So You Want to be a Writer

Author Emma Pignatiello wondered why romance novels didn’t have more murders in them – so she wrote her own! In this episode, she discusses her book Last Shot, the inspiration behind it and the Australian Writers' Centre course that helped her get there. 00:00 Introduction02:57 Writing tip: Follow the guidelines10:33 WIN! Headcases by John McMahon12:30 Word of the week: ‘Redolent’15:43 Writer in Residence: Emma Pignatiello17:20 Emma’s inspiration for the story24:20 Mapping out the plot points and character arcs25:49 The writing process29:42 Balancing her day job and parenting with writing32:11 The publishing journey40:51 Two amazing things happen in one day41:40 Receiving the “yes” from her agent44:53 Pitching two books to publishers50:25 Future projects52:32 How the Australian Writers' Centre Romance Writing course helped her55:41 Top tips on finding publishing success1:00:51 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belle Gibson fooled the world as a health influencer who lied about having brain cancer. In this re-released conversation, we speak with Beau Donelly – co-author of the book that inspired the hit Netflix series, Apple Cider Vinegar. 00:00 Introduction02:41 Nat Newman’s writing tip: Write what you want to write07:57 WIN! You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego09:55 Word of the week: ‘Tintinnabulation’12:41 Re-release conversation: Beau Donelly18:50 Beau’s first connection with the scandal22:55 Initial research on Belle’s story26:00 Fundraising fraud27:25 Archiving social media30:30 Categorising the information32:49 Turning the story into a book35:11 Dividing the workload between two authors40:25 Exposing the ‘wellness’ influencer phenomenon41:42 Painting a picture of Belle’s parents46:20 The biggest challenge of writing the book54:20 Belle Gibson’s lack of remorse55:34 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A ‘folk horror’ that spans 40 years – awash with intrigue, magic and dark secrets! That’s what awaits you in this episode as we meet British author Olivia Isaac-Henry and discuss her latest suspense novel, Sorrow Spring. Olivia shares what inspired the location and themes, how she blended historical events with fiction, and the challenges of straddling two time periods and different character narratives. 00:00 Introduction02:22 Nat Newman's writing tip: You’re not ‘bad’10:17 WIN! The Last Days of Kira Mullan by Nicci French12:10 Word of the week: ‘Wolver’15:41 Writer in residence: Olivia Isaac-Henry18:47 Olivia’s inspiration for her story and themes19:59 Setting the scene: Time periods and locations21:35 Character backgrounds and motivations23:40 Crafting distinct voices for characters26:03 Incorporating real-life events into fiction26:58 Writing process and challenges28:19 Upcoming projects and future plans32:37 Olivia’s tips for aspiring writers33:56 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feeling cosy? Then you’ll love meeting author Alexandra Almond, as she shares her cosy fantasy novel, Thoroughly Disenchanted. Alexandra unpacks how she built her distinct characters, the role of magic in everyday life and her experience in finding an agent and getting published, along with advice for aspiring writers. 00:00 Introduction04:08 Words at dawn: a unique writing practice09:55 Nat Newman’s writing tip: change things up13:43 WIN! Chickenpox by Remy Lai15:33 Word of the week: ‘diaphanous’18:16 Writer in residence: Alexandra Almond21:17 Character origins and development23:42 The unexpected romance26:21 Magic in everyday life27:44 The historical setting and character evolution32:05 Alexandra’s writing process and challenges36:28 Finding an agent and publisher40:22 Advice for aspiring writers43:01 Current and future projects43:57 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crafting a novel is one thing, but author Kate Solly loves crafting ‘crafty’ novels – including her latest title, The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-up. Kate shares her journey from casual writing in her family group chats to getting her first publishing contract, as well as how she manages to stay accountable and fit writing in while bringing up six kids!  00:00 Introduction05:37 Nat Newman’s writing tip: overcoming ‘the doldrums’10:28 WIN! The Last Fashion House in Paris by Renee Ryan12:52 Word of the week: ‘ravel’14:11 Writer in residence: Kate Solly15:34 Getting started in writing17:11 How she kept accountable20:04 Kate’s inspiration for her first book22:30 Writing the next book26:14 Pre-kids career and charity work28:40 Getting the first novel published34:29 The second novel: process and challenges35:30 Balancing writing with family life42:15 Editing and future plans45:25 Building an author platform47:42 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the halls of Australia’s Parliament House to the dark corners of the Vatican! In this episode, author Sophie Clark talks about her writing process and how she pitched her debut ‘romantasy’ novel, Cruel is the Light. She chats about her political background and how walking the ‘halls of power’ influenced her writing, as well as offering tips for aspiring writers. 00:00 Introduction03:06 Nat Newman's writing tip: systematic editing09:02 WIN! Death in the Arctic by Tom Hindle10:47 Word of the week: ‘disputation’12:29 Writer in residence: Sophie Clark14:25 Defining ‘romantasy’15:49 Inspiration for her book18:35 Researching on location22:29 Writing action and fight scenes24:28 Drafting and experience in Pitch Wars26:24 Mentorship and guidance27:38 Securing an agent30:11 Sophie’s writing process and challenges34:30 Political influence in writing36:31 Building a writing community39:13 Publicity and promotion41:17 Asking “who’s my audience?”45:38 Sophie’s top tips for aspiring writers48:04 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to know the formula to writing success? In this episode, scientist-turned-author Rebecca Heath discusses her latest domestic thriller novel, The Wedding Party and her unique journey from the laboratory to the library, as well as how she crafts each story and the importance of building a writing community. 00:00 Introduction03:43 Nat Newman’s writing tip: the art of writing06:45 WIN! More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova09:12 Word of the week: ‘Psychrophile’10:36 Writer in residence: Rebecca Heath13:10 Rebecca’s scientific beginnings17:33 Making the move to fiction and thrillers18:55 Discovering the Australian Writers’ Centre19:20 Building a community of likeminded writers21:15 How Rebecca wrote The Wedding Party23:34 The writing timeline, routine and sprints27:19 Character development and observations30:43 How walking and recording works for her33:05 Rebecca’s challenges and joys in this book34:13 Future plans 37:35 Rebecca’s advice for authors40:22 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Please sir, can I have some more Dickens?” In this episode, author Kathy George discusses her latest novel, The Scent of Oranges – a retelling of the classic Dickens story Oliver Twist from the perspective of character Nancy. Kathy shares her love for gothic literature and why she chose this story to rewrite. 00:00 Introduction04:46 Nat Newman’s writing tip: Character milestones08:36 WIN! The Hidden Hand by Stella Rimington10:30 Word of the week: ‘Susurrous’13:02 Writer in residence: Kathy George16:25 Getting the narrative voice right22:22 Researching Nancy’s character24:51 Kathy’s love for gothic literature25:53 Understanding what “gothic” means28:39 Thoughts on Dickens' female characters30:24 On fleshing out Nancy's story33:01 Retelling classic stories36:48 Writing process and discipline40:26 Kathy’s advice for aspiring writers44:35 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you like to reinvent yourself as a writer? In this episode, accomplished author Karina May shares her advice on how to grow and setting yourself up for a successful author career. Karina also discusses her third print book, That Island Feeling, staying accountable as a writer, using social media, music playlists and more! 00:00 Introduction06:05 Nat Newman’s writing tip: Desk love!10:23 WIN! Pictures Of You by Emma Grey12:10 Word of the week: ‘Inanition’12:48 Writer in residence: Karina May19:06 Advice for setting yourself up for success22:20 Adjusting goals and rewards24:01 Finding accountability buddies25:56 Connecting with fellow writers27:20 Building an online presence30:20 Reading outside your genre31:29 The importance of having a routine32:30 How Karina uses a playlist36:34 Ensuring you have the right tools39:58 Progress on the next book40:54 Reflecting on the writing journey43:24 Attention bad spellers! 44:30 Inspiring final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Described as a ‘memoir with a message’, This Is Not A Book About Benedict Cumberbatch deals with many themes including celebrity obsession and shame. In this episode, author Tabitha Carvan discusses her experience writing this uniquely personal story, as well as offering advice for aspiring memoir writers. 00:00 Introduction06:20 Nat Newman’s writing tip: Editing10:23 WIN! Pictures Of You by Emma Grey11:22 Word of the week: ‘Thalassic’13:40 Writer in residence: Tabitha Carvan16:01 How the book came about20:35 Defining the book's genre22:47 Incorporating other perspectives26:00 Exploring the concept of shame28:10 Writing process and tools34:41 Publicity and promotion40:54 Advice for aspiring memoir writers43:20 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.