Better Words

Welcome to The Re-Read: bonus episodes where we chat with previous Better Words guests and catch up on what's happened since they joined us on the pod. Libby Page became a Sunday Times bestselling author with her debut The Lido and has since become a staple of the 'up-lit' genre with her following novels The 24-Hour Cafe, The Island Home, and The Vintage Shop. Before becoming an author, Libby worked in journalism and marketing. She is a keen outdoor swimmer and lives in Somerset with her husband and young son. Today, we're discussing her upcoming novel, The Lifeline, which sees the return of a beloved character from The Lido.You can follow Libby @libbypagewrite on Instagram and read more of her writing over on Substack – where you can also follow us for lots of extra book recommendations. In this interview, we chat about:Why returning to the world of The Lido was never inevitable How becoming a mum influenced The Lifeline and why Libby wanted to explore the (still somewhat taboo) topic of post-partum mental healthKeeping the love for something when it becomes your careerWhat Libby's learned about the publishing process since her debut novelThe Lifeline is published on April 25 in Australia and the UK. Thanks to Orion for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Welcome to The Re-Read: bonus episodes where we chat with previous Better Words guests and catch up on what's happened since they joined us on the pod. Dr Jodi McAlister is a romance author and romance scholar. Her latest novel is Not Here To Make Friends.Listen to our previous chat with Jodi here.You can follow @jodimcalister on InstagramIn this interview, we chat about:The complex reality TV world Jodi created across her rom-com trilogy, including exploring the series 'villains' in the final bookWriting the third book in dual perspective and why this took Jodi by surprise (and why it was 'harder than all six of my previous books combined')Could Love Island inspire another series in the future?How Jodi planned the series, including plotting a season of a fictional dating showJodi's next romance series and upcoming academic projectsNot Here to Make Friends is available now in Australia, along with Jodi's other books. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Emma Darragh spends most of her time on Gadigal and Dharawal Lands. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Wollongong, where she works as a sessional academic. Her writing has appeared in numerous Australian publications, including Cordite, Westerly, Meniscus, TEXT, and The Big Issue Fiction Edition. Emma’s debut novel-in-stories, Thanks for Having Me, is published by JOAN.Our interview begins at  25:00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: Prima Facie by Suzie MillerTessa has built a prestigious career as a barrister, a world away from her working-class roots. But when she is raped on a date with a colleague, she must reckon with everything she's believed about the law and justice. This is a stunning, thought-provoking and emotional novel. Michelle received a copy for review from the publisher in the UK. In this interview, we chat about:The story cycle format of Thanks for Having MeHow the character of Vivienne inspired the novelHow you structure a novel that's intentionally meant to be read out of order and the way Emma approached the writing processEmma's journey to publicationBooks and other things mentioned:The Work by Bri LeeRBG (play by Suzi Miller)Eggshell Skull by Bri LeeOlive Kitteridge by Elizabeth StroutA Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer EganDubliners by James JoyceAlice Munro (author)Rubik by Elizabeth TanThe Flight of Birds by Joshua LobbFollow @emmaldarragh on Instagram.Thanks for Having Me is available in Australia now. Thank you to the publisher for providing copies in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Lottie Hazell is a contemporary literary scholar, board game designer and writer in Warwickshire. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing and her research considers food-writing in 21st Century fiction. Today, we’re discussing her debut novel Piglet. Our interview begins at  16:00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: So Fetch: The Making of Mean Girls by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong*A fascinating look behind the scenes of the iconic movie with so many interesting tidbits from those involved. Michelle recommends: The Whalebone Theatre by Julia QuinnA beautiful family saga following three children growing up in a crumbling English manor house by the sea, spanning from 1919 to the end of World War Two. In this interview, we chat about:Family, aspiration and why perception is so vital to PigletThe 'contract' between the author and the reader and why Lottie wanted to play with that in revealing aspects of Piglet's storyFood, desire and the connection with familyLottie's academic focus on food-centred fiction and how this led to writing PigletLottie's venture into boardgame designing with her partnerBooks and other things mentioned:Sex and the City and Us by Jennifer Keishin ArmstrongSimple Comforts by Mary BerryRamsey in Ten by Gordon RamseyThe Roasting Tin series by Rukmini IyerThe Farm Tabel by Julius RobertsLeague of Lexicon (game) Follow Lottie on Instagram @LDHazellPiglet is available in the UK, US and Australia now! Thank you to the publisher for providing us with copies in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Madeleine Gray is a writer and critic from Sydney. She was a 2021 Finalist for the Walkley Pascall Prize for Arts Criticism and has written for many publications. She also lived in the UK for several years, has an MSt in English Literature from the University of Oxford and is a current (remote) doctoral candidate at the University of Manchester. Green Dot is her debut novel.Our interview begins at  20.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: Reputation by Lex CroucherMean Girls meets Bridgerton in this Regency-era romance. Add in a queer focus and we're absolutely here for it. Reputation is a delightful read, perfect for a holiday or devouring over a weekend. We can't wait to read Lex's other romance novels. In this interview, we chat about:Hera's job as a comment moderator at a large news publicationExploring Hera's experience as a bi woman in her first straight-passing relationshipHera and her single dad's relationship (and why it's the best)Madeleine's unique journey to publicationInternational cover (and name) changesThe reception from readers and what that means to MadeleineBooks and other things mentioned:Listen to our interview with Lex CroucherGentleman Jack (TV series)'The first modern lesbian' Anne ListerWe Had to Remove This Post by Hanna BervoetsIn At the Deep End by Kate DaviesPride (film)Gay's The Word bookshop, LondonNeon Roses by Rachel DawsonBook Bar bookshop, LondonFollow @gray_madeleine_ on Twitter or visit Madeleine's WebsiteGreen Dot is available now in Australia and the UK. Thank you to the publishers for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Kelly McCaughrain is a YA writer from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Her first book, Flying Tips for Flightless Birds won the Children's Books Ireland Book of the Year Award and NI Book Award. She was the Queens University Belfast Children's Writing Fellow 2019-2021. Her new YA, Little Bang, is about teen pregnancy and was published by Walker Books in January 2024. When she's not writing she's mentoring teen writers with Fighting Words NI or travelling in her ancient VW campervan, Gerda. Our interview begins at  27.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: Cherry Beach by Laura McPhee-BrowneChildhood best friends Hetty and Ness leave Melbourne to live abroad in Canada. This is a beautiful exploration of friendship and love, found through a library 'blind date with a book'. It felt like it took a while to read, but I really wanted to savour this writing.Michelle recommends: Everyone On This Train is a Suspect by Benjamin StevensonThis is a sequel, but you don't have to have read Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone to enjoy this witty and clever murder mystery. In this fiction disguised as a memoir, several mystery writers on a literary festival train journey must utilise their 'expertise' to investigate when one of their own is killed. A copy was provided by the publisher for review.In this interview, we chat about:The inequality of pregnancy and motherhood and how Kelly tackled this in a novel for teen readersWhy a dual perspective was the best way to tell this storyHow to represent the nuance of the abortion debate and teen pregnancy through Mel and SidThe importance of exploring friendship dynamics alongside the pregnancy storylineHow growing up in Northern Ireland during The Troubles impacted Kelly's writingThe importance of humour in dealing with tough situationsHow a story competition helped Kelly score an agentThe difference between writing her debut novel and this second novelWhy it's so inspiring to teach creative writing to teensBooks and other things mentioned:I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamaraBrooklyn by Colm TóibínRebecca Kuang (author)The Afterparty (TV series)Shameless (podcast)Olive by Emma GannonDerry Girls (TV series)Sinéad Morrissey (poet)Follow @kmccaughrain on InstagramLittle Bang is available now. Thank you to Walker Books for sending copies of the books in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Welcome to our favourite episode: the yearly wrap! We're sharing our reading stats, 2024 goals and the books, TV, film and audio we loved in 2023. Make sure you're also following us on Substack. On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to – and we try to keep these separate from regular episode recommendations. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Thank you for joining us in 2023 and supporting our wonderful authors. We love hearing your thoughts on the episodes and what books you've been inspired to pick up – even if it's an older episode. You can also connect with us on Instagram @betterwordspodWe're keeping recommendations brief. If we've featured or discussed the book before, we'll link to the episode.Any PR/review copies marked with *We kick off with a wrap-up of our reading stats for the year: how many books and pages, the moods and re-reads. Our awards category of favourite books kicks off at 21:002023 debut book Caitlin: One Day We’re All Going To Die by Elise Esther Hearst* (our interview)Michelle: In Memoriam by Alice WinnNon-fictionCaitlin: The House that Joy Built by Holly Ringland*Michelle: Say Nothing by Patrick Radden KeefeBy someone who has never been a podcast guestCaitlin: After the Forest by Kell Woods* Michelle: The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donohue Australian fictionCaitlin: Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton*Michelle: Duck a l’Orange for Breakfast by Karina May* (our interview)RomanceCaitlin: Bound to Happen by Jonathon Shannon* (our interview)Michelle: Wild Things by Laura Kay Honourable mention: The Wake Up Call by Beth O'LearyGeneral fictionCaitlin: One Love by Matt Cain* (our interview)Michelle: Playing Games by Huma Qureshi* (our interview)Young adultCaitlin: Two Can Play That Game by Leanne Yong* (our interview)Michelle: Little Bang by Kelly McCaughrain*Honourable mention: Happy Head by Josh Silver (our interview)Most surprisingCaitlin: West Side Honey by Claire Christian* (our interview)Michelle: Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllisterFave CoverCaitlin: Yellowface by Rebecca Kuang*Michelle: Homecoming by Kate Morton – Australian coverRecommendations for each otherCaitlin: We Could Be Something by Will KostakisMichelle: Factory Girls by Michelle...

Matt Cain is an author, broadcaster and former journalist. He was Channel 4’s first Culture Editor, Editor in Chief of Attitude magazine and currently a presenter for Virgin Radio Pride UK. He grew up in Bolton in England’s north and now lives in London. Today, we’re discussing his upcoming novel, One Love. Our interview begins at  28.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: You Could Be So Pretty by Holly Bourne*Holly Bourne's latest YA novel takes the pressures of social media and society and notches it up in an intense dystopian exploration of feminism. Thank you to Usborne Books for sending copies for review. Michelle recommends: Weyward by Emilia HartA gripping and emotional story of three generations of women told through alternating timelines. We don't often share interviews ahead of publication, but if you're in the UK and would like to pre-order a signed copy, you can do so through Gay's the Word or Gay Pride Shop. In this interview, we chat about:Why One Love is a slight departure from Matt's previous two novels Exploring class, straight-passing privilege and intersectionality through main characters Danny and GuyEncouraging and allowing people to change their mindsBody image in the queer communityCrowdfunding Matt's novel The Madonna of Bolton and overcoming prejudice in publishingLayton Williams, who recorded the audiobook for Albert Entwhistle, and Nikita on Strictly Come Dancing 2023 and breaking barriers for future generationsBooks and other things mentioned:Only Ever Yours by Louise O'NeillThe Burning by Laura BatesThe Curious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice HallettThe Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett (listen to our interview)The Flat Share by Beth O'LearyPromising Young Woman (film)Rubaiyat of Omar KhayyamThe Somerton ManThe mystery of The Somerton Man finally solved after 70 yearsI'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamaraThe Longest Shadow (TV series)Happy Head by Josh Silver (listen to our interview)One Day by David NichollsWild Things by Laura Kay (and check out our episodes here and here)Upper...

Huma Qureshi is an award-winning author and journalist. Her memoir How We Met: A Memoir of Love and Other Misadventures was shortlisted for the Books Are My Bag Indie Readers Award. Her short story collection, Things We Do Not Tell the People We Love was longlisted for several awards. She has also worked and written for The Guardian and The Observer, among other publications. Today we’re discussing her debut novel, Playing Games. Our interview begins at  24.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: Directed by James Burrows: Five Decades of Stories from the Legendary Director of Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, and MoreA fascinating look behind the scenes of some of the most iconic TV sitcoms including Cheers, Frasier and Friends. Michelle recommends: Brooklyn by Colm TobainAn emotional journey as a young Irish woman chooses between two lives in the 1950s. One of Michelle's all-time favourites – what did she think of it six years on from first reading it?*Note: Michelle says it was published in 2019, but she meant 2009.In this interview, we chat about:Our obsession as readers with knowing whether a novel is inspired by real-lifeWhere is the line between stealing a story and being inspired by it?Huma's focus on creating a nuanced portrayal of sisters and their complicated relationshipHow to represent the creative process on the pageThe beauty of short stories and how it started Huma's journey to publicationHuma's creative writing courses and how it enhances her craftBooks and other things mentioned:Long Island by Colm TobainCat Person (short story)Bad Art Friend (short story)Holly Bourne on Emma Gannon's Ctrl Alt DeleteYellowface by Rebecca F KuangBetween Us by Mhairi McFarlaneAlice Munro (author)Follow Huma @humaqureshiwriterPlaying Games is available now. Thank you to Sceptre for providing us with copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Megan Williams won the 2022 Text Prize for her debut YA novel Let’s Never Speak of This Again. She lives in Brisbane with her husband and their three children.Our interview begins at  14.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! And take a look at our festive recommendations here! Caitlin recommends: Heartstopper Vol 5A beautiful continuation of Nick and Charlie's story. This series is perfect, we couldn't love it more. Michelle recommends: The Gifts by Laura BarnettA heartwarming festive novel, told through 12 interconnecting stories of people searching for gifts for their loved ones. In this interview, we chat about:Teenage friendship circles and having a 'best friend'Writing realistic parents in YAComing up with book titlesExploring different types of grief through a teen lensHow Megan wrote around parenting two (now three) small childrenBooks and other things mentioned:Recommendation culture on Cool Story by Bri and BridieCreativity by John CleeseLet's Never Speak of This Again is available now. Thank you to Text Publishing for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interviewConnect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Michelle Upton writes short stories and novels examining our darkest fears and illuminating hope and possibility. Born in Birmingham, Michelle emigrated to Australia in 2006 and is proud to call herself Australian. Michelle has a Bachelor (Hons) degree in Literature with Psychology, and before having children, she was a primary school teacher. Her debut novel, Terms of Inheritance, was shortlisted for the HarperCollins Australia 2021 Banjo Prize. She lives in Brisbane with her family. Today, we're discussing her second novel, Emergency Exit Only. Our interview begins at  22.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'DonohueWe loved this book so much. It's a character-driven contemporary novel about two best friends with a secret and the way one year influences their lives. In this interview, we chat about:Life-changing experiences and finding a new career or passion as an adultPushing out of your comfort zone in the name of researchHow Michelle went from primary school teacher to authorWhat running a marathon taught Michelle about writingBooks and other things mentioned:Sentimental Garbage podcastChicago (film)Conversations with Friends by Sally RooneyCode Name Verity by Elizabeth WeinSmall Things Like These by Claire KeeganFactory Girls by Michelle GallenHome Stretch by Graham NortonThe Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoFollow @michelleuptontheauthor on InstagramEmergency Exit Only is available now. Thank you to HarperCollins for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspodPlease note that we choose podcast guests independently of Caitlin's job at HarperCollins Publishers. Although her job does help put us in touch with authors, we choose our guests based on what we've enjoyed reading and think you'd find interesting.

Jonathon Shannon is a Sydney-based writer and creative director. His work has been recognised at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, screened at the St Kilda Film Festival, and is housed in the permanent archives of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. Bound to Happen is his debut novel.Our interview begins at  00.21.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: The House that Joy Built by Holly Ringland*An inspiring non-fiction book exploring creativity and encouraging us to do things purely for the joy of them. Michelle recommends: Begin Again by Helly ActonFrankie dies in a freak kebab-related accident and then she's faced with a choice: she can look at several turning points of her life and experience how it would have unfolded. Does she want to begin again in one of those lives or move to the Final Destination?In this interview, we chat about:Deciding how much scientific theory to include in the book through the character of Sophie, an astrophysicistWTF is 'string theory', and what does it have to do with love?The difficulty of translating and sharing music through wordsWhat's the line between romantic moves and creepy moves – and how do you make sure you're writing a poetic character, not a weirdoWhy don't more straight men read or write romance?Jonathan's journey from copywriter to published authorWhat it's like to have a spouse also publishing novelsBooks and other things mentioned:The Midnight Library by Matt HaigThis is Not a Book About Benedict Cumberbatch by Tabitha CarvanMinnie Darke (author – listen to our interview here)Sliding Doors (film)Quantum Leap (TV series)Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins-ReidThe Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John KoenigDark Mode by Ashleigh Kalagian-Blunt (listen to our interview)Sleepless in Seattle (film)Love, Actually (film)500 Days of Summer (film)Matthew Reilly (author)Follow @jonathonshannonauthor on InstagramBound to Happen is out now. Thank you to Ultimo Press for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Eleanor Elliott Thomas worked for many years as a human rights lawyer before devoting herself full-time to writing. She lives in Melbourne with her partner, two kids, and three cats. Today, we're discussing her debut novel, The Opposite of Success. Our interview begins at  00.17.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie GarmusFinally, we've read one of the most hyped books of 2022, and we loved it. It follows Elizabeth Zott, a scientist who has to fight against the misogyny of 1960s society in her science career and personal life. This is an emotional and clever novel we both highly recommend (along with everyone else).In this interview, we chat about:How Eleanor settled on the one-day timeframe and dual POV Review culture and how it feels to be on the other side of opinions about workEleanor's incredibly smooth publishing deal and adjusting expectations after publication How to classify and compare The Opposite of Success in the bookstoreSwitching to writing after working as a lawyer for 15 yearsBooks and other things mentioned:Minnie Darke (listen to our interview)Mad Men (TV series)Fleabag (TV series)Motherland (TV series)A Single Man by Christopher IsherwoodBarbie (film)Strong Female Character by Fern BradySorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason (listen to our interview)Follow Eleanor and take a look at her Substack.The Opposite of Success is available now. Thank you to Text Publishing for providing us with copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Janice Hallett is the author of three best-selling novels. Her debut, The Appeal, was awarded the CWA Debut Dagger of 2021. Her second novel, The Twyford Code, was named Crime & Thriller Book of the Year in the British Book Awards 2023. The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels was an instant Times and Sunday Times bestseller on its launch in January 2023. Janice is a former magazine editor, award-winning journalist, and government communications writer. As a playwright and screenwriter, she penned the feminist Shakespearean stage comedy NetherBard and co-wrote the feature film Retreat. Today, we're discussing her festive novella returning to the world of her debut: The Christmas Appeal. Our interview begins at  21:00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin has been shimmying away in Jersey Boys and hasn't had time to read much, so instead, Michelle is giving two recommendations for the week. Michelle recommends: Strong Female Character by Fern BradyThis memoir is, at times, tough to read because it is unflinchingly honest. Fern was told she 'couldn't be autistic' because she had boyfriends and made eye contact – but this book explores the ways that being female has got in the way of an autism diagnosis and how understanding herself as autistic has helped her understand herself better. Michelle recommends: The Schoolhouse by Sophie WardThis literary thriller introduces us to Isobel – a woman who lives an isolated life and feels safe in her routines. When she gets a letter from an old teacher and a local schoolgirl goes missing, it sends her spiralling into the memories of a traumatic experience at an experimental school from the 1970s. The story dips between the present investigation in 1990 and Isobel's diary entries from 1975. In this interview, we chat about:Janice's almost accidental turn to book publishing after a decade of trying to get a screenwriting career off the ground – and how this inspired The Appeal's groundbreaking formatThe joy of community theatre and how it's shaped Janice's lifeHow Janice plans and writes her novelsRevisiting the world of Lockwood for The Christmas AppealA little teaser for Janice's 2024 novel, The ExaminerHow Janice feels about the success of her books after so many years of screenwritingBooks and other things mentioned:Maisie Peters in her Wembley era (like it's hard)Book Bar (follow them here!)Cool Story Podcast by Bridie Jabor and Bri Lee (discussing The Fraud by Zadie Smith)Treason (musical production)Partygate (TV series)Attachments by Rainbow RowellFollow @janice.hallett on InstagramThe Christmas Appeal is available now. Thank you to Viper Books for sending us copies of the book to read in preparation for the interview....

Alice Pung OAM is one of Australia's foremost writers. She wrote the memoirs Unpolished Gem and Her Father’s Daughter, and edited anthologies Growing Up Asian in Australia and My First Lesson. Her debut novel Laurinda won the Ethel Turner Prize at the 2016 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and has been adapted for the stage. Her second novel, One Hundred Days, was shortlisted for the 2022 Miles Franklin Award. She is also the author of children's books including Be Careful, Xiao Xin! (ill. Sher Rill Ng). Today, we're discussing her new children's series Millie Mak the Maker. Alice was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to literature in 2022.Our interview begins at  30:00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Take a look at our October wrap-up here!Mini book club: Laurinda by Alice PungA must-read of the Aussie young adult canon and a book we've meant to read for years. We're so glad we finally read this beautiful, heartfelt exploration of Lucy Lam's experience at a prestigious Melbourne girls' school. In this interview, we chat about:How the working-class suburbs of Australia where Alice grew up inspired the story of Millie MakInspiring young girls to make and craftThe class and privilege of children's toys and upcyclingThe magic of finding an illustrator to collaborate with who also understands the nuances of growing up in a country with a history of colonialismHow Alice has managed to write across so many age rangesWhy One Hundred Days became Alice's debut adult novelThe experience of seeing Laurinda adapted for the stageBooks and other things mentioned:1989 (Taylor's Version) (album)The Good Witch Deluxe by Maisie Peters (album)Positive Spin by Gretta Ray (album)Genevieve Novak (listen to our interview here)The Woman in Me by Britney SpearsBasil the Great Mouse Detective (film)Danielle Binks (listen to our interview)Labyrinth (film)Boy Swallows Universe by Trent DaltonAll the Light We Cannot See by Anthony DoerrHarry Potter and the Cursed Child (production)You can find ways to contact Alice on her website.Millie Mak the Maker is available now, as are all Alice's other books.Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspodPlease note that we choose podcast guests independently of Caitlin's job at HarperCollins Publishers. Although her job does help put us in touch with authors, we choose our guests based on what we've enjoyed reading and think you'd find interesting.

Elise Esther Hearst is a Melbourne-based playwright and author, working and living on Boon Wurrung country. She studied Creative Arts at Melbourne University and playwriting at the Royal Court Theatre in London. Upcoming productions include A Very Jewish Christmas Carol (Melbourne Theatre Company) and Yentl (Malthouse Theatre). One Day We’re All Going to Die, published by Harper Collins Australia, is Elise's debut novel. Elise is currently working on her second novel. Our interview begins at  18.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley WinsteadAlexis, a school librarian, gets caught in a fake relationship with local political candidate Logan. A fun slow-burn romance with heart. Caitlin read a copy of this from Harlequin. Michelle recommends: Factory Girls by Michelle GallenA novel that's perfect for fans of Derry Girls. It's 1994 and Meave is waiting for her final exam results and praying it's enough to see her out of her small Northern Irish hometown. In this interview, we chat about:Being compared to Sally Rooney and Meg Mason as part of the 'sad girl lit' trendWriting about living as the descendant of a Holocaust survivor and exploring Australian Jewish cultureThe inspiration Elise took from her own grandmother in writing the character of CookieThe Pandemic Skip and not having our shit togetherElise's journey from playwright to novelist and the differences between the two formsBooks and other things mentioned:Big Girl, Small Town by Michelle GallenSorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason (listen to our interview here)Secrets by Jacqueline WilsonA Very Jewish Christmas CarolYentlFollow @eliseestherhearst on InstagramOne Day We're All Going to Die is available now. Thank you to Harlequin for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interview.Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspodPlease note that we choose podcast guests independently of Caitlin's job at HarperCollins Publishers. Although her job does help put us in touch with authors, we choose our guests based on what we've enjoyed reading and think you'd find interesting.

Clare Fletcher was born and raised in regional Queensland, Australia. Her debut novel, romantic comedy Five Bush Weddings, was published in 2022, and today we're discussing the follow-up, Love Match. Clare also co-hosts That Rom Com Pod with fellow author (and previous Better Words guest) Karina May. Our interview begins at  00:28We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: Straight Expectations by Calum McSwigganAfter a huge fight with his friends, Max wishes for an 'easy' life like straight kids enjoy. But he gets way more than he bargained for – waking up to find he's straight and suddenly without best friend Dean. We loved the way this book explores male friendships and the way Max learned so much about himself in the parallel world. A fun and quick queer read. In this interview, we chat about:Writing an 'extended love letter' to the small town Clare grew up in – even when she chose to leaveHow Love Match developed out of the characters in Clare's debut and the alchemy of writing and ideasWhy Clare wanted to tell part of the story through seven vintage dresses (and the real-life collection that inspired them)How Clare's return to sport in her early 30s inspired the team sport storyline in Love Match and the emotions involved in seeing women's sports represented in mediaThe differences between women's and men's sporting teamsClare's writing career and her journey to publicationBooks and other things mentioned:Audiobooks are now included in Spotify Premium!Michelle's bookshelvesTrans author recommendationsStrong Female Character by Fern BradyBecoming Us by Jake and Hannah GrafPalm Springs (film)Hotshot by Clare LyndonRachael Treasure (author)Maya Linnell (author)Penelope Janu (author)McLeod's Daughters (TV series)The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins ReidGirls Don't Play Sport by Chloe DaltonMel Buttle's mixed emotions around Matilda's successCleat Cute by Meryl WilsnerSpotlight (film)Why are Deb Balls still a thing?The 'Eagle Drop' to Eagle Rock by Daddy CoolDuck à l'Orange for Breakfast by Karina May (a...

Lex Croucher grew up in Surrey, reading a lot of books and making friends with strangers on the internet, and now lives in London with an elderly cat. With a background in social media, Lex now writes historical-ish rom-coms for adults (Reputation, Infamous) and historical fantasy rom-coms for teenagers. We're discussing their debut YA novel, Gwen and Art Are Not in Love.Our interview begins at  34:00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: Fish Out of WaterWe are going full spoilers with this book because we found it quite problematic and wanted to fully discuss our thoughts. The blurb makes it sound like swimmer Finn may be questioning his sexuality, but the book takes a dark turn into emotional abuse and coercive control with no thorough questioning representation and a problematic ending.*We read copies provided by Text Publishing for review. In this interview, we chat about:What is 'authentic historical fiction'? Why Gwen and Art is a blend of fantasy and historyThe difference between writing Regency romance and Gwen and Art Cover art to drool over – including a special edition proof with scratch-off gold foil heartWhy Lex sought comfort in reading and writing queer YA during London lockdownsAn overview of Trouble – which basically asks 'what if Maria in Sound of Music was coming to the house with nefarious intentions'The beauty of 'unlikeable' protagonistsThe madness of having two books released within months of each otherLex's journey to publication (both non-fiction and fiction) and what it takes to make money as an authorBooks and other things mentioned:After the Fall by Louise O'Neill (listen to our interview)A Knight's Tale (film)Georgette Heyer (author)Bridgerton (series)Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn MuirAny Way the Wind Blows by Rainbow RowellDouble Booked by Lily Lindon'Dumb bitch lit' with Genevieve NovakFollow @lexcanroar on InstagramGwen and Art Are Not in Love is available in Australia and the UK now. Trouble will be released in July. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Ashley Kalagian Blunt is the author of Dark Mode, an internationally published psychological thriller. Her earlier books are How to Be Australian, a memoir, and My Name Is Revenge, collected fiction and essays, which was a finalist in the 2018 Carmel Bird Digital Literary Award. Her writing appears in the Sydney widely across Australian publications, and she co-hosts James and Ashley Stay at Home, a podcast about writing, creativity and health, and teaches creative writing. Originally from Canada, she has lived and worked in South Korea, Peru and Mexico. Our interview begins at  18:00*Please note this book includes graphic descriptions of sexual and physical violence. Our discussions in this interview about true crime and the manosphere may also be triggering*We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang*A scathing exploration of cultural appropriation and publishing. A compelling read you'll race through. *Caitlin read a copy through her role at Harper Collins AustraliaMichelle recommends: Dancing Barefoot by Alice Boyle*A delightful YA that puts a queer twist on the classic high school romance. *Michelle read a copy from Text Publishing.Bonus recommendation: In Search of a Shepherd by Dave BurtonIn this interview, we chat about:How this fictional thriller was inspired by The Men Who Hate Women by Laura Bates and the 'manosphere'WTF *is* the dark web?Ashley's approach to her online presence and how it influenced the book (and why you need to change your passwords)The Black Dahlia and how true crime podcasts inspired Ashley's writingThe surprising links between Ashley's research into genocide and the manosphereThe move from memoir and essays into writing and publishing fictionBooks and other things mentioned:I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamaraRedhanded episode 291: The Silk RoadRoot of Evil (podcast)The Somerton Man was finally identified after decades of being a fascinating unsolved mystery (ABC feature)Gunpowder (TV series)Triflers Need Not Apply by Camilla BruceWomen in Crime (podcast)Follow @AKalagianBlunt on InstagramDark Mode is available now. Thank you to UQP for providing us with copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Karina May is a Sydney-based former magazine journalist turned digital marketer, avid reader and writer of lively love stories that span the globe. When she's not dreaming up her next meet-cute, you'll likely find her rescuing her paperback from the bath, or out guzzling espresso martinis in the name of research. We're discussing her new novel, Duck á l'Orange for Breakfast. Our interview begins at  21:00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! It's been a real week for us reading-wise. Michelle's been abandoning books left, right and centre and we couldn't settle on a book club. We're both in a bit of a reading slump! So, this intro is slightly chaotic with a moving-to-the-UK update from Michelle, plus book and TV recommendations from both. Caitlin recommends: Happy Place by Emily Henry and Queen Charlotte (TV)Michelle recommends: Double Booked by Lily Lindon and Blue Lights (TV)In this interview, we chat about:How Karina's own experience undergoing two brain surgeries inspired the novelIn contrast, how Karina wrote what she didn't know using the help of a French chef to create recipes for the novel Why IKEA became such a focal point of Max's story Karina's love of travel and how it helped shape the novelThe journey to publication and why Karina has a second book coming out this year Books and other things mentioned:The Fault in Our Stars by John Green500 Days of Summer (film)Follow @karinamaywrite on InstagramDuck á l'Orange for Breakfast is available now. Thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod