Not Quite Write Interviews

In our final Words on the Waves interview for 2026, prolific bestselling Central Coast author Anna Downes joins Ed and Amanda to discuss her atmospheric psychological thrillers. Anna touches on the power of setting, and the real-life hotel that inspired her latest novel. We spend some time musing on the appeal of horror as an immersive, embodied reading experience, before Anna reflects back on the “ordeal” of writing her second book, and the value of collaboration in surviving the creative process. Find out more on Anna's website

At Words on the Waves 2026, Maame Blue joined Ed and Amanda to discuss writing about family, drawing on her novel ‘The Rest of You’, a multi-generational story set between London and Ghana. Maame shared with us the importance of understanding one’s motivation for writing about family, as well as why exploring emotional truth is more important than simply recounting facts. We also talked about writing unlikeable characters… because what family doesn’t have at least one of those? Learn more at Maame's website.

At Words on the Waves 2026, Darren Rix and Craig Cormick joined Ed and Amanda to discuss their multi award winning book, Warra Warra Wai, a project that began by uncovering Aboriginal place names, but evolved into something much bigger. The two men shared with us the responsibility of acting as custodians of stories that confront the truth about colonisation, violence and dispossession. Find out more about Warra Warra Wai.

At Words on the Waves 2026, Jennifer Mills joins Ed and Amanda to discuss her experience reimagining Hansel and Gretel for the stage. We talk about adapting a classic fairy tale into a story shaped by modern-feeling power and survival, the unique experience of seeing other artists bring her work to life, and the challenge of exploring dark themes with young audiences. Find out more at Jennifer's website.

At Words on the Waves 2026, Ed and Amanda catch up with Kate Holden to discuss The Ruin of Magic, her collection of six essays exploring longing, belonging, and what it means to find our place in an increasingly uncertain world. Together, we examine why enchantment isn't something we've lost forever, but something we can learn to notice again, leaning on each other as allies in the process. Find out more at Kate's website.