Episodes
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Michael Brissenden talks about the writing craft and process behind his novel Smoke.
Michael talks about how his gripping new novel was inspired by the 2020 bushfires in Australia, detailing how real-life traumatic events and landscapes served as a backdrop for the novel. Michael discusses setting, in particular why he set the novel in the US, character development, and the craft of narrative structure - from his inspirations to plotting and the challenges of writing believable dialogue. Michael also touches on the influence of his journalism background and the transition to fiction, highlighting the importance of character-driven stories.
You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of Smoke by Michael Brissenden here.
ABOUT MICHAEL BRISSENDEN
Michael Brissenden was a journalist and foreign correspondent with the ABC for 35 years, posted to Moscow, Brussels and Washington. He worked in Canberra for many years in various roles, including as the political editor for ABC TV's 7.30 and as a reporter with the ABC's investigative television documentary program Four Corners. Through his reporting, Michael has covered bushfires both in Australia and overseas, including in California where Smoke is set. He has published three previous books - thriller novels The List and Dead Letters, and his nonfiction book American Stories: Tales of Hope and Anger.
Website: https://www.michaelbrissenden.com/
Buy Smoke by Michael Brissenden here.
Buy The Last Trace by Petronella McGovern here.
BUILD AN AUTHOR WEBSITE COURSE
To receive notifications about course dates, the free author website workshop and early bird discounts, sign up here - https://www.freshwebdesign.com.au/course
This podcast is recorded on the beautiful, unceded lands of the Garigal people of the Eora nation.
Full show notes available at writersbookclubpodcast.com
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NOTE: There are some spoilers in this episode.
BM Carroll talks about the writing craft and process behind her novel One of Us is Missing. Writing topics include pacing, managing multiple points of view, techniques and tips for writing crime fiction, structure, voice and description.
I’m delighted to bring you another highly experienced novelist, the talented Ber Carroll or BM Carroll as you might know her. Ber has just published her 12th novel One of Us is Missing and it is a masterclass in domestic suspense. I couldn’t put it down.
Because she pivoted from commercial fiction to domestic suspense with her last five novels, she had to learn the rules of crime writing so she talks about what those techniques are. With this novel she had to completely change the structure to make the pacing work, so she talks about that in detail too which is fascinating. Ber also talks about when she introduces a spreadsheet to her process (because old accountant habits die hard) and we also talked about the importance for her of beta readers which is something I haven't asked anyone before on the podcast so it was really great to get into that - I think you'll find it really useful.
You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of One of Us is Missing by BM Carroll here.
ABOUT BM Carroll
Ber is the author of twelve novels. Her most recent novels The Missing Pieces of Sophie McCarthy, Who We Were, You Had It Coming, The Other Side of Her and One of Us is Missing are published under B.M. Carroll. You Had It Coming was shortlisted for the 2022 Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction and the 2022 Davitt Award for Best Adult Novel.
Website: https://bercarroll.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmcarrollauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bercarrollbmcarroll
Buy One of Us is Missing by BM Carroll here.
Buy Smoke by Michael Brissenden here.
BUILD AN AUTHOR WEBSITE COURSE
To receive notifications about course dates, the free author website workshop and early bird discounts, sign up here - https://www.freshwebdesign.com.au/course
This podcast is recorded on the beautiful, unceded lands of the Garigal people of the Eora nation.
Full show notes available at writersbookclubpodcast.com
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Missing episodes?
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Charlotte Wood talks about the writing craft and process behind her novel Stone Yard Devotional. Writing topics include creative process and inspiration, first drafts, novel structure, writing in fragments, point of view, narrative momentum, voice, description and writing at sentence level.
Charlotte is such a beautiful writer but also a seasoned writer - she’s been to all the places you, as a writer, have been or are heading towards - and she generously shares all that wisdom.
One of the things I love about Charlotte is her curiosity. She’s constantly exploring and expanding upon her own creative process and draws inspiration and motivation from all areas of the arts, not just books and writing.
You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood here.
REFERENCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Subtraction - Charlotte Wood’s newsletter
Portrait of a Lady on Fire - directed by Céline Sciamma
Céline Sciamma - BAFTA Screenwriters’ Lecture Series
Charlotte Wood interviews Joan Silber on The Writer’s Room
The Art of Time in Fiction by Joan Silber
Louise Bourgeois, Artist
The Wren, The Wren by Anne Enright
My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout
Making Stories: How Ten Australian Novels Were Written by Kate Grenville and Sue Woolfe
Living Autobiography Trilogy by Deborah Levy
Courtney Collins
Unless by Carol Shields
The Garret Podcast: Charlotte Wood
Read This Podcast: Charlotte Wood
Melbourne Writers’ Festival: 6-12 May 2024
Sydney Writers’ Festival: 20-26 May 2024
Brisbane Writers’ Festival: 30 May – 2 June 2024
ABOUT CHARLOTTE WOOD
Charlotte Wood is the author of seven novels and three books of non-fiction. Her new book Stone Yard Devotional was described by the UK Guardian as ‘a quiet novel of immense power’ and has been praised by authors Anne Enright, Tim Winton, Karen Joy Fowler, Hannah Kent and Paula Hawkins among others.
Her previous books include The Luminous Solution, a book of essays on the creative process; the international bestseller, The Weekend; and The Natural Way of Things which won a number of prizes including The Stella Prize and the Prime Minister’s Literary Award. Her features and essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, Literary Hub, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Saturday Paper among other publications.
In 2023 Belvoir Theatre Company staged an adaptation of her novel The Weekend, and her novel The Natural Way of Things featured in ABC Television’s 2021 series The Books That Made Us.
She has produced a podcast of interviews with artists, The Writer's Room with Charlotte Wood, and in 2024 launched a monthly newsletter on the creative process titled Subtraction.
In 2019 Charlotte was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and was named one of the Australian Financial Review’s '100 Women of Influence'.
Website: https://www.charlottewood.com.au/
Substack: Subtraction - Charlotte Wood’s newsletterInstagram:: https://www.instagram.com/charlottewoodwriter/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlottewoodwriter
Buy Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood here.
Buy One of Us is Missing by BM Carroll here.
BUILD AN AUTHOR WEBSITE COURSE
To receive notifications about course dates, the free author website workshop and early bird discounts, sign up here - https://www.freshwebdesign.com.au/course
This podcast is recorded on the beautiful, unceded lands of the Garigal people of the Eora nation.
Full show notes available at writersbookclubpodcast.com
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Hannah Richell talks about the writing craft and process behind her novel The Search Party. Writing topics include structure, point of view, character development, dual timelines, backstory, reveals, editing, and writer’s retreats.
Have you ever read a novel and thought to yourself ‘how on earth did the author pull it off?’
That’s exactly what crossed my mind when I read The Search Party by Hannah Richell. Hannah is a beautiful writer and her talent is on display again with this novel, her fifth. The Search Party is bit of a departure for her. Hannah’s novels always have a mystery element but with this novel she’s taken it up a notch. It’s not a police procedural but the police investigation does play an important part in how the novel is structured. And of course, at the heart of the novel, as with all of Hannah’s novels, are the relationships, this time with a focus on friendships, specifically old friendships that don’t necessarily stand the test of time.
Hannah and I had the most wonderful chat. She talked about how she wrangled the 8 points of view, how she restructured the novel when she realised it wasn’t ‘hooky’ enough, her editing process, how she managed the dual timeline and incorporated backstory, and what she did to make sure the reveals were in the best place. We also talked about writing retreats - how she does it, where she goes, why she goes. I know many of you have the same kind of life constraints that Hannah does - partner, kids, work - so this is something I’m sure you’ll be curious about.
You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of The Search Party by Hannah Richell here.
ABOUT THE SEARCH PARTY
Max and Annie Kingsley have left the London rat race to set up a glamping site in the wilds of Cornwall. They invite old university friends – TV star Dominic, doctor and new mum Kira, and free-spirited Jim and Suze – and their children for a trial weekend but the reunion quickly veers off-course.First, there’s The Incident around the campfire on the first night. The following afternoon, a storm quickly develops off the rugged North Coast. When one of their group goes missing, all hell breaks loose. And as the winds batter the bell-tents, emotions run high and tension mounts for all the characters.
Who is lying in hospital, who has gone missing and who is the body on the beach below the cliffs . . .?
Gripping, cleverly structured and brimming with secrets and lies, this is a masterclass in narrative tension and a chilling exploration of the ways in which aspiration and anxiety collide. It will keep you guessing until the last page.
ABOUT HANNAH RICHELL
Hannah Richell was born in Kent and spent her childhood years in Buckinghamshire and Canada. After graduating from the University of Nottingham, she worked in the book publishing and film industries in both London and Sydney. She is a dual citizen of Great Britain and Australia, and currently lives in the South West of England with her family. Richell is the author of international bestsellers Secrets of the Tides (2012), The Shadow Year (2014), The Peacock Summer (2019) and The River Home (2020). Her work has been translated into twenty-one languages. Wow, phenomenal. Hannah is also a judge for the Richell Prize for Emerging Writers which was set up in memory of her late husband Matt.
Website: https://www.hannahrichell.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahrichell
Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/hannahrichellauthor
X: https://twitter.com/hannahrichell
Buy The Search Party by Hannah Richell here.
Special shout out to Penelope Janu, Fiona Taylor and Jemma from Reading For Keeps for your excellent questions. Give these writers and readers a follow on their socials.
BUILD AN AUTHOR WEBSITE COURSE
To receive notifications about course dates, the free author website workshop and early bird discounts, sign up here - https://www.freshwebdesign.com.au/courseThis podcast is recorded on the beautiful, unceded lands of the Garigal people of the Eora nation.
Full show notes available at writersbookclubpodcast.com
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Suzanne Leal discusses the craft and process behind her novel The Watchful Wife.
Suzanne talks about balancing external and internal dialogue and how you can create a really vivid scene in the mind of the reader without too much description, literally just with what the characters are saying, plus dialogue tags and actions. Suzanne reads a section of the novel that perfectly demonstrates this technique so listen out for that. We discussed how she balances difficult content and serious subject matter with humour. Suzanne also talked about the importance of rhythm and pacing in her work, and how she uses her own emotional state at any given time, in her writing.
You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of The Watchful Wife by Suzanne Leal here.
ABOUT SUZANNE LEAL
Suzanne is the author of novels The Watchful Wife, The Deceptions, The Teacher’s Secret and Border Street. Her debut children’s novel is Running With Ivan, a story of time travel and adventure. A regular presenter at literary, corporate, community and school events, she is the former chair of the fiction and poetry panel for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards and is a board member of BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival. From 2017 to 2019, she was the senior judge for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards. A keen traveller, she is a fluent French and German speaker.
Suzanne’s third novel, The Deceptions, was inspired by a story told to her by her former landlords and neighbours, Fred and Eva Perger, Czech-Australians who had survived the Holocaust. The wartime experiences of Fred Perger also inspired Suzanne’s debut children’s novel, Running With Ivan. A fascination for the intrigues of the schoolyard inspired Suzanne’s second novel, The Teacher’s Secret, which follows the joys and tribulations of the beachside village of Brindle and the local school at the centre of this close-knit community.
A lawyer experienced in child protection, criminal law and refugee law, Suzanne is a senior member of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal and former member of the Refugee Review Tribunal. She lives in Sydney with her husband, David, her four children, Alex, Dominic, Xavier and Miranda and their Japanese Spitz, Milly.
Website: https://www.suzanneleal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzannelealauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.author
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbn2ZRHNnXTF4JDuycDeNSQ
To enter this month’s competition, head to Writers Book Club Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.
Buy The Watchful Wife by Suzanne Leal here.
Buy The Search Party by Hannah Richell 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
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Laurie Steed discusses his craft and process for writing his short story collection Greater City Shadows. He discusses the formation of his characters and how he chooses point of view (or it chooses him!) Laurie emphasises the need for writers to take risks with their characters, and explores how both dialogue and subtext can be used to develop character.
Laurie is a master of specificity, writes beautiful, evocative description and loves a good edit so we talk about all that and more.
You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of Greater City Shadows by Laurie Steed here.
Follow the Greater City Shadows playlist here on Spotify.
Four Seasons in Rome by Anthony Doerr
Memory Wall by Anthony Doerr
ABOUT LAURIE STEED
Laurie Steed is a writer living and working in the Whadjuk region on the traditional lands of the Noongar people. His fiction has been broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and published in anthologies including Best Australian Stories and Award-Winning Australian Writing. He is the recipient of writing fellowships from The University of Iowa, The Baltic Writing Residency and The Elizabeth Kostova Foundation, and he is a member of the cohort for the 2022 Minderoo Foundation Artist Fund. His debut novel, You Belong Here, was published in 2018 and shortlisted for the 2018 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards. His second book, Better Than Me: A Story of Early Fatherhood, will be published in 2023 by Fremantle Press, and his third book, Greater City Shadows, won the 2021 Henry Handel Richardson Flagship Fellowship for Short Story Writing from Varuna – The National Writers’ House.
Website: https://www.lauriesteed.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriesteedauthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.steed.92
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriesteedauthor/
To enter this month’s competition, head to Writers Book Club Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.
Buy Greater City Shadows by Laurie Steed here.
Buy The Watchful Wife by Suzanne Leal 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
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In this final episode for 2023, I’m bringing you a deliciously long chat about writing craft and process with the author of five novels, Joanna Nell.
Jo joins me in a deep dive into her novel writing practice, sharing her techniques for creating dynamic characters, sustaining story momentum, managing dialogue, and outlining scenes. She also takes us through her entire editing process, how she weaves in backstory, the importance of the opening line and she shares some terrific tips for what to do when she’s feeling stuck.
I asked Jo to read several excerpts from her novels to illustrate things like dialogue, chapter openings and backstory so there are lots of practical examples for you in there.
You’ll find Joanna’s novels in all good bookstores, both real and digital.
You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of Mrs Winterbottom Takes a Gap Year by Joanna Nell here.
ABOUT JOANNA NELL
Joanna Nell is the internationally published, bestselling author of five novels. She is also a doctor and an advocate for positive ageing. Her short fiction has won numerous awards and been published in magazines, journals and short story anthologies including Award Winning Australian Writing. She has also written for The Sydney Morning Herald's Spectrum and Sunday Life magazines. Originally from the UK, Joanna lives on Sydney's Northern Beaches in a mostly empty nest with her husband and a creaky Labrador.
Website: https://www.joannanell.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanna_nell_writer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Joannanellwriter
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@joanna_nell_writer
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/Jo_nell_writer
To enter this month’s competition, head to Writers Book Club Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.
Buy Mrs Winterbottom Takes a Gap Year by Joanna Nell here.
Buy Greater City Shadows by Laurie Steed 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
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A deep dive with Jo Riccioni into the writing process and craft behind her fantasy novels The Branded and The Rising.
We talked about Jo's writing process, how she carves out writing space, her experiences with writing different genres and recent successes in her career such as signing an international deal for her fantasy book series. Jo also spoke about the importance of character development, ideas for world-building, lessons she’s learned from writing in different genres, interactions with her readers and her role as a writing teacher. We also got a very special reading from Jo’s latest fantasy novel The Rising.
If you’re a fantasy writer, Jo gives some great advice about the kinds of events you should attend. She also spilled the beans on the software she used to create the map at the front of the book.
You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of The Rising by Jo Riccioni here.
ABOUT JO RICCIONI
Jo Riccioni is a novelist and short story writer whose latest fantasy series, The Branded Season, is out now in Australia and will be published in the US and UK in 2024.
Jo’s first novel, The Italians at Cleat’s Corner Store, was published in Australia and the UK. It won the International Rubery Award for Fiction and was longlisted for the New Angle Prize. Her short fiction has been published in Best Australian Stories twice, and in anthologies in Australia and overseas. She has won short story awards in the UK, the US and Australia.
Website: https://joriccioni.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joriccioni/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joriccioni
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joriccioni
To enter this month’s competition, head to Writers Book Club Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.
Order The Rising by Jo Riccioni here.
Order Mrs Winterbottom Takes a Gap Year by Joanna Nell 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
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Sally Hepworth talks about the writing process for her novel Darling Girls.
We discussed writing craft aspects including inspiration, research, character development, description, typical writing schedule, editing, backstory, pacing, seeding in twists and balancing darker themes with humour.
You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of Darling Girls here.
ABOUT SALLY HEPWORTH
Sally Hepworth is the New York Times bestselling author of nine novels, most recently Darling Girls. Her novel, The Mother-In-Law (2019), has been optioned for a TV series by Hollywood actress and producer, Amy Poehler.
Drawing on the good, the bad and the downright odd of human behaviour, Sally writes incisively about family, relationships and identity. Her domestic thriller novels are laced with quirky humour, sass and a darkly charming tone.
Sally's novels are available around the globe in English and have been translated into 20 languages. She has sold more than one million books worldwide.
Website: https://www.sallyhepworthauthor.com/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/sallyhepworth
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sallyhepworthauthor
WRITING BOOKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
The Plot Whisperer by Martha Alderson
Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass
To enter this month’s competition, head to Writers Book Club Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.
Order Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth here.
Order The Rising by Jo Riccioni here.
Find Petronella McGovern 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
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Kate Mildenhall talks about the writing process for her novel The Hummingbird Effect.
We discussed writing craft aspects including structure, voice, setting, editing, sentence work, inspiration, multiple timelines, journalling and the power of prompts.
You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of The Hummingbird Effect here.
ABOUT KATE MILDENHALL
Kate Mildenhall is a writer and teacher. Her debut novel, Skylarking, was named in Readings Top Ten Fiction Books of 2016 and her bestselling The Mother Fault was longlisted for the 2021 ABIA General Fiction Book of the Year and shortlisted for the 2020 Aurealis Awards. Kate teaches creative writing and co-hosts The First Time podcast – which features conversations with Australian writers – and is currently undertaking a PhD in creative practice at RMIT University. Kate lives in Hurstbridge on Wurundjeri lands, with her partner and two children. Kate’s third novel is The Hummingbird Effect.
Website: https://katemildenhall.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kmildenhall/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katemildenhallwriter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katemildenhall/
Kate’s upcoming events here.
KATE’S REFERENCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
The First Time Podcast: https://thefirsttimepodcast.com/
Simon & Schuster - video, extract, playlist, tour dates, etc for The Hummingbird Effect: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/p/the-hummingbird-effect-kate-mildenhall
Sarah Sentilles Word Cave - http://www.sarahsentilles.com/the-word-cave
Bird by Bird, Ann Lamott
Paul Klee artist
Greenwood, Michael Christie
Cloud Atlas, David Mitchell
Eva Harbridge - algorithm artist
Hovering, Rhett Davis
A Swim in a Pond in the Rain, George Saunders
Steal Like an Artist, Austin Kleon
Tom Lake, Ann Patchett
The Luminous Solution, Charlotte Wood
Future Crunch newsletter
All other books Kate mentioned are all listed here: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/p/the-hummingbird-effect-kate-mildenhall-finding-inspiration
To enter this month’s competition, head to Writers Book Club Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.
Order The Hummingbird Effect by Kate Mildenhall here.
Order Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth 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
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Allison Tait talks about the writing process for her middle-grade novel The First Summer of Callie McGee.
We discussed writing craft aspects including:
- what you need to include (or exclude!) to make the novel age appropriate
- how to balance character arcs with the external plot
- the difference between a child-led versus a parent-led purchase
- how to find your ‘writing age’
- pacing the novel at scene level
- what a novel opening needs to include
- the hallmarks of good middle-grade fiction
- writing a mystery story for children aged 8-12 (including the necessity of red herrings!)
- how blogging can help you find your fiction writing voice and why there’s still a place for blogging in an author’s marketing mix.
You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of The First Summer of Callie McGee here.
ABOUT ALLISON TAIT
Allison Tait (A.L. Tait) is the internationally published bestselling author of middle-grade adventure series The Mapmaker Chronicles the Ateban Cipher novels, and the Maven & Reeve Mysteries.
Her latest novel THE FIRST SUMMER OF CALLIE McGEE is a ‘cosy middle-grade mystery’ (out now). Find out more.
A multi-genre writer, creative writing teacher and speaker with many years’ experience in magazines, newspapers and online publishing, Allison is co-host of the top-rating Your Kid’s Next Read podcast and former co-host of the So You Want To Be A Writer podcast.
She lives on the south coast of NSW (Australia) with her family.
A little bit more…
The Fire Star (A Maven & Reeve Mystery) was published in September 2020, and was a Notable book in the CBCA Children’s Book Of The Year Awards 2021.
The Wolf’s Howl (Maven & Reeve #2) was published in August 2021 in Australia and July 2022 in the USA.
For more information about the Maven & Reeve Mystery novels, plus teachers’ notes and other resources, click here.
Website: https://allisontait.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisontaitwriter/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllisonTaitWriter
Your Kids Next Read: https://childrensbooksdaily.com/podcast/
Write with Allison Tait Membership Group: https://allisontait.com/writing-group-membership/
To enter this month’s competition, head to Writers Book Club Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.
Order The First Summer of Callie McGee here.
Order The Hummingbird Effect by Kate Mildenhall 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
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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
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Victoria Purman talks about the writing process for her novel A Woman’s Work, an historical novel set in Melbourne in 1956.
We discussed so many writing craft aspects including:
- how a pamphlet in a second hand bookstore gave her the idea for the novel
- how she fills the saggy middle of a novel
- the importance of a first line
- how her readers are a treasure trove of stories and ideas
- her approach to backstory
- the editing process
- how she overcomes self-doubt
EPISODE INCLUDES SOME SPOILERS
You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of A Woman’s Work here.
ABOUT VICTORIA PURMAN
Victoria Purman is an Australian top ten and USA Today bestselling fiction author. Her 2023 novel, A Woman’s Work, is out now. Her books The Nurses’ War, The Women’s Pages, The Land Girls and The Last of the Bonegilla Girls have all been Australian bestsellers. Her earlier novel The Three Miss Allens was a USA Today bestseller. She is a regular guest at writers festivals, a mentor and workshop presenter across Australia, and has judged the fiction category for the 2018 Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature and the 2022 ASA/HQ Commercial Fiction Prize for an unpublished manuscript.
Website: https://www.victoriapurman.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/VictoriaPurmanauthor/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Victoria-Purman-Author/132297233615790
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/VictoriaPurman
To enter this month’s competition, head to Writers Book Club Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.
Order A Woman’s Work by Victoria Purman here.
Order Plum by Brendan Cowell 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
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Rae Cairns talks about the writing process for her novel Dying To Know, a crime thriller.
We discussed so many writing craft aspects including:
- why she starts with theme, rather than plot or character
- the research process
- the power of a prologue done well
- conventions of the crime thriller genre and how to meet readers’ expectations
- how a crime thriller should start
- how to write page-turning chapter endings
- an editing method that ensures a balance of tension and pacing
- Rae took us through the opening of her novel and showed us, step-by-step, how she balanced the tension and pacing which was so helpful.
You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of Dying To Know here.
ABOUT RAE CAIRNS
Rae Cairns writes crime with heart: thrillers featuring everyday people facing extraordinary circumstances. Her debut novel The Good Mother was shortlisted for Best Debut Crime Fiction in the 2021 Ned Kelly Awards and longlisted for the 2021 Sisters in Crime Davitt Awards. It draws on her background as a youth worker in Northern Ireland during the final years of 'The Troubles'.
Dying to Know, Rae’s second novel, is a standalone Sydney based thriller and centres around a woman’s determination to uncover what happened to her missing sister.
Rae has also co-managed a crisis refuge for street children, worked as Program Director for the Sydney Olympic Youth Camp and holds a degree in Performing Arts.
Website: https://www.raecairns.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raecairnswrites/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raecairnsauthor/
To enter this month’s competition, head to Writers Book Club Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.
Order A Woman’s Work by Victoria Purman here.
Order Dying to Know by Rae Cairns 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
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Amanda Hampson talks about the writing process for her novel The Tea Ladies, a wickedly witty cosy crime novel set in Sydney in the swinging sixties, ideal for fans of Richard Osman. Amanda talks about the importance of making the novel the best experience possible for the reader, how a comment in Facebook provided the initial inspiration for The Tea Ladies, why she displays her index cards inside the pantry door, how she handled the three different plot lines and the challenges of writing the second novel in a series. She also reads through some of the structural notes from her editor which was such a useful insight into the editorial process.
You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of The Tea Ladies here.
ABOUT AMANDA HAMPSON
Amanda Hampson grew up in rural New Zealand. She spent her early twenties travelling, finally settling in Australia in 1979, and now lives in Melbourne. Writing professionally for more than 20 years, she is the author of two non-fiction books, numerous articles and novels The Olive Sisters, Two for the Road, The French Perfumer, The Yellow Villa, Sixty Summers, Lovebirds and The Tea Ladies.
Website: https://www.amandahampson.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandahampsonauthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.hampson
To enter this month’s competition, head to Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.
Order The Tea Ladies by Amanda Hampson here.
Order Dying to Know by Rae Cairns 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
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Rachael Mogan McIntosh talks about the writing process for her memoir Pardon My French, a candid, hilarious love letter to family life and France with three valuable lessons for overcoming adversity: make home a beautiful nest, lean into the tough lessons and look for the comedy in everything. In our chat we discuss everything from how you protect your friends and family from your writerly tendency to mine their lives for material, how to structure a memoir in terms of narrative and character arcs, how to hone your own voice on the page, the importance of adding specific detail to create authenticity and avoid cliche, and how to balance your penchant for absurdity and humour with pathos and vulnerability.
You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of Pardon My French here.
ABOUT RACHAEL MOGAN MCINTOSH
Rachael Mogan McIntosh is a mum of three, crisis counsellor and community trainer from the south coast of NSW. Her writing has appeared in publications across Australia, France and the USA. Rachael loves books, baths, coffee, podcasts, TV and Terry’s Chocolate Orange; consuming them simultaneously whenever possible. Pardon My French is her first book.
Website: http://mogantosh.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mogantosh/
Questions this month were from:
Penelope Janu - https://www.penelopejanu.com/
A’Mhara McKey - https://www.amharamckey.com/
To enter this month’s competition, head to Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.
Pre-order The Tea Ladies by Amanda Hampson 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
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EPISODE SHOW NOTES
In this episode, Kate Forsyth takes us through the writing process for a selection of her works including The Crimson Thread, Bitter Greens, The Wild Girl, The Blue Rose and more.
Kate shared a veritable wealth of information about her writing process and philosophies; you’ll definitely want to take notes during this episode! She talked about:
- helping people find their own faith in themselves and their stories
- the constellation of ideas that combine to inspire a novel
- the two categories aspiring writers fall into
- how she overcomes the ‘paralysis of perfectionism’
- the importance of both thematic and narrative structure
- the elements of surprise and suspense
- using description to quicken pace instead of slowing things down
- the critical role of ‘emotional resonance’
- why she always writes in deep point of view
- how she writes a scene
- how she uses the phases of the moon to structure her writing schedule
Blog posts and articles referred to in the episode:
Kate’s Crimson Thread Diary, including image of Cretan women holding guns during WW2
Kate’s Writing Journal
Kate’s article about Marilyn Monroe ‘The m-m-m-m girl: Marilyn Monroe and I shared a secret struggle’ Sydney Morning Herald
Kate’s one-page plan from her notebook for her novel-in-progress Psykhe.
You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of Kate’s books here.
ABOUT KATE FORSYTH
Dr Kate Forsyth is an award -winning author, poet, and storyteller. She has a Doctorate of Creative Arts in fairy tale studies which has led to an amazing body of novels inspired by fairy tales and myths. But definitely NOT as you know them.
Her most recent novel is The Crimson Thread, a reimagining of ‘The Minotaur in the Labyrinth’ myth. It’s set in Crete during the Nazi invasion and occupation of World War II.
Her other historical novels include Beauty in Thorns, a reimagining of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ told in the voices of four women of the Pre-Raphaelite circle of artists and poets; Then we have The Wild Girl, the story of the forbidden romance behind the Grimm brothers’ fairy tales which was named Most Memorable Love Story of 2013; and Bitter Greens, a reinvention of ‘Rapunzel’ which won the 2015 American Library Association award for Best Historical Fiction.
Kate has also written non-fiction books, books for middle-grade children and picture books, many of which have garnered awards. husband, three mostly-gorgeous heroes-in-training, two ravenous cats, a cantankerous bird and a very badly-behaved dog.
Website: https://kateforsyth.com.au/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate_forsyth_
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/kateforsythauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KateForsyth
This podcast was recorded on the beautiful, unceded lands of both the Garigal people of the Eora nation and the lands of the Bundjalung people.
Full show notes available at writersbookclubpodcast.com
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THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SPOILERS.
In this episode, Rachael Johns takes us through the process behind writing her novel The Work Wives.
Rachael very generously decided she was more than happy to discuss the twists and turns of the novel so that all you writers out there could learn from this novel. She also takes us through her physical notebook for the novel - the original character outlines and plot points - so we can really see how this novel took shape from its inception. Rachael also read through the detailed developmental and structural notes from her editors which was such a terrific insight, not only into how a novel is edited, but how the publication process works.
This episode is a real masterclass in crafting a piece of contemporary, commercial fiction.
You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of The Work Wives here.
ABOUT RACHAEL JOHNS
Rachael Johns is an English teacher by trade, a mum 24/7, a Diet Coke addict, a cat lover and chronic arachnophobe. She rarely sleeps and never irons. She is also the bestselling, ABIA-winning author of The Patterson Girls and a number of other romance and women’s fiction books, including her recent bestseller, Something to Talk About. Rachael is currently Australia’s leading writer of contemporary relationship stories around women’s issues, a genre she has coined ‘life-lit’.
Rachael has finaled in a number of competitions, including the Australian Romance Readers Awards. Jilted (her first rural romance) won Favourite Australian Contemporary Romance in 2012, and The Patterson Girls won the 2016 Romance Writers of Australia RUBY Award and also the 2015 Australian Book Industry Award for General Fiction. She continually places in Booktopia’s Top 50 Aussie Authors poll.
Rachael lives in the Swan Valley with her hyperactive husband, three mostly-gorgeous heroes-in-training, two ravenous cats, a cantankerous bird and a very badly-behaved dog.
Website: https://www.rachaeljohns.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeljohnsauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachaelJohnsRomance
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rachaeljohnsauthor
Questions this month were from:
Deb Jordan - https://www.instagram.com/deb_jordan_writer/
Renae Black - https://www.instagram.com/renae_black_writes/
Links to writing craft books mentioned by Rachael:
The Bestseller Code by Jodie Archer, Matthew Jockers
The Complete Writer's Guide to Heroes and Heroines: Sixteen Master Archetypes
by Caro Lafever, Tami D Cowden and Sue Viders
Rachael Johns’ Book Club Retreat
Writes4Women Podcast: Rachael Johns & Sally Hepworth in conversation
To enter this month’s competition, head to Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.
This podcast is recorded on the beautiful, unceded lands of the Garigal people of the Eora nation.
Full show notes available at writersbookclubpodcast.com
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In this episode, Caroline Overington takes us through the process behind writing her novel The Cuckoo’s Cry. Caroline talks about how the novel began its life as an audiobook commissioned by Audible, the process of turning it into a paperback novel, and the wonderful knock-on effect on her backlist of novels. We also discussed character development, the power of the opening first page, Caroline’s writing process and the two things that motivate her to get words down on the page fast.
You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of The Cuckoo’s Cry here.
ABOUT CAROLINE OVERINGTON
Caroline Overington is one of Australia's most successful writers and journalists. She has twice won the Walkley Award for Investigative Journalism; she has also won the Sir Keith Murdoch award for Journalistic Excellence; Australia's richest prize for business writing, the Blake Dawson Prize; and the Davitt Award for crime writing.
She has written fourteen books, including the runaway bestseller, The One Who Got Away.
Caroline has worked as a journalist for The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, and The Australian Women's Weekly, where she has profiled many of the world's most famous women, including Oprah Winfrey and Hillary Clinton.
Her books have earned critical and commercial success: two of Caroline's novels - I Came To Say Goodbye and The One Who Got Away - were short-listed for Book of the Year at the Australian Book Industry Awards; her book about the UN oil for food scandal, Kickback has been optioned for film. Her most recent works include a thriller, The Cuckoo's Cry; and the true crime story, Missing William Tyrrell , an investigation into the disappearance of a three-year old foster child from the village of Kendall in NSW.
Website: https://www.carolineoverington.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/overingtonc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolineoverington
Questions this month were from:
Maya Linnell - https://www.instagram.com/maya.linnell.writes/
A’Mhara McKey - https://www.instagram.com/amhara_mckey_writer/
To enter this month’s competition, head to Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.
This podcast is recorded on the beautiful, unceded lands of the Garigal people of the Eora nation.
Full show notes available at writersbookclubpodcast.com
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In this episode, Mark Smith takes us through the process behind writing his novel The Road to Winter. Mark talked about finding his writing voice in short stories, why and how he packs backstory into the first chapter, why he wrote the novel in first person present tense, the importance of pacing, dialogue, setting and keeping the writing process simple, and the writing mantras he lives by, including ‘What do I know and care about?’
You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of The Road to Winter here.
ABOUT MARK SMITH
Mark Smith is the author of four young adult novels, including his critically acclaimed Winter Trilogy.. The Road to Winter was shortlisted for multiple awards and is taught in schools around Australia. The sequel, Wilder Country won the 2018 Australian Indie Book Award for YA.
An award-winning writer of short fiction, Mark’s work has appeared in Best Australian Stories, Review of Australian Fiction, The Big Issue, The Victorian Writer, Island and The Australian.
Mark is also an in-demand speaker at schools and an experienced facilitator at festivals and book launches.
Website: https://www.marksmithwriter.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marksmithauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/marksmith0257
For information about the Your Author Website course, go to https://www.writerscentre.com.au/store/courses/your-author-website/
To enter this month’s competition, head to Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.
This podcast is recorded on the beautiful, unceded lands of the Garigal people of the Eora nation.
Full show notes available at writersbookclubpodcast.com
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