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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.
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Collaborative writing is fairly rare in the world of publishing – and writing while working alongside each other in a bookshop cafe is even rarer! But that was exactly how friends and workmates Clayton Zane Comber and Conor McCammon went about co-authoring their new junior fiction illustrated adventure, The Marvellous Submarine. In this episode, they share their experience creating the story together, illustrating it and getting it published. 00:00 Welcome05:32 Writing tip: Using paintings as a writing prompt06:54 WIN!: The Verifiers by Jane Pek09:27 Word of the week: ‘Blatherskite’10:40 The world of words: ‘Thank you’12:25 Writers in residence: Clayton Zane Comber and Conor McCammon13:40 Describing The Marvellous Submarine14:30 The inspiration for the project17:33 Writing for a particular age group19:59 How sharing the writing worked24:53 The inconsistencies of bizarre worlds25:49 Conor on illustrating the book29:27 The defining moment of the project31:49 Their publishing journey35:30 The book promotion experience39:53 Advice for aspiring authors42:45 Upcoming projects44:44 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.
Arrrr me hearties! That’s right, landlubbers – this week we walk the plank to delve into the intriguing real history of female pirates as Francesca de Tores discusses her new historical fiction novel, 'Saltblood.' Francesca goes into her meticulous research process, spanning everything from nautical details to the lives of real historical figures, plus shares a surprising ‘Comic Sans’ tip for writers! 00:00 Welcome07:36 Writing tip: Social media for writers11:15 WIN!: When We Were Monsters by Jennifer Niven12:55 Word of the week: ‘Virga’16:19 Writer in residence: Francesca de Tores17:07 Francesca outlines ‘Saltblood’18:20 What drew her to writing about female pirates19:42 The public perception of pirates21:55 Francesca’s pirate research for the book25:21 Nautical research and influences28:23 Transition to historical fiction30:37 Publishing journey and challenges33:45 Using a different pen name36:32 Writing routine and tips38:34 Upcoming projects and inspirations41:37 Francesca shares her writing tips44:38 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.
Have you noticed how everything Korean is so hot right now? From Squid Game to KPop Demon Hunters, the world is enamoured. Of course, for bestselling Korean-Kiwi author and AWC graduate Graci Kim, trends had nothing to do with her choice to mix stories from childhood with fantasy in her new novel, Dreamslinger. In this episode, Graci discusses the many experiences and inspirations that led her to this point, her writing process, advice and much more! 00:00 Welcome03:29 Writing tip: Reread a book you hated07:02 WIN!: We’ll Prescribe You Another Cat by Syou Ishida09:01 Word of the week: ‘Pantechnicon’10:40 The world of words: ‘Practice vs Practise’12:38 Writer in residence: Graci Kim13:30 Graci’s fascinating pre-writing lives21:07 Her relationship with writing over the years22:59 Rediscovering childhood stories and purpose25:40 Embracing her Korean name and heritage27:19 Graci’s journey into writing YA Fantasy31:21 Discovering a community through AWC32:00 The value of the Novel Writing Essentials course33:54 How Graci went about getting an agent37:13 Joining ‘Rick Riordan Presents’38:54 Introducing her new book, Dreamslinger40:35 What she did differently in this series.42:22 Graci’s world-building process43:33 Fun extras and connecting with fans48:06 Her writing routine and her creative process49:50 Advice for aspiring writers53:23 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.
What if you could be locked away simply for having disturbing dreams? That’s part of the premise in internationally acclaimed author Laila Lalami’s latest novel, The Dream Hotel. In this episode, Laila discusses the themes that inspired and eventually mirrored her book, along with her background in writing, her daily routine, writing tips and more. 00:00 Welcome04:50 Writing tip: Avoid clichés!07:58 WIN!: A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan09:35 Word of the week: ‘Apophenia’10:03 Writer in residence: Laila Lalami11:02 Laila outlines The Dream Hotel12:17 Speculative Fiction and real-world parallels14:20 The language of this near future world19:40 Dreams and their cultural significance21:58 Speculative Fiction and dreams as data22:50 Researching the novel27:17 The role of algorithms in society30:11 Laila’s journey to becoming a writer34:33 Balancing teaching and writing37:27 The challenges of book promotion39:20 Future writing projects40:59 Laila’s writing tips42:43 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.
With more than 35 books under her belt, Australian author Christine Keighery has written across a range of age groups and genres. In this episode, she shares some insights from that time, along with details about writing her latest adult thriller, We’re Not Us Without You – all about modern day cults. 00:00 Welcome03:58 Writing tip: ‘Your best friend’s work’07:58 WIN!: The Bourne Escape by Brian Freeman10:55 Word of the week: ‘Desideratum’11:28 The world of words: Riband vs. Ribbon13:33 Writer in residence: Christine Keighery15:15 Christine’s fascination with cults17:17 Getting to know her characters20:20 Writing four perspectives22:00 Having great editors23:40 Religion vs cults25:20 The ingredients of a good thriller26:13 Balancing character and plot27:05 Transitioning from junior fiction to adult fiction28:27 Writing the Go Girl series33:02 The importance of character in all writing36:21 Christine's writing process40:56 Advice for aspiring writers45:28 What's next for Christine?47:04 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.
Do you love true-crime podcasts? Author A.L. Tait got obsessed with them for a while and pulled those themes into her latest middle-grade crime-thriller novel Danger Road. She joins us to discuss her experience writing and publishing this one, along with her busy year of writing, her process and how she found her unique voice. 00:00 Welcome02:51 Writing tip: ‘Geolocating writing prompts’06:26 WIN!: Lights, Camera, Love by Natalie Murray09:36 Word of the week: ‘Objurgate’10:13 Writer in residence: A.L. Tait12:00 The inspirations for Danger Road16:41 Creating distinctive voices20:07 A busy year of writing.23:48 The importance of continuous writing24:41 Challenges of underwriting27:21 How Tait found her storytelling voice30:09 The ‘Your Kid’s Next Read’ community34:43 On writing nonfiction and ghostwriting36:00 Say yes to new writing avenues and genres38:18 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.
How do you go about adapting a stage play into a compelling murder mystery novel? For acclaimed actor and playwright Toby Schmitz, this was his challenge in creating his debut, The Empress Murders – set on the high seas amid the glamour and clamour 1920s. In this episode, Toby shares his inspirations, aspirations and perspirations in bringing his story to the page. 00:00 Welcome02:29 Writing tip: ‘Magazine apps to combat doomscrolling’07:32 WIN!: Arcana Academy by Elise Kova10:30 Word of the week: ‘Vicissitude’11:11 The world of words: Tack vs. Tact12:59 Writer in residence: Toby Schmitz14:02 Toby describes The Empress Murders16:06 Storytelling in the 1920s18:11 Themes of colonialism20:19 How the story started as a play22:05 Defining what an Australian story is26:17 The journey from play to novel27:01 Finding freedom in novel writing27:22 Crafting the story with index cards28:13 Maintaining the playwright's touch29:32 Exploring colonial guilt30:30 Switching genres throughout32:32 Inspirations for Toby35:36 Navigating historical authenticity37:16 The research process39:11 The emotional experience of publishing43:10 Reflections on feedback and notes45:08 Hopes for the reader's experience46:36 Acknowledging influences and support49:19 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.
When award-winning author Demet Divaroren decided to write a fantasy novel, she went down a completely different path first, before finally arriving at what would become Blood Moon Bride. In this discussion, Demet shares the inspiration for this YA fantasy novel, the creative freedom of writing in this genre and how motherhood changed her perspective on storytelling. 00:00 Welcome04:51 Writing tip: ‘Tinder for writers’08:45 WIN!: A Passion for Passion by Alice Fraser11:53 Word of the week: ‘Kickshaw’12:25 Writer in residence: Demet Divaroren16:00 Starting with a different book19:45 Creating a fantasy world22:13 Writing for young adults25:42 Balancing writing and life26:12 How motherhood changed her writing29:14 The publishing journey32:07 The magic of writing33:08 Promoting the book35:16 Future projects 37:00 Demet shares a writing tip38:05 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.
When Toby Walsh wrote his first book on AI, he figured he’d said all he had to say. But just a handful of years later, this British computer scientist and current Chief Scientist at UNSW Sydney’s AI Institute is here to discuss his FIFTH book, The Shortest History of AI – how it came about and some of the challenges around explaining this subject to a general audience. 00:00 Welcome10:05 Writing tip: ‘Just start writing’12:52 WIN!: The Midnight Estate by Kelly Rimmer14:39 Word of the week: ‘Psithurism’15:09 Writer in residence: Toby Walsh15:55 Explaining The Shortest History of AI17:00 Deciding on the six ideas for the book18:25 How Toby developed his writing voice20:06 Balancing the academia and hysteria22:37 The purpose of writing AI books23:24 The challenges of writing for the public25:00 On becoming an accidental science communicator28:03 The secret circle of science communicators29:58 Untimely deaths in the timeline of AI30:30 Adding his expertise to the ‘Shortest’ series32:20 On designing his book cover and subtitle35:48 The role of great editors in writing37:24 Toby’s late night writing process 38:55 His next book project39:59 A pivot to writing fiction?42:07 Toby’s tip for writers43:23 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.
Self-confessed writing course junkie and former lawyer Sarah Clutton’s central character literally appeared at the door while she was busy writing another book at the end of the world. In this episode, Sarah elaborates on this unusual inspiration and her writing process for her new novel, The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains. 00:00 Welcome05:54 Writing tip: ‘Number your pages!’09:35 WIN!: Chinese Parents Don't Say I Love You by Candice Chung11:09 Word of the week: ‘AA Lava’13:09 The world of words: ‘Filling out vs Filling in’14:46 Writer in residence: Sarah Clutton15:35 Explaining The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains17:30 Sarah’s early years19:00 Getting started as a writer via lawyering up22:01 Taking courses with the Australian Writers’ Centre24:37 On creating Alfie Bains: inspirations and challenges27:09 Turning 50 and crafting a witchy thriller in Tasmania31:08 Alfie comes knocking at the door34:51 Sarah’s writing process – have a deadline!37:58 What it’s like living in a book town 39:07 Sarah’s next book: a sneak peek40:06 Themes and messages of the book41:43 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.
What effect has the internet, social media and AI had on language? Should you judge a book by its cover? This week, linguistic legend and British OBE recipient David Crystal joins us to discuss all things words, idioms, dialects and the curious facts he found while researching his latest publication, Bookish Words. 00:00 Welcome10:07 Writing tip: ‘Write your Why’12:47 WIN!: Audition by Katie Kitamura14:09 Word of the week: ‘Testudo’16:37 World of Words: ‘One Fell Swoop’18:06 Writer in residence: David Crystal19:19 David’s love of words21:30 The wonders of different dialects22:30 Language and change27:16 Discussing his latest title, Bookish Words33:00 Judging a book by its cover36:05 British and American English differences37:59 The Influence of Sports on Language40:18 David and Dean discuss puns42:11 Nat’s question corner: balancing form and meaning46:33 The role of technology and social media49:30 Language in a world of AI51:34 The impact of COVID-19 on language53:14 Tips on making your writing engaging55:27 David reading preferences01:05:00 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.
How much research is too much when writing historical fiction? This is just one of the topics that bestselling author Emilia Hart discusses in this episode as she shares details of her latest novel, The Sirens – a blend of nautical history and fantasy across two stories separated by time and distance. 00:00 Welcome04:23 Writing tip: ‘The Most Dangerous Writing App’07:25 WIN!: The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs08:51 Word of the week: ‘Luthier’11:01 Writer in residence: Emilia Hart12:48 Inspirations for the books two timelines19:45 Writing about Australia during the pandemic20:24 Exploring the themes of distance and journey22:17 Researching convict history25:00 Note taking methods25:59 The importance of her day job in her writing 28:11 Deleting 300,000 words30:00 There’s no such thing as a perfect draft30:32 Learning to sail for the book31:20 The book deal and publishing process32:50 Balancing writing with public engagement35:10 Emilia’s writing tips37:29 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.
Should all picture books rhyme? Why use animals as characters? And what’s the deal with working with an illustrator? Picture book author (of more than 15 books) Rory H. Mather joins the podcast in this episode to discuss all of these things, as well as his own journey into the industry, and his latest titles, Laugh in the Bath and Mumma Bear. 00:00 Welcome04:20 Writing tip: Learn to play an instrument (sort of)08:23 WIN!: The CIA Book Club by Charlie English11:40 Word of the week: ‘Psephology’12:30 The world of words: Capitalising the seasons14:05 Writer in residence: Rory H. Mather15:00 Rory explains his love of writing picture books18:45 How Rory got his start22:55 Where he gets his ideas from26:30 Why writing animals can be a good thing27:47 The importance of curiosity29:40 A discussion about picture books that rhyme31:39 Who is the picture book audience?32:30 Working with illustrators37:00 Selling books to publishers40:48 Remembering the first book he signed41:30 The economics of picture book writing42:30 Telling succinct stories45:05 Writing longer books47:33 More books coming up49:30 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.
How important is it to have a unique author voice? Hugely important, says author Mandy Beaumont while discussing her late 1980s true-crime inspired novel The Thrill of It. Mandy discusses her inspiration for the book, unique stylistic and narrative choices she made, and more. 00:00 Welcome03:04 Writing tip: What to do while ‘changing eyeballs’06:38 WIN!: The Wrong Daughter by Dandy Smith08:07 Word of the week: ‘Falderal’11:23 Writer in residence: Mandy Beaumont12:20 Overview of The Thrill of It13:10 Mandy’s true crime inspirations17:55 Choosing a unique narrative style20:13 Researching and organising the details24:50 The publishing journey with Hachette28:17 Mandy’s writing process and routine32:13 Balancing writing with other jobs33:26 Short stories versus novels35:08 Publicity and promotion37:14 Upcoming projects and inspirations38:56 Mandy’s writing tips41:14 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.
They always say ‘write what you know’, right? Well, authors Gareth and Louise Ward (two British ex-cops who moved to New Zealand and opened a bookshop) fully leaned into it with The Bookshop Detectives series – all about, you guessed it, British ex-cops who move to New Zealand and open a bookshop! The murders are fiction though – and they join the podcast to share their experience writing book 2 in the series. 00:00 Welcome02:56 Writing tip: yWriter app04:47 WIN!: Whisky Valley by Joan Sauers06:04 Word of the week: ‘Moiety’07:26 The world of words: 'Jail' vs ‘Gaol’09:28 Writers in residence: Gareth and Louise Ward10:35 Gareth’s other writing and magician life12:36 Buying a bookshop together15:17 Leaning into ‘write what you know’18:18 The collaboration process21:38 Incorporating local culture and the setting24:12 Real-life inspiration for the book 2 climax25:37 Advice for aspiring cosy crime writers28:24 Tips on co-writing a book30:10 The value of constructive feedback31:27 Future projects and adventures35:15 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.
What kind of life-spanning damage can parents do to their children? Award-winning author Barry Jonsberg explores this and themes of masculinity in his latest YA novel, Darkest Night, Brightest Star. Barry joins the podcast to share his inspiration for the story and insights into his writing process. 00:00 Welcome04:18 Writing tip: Supporting other writers07:32 WIN!: Best Left Buried by Neil A. White10:04 Word of the week: ‘Hyperborean’11:39 Writer in residence: Barry Johnsberg12:12 Describing of Darkest Night, Brightest Star17:00 Writing quieter characters like Morgan20:54 The theme of toxic masculinity22:04 Understanding Morgan's father23:38 Crafting Three-Dimensional Characters25:10 The writing process from draft to publication27:26 Challenges of commissioned writing30:04 Writing for Young Adults34:09 Balancing full-time writing and life36:50 Current and future projects39:57 Advice for aspiring writers42:34 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.
A lighthouse on the gloomy shores of 1921 is where we take you in this episode, as we meet AWC alumna and author Camille Booker and her gothic historical mystery, The Woman in the Waves. Camille shares her inspirations and experience writing the book and the AWC course that helped her weave the stories together in this specific world. 00:00 Welcome04:25 Writing tip: Pacemaker Planner app05:44 WIN!: My Name is Emelia Del Valle by Isabel Allende09:31 Word of the week: ‘Loquacious’10:56 The world of words: Story vs Storey12:09 Writer in residence: Camille Booker14:12 Camille’s inspirations for The Woman in the Waves15:30 Choosing the timeframe19:55 Techniques Camille used to create the mood22:00 Populating the world of the novel23:20 The mechanics of writing – software and notes24:40 Inspired by Kate Forsyth’s ‘History, Mystery and Magic’ course25:57 Creative writing advice27:44 Camille’s publishing journey her novel30:34 On being a manuscript reader and judge32:14 Promoting the book34:55 Historical fiction writing tips37:00 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.
What is a ‘palate cleanser’ book? Author Lynette Noni has written one – pivoting from writing fantasy to a stand-alone contemporary YA romance Wandering Wild, and in this episode she discusses why she chose to write it, her experience researching its plot, her process and more. 00:00 Welcome03:38 Writing tip: Public Domain Review05:44 WIN!: All the Perfect Days by Michael Thompson07:31 Word of the week: ‘Sequacious’08:45 Writer in residence: Lynette Noni09:23 Lynette’s journey to writing Wandering Wild12:23 Moving from fantasy to this book19:32 Writing in dual POV and real-world building22:00 Researching adventure and survival25:18 Balancing fiction and reality26:45 Character development29:57 The importance of writing healthy friendships35:06 Lynette’s full time writing routine37:14 Engaging with readers through events41:18 Upcoming projects43:43 Lynette’s top tips for writers45:38 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.
What does homelessness look like to you? In this episode, author Michelle Prak tells her latest story – thriller novel Barren Cape – through the lens of the housing affordability crisis. Michelle chats to us about the book's inspiration, her own writing beginnings and much more! 00:00 Welcome03:20 Writing tip: Visit museums for inspiration06:24 WIN!: Invisible Woman by Katia Lief08:15 Word of the week: ‘Koan’11:27 The World of words: Compliment vs complement13:31 Writer in residence: Michelle Prak14:33 Overview of the novel Barren Cape16:20 The explosion of the Aussie crime genre17:21 Author inspirations19:32 The little red typewriter21:39 Balancing writing and life responsibilities23:25 Exploring themes of homelessness in Barren Cape27:54 Inspiration behind the setting and characters31:04 Writing multiple perspectives33:10 On writing younger characters36:57 Michelle’s daily writing habits and process39:16 Upcoming projects 40:35 Advice for aspiring thriller writers41:52 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.
Ever wondered what an 18th century mashup of two fairytales would look like? AWC alumna and fantasy author Kell Woods did – and the result is her latest adult fantasy novel, Upon a Starlit Tide. Kell discusses her experience writing the book, online tools, research trips and more! 00:00 Welcome04:27 Writing tip: Don’t aim for perfection05:58 WIN!: Julie Chan is Dead by Liann Zhang07:21 Word of the week: ‘Geologise’09:10 Writer in residence: Kell Woods10:15 Describing her latest book, Upon a Starlit Tide12:45 Mixing the ‘Cinderella’ and ‘The Little Mermaid’16:20 A very busy year – book one to book two19:00 Overcoming impostor syndrome20:45 The publishing experience24:22 Balancing writing and promoting25:40 Writing to deadlines28:30 Kell’s research and writing tools 30:44 Becoming a ‘bestselling author’32:31 The impact of book subscription services35:12 Research and using libraries38:54 International research trips and using video43:14 Balancing writing and marketing44:11 Future projects and writing timelines51:08 Advice for aspiring writers53:47 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.
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