Episoder
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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 podcast
00:20 Special series on children's authors
01:48 Weekly app tip: Submittable
07:53 Interview with Sandhya Parappukkaran
09:14 Sandhya's journey to writing picture books
14:40 The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name: From idea to book deal
23:55 Exploring Sandhya's recent works
33:12 Tips for aspiring picture book writers
37:59 ConclusionRead the show notes
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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 Introduction
02:25 Nat Newman's creative insights
05:43 Writing tips and techniques
10:22 Giveaway: Klim by Michael Klim
12:20 Word of the week: triskelion
15:19 Interview with Lisa Kenway, author of All You Took From Me
23:20 NaNoWriMo success strategies
25:54 Researching for authenticity
30:03 Crafting twists and red herrings
32:41 The journey to getting published
44:11 Balancing writing with a medical career
47:19 Top tips for aspiring writers
50:42 Conclusion and final thoughtsRead the show notes
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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 Podcast
00:20 Special Series on Children's Authors
01:55 App Tip of the Week
06:56 Course Spotlight: Writing Picture Books
09:07 Interview with Bec Nanayakkara
09:53 Bec's Journey to Publication
10:32 The Book Star: Inspiration and Process
16:02 Grow Big Little Seed: Themes and Illustrations
23:15 Future Projects and Final ThoughtsRead the show notes
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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 Introduction
00:19 Upcoming webinar on avoiding infringement in fiction writing
03:38 Nat Newman's lighthouse residency experience
07:27 Writing tips from Nat Newman
12:45 Exciting book giveaway: The Oxenbridge King by Christine Paice
16:07 Word of the week: Gravamen
17:45 Interview with author Sandie Docker
27:06 Establishing an author career
28:47 Building industry relationships
33:40 Connecting with readers
37:02 The role of an agent
41:06 Starting a literary festival
48:35 Writing routine and final thoughtsRead the show notes
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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 podcast
02:02 Writing tips with Nat Newman
09:46 Interview with Cassy Polimeni
11:21 Writing and publishing children's books
13:34 Crafting Ella and The Amazing Frog Orchestra
20:25 Cassy’s writing process and routine
27:28 Future plans and final thoughts
28:53 Conclusion and course promotionRead the show notes
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Meet memoirist Louise Southerden about her book Tiny, which details her experience building a tiny house while going through a challenging relationship. Louise shares her journey into travel writing, the dynamics of writing personal stories, and techniques for capturing the essence of travel experiences.
00:00 Introduction
04:16 Nat Newman’s writing tip
13:15 Book giveaway: Girl Falling by Hayley Scrivenor
15:06 Word of the week: Piscatorial
17:12 Writer in residence: Louise Southerden
17:36 Introduction to Louise and her memoir Tiny
18:11 The emotional journey of building a tiny house
19:39 Deciding to write the memoir
20:58 Challenges and process of writing
24:38 Pitching and publishing the memoir
35:16 Insights on travel writing
41:49 Defining a tiny house
43:08 Conclusion and final thoughts
43:35 Fun fact and farewellRead the show notes
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Children’s author Carla Fitzgerald is author of the middle-grade novel How to Break a World Record and Survive Grade 5. Carla shares insights into writing compelling stories for children and offers five must-do tips for aspiring middle-grade authors. Additionally, Nat Newman provides a practical app tip about the benefits of using Google Docs. And more.
00:00 Introduction to the podcast
00:19 Spotlight on children's authors
01:27 Weekly app tip with Nat Newman
01:55 Google Docs: A writer's best friend
06:24 Course advertisement: Writing children's novels
07:16 Interview with Carla Fitzgerald
12:28 Five must-do's for writing middle grade novels
25:23 Building a sustainable author career
32:50 ConclusionRead the show notes
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In this special episode, we bring you an edited version of the recent webinar featuring bestselling author Kate Forsyth. The episode is jam-packed with insights, focusing on five essential lessons from different genres that can improve your writing. Kate Forsyth delves into historical fiction, crime and mystery, romance, fantasy, and magic realism, sharing her top tips for writing compelling and immersive narratives. Additionally, the episode features a Q&A session where Kate answers questions on writing routines, character development, publishing, and more. The episode offers practical advice and inspirational insights for aspiring and established writers.
00:00 Introduction and welcome
00:16 Special episode announcement
01:04 Competition announcement
02:39 Word of the week
03:18 Webinar introduction
05:20 Kate Forsyth's writing journey
08:59 Lessons from historical fiction
11:30 Lessons from crime and mystery
14:44 Lessons from romance
16:46 Lessons from fantasy
19:28 Lessons from magic realism
24:30 Q&A session
31:37 Exploring new writing territories
32:15 Top magic realism books
32:39 Advice for unpublished authors
33:51 Creating memorable characters
34:41 Understanding Psyche's motif
35:13 Knowing when editing is done
35:52 Starting your writing journey
36:40 Musicality in writing
37:42 Balancing originality and familiarity
38:36 Imagining your protagonists
40:02 Publishing your first book
40:42 Inspiration from lyrical authors
41:31 Setting your novel apart
42:27 Establishing a writing routine
44:08 Crafting the perfect ending
46:13 Incorporating writing tips
48:26 Maintaining writing motivation
49:43 Finding time to read
50:27 Defining historical fiction
51:14 Choosing character names
51:59 Condensing your story
52:46 Crafting satisfying endings
53:41 Final thoughtsRead the show notes
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Meet Deborah Frenkel, author of four picture books including her most recent: 100 Schools Days and The Truck Cat. Deborah reveals her journey to publication, her creative process and tips for aspiring authors.
00:00 Introduction to the podcast
00:19 Special series on children's authors
01:34 Nat Newman's app tip of the week
10:43 Interview with Deborah Frenkel
19:29 The journey to getting published
20:18 The impact of writing courses
22:27 Pitching The Sydney Harbour Fairy
24:19 Creating 100 School Days
26:15 Showcasing published works
31:37 Upcoming projects and writing routine
35:12 Tips for aspiring authors
37:28 Conclusion and final thoughtsRead the show notes
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JP Pomare on writing gripping crime thrillers and his latest novel 17 Years Later. JP discusses his writing process, research methods, and experiences with book adaptations into TV series. The episode features insights on maintaining creativity, the importance of method writing, crafting captivating crime narratives, and tips for aspiring writers. JP highlights the intricacies of plotting and characterisation in crime fiction, his unique approach to developing a story, and how he navigates the darker aspects of true crime.
00:00 Introduction and upcoming event
02:06 Creative catch-up with Nat Newman
05:48 Writing tip of the week
08:46 Book giveaway: Precipice by Robert Harris
10:19 Word of the week: Cantillate
11:55 Interview with J.P. Pomare
28:12 Challenges of writing crime fiction
29:50 Balancing plotting and pantsing
32:21 Crafting memorable scenes
35:46 Daily writing routine
39:16 From book to TV series
51:12 Handling dark themes in writing
55:24 Future plans and advice for writers
01:01:19 Conclusion and fun factRead the show notes
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Meet Lian Tanner, who reveals 5 strategies you need to build longevity into your author career. Lian also discusses her latest picture book, When the Lights Went Out. Lian covers: writing to your passions rather than market demands, seeking valuable feedback, continually learning the craft, and being open to reinvention. She also shares her process and experiences in writing middle grade and picture books.
00:00 Introduction to the podcast
00:17 Special series announcement
00:56 Writing for children
02:10 Nat Newman's app tip
09:18 Interview with Lian Tanner
10:23 Lian Tanner's writing journey
13:25 Writing for different age groups
14:35 Balancing writing projects
20:12 Advice for aspiring authors
21:39 Writing with passion and originality
23:22 Early career temptations and lessons
25:33 The importance of quality feedback
29:05 Developing thick skin and learning mindset
35:17 Reinventing yourself as a writer
40:09 Crafting picture books: A deep dive
43:16 Conclusion and final thoughtsRead the show notes
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Meet Julie Bennett, author of The Lost Letters of Rose Carey. Julie discusses her writing process, the inspiration behind her novel, researching historical fiction and career journey so far.
00:00 Introduction and welcome
00:19 Exploring Rocketbook
04:06 Shoutout to Jane Sullivan
05:29 Nat Newman writing tip: Introduce a dinosaur
14:12 Book giveaway: The Wilds by Sarah Pearse
15:55 Word of the week: avoirdupois
18:37 Interview with Julie Bennett
26:03 Plotting vs. pantsing: A writer's journey
26:42 Discovering the inspiration behind the novel
28:49 From child performer to author
30:52 Committing to writing
31:51 A lifelong love for stories
32:37 Writing The Understudy: From idea to manuscript
34:03 Getting published
36:06 Balancing PR work and writing
40:38 Researching historical fiction
45:51 The reality of being an author
48:50 Future plans and writing tips
52:27 Conclusion and final thoughtsRead the show notes
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Meet Anna Johnston, author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, her rapid success, and her writing process.
00:00 Introduction
01:15 Literary competitions and overcoming fear
02:58 Nat Newman writing tip: Taking your character on a date
10:24 Book giveaway: Two Daughters by Alison Edwards
11:52 Word of the week: Desuetude
13:23 Interview with author Anna Johnston
20:33 The importance of a writing group
21:00 Forming and maintaining a writing group
22:20 Balancing writing with life
23:02 Getting serious about writing
24:21 The book deal journey
25:42 Pitching at virtual speed dating
29:31 The role of an agent
31:49 Writing process and character development
34:09 Challenges and inspirations
41:10 Future plans and advice for aspiring writers
45:11 Fun fact: The world’s oldest libraryRead the show notes
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Meet author Victoria Purman, an accomplished historical fiction writer, who delves into her research and writing process, the inspiration behind her latest book The Radio Hour. Victoria offers valuable writing tips and the episode provides a deep dive into her journey, character development, and practical advice for aspiring writers.
00:00 Welcome to Episode 614
02:42 Upcoming webinar: Matching Style to Genre
04:37 Nat Newman’s writing tip of the week
12:14 Competition: Win Highway 13 by Fiona McFarlane
14:23 Word of the week: Cacography
17:21 Interview with Victoria Purman
25:49 Exploring the creative process
26:59 Researching historical context
29:33 The journey to becoming an author
32:03 Teaching and learning writing
33:07 Writing routines and challenges
36:40 Character development insights
41:43 Setting and location research
49:06 Finding inspiration for stories
53:28 Top writing tips for aspiring authors
55:35 Fun Fact and conclusionRead the show notes
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Meet Amy T. Matthews, an award-winning author and associate professor, about her varied writing career under different pseudonyms, where she shares her approach to balancing multiple writing projects and her thoughts on the romance genre. All of Amy’s books are traditionally published and she also writes under Amy Barry and Tess LeSue.
00:00 Introduction
00:18 TikTok and who is doing it right?
02:41 Nat Newman writing tips
22:03 Interview with Amy T. Matthews, also known as Amy Barry and Tess LeSue
29:55 From bad poetry to a PhD in creative writing
31:30 Transitioning to romance writing
32:11 The fascination with romance
34:01 The birth of Tess LeSue
35:23 Navigating the publishing world
42:56 Balancing writing and teaching
47:06 Intensive writing process
57:42 Future aspirations and tips for aspiring writers
01:01:38 Conclusion and fun factRead the show notes
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Meet Petronella McGovern, author of The Last Trace. Petronella shares her top 5 tips on creating narrative tension and so that readers keep turning the page. You'll discover techniques on character development, the challenges of editing, writing cliffhangers, ensuring you have internal and external conflicts and much more.
00:00 Introduction and welcome
00:18 TV series based on books
02:28 Nat Newman's writing tips on writing accents
10:46 WIN: Lies & Weddings by Kevin Kwan
13:51 Word of the week: Psephology
15:12 Interview with Petronella McGovern, author of The Last Trace
23:09 Introducing the multi-generational characters
23:46 Crafting emotional connections with characters
24:55 Narrative tension and point of view decisions
26:40 Internal and external conflicts
27:56 Writing realistic teenagers
30:41 Drip feeding secrets and foreshadowing
34:18 The importance of cliffhangers
35:15 The evolution of writing process
39:52 Balancing subplots and multiple POVs
42:25 Final thoughts and future projects
45:16 Conclusion and fun factRead the show notes
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Meet award-winning poet, novelist, and translator Lia Hills. Lia reveals her innovative approach of narrating her novel, The Desert Knows Her Name, using voice recognition software while on location in the desert. She completed her first draft in TWO WEEKS! You’ll discover Lia’s methodology, challenges, and the profound connection between place and narrative.
00:00 Introduction and host's update
02:00 Nat Newman’s writing tips
05:51 Words at Dawn writing community
08:00 Keep it simple
10:21 Useful apps for writers
12:31 Book giveaway: The Haters by Robyn Harding
14:53 Word of the week: Imbroglio
15:35 Interview with Lia Hills
27:01 Immersing in character narration
28:23 Writing in the desert
29:11 Specific writing spaces
31:50 Challenges and reflections
34:39 Community engagement and research
38:47 Editing and software tips
49:23 Future writing methods
51:17 Final thoughts and tips
53:42 Podcast conclusion and resourcesRead the show notes
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Meet Kyra Geddes, author of The Story Thief. Kyra discusses her journey from idea to publication, the importance of research, and the challenges of editing her manuscript. The episode concludes with writing tips and a book giveaway: The Wrong Man by Tim Ayliffe.
00:00 Introduction
01:33 Nat Newman’s writing tips
09:10 Book giveaway: The Wrong Man by Tim Ayliffe
11:20 Word of the week: Fuscous
11:54 Interview with Kyra Geddes
28:48 The journey to starting the manuscript
29:53 Overcoming the fear of the blank page
30:56 The long writing process
31:54 The path to publication
32:51 Facing rejections and manuscript assessments
34:06 Pitching to publishers
35:45 The epiphany: Switching to first person
37:58 Securing a publishing deal
42:38 The structural edit challenge
50:01 Future writing plans
51:33 Top tips for aspiring writers
53:28 Conclusion and final thoughtsRead the show notes
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In this special time-sensitive episode of 'So You Want to be a Writer,' Valerie Khoo discusses the prestigious Richell Prize with Vanessa Radnidge, Head of Narrative Nonfiction and Literary at Hachette. The episode dives into the details and benefits of entering this unique prize, which offers a $10,000 reward and a year-long mentorship with a Hachette publisher.
00:00 Introduction and special episode announcement
00:35 The Richell Prize: An overview
01:47 Interview with Vanessa Radnidge, Head of Narrative Non-Fiction and Head of Literary at Hachette.
03:05 Details of the Richell Prize
06:08 The mentorship experience
10:53 Advice for aspiring writers
16:59 Encouragement to enter literary competitionsRead the show notes
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Meet Michael Brissenden who chats about his latest novel Smoke. He discusses his research process, where he gets his ideas, how he uses a whiteboard in his writing process and transition from journalism to fiction writing.
0:00 Introduction and welcome
00:23 Success story: Sarah Speedie
03:40 Nat Newman's writing tips
05:58 Finding beta readers
12:41 Competition: Win 'Death in the Air' by Ram Murali
14:52 Word of the week: Embrocate
17:55 Interview with Michael Brissenden, author of Smoke
23:30 Facing rejection and finding inspiration
24:25 From journalism to fiction writing
25:13 Crafting a nuanced story
26:42 Developing characters and plot
27:36 The writing process and challenges
28:35 Exploring themes in 'Smoke'
32:45 Research and authenticity
34:30 Daily writing routine
36:18 Planning and structuring a novel
41:23 Journalism skills in fiction writing
46:00 Creating a strong female protagonist
51:22 Top writing tips for aspiring authors
53:54 Conclusion and final thoughtsRead the show notes
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