WRITER 662: A.L. Tait and her latest book, 'Willow Bright’s Secret Plot'
Just how different is it in the city compared to the country? Former co-host Allison Tait returns to discuss capturing that feeling in her latest middle-grade novel, Willow Bright’s Secret Plot (writing as A.L.Tait) – as well as teasing some of her other books coming out and how she balances it all! 00:00 Welcome08:02 Writing tip: Be proud of your own work10:12 WIN!: I Want Everything by Dominic Amerena12:02 Word of the week: ‘Lagniappe’15:24 Writer in residence: A.L Tait16:01 Recap on Allison’s life lately21:53 Defining middle grade24:55 Her latest book, Willow Bright’s Secret Plot26:35 Inspiration behind the story29:48 The ideas file – the ‘wows’ and ‘whys’36:47 Upcoming projects and writing rhythm37:56 Danger Road – a middle-grade crime novel45:59 Allison’s drafting process47:30 Hiding clues through books without plotting48:45 A third secret book on the way52:20 Why ‘A.L.Tait’ and not ‘Allison Tait’?53:58 The ‘Your Kids Next Read’ podcast54:45 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.
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57:07
WRITER 661: Kasey Edwards and her memoir, 'Goodbye Good Girl, Hello Me'
Australian columnist Kasey Edwards has published 10 books, with her latest memoir Goodbye Good Girl, Hello Me exploring self-love and societal expectations and what it means to be a woman. In this episode, Kasey discusses the process of writing the book, her research methods, dealing with rejection and tips for memoir writing. 00:00 Welcome04:34 Writing tip: Borrowing books online10:06 WIN!: When She Was Gone by Sarah Foster12:04 Word of the week: ‘Pantagruelian’13:40 Writer in residence: Kasey Edwards14:30 Thoughts on growing up as a girl16:31 Defining Goodbye Good Girl, Hello Me21:00 Researching to solve problems23:59 The healing power of sharing your truth24:51 Facing criticism as a writer27:31 Daily writing routine and challenges31:31 Collaborating with a co-author33:30 Writing fiction vs memoir34:07 Navigating the publishing industry37:10 The importance of self-promotion41:07 Tips for aspiring memoir writers43:03 Conclusion and course promotion 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.
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46:33
WRITER 660: Susannah Hardy shares her rom-com novel, 'My Hot Housemate'
What do you get when you mix house-sitting frenemies with a big lovable dog? You get My Hot Housemate – the latest rom-com from Susannah Hardy, who joins us to discuss the characters and the writing process behind the book. 00:00 Welcome03:19 Writing tip: Reference managers06:03 WIN!: Elphie: A Wicked Childhood by Gregory Maguire07:48 Word of the week: ‘Overweening’08:29 The world of words: Ordering adjectives12:16 Writer in residence: Susannah Hardy13:02 Overview of My Hot Housemate14:47 Writing about the acting world17:46 Adding a dog character to the story20:17 Showing off Sydney21:36 Tips on writing comedy22:41 Writing authentic dialogue24:00 Character development and relationships25:38 The rise of rom-coms27:44 Writing process and challenges29:39 Balancing writing with life33:38 Having other creative interests 35:32 Importance of mentors and community37:42 General writing tips40:17 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.
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43:15
WRITER 659: Maryrose Cuskelly on her ‘neighbourhood noir’ novel 'The Campers'
What does ‘neighbourhood noir’ look like as a genre? Author Maryrose Cuskelly knows, and she discusses her latest novel The Campers, blending crime and psychological elements as well as contemporary issues. 00:00 Welcome04:43 Writing tip: The importance of practice10:26 WIN!: The Gatsby Gambit by Claire Anderson Wheeler13:01 Word of the week: ‘Galligaskins’15:00 Writer in residence: Maryrose Cuskelly18:01 Inspirations for The Campers21:38 Defining the genre22:12 Maryrose’s research and writing process26:43 Bringing the setting to life28:08 Incorporating COVID into the story29:35 Character development and choices31:09 Homelessness and social issues33:04 The writing process and fellowships36:29 Balancing writing and life38:48 Publicity and new projects44:36 Tips for crime writers45:58 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.
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47:28
WRITER 658: Victoria Brownlee serves up her novel, 'Eat Your Heart Out'
There’s plenty to love about France and food, and author Victoria Brownlee has cleverly combined them both in her latest rom-com novel, Eat Your Heart Out. She joins us to discuss the timeless appeal of Paris, writing dual perspectives, sexy cheeses and much more! 00:00 Welcome04:17 Writing tip: Do a course!08:21 WIN: The Jam Maker by Mary-Lou Stephens10:05 Word of the week: “Lissom”12:12 World of words: “Fewer” vs “Less”13:58 Writer in Residence: Victoria Brownlee15:56 Victoria’s obsession with food17:30 Landing in Paris18:40 Optioning her first book as a film21:00 The sexiness of cheese21:45 Introducing Eat Your Heart Out23:12 Writing dual perspectives26:48 Balancing food and story28:44 The romance of Paris and France30:55 Victoria’s writing process31:32 The influence of Emily in Paris34:46 Bloggers and influencers in writing37:25 The ingredients of a good rom-com novel38:48 Upcoming projects40:07 Tips for 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.
Everything you’ve always wanted to know about succeeding in the world of writing and publishing. Learn practical writing techniques, go behind-the-scenes and discover how real-life authors got their big break. Uncover the creative processes of writers who have made it. Your host is Valerie Khoo – author, journalist, creative and CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre.
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