Insights from the Romance Writers of Australia Conference

In this special bonus episode of 'Writes for Women,' host Pamela Cook shares her key takeaways from the Romance Writers of Australia conference held in Hobart. Pamela provides summaries of workshops and sessions from renowned authors like Sarah McClean, Sarra Cannon, Stacey McEwen, Brenda Novak, and many more.

Topics include writing conflict in romance, writing through fear, different paths to publication, effective marketing tools, and tips for indie authors. Additionally, she offers insights from panels featuring publishers on what they look for in submissions and advice for avoiding common pitfalls.

Grab a cuppa, a pen and notepaper and get ready for some fabulous writing tips!

1:04 Key Takeaways from RWA Conference

03:55 Insights from Indie Hybrid, and Traditional Authors

10:54 Publisher and Agent Panel Highlights

19:08 Tips for Tackling the Saggy Middle

25:39 How to Write a Romcom

28:13 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

 

SHOWNOTES:

Writes4Women

www.writes4women.com

Facebook @writes4women

Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

 

Substack

https://writes4women.substack.com

 

Pamela Cook

www.pamelacook.com.au

Facebook @amelacookauthor

Twitter @PamelaCookAU

 

Sarra Cannon on Youtube here

Sarah Maclean on Fated mates here

 

This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women and recorded on unceded Dharawal land.

 

 

 

Insights from the Romance Writers of Australia Conference
In this special bonus episode of 'Writes for Women,' host Pamela Cook shares her key takeaways from the Romance Writers of Australia conference held in Hobart. Pamela provides summaries of workshops and sessions from renowned authors like Sarah McClean, Sarra Cannon, Stacey McEwen, Brenda Novak, and many more.
Topics include writing conflict in romance, writing through fear, different paths to publication, effective marketing tools, and tips for indie authors. Additionally, she offers insights from panels featuring publishers on what they look for in submissions and advice for avoiding common pitfalls.
Grab a cuppa, a pen and notepaper and get ready for some fabulous writing tips!
1:04 Key Takeaways from RWA Conference
03:55 Insights from Indie Hybrid, and Traditional Authors
10:54 Publisher and Agent Panel Highlights
19:08 Tips for Tackling the Saggy Middle
25:39 How to Write a Romcom
28:13 Conclusion and Upcoming Events
&nbsp;
SHOWNOTES:
Writes4Women
<a href="http://www.writes4women.com/">www.writes4women.com</a>
Facebook @writes4women
Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast
&nbsp;
Substack
<a href="https://writes4women.substack.com">https://writes4women.substack.com</a>
&nbsp;
Pamela Cook
<a href="http://www.pamelacook.com.au/">www.pamelacook.com.au</a>
Facebook @amelacookauthor
Twitter @PamelaCookAU
&nbsp;
Sarra Cannon on Youtube <a href="https://youtu.be/kzIxynL1bkY?si=paO_khXkPY919FiP">here</a>
Sarah Maclean on Fated mates <a href="https://fatedmates.net/">here</a>
&nbsp;
This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women and recorded on unceded Dharawal land.
&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 special bonus episode of 'Writes for Women,' host Pamela Cook shares her key takeaways from the Romance Writers of Australia conference held in Hobart.

Bonus Episode: RWA Conference Roundup

Host Pamela Cook interviews crime writer Kate Horan, to chat about  Kate's latest release, 'On the Edge,' a compelling thriller.

On the agenda is Kate's journey to becoming a writer, her experience with the Faber Academy course, and the mentorship she received from Katherine Heyman. Kate shares the inspiration behind 'The Inheritance,' her debut novel, and the complexities of returning to an earlier manuscript for 'On the Edge.' The episode also touches on the structural and character development processes, the challenges of writing, and the significance of small-town settings.

Pam also important news regarding the podcast in 2026.

1:27 Pamela's Writing and Podcast News

05:59 Substack Community and Subscriber Benefits

13:30 Kate Horan's Writing Journey

23:58 The Inheritance: Inspiration and Success

27:22 On the Edge: Themes and Storyline

29:43 Elevator Pitch for the Mystery Novel

31:12 Inspiration Behind the Story

33:09 Writing Process and Character Development

34:52 Challenges and Revisions

40:56 Small Town Setting and Its Importance

44:32 Character Development Techniques

48:00 Balancing Writing with Life

48:52 Promotion and Marketing Strategies

51:52 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

SHOW NOTES:

Writes4Women

www.writes4women.com

Facebook @writes4women

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

 

Kate Horan

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Host Pamela Cook interviews crime writer Kate Horan, to chat about&nbsp; Kate's latest release, 'On the Edge,' a compelling thriller.
On the agenda is Kate's journey to becoming a writer, her experience with the Faber Academy course, and the mentorship she received from Katherine Heyman. Kate shares the inspiration behind 'The Inheritance,' her debut novel, and the complexities of returning to an earlier manuscript for 'On the Edge.' The episode also touches on the structural and character development processes, the challenges of writing, and the significance of small-town settings.
Pam also important news regarding the podcast in 2026.
1:27 Pamela's Writing and Podcast News
05:59 Substack Community and Subscriber Benefits
13:30 Kate Horan's Writing Journey
23:58 The Inheritance: Inspiration and Success
27:22 On the Edge: Themes and Storyline
29:43 Elevator Pitch for the Mystery Novel
31:12 Inspiration Behind the Story
33:09 Writing Process and Character Development
34:52 Challenges and Revisions
40:56 Small Town Setting and Its Importance
44:32 Character Development Techniques
48:00 Balancing Writing with Life
48:52 Promotion and Marketing Strategies
51:52 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events
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;
Kate Horan
Website: click <a href="https://www.katehoran.com/">here</a>
Instagram: click <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kate_horan_author/#">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;
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&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Kate Horan: From Classroom to Crime Thrillers

OUT NOW — New Episode!

Host PMELA COOK sits down with author KATHARINE POLLOCK for a smart, candid and joyfully nerdy conversation about creativity, fandom, rejection, resilience and the winding road to publication — from PhD manuscript to debut, and now her latest novel Starry-Eyed. They dive into writing craft, comedy, character development, confidence, comparison, and surviving the emotional rollercoaster of the publishing world, with warmth, wit and honesty for writers at any stage of the journey.

#writes4women #writingpodcast #australianauthors #femalewriters #booklaunch #authorslife #amwriting #writingcommunity #fictionwriters #booksbooksbooks

Timestamps: 

[00:00] Finding creative community & weathering rejection
[01:59] Early writing memories & first sparks
[04:52] Studying writing — Honours to PhD
[07:02] Turning academic work into a debut novel
[16:00] From manuscript to Penguin Random House
[21:36] Writing Starry-Eyed: fandom, obsession & humour
[30:11] Craft, character growth & mother-daughter complexity
[40:14] Publication, promotion & lessons learned
[41:45] A new book in the works — nearly 60K words in

SHOW NOTES:

Writes4Women

www.writes4women.com

Facebook @writes4women

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

 

Katherine Pollock

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.

 

 

 

 

 

OUT NOW &mdash; New Episode!
Host PMELA COOK sits down with author KATHARINE POLLOCK&nbsp;for a smart, candid and joyfully nerdy conversation about creativity, fandom, rejection, resilience and the winding road to publication &mdash; from PhD manuscript to debut, and now her latest novel&nbsp;Starry-Eyed. They dive into writing craft, comedy, character development, confidence, comparison, and surviving the emotional rollercoaster of the publishing world, with warmth, wit and honesty for writers at any stage of the journey.
#writes4women #writingpodcast #australianauthors #femalewriters #booklaunch #authorslife #amwriting #writingcommunity #fictionwriters #booksbooksbooks
Timestamps:&nbsp;
[00:00] Finding creative community &amp; weathering rejection [01:59] Early writing memories &amp; first sparks [04:52] Studying writing &mdash; Honours to PhD [07:02] Turning academic work into a debut novel [16:00] From manuscript to Penguin Random House [21:36] Writing&nbsp;Starry-Eyed: fandom, obsession &amp; humour [30:11] Craft, character growth &amp; mother-daughter complexity [40:14] Publication, promotion &amp; lessons learned [41:45] A new book in the works &mdash; nearly 60K words in
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;
Katherine Pollock
Website: click <a href="https://www.katharinepollock.com.au/books">here</a>
Instagram: click <a href="https://www.instagram.com/katharinepollockauthor/">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;
&nbsp;

Host Pamela Cook interviews Dr. Katherine Pollock, author of 'Starry-Eyed' and 'Her Fidelity'. 

Starry-Eyed and Beyond: A Conversation with Katherine Pollock

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;

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.'

Bonus Episode: RWA Conference Roundup

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