Fasten your seatbelts and stow those tray tables, as we interview Joe Aston about his latest book, The Chairman's Lounge – The inside Story of How Qantas Sold Us Out. Joe is a former Australian Financial Review columnist and he discusses his experience writing about Qantas, its CEO and the company’s public branding crisis. He also shares insights on journalism, research and balancing objective reporting with creating a compelling narrative.  00:00 Introduction 03:36 Nat Newman’s writing tip 08:50 WIN! Murdle Australia by G.T. Karber 11:16 Word of the week: ‘penetralia’ 12:32 Writer in residence: Joe Aston 21:10 Joe’s switch from corporate life to journalism 27:25 The evolution of journalism 28:04 The pressure of producing quality content 29:02 Balancing reporting and opinion 31:18 The role of CEOs in public perception 34:06 Joe’s experience writing his book 37:28 Research versus the writing process 42:34 Future plans and new ventures 49:02 Joe’s advice for aspiring authors 50:50 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet Susannah Glenn, author of Between Husbands and Wives. Susannah discusses her writing process, overcoming self-doubt, and the importance of setting and character development. She highlights the impact of persistence, learning from setbacks, and taking writing courses. 00:00 Introduction 01:53 The importance of doing the work 07:07 Writing tip: Keep it simple 11:13 WIN! Literary Journeys by John McMurtrie 13:07 Word of the week: pedicular 14:26 Writer in residence: Susannah Glenn 21:57 The writing process: Finding the sweet spot 22:35 Character development 24:23 Balancing writing with everyday life 25:51 From manuscript to book deal 31:54 The importance of writing routines 37:38 Navigating the emotional roller coaster of writing 44:45 Top writing tips for aspiring authors 46:57 Conclusion Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet Sebastian Smee, a Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic, who discusses his new book Paris in Ruins, its historical context, and the challenges of writing it. He also touches upon his previous book The Art of Rivalry, how to approach writing art criticism, and tips for aspiring writers. Sebastian now writes for The Washington Post, but got his start writing for The Sydney Morning Herald. He then went on to write for The Boston Globe, The Spectator, The Guardian, The Australian and more. 00:00 Introduction 02:35 Nat Newman’s writing tip 10:28 Win Endgame by Sarah Barrie 12:44 Word of the week: Hypnagogic 16:47 Interview with Sebastian Smee 20:27 Diving into historical context 20:59 Early career and education 21:49 Breaking into art criticism 23:55 Writing art reviews 25:50 Journey to America 27:34 The Art of Rivalry 31:02 Crafting Paris in Ruins 38:30 Challenges and reflections 42:21 Advice for aspiring art critics 47:57 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet Mitch Jennings, author of A Town Called Treachery, who shares his journey to becoming a novelist and his advice for aspiring writers. 00:00 Introduction 00:27 Reinvention 04:02 Writing opportunities and taking chances 07:58 Writing tip: The Pomodoro Technique 14:23 WIN: Everyone this Christmas Has A Secret by Benjamin Stevenson 15:12 Word of the week: Claque 18:32 Mitch Jennings and his page-turning novel A Town Called Treachery 26:16 Balancing writing and family life 28:00 Discovering writing process during COVID 29:26 The role of mentorship and courses 32:30 Crafting the story of A Town Called Treachery 37:40 Journalism's influence on writing 44:24 Entering and winning the Banjo Prize 50:34 Advice for aspiring writers 53:30 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet New York Times bestselling author Laura Dave, who talks about her latest novel The Night We Lost Him, her writing process, and adapting her hit novel The Last Thing He Told Me for television. Laura shares her approach to character development, writing routines, and advice for aspiring writers. She talks about the importance of dedication, routine, and what you need to do before seeking publication. 00:00 Introduction 03:00 Nat Newman's writing tip 05:46 Writing opportunities and tips 10:51 Competition: Win The Dictionary of Terrible Ideas by Dominic Knight 13.01 Word of the week: piacular 16:16 Laura Dave, with of The Last Thing He Told Me and The Night We Lost Him 23:26 From novel to screen 24:57 The success and future of the series 25:46 The role of music in writing 29:12 Crafting characters and storylines 40:44 Writing routine and research 46:36 Advice for aspiring writers 48:51 Fun fact Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet Amanda Willimott, who talks about her historical fiction novel Winter of the Wolf, informed by extensive research. Amanda reveals how she got her book deal with Penguin Random House and the power of persistence, planning and mentorship. 00:00 Introduction 03:56 Writing tip: Attend events 07:19 Competition: Win The Dictionary of Terrible Ideas by Dominic Knight 09:25 Word of the week: Riparian 10:48 Interview with Amanda Willimott, author of Winter of the Wolf 25:24 Deciding to write a novel 26:12 Setting goals and overcoming challenges 27:56 The importance of planning and research 29:35 Writing discipline and tracking progress 36:04 Editing and refining the manuscript 37:58 The path to publication 41:19 Celebrating success and future plans 45:11 Final thoughts and advice for aspiring writers 47:13 Fun fact: What is a circadian novel? Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet bestselling author and screenwriter Christian White on his novel The Ledge and writing the Netflix hit Clickbait. his writing process, and his transition from books to screenwriting, including his work on TV shows like Clickbait and Apartment 7A. 00:00 Welcome to episode 635 01:46 Nat Newman's writing tip 02:41 Nat's creative writing journey 04:34 The importance of elevator pitches 09:07 Win: Cherrywood by Jock Serong 11:20 Word of the week: Panoply 14:01 Interview with Christian White, author of The Ledge 31:43 The journey to Clickbait 33:15 Balancing success and stress 35:16 Appreciating the moment 36:11 From Clickbait to Apartment 7A 41:36 The collaborative process 45:43 Balancing writing and family life 55:30 Tips for aspiring writers 01:01:29 Conclusion Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet Ariane Beeston, who shares insights into her powerful memoir Because I'm Not Myself, You See, exploring postpartum psychosis, her writing journey, and the therapeutic yet challenging process of recounting personal experiences. This memoir is brave and beautifully written. As a graduate of Australian Writers' Centre, we’re so thrilled for Ariane. 00:00 Introduction 00:19 Using prompts to discover your character 03:39 Nat Newman’s writing tip 08:32 Setting writing goals 11:23 Win: The Paris Gown by Christine Wells 14:22 Word of the week: Vestige 6:22 Interview with Ariane Beeston, author of Because I'm Not Myself, You See 28:03 The proposal journey 28:17 Navigating rejections and acceptances 29:01 The challenge of writing a book 29:26 Creative Nonfiction insights 30:00 Seamlessly weaving research and personal story 31:14 Overcoming personal obstacles 32:35 The emotional toll of writing 33:36 The urgency to finish 34:58 Post-writing reflections 35:49 The writing timeline 36:52 Managing deadlines and mental health 39:52 Reliving the past through writing 42:04 Ethics and accuracy in memoir writing 46:20 The book's impact and reader responses 48:18 Top tips for writing a memoir 54:02 Conclusion Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet bestselling author Paula Hawkins, whose new book The Blue Hour explores a psychological thriller set on a Scottish island. Paula discusses her writing process, research on art, transition from a finance journalist to a novelist, how she wrote four romance novels under a pen name and her experiences following the success of The Girl on the Train. She also shares her writing advice, emphasising the importance of feedback and understanding your readers’ experiences. 00:00 Introduction 00:34 Writing tip with Nat Newman 02:53 Storyboarding for writers 06:22 Win: The Stranger at the Wedding by A. E. Gauntlett 08:14 Word of the week: Palmy 09:30 Paula Hawkins and her latest novel The Blue Hour 21:19 From financial journalism to fiction 21:46 First foray into fiction 23:40 How Paula writes romance under a pseudonym 24:52 Finding the right genre 25:38 The birth of The Girl on the Train 27:48 Dealing with success and pressure 30:12 Writing process and challenges 40:34 Advice for aspiring writers 43:02 Fun fact: apophony Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet Ryan Butta, author of the new biography, The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli – a previously untold story of one of Australia’s forgotten wartime heroes. In this lively and interesting conversation, Ryan shares what led him to tell this particular story, his research process and other fascinating stories from here and overseas that inadvertently prepared him for a life as a published author. 00:00 Introduction and host welcome 00:19 Upcoming travel writing course 00:38 Special bonuses for enrollees 05:42 Writing tip: Imagination game 09:42 Win: Diving, Falling by Kylie Mirmohamadi 11:32 Word of the week: Imbrication 14:12 Interview with Ryan Butta 28:36 Organising research and writing process 30:13 Starting the writing journey 31:23 From fiction to nonfiction 34:18 Pitching and publishing success 36:54 Challenges and realities of being published 39:51 New projects and future plans 45:48 Passion and motivation in writing 49:50 Top tips for nonfiction writing Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet Dani Vee, publisher at Larrikin House, whose latest book is Riley's Failproof Guide to Breaking a School Record, and her soon-to-be-released book is My Pet Croc. Dani shares her writing process but also provides insights into the children’s publishing industry, her role as a publisher and what she is looking for in a manuscript. Dani discusses the importance of finding the right voice, creative control, and the submission process for aspiring authors. 00:00 Introduction to the podcast and special series 02:14 Meet Dani Vee: Author, publisher, and podcaster 03:43 Riley's fail-proof guide to breaking a school record 05:02 From picture books to junior fiction 06:00 The creative process and challenges of writing 12:44 The magic of writing My Pet Croc 14:43 Transitioning from teaching to publishing 17:26 The role of a publisher in a small publishing house 20:52 Exploring different book genres 21:24 The story behind The Bogan Book Club 22:20 The importance of voice in publishing 23:33 Breaking stereotypes in literature 24:26 Defining the Larrikin voice 27:05 Submission process and common mistakes 32:13 Working with authors: Challenges and considerations 34:58 Evaluating submissions: Key questions 37:36 Future plans and writing aspirations 40:08 Conclusion and final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet writer and comedian Jennifer Wong, who discussed her new book Chopsticks or Fork, a nostalgic exploration of Chinese-Australian restaurants, based on her TV series. Jennifer shares insights into her writing journey and balancing her work across different media. 00:00 Introduction and welcome 00:20 Catching up after a trip 00:52 Listener shoutouts and publishing advice 03:20 Writing tip from Nat Newman 03:45 Exploring Disney Studios 07:21 Writing tip: Take a research trip 12:31 Competition announcement 14:21 Word of the week 15:07 Travel writing special edition course 18:12 Interview with Jennifer Wong 23:43 Finding the right talent for a show 23:59 Comedy and personal growth 25:06 Writing with personal experience 27:15 Exploring favorite writing topics 29:06 The journey of Chopsticks or Fork 32:58 Creating a nostalgic and joyous book 42:58 Balancing book promotion and new projects 44:20 Upcoming shows and future plans 48:34 Final thoughts and fun facts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet children's author Jess Horn, who shares her journey in writing, the inspiration behind her book Bernie Thinks in Boxes, and her intensive writing process. Jess also details her experience securing a book deal, the value of feedback, and the importance of community in the writing world. Jess provides tips for aspiring authors on maintaining passion, embracing feedback, and connecting with the writing community. 00:00 Introduction to the podcast 01:09 App tip of the week: Clockify 11:19 Interview with children's author Jess Horn 13:46 Jess Horn's writing journey and tips 23:05 Exciting news and future projects Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet Scott Ryder, a former Australian commando, who discusses his memoir Forged in Fire, detailing his 22-year military career and the transition to civilian life. Forged in Fire takes us inside the secretive world of the commandos. 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Nat Newman’s writing tip 09:15 Giveaway: The Blanket Cats by Kiyoshi Shigematsu 11:31 Word of the week: lenitive 12:11 Creative nonfiction 13:44 Interview with Scott Ryder 25:06 Reflecting on military life and writing 26:04 The writing process: Chronology and challenges 27:36 Confronting memories and emotional transparency 29:27 The impact of writing on personal growth 33:13 Transitioning to civilian life 41:57 Fact-checking and authenticity in memoir writing 43:29 Future plans and final thoughts 48:43 Fun fact: Words that only exist in plural form 49:39 Closing remarks Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 Conclusion Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 Thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 promotion Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 farewell Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 Conclusion Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 fact Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 library Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 conclusion Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 fact Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 fact Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 resources Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 competitions Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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 thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet author Pamela Freeman and illustrator Liz Anelli. They discuss their collaborative process in creating the picture book Seed to Sky: Life in the Daintree. They talk about the research, writing, and illustration process, how they balance text and visuals, and the importance of accuracy in children’s non-fiction. 00:00 Introduction and welcome 03:00 Nat Newman’s writing tip 11:48 Book giveaway: The Bookshop Woman by Nanako Hanada 14:02 Word of the week: chatoyant 15:40 Interview with Pamela Freeman and Liz Anelli 27:37 The art of bringing colour and tone 28:41 The roughs: what are they? 29:32 Fiction vs. non-fiction the writing for kids 33:01 The journey of an illustrator 36:46 The collaborative process Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Valerie interviews B.M. Carroll, whose latest thriller, One of Us Is Missing, revolves around a family dealing with a mysterious disappearance of one family member during a concert. The conversation also touches on B.M. Carroll's writing process, character development, and the importance of feedback and rewriting. 00:00 Introduction and shoutout to AWC graduate Richard Pritchard on this third book 01:55 Nat Newman’s writing tips 02:50 Words at Dawn writing group 05:19 Avoiding info dumps 09:32 Book giveaway: Blackwater by Jacqueline Ross 15:49 Interview with B. M. Carroll 22:44 The creative process and panic 23:32 Editing and major rewrites 25:59 Timeline of writing and rewriting 30:18 Character development and authenticity 37:27 Writing routine and word count goals 40:09 Name change and genre shift 42:35 Top tips for aspiring writers 46:34 Conclusion and fun fact Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Amy Hutton, author of Love From Scratch and Sit, Stay, Love. Amy discusses her journey from TV producer to successful romance novelist, the importance of social media presence for authors, and practical tips for aspiring writers. Host Valerie Khoo also chats to author Nat Newman who shares her experience with the Meisner acting technique, and provides valuable advice on dealing with rejection as a writer. 00:00 Introduction 00:46 Deep dive into chapter structure 02:43 Nat Newman’s writing tips 03:01 Drama workshop insights 07:45 Dealing with rejection 11:55 Book giveaway: The Silence Factory by Bridget Collins 14:56 Word of the week: cynosure 16:25 Interview with Amy Hutton, author of Love From Scratch and Sit, Stay, Love 27:19 Pitching through virtual literary speed dating 27:58 Romance Writers of Australia conference experience 29:32 The chaotic offer moment 31:06 Working on multiple projects 34:31 Developing 'Love From Scratch' 39:35 Daily writing routine and discipline 42:17 Engaging with social media as an author 47:14 Courses and continuous learning 51:37 Future plans and traditional publishing 53:56 Top tips for aspiring writers 56:33 Conclusion and fun fact Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Explore the world of co-writing and collaboration with Radek Sali and Bernadette Schwerdt. They explore the collaborative effort behind writing Radek’s book, How to Build a Billion Dollar Business, discussing challenges, the process of co-writing, the importance of capturing emotional depth in storytelling, and the profound impact of building a purpose-driven business. The episode touches on effective writing strategies, including the importance of starting your day with creative work and offers listeners a chance to win three copies of The Underhistory by Kaaron Warren. 00:00 Welcome to the podcast & upcoming seminar announcement 00:16 Deep dive into writing chapters 02:24 Nat Newman's writing tips & personal journey 13:29 Win The Underhistory by Kaaron Warren. 17:57 Meeting Radek Sali and his co-writer Bernadette Schwerdt 21:50 From idea to co-writer 22:32 Challenges, editors, and finding the right partner 24:02 Bernadette's approach: From manuscript assessment to starting fresh 24:57 Crafting the narrative via nterviews, structure, and voice 37:01 The business of co-writing: Financials and working with publishers 40:08 Insights on co-writing 47:38 Reflections and future directions Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet Megan Daley, author of The Beehive. Megan talks about her passion for children’s literature, her role as a teacher librarian, and her picture book The Beehive. She also discusses her book Raising Readers, which emphasises the importance of instilling a love of reading in children from a young age and offers practical advice for parents. 00:00 Welcome to the world of writing and publishing 00:22 Unlocking creativity with story seeds 03:48 Nat Newman's writing tip 07:54 Crafting engaging openings in writing 14:58 Megan Daley: A passion for children's literature and bees 21:30 The journey from blog to book: Unveiling a love for reading 23:01 Empowering reading habits: Tips for parents and educators 23:48 A creative approach to encouraging reading 29:34 Encouraging savvy teen readers in a digital age 32:41 The path to becoming a teacher librarian 34:02 From educator to children's book author 36:28 Strategies for busy creatives 42:34 From writing dreams to picture book reality 44:22 A dive into the history of the exclamation mark Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet Jo Peck, whose memoir Suddenly Single at Sixty details her journey through divorce and rediscovery. Jo discusses her writing process, the therapeutic value of journalling, the challenges of constructing a memoir , and her inspirations. She also offers advice for writers on being honest in their writing and the importance of self-analysis. 00:00 Welcome to the podcast & updates 02:03 Nat Newman’s writing tip 05:15 Crafting secondary characters 07:44 Book giveaway: Ghost Cities by Siang Lu 10:39 Word of the week: Desultory 11:26 Writer in residence: Jo Peck on Suddenly Single at Sixty 24:23 The journey of writing a memoir 25:58 From school gate to bookshelf 29:12 Structuring a memoir 34:16 Jo’s writing process 38:18 Exploring future writing projects and reflections 41:09 Receiving feedback and sharing advice for aspiring writers 46:27 Closing thoughts and fun facts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet Deborah Abela, author of The Kindness Project. Deborah is one of Australia’s most beloved children's authors. Her latest middle grade novel is The Kindness Project, which is her 29th book. Recently, she also released the Book of Wondrous Possibilities. While Deb writes mainly in middle grade, she has also written chapter books and picture books, such as Bear in Space and the upcoming No More Room in the Bed. Also hear about 'Words at Dawn', a writing initiative for students of the Australian Writers’ Centre. And your chance to win the novel The Many Lies of Veronica Hawkins. 00:00 Welcome to the world of writing and publishing 01:09 Busting myths about writing for kids 02:30 Guest spotlight: Nat Newman's writing tips 04:38 Words at dawn: A creative writing initiative 15:27 Deborah Abela: A deep dive into middle grade novels 27:12 The Kindness Project: From concept to creation 29:57 Exploring kindness through storytelling 31:38 The creative process and writing in verse 32:05 From pitch to publication 34:06 Character development and creative inspiration 37:55 Rejections and successes in the publishing world 39:16 From film to children's books: A career journey 43:21 The art of writing across different formats 50:51 Engaging with young readers: The importance of school visits 55:13 Top tips for aspiring middle grade writers Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet Indah Ahmad Zahri, author of 5 picture books including her latest How To Measure The Ocean. Indah, a doctor turned picture book author, delves into her career transition, the inspiration behind her books, and her advocacy work. 00:00 Celebrating 600 episodes: A journey of writing and publishing 01:19 Upcoming seminar: Mastering action in storytelling 03:45 Nat Newman’s writing tips 10:40 Book giveaway: The North Wind by Alexandra Warwick 13:00 Word of the week: propinquity 15:06 Writer in residence: Indah Ahmad Zahri’s multifaceted career 24:25 A magical moment at the beach: The power of picture books 25:28 From inspiration to authorship: The journey begins 26:57 Celebrating diversity and heritage through children's literature 29:09 The challenges and joys of writing for children abroad 31:44 Embracing new creative ventures 33:13 Balancing creativity and parenthood 35:07 Exploring new horizons in writing and art 41:36 Leveraging courses for creative growth 43:36 Top writing tips and a call to action for writers 47:18 Closing thoughts and fun facts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Introducing Story Seeds! A month’s worth of writing prompts that you get for free. Find out how to get Story Seeds for May. The episode features Becky Holmes, author of Keanu Reeves Is Not In Love With You, a memoir and exploration into online romance scams. Becky shares her journey from opening a Twitter account during lockdown that led to interactions with online scammers, to writing a book that delves deep into the world of romance fraud while intertwining her personal experiences. The episode also includes discussions on writing tips, mental health for writers, and an intriguing conversation about theatre performances. Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet Mary Anastasiou, picture book author and managing editor at Five Mile Press, as well as a former creative director at Larrikin House. Mary shares her journey from aspiring writer to influential figure in the children's book industry, highlighting the challenges and rewards of publishing picture books. She discusses the importance of illustrator-author dynamics, how to successfully submit manuscripts, and offers invaluable advice to aspiring authors and illustrators. Additionally, the episode includes insights into the process of creating picture books, from conception to finished product, and touches on the nuances of the publishing industry. Mary also talks about her latest picture book Julius Squeezer. Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet author Kell Woods, who discusses her approach to writing, her novel After the Forest, a sequel to Hansel and Gretel, and the blend of history and fantasy in her work. Kell shares insights on the research and discipline required to weave together historical accuracy and compelling storytelling. Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet Carrie Sun, whose memoir Private Equity explores her journey from a high-paced finance role to embracing a writing career. Carrie discusses her writing process, the challenges of memoir writing, and the transformation she underwent during her time in the finance industry. Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Is indie publishing right for you. Discover the intricacies of indie publishing with author Jodi Gibson. Delve into Jodi’s journey across traditional and independent publishing avenues for her novels. She highlights the distinct processes involved in each. Jodi shares valuable tips for indie authors, ranging from understanding why you want to indie publish to learning to love the hustle of marketing your work. The conversation covers the importance of a professional presentation of your book, meeting genre expectations, and the crucial role of building a mailing list. Additionally, Jodi discusses the necessity of assembling a publishing team, including editors and cover designers, to ensure a book's success. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the dedication required for indie publishing and the importance of defining one's own success in the literary world. Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet Charlotte Barkla, who discusses her latest novel 11 Ruby Road: 1900, a series set over a hundred years in the same house, capturing the essence of family, friendship, community, and historical events. Charlotte shares her journey from engineering and teaching to becoming a children's author, the challenges and joys of writing for young readers, and her processes in research and idea generation for her books. The episode concludes with insights into authors' careers, tips for writers, and a library's unique cat-themed event promoting book forgiveness. Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet author and ghostwriter Liam Pieper about his latest novel Appreciation. The novel centres around a famous artist trying to rehabilitate his fame with the help of a ghostwriter. Liam also discusses his “day job” as a ghostwriter, the importance of getting along with the client and shaping their narrative according to their needs. Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

Meet Karina May, author of Never Ever Forever, who talks about author branding, the business of writing and publishing 3 books in 15 months. Host Valerie Khoo also chats to author Nat Newman on her writing tip for the week, Valerie’s involvement in the 100-day project, a global initiative that encourages creatives to commit to producing something new every day for 100 days. And much more. Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com