Brendan Cowell talks about the writing process for his novel Plum. 

We discussed writing craft aspects including:

- how the main theme of the novel ripples through every character

- why structure is where the magic lies

- why Brendan decided to plot this particular novel

- how he broke the novel into micro-beats

- the influence his publisher Catherine Milne had on the work

- how he writes authentic dialogue

- what his experience as a playwright and screenwriter brings to his novel writing

You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of Plum here.

ABOUT BRENDAN COWELL

Brendan is an award-winning writer, actor and director for television, theatre and film. He wrote the smash hit RUBEN GUTHRIE for Belvoir St Theatre in 2009, and wrote and directed the film adaptation, winning an AWGIE for the screenplay. Brendan wrote two episodes of the multi award-winning series THE SLAP for which he won the AACTA Best Screenplay prize. He has been named the 'leading light amongst playwrights of his generation' (The Sun Herald) and has won the Patrick White Playwright's Award, the Philip Parsons Young Playwright's Award and the Griffin Award. His 11 plays have been produced all around the world. He was a writer on the acclaimed TV series LOVE MY WAY, in which he starred. Many of his episodes for LOVE MY WAY were nominated for Australian Writers Guild Awards (AWGIE) for Outstanding Screenplay. Brendan is based between New Zealand, Sydney and London, and yet remains a loyal Cronulla Sharks fan. Brendan's bestselling debut novel How It Feels was published by Pan Macmillan in 2010 and Plum was published by HarperCollins Australian in 2021.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendanbcowell/

To enter this month’s competition, head to Writers Book Club Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.

Order Plum by Brendan Cowell here. 

Order The First Summer of Callie McGee here.

Order Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray by Anita Heiss here.

This podcast is recorded on the beautiful, unceded lands of the Garigal people of the Eora nation.

Full show notes available at writersbookclubpodcast.com