Madeleine Cleary and The Butterfly Women: ancestry, inspiration and her publication journey
Tina Strachan interviews Madeleine Cleary about her debut novel, 'The Butterfly Women'. They explore Madeleine's ancestral inspiration, her meticulous research process, and the trials and triumphs of getting a book published. Madeleine shares insights on her writing journey, including the importance of finding joy in writing, the role of her supportive family, and her experience with pitching to publishers. The episode also highlights upcoming book launch events and discusses the significance of writing for oneself rather than with publication in mind. 00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:43 Catching Up with Tina and Madeline01:28 Tina's Exciting Book Launch Plans04:30 Madeleine's Journey to Publication10:55 The Butterfly Women: A Deep Dive18:47 The Inspiration Behind The Butterfly Women35:00 Researching Historical Fiction38:20 Diving into Historical Research39:24 The Writing Journey Begins41:56 Finding the Heat in Writing43:07 The Breakthrough Moment47:39 The Road to Publication47:56 A Life-Changing Accident51:01 Pitching to Publishers52:11 Securing a Book Deal01:04:59 Preparing for the Book Launch01:08:41 Final Thoughts and Top Tips Follow 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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1:11:02
Irma Gold on managing constant crises of confidence, finding the spark in your writing and how to trick yourself into writing a novel.
In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, Madeleine chats with award-winning writer, editor, and podcaster Irma Gold. Recently launching to great acclaim her second novel, Shift, out now with MidnightSun. Irma delves into her inspirations, including her deep connection to Soweto, South Africa, and her journey from writing short fiction to publishing novels. The episode also explores her editing career, invaluable advice for emerging writers, and her experience with the creative process. Listen in to discover the intricacies of writing, the weight of imposter syndrome, and the vital importance of community and passion in an author's journey.Our Debut in the Spotlight this week is Emily Paull with her debut novel, The Distance Between Dreams, out now with Fremantle Press. 00:00 Introduction to The Book Deal Podcast00:43 Introducing Irma Gold04:12 Imposter Syndrome06:53 Irma's Early Writing Journey12:13 From Short Stories to Editing14:27 Accidental Children's Author19:20 The Shift to Novel Writing25:11 Introduction to the Novel26:06 Family Connection to South Africa27:06 Journey to Soweto29:26 Writing About Soweto33:38 Exploring the Expat Experience41:24 Editing and Writing Advice51:54 The Importance of ReadingFollow 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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54:19
Sophie Beer on the importance of writing inclusively and her new middle grade novel, Thunderhead
Tina Strachan chats with Sophie Beer, a prolific children's literature author and illustrator. The discussion delves into Sophie's journey in publishing, her passion for inclusivity in writing, and the inspiration behind her middle-grade book, 'Thunderhead,' which features a music-obsessed tween facing the challenges of hearing loss. Sophie also shares valuable insights on how to write inclusively and authentically about characters with disabilities and diverse backgrounds. The episode highlights the importance of well-rounded, three-dimensional characters and offers practical advice for authors aiming to represent diverse experiences thoughtfully and respectfully.00:00 Welcome to The Book Deal Podcast00:43 Interview with Sophie Beer: Inclusivity in Writing03:37 Sophie's Journey05:47 Balancing Work and Family Life13:34 Music and Creativity: A Deep Dive20:00 Thunderhead and the Thunderstorm20:28 Signed Copies and Bookshops21:26 Character Inspirations and Personal Experiences24:22 Introducing 'Inked' by Karen Wasson25:39 Writing Characters with Disabilities29:49 Avoiding Inspiration Porn33:33 Inclusion and Sensitivity in Writing43:57 The Importance of Trying45:02 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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46:41
The Takeover: Zaheda Ghani on writing goals, how to keep momentum and setting intentions for writing practice
In this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, host Natasha Rai interviews Zaheda Ghani, an Afghan refugee and author of 'Pomegranate and Fig'. Zaheda shares her path to publication, starting from her early handwritten novels to her debut book being shortlisted for the Richell Prize and published by Hachette. They discuss the authenticity of her story set in 1970s Afghanistan, the scars of refugee experiences, and Zaheda's meticulous research process. The conversation also covers Zaheda's writing process, balancing advocacy and storytelling, and the emotional journey of getting published. Zaheda provides valuable tips for writers, emphasizing authenticity and the importance of setting intentions.00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast00:34 Meet Zaheda Ghani: From Refugee to Author02:26 The Journey of 'Pomegranate and Fig'03:55 Writing with Authenticity and Detail06:27 Navigating the Role of Advocate and Author10:02 The Evolution of Zaheda's Writing Process12:25 From Writing Course to Publication13:59 The Role of Competitions in Zaheda's Success16:30 Working with Editors and Refining the Manuscript20:42 Introducing 'Welcome to Miracle' by Shara Curlett22:26 Submitting to Hachette and the Waiting Game23:14 The Waiting Game: Patience in Publishing24:51 The Joy of Acceptance: Getting Published25:40 Navigating the Publishing Process26:51 Managing Expectations and Anxiety28:42 Establishing a Writing Routine32:01 The Creative Process: Writing for Yourself37:52 Final Thoughts and Advice 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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41:40
Natasha Lester on setting goals, the business behind a bestseller and her latest novel inspired by Marie-Madeleine Fourcade
Natasha Lester on setting goals, the business behind a bestseller and her latest novel, The Mademoiselle AllianceIn this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, Madeleine Cleary chats with international bestselling author Natasha Lester. They discuss Natasha's latest novel, The Mademoiselle Alliance (26 March 2025, Hachette Australia), inspired by Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, the only woman to lead a resistance movement in WWII France. But she was also a rally car driver, a pilot and a highly skilled concert pianist! The conversation delves into Natasha's writing journey from contemporary fiction to historical novels, what Penny from Costco did to help her career, her experiences in publishing, and her advice for writers on balancing creativity with the business side of writing. The episode also highlights the importance of remembering the crucial efforts of Marie-Madeleine Fourcade and her network of 3000 resistance agents to the success of the Allied invasion of France in WW2.This week's Debut in the Spotlight is Angie Cui. Angie's debut book and picture book is My Mum is a Bird (1st April 2025, UQP).00:00 Introduction to The Book Deal Podcast00:43 Meet Natasha Lester: International Bestselling Author03:26 Natasha's Latest Novel and Writing Journey05:09 The Early Days: Natasha's First Book Deal11:49 From Marketing to Writing: Natasha's Career Shift15:21 The Business of Being a Writer18:34 Writing Historical Fiction24:14 The Journey to Becoming a New York Times Bestseller26:04 The Impact of Penny's Pick at Costco28:46 Introducing 'My Mum is a Bird' by Angie Cui30:05 The Significance of the New York Times Bestsellers List31:12 Discovering Marie-Madeleine Fourcade's Extraordinary Life40:05 Researching Historical Fiction41:33 Goals and Optimism for 202544:01 Advice for Emerging Writers45:45 Final Thoughts and FarewellFollow 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
Australia