In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, host Tina Strachan interviews author Jane Tara about her book 'Tilda Is Visible' and how she uses manifesting and visualization to achieve her writing dreams. Jane discusses her journey, the power of understanding what you want, and taking steps to get there. They explore the impact of meditation, the creation of vision boards, and how being clear about goals can lead to success. Jane shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on the importance of aligning with your goals, manifesting creatively, and overcoming self-doubt in the writing journey. This week’s Debut Spotlight is Angela Tonioli and her book ‘Mavis the Little Plane Spotter’ with Wombat Books.00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:46 Introducing Jane Tara and Her Unique Approach02:06 Jane Tara's Writing Journey and Career Insights05:57 The Inspiration Behind 'Tilda is Visible'11:18 Manifesting Success and Overcoming Challenges23:15 The Power of Vision Boards and Manifestation38:02 A Magical Encounter in West Hollywood39:09 The Power of Vision Boards41:15 Navigating Opportunities as an Author42:20 Finding the Right Publisher51:22 The Role of Meditation in Creativity01:01:54 Visualization Techniques for Success01:07:08 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFollow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina and Madeleine and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | Author If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine and Tina's quarterly newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe hereTina: Subscribe here
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1:08:31
Cross stitch, wine and other tips and tangents with Madeleine and Tina
In this episode of The Book Deal, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary pull back the curtain on their lives as writers, blending personal stories with creative insights. From kombucha-fueled weekends and quirky hobbies like cross stitching and paint-by-numbers to unexpected adventures and laugh-out-loud moments, they share the real-life rhythms behind the writing.Listeners get an inside look at their current projects, upcoming book events, and a surprise writing residency on Magnetic Island. Along the way, Tina and Madeleine offer practical tips, relatable anecdotes, and a candid glimpse into the highs and lows of the writing process. Whether you're just starting out or deep into your writing journey, this warm, witty conversation will leave you inspired and entertained.00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:43 Saturday Night Vibes01:13 Crafting and Creativity02:48 The Importance of Relaxation08:20 Madeleine's Recent Adventures21:13 Upcoming Events and Exciting News25:17 Dreaming of a Tropical Island Retreat26:23 Vision Boards and Manifesting Success26:55 Podcast Plans and Exciting Guests30:51 Balancing Writing and Personal Life31:48 Part-Time Work and Creative Goals33:59 Writing Tips and Recommendations37:29 Struggles and Solutions in Writing42:30 A Fun and Tangential Chat44:06 Wrapping Up and Listener EngagementFollow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina and Madeleine and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | Author If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine and Tina's quarterly newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe hereTina: Subscribe here
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45:38
The Takeover: Shankari Chandran on writing for pleasure, giving up on the dream of getting published, and how to create longevity in the publishing industry
In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, host Natasha Rai interviews Australian Tamil lawyer and author Shankari Chandran. They discuss Chandran's journey in writing and publishing, focusing on her novels 'Unfinished Business,' 'Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens,' and others. Chandran shares her experiences about navigating the literary world, dealing with rejections, and the importance of diversity in publishing. She also talks about her work's adaptation into TV series and offers advice for emerging writers. The episode sheds light on the challenges and triumphs faced by authors in the literary landscape.00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast00:34 Meet Shankari Chandran: Award-Winning Author01:28 Discussing 'Unfinished Business'03:11 The Journey of Writing and Publishing07:36 The Role of Writing in Social Change10:52 Navigating the Publishing Industry18:05 Building a Writing Community24:23 Introducing True South by Gisela Ervin-Ward25:53 The Journey of Writing and Publishing27:48 The Impact of Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens39:59 Navigating Diversity in Publishing46:44 Advice for Emerging WritersFollow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina and Madeleine and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | Author If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine and Tina's quarterly newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe hereTina: Subscribe here
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48:18
Goodreads reviews, social media and day jobs: the reality of being a (newly) published author
Behind the scenes and the reality of being a (newly) published author - with Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai. Tina and Madeleine alongside our Takeover star, Natasha Rai, chat about their experiences as (newly) published authors. They each have prepared three surprise questions to ask each other, and of course Tina has prepared a spreadsheet to organise the asking of questions.They discuss various aspects of the publishing journey, including the thrill of seeing their books on shelves, managing reviews on Goodreads, the challenges and joys of social media publicity, and their writing processes. The trio also delves into how publishing has impacted their day jobs and the value of having an agent. This episode is filled with valuable insights, playful banter, and practical tips for aspiring authors.Nanna Croccles (1 May 2025, Scholastic Australia) by Susan Joy-Lu is this week's Debut in the Spotlight. 00:00 Introduction to The Book Deal Podcast00:45 Meet the Hosts and Special Guests01:38 First Time as Published Authors02:53 Bookshop Encounters and Author Experiences08:53 Balancing Day Jobs and Writing Careers13:00 The Role of Literary Agents16:16 Navigating Reviews and Reader Feedback19:39 Highs and Lows of Being a Published Author24:15 Looking Forward to Book Two24:52 Excitement and Anxieties of Promoting a Book26:00 The Journey of Writing and Publishing Book Two28:13 Balancing Writing with Life and Expectations34:56 Introducing Nana Crackles: A Delightful Debut36:45 Reflecting on the Book Release Experience43:12 Challenges and Joys of Publicity49:34 Top Tips for WritersFollow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina and Madeleine and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | Author If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine and Tina's quarterly newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe hereTina: Subscribe here
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52:32
Debut Panel: Carly-Jay Metcalfe and Christine Newell on memoir writing and sharing personal stories
WARNING: This episode contains explicit language.Debut Panel: Carly-Jay Metcalfe and Christine Newell on writing memoir, book deals and moreIn this episode of The Book Deal podcast, Madeleine interviews debut authors Carly-Jay Metcalfe and Christine Newell. Carly-Jay discusses her critically acclaimed (and darkly funny) memoir about living and dying, Breath (March 2024, UQP). Christine talks about her memoir, Five Seasons in Seoul (March 2025, Affirm Press), which explores her time living in South Korea as a theatre performer and dealing with anxiety and depression following her father's death. Both authors share insights on the challenges of writing memoirs, structuring their stories, and the impact of memoir writing on their personal lives. They also discuss the process of securing book deals and the positive reception their books have received. Additionally, the episode highlights Carly-Jay's involvement with Chapters for Change, a non-profit focused on improving literacy for children in Cambodia. You can sign up right now to be part of the July Readathon! And why not? You can read while raising money for a brilliant cause. All the details are here.Carly-Jay recommends Catherine Wheel by Liz Evans (August 2024, Ultimo Press)Christine recommends Bloomer by Carol Lefevre (25 March 2025, Affirm Press)00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast00:43 Meet the Debut Memoir Authors02:02 The Debut Crew Experience04:53 Carly-Jay Metcalfe's Award-Winning Memoir08:43 Christine Newell's Memoir Journey12:21 Writing and Structuring a Memoir26:04 The Path to Publication28:49 Inside the Publishing House29:55 The Pressure of an Unfinished Manuscript32:05 Manuscript Appraisal and Feedback34:25 The Emotional Journey of Publication42:04 Social Media and Reader Reactions49:10 Final Thoughts and RecommendationsFollow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina and Madeleine and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | Author If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine and Tina's quarterly newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe hereTina: Subscribe here
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