In episode #123, Veronica and Laurie take you in a myriad of directions, from industry and upcoming news, including Wilderness Australia's Karajia 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 Country by 30 col...
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...
In the Writer's Room for Ep110, Veronica and Laurie chat with the brilliant, multi-talented crime authors Andrea Barton (The Godfather of Dance) and Kirsten Hunter (Murder at the Narssisus Gardening Club). We explore the adventures and experiences that brought them to writing and publishing their debut crime novels. Both have recently released first in a series starring a fabulous female sleuth. Though delivering very different stories, we discover both authors have written childrens books an...
Veronica & Laurie wrestle with feline critics, share findings from the Indie Author Survey results, and manage to use the words poggled and nyctous in conversation. Plus we bring you Darren Kasenkow's final interview with inspiring author Tania Blanchard, more news, book spotlights, quotes, and reviews.Book spotlights this episode include:Edward's Cat: Three Cats, a Magical Legacy. And a Dog. by Maria P Frino - YA fantasySisters of the Sands by J.B. Villinger - science fictionThe Painting...
Veronica & Laurie are nerding out on words in episode #108. We have an inspirational and educational interview with the amazing middle grade author of The Rebels of Mount Buffalo, Dr Helen Edwards. Plus industry news, Book Spotlights, and tips for growing readers from Australia Reads. Veronica reviews YA dystopian fantasy, 'Sky on Fire' by Jesse Greyson.Book spotlights:A kids book about ADHD! by Elly Both – non-fictionCatch the Wind by Bruce Lowery – memoirThe Changing Room by Belinda Cra...
Veronica and Laurie are in the Writer's Room for episode 107! We chat with fabulous Australian authors Rachel Matthews and Michael Fitzgerald about their latest works, the themes within their stories, how they explore literary relationships, the absurdity and colour of real life, older women protagonists, and growing old gracefully - or not so gracefully. Plus some practical facts on when and where and how they write. Both authors generously share their story inspirations and invaluable advic...
Veronica and Laurie are in their element in Episode #106 talking all things words and writing. Veronica chats with the wonderful and inspiring Eugen Bacon about her writing and her life. We have industry news, book spotlights, and quotes. We review Blood Fever written by Laurie Bell and a whole lot more.Book spotlights:The Unexpected Heiress by George Mallory - contemporary family sagaThe Godfather of Dance: A Jade Riley Mystery by Andrea Barton - mysteryTo the River by Vikki Wakefield ...
Veronica and Laurie Bell are together again for Australian Book Lovers podcast episode 105. Darren Kasenkow is back briefly and shares his second last interview with the brilliant and prolific Australian author Simon Higgins. Plus we chat Friday Fictioneers with Laurie, laugh at the inconsistencies of the English language, and share some fabulous quotes! And yes, we have some video. Our YouTube channel is waiting for you.Intro - 00:27Author Interview - 00:13:42Post chat and quotes - 01:...
Veronica is joined by Laurie Bell for Australian Book Lovers podcast episode 104. We have an amazingly generous and educational interview with renowned Australian author Catherine Jinks. And of course we have book spotlights, industry news, made up words and a book review by Naomi Shippen of The Girl She Was Before by Jess Kitching + a whole lot more! Including, for the first time with video! Check out our YouTube channel.Book spotlights:The World Settlers by Callan J Mulligan - science ficti...