So You Want To Be A Writer With Valerie Khoo And Allison Tait: Australian Writers' Centre Podcast

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 th

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 Bala

Just how different is it in the city compared to the country? Former co-host Allison Tait returns to discuss capturing that feeling in her latest middle-grade novel, Willow Bright’s Secret Plot (writing as A.L.Tait) – as well as teasing some of her other books coming out and how she balances it all! 00:00 Welcome08:02 Writing tip: Be proud of your own work10:12 WIN!: I Want Everything by Dominic Amerena12:02 Word of the week: ‘Lagniappe’15:24 Writer in residence: A.L Tait16:01 Recap on Allison’s life lately21:53 Defining middle grade24:55 Her latest book, Willow Bright’s Secret Plot26:35 Inspiration behind the story29:48 The ideas file – the ‘wows’ and ‘whys’36:47 Upcoming projects and writing rhythm37:56 Danger Road – a middle-grade crime novel45:59 Allison’s drafting process47:30 Hiding clues through books without plotting48:45 A third secret book on the way52:20 Why ‘A.L.Tait’ and not ‘Allison Tait’?53:58

Australian columnist Kasey Edwards has published 10 books, with her latest memoir Goodbye Good Girl, Hello Me exploring self-love and societal expectations and what it means to be a woman. In this episode, Kasey discusses the process of writing the book, her research methods, dealing with rejection and tips for memoir writing. 00:00 Welcome04:34 Writing tip: Borrowing books online10:06 WIN!: When She Was Gone by Sarah Foster12:04 Word of the week: ‘Pantagruelian’13:40 Writer in residence: Kasey Edwards14:30 Thoughts on growing up as a girl16:31 Defining Goodbye Good Girl, Hello Me21:00 Researching to solve problems23:59 The healing power of sharing your truth24:51 Facing criticism as a writer27:31 Daily writing routine and challenges31:31 Collaborating with a co-author33:30 Writing fiction vs memoir34:07 Navigating the publishing industry37:10 The importance of self-promotion41:07 Tips for aspiring memoir writers43:03 Conclusion and course promotion Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and lis

What do you get when you mix house-sitting frenemies with a big lovable dog? You get My Hot Housemate – the latest rom-com from Susannah Hardy, who joins us to discuss the characters and the writing process behind the book. 00:00 Welcome03:19 Writing tip: Reference managers06:03 WIN!: Elphie: A Wicked Childhood by Gregory Maguire07:48 Word of the week: ‘Overweening’08:29 The world of words: Ordering adjectives12:16 Writer in residence: Susannah Hardy13:02 Overview of My Hot Housemate14:47 Writing about the acting world17:46 Adding a dog character to the story20:17 Showing off Sydney21:36 Tips on writing comedy22:41 Writing authentic dialogue24:00 Character development and relationships25:38 The rise of rom-coms27:44 Writing process and challenges29:39 Balancing writing with life33:38 Having other creative interests 35:32 Importance of mentors and community37:42 General writing tips40:17 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook

What does ‘neighbourhood noir’ look like as a genre? Author Maryrose Cuskelly knows, and she discusses her latest novel The Campers, blending crime and psychological elements as well as contemporary issues. 00:00 Welcome04:43 Writing tip: The importance of practice10:26 WIN!: The Gatsby Gambit by Claire Anderson Wheeler13:01 Word of the week: ‘Galligaskins’15:00 Writer in residence: Maryrose Cuskelly18:01 Inspirations for The Campers21:38 Defining the genre22:12 Maryrose’s research and writing process26:43 Bringing the setting to life28:08 Incorporating COVID into the story29:35 Character development and choices31:09 Homelessness and social issues33:04 The writing process and fellowships36:29 Balancing writing and life38:48 Publicity and new projects44:36 Tips for crime writers45:58 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

There’s plenty to love about France and food, and author Victoria Brownlee has cleverly combined them both in her latest rom-com novel, Eat Your Heart Out. She joins us to discuss the timeless appeal of Paris, writing dual perspectives, sexy cheeses and much more! 00:00 Welcome04:17 Writing tip: Do a course!08:21 WIN: The Jam Maker by Mary-Lou Stephens10:05 Word of the week: “Lissom”12:12 World of words: “Fewer” vs “Less”13:58 Writer in Residence: Victoria Brownlee15:56 Victoria’s obsession with food17:30 Landing in Paris18:40 Optioning her first book as a film21:00 The sexiness of cheese21:45 Introducing Eat Your Heart Out23:12 Writing dual perspectives26:48 Balancing food and story28:44 The romance of Paris and France30:55 Victoria’s writing process31:32 The influence of Emily in Paris34:46 Bloggers and influencers in writing37:25 The ingredients of a good rom-com novel38:48 Upcoming projects40:07 Tips for writers43:20 Final thoughts Read the show n

When the Spin Doctors sang about ‘Two Princes’, perhaps they were thinking about author Cale Dietrich’s new young adult novel, The Rules of Royalty! Cale chats about writing the book and current trends in the genre. 00:00 Welcome05:20 Writing tip: Be curious08:13 WIN! London Uncanny by Clive Bloom09:48 Word of the week: ‘Mansuetude’10:58 Writer in Residence: Cale Dietrich13:12 The appeal of queer royal fiction15:15 Cale’s writing process18:39 Researching the royal aspects 19:37 Going from pitch to contract20:45 How collaborative writing works22:49 Planning and structure24:36 Character development – nice boys26:11 Balancing work and writing27:25 Publicity and social media29:34 Cale’s upcoming projects32:05 Advice for aspiring YA writers33:38 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 secrets do you have hiding in YOUR family tree? Every family has them, and in AWC graduate Kate Horan’s new mystery, The Inheritance, DNA-testing shines a light on two women and previously unspoken truths. Kate shares her experience writing the book including inspirations and real life research. 00:00 Welcome05:21 Writing tip: StoryGraph app09:28 WIN!: Twist by Colum McCann11:10 Word of the week: ‘harbinger’12:51 Word Insights with Dean Koorey: ‘hone vs home’15:55 Writer in residence: Kate Horan18:00 On writing two very different characters20:11 Geographic and DNA inspirations24:20 The many meanings of ‘inheritance’26:13 Inspiration from Who Do You Think You Are?26:40 Complicated family dynamics28:19 Kate’s writing process and balancing life29:18 Managing time and prioritising as a writer31:15 Journey to publication via an agent35:00 Importance of structural edits37:09 AWC courses and learning the craft40:09 Kate’s writing tips and investing in your s

Capturing the nostalgia of ’90s horror flicks, This Stays Between Us is the latest novel by Margot McGovern. In this episode, Margot shares her inspiration for telling this kind of story, writing her cast of characters and her experience publishing the novel. 00:00 Introduction09:13 Writing tip: Scheduling time for reading13:53 WIN!: 2 Sisters Murder Investigations by Candice Fox and James Patterson15:28 Word of the week: ‘Lycanthrope’17:00 Writer in residence: Margot McGovern19:40 The attraction of horror stories21:00 Representing and reflecting young people’s worlds23:11 The differences between 2000 and today25:26 School camp inspirations27:38 Nostalgia for ’90s horror films28:49 Writing multiple points of view30:23 Drafting and editing process34:20 Publishing journey with Penguin38:07 Publicity and the social media landscape39:56 Upcoming projects44:26 Margot’s tips for aspiring writers45:48 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the pod

How do you go about writing a deeply personal story? In this episode, Sonia Orchard discusses her memoir, Groomed, and the process of writing about a traumatic childhood experience. She also shares tips for others looking to write their own memoir. 00:00 Introduction03:15 Writing tip: It’s never too late to start06:53 WIN!: Best, First and Last by Amy T. Matthews09:07 Word of the week: ‘Grok’11:18 Writer in residence: Sonia Orchard15:33 Deciding whether to tell such a vulnerable story17:00 Writing it vs not writing it19:25 How Sonia compiled the memoir23:12 “Write for yourself and edit for others”24:20 Choosing what details to remove in the story26:55 Navigating the justice system28:08 The therapeutic power of writing33:55 Memoir vs fiction: Similarities and differences44:31 What Sonia hopes people take away from this book46:30 Top tips for writing your own memoir48:41 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit

How do you write about a subject not often represented in fiction? In this episode, Sean Wilson shares his latest novel You Must Remember This and his unique journey bringing a story of dementia to the page. 00:00 Introduction07:36 Writing tip: Goodreads trolling09:36 WIN! Perspectives by Laurent Binet11:40 Word of the week: ‘Leaguer’12:18 Writer in residence: Sean Wilson14:25 Why Sean wanted to tell this story15:40 Writing child characters17:00 Self-care while writing19:06 Crafting authentic secondary characters21:01 Storytelling the challenges of ageing23:09 How Sean drew inspiration from real life events25:35 The prevalence of dementia27:48 From play to novel: The writing journey31:19 Crafting a nonlinear narrative35:37 Publishing journey and future projects38:45 The art of writing across different forms42:34 Future projects46:37 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystu

Author Emma Pignatiello wondered why romance novels didn’t have more murders in them – so she wrote her own! In this episode, she discusses her book Last Shot, the inspiration behind it and the Australian Writers' Centre course that helped her get there. 00:00 Introduction02:57 Writing tip: Follow the guidelines10:33 WIN! Headcases by John McMahon12:30 Word of the week: ‘Redolent’15:43 Writer in Residence: Emma Pignatiello17:20 Emma’s inspiration for the story24:20 Mapping out the plot points and character arcs25:49 The writing process29:42 Balancing her day job and parenting with writing32:11 The publishing journey40:51 Two amazing things happen in one day41:40 Receiving the “yes” from her agent44:53 Pitching two books to publishers50:25 Future projects52:32 How the Australian Writers' Centre Romance Writing course helped her55:41 Top tips on finding publishing success1:00:51 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast communi

Belle Gibson fooled the world as a health influencer who lied about having brain cancer. In this re-released conversation, we speak with Beau Donelly – co-author of the book that inspired the hit Netflix series, Apple Cider Vinegar. 00:00 Introduction02:41 Nat Newman’s writing tip: Write what you want to write07:57 WIN! You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego09:55 Word of the week: ‘Tintinnabulation’12:41 Re-release conversation: Beau Donelly18:50 Beau’s first connection with the scandal22:55 Initial research on Belle’s story26:00 Fundraising fraud27:25 Archiving social media30:30 Categorising the information32:49 Turning the story into a book35:11 Dividing the workload between two authors40:25 Exposing the ‘wellness’ influencer phenomenon41:42 Painting a picture of Belle’s parents46:20 The biggest challenge of writing the book54:20 Belle Gibson’s lack of remorse55:34 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast

A ‘folk horror’ that spans 40 years – awash with intrigue, magic and dark secrets! That’s what awaits you in this episode as we meet British author Olivia Isaac-Henry and discuss her latest suspense novel, Sorrow Spring. Olivia shares what inspired the location and themes, how she blended historical events with fiction, and the challenges of straddling two time periods and different character narratives. 00:00 Introduction02:22 Nat Newman's writing tip: You’re not ‘bad’10:17 WIN! The Last Days of Kira Mullan by Nicci French12:10 Word of the week: ‘Wolver’15:41 Writer in residence: Olivia Isaac-Henry18:47 Olivia’s inspiration for her story and themes19:59 Setting the scene: Time periods and locations21:35 Character backgrounds and motivations23:40 Crafting distinct voices for characters26:03 Incorporating real-life events into fiction26:58 Writing process and challenges28:19 Upcoming projects and future plans32:37 Olivia’s tips for aspiring writ

Feeling cosy? Then you’ll love meeting author Alexandra Almond, as she shares her cosy fantasy novel, Thoroughly Disenchanted. Alexandra unpacks how she built her distinct characters, the role of magic in everyday life and her experience in finding an agent and getting published, along with advice for aspiring writers. 00:00 Introduction04:08 Words at dawn: a unique writing practice09:55 Nat Newman’s writing tip: change things up13:43 WIN! Chickenpox by Remy Lai15:33 Word of the week: ‘diaphanous’18:16 Writer in residence: Alexandra Almond21:17 Character origins and development23:42 The unexpected romance26:21 Magic in everyday life27:44 The historical setting and character evolution32:05 Alexandra’s writing process and challenges36:28 Finding an agent and publisher40:22 Advice for aspiring writers43:01 Current and future projects43:57 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | Valer

Crafting a novel is one thing, but author Kate Solly loves crafting ‘crafty’ novels – including her latest title, The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-up. Kate shares her journey from casual writing in her family group chats to getting her first publishing contract, as well as how she manages to stay accountable and fit writing in while bringing up six kids!  00:00 Introduction05:37 Nat Newman’s writing tip: overcoming ‘the doldrums’10:28 WIN! The Last Fashion House in Paris by Renee Ryan12:52 Word of the week: ‘ravel’14:11 Writer in residence: Kate Solly15:34 Getting started in writing17:11 How she kept accountable20:04 Kate’s inspiration for her first book22:30 Writing the next book26:14 Pre-kids career and charity work28:40 Getting the first novel published34:29 The second novel: process and challenges35:30 Balancing writing with family life42:15 Editing and future plans45:25 Building an author platform47:42 Final thoughts Read the show not

From the halls of Australia’s Parliament House to the dark corners of the Vatican! In this episode, author Sophie Clark talks about her writing process and how she pitched her debut ‘romantasy’ novel, Cruel is the Light. She chats about her political background and how walking the ‘halls of power’ influenced her writing, as well as offering tips for aspiring writers. 00:00 Introduction03:06 Nat Newman's writing tip: systematic editing09:02 WIN! Death in the Arctic by Tom Hindle10:47 Word of the week: ‘disputation’12:29 Writer in residence: Sophie Clark14:25 Defining ‘romantasy’15:49 Inspiration for her book18:35 Researching on location22:29 Writing action and fight scenes24:28 Drafting and experience in Pitch Wars26:24 Mentorship and guidance27:38 Securing an agent30:11 Sophie’s writing process and challenges34:30 Political influence in writing36:31 Building a writing community39:13 Publicity and promotion41:17 Asking “who’s my audie

Want to know the formula to writing success? In this episode, scientist-turned-author Rebecca Heath discusses her latest domestic thriller novel, The Wedding Party and her unique journey from the laboratory to the library, as well as how she crafts each story and the importance of building a writing community. 00:00 Introduction03:43 Nat Newman’s writing tip: the art of writing06:45 WIN! More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova09:12 Word of the week: ‘Psychrophile’10:36 Writer in residence: Rebecca Heath13:10 Rebecca’s scientific beginnings17:33 Making the move to fiction and thrillers18:55 Discovering the Australian Writers’ Centre19:20 Building a community of likeminded writers21:15 How Rebecca wrote The Wedding Party23:34 The writing timeline, routine and sprints27:19 Character development and observations30:43 How walking and recording works for her33:05 Rebecca’s challenges and joys in this book34:13 Future plans 37:35 Rebecca’s advice for authors40:22 Final though

“Please sir, can I have some more Dickens?” In this episode, author Kathy George discusses her latest novel, The Scent of Oranges – a retelling of the classic Dickens story Oliver Twist from the perspective of character Nancy. Kathy shares her love for gothic literature and why she chose this story to rewrite. 00:00 Introduction04:46 Nat Newman’s writing tip: Character milestones08:36 WIN! The Hidden Hand by Stella Rimington10:30 Word of the week: ‘Susurrous’13:02 Writer in residence: Kathy George16:25 Getting the narrative voice right22:22 Researching Nancy’s character24:51 Kathy’s love for gothic literature25:53 Understanding what “gothic” means28:39 Thoughts on Dickens' female characters30:24 On fleshing out Nancy's story33:01 Retelling classic stories36:48 Writing process and discipline40:26 Kathy’s advice for aspiring writers44:35 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Faceboo