Do you love true-crime podcasts? Author A.L. Tait got obsessed with them for a while and pulled those themes into her latest middle-grade crime-thriller novel Danger Road. She joins us to discuss her experience writing and publishing this one, along with her busy year of writing, her process and how she found her unique voice. 00:00 Welcome02:51 Writing tip: ‘Geolocating writing prompts’06:26 WIN!: Lights, Camera, Love by Natalie Murray09:36 Word of the week: ‘Objurgate’10:13 Writer in residence: A.L. Tait12:00 The inspirations for Danger Road16:41 Creating distinctive voices20:07 A busy year of writing.23:48 The importance of continuous writing24:41 Challenges of underwriting27:21 How Tait found her storytelling voice30:09 The ‘Your Kid’s Next Read’ community34:43 On writing nonfiction and ghostwriting36:00 Say yes to new writing avenues and genres38:18 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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Writing Podcast Episode 676: Toby Schmitz welcomes us aboard The Empress Murders
How do you go about adapting a stage play into a compelling murder mystery novel? For acclaimed actor and playwright Toby Schmitz, this was his challenge in creating his debut, The Empress Murders – set on the high seas amid the glamour and clamour 1920s. In this episode, Toby shares his inspirations, aspirations and perspirations in bringing his story to the page. 00:00 Welcome02:29 Writing tip: ‘Magazine apps to combat doomscrolling’07:32 WIN!: Arcana Academy by Elise Kova10:30 Word of the week: ‘Vicissitude’11:11 The world of words: Tack vs. Tact12:59 Writer in residence: Toby Schmitz14:02 Toby describes The Empress Murders16:06 Storytelling in the 1920s18:11 Themes of colonialism20:19 How the story started as a play22:05 Defining what an Australian story is26:17 The journey from play to novel27:01 Finding freedom in novel writing27:22 Crafting the story with index cards28:13 Maintaining the playwright's touch29:32 Exploring colonial guilt30:30 Switching genres throughout32:32 Inspirations for Toby35:36 Navigating historical authenticity37:16 The research process39:11 The emotional experience of publishing43:10 Reflections on feedback and notes45:08 Hopes for the reader's experience46:36 Acknowledging influences and support49:19 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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52:13
Writing Podcast Episode 675: Demet Divaroren discusses her YA fantasy, 'Blood Moon Bride'
When award-winning author Demet Divaroren decided to write a fantasy novel, she went down a completely different path first, before finally arriving at what would become Blood Moon Bride. In this discussion, Demet shares the inspiration for this YA fantasy novel, the creative freedom of writing in this genre and how motherhood changed her perspective on storytelling. 00:00 Welcome04:51 Writing tip: ‘Tinder for writers’08:45 WIN!: A Passion for Passion by Alice Fraser11:53 Word of the week: ‘Kickshaw’12:25 Writer in residence: Demet Divaroren16:00 Starting with a different book19:45 Creating a fantasy world22:13 Writing for young adults25:42 Balancing writing and life26:12 How motherhood changed her writing29:14 The publishing journey32:07 The magic of writing33:08 Promoting the book35:16 Future projects 37:00 Demet shares a writing tip38:05 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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WRITER 674: Toby Walsh demystifies his new book, 'The Shortest History of AI'
When Toby Walsh wrote his first book on AI, he figured he’d said all he had to say. But just a handful of years later, this British computer scientist and current Chief Scientist at UNSW Sydney’s AI Institute is here to discuss his FIFTH book, The Shortest History of AI – how it came about and some of the challenges around explaining this subject to a general audience. 00:00 Welcome10:05 Writing tip: ‘Just start writing’12:52 WIN!: The Midnight Estate by Kelly Rimmer14:39 Word of the week: ‘Psithurism’15:09 Writer in residence: Toby Walsh15:55 Explaining The Shortest History of AI17:00 Deciding on the six ideas for the book18:25 How Toby developed his writing voice20:06 Balancing the academia and hysteria22:37 The purpose of writing AI books23:24 The challenges of writing for the public25:00 On becoming an accidental science communicator28:03 The secret circle of science communicators29:58 Untimely deaths in the timeline of AI30:30 Adding his expertise to the ‘Shortest’ series32:20 On designing his book cover and subtitle35:48 The role of great editors in writing37:24 Toby’s late night writing process 38:55 His next book project39:59 A pivot to writing fiction?42:07 Toby’s tip for writers43:23 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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48:35
WRITER 673: Sarah Clutton reveals 'The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains'
Self-confessed writing course junkie and former lawyer Sarah Clutton’s central character literally appeared at the door while she was busy writing another book at the end of the world. In this episode, Sarah elaborates on this unusual inspiration and her writing process for her new novel, The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains. 00:00 Welcome05:54 Writing tip: ‘Number your pages!’09:35 WIN!: Chinese Parents Don't Say I Love You by Candice Chung11:09 Word of the week: ‘AA Lava’13:09 The world of words: ‘Filling out vs Filling in’14:46 Writer in residence: Sarah Clutton15:35 Explaining The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains17:30 Sarah’s early years19:00 Getting started as a writer via lawyering up22:01 Taking courses with the Australian Writers’ Centre24:37 On creating Alfie Bains: inspirations and challenges27:09 Turning 50 and crafting a witchy thriller in Tasmania31:08 Alfie comes knocking at the door34:51 Sarah’s writing process – have a deadline!37:58 What it’s like living in a book town 39:07 Sarah’s next book: a sneak peek40:06 Themes and messages of the book41:43 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.
Australia