So You Want to be a Writer

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 Introduction04:16 Nat Newman’s writing tip13:15 Book giveaway: Girl Falling by Hayley Scrivenor15:06 Word of the week: Piscatorial17:12 Writer in residence: Louise Southerden17:36 Introduction to Louise and her memoir Tiny18:11 The emotional journey of building a tiny house19:39 Deciding to write the memoir20:58 Challenges and process of writing24:38 Pitching and publishing the memoir35:16 Insights on travel writing41:49 Defining a tiny house43:08 Conclusion and final thoughts43:35 Fun fact and farewell Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 podcast00:19 Spotlight on children's authors01:27 Weekly app tip with Nat Newman01:55 Google Docs: A writer's best friend06:24 Course advertisement: Writing children's novels07:16 Interview with Carla Fitzgerald12:28 Five must-do's for writing middle grade novels25:23 Building a sustainable author career32:50 Conclusion 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.

Bestselling author Kate Forsyth shares her expertise in weaving compelling tales across genres. She unveils five essential lessons from historical fiction to magic realism, emphasizing the art of emotional connection and deep point of view. Kate discusses the significance of character development and crafting unique narratives, while also addressing common challenges writers face. In a lively Q&A, she offers advice on refining your writing routine and finding inspiration, empowering both aspiring and seasoned authors to elevate their craft.

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 podcast00:19 Special series on children's authors01:34 Nat Newman's app tip of the week10:43 Interview with Deborah Frenkel19:29 The journey to getting published20:18 The impact of writing courses22:27 Pitching The Sydney Harbour Fairy24:19 Creating 100 School Days26:15 Showcasing published works31:37 Upcoming projects and writing routine35:12 Tips for aspiring authors37:28 Conclusion and final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 event02:06 Creative catch-up with Nat Newman05:48 Writing tip of the week08:46 Book giveaway: Precipice by Robert Harris10:19 Word of the week: Cantillate11:55 Interview with J.P. Pomare28:12 Challenges of writing crime fiction29:50 Balancing plotting and pantsing32:21 Crafting memorable scenes35:46 Daily writing routine39:16 From book to TV series51:12 Handling dark themes in writing55:24 Future plans and advice for writers01:01:19 Conclusion and fun fact Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 podcast00:17 Special series announcement00:56 Writing for children02:10 Nat Newman's app tip09:18 Interview with Lian Tanner10:23 Lian Tanner's writing journey13:25 Writing for different age groups14:35 Balancing writing projects20:12 Advice for aspiring authors21:39 Writing with passion and originality23:22 Early career temptations and lessons25:33 The importance of quality feedback29:05 Developing thick skin and learning mindset35:17 Reinventing yourself as a writer40:09 Crafting picture books: A deep dive43:16 Conclusion and final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 welcome00:19 Exploring Rocketbook04:06 Shoutout to Jane Sullivan05:29 Nat Newman writing tip: Introduce a dinosaur14:12 Book giveaway: The Wilds by Sarah Pearse15:55 Word of the week: avoirdupois18:37 Interview with Julie Bennett26:03 Plotting vs. pantsing: A writer's journey26:42 Discovering the inspiration behind the novel28:49 From child performer to author30:52 Committing to writing31:51 A lifelong love for stories32:37 Writing The Understudy: From idea to manuscript34:03 Getting published36:06 Balancing PR work and writing40:38 Researching historical fiction45:51 The reality of being an author48:50 Future plans and writing tips52:27 Conclusion and final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Anna Johnston, author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, her rapid success, and her writing process. 00:00 Introduction01:15 Literary competitions and overcoming fear02:58 Nat Newman writing tip: Taking your character on a date10:24 Book giveaway: Two Daughters by Alison Edwards11:52 Word of the week: Desuetude13:23 Interview with author Anna Johnston20:33 The importance of a writing group21:00 Forming and maintaining a writing group22:20 Balancing writing with life23:02 Getting serious about writing24:21 The book deal journey25:42 Pitching at virtual speed dating29:31 The role of an agent31:49 Writing process and character development34:09 Challenges and inspirations41:10 Future plans and advice for aspiring writers45:11 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.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 61402:42 Upcoming webinar: Matching Style to Genre04:37 Nat Newman’s writing tip of the week12:14 Competition: Win Highway 13 by Fiona McFarlane14:23 Word of the week: Cacography17:21 Interview with Victoria Purman25:49 Exploring the creative process26:59 Researching historical context29:33 The journey to becoming an author32:03 Teaching and learning writing33:07 Writing routines and challenges36:40 Character development insights41:43 Setting and location research49:06 Finding inspiration for stories53:28 Top writing tips for aspiring authors55:35 Fun Fact and conclusion Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Introduction00:18 TikTok and who is doing it right?02:41 Nat Newman writing tips22:03 Interview with Amy T. Matthews, also known as Amy Barry and Tess LeSue29:55 From bad poetry to a PhD in creative writing31:30 Transitioning to romance writing32:11 The fascination with romance34:01 The birth of Tess LeSue35:23 Navigating the publishing world42:56 Balancing writing and teaching47:06 Intensive writing process57:42 Future aspirations and tips for aspiring writers01:01:38 Conclusion and fun fact Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.