Better Words

Welcome to our favourite episode: the yearly wrap! We're sharing our reading stats, 2024 goals and the books, TV, film and audio we loved in 2024. Make sure you're also following us on Substack. On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to – and we try to keep these separate from regular episode recommendations. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Thank you for joining us in 2024 and supporting our wonderful authors. We love hearing your thoughts on the episodes and what books you've been inspired to pick up – even if it's an older episode. You can also connect with us on Instagram @betterwordspodWe're keeping recommendations brief. If we've featured or discussed the book before, we'll link to the episode.Any PR/review copies marked with *We kick off with a wrap-up of our reading stats for the year: how many books and pages, the moods and re-reads. Our awards category of favourite books kicks off at 2023 debut book Caitlin: I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue*Michelle: The Silence in Between by Josie Ferguson* (listen to our interview)Non-fictionCaitlin: If You Would Have Told Me by John StamosMichelle: Everything is Everything by Clive MyrieBy someone who has never been a podcast guestCaitlin: This Summer Will Be Different by Carley FortuneMichelle: Prima Facie by Suzie Miller* (listen to our book club chat)Australian/UK fictionCaitlin: Appreciation by Liam Pieper* (our interview)Michelle: The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey* (our interview)RomanceCaitlin: Sit Stay Love/Love From Scratch by Amy Hutton* (our interview)Michelle: You Belong with Me by Mhairi McFarlane (our 2021 interview)General fictionCaitlin: Tom Lake by Ann PatchettMichelle: Alone in Berlin by Hans FalladaHonourable mention: Family Politics by John O'FarrellYoung adultCaitlin: I'm Not Really Here by Gary Lonesborough* (our interview)Michelle: Dead Happy by Josh Silver (our 2023 interview)Most surprisingCaitlin: How To Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie* (our book club chat)Michelle: The Bee Sting by Paul Murray*Fave CoverCaitlin: Experienced by Kate Young* (

Jennie Godfrey was raised in West Yorkshire and her debut novel, The List of Suspicious Things, is inspired by her childhood there in the 1970s. Jennie is from a mill-working family, but as the first of the generation born after the mills closed, she went to university and built a career in the corporate world. In 2020 she left and began to write. She is now a writer and part-time Waterstones bookseller and lives in the Somerset countryside.Our interview begins at 24.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: Thoroughly Disenchanted by Alexandra AlmondA time slip novel set in regional Victoria where a couple become stuck in a property. Now, 100 years on they get a visitor who helps them uncover the mysteries of the property. Michelle recommends: Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood and So Thrilled For You by Holly Bourne*Rewitched is a cosy delight for anyone who grew up watching Sabrina The Teenage Witch. And if you grew up with that? You're probably also the right age to feel like Holly Bourne's new contemporary novel is incredibly relatable. Both are amazing. In this interview, we chat about:Jennie's recollection of growing up during the time police were searching for serial killer The Yorkshire Ripper and how this inspired the novelHow audiences interact with true crime and how we talk about crimes and the impact of crime on everyday peopleThe influences from Jennie's real life that can be seen in the novelThe process from writing to publishing the novel (including how Jennie knew which editor would 'get' the book)Jennie's stint as a bookseller and how this helped her understand the publishing processBooks and other things mentioned:Charmed (TV show)Ghosts (TV show)The Longest Shadow (TV series)The Yorkshire Ripper Files (TV series)Sarah Everard's murder, which happened in lockdown 2021The Peepshow by Kate SummerscaleThe Crime of the Century by Hallie RubenholdFollow Jennie @jennie.godfrey on Instagram and The List of Suspicious Things is available now! Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Emma Grey is a novelist, feature writer, photographer, professional speaker and accountability coach. She wrote her first adult novel, The Last Love Note, in the wake of her husband's death. It's a fictional tribute to their love, an attempt to articulate the magnitude of her loss and a life-affirming commitment to hope, which has gone on to win hearts around the world. In the US, it was selected as a featured title for the Book of the Month and Target Book Clubs, a Washington Post noteworthy book and listed in the top 25 new releases by the American Bookseller's Association. Emma lives near Canberra, where her world centres on her family, writing, photography and endlessly chasing the Aurora Australis.Our interview begins at 33.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini (film) club: WickedOf course, we had to hold space and discuss the movie of the moment. In short: we loved it. In this interview, we chat about:How can we tell stories about complex issues like violence against women in fiction?Why Emma also wanted to explore amnesia through the storyThe experience of having an American bestsellerThe parenting email that launched Emma's writing careerExploring grief in her first adult novel and the interesting journey to publication via a YA novel inspired by Harry StylesHow Emma dealt with the way the book was received in the UK given the difficult subject matterBooks and other things mentioned:Pulp Kitchen (podcast)Deadpool and Wolverine (film)It Ends With Us by Colleen HooverNational Women's Safety OrganisationTuesday Evenings at the Copeton Craft Resistance by Kate SollyMoms Don't Have Time to Read Books Podcast by Zibby OwensFollow @emmagreyauthor on InstagramPictures of You is available now. The publisher provided us with copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Pip Drysdale writes ‘sexy-cool' thrillers with a dash of witty humour. She grew up in Africa, Canada, and Australia, became an adult in New York and London, and lives on a steady diet of coffee, dreams, and literature. Her books — The Sunday Girl, The Strangers We Know, The Paris Affair and The Next Girl — have been bestsellers. She currently lives in Sydney and we're chatting about The Close Up. Our interview begins at 15.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: Lovestruck by Laura Jane WilliamsA very enjoyable Sliding Doors-style concept romance, where a woman manifests her dream life. But which life is the right one?Michelle recommends: Rare Singles by Benjamin Myers*A gem of a novel about an ageing American singer whose trip to a fading English seaside town reveals more than he expected. A heartwarming character-driven novel. In this interview, we chat about:The inspiration for Pip's new novel, The Close UpWhy she wanted to set it in LA and the importance of research tripsHow Pip visualise while writing (and how we read)How Pip uses scent to help her writingPip's process for plotting and writingBooks and other things mentioned:Listen to our previous interview with Laura Jane Williams How to Build a Life with Laura Jane Williams on SubstackThe Husbands by Holly GramazioA Novel Love Story by Ashley PostonNobody Wants This (TV show)Melrose Place (TV show)Follow @pipdrysdale on InstagramThe Close Up is available in Australia and the US now. Thank you to the publisher for providing us with copies of the book to prepare for the interview. Please note that we choose podcast guests independently of Caitlin's job at HarperCollins Publishers. Although her job does help put us in touch with authors, we choose our guests based on what we've enjoyed reading and think you'd find interesting. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Melanie Cheng is a writer and general practitioner. She was born in Adelaide, grew up in Hong Kong and now lives in Melbourne. Her debut collection of short stories, Australia Day, won the Victorian Premier's Literary Award for an Unpublished Manuscript in 2016 and the Victorian Premier's Literary Award for Fiction in 2018. Room for a Stranger, her highly acclaimed first novel, was published in 2019. Today we're discussing her new novel, The Burrow. Our interview begins at 31.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: Intermezzo by Sally RooneyOne of the most talked about books of 2024 and not one Michelle even finished. However, Caitlin explains why she enjoyed Intermezzo and who she'd recommend it to. In this interview, we chat about:The inspiration for The Burrow and choosing to explore grief several years on from a traumatic eventHow to strike the right balance between realism and hopeWhy Melanie is so fascinated by mothers and daughters in her writingMelanie's work as a GP and how she started writing Books and other things mentioned:Yellowface by Rebecca KuangRare Singles by Benjamin MyersThe Bee Sting by Paul MurrayAny Ordinary Day by Leigh SalesGary Lonesborough interviewLucy By the Sea by Elizabeth StroutThe Sitter by Angela O'KeefeFollow @cheng_melanie on InstagramThe Burrow is available in Australia and the US now. Thank you to the publisher for providing us copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Steph Tisdell is a rising star of the comedy scene in Australia. Her acting credits include Class of '07, Total Control, Bump and Netflix Original Love is in the Air, while her writing credits include Fisk, Bump and Rosehaven. Steph lives in Meanjin with her pet parrots, Parky and Eddie. Today we're delighted to discuss her first novel, The Skin I'm In. *There is a lot of swearing in this ep*Our interview begins at 27.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: Taylor Swift Style by Sarah ChapelleRecommended by a Swiftie! This book is a beautiful journey through the eras of Taylor's style, analysing how they work in with her songs. The perfect treat for Swifties. Michelle recommends: The Crow Road by Iain BanksAn all-time favourite book. This is the story of a family, focusing on 20-year-old Prentice, his dad and uncle. It's beautiful, darkly comic and the kind of character-driven story you'll get something new out of every time. In this interview, we chat about:Why Steph wanted to tell this story in novel formatConfronting the dark parts of Australian history in schools and everyday racismSteph's writing process for the book and how it differed from other projects, plus where she struggled versus where she thrivedThe best advice about taking risks in life and creativity (and how this has paid off for Steph)How Steph connected with Layla's voiceBooks and other things mentioned:Brooklyn by Colm ToíbínFollow @stephtisdellcomedy on InstagramThe Skin I'm In is available now. Thank you to the publishers for providing us copies of the book to prepare for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Kate Young is a writer and cook. Her award-winning Little Library Cookbooks feature food inspired by beloved works of literature. After a sunny Australian childhood, spent indoors reading books, she moved to London, which suited her much better. She now lives in a converted mill in a Gloucestershire town. Today we're discussing her debut novel, a queer rom-com called Experienced.Our interview begins at 30.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: How to Kill Your Family by Bella MackieA book we both missed when it was published in 2021. This is a witty and wickedly funny crime novel about a young woman working through a plan to kill off the members of her extended family. Grace is such an anti-hero we couldn't help but fall in love with her. We give plenty of spoilers in this chat but we give lots of warnings if you want to skip them. In this interview, we chat about:Why Kate lives in the UK even though she grew up in AustraliaKate's amazing New Year's traditionQueer adolescence and working out what you need in relationshipsKate's scientific study of rom-com (and what it reveals about writing them)Writing cookbooks and Kate's journey into writing fictionBooks and other things mentioned:What a Way to Go by Bella MackieThe window display with Spare and How to Kill Your FamilyUnleashed and Unhinged displayLaura Kay (listen to our most recent interview with her here)Emily Henry Casey McQuiston Harriet by Jilly CooperFollow Kate @kateyoungwrites Experienced is now available in the UK and Australia. Michelle bought the book in preparation for the interview, but Caitlin accessed a copy through work as Kate is published by Harper Collins. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Gary Lonesborough is a Yuin man, who grew up on the Far South Coast of New South Wales as part of a large and proud Aboriginal family. Gary was always writing as a child, and continued his creative journey when he moved to Sydney to study at film school. Gary has experience working in youth work, Aboriginal health, child protection, the disability sector (including experience working in the youth justice system) and the film industry, including working on the feature film adaptation of Jasper Jones. His debut YA novel, The Boy from the Mish, won multiple awards. It was published in the US in 2022 as Ready When You Are. His second novel, We Didn't Think It Through, was published in 2023. Today we're discussing his new novel, I'm Not Really Here. Our interview begins at 19.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: Gilmore Girls and The Pumpkin Spice Cafe*This autumnal sensation was inspired by Gilmore Girls and although the seasons are different, this is a delightful romantic read. Michelle talks about the books she bought in Edinburgh. Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonaldA Little Trickerie by Rosanna PikeThe Peepshow: The Murders at 10 Rillington Place by Kate SummerscaleCult Classic by Sloane CrosleyMary: The Birth of Frankenstein by Anne EekhoutAffinity by Sarah WatersHis Bloody Project by Graeme MacRae BurnettIn this interview, we chat about:The very personal experience that inspired Jonah's storyHow the story developed from a dark horror into a contemporary storyWriting authentic teen boysWhy it was so important for Gary to explore the youth justice system through his second book, We Didn't Think It ThroughGary's journey to publication and what it's like to hear from teenage readersBooks and other things mentioned:Nobody Wants This (TV show)Veronica Mars (TV show) Only Murders In the Building (TV show)Gilmore Girls (TV show)Sophie Green (listen to our interview here)Happy Head by Josh Silver (listen to our interview)The Rest is Entertainment podcast episode: Showmance or Romance? Inside Celebrity Relationship ContractsA Monster Calls by Patrick NessPanther by David OwenArt Hour at the Duchess Hotel by Sophie Green (listen to our interview)Banged Up: Stars Behind Bars (TV show)Follow @garylonesborough on InstagramI'm Not Really Here is available now. Thank you to the publishers for providing us with copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Anna Zoe Quirke is a queer and autistic author and librarian from the North of England. She currently lives in Manchester with her partner, Rachael, and their very angry tortoise, Sheldon. They're at their happiest writing stories about queer and neurodivergent people finding and claiming their place in the world, exploring the literary wonders of the UK, or making a big ol' mess in the kitchen baking things for their loved ones. Something to be Proud of is their debut novel.Our interview begins at 15.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Book club: Prima Facie (NTL re-release)Earlier this year we read and discussed Prima Facie and we finally got the chance to see the National Theatre Live recording of Jodie Comer performing in the West End. We were absolutely blown away by her incredible performance. In this interview, we chat about:The characters of Ollie and ImogenWhy Anna wanted to explore divorce and parental relationships through OllieThe importance of having Imogen's autism part of the storyOllie and Imogen's beautiful friendship love storyNew Writing North and Anna's journey to publicationBooks and other things mentioned:Code Name Verity by Elizabeth WeinRBG (play by Susie Miller)Julia (play)Follow @annazoequirke on InstagramSomething to Be Proud Of is available now! Thank you to the publishers for sending us copies of the book to prepare for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Welcome to a bonus episode where we catch up on things we've recently bought, read and watched. We've shared bits of this over on Substack, where we post monthly wraps of things we've loved. Books and other things mentioned:Caitlin's trip to PEI Anne of Green Gables by LM MontgomeryI Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue* (listen to Caitlin chat about it here)The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia ThompsonThis Summer Will Be Different by Carley FortuneThe American Roomate Experiment by Elena ArmasThe Movement by Petra HůlováIf You Change Your Mind by Robby WeberA Five Letter Word for Love by Amy James*Guilty By Definition by Susie Dent*We Solve Murders by Richard Osman*The Examiner by Janice Hallett (listen to our previous chat with Janice here)The Great Gatsby musical Water for Elephants musical The Notebook musicalSuffs musicalOnce Upon a Mattress musicalMrs Doubtfire musical (listen to Michelle talking about John O'Farrell's novel Family Politics here)The makeover montage from Mrs DoubtfireBack to the Future the musicalABBA Voyage Eras: ABBA interview with Vogage producersConnect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Sophie Green is an author and publisher who lives in Sydney. In her spare time she writes about country music on her website, Sunburnt Country Music. Sophie's debut novel, The Inaugural Meeting of the Fairvale Ladies Book Club, was a Top Ten bestseller and was shortlisted for the Australian Book Industry Awards for General Fiction Book of the Year 2018, longlisted for both the Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year 2018 and the Indie Book Award for Debut Fiction 2018. Her following novels were also published internationally. Today, we're talking about her new book, Art Hour at the Duchess Hotel. Our interview begins at 12.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston*Romantic comedies with a dash of magic? Yes please. Elsie finds herself stuck in a small town that's suspiciously like that of her favourite book series and must work out how to conclude the story left in limbo by the death of the author. A very fun, delightful read. Michelle recommends: Kala by Colin Walsh*A literary page-turner set in a small Irish village. We meet Helen, Mush and Joe 20 years after the disappearance of their best friend Kala. The discovery of Kala's body forces them all to confront the truths they've been running from since they were teenagers. This is character-driven, picking up pace as the novel builds to a gripping conclusion. In this interview, we chat about:The hotel stay that inspired Sophie and the long process from idea to bookSophie's view on creativity and ideas, plus her advice to aspiring writersHow Sophie's characters make their voices heardHow Sophie chooses when to set her books (and why 1999 was the setting this time)Sophie's journey to publication including working as a publisher and writing Home&Away fictionThe writing lessons we can all learn from long-running soapsHow Sophie juggles writing and working full-time as a publisherThe career journey into publishing and then becoming an authorBooks and other things mentioned:Just Like Heaven (film)Helly Acton (author)The Husbands by Holly GramazioBrooklyn and Long Island by Colm ToibinSmall Things Like These by Claire KeeganBig Magic by Elizabeth GilbertHunted (TV)Home & Away (TV)Heartbeat (TV)Blue Heelers (TV)All Saints (TV)Follow @sophiegreenbooks on InstagramArt Hour at the Duchess Hotel is available now in Australia. Thank you to the publishers for providing us with copies in preparation for the interview.Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Amy Hutton writes contemporary romantic comedies from her home on Sydney's Northern Beaches. An award-winning Television Producer by trade, she walked away from a successful career in network television, to follow her dream of becoming an author. Amy is a Romance Writers of America and Romance Writers of NZ Award Winner and the 2023 runner-up in the Romance Writers of Australia Emerald Award. Amy's debut rom-com Sit, Stay, Love was released in August 2023. Love from Scratch was released in June, 2024. Our interview begins at 17.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin & Michelle recommend: Who's That Girl? and You Belong With Me by Mhairi McFarlaneIn Who's That Girl? Edie's life explodes when a colleague kisses her on his wedding day. She's labelled a homewrecker and bullied by other colleagues so her boss sends her back home to Nottingham to ghostwrite the memoir of up-and-coming actor Elliot. (Small spoiler alert!)You Belong With Me picks up after a knock at Edie's door on Christmas Day where Elliot is waiting to confess his love. But how will the couple cope with Elliot's soaring fame and celeb gossip pages?We had the pleasure of chatting with Mhairi a few years ago, you can listen to that here!In this interview, we chat about:The connection between Amy's books (but why you can still read them as a standalone) and why she wanted to continue Ethan's storyWhy Amy chose to set the book on Queensland's Sunshine CoastHow Amy feels about the way tropes have become a major discussion point among readersQuitting TV production to write full time and Amy's path to publication (including a brilliant way to look at pitching)Books and other things mentioned:A Family Affair (film) Jodi McAlister's reality TV romance series (listen to our interview here)The Wake-Up Call by Beth O'LearyPets in Rom Coms with That Rom Com PodPuppy Love (film)Follow @amyhuttonauthor on InstagramThank you to Simon & Schuster Australia for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Emma Steele was born and raised on the west coast of Scotland before studying law at The University of Aberdeen. Working as a solicitor in Edinburgh, she continued to dabble in her childhood passions of art and creative writing for several years. Emma now writes big love stories with a twist, and with a particular focus on phenomena. The stunning city of Edinburgh is generally her setting of choice, but she likes to weave in elements of the wider world too. The Echos of Us is her first novel.Our interview begins at 30.00 We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! It's a bit of a different intro this week as Caitlin shares the details of her bookish Anne of Green Gables-inspired trip to Canada, including the books she's read in preparation. While Michelle chats about 2.22: A Ghost Story and meeting one of her favourite actors. In this interview, we chat about:Shared death experiences and how the phenomena inspired the story of Robbie and JennRobbie's flawed character and why we enjoy seeing this in male main charactersThe process of writing a book with so many shifts in timelines and perspectiveEmma's incredibly unique publishing experience – being published as a debut author in German before the UKBooks and other things mentioned:Anne of Green Gables (1980s adaptation)Into the Uncanny by Danny RobbinsPrima Facie by Suzie Miller (novel and script - we talk about the book here)Shake & Stir productions in AustraliaBig (film)Good Material by Dolly AldertonFollow @emmasteeleauthor on InstagramThe Echoes of Us is available in the UK now. Thank you so much to the publishers for sending us copies in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Avi Duckor-Jones trained as a lawyer before gaining his MA in creative writing from Victoria University's International Institute of Modern Letters in 2013. His travel writing has been published with BBC Travel, The NZ Listener and Lonely Planet, among others. Avi has worked as a writing instructor and trip leader for National Geographic, directed a school in Ghana, and is the winner of the reality television competition Survivor New Zealand. His first book, Swim, won the 2018 Viva la Novella award. He currently lives on Waiheke Island with his wife and two children, where he enjoys open-water distance swimming and works as an English Teacher Our interview begins at 25.00 We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue*An incredibly funny and relatable workplace comedy where a woman gets access to the emails of everyone in her company. Michelle recommends: Family Politics by John O'FarrellA left-wing campaigning couple's son comes home from uni and tells them he's... a conservative. If you've read a comment thread that's been controversial online in the past few years, you'll relate to many of the conversations. In this interview, we chat about:The duality of identity, and exploring this through the character of MaxChoosing the time period to set the book and how changing this affected the storyMasculinity and the influence of the 'Southern Man' advertising campaign in New ZealandExploring bisexuality and the feeling of needing to 'choose'Max's journey to finding and connecting with his birth parentsThe character of Busby and the found family that supports MaxAvi's long and winding road to becoming a writerBooks and other things mentioned:Making It by Laura Kay (a friend of the pod, listen to our previous episode here)Experienced by Kate YoungWe Are History (podcast)The VB advertising campaign I Kissed A Boy and I Kissed A Girl (TV series)The Primal Wound by Nancy VerrierFollow @aviduckorjones on InstagramMax is available in Australia and New Zealand. Thank you to the publisher for providing us copies of the books in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Born in Sweden, to a family of writers and readers, Josie Ferguson moved to Scotland when she was two. She returned to Sweden in her twenties, where she completed a vocational degree in Clinical Psychology (MSc). Upon graduating, she moved to London to pursue a career in publishing, something she had dreamed about since delving into fictional worlds as a child, hidden under the duvet with a torch.She later moved to Asia in search of an adventure and a bit more sun. She currently works as a freelance book editor in Singapore, where she lives with her husband and two young children. While training to become a clinical psychologist, Josie learned about the complexity of human nature, something she explores as a writer. She believes books about the past can change the future and she aspires to write as many as possible. The Silence in Between is her debut.Our interview begins at 29:00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: Wrong Answers Only by Tobias MaddenWe love Tobias' novels and Wrong Answers Only is just as delightful. Marco is overwhelmed by what life looks like after school and escapes to a gap-year cruise with his best friend. Brilliantly fun and heartfelt, as always. Listen to our previous chat with Tobias here. Michelle recommends: Water by John BoyneWater is a heartfelt novella following a woman who moves to an isolated Irish island to escape tragic events in her past. Stunning writing, a beautiful short story. It's the first in a quartet of novellas related to the elements. In this interview, we chat about:The incredible true story that gave Josie the spark of inspiration for Lisette's storyHow Josie approached the dual timeline and the research involved for bothWhy is life in East Berlin still so fascinating?How Josie once went on holiday in North KoreaThe 20-year journey to publication for Josie*Since we did this interview, The Silence in Between has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Fiction prize. Congratulations, Josie!*Books and other things mentioned:Anne of Green GablesYou Belong With Me by Mhairi McFarlaneJacqueline Wilson (author)Michelle working at the Buxton International Festival. Take a look at the pop-up shop. Small Things Like These by Claire KeeganCode Name Verity by Elizabeth WeinNudism in East Germany by We Are History PodcastMichelle's Berlin recommendationsStasiland by Anna FunderThe War on Women by Sue Lloyd-RobertsTunnel 29 by Helena Merriman (and associated podcast)Follow @josie_ferguson_author on...

Welcome to The Re-Read: bonus episodes where we chat with previous Better Words guests and catch up on what's happened since they joined us on the pod. Lauren Draper is a Melbourne-based writer and marketing professional. She is a graduate of RMIT's Professional Writing and Editing program and now works in publishing - she loves nothing more than a story infused with magic, hijinks and a touch of nostalgia. Her debut novel, The Museum of Broken Things, was acquired after it was shortlisted in the 2020 Text Prize, and went on to be shortlisted for The Readings Prize and Indie Book Awards, and longlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year (Older Readers). She grew up in Western Australia, mostly on land but often in water. She now lives in Melbourne, where she can be found almost exclusively complaining about the weather.Listen to our previous chat with Lauren here.You can follow @laurendraperwrites on InstagramIn this interview, we chat about:Dead letter offices, abandoned buildings and the inspiration for Return to Sender Dual timelines and choosing to keep technology to a minimumLauren on skipping 'second book syndrome' by starting to write Return to Sender before the publication of her debut The effect of critical acclaim on Lauren as a writerDifferent covers in different markets and prepping for a US releaseBooks and other things mentioned:Feed by Mira Grant10 Things I Hate About You (film)Return to Sender is available now in Australia and from August 13 in the US and UK. Thank you to the publishers for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Welcome to The Re-Read: bonus episodes where we chat with previous Better Words guests and catch up on what's happened since they joined us on the pod. Bri Lee is a writer, journalist and activist. Her debut book Eggshell Skull was a multi-award winner. She followed this with Beauty and Who Gets to Be Smart. She is working on a PhD in law at the University of Sydney where she also lectures in media law. The Work is her first novel. Listen to our previous chat with Bri here.You can follow Bri @bri.e.lee on Instagram and check out News & Reviews. *There's a little bit of background noise in this episode, sorry! Unfortunately, it's a hazard for us all recording remotely from home. In this interview, we chat about:Why Bri feels more comfortable and excited about discussing The Work, in comparison to her previous non-fiction novelsWhy polarisation is a crucial part of any art (and why it means aggregating star reviews on platforms like Goodreads doesn't really work)Bri's writing process for this dual-perspective story The various selves needed to craft and then promote your workWhy Bri views fiction and non-fiction as a spectrum rather than a binaryPrivilege, hard work and our obsession with the next young 'it' writersThe work Bri does in creating News & Reviews Books and other things mentioned:Good Material by Dolly AldertonCool Story with Bri and Bridie Sally RooneyThe Work is available in Australia now.Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Liam Pieper is an author and ABIA-winning ghostwriter. The first was a memoir, The Feel-Good Hit of the Year, shortlisted for the National Biography Award and the Ned Kelly Best True Crime award. His second was the Penguin Special Mistakes Were Made, a collection of funny true stories. He was co-recipient of the 2014 M Literary Award, winner of the 2015 Geoff Dean Short Story Prize, the inaugural creative resident of the UNESCO City of Literature of Prague, and the 2018 National Library of Australia Creative Arts Fellow for Australian Writing. His novels are The Toymaker, Sweetness and Light and Appreciation, which is the book we're chatting about today.Our interview begins at 22.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: Grown Ups and My Favourite Mistake by Marian KeyesWell, there's been a huge gap in our reading: we've not read much/any Marian Keyes. So we thought we'd tackle some recent releases. Caitlin discusses Grown Ups (the only MK Michelle has read) while Michelle chats about the brand new My Favourite Mistake. Our overall verdict: Marian Keyes undoubtedly has it, the knack for writing genuinely funny, compelling and yet emotional novels. And we can't wait to read more! In this interview, we chat about:Art as a commodity and the way this is explored in the bookThe ideas and events in Liam's own life that culminated in AppreciationTurning a critical eye on the publishing industry as part of Ollie's redemption arcInside the world of a ghostwriterHow Liam became a ghostwriter and his publishing journeyBooks and other things mentioned:Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin StevensonYellowface by Rebecca KuangKeanu and co: how celebrities became bestselling novelists'Zoella and the ghostwriter' on Shameless Book Club PodcastSpare by Prince HarryGoosebumps booksSophie Hannah's Poiroit novelsFollow @liampieperwrites on InstagramAppreciation is available in Australia now. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Brydie Lee-Kennedy is an Australian TV writer. She has written on shows for Netflix, Apple TV and Disney. In a former life, she was a cabaret performer, kid's party entertainer and sex columnist. Today, we're discussing her debut novel Go Lightly. Our interview begins at 26.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Bit of a different intro this week. Caitlin has had a huge week at work and what she's been reading is still secret. But Michelle has been on an exciting trip to Berlin. So, we decided to discuss some of the content related to that trip. Here's what she shared:Berlin Game by Len DeightonAlone in Berlin by Hans FalladaIn Search of Berlin by John KampfnerMarzahn, Mon Amour by Katja OskampThe Berliners by Emma HardingStasiland by Anna FunderTurning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War (Netflix documentary)'Nudism in East Germany' by We Are History podcastIn this interview, we chat about:Why we don't see much of the Aussie in the UK experience in books or on TVWhat it's like being a TV writer in Australia and the US The different versions of ourselves we present in relationshipsWriting about digital life and the effects it has on Ada's relationships in the bookWhy Brydie would never want to adapt her own book for the screenBooks and other things mentioned:The Rest is Entertainment (podcast)Follow @brydieleekennedy on InstagramGo Lightly is available in Australia and the UK now. Thank you to the publishers for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Welcome to The Re-Read: bonus episodes where we chat with previous Better Words guests and catch up on what's happened since they joined us on the pod. Dr Jodi McAlister is a romance author and romance scholar. Her latest novel is Not Here To Make Friends.Listen to our previous chat with Jodi here.You can follow @jodimcalister on InstagramIn this interview, we chat about:The complex reality TV world Jodi created across her rom-com trilogy, including exploring the series 'villains' in the final bookWriting the third book in dual perspective and why this took Jodi by surprise (and why it was 'harder than all six of my previous books combined')Could Love Island inspire another series in the future?How Jodi planned the series, including plotting a season of a fictional dating showJodi's next romance series and upcoming academic projectsNot Here to Make Friends is available now in Australia, along with Jodi's other books. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Emma Darragh spends most of her time on Gadigal and Dharawal Lands. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Wollongong, where she works as a sessional academic. Her writing has appeared in numerous Australian publications, including Cordite, Westerly, Meniscus, TEXT, and The Big Issue Fiction Edition. Emma's debut novel-in-stories, Thanks for Having Me, is published by JOAN.Our interview begins at 25:00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: Prima Facie by Suzie MillerTessa has built a prestigious career as a barrister, a world away from her working-class roots. But when she is raped on a date with a colleague, she must reckon with everything she's believed about the law and justice. This is a stunning, thought-provoking and emotional novel. Michelle received a copy for review from the publisher in the UK. In this interview, we chat about:The story cycle format of Thanks for Having MeHow the character of Vivienne inspired the novelHow you structure a novel that's intentionally meant to be read out of order and the way Emma approached the writing processEmma's journey to publicationBooks and other things mentioned:The Work by Bri LeeRBG (play by Suzi Miller)Eggshell Skull by Bri LeeOlive Kitteridge by Elizabeth StroutA Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer EganDubliners by James JoyceAlice Munro (author)Rubik by Elizabeth TanThe Flight of Birds by Joshua LobbFollow @emmaldarragh on Instagram.Thanks for Having Me is available in Australia now. Thank you to the publisher for providing copies in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Lottie Hazell is a contemporary literary scholar, board game designer and writer in Warwickshire. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing and her research considers food-writing in 21st Century fiction. Today, we're discussing her debut novel Piglet. Our interview begins at 16:00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: So Fetch: The Making of Mean Girls by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong*A fascinating look behind the scenes of the iconic movie with so many interesting tidbits from those involved. Michelle recommends: The Whalebone Theatre by Julia QuinnA beautiful family saga following three children growing up in a crumbling English manor house by the sea, spanning from 1919 to the end of World War Two. In this interview, we chat about:Family, aspiration and why perception is so vital to PigletThe 'contract' between the author and the reader and why Lottie wanted to play with that in revealing aspects of Piglet's storyFood, desire and the connection with familyLottie's academic focus on food-centred fiction and how this led to writing PigletLottie's venture into boardgame designing with her partnerBooks and other things mentioned:Sex and the City and Us by Jennifer Keishin ArmstrongSimple Comforts by Mary BerryRamsey in Ten by Gordon RamseyThe Roasting Tin series by Rukmini IyerThe Farm Tabel by Julius RobertsLeague of Lexicon (game) Follow Lottie on Instagram @LDHazellPiglet is available in the UK, US and Australia now! Thank you to the publisher for providing us with copies in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Madeleine Gray is a writer and critic from Sydney. She was a 2021 Finalist for the Walkley Pascall Prize for Arts Criticism and has written for many publications. She also lived in the UK for several years, has an MSt in English Literature from the University of Oxford and is a current (remote) doctoral candidate at the University of Manchester. Green Dot is her debut novel.Our interview begins at 20.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: Reputation by Lex CroucherMean Girls meets Bridgerton in this Regency-era romance. Add in a queer focus and we're absolutely here for it. Reputation is a delightful read, perfect for a holiday or devouring over a weekend. We can't wait to read Lex's other romance novels. In this interview, we chat about:Hera's job as a comment moderator at a large news publicationExploring Hera's experience as a bi woman in her first straight-passing relationshipHera and her single dad's relationship (and why it's the best)Madeleine's unique journey to publicationInternational cover (and name) changesThe reception from readers and what that means to MadeleineBooks and other things mentioned:Listen to our interview with Lex CroucherGentleman Jack (TV series)'The first modern lesbian' Anne ListerWe Had to Remove This Post by Hanna BervoetsIn At the Deep End by Kate DaviesPride (film)Gay's The Word bookshop, LondonNeon Roses by Rachel DawsonBook Bar bookshop, LondonFollow @gray_madeleine_ on Twitter or visit Madeleine's WebsiteGreen Dot is available now in Australia and the UK. Thank you to the publishers for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Kelly McCaughrain is a YA writer from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Her first book, Flying Tips for Flightless Birds won the Children's Books Ireland Book of the Year Award and NI Book Award. She was the Queens University Belfast Children's Writing Fellow 2019-2021. Her new YA, Little Bang, is about teen pregnancy and was published by Walker Books in January 2024. When she's not writing she's mentoring teen writers with Fighting Words NI or travelling in her ancient VW campervan, Gerda. Our interview begins at 27.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: Cherry Beach by Laura McPhee-BrowneChildhood best friends Hetty and Ness leave Melbourne to live abroad in Canada. This is a beautiful exploration of friendship and love, found through a library 'blind date with a book'. It felt like it took a while to read, but I really wanted to savour this writing.Michelle recommends: Everyone On This Train is a Suspect by Benjamin StevensonThis is a sequel, but you don't have to have read Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone to enjoy this witty and clever murder mystery. In this fiction disguised as a memoir, several mystery writers on a literary festival train journey must utilise their 'expertise' to investigate when one of their own is killed. A copy was provided by the publisher for review.In this interview, we chat about:The inequality of pregnancy and motherhood and how Kelly tackled this in a novel for teen readersWhy a dual perspective was the best way to tell this storyHow to represent the nuance of the abortion debate and teen pregnancy through Mel and SidThe importance of exploring friendship dynamics alongside the pregnancy storylineHow growing up in Northern Ireland during The Troubles impacted Kelly's writingThe importance of humour in dealing with tough situationsHow a story competition helped Kelly score an agentThe difference between writing her debut novel and this second novelWhy it's so inspiring to teach creative writing to teensBooks and other things mentioned:I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamaraBrooklyn by Colm TóibínRebecca Kuang (author)The Afterparty (TV series)Shameless (podcast)Olive by Emma GannonDerry Girls (TV series)Sinéad Morrissey (poet)Follow @kmccaughrain on InstagramLittle Bang is available now. Thank you to Walker Books for sending copies of the books in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Welcome to The Re-Read: bonus episodes where we chat with previous Better Words guests and catch up on what's happened since they joined us on the pod. Libby Page became a Sunday Times bestselling author with her debut The Lido and has since become a staple of the 'up-lit' genre with her following novels The 24-Hour Cafe, The Island Home, and The Vintage Shop. Before becoming an author, Libby worked in journalism and marketing. She is a keen outdoor swimmer and lives in Somerset with her husband and young son. Today, we're discussing her upcoming novel, The Lifeline, which sees the return of a beloved character from The Lido.You can follow Libby @libbypagewrite on Instagram and read more of her writing over on Substack – where you can also follow us for lots of extra book recommendations. In this interview, we chat about:Why returning to the world of The Lido was never inevitable How becoming a mum influenced The Lifeline and why Libby wanted to explore the (still somewhat taboo) topic of post-partum mental healthKeeping the love for something when it becomes your careerWhat Libby's learned about the publishing process since her debut novelThe Lifeline is published on April 25 in Australia and the UK. Thanks to Orion for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Welcome to Better Words. Hosted by book-loving besties Caitlin and Michelle. We share interviews with authors talking about their books, writing and publishing journey. We've got a Substack publication as well! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi!

Welcome to our favourite episode: the yearly wrap! We're sharing our reading stats, 2024 goals and the books, TV, film and audio we loved in 2023. Make sure you're also following us on Substack. On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to – and we try to keep these separate from regular episode recommendations. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Thank you for joining us in 2023 and supporting our wonderful authors. We love hearing your thoughts on the episodes and what books you've been inspired to pick up – even if it's an older episode. You can also connect with us on Instagram @betterwordspodWe're keeping recommendations brief. If we've featured or discussed the book before, we'll link to the episode.Any PR/review copies marked with *We kick off with a wrap-up of our reading stats for the year: how many books and pages, the moods and re-reads. Our awards category of favourite books kicks off at 21:002023 debut book Caitlin: One Day We're All Going To Die by Elise Esther Hearst* (our interview)Michelle: In Memoriam by Alice WinnNon-fictionCaitlin: The House that Joy Built by Holly Ringland*Michelle: Say Nothing by Patrick Radden KeefeBy someone who has never been a podcast guestCaitlin: After the Forest by Kell Woods* Michelle: The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donohue Australian fictionCaitlin: Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton*Michelle: Duck a l'Orange for Breakfast by Karina May* (our interview)RomanceCaitlin: Bound to Happen by Jonathon Shannon* (our interview)Michelle: Wild Things by Laura Kay Honourable mention: The Wake Up Call by Beth O'LearyGeneral fictionCaitlin: One Love by Matt Cain* (our interview)Michelle: Playing Games by Huma Qureshi* (our interview)Young adultCaitlin: Two Can Play That Game by Leanne Yong* (our interview)Michelle: Little Bang by Kelly McCaughrain*Honourable mention: Happy Head by Josh Silver (our interview)Most surprisingCaitlin: West Side Honey by Claire Christian* (our interview)Michelle: Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllisterFave CoverCaitlin: Yellowface by Rebecca Kuang*Michelle: Homecoming by Kate Morton – Australian coverRecommendations for each otherCaitlin: We Could Be Something by Will KostakisMichelle: Factory Girls by Michelle...

Matt Cain is an author, broadcaster and former journalist. He was Channel 4's first Culture Editor, Editor in Chief of Attitude magazine and currently a presenter for Virgin Radio Pride UK. He grew up in Bolton in England's north and now lives in London. Today, we're discussing his upcoming novel, One Love. Our interview begins at 28.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: You Could Be So Pretty by Holly Bourne*Holly Bourne's latest YA novel takes the pressures of social media and society and notches it up in an intense dystopian exploration of feminism. Thank you to Usborne Books for sending copies for review. Michelle recommends: Weyward by Emilia HartA gripping and emotional story of three generations of women told through alternating timelines. We don't often share interviews ahead of publication, but if you're in the UK and would like to pre-order a signed copy, you can do so through Gay's the Word or Gay Pride Shop. In this interview, we chat about:Why One Love is a slight departure from Matt's previous two novels Exploring class, straight-passing privilege and intersectionality through main characters Danny and GuyEncouraging and allowing people to change their mindsBody image in the queer communityCrowdfunding Matt's novel The Madonna of Bolton and overcoming prejudice in publishingLayton Williams, who recorded the audiobook for Albert Entwhistle, and Nikita on Strictly Come Dancing 2023 and breaking barriers for future generationsBooks and other things mentioned:Only Ever Yours by Louise O'NeillThe Burning by Laura BatesThe Curious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice HallettThe Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett (listen to our interview)The Flat Share by Beth O'LearyPromising Young Woman (film)Rubaiyat of Omar KhayyamThe Somerton ManThe mystery of The Somerton Man finally solved after 70 yearsI'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamaraThe Longest Shadow (TV series)Happy Head by Josh Silver (listen to our interview)One Day by David NichollsWild Things by Laura Kay (and check out our episodes here and here)Upper...

Huma Qureshi is an award-winning author and journalist. Her memoir How We Met: A Memoir of Love and Other Misadventures was shortlisted for the Books Are My Bag Indie Readers Award. Her short story collection, Things We Do Not Tell the People We Love was longlisted for several awards. She has also worked and written for The Guardian and The Observer, among other publications. Today we're discussing her debut novel, Playing Games. Our interview begins at 24.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: Directed by James Burrows: Five Decades of Stories from the Legendary Director of Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, and MoreA fascinating look behind the scenes of some of the most iconic TV sitcoms including Cheers, Frasier and Friends. Michelle recommends: Brooklyn by Colm TobainAn emotional journey as a young Irish woman chooses between two lives in the 1950s. One of Michelle's all-time favourites – what did she think of it six years on from first reading it?*Note: Michelle says it was published in 2019, but she meant 2009.In this interview, we chat about:Our obsession as readers with knowing whether a novel is inspired by real-lifeWhere is the line between stealing a story and being inspired by it?Huma's focus on creating a nuanced portrayal of sisters and their complicated relationshipHow to represent the creative process on the pageThe beauty of short stories and how it started Huma's journey to publicationHuma's creative writing courses and how it enhances her craftBooks and other things mentioned:Long Island by Colm TobainCat Person (short story)Bad Art Friend (short story)Holly Bourne on Emma Gannon's Ctrl Alt DeleteYellowface by Rebecca F KuangBetween Us by Mhairi McFarlaneAlice Munro (author)Follow Huma @humaqureshiwriterPlaying Games is available now. Thank you to Sceptre for providing us with copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Megan Williams won the 2022 Text Prize for her debut YA novel Let's Never Speak of This Again. She lives in Brisbane with her husband and their three children.Our interview begins at 14.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! And take a look at our festive recommendations here! Caitlin recommends: Heartstopper Vol 5A beautiful continuation of Nick and Charlie's story. This series is perfect, we couldn't love it more. Michelle recommends: The Gifts by Laura BarnettA heartwarming festive novel, told through 12 interconnecting stories of people searching for gifts for their loved ones. In this interview, we chat about:Teenage friendship circles and having a 'best friend'Writing realistic parents in YAComing up with book titlesExploring different types of grief through a teen lensHow Megan wrote around parenting two (now three) small childrenBooks and other things mentioned:Recommendation culture on Cool Story by Bri and BridieCreativity by John CleeseLet's Never Speak of This Again is available now. Thank you to Text Publishing for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interviewConnect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Michelle Upton writes short stories and novels examining our darkest fears and illuminating hope and possibility. Born in Birmingham, Michelle emigrated to Australia in 2006 and is proud to call herself Australian. Michelle has a Bachelor (Hons) degree in Literature with Psychology, and before having children, she was a primary school teacher. Her debut novel, Terms of Inheritance, was shortlisted for the HarperCollins Australia 2021 Banjo Prize. She lives in Brisbane with her family. Today, we're discussing her second novel, Emergency Exit Only. Our interview begins at 22.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'DonohueWe loved this book so much. It's a character-driven contemporary novel about two best friends with a secret and the way one year influences their lives. In this interview, we chat about:Life-changing experiences and finding a new career or passion as an adultPushing out of your comfort zone in the name of researchHow Michelle went from primary school teacher to authorWhat running a marathon taught Michelle about writingBooks and other things mentioned:Sentimental Garbage podcastChicago (film)Conversations with Friends by Sally RooneyCode Name Verity by Elizabeth WeinSmall Things Like These by Claire KeeganFactory Girls by Michelle GallenHome Stretch by Graham NortonThe Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoFollow @michelleuptontheauthor on InstagramEmergency Exit Only is available now. Thank you to HarperCollins for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspodPlease note that we choose podcast guests independently of Caitlin's job at HarperCollins Publishers. Although her job does help put us in touch with authors, we choose our guests based on what we've enjoyed reading and think you'd find interesting.

Jonathon Shannon is a Sydney-based writer and creative director. His work has been recognised at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, screened at the St Kilda Film Festival, and is housed in the permanent archives of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. Bound to Happen is his debut novel.Our interview begins at 00.21.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: The House that Joy Built by Holly Ringland*An inspiring non-fiction book exploring creativity and encouraging us to do things purely for the joy of them. Michelle recommends: Begin Again by Helly ActonFrankie dies in a freak kebab-related accident and then she's faced with a choice: she can look at several turning points of her life and experience how it would have unfolded. Does she want to begin again in one of those lives or move to the Final Destination?In this interview, we chat about:Deciding how much scientific theory to include in the book through the character of Sophie, an astrophysicistWTF is 'string theory', and what does it have to do with love?The difficulty of translating and sharing music through wordsWhat's the line between romantic moves and creepy moves – and how do you make sure you're writing a poetic character, not a weirdoWhy don't more straight men read or write romance?Jonathan's journey from copywriter to published authorWhat it's like to have a spouse also publishing novelsBooks and other things mentioned:The Midnight Library by Matt HaigThis is Not a Book About Benedict Cumberbatch by Tabitha CarvanMinnie Darke (author – listen to our interview here)Sliding Doors (film)Quantum Leap (TV series)Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins-ReidThe Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John KoenigDark Mode by Ashleigh Kalagian-Blunt (listen to our interview)Sleepless in Seattle (film)Love, Actually (film)500 Days of Summer (film)Matthew Reilly (author)Follow @jonathonshannonauthor on InstagramBound to Happen is out now. Thank you to Ultimo Press for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Eleanor Elliott Thomas worked for many years as a human rights lawyer before devoting herself full-time to writing. She lives in Melbourne with her partner, two kids, and three cats. Today, we're discussing her debut novel, The Opposite of Success. Our interview begins at 00.17.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie GarmusFinally, we've read one of the most hyped books of 2022, and we loved it. It follows Elizabeth Zott, a scientist who has to fight against the misogyny of 1960s society in her science career and personal life. This is an emotional and clever novel we both highly recommend (along with everyone else).In this interview, we chat about:How Eleanor settled on the one-day timeframe and dual POV Review culture and how it feels to be on the other side of opinions about workEleanor's incredibly smooth publishing deal and adjusting expectations after publication How to classify and compare The Opposite of Success in the bookstoreSwitching to writing after working as a lawyer for 15 yearsBooks and other things mentioned:Minnie Darke (listen to our interview)Mad Men (TV series)Fleabag (TV series)Motherland (TV series)A Single Man by Christopher IsherwoodBarbie (film)Strong Female Character by Fern BradySorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason (listen to our interview)Follow Eleanor and take a look at her Substack.The Opposite of Success is available now. Thank you to Text Publishing for providing us with copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Janice Hallett is the author of three best-selling novels. Her debut, The Appeal, was awarded the CWA Debut Dagger of 2021. Her second novel, The Twyford Code, was named Crime & Thriller Book of the Year in the British Book Awards 2023. The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels was an instant Times and Sunday Times bestseller on its launch in January 2023. Janice is a former magazine editor, award-winning journalist, and government communications writer. As a playwright and screenwriter, she penned the feminist Shakespearean stage comedy NetherBard and co-wrote the feature film Retreat. Today, we're discussing her festive novella returning to the world of her debut: The Christmas Appeal. Our interview begins at 21:00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin has been shimmying away in Jersey Boys and hasn't had time to read much, so instead, Michelle is giving two recommendations for the week. Michelle recommends: Strong Female Character by Fern BradyThis memoir is, at times, tough to read because it is unflinchingly honest. Fern was told she 'couldn't be autistic' because she had boyfriends and made eye contact – but this book explores the ways that being female has got in the way of an autism diagnosis and how understanding herself as autistic has helped her understand herself better. Michelle recommends: The Schoolhouse by Sophie WardThis literary thriller introduces us to Isobel – a woman who lives an isolated life and feels safe in her routines. When she gets a letter from an old teacher and a local schoolgirl goes missing, it sends her spiralling into the memories of a traumatic experience at an experimental school from the 1970s. The story dips between the present investigation in 1990 and Isobel's diary entries from 1975. In this interview, we chat about:Janice's almost accidental turn to book publishing after a decade of trying to get a screenwriting career off the ground – and how this inspired The Appeal's groundbreaking formatThe joy of community theatre and how it's shaped Janice's lifeHow Janice plans and writes her novelsRevisiting the world of Lockwood for The Christmas AppealA little teaser for Janice's 2024 novel, The ExaminerHow Janice feels about the success of her books after so many years of screenwritingBooks and other things mentioned:Maisie Peters in her Wembley era (like it's hard)Book Bar (follow them here!)Cool Story Podcast by Bridie Jabor and Bri Lee (discussing The Fraud by Zadie Smith)Treason (musical production)Partygate (TV series)Attachments by Rainbow RowellFollow @janice.hallett on InstagramThe Christmas Appeal is available now. Thank you to Viper Books for sending us copies of the book to read in preparation for the interview....

Alice Pung OAM is one of Australia's foremost writers. She wrote the memoirs Unpolished Gem and Her Father's Daughter, and edited anthologies Growing Up Asian in Australia and My First Lesson. Her debut novel Laurinda won the Ethel Turner Prize at the 2016 NSW Premier's Literary Awards and has been adapted for the stage. Her second novel, One Hundred Days, was shortlisted for the 2022 Miles Franklin Award. She is also the author of children's books including Be Careful, Xiao Xin! (ill. Sher Rill Ng). Today, we're discussing her new children's series Millie Mak the Maker. Alice was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to literature in 2022.Our interview begins at 30:00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Take a look at our October wrap-up here!Mini book club: Laurinda by Alice PungA must-read of the Aussie young adult canon and a book we've meant to read for years. We're so glad we finally read this beautiful, heartfelt exploration of Lucy Lam's experience at a prestigious Melbourne girls' school. In this interview, we chat about:How the working-class suburbs of Australia where Alice grew up inspired the story of Millie MakInspiring young girls to make and craftThe class and privilege of children's toys and upcyclingThe magic of finding an illustrator to collaborate with who also understands the nuances of growing up in a country with a history of colonialismHow Alice has managed to write across so many age rangesWhy One Hundred Days became Alice's debut adult novelThe experience of seeing Laurinda adapted for the stageBooks and other things mentioned:1989 (Taylor's Version) (album)The Good Witch Deluxe by Maisie Peters (album)Positive Spin by Gretta Ray (album)Genevieve Novak (listen to our interview here)The Woman in Me by Britney SpearsBasil the Great Mouse Detective (film)Danielle Binks (listen to our interview)Labyrinth (film)Boy Swallows Universe by Trent DaltonAll the Light We Cannot See by Anthony DoerrHarry Potter and the Cursed Child (production)You can find ways to contact Alice on her website.Millie Mak the Maker is available now, as are all Alice's other books.Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspodPlease note that we choose podcast guests independently of Caitlin's job at HarperCollins Publishers. Although her job does help put us in touch with authors, we choose our guests based on what we've enjoyed reading and think you'd find interesting.

Elise Esther Hearst is a Melbourne-based playwright and author, working and living on Boon Wurrung country. She studied Creative Arts at Melbourne University and playwriting at the Royal Court Theatre in London. Upcoming productions include A Very Jewish Christmas Carol (Melbourne Theatre Company) and Yentl (Malthouse Theatre). One Day We're All Going to Die, published by Harper Collins Australia, is Elise's debut novel. Elise is currently working on her second novel. Our interview begins at 18.00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley WinsteadAlexis, a school librarian, gets caught in a fake relationship with local political candidate Logan. A fun slow-burn romance with heart. Caitlin read a copy of this from Harlequin. Michelle recommends: Factory Girls by Michelle GallenA novel that's perfect for fans of Derry Girls. It's 1994 and Meave is waiting for her final exam results and praying it's enough to see her out of her small Northern Irish hometown. In this interview, we chat about:Being compared to Sally Rooney and Meg Mason as part of the 'sad girl lit' trendWriting about living as the descendant of a Holocaust survivor and exploring Australian Jewish cultureThe inspiration Elise took from her own grandmother in writing the character of CookieThe Pandemic Skip and not having our shit togetherElise's journey from playwright to novelist and the differences between the two formsBooks and other things mentioned:Big Girl, Small Town by Michelle GallenSorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason (listen to our interview here)Secrets by Jacqueline WilsonA Very Jewish Christmas CarolYentlFollow @eliseestherhearst on InstagramOne Day We're All Going to Die is available now. Thank you to Harlequin for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interview.Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspodPlease note that we choose podcast guests independently of Caitlin's job at HarperCollins Publishers. Although her job does help put us in touch with authors, we choose our guests based on what we've enjoyed reading and think you'd find interesting.

Clare Fletcher was born and raised in regional Queensland, Australia. Her debut novel, romantic comedy Five Bush Weddings, was published in 2022, and today we're discussing the follow-up, Love Match. Clare also co-hosts That Rom Com Pod with fellow author (and previous Better Words guest) Karina May. Our interview begins at 00:28We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: Straight Expectations by Calum McSwigganAfter a huge fight with his friends, Max wishes for an 'easy' life like straight kids enjoy. But he gets way more than he bargained for – waking up to find he's straight and suddenly without best friend Dean. We loved the way this book explores male friendships and the way Max learned so much about himself in the parallel world. A fun and quick queer read. In this interview, we chat about:Writing an 'extended love letter' to the small town Clare grew up in – even when she chose to leaveHow Love Match developed out of the characters in Clare's debut and the alchemy of writing and ideasWhy Clare wanted to tell part of the story through seven vintage dresses (and the real-life collection that inspired them)How Clare's return to sport in her early 30s inspired the team sport storyline in Love Match and the emotions involved in seeing women's sports represented in mediaThe differences between women's and men's sporting teamsClare's writing career and her journey to publicationBooks and other things mentioned:Audiobooks are now included in Spotify Premium!Michelle's bookshelvesTrans author recommendationsStrong Female Character by Fern BradyBecoming Us by Jake and Hannah GrafPalm Springs (film)Hotshot by Clare LyndonRachael Treasure (author)Maya Linnell (author)Penelope Janu (author)McLeod's Daughters (TV series)The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins ReidGirls Don't Play Sport by Chloe DaltonMel Buttle's mixed emotions around Matilda's successCleat Cute by Meryl WilsnerSpotlight (film)Why are Deb Balls still a thing?The 'Eagle Drop' to Eagle Rock by Daddy CoolDuck à l'Orange for Breakfast by Karina May (

Lex Croucher grew up in Surrey, reading a lot of books and making friends with strangers on the internet, and now lives in London with an elderly cat. With a background in social media, Lex now writes historical-ish rom-coms for adults (Reputation, Infamous) and historical fantasy rom-coms for teenagers. We're discussing their debut YA novel, Gwen and Art Are Not in Love.Our interview begins at 34:00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: Fish Out of WaterWe are going full spoilers with this book because we found it quite problematic and wanted to fully discuss our thoughts. The blurb makes it sound like swimmer Finn may be questioning his sexuality, but the book takes a dark turn into emotional abuse and coercive control with no thorough questioning representation and a problematic ending.*We read copies provided by Text Publishing for review. In this interview, we chat about:What is 'authentic historical fiction'? Why Gwen and Art is a blend of fantasy and historyThe difference between writing Regency romance and Gwen and Art Cover art to drool over – including a special edition proof with scratch-off gold foil heartWhy Lex sought comfort in reading and writing queer YA during London lockdownsAn overview of Trouble – which basically asks 'what if Maria in Sound of Music was coming to the house with nefarious intentions'The beauty of 'unlikeable' protagonistsThe madness of having two books released within months of each otherLex's journey to publication (both non-fiction and fiction) and what it takes to make money as an authorBooks and other things mentioned:After the Fall by Louise O'Neill (listen to our interview)A Knight's Tale (film)Georgette Heyer (author)Bridgerton (series)Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn MuirAny Way the Wind Blows by Rainbow RowellDouble Booked by Lily Lindon'Dumb bitch lit' with Genevieve NovakFollow @lexcanroar on InstagramGwen and Art Are Not in Love is available in Australia and the UK now. Trouble will be released in July. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Ashley Kalagian Blunt is the author of Dark Mode, an internationally published psychological thriller. Her earlier books are How to Be Australian, a memoir, and My Name Is Revenge, collected fiction and essays, which was a finalist in the 2018 Carmel Bird Digital Literary Award. Her writing appears in the Sydney widely across Australian publications, and she co-hosts James and Ashley Stay at Home, a podcast about writing, creativity and health, and teaches creative writing. Originally from Canada, she has lived and worked in South Korea, Peru and Mexico. Our interview begins at 18:00*Please note this book includes graphic descriptions of sexual and physical violence. Our discussions in this interview about true crime and the manosphere may also be triggering*We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang*A scathing exploration of cultural appropriation and publishing. A compelling read you'll race through. *Caitlin read a copy through her role at Harper Collins AustraliaMichelle recommends: Dancing Barefoot by Alice Boyle*A delightful YA that puts a queer twist on the classic high school romance. *Michelle read a copy from Text Publishing.Bonus recommendation: In Search of a Shepherd by Dave BurtonIn this interview, we chat about:How this fictional thriller was inspired by The Men Who Hate Women by Laura Bates and the 'manosphere'WTF *is* the dark web?Ashley's approach to her online presence and how it influenced the book (and why you need to change your passwords)The Black Dahlia and how true crime podcasts inspired Ashley's writingThe surprising links between Ashley's research into genocide and the manosphereThe move from memoir and essays into writing and publishing fictionBooks and other things mentioned:I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamaraRedhanded episode 291: The Silk RoadRoot of Evil (podcast)The Somerton Man was finally identified after decades of being a fascinating unsolved mystery (ABC feature)Gunpowder (TV series)Triflers Need Not Apply by Camilla BruceWomen in Crime (podcast)Follow @AKalagianBlunt on InstagramDark Mode is available now. Thank you to UQP for providing us with copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Karina May is a Sydney-based former magazine journalist turned digital marketer, avid reader and writer of lively love stories that span the globe. When she's not dreaming up her next meet-cute, you'll likely find her rescuing her paperback from the bath, or out guzzling espresso martinis in the name of research. We're discussing her new novel, Duck á l'Orange for Breakfast. Our interview begins at 21:00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! It's been a real week for us reading-wise. Michelle's been abandoning books left, right and centre and we couldn't settle on a book club. We're both in a bit of a reading slump! So, this intro is slightly chaotic with a moving-to-the-UK update from Michelle, plus book and TV recommendations from both. Caitlin recommends: Happy Place by Emily Henry and Queen Charlotte (TV)Michelle recommends: Double Booked by Lily Lindon and Blue Lights (TV)In this interview, we chat about:How Karina's own experience undergoing two brain surgeries inspired the novelIn contrast, how Karina wrote what she didn't know using the help of a French chef to create recipes for the novel Why IKEA became such a focal point of Max's story Karina's love of travel and how it helped shape the novelThe journey to publication and why Karina has a second book coming out this year Books and other things mentioned:The Fault in Our Stars by John Green500 Days of Summer (film)Follow @karinamaywrite on InstagramDuck á l'Orange for Breakfast is available now. Thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Trang Thanh Tran writes speculative stories about food, belonging and the Vietnamese diaspora. When not writing, they can be found over-caffeinating on iced coffee and watching zombie movies. She Is A Haunting is their debut novel.Our interview begins at 00:19We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: The Trial by Laura BatesAn intense survival story about a group of teens stranded on an island after a plane crash. You'll be hooked from the start. Michelle recommends: Homecoming by Kate MortonA beautiful and moving novel exploring dark family secrets across parallel timelines in 2018 and 1959. In this interview, we chat about:How 'zombie ants' inspired so many elements of the haunting explored in the novelHow Trang revises her novels with a reverse outline spreadsheet and how this keeps tension and suspense throughout the novelThe ongoing consequences of families being split by an oceanFeeling like an outsider in the country your parents called homeWeaving in historical research (without it taking over the story)Exploring the relationship between 'expert' outsiders and marginalised communitiesHow music inspires Trang's writing processTrang's journey to publication – within the year she'd allowed herself to explore writingHow it felt to see a full Vietnamese name on the New York Times bestseller listBooks and other things mentioned:The Burning by Laura BatesJust the Gist's episode on the Trashman Yacht SinkingSee the three covers of Kate Morton's Homecoming hereThe Last of Us (TV series)The She Is A Haunting playlistFollow Trang @nvtran_She Is a Haunting is available now. Thank you to Bloomsbury for providing us with copies in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Claire Christian tells stories: she is a writer, theatre maker and facilitator. She has three novels published with Text publishing. Beautiful Mess won the Text Prize in 2016. It's Been A Pleasure, Noni Blake was released in 2020. She has had the great joy of directing Michelle Law's smash hit comedy Single Asian Female since 2017. She is a proud member of the Mama's Boys theatre collective whose hip-hop theatrical explosion Brothers Book Club premiered in 2022. Her Plays Lysa and the Freeborn Dames, Talking to Brick Walls, Hedonism's Second Album and The Landmine is Me are available through Playlab. Today, we're discussing her third novel, West Side Honey. Our interview begins at 26:00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: Friendaholic by Elizabeth Day*In this memoir meets conversation, Elizabeth Day explores what it means to be a good friend versus being good at friendships (no matter the cost). We both really enjoyed this and loved the way various friendships were explored in the book. We read copies provided by Harper Collins Australia. In this interview, we chat about:Subverting traditional romance tropes and creating realistic charactersExploring self-love and self-acceptance in West Side HoneyHow Claire's experiences online dating inspired conversations between characters in the novel (and the dating profiles)How to write great sex scenes – and not get embarrassed when your editor reads themThe big changes Claire had to make to her first draft Why Claire chose to explore some dark and deep feelings in what is otherwise a super uplifting bookClaire's journey into the arts and theatre world, before her publishing dealWhy Claire wanted to show a single mum with a great sex life in Cleo's storyBooks and other things mentioned:Michelle's writing on grief when it doesn't 'feel right'How to Be Happy by David BurtonListen to our chat with Nina Kenwood on the re-read sessionLoner by Georgina YoungListen to our chat with Sarah AyoubSocial Queue by Kay Kerr (listen to our chat)Loveless by Alice Oseman (listen to our chat)Follow Claire @claireandpearl on InstagramWest Side Honey is available now. Thank you to Text Publishing for providing us with copies in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Josh grew up on a farm in the Lake District before moving to Manchester with his family, where he spent his teenage years loving the city. He moved to London to train at RADA as an actor and has performed in the West End and on Broadway. After deciding to change careers, Josh began training as a mental health nurse and, at the same time, started writing his first book. Josh lives in Manchester with his husband* and their dog Dodger.*Since we recorded this, Josh and David got married! Congratulations! (Take a look at their handsome pics here)Our interview begins at [time]Before you dive into the interview, be sure to listen to Michelle's brand new audio documentary, The Great Australian Camel Race for ABC RN's The History Listen. Listen here. We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: The Grandest Bookshop in the World by Amelia MellorA magical and captivating older middle-grade novel about two girls growing up in a brilliant Melbourne bookshop in the 1890s. Michelle recommends: The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt CainThis is one friend of the podcast Laura Kay recommended back in early 2021. A gorgeous contemporary novel where you just want to befriend all the characters. I was enchanted by Albert's story and utterly invested in making sure he found himself again.In this interview, we chat about:Creating the dystopian setting of HappyHeadJosh's career change from actor to mental health nurse and how his experience inspired the novelHow Josh's experience of growing up gay is mirrored through the challenges the main character Seb faces in accepting his sexualityThe impact that seeing things like Strictly Come Dancing's first male/male pairing had on queer communities (see one of their dances here)The deep and ongoing impact that shame around sexuality has on peopleJosh's drama school and acting experience (and the hangovers from that, which also influenced the book)How Josh got his publication deal and what's nextBooks and other things mentioned:The Portable Door (film)Becoming Ted by Matt CainDrag Addict (musical)The Hush by Sara Foster – our interview also included a lot of Sara's research into the dystopian genre which is fascinating in the context of our chat with Josh.The Handmaid's Tail by Margaret AtwoodThe Great British Bake OffThe Institute (play written by Josh's husband David...

Genevieve Novak is a writer from all over, but who now lives in Melbourne on Wurundjeri land. She writes romantic comedies, women's fiction, and columns for The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald that make men on Twitter very upset. Her first novel, No Hard Feelings, was released in 2021, and her second novel, Crushing, is out now.Genevieve's corgi Victor also joins us and you'll hear him in a few places. Our interview begins at 20:00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: Janice Hallett's The Appeal and The Mysterious Case of the Alperton AngelsJanice Hallett's mystery novels feel truly fresh and unique. They're always in the style of 'found documents', a collection of emails, texts, briefings and other documents. Both are intriguing and totally gripping novels that you can get swept up in over the course of a few hours. In this interview, we chat about:Why Genevieve calls her books 'dumb bitch lit' and why the main characters of both her novels make kinda infuriating decisionsHow Marie's past relationships are represented in Crushing and how she needs to rebuild her sense of self outside these menGenevieve's writing process and whether the character or plot comes firstThe ugly reality of jealousy in friendships and between siblingsThe overwhelm/strangeness of building modern relationships over text and appsHow we value ambition and career 'success' and how it's explored in the novelStriking the right balance between observations, wit and humour in writingGenevieve's journey to publication with her debut, No Hard FeelingsBooks and other things mentioned:Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister (Michelle's recommendation)Michelle's Substack review of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton AngelsThe Twyford Code by Janice HallettCultish by Amanda MontellI'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamaraJanice Hallett's success discussed in The BooksellerWell-dressed and distressed: why sad young women are the latest book cover trend via The GuardianShameless Media weekly newsletter (sorry, we can't link to the specific edition we mentioned)Follow Genevieve @genevieve.nvkCrushing is available now. Thank you to Harper Collins Australia for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram:

Karen Comer is a freelance editor and presents writing workshops to children and adults. Earlier in her career, she worked in educational publishing and was the editor for the children's art magazine BIG. She lives in Melbourne. Grace Notes, a YA verse novel, was published in February 2023 with Hachette. Her MG verse novel, Sunshine on Vinegar Street, will be published in June 2023 with Allen & Unwin.Our interview begins at 00:12:00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: One Night with You by Laura Jane WilliamsOne Night With You has an excellent rom-com premise: Nick is new to London and needs to buy a couch. Ruby is moving to Manchester and needs to sell her couch. They meet on Facebook Marketplace and end up having a one-night stand. That should be it, but no! They keep crossing paths and stay in each other's lives as Nick explores his new life and Ruby is working on a documentary for her masters. A brilliantly fun, classic rom-com.Caitlin read a review copy through Harper Collins Australia. Michelle recommends: In Case of Emergency by Poorna BellAfter a traumatic accident, Bel has to face the reality that her independence may have pushed many of her loved ones away. So she sets out to reconnect – first with a former best friend and then with her sister. A beautiful contemporary novel exploring growing up British Indian, sisterhood and friendships.In this interview, we chat about:Why Grace Notes was never meant to be about the pandemicHow Karen researched the art forms in the novel (graffiti and violin) and why it evolved from just Crux's perspective to a dual narrativeThe fascinating story behind the Grace Notes coverHow the pandemic experience in Melbourne shaped the storylineThe delicate process of drafting verse and how Karen combines emotions and story in such a small spaceKaren's MG verse novel, Sunshine on Vinegar StreetThe journey from manuscript to two book deals – and the 13 years of hard work behind itThe beauty of editing and shaping our wordsBooks and other things mentioned:Stronger by Poorna BellIn Search of Silence by Poorna BellLaura Jane Williams on Better WordsYinka, Where is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn (listen to our interview)Leanne Yong's interview for Two Can Play That GameSarah Crossan's verse novelsFollow Karen @karen__comerGrace Notes is available now! Thank you to Hachette for sending us a copy of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Jessica Dettmann is the author of three novels: How To be Second Best, This Has Been Absolutely Lovely, and Without Further Ado, and a picture book called There's No Such Book. After a decade working as a book editor for Random House, HarperCollins and freelance, she made the transition to writing after having kids. She was born and raised in Sydney and here she remains, disappointing her fourteen-year-old self, who assumed she would be living in the pensione in Florence from A Room With A View by now.Our interview begins at 00:19:00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: Am I Normal Yet? by Holly Bourne (The Spinster Club #1)Evie is 16 and determined to be 'normal', continuing her recovery from OCD and anxiety. But as she starts college and tries to live a 'normal' teenage life, things start to spiral out of control. An enjoyable, although at times emotional, exploration of how mental health is never linear. Plus, it's a rousing feminist manifesto - although we think some of the topics would be discussed slightly differently today than in 2015. In this interview, we chat about:Why Jessica is obsessed with the 1993 adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing and how it sparked the idea for this novelHow Willa's love for that movie has shaped her romantic journey and why Jessica wanted to explore that in the novelExploring large families and their intricacies in fictionJessica's experience working in the publishing industry and how it felt to transition into being an authorHow Jessica once sat on the balcony of Sydney Town Hall dressed as a Christmas angelBooks and other things mentioned:How Do You Like Me Now?, Pretending and Girl Friends by Holly BourneMuch Ado About Nothing (1993 film - see the opening scenes here)Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (film)10 Things I Hate About You (film)Upstart Crow (TV series)Into the Woods (production and film)Follow Jessica at @jessicadettmannauthorWithout Further Ado is available now. Please note that we choose podcast guests independently of Caitlin's job at HarperCollins Publishers. Although her job does help put us in touch with authors, we choose our guests based on what we've enjoyed reading and think you'd find interesting. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

Leanne is an Asian-Australian author of Singaporean and Malaysian heritage who loves writing the diaspora experience into contemporary and fantasy fiction.She started her career as an IT business analyst (boring – her words, not ours!) and is now an escape room creator (much more interesting). She has designed internationally recognised games with her partner that weave unique puzzle mechanics with narrative.Although she lives in Sydney, Brisbane is where her home is. Our interview begins at 0:19:00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: Jennette McCurdy at All About Women 2023We wouldn't usually recommend an event that's passed, but for a limited time you can rent the live stream of this conversation between Jennette McCurdy and our fave Rosie Waterland. Off the back of that Caitlin recommends I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy and Rosie Waterland's two books, The Anti-Cool Girl and Every Lie I've Ever Told.Michelle recommends: Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllisterThis is a twisty thriller of the best kind, exploring the little moments that lead up to life-changing events. Perfect for non-thriller readers and guaranteed to keep you up past your bedtime. In this interview, we chat about:Leanne's love for gaming – and why she didn't actually expect to write about itWhy Leanne 'aged down' protagonist Sam from graduating uni to post-high school to secure a book dealExploring cultural expectations, Malaysian food and supportive Asian parentsHow Leanne got into gamingThe real games that inspired the novel's games – and how Leanne wrote those scenesLeanne's journey to publication (and the many manuscripts she wrote along the way)How Leanne became an escape room designerBooks and other things mentioned:Hogwarts Legacy (game)Take a Bow, Noah Mitchell by Tobias Madden (listen to us chat about the book here)Red Dead Redemption II (game)Final Fantasy 7 (game)What Was Gamergate?Follow Leanne @shewhowritesthingsTwo Can Play That Game is available now. Thank you to Allen & Unwin for providing a copy of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

It's our favourite episode of the year – our favourite books, films, TV and audio of the year. Thank you for joining us in 2022 and supporting our wonderful authors. We've started a Substack for Better Words to give you extra mini recommendations each month outside of our podcast episodes. Come join us! You can also find us Storygraph: Michelle and Caitlin.Season 10 (can you BELIEVE?!) will be in your ears in a few months.We're keeping recommendations brief. If we've featured or discussed the book before, we'll link to the episode.We'll mark any PR/review copies with *Adult fictionCaitlin: Babel by R.F. Kuang*All My Mothers by Joanna Glen* (original rec)The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding by Holly Ringland*Michelle:Girl Friends by Holly Bourne Cat Lady by Dawn O'PorterYinka, Where is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn* (interview)Young AdultCaitlin: Libby Lawrence is Good at Pretending by Jodi McAlister* (interview)The Cult of Romance by Sarah Ayoub* (interview)August and Jones by Pip Harry* (interview)Michelle: Unnecessary Drama by Nina Kenwood* (interview)Blood to Poison by Mary Watson* (interview)Sugar by Carly Nugent* (interview)Non-fictionCaitlin:How to Be Perfect by Mike Schur Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew PerryI'm Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdyMichelle:Why Did You Stay? by Rebecca Humphries (read my Substack review)Redhanded: An Exploration of Criminals, Cannibals, Cults, and What Makes a Killer Tick by Suruthi Bala and Hannah McGuireParsnips, Buttered by Joe LycettFavourite coverCaitlin: Tiny Uncertain Miracles by Michelle JohnstonMichelle: The Lamplighters by Emma StonexThe hype readCaitlin: Book Lovers by Emily HenryMichelle: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins-ReidThe book we recommend to each other Caitlin: I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdyMichelle: All Our Hidden Gifts by Caroline O'DonohueThe new release we want to readCaitlin: Love & Autism by Kay KerrMichelle: The Vintage Shop of Second...

We're switching things up for Season 9: Welcome to The Re-Read. In this mini-season, we check in with a selection of past guests to find out what they've been working on. Expect lots of books, some babies and plenty of chat. This season works a little differently, without book recommendations from us at the start of each episode. But we promise you'll still get plenty of books added to your TBR!Interview 1: Gabrielle TozerGabrielle Tozer was one of the first guests on the podcast, so she's been very busy since we last spoke. She joins us to discuss her children's book Melody Trumpet, and another Young Adult novel, Can't Say it Went to Plan.You can follow Gabrielle on Instagram @gabrielletozerIn this interview, we chat about:How motherhood has changed Gabrielle's writing career and what styles she wants to writeWhy every book needs a different writing processGab's latest YA novel, Can't Say It Went to Plan, and choosing how to portray Schoolies experiencesCan't Say It Went to Plan is available in Australia now. Remind Me How It Ends is now available in the US.Interview 2: Rhiannon WildeRhiannon Wilde joined us in 2021 to chat about her debut YA novel, Henry Hamlet's Heart. We were itching to discuss her second novel, Where You Left Us, which was released in September. Listen to our previous chat with Rhiannon here.You can follow Rhiannon on Instagram @rhiannon_wildeIn this interview, we chat about:Writing about anxiety while dealing with it as a creative personSecond book nerves, perfectionism and confronting your own ambition as a writerGoing from writing in isolation to finally visiting writer's festivalsWhat Rhiannon is working on nextWhere You Left Us is available now in Australia. Henry Hamlet's Heart is out now in the US. Books and other things mentioned:Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging (film)Before the Beginning by Anna MorganSophie Gonzales' publishing journey (listen to our chat here)Folklore, Evermore and Midnights by Taylor SwiftGirl Friend by Holly BourneConnect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

We're switching things up for Season 9: Welcome to The Re-Read. In this mini-season, we check in with a selection of past guests to find out what they've been working on. Expect lots of books, some babies and plenty of chat. This season works a little differently, without book recommendations from us at the start of each episode. But we promise you'll still get plenty of books added to your TBR!Interview 1: Pip HarryAfter we spoke to Pip Harry about her 2017 YA novel, Because of You, she moved to Singapore for several years and has only recently returned to Australia. She's also been busy on the publishing front...She published a verse novel for young teens, Are You There Budda?, in 2021. But Pip has also moved into middle grade fiction, including the 2020 CBCA children's book of the year for younger readers - The Little Wave, which was published in 2019 - and her latest book, August and Jones, published in June this year.You can follow Pip on Instagram @piphazIn this interview, we chat about:How Pip went from writing YA to writing verse novels for middle-grade audiencesThe gorgeous real-life friendship that inspired Pip's latest book, August and JonesMaking disability visible through storytelling and workingAugust and Jones is available now. Thank you to UQP for sending us copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Interview 2: Ellie MarneyEllie Marney is the bestselling and award winning author of the Every series, and she's been very busy since we spoke to her about self publishing No Limits back in 2017. With White Night in 2018, The Circus Hearts series, None Shall Sleep in 2020, The Killing Code in 2022 and Some Shall Break coming in 2023.You can follow @elliemarney on Instagram In this interview, we chat about:What Ellie's been up to since she first spoke to us five years agoThe evolution of the #LoveOzYA movementWriting 'a YA Silence of the Lambs' and how that helped Ellie crack the US marketEllie's 2022 book The Killing Code and codebreaking in WWIIInside the wild world of Washington in WWIIThe Killing Code is available now. Some Shall Break will be available in June. Books and other things mentioned:The Weight of Water by Sarah CrossanUnnecessary Drama by Nina Kenwood (listen to our chat with Nina here)The Book Thief by Marcus ZusakYou Can't Ask That (TV series)Fighting Words by Kimberley Brubaker-Bradley (listen to our chat here)Silence of the Lambs (film)Mindhunter (TV series)Mindhunter by John DouglasThe Imitation Game (film)The Bletchley Circle (TV series)Code Girls by Liza MundyThe Flatshare by Beth O'LearyRedhanded (podcast)Real Crime Profile (podcast)Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

We're switching things up for Season 9: Welcome to The Re-Read. In this mini-season, we check in with a selection of past guests to find out what they've been working on. Expect lots of books, some babies and plenty of chat. This season works a little differently, without book recommendations from us at the start of each episode. But we promise you'll still get plenty of books added to your TBR!Interview 1: Laura KayLaura Kay is a journalist and editor. She has an MA in American History from the University of Sheffield, and now lives in London with her wife and cat. In 2018, Laura was selected as one of the 10 PRH WriteNow mentees. We first spoke to her about her debut, The Split and we're delighted to have her on the podcast again to chat about her second novel, Tell Me Everything. Listen to our previous chat with Laura here.Follow Laura on Instagram @lauraekayIn this interview, we chat about:Writing therapy scenes and internal monologues in the bookThe cover design for Tell Me EverythingPublishing queer rom-coms and finding mainstream shelf spaceBeing able to celebrate the book release out of lockdownWhat Laura's working on nowTell Me Everything is available now.Interview 2: Danielle Wood (Minnie Darke)Danielle Wood or Minnie Darke? Our guest goes by a few names, but we just called her Danielle. We first spoke to Danielle about the publication of Star Crossed in 2019. This time, she's chatting about her new book With Love from Wish and Co. Listen to our previous chat with Danielle here.You can follow Danielle as Minnie on Instagram @minniedarkeIn this interview, we chat about:What it was like to have a book come out in March 2020 and choosing whether to include Covid in the new bookProfessional gift buying and how it inspired With Love from Wish and CoThe bonding of gift givingThe experience of writing an audiobook novella (Wild Apples, coming soon)What it's like being a writer with more than one persona, and the benefits of marketing as two separate authorsWith Love from Wish and Co is available now.Books and other things mentionedFreaky Friday (film)Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (TV series)No Hard Feelings by Genevieve NovakSchitt's Creek (TV series)Double Booked by Lily LindonWelcome to Your Life by Bethany RutterConnect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod