirk Strasser about his latest book 'Conquist', his unique writing journey, backpacking a plot and his experience in the Australian book industry (including the Aurealis awards and Aurealis Magazine). A ...
In Episode 129, Veronica & Laurie get into the underbelly with crime and thriller writers Dan Kaufman and Lisa Kenway. We chat inspiration, experience, character arcs and red herrings. And we explore themes from the human psyche, connected consciousness, research and plot retrofitting.Intro - 0:57Lisa Kenway Bio - 2:47Dan Kaufman Bio - 6:34Book Spotlight - All You Took From Me - Lisa Kenway - pyschological thriller - 19:32Book Spotlight - Humidity - Dan Kaufman - Aussie Noir - 20:46Explor...
In episode #128, Laurie finally gets Veronica under the author spotlight. We learn of the Heroine's Journey, how the pathway to publication can be filled with ogres and dragons, and how important family, friends and writing communities are for fostering emerging authors. Then it's Laurie's turn to share why she writes, what she reads, fan fiction, her creative triggers, future plans, and so much more.Intro - 00:57Grief and Breathing While Drowning - 06:48The Heroine's Journey - 08:22Ochre Dra...
In Episode 127, Veronica & Laurie share Australian writing and publishing industry news, writing events & more wonderful words from John Koenig. Laurie dives into a fabulous conversation about writing original science fiction novels, media tie-ins, screenplays and so much more with the amazing, award-winning and versatile Australian author, Amanda Bridgeman.Book Spotlights:Broome Enigma by Meryl Brown Tobin - romanceScruffy and Silk by Karen Kepert & Kaz Clarke - children's pictur...
In episode 126 Veronica and Laurie are joined in the Writer's Room by authors Lisa Darcy and Dr Bella Ellwood-Clayton. We dive into contemporary fiction writing, female relationships in its many forms across the generations, the concept of perfection, navigating the vicissitudes of life and ultimately triumphing over adversity. Lisa and Bella share their different writing and editing processes, and provide sage advice for emerging authors.Intro - 00:57Lisa Darcy bio - 05:35Book spotlight - Ch...
Episode 125 brings ABL co-founder Darren Kasenkow back for an insightful interview with author, artist and advocate, Damien Linnane. Dive into this brilliant discussion on crime, the justice system, and memoirs as Damien shares some of the traumas and triumphs of his life story, his writing, his art, and his passion for lifelong learning. Intro - 00:56Author Interview - 02:25Post interview chat - 2:01:57Quotes - 2:03:08Support the showThanks for listening.Visit australianbooklovers.com t...
Episode 124 starts with an audio book excerpt of Midnight Man by Kevin Klehr. Then Veronica and Laurie dive into industry news and events, explore new words and book spotlights. We have a wonderful interview with author Finegan Kruckemeyer. Plus, the importance of reading for children, supporting artists of all kinds, and reminding everyone what great gifts books are - and of course all the other ABL merchandise.Book spotlights:Beam of Light by John Kinsella – contemporaryThe Postman’s My Mat...
In episode #123, Veronica and Laurie take you in a myriad of directions, from industry and upcoming news, including Wilderness Society's Karajia and Environment Award winners, fascinating first lines, and exciting events, to reminders to join your local and state writing group for more opportunities and events. Laurie chats with the wonderful Donna M Cameron about her eco-fiction/thriller/love story, The Rewilding, and so much more.Book spotlights:Tamarra - A story of termites on Gurindji Cou...
If you find people fascinating, then episode 122 is a must. Veronica and Laurie chat with authors Bruce Lowery, Jessica Mudditt and David Hume about memoir and biography. Why does this creative non-fiction genre continue to fascinate and inspire readers? Our authors share why they're willing to put a slice of their lives on the pages for the world to read.Book spotlights:Catch the Wind by Bruce Lowery - memoirOnce Around the Sun by Jessica Mudditt - memoirBlind without Barriers by David Hume ...
In episode 121, Veronica and Laurie are joined by fabulous Australian speculative fiction authors E. J. Dawson and Pauline Yates. The conversation tackles the history of Speculative Fiction, the three key elements of any good spec fic story, and far ranging wonders about future 'what ifs'. There's a good deal of hilarity about zombies and space ships, so strap in and engage the hyperdrive.Book spotlights:The Queen of Spade Trilogy: Awakening, Darkening and Reckoning by E. J. Dawson - scifiSha...
Episode 120 has Veronica and Laurie chasing down speculative fiction rabbit holes as they bring you industry news, writing opportunities, book festivals and more. We share two new words from John Koenig (ecsis and craxis) that segue into a brilliant chat with climate fiction author Vanessa Lee. Our book spotlights are wonderful children's picture books from the Wilderness Society Australia - Karajia Award Shortlist.Gurril Storm Bird by Trevor Fourmile (illustrated by Jingalu)The Trees by...
Episode 119 is chock full with Veronica and Laurie winding their way through news, words, book spotlights, and quotes as well as sharing their promised pitches. Veronica chats with author Andrea Putting about compassionate prosperity and purpose, and life long learning.Book spotlights:Talon Marked by Sue-Ellen Pashley - fantasySecondhand Daylight by Eugen Bacon and Andrew Hook - speculative fictionAsk Aunty: Seasons, written by Aunty Munya and illustrated by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis - picture b...
In Episode 118, Veronica & Laurie bring you AI news and reminders for ASA pitching and literary speed dating events, and new words from John Koenig (nighthawk, heartmoor and furosha). Laurie chats with award winning author Catherine McNamara about writing workshops, flash fiction, short stories, and running retreats at her home in Italy. Plus Laurie reviews The Changing Room by Belinda Cranston.Book spotlights:The Photograph by Diane Clarke - historical mysteryHappy Millionth Birthday by ...
Episode 117 is bursting at the seams. Veronica and Laurie chat and laugh with three amazing Aussie authors who build a bridge and take us over the writing abyss from book 1 to book 2. Hayley Walsh, Nikky Lee and Dr Helen Edwards inspire and entertain us as they share wisdom from their own journeys, fess up to their procrastination games, and tell us why they champion diversity and inclusion in their stories.Book spotlights:Scattered Scones by Hayley Walsh - light-hearted contemporary fictionO...
Veronica and Laurie host a super special writing workshop in episode #116. Dr Rachel Matthews creates a space where readers become writers. Through chat and exercises, an amazing group of people explore different approaches to storytelling and finding your natural voice and style. Many gems are written in the moment, and shared with laughs, sighs and damp eyes.Book Spotlights (giveaways) courtesy of Transit Lounge:Never Look Desperate by Rachel Matthews - contemporaryAll You Took From Me by L...
In a super special Writer's Room for Ep115, we're celebrating NAIDOC week with Indigenous authors Victor Steffensen and Isobel Bevis. Both shortlisted for The Wilderness Society Australia Karajia Awards for Children's Literature, Victor and Isobel share with Veronica and Laurie how close to their heart the writing stories for children and adults is. They want to educate everyone about the importance of caring for Country and leaving only your footprints so it becomes a shared connection ...
In episode 114, Veronica and Laurie realise the word ludiosis (a John Koenig original) describes their podcast planning magnificently. As well as all the regular events, news and the Melbourne weather, there's book spotlights, quotes, and reviews. And much laughter. Veronica chats with the wonderful Dr Monika Schott about her art, books, and being an advocate for marginalised communities.Book Spotlights:Artemisia, Aurora and Aphrodite (Regency Goddesses Series) by D.G. Rampton - regency roman...
In Episode 113 we give a big shout out to our newest subscribers Hayley Walsh and Nadine Abrahams. We talk Victorian library and Aus vs US best seller stats, NAIDOC week awards and Karajia Awards shortlists, pitching tips, reading trends, and ideas for the literary Olympics. Plus, congrats to Helen Edwards and Nikky Lee for recent book cover reveals.In a dragon-laden interview with multi-talented Sue-Ellen Pashley, she shares her wisdom, experience and advice, as well what Darth Vader wears u...
In episode 112, Veronica and Laurie bring you libraries, warm winter reads, Lego adventures, Story Dogs, fellowships, industry news, made up words, reminders about the free online RAW (readers are writers) workshop with Dr Rachel Matthews and so much more... (Did you know, karanoia is terror of the blank page?) Veronica has another go at the PMI Victorian History Library's Friday Riddle. You'll have to listen to the next episode to see if she's close. Laurie has a wonderful chat wit...
In Episode 111, Veronica & Laurie bring you news, reviews and rabbit holes about phonics, olympic cyclists, AI surveys, festivals, events and anthologies (two from Deadset Press: Rebels and Rainbows + Embrace the Silence). Plus Laurie takes a deep dive interview with the amazing author Les Zig (Lazaros Zigomanis). Our book review is the final volume in the YA series Blackbirch. Blackbirch 4: The Collector by K.M. Allan.Book spotlights this episode include:Crossing Continents: A Cycl...