In this episode of Writes for Women, host Pamela Cook interviews Melbourne-based author Brooke Crawford about her debut novel, 'Better Than The Real Thing.'

Brooke shares her journey to becoming a published author, which began after her 40th birthday and was accelerated during the COVID-19 lockdown. They discuss her writing process, the development of her relatable characters, and the support cast that enriches her romcom storyline. Brooke also talks about the significance of the settings in St. Kilda and London, and how these locations are integral to the story. Additionally, she provides insights into her research process and the challenges of balancing serious themes with a romantic-comedy tone. As Brooke prepares for the book's release, she reflects on the editing process and her experience working with HQ Harper Collins.

Looking ahead, she offers a glimpse into her next writing project, set in England's Lake District.

This episode provides valuable advice for aspiring authors and celebrates the release of a heartfelt and humorous novel.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements

00:45 Meet Brooke Crawford

01:36 Brooke's Writing Journey

04:59 The Impact of COVID and Turning 40

06:49 Writing Process and Challenges

14:41 Character Development

21:29 Setting the Scene: St. Kilda and London

23:13 Exploring the Book's Settings

24:21 Weaving Backstories and Balancing Tones

27:10 Research and Expert Consultation

30:04 The Journey to Publication

34:06 Editing and Feedback Process

35:46 Cover Design and Title Change

38:14 Preparing for the Book Launch

41:11 Sneak Peek into the Second Book

42:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

SHOW NOTES:

Writes4Women

www.writes4women.com

Facebook @writes4women

Substack: https://writes4women.substack.com/

 

Brooke Crawford

Website: click here

Instagram: click here

 

Pamela Cook

www.pamelacook.com.au

Facebook: click here

Twitter: click here 

Instagram: click here

 

This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal Country.

 

 

 

 

In this episode of Writes for Women, host Pamela Cook interviews Melbourne-based author Brooke Crawford about her debut novel, 'Better Than The Real Thing.'
Brooke shares her journey to becoming a published author, which began after her 40th birthday and was accelerated during the COVID-19 lockdown. They discuss her writing process, the development of her relatable characters, and the support cast that enriches her romcom storyline. Brooke also talks about the significance of the settings in St. Kilda and London, and how these locations are integral to the story. Additionally, she provides insights into her research process and the challenges of balancing serious themes with a romantic-comedy tone. As Brooke prepares for the book's release, she reflects on the editing process and her experience working with HQ Harper Collins.
Looking ahead, she offers a glimpse into her next writing project, set in England's Lake District.
This episode provides valuable advice for aspiring authors and celebrates the release of a heartfelt and humorous novel.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements
00:45 Meet Brooke Crawford
01:36 Brooke's Writing Journey
04:59 The Impact of COVID and Turning 40
06:49 Writing Process and Challenges
14:41 Character Development
21:29 Setting the Scene: St. Kilda and London
23:13 Exploring the Book's Settings
24:21 Weaving Backstories and Balancing Tones
27:10 Research and Expert Consultation
30:04 The Journey to Publication
34:06 Editing and Feedback Process
35:46 Cover Design and Title Change
38:14 Preparing for the Book Launch
41:11 Sneak Peek into the Second Book
42:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
&nbsp;
SHOW NOTES:
Writes4Women
<a href="http://www.writes4women.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.writes4women.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1614498304853000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGsoqHkpPpyoq3HyqGd7t_wqWjIxA">www.writes4women.com</a>
Facebook @writes4women
Substack:&nbsp;<a href="https://writes4women.substack.com/">https://writes4women.substack.com/</a>
&nbsp;
Brooke Crawford
Website: click <a href="https://www.brookecrawford.com.au/">here</a>
Instagram: click <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brookecrawford_writer/#">here</a>
&nbsp;
Pamela Cook
<a href="http://www.pamelacook.com.au/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.pamelacook.com.au/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1614498304853000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHX6jiL_wYjUMAktl7S_8rTUNUAEw">www.pamelacook.com.au</a>
Facebook: click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PamelaCookAuthor?ref=hl">here</a>
Twitter: click <a href="https://twitter.com/pamelacookau">here&nbsp;</a>
Instagram: click <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pamelacookwrites/">here</a>
&nbsp;
This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal Country.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Writes4Women is all about celebrating women's voices and supporting women writers. It's about writing the voice, reading the voice and being the voice. Every week host Pamela Cook, or a special guest host, interviews an outstanding female, trans or non-binary author about their books, writing process and life. Transcript available via the Writes4Women website. Video of most episodes available on the Writes4Women youtube channel. You can find out more about Writes4Women at www.writes4women.com

Writes4Women is all about celebrating women's voices and supporting women writers. It's about writing the voice, reading the voice and being the voice. Every week host Pamela Cook, or a special guest host, interviews an outstanding female, trans or non-binary author about their books, writing process and life. Transcript available via the Writes4Women website. Video of most episodes available on the Writes4Women youtube channel. You can find out more about Writes4Women at www.writes4women.com

Celebrating Women's Voices and Supporting Women Writers

Writes4Women

Writes4Women is all about celebrating women's voices and supporting women writers. In weekly episodes women's fiction author Pamela Cook and an all-star cast of guest hosts talk to women writers about the craft, business and heart of writing, along with a monthly feature on a new release author. If you're a writer you'll love the writing conversation and tips shared by the talented guests and if you're a reader you'll get a great insight into the writing process. Subscribe to the PamelaCook/Writes4Women mailing list via the website and check out the Patreon bonuses while you're there. And don't forget to follow the podcast on your favourite platform or find the audio and video wt writes4women.com

Writes4Women is all about celebrating women's voices and supporting women writers. In weekly episodes women's fiction author Pamela Cook and an all-star cast of guest hosts talk to women writers about the craft, business and heart of writing, along with a monthly feature on a new release author. If you're a writer you'll love the writing conversation and tips shared by the talented guests and if you're a reader you'll get a great insight into the writing process. Subscribe to the PamelaCook/Writes4Women mailing list via the website and check out the Patreon bonuses while you're there. And don't forget to follow the podcast on your favourite platform or find the audio and video wt writes4women.com

In this episode of Writes for Women, host Pamela Cook interviews Melbourne-based author Brooke Crawford about her debut novel, 'Better Than The Real Thing.'

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