Crime fiction writer Ruth McIver joins Kate Cooper on Emerging Writers to explore a lifelong fascination with storytelling, crime and the complicated ethics of drawing inspiration from real events.

Ruth discusses her Irish-Australian identity, discovering writing at a young age, the long road to publication and the extraordinary experience of having her work recognised with major literary prizes.

She also delves into her PhD research into true crime-inspired fiction, including questions of responsibility, representation and the potential for storytelling to influence how we understand guilt, innocence and justice.

Ruth talks about her novels I Shot the Devil and The Sound, her Audible Australia original The Blackout, her approach to writing and editing, and the rewards of mentoring emerging writers.

Recorded in conjunction with Ruth’s appearance at the 2026 Totally Lit Adventures in the Port City Festival in Fremantle.

Listen to Emerging Writers from Vision Australia Radio wherever you get your podcasts.