In this episode of the Common Creative Podcast, Chris interviews award-winning crime writer Natalie Conyer about her journey from a career in administration to becoming a successful author later in life. Natalie shares her love of crime fiction, the pivotal moment that led her to pursue writing full-time, and insights into her creative process including the challenges, discipline, and rewards of following a creative calling.

Her debut novel, Present Tense, won the Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut Crime Novel in 2020, with her second novel, Shadow City, shortlisted for both the Ned Kelly and Danger Awards. Her third novel, Finding the Bones, will be released in March 2026. Natalie’s short fiction has also been published in anthologies and in her collection The Book Club and Other Stories.

Based in Sydney, Natalie is a swimmer, TV tragic, world-class procrastinator, and lifelong crime fiction devotee, a passion she explored so deeply she completed a doctorate on the genre.

LINKS:

Natalie Conyer - Special Guest

Website: https://natalieconyer.com/

X: https://twitter.com/natalieconyer

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-natalie-conyer-93257826

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalieconyer1/

Paul Fairweather - Co-host

https://www.paulfairweather.com

Chris Meredith - Co-host

https://www.chrismeredith.com.au