So You Want to be a Writer
So You Want to be a Writer
Everything you’ve always wanted to know about succeeding in the world of writing and publishing. Learn practical writing techniques, go behind-the-scenes and discover how real-life authors got their big break. Uncover the creative processes of writers who have made it. Your host is Valerie Khoo – author, journalist, creative and CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre.Social links:
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Writing Podcast Episode 697: Matt Cooke and his inspirational new book, 'Beyond Wanting'
Are YOU ready to unlock your potential in 2026? Join us for a special ‘manifestation’ episode of the podcast, as Valerie is joined by Matt Cooke, author of Beyond Wanting: The Art of True Manifestation. Matt shares his personal story into manifestation – from skeptic to believer AND how he manifest…
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Writing Podcast Episode 696: Susannah Fullerton talks 'Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them'
We’ve all heard of the ‘muse’ but what about the ‘mewwwws’? That’s the sound of authors' cats, and in this episode, Susannah Fullerton discusses her wonderfully titled book, Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them – exploring the unique relationships between famous authors and their feline compan…
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Writing Podcast Episode 695: Joanna Nell discusses her new novel, 'The Funeral Crashers'
We’ve heard of crashing weddings, but what about funerals? That’s the topic that bestselling author Joanna Nell has tackled for her sixth book, The Funeral Crashers. In this episode, she joins us to discuss the experience behind writing this latest novel as well as the turning point in her life tha…
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Writing Podcast Episode 694: Candice Chung and her book, 'Chinese Parents Don’t Say I Love You'
How do you go about writing a personal memoir that heavily features your very-much-alive parents? Author Candice Chung grappled with this and her culturally private family while curating her book, Chinese Parents Don’t Say I Love You. In this episode, she joins us to discuss the inspiration for a b…
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Writing Podcast Episode 693: Belinda Castles walks us through her new book, Walking Sydney
Do ideas come to you while you’re out walking? There’s a unique connection between writers and walking – and in this episode, Belinda Castles shares the inspiration and experience in creating her new book, Walking Sydney. The book is a curated collection of talks had while on walks with authors aro…
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Writing Podcast Episode 692: Special episode with Allison Tait on your writing roadmap
In this special bonus episode of 'So You Want to Be a Writer,' Valerie is joined by her original podcast co-host Allison Tait in a live-streamed event celebrating 20 years of the Australian Writer Centre. Together, they discuss important topics for all writers – including goal-setting, overcoming w…
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Writing Podcast Episode 691: Holly Brunnbauer and her romance novel, 'What Did I Miss?'
If you found yourself newly single after not dating since being a teenager, what would you do? Author and AWC graduate Holly Brunnbauer asks that question in her award-winning romance novel, What Did I Miss? –and in this episode she shares what inspired her to write it, her exciting story about get…
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Writing Podcast Episode 690: Ian Scott explores the weird and wonderful world of literary 'Pen Names'
When Ian Scott and Kirsty McHugh – curators at the National Library of Scotland – created an exhibition on pen names, they never imagined it would become a book. But that’s exactly what happened, and in this episode, Ian joins to discuss some of the curious motivations and stories behind some of th…
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Writing Podcast Episode 689: Zanni L. Arnot’s new novel, 'A Guide to Falling Off the Map'
Author Zanni L. Arnot has carved out a prolific career as a children's author – publishing more than 40 books in the past decade as ‘Zanni Louise’. In this episode, Zanni discusses how she got into writing children's books and her first YA novel, A Guide to Falling Off the Map. She also shares the …
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Writing Podcast Episode 688: Ben Macintyre shares insights on his latest book, 'The Siege'
The Iranian Embassy siege that unfolded in the UK in 1980 was a huge world event at the time, although perhaps lost in the fog of history today. Prolific British author Ben Macintyre brings it back into focus in his latest book, The Siege: The Remarkable Story of the Greatest SAS Hostage Drama and …
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