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© 2024 Australian Writers' Centre
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Everything you’ve always wanted to know about succeeding in the world of writing and publishing. Learn practical writing techniques, go behind-the-scenes and discover how real-life authors got their big break. Uncover the creative processes of writers who have made it. Your host is Valerie Khoo – author, journalist, creative and CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre.
642 Episodes
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If you love fantasy, you’ll love our delightful interview with author Madeline Te Whiu, who shares her journey from writing her first book The Assassin Thief to completing her trilogy with her latest release, The Queen Thief. Madeline talks about her experience writing while working full-time, her planning process, harnessing social media and advice for aspiring writers. 00:00 Introduction03:29 Holiday book recommendations08:33 Nat’s writing tip: Structure12:24 WIN! The Bogan Book Club by John Larkin13:51 Word of the week: ‘Chrestomathy’16:51 Writer in residence: Madeline Te Whiu27:05 Finding time for writing28:56 The journey to getting published31:05 Madeline’s experience pitching her trilogy31:58 Experiencing reader reactions35:36 Writing the second and third books37:15 Overcoming writer's block43:11 Balancing writing and full-time work45:36 Madeline’s approach to social media53:21 Advice for aspiring authors56:07 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fasten your seatbelts and stow those tray tables, as we interview Joe Aston about his latest book, The Chairman's Lounge – The inside Story of How Qantas Sold Us Out. Joe is a former Australian Financial Review columnist and he discusses his experience writing about Qantas, its CEO and the company’s public branding crisis. He also shares insights on journalism, research and balancing objective reporting with creating a compelling narrative. 00:00 Introduction03:36 Nat Newman’s writing tip08:50 WIN! Murdle Australia by G.T. Karber11:16 Word of the week: ‘penetralia’12:32 Writer in residence: Joe Aston21:10 Joe’s switch from corporate life to journalism27:25 The evolution of journalism28:04 The pressure of producing quality content29:02 Balancing reporting and opinion31:18 The role of CEOs in public perception34:06 Joe’s experience writing his book37:28 Research versus the writing process42:34 Future plans and new ventures49:02 Joe’s advice for aspiring authors50:50 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet Susannah Glenn, author of Between Husbands and Wives. Susannah discusses her writing process, overcoming self-doubt, and the importance of setting and character development. She highlights the impact of persistence, learning from setbacks, and taking writing courses. 00:00 Introduction01:53 The importance of doing the work07:07 Writing tip: Keep it simple11:13 WIN! Literary Journeys by John McMurtrie13:07 Word of the week: pedicular14:26 Writer in residence: Susannah Glenn21:57 The writing process: Finding the sweet spot22:35 Character development24:23 Balancing writing with everyday life25:51 From manuscript to book deal31:54 The importance of writing routines37:38 Navigating the emotional roller coaster of writing44:45 Top writing tips for aspiring authors46:57 Conclusion Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet Sebastian Smee, a Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic, who discusses his new book Paris in Ruins, its historical context, and the challenges of writing it. He also touches upon his previous book The Art of Rivalry, how to approach writing art criticism, and tips for aspiring writers. Sebastian now writes for The Washington Post, but got his start writing for The Sydney Morning Herald. He then went on to write for The Boston Globe, The Spectator, The Guardian, The Australian and more. 00:00 Introduction02:35 Nat Newman’s writing tip10:28 Win Endgame by Sarah Barrie12:44 Word of the week: Hypnagogic16:47 Interview with Sebastian Smee20:27 Diving into historical context20:59 Early career and education21:49 Breaking into art criticism23:55 Writing art reviews25:50 Journey to America27:34 The Art of Rivalry31:02 Crafting Paris in Ruins38:30 Challenges and reflections42:21 Advice for aspiring art critics47:57 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet Mitch Jennings, author of A Town Called Treachery, who shares his journey to becoming a novelist and his advice for aspiring writers. 00:00 Introduction00:27 Reinvention04:02 Writing opportunities and taking chances07:58 Writing tip: The Pomodoro Technique14:23 WIN: Everyone this Christmas Has A Secret by Benjamin Stevenson15:12 Word of the week: Claque18:32 Mitch Jennings and his page-turning novel A Town Called Treachery26:16 Balancing writing and family life28:00 Discovering writing process during COVID29:26 The role of mentorship and courses32:30 Crafting the story of A Town Called Treachery37:40 Journalism's influence on writing44:24 Entering and winning the Banjo Prize50:34 Advice for aspiring writers53:30 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet New York Times bestselling author Laura Dave, who talks about her latest novel The Night We Lost Him, her writing process, and adapting her hit novel The Last Thing He Told Me for television. Laura shares her approach to character development, writing routines, and advice for aspiring writers. She talks about the importance of dedication, routine, and what you need to do before seeking publication. 00:00 Introduction03:00 Nat Newman's writing tip05:46 Writing opportunities and tips10:51 Competition: Win The Dictionary of Terrible Ideas by Dominic Knight13.01 Word of the week: piacular16:16 Laura Dave, with of The Last Thing He Told Me and The Night We Lost Him23:26 From novel to screen24:57 The success and future of the series25:46 The role of music in writing29:12 Crafting characters and storylines40:44 Writing routine and research46:36 Advice for aspiring writers48:51 Fun fact Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet Amanda Willimott, who talks about her historical fiction novel Winter of the Wolf, informed by extensive research. Amanda reveals how she got her book deal with Penguin Random House and the power of persistence, planning and mentorship. 00:00 Introduction03:56 Writing tip: Attend events07:19 Competition: Win The Dictionary of Terrible Ideas by Dominic Knight09:25 Word of the week: Riparian10:48 Interview with Amanda Willimott, author of Winter of the Wolf25:24 Deciding to write a novel26:12 Setting goals and overcoming challenges27:56 The importance of planning and research29:35 Writing discipline and tracking progress36:04 Editing and refining the manuscript37:58 The path to publication41:19 Celebrating success and future plans45:11 Final thoughts and advice for aspiring writers47:13 Fun fact: What is a circadian novel? Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet bestselling author and screenwriter Christian White on his novel The Ledge and writing the Netflix hit Clickbait. his writing process, and his transition from books to screenwriting, including his work on TV shows like Clickbait and Apartment 7A. 00:00 Welcome to episode 63501:46 Nat Newman's writing tip02:41 Nat's creative writing journey04:34 The importance of elevator pitches09:07 Win: Cherrywood by Jock Serong11:20 Word of the week: Panoply14:01 Interview with Christian White, author of The Ledge31:43 The journey to Clickbait33:15 Balancing success and stress35:16 Appreciating the moment36:11 From Clickbait to Apartment 7A41:36 The collaborative process45:43 Balancing writing and family life55:30 Tips for aspiring writers01:01:29 Conclusion Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet Ariane Beeston, who shares insights into her powerful memoir Because I'm Not Myself, You See, exploring postpartum psychosis, her writing journey, and the therapeutic yet challenging process of recounting personal experiences. This memoir is brave and beautifully written. As a graduate of Australian Writers' Centre, we’re so thrilled for Ariane. 00:00 Introduction00:19 Using prompts to discover your character03:39 Nat Newman’s writing tip08:32 Setting writing goals11:23 Win: The Paris Gown by Christine Wells14:22 Word of the week: Vestige6:22 Interview with Ariane Beeston, author of Because I'm Not Myself, You See28:03 The proposal journey28:17 Navigating rejections and acceptances29:01 The challenge of writing a book29:26 Creative Nonfiction insights30:00 Seamlessly weaving research and personal story31:14 Overcoming personal obstacles32:35 The emotional toll of writing33:36 The urgency to finish34:58 Post-writing reflections35:49 The writing timeline36:52 Managing deadlines and mental health39:52 Reliving the past through writing42:04 Ethics and accuracy in memoir writing46:20 The book's impact and reader responses48:18 Top tips for writing a memoir54:02 Conclusion Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet bestselling author Paula Hawkins, whose new book The Blue Hour explores a psychological thriller set on a Scottish island. Paula discusses her writing process, research on art, transition from a finance journalist to a novelist, how she wrote four romance novels under a pen name and her experiences following the success of The Girl on the Train. She also shares her writing advice, emphasising the importance of feedback and understanding your readers’ experiences. 00:00 Introduction00:34 Writing tip with Nat Newman02:53 Storyboarding for writers06:22 Win: The Stranger at the Wedding by A. E. Gauntlett08:14 Word of the week: Palmy09:30 Paula Hawkins and her latest novel The Blue Hour21:19 From financial journalism to fiction21:46 First foray into fiction23:40 How Paula writes romance under a pseudonym24:52 Finding the right genre25:38 The birth of The Girl on the Train27:48 Dealing with success and pressure30:12 Writing process and challenges40:34 Advice for aspiring writers43:02 Fun fact: apophony Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet Ryan Butta, author of the new biography, The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli – a previously untold story of one of Australia’s forgotten wartime heroes. In this lively and interesting conversation, Ryan shares what led him to tell this particular story, his research process and other fascinating stories from here and overseas that inadvertently prepared him for a life as a published author. 00:00 Introduction and host welcome00:19 Upcoming travel writing course00:38 Special bonuses for enrollees05:42 Writing tip: Imagination game09:42 Win: Diving, Falling by Kylie Mirmohamadi11:32 Word of the week: Imbrication14:12 Interview with Ryan Butta28:36 Organising research and writing process30:13 Starting the writing journey31:23 From fiction to nonfiction34:18 Pitching and publishing success36:54 Challenges and realities of being published39:51 New projects and future plans45:48 Passion and motivation in writing49:50 Top tips for nonfiction writing Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet Dani Vee, publisher at Larrikin House, whose latest book is Riley's Failproof Guide to Breaking a School Record, and her soon-to-be-released book is My Pet Croc. Dani shares her writing process but also provides insights into the children’s publishing industry, her role as a publisher and what she is looking for in a manuscript. Dani discusses the importance of finding the right voice, creative control, and the submission process for aspiring authors. 00:00 Introduction to the podcast and special series02:14 Meet Dani Vee: Author, publisher, and podcaster03:43 Riley's fail-proof guide to breaking a school record05:02 From picture books to junior fiction06:00 The creative process and challenges of writing12:44 The magic of writing My Pet Croc14:43 Transitioning from teaching to publishing17:26 The role of a publisher in a small publishing house20:52 Exploring different book genres21:24 The story behind The Bogan Book Club22:20 The importance of voice in publishing23:33 Breaking stereotypes in literature24:26 Defining the Larrikin voice27:05 Submission process and common mistakes32:13 Working with authors: Challenges and considerations34:58 Evaluating submissions: Key questions37:36 Future plans and writing aspirations40:08 Conclusion and final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet writer and comedian Jennifer Wong, who discussed her new book Chopsticks or Fork, a nostalgic exploration of Chinese-Australian restaurants, based on her TV series. Jennifer shares insights into her writing journey and balancing her work across different media. 00:00 Introduction and welcome00:20 Catching up after a trip00:52 Listener shoutouts and publishing advice03:20 Writing tip from Nat Newman03:45 Exploring Disney Studios07:21 Writing tip: Take a research trip12:31 Competition announcement14:21 Word of the week15:07 Travel writing special edition course18:12 Interview with Jennifer Wong23:43 Finding the right talent for a show23:59 Comedy and personal growth25:06 Writing with personal experience27:15 Exploring favorite writing topics29:06 The journey of Chopsticks or Fork32:58 Creating a nostalgic and joyous book42:58 Balancing book promotion and new projects44:20 Upcoming shows and future plans48:34 Final thoughts and fun facts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet children's author Jess Horn, who shares her journey in writing, the inspiration behind her book Bernie Thinks in Boxes, and her intensive writing process. Jess also details her experience securing a book deal, the value of feedback, and the importance of community in the writing world. Jess provides tips for aspiring authors on maintaining passion, embracing feedback, and connecting with the writing community. 00:00 Introduction to the podcast01:09 App tip of the week: Clockify11:19 Interview with children's author Jess Horn13:46 Jess Horn's writing journey and tips23:05 Exciting news and future projects Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet Scott Ryder, a former Australian commando, who discusses his memoir Forged in Fire, detailing his 22-year military career and the transition to civilian life. Forged in Fire takes us inside the secretive world of the commandos. 00:00 Introduction01:18 Nat Newman’s writing tip09:15 Giveaway: The Blanket Cats by Kiyoshi Shigematsu11:31 Word of the week: lenitive12:11 Creative nonfiction13:44 Interview with Scott Ryder25:06 Reflecting on military life and writing26:04 The writing process: Chronology and challenges27:36 Confronting memories and emotional transparency29:27 The impact of writing on personal growth33:13 Transitioning to civilian life41:57 Fact-checking and authenticity in memoir writing43:29 Future plans and final thoughts48:43 Fun fact: Words that only exist in plural form49:39 Closing remarks Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet Sandhya Parappukkaran, a picture book author with four wonderful books that have all been shortlisted or have won Premier’s Literary awards. This is a huge achievement for this former food technologist who started writing picture books on a whim not that long ago! Sandhya discusses her journey to becoming an award-winning writer, the inspiration behind her stories, and shares valuable tips for aspiring picture book writers. 00:00 Introduction to the podcast00:20 Special series on children's authors01:48 Weekly app tip: Submittable07:53 Interview with Sandhya Parappukkaran09:14 Sandhya's journey to writing picture books14:40 The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name: From idea to book deal23:55 Exploring Sandhya's recent works33:12 Tips for aspiring picture book writers37:59 Conclusion Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet Lisa Kenway, author of the psychological thriller All You Took From Me. Lisa shares insights on how her medical background influenced her novel, the exhaustive research involved in writing about medieval reenactment, and the persistence required to secure a publishing deal after three years of pitching. 00:00 Introduction02:25 Nat Newman's creative insights05:43 Writing tips and techniques10:22 Giveaway: Klim by Michael Klim12:20 Word of the week: triskelion15:19 Interview with Lisa Kenway, author of All You Took From Me23:20 NaNoWriMo success strategies25:54 Researching for authenticity30:03 Crafting twists and red herrings32:41 The journey to getting published44:11 Balancing writing with a medical career47:19 Top tips for aspiring writers50:42 Conclusion and final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet Bec Nanayakkara who discusses her journey to becoming a published picture book author. Bec reveals how she got her book deals, her writing techniques, the illustration process, and much more. Also discover how our app recommendation can help you keep track of submissions.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:20 Special Series on Children's Authors01:55 App Tip of the Week06:56 Course Spotlight: Writing Picture Books09:07 Interview with Bec Nanayakkara09:53 Bec's Journey to Publication10:32 The Book Star: Inspiration and Process16:02 Grow Big Little Seed: Themes and Illustrations23:15 Future Projects and Final Thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet Sandie Docker, who shares her journey and strategies for ensuring longevity in your author career. Sandie emphasises the importance of networking, connecting with readers, and seeking help in areas outside of one’s expertise. She also discusses her role in starting the Northern Beaches Readers Festival and how it has benefited her career. 00:00 Introduction00:19 Upcoming webinar on avoiding infringement in fiction writing03:38 Nat Newman's lighthouse residency experience07:27 Writing tips from Nat Newman12:45 Exciting book giveaway: The Oxenbridge King by Christine Paice16:07 Word of the week: Gravamen17:45 Interview with author Sandie Docker27:06 Establishing an author career28:47 Building industry relationships33:40 Connecting with readers37:02 The role of an agent41:06 Starting a literary festival48:35 Writing routine and final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cassy Polimeni discusses her journey to becoming an author, the process of writing and publishing her books The Garden at the End of the World and Ella and The Amazing Frog Orchestra, and valuable insights into writing for the children's market. 00:00 Introduction to the podcast02:02 Writing tips with Nat Newman09:46 Interview with Cassy Polimeni11:21 Writing and publishing children's books13:34 Crafting Ella and The Amazing Frog Orchestra20:25 Cassy’s writing process and routine27:28 Future plans and final thoughts28:53 Conclusion and course promotion Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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