Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading

Follow Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Cheryl Akle discusses the world with her favourite authors.

Better Reading Podcast


    • Jun 1, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 30m AVG DURATION
    • 665 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading

    Stories Behind The Story: Marian Keyes on Finding Joy, Feminism and Recovery Through Writing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2025 36:23


    Marian Keyes talks to Cheryl about the life experiences that shaped her books. From her journey through addiction and recovery to her reflections on feminism, resilience and finding happiness in unexpected places, Marian shares how writing became both a lifeline and a source of joy. With her trademark wit and honesty, she reveals how personal hardship can fuel creativity and connection. Her latest book, My Favourite Mistake, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Madeleine Cleary on Dedication and Teamwork Behind Crafting Compelling Narratives

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2025 28:48


    Madeleine Cleary talks to Cheryl about her path to publication, the importance of collaboration with editors, and how balancing a full-time job with writing has shaped her creative process. Her latest work, The Butterfly Women, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Omar Sakr on How Art Can Serve as Both Witness and Weapon

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 39:28


    Omar Sakr talks to Cheryl about resistance, censorship, and the power of poetry to bring clarity, connection, and hope in turbulent times. His latest work in collaboration with illustrator Safdar Ahmed, The Nightmare Sequence, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Andrew HC McDonald on His Love for Languages

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2025 27:53


    Andrew HC McDonald talks to Cheryl about his journey to publication, the editing process that transformed The Monticello School of Swearing, and his love for languages, including his experience learning Mandarin. He shares insights into the charm of Sicily, where his novel is set, the realities of book marketing, and the balance between passion and practicality in a writing career. His latest novel, The Monticello School of Swearing, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Cassie Hamer on How Her Background and Life Experiences Shape Her Fiction

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2025 30:25


    Cassie Hamer talks to Cheryl about the importance of character development, the dynamics of the plot, and how Cassie's personal experiences influence her storytelling. Her latest novel, A Stranger at The Table, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Isabel Allende on Being Honoured with a Barbie Tribute

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2025 29:00


    Isabel Allende talks to Cheryl about being honoured with a Barbie doll in her likeness, writing during uncertain global times, and the importance of small acts of resistance and connection. Her latest novel, My Name is Emilia Del Valle, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Natasha Lester on Balancing Creativity with The Demands of Daily Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2025 25:23


    Natasha Lester talks to Cheryl about her writing process, the challenges of balancing creativity with the demands of daily life and how personal experiences influence her writing. Her latest novel, The Mademoiselle Alliance, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Renee Salt and Kate Thompson on the Importance of Sharing Stories to Honour the Past

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2025 28:31


    Renee Salt and Kate Thompson talk to Cheryl about Renee's harrowing experiences during the Holocaust, her survival, and the lasting impact of trauma and resilience. Kate discusses how she captured Renee's vivid memories through recorded conversations, exploring both the pain and the significance of remembering. Co-written by Kate Thompson and Holocaust survivor Renee Salt, A Mother's Promise is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Patricia Wolf on How the Australian Landscape Becomes a Character in Her Latest Book

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2025 27:24


    Patricia Wolf talks to Cheryl about identity, belonging, and the power of landscape in storytelling, as Patricia reflects on her two-decade-long life away from Australia and how the distance has changed her perspective on home. Her latest novel, Opal, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Jessie Burton on How Storytelling is a Compulsion and an Artistic Escape

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2025 28:09


    Jessie Burton talks to Cheryl about her fascination with World War I and its impact on ordinary people, the pressures of deadlines, and how storytelling is both a compulsion and a form of artistic escape. Her new novel, Hidden Treasure, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Andrea Thompson on The Challenges of Embracing her Identity and Finding Her Voice

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 31:50


    Andrea Thompson talks to Cheryl about her writing process, the challenges of embracing her identity and finding her voice, and how her personal experiences as a gender-diverse woman influenced her debut novel, Geraldine, which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Amy Matthews on Her Journey Through Historical Romance and Romantic Comedies

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2025 30:14


    Description: Amy Matthews talks to Cheryl about her journey through historical romance and romantic comedies. She discusses how her writing evolved from slow pre-writing to fast drafting once the characters and plot are set. The conversation also touches on the emotional depth of characters, the balance between commercial and literary fiction, and the creative challenge of juggling multiple writing projects. Her latest novel, Best, First and Last, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Ronni Salt on The Power of Social Media in Connecting with Readers

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2025 32:53


    Ronni Salt talks to Cheryl about her journey to publication, tahe feedback that led to the creation of her debut novel Gunnawah, the importance of social media in connecting with readers, and how her experiences with editors and publishers have shaped her writing. Her latest novel, Gunnawah, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Emily Paull on the Importance of Authentic Historical Details

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2025 26:31


    Emily Paull sits down with Cheryl to discuss her journey into writing historical fiction, exploring how research and feedback play a crucial role in shaping her stories. She also shares insights into the freedom she feels being outside the constraints of a contract and the process of revising her debut novel, The Distance Between Dreams, which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Mary-Lou Stephens on Her Journey From Radio to Writing

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2025 30:58


    Mary-Lou Stephens talks to Cheryl about her journey from radio to writing, the joy of slow travel, and how her experiences inspire her creative projects like jam-making and crumpet-baking. Her latest novel, The Jam Maker, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Ashley Kalagian Blunt on How Illness Has Shaped Her Creative Practice

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2025 32:26


    Ashley Kalagian Blunt talks to Cheryl about how her illness has shaped her writing, her love for true crime, and the challenges of drafting new novels. Her new book, Cold Truth, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Kate Horan on the challenges of getting published and the rapid success of her book deal.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2025 26:00


    Kate Horan talks to Cheryl about her writing journey, the challenges of getting published and the mentorship she received. Her latest novel, The Inheritance, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Petronella McGovern & Margaret Hickey on growing up in small rural towns

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2025 16:19


    Petronella McGovern (Six Minutes, The Liars) and Margaret Hickey (Broken Bay, Stone Town) talk about their latest books, growing up in small rural towns, how to write thrillers and their lives outside of writing. Learn more about the two authors, their families, what inspired their latest books, and of course, the publishing industry in this new episode of "Authors on Authors". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Rachael Johns and Belinda Alexandra on overcoming bad reviews and the intense pressure of deadlines

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2025 17:42


    Rachael Johns (The Other Bridget, Outback Dreams) and Belinda Alexandra (White Gardenia, The Mystery Woman) talk about their upcoming books, the mental health impacts of social media, overcoming bad reviews and the intense pressure of deadlines. Learn more about the two authors, their loveable cats, the darker side of writing, and of course, the publishing industry in this new episode of "Authors on Authors". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Tim Ayliffe and Anna Downes on Being an Actor and a Journalist

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2025 17:42


    Tim Ayliffe (State of Fear, The Greater Good) and Anna Downes (The Shadow House, Red River Road) talk about their newest books, the first time they met and what has inspired their writing journeys so far. Learn more about the two authors, their exciting pasts as an actor and a journalist, and of course, the publishing industry in this new episode of "Authors on Authors". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Michael Connelly and Candice Fox Talk About Their First Encounter in a New York City Bar

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2025 18:46


    Michael Connelly (Resurrection Walking, Lincoln Lawyer) and Candice Fox (Devil's Kitchen, Crimson Lake) share some laughs and talk about their first encounter in a New York City bar. Learn more about the two authors, their books, and the publishing industry in this brand new series "Authors on Authors". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Sara Haddad on Storytelling as Resistance and the Crisis in Palestine

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 31:31


    Sara talks to Cheryl about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine, the power of storytelling as a form of resistance, and the inspiration behind her latest book, The Sunbird, which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Penelope Janu on The Evolving Opportunities for Women in Literature

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2025 30:19


    Penelope talks to Cheryl about the evolving opportunities for women in literature, her personal reflections on her beautiful home and garden, and the importance of research in crafting authentic, impactful stories. Her latest novel, The Summerfield Saddler, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Rose Carlyle on the delicate balance between creative expression and commercial expectations.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2024 29:30


    Rose Carlyle talks to Cheryl about her writing journey, the realities of the publishing industry, and the delicate balance between creative expression and commercial expectations. Her latest novel, No One Will Know, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Helen Garner on Writing, Age and The Seasons

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024 42:42


    Helen Garner talks to Cheryl about the art of writing nonfiction, her journey as an author over the years and how age has shaped her perspective on life. Her latest book, The Season, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Lainie Anderson on Kate Cookson's life as South Australia's first female police officer

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2024 30:08


    Lainie Anderson talks to Cheryl about Kate Cookson's life as South Australia's first female police officer, the complex history of forced adoptions, and the research behind her new novel. The Death of Dora Black is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Kathy George on the Balance Between Family Life and Creativity

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2024 30:26


    Kathy George talks to Cheryl about the emotional challenges of publishing, the balance between family life and creativity, and her dedication to her latest book, The Scent of Oranges, which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Stories: David Whish-Wilson on His Journey from a Nomadic Childhood to a Successful Crime Novelist

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2024 28:58


    David Wish-Wilson talks to Cheryl about his unconventional path to writing, his motivations for writing crime fiction and the significant themes he explores in his work. His latest novel Culter is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Tess Woods on on how tourism continues to strain Venice

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 32:41


    Tess Woods speaks with Cheryl about the ongoing impact of tourism on Venice, her experiences navigating the publishing industry, and her upcoming book set in Cairo, which delves into themes of the Middle East and personal heritage. Her latest novel, The Venice Hotel, is available now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Christian White on the importance of trusting readers to engage actively with his stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2024 35:42


    Christian White talks to Cheryl about how personal experiences, especially fatherhood and aging, influence his writing, the differences between crafting novels and screenplays, and the importance of trusting readers to engage actively with his stories. His latest novel, The Ledge, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Dr. Emma Beckett on the challenges of breaking free from the restrictive narratives of diet culture.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 33:00


    Dr. Emma Beckett talks to Cheryl about her passion for food-themed fashion, and the challenges of breaking away from the restrictive narratives that diet culture often imposes, particularly on women. Her latest book, You are More Than What You Eat, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Tim Winton on the connections between the personal struggles in his stories and real-world issues.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2024 26:11


    Tim Winton talks to Cheryl about his evolving worldview and the importance of community, highlighting how his work speaks to the complexities of life and the enduring hope for a better future. Tim Winton discusses the themes of survival, moral courage, and humanity in his latest novel, set in a dystopian future impacted by climate change. His latest novel, Juice, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Michael Connelly on Witnessing a Crime to Becoming a Crime Novelist

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 31:44


    Michael Connelly talks to Cheryl Akle about his writing journey, from witnessing a crime to becoming a crime novelist, mentors, and the importance of place in novels. His latest novel, The Waiting, will be out in October 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Hasib Hourani on The Displacement and Dispossession of the Palestinian People

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2024 33:34


    Hasib Hourani talks to Cheryl about the displacement and dispossession of the Palestinian people, as well as the broader context of global politics, media, and the ongoing conflict in Palestine. His latest work, rock flight, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    A Decade of Stories: Celebrating 10 Years of Better Reading

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024 40:26


    Caroline Overington sits down with Cheryl Akle, the founder of Better Reading, to celebrate its 10th birthday! They reflect on the journey of building a vibrant community of readers and writers, the challenges faced along the way, and the innovative ways Better Reading has fostered a love for books in Australia. Cheryl shares her insights into the evolution of the publishing landscape, the impact of technology on reading habits, and her passion for connecting authors with their audiences. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Better Reading, this episode offers a heartfelt look at a decade of literary celebration and what the future holds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Josh Bornstein on Corporate Power and the Fight for Free Speech

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2024 35:34


    Josh Bornstein talks to Cheryl about corporate power, free speech, and the urgent need for a unified progressive agenda to tackle the various social and political crises confronting society today. His latest work, Working For The Brand, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Book Chat: with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington – episode #10

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 19:57


    Welcome to episode #10 of Book Chat with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington where they discuss the impact of Australian literature, Caroline's writing journey, her thoughts on the rise of audiobooks, and the enduring appeal of traditional storytelling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Genevieve Gannon On The Importance Of Community-Based Journalism

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2024 28:16


    Genevieve Gannon talks to Cheryl about the evolving landscape of journalism and literature, the influence of the pandemic on her writing, and the importance of community-based journalism. Her latest novel, Inheritance, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Harriet Constable and Her Commitment to Crafting a Narrative That Brings the Past to Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 30:11


    Harriet Constable talks to Cheryl about her unconventional path to writing, her immersive research process in Venice, and the significant historical themes she explores in her work. Her latest novel,The Instrumentalist, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Nick Bryant on The Complex Interplay Between Politics and Society In The U.S.A.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2024 41:06


    Nick Bryant talks to Cheryl about the rise of populism, the media's influence on public perception, and the deep-seated culture wars shaping the landscape of the United States. His latest work, The Forever War, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind the Story: Danielle Binks on the importance of reading without making it feel like a chore

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2024 31:38


    Danielle Binks talks to Cheryl about the importance of promoting the joy of reading, the vital role of libraries in creating welcoming spaces, and how storytelling can nurture empathy and build community. Her latest YA novel, Six Summers of Tash and Leopold, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind the Story: Mitch Wallis on fostering meaningful and empathetic conversations

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2024 46:38


    Mitch Wallis talks to Cheryl about his personal journey, the challenges of vulnerability, particularly for men, and the importance of deep connection over transactional interactions. His latest book Real Conversations is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Briony Stewart on the special place children's literature holds in shaping young minds

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2024 31:45


    Briony Stewart talks to Cheryl about her artistic journey, the role of creativity in storytelling, and the special place children's literature holds in shaping young minds. Her latest book,Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Tooth Fairy (And Some Things You Didn't), is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Michael Robotham on Celebrating 20 Years of Writing and the Connections that Shaped His Career

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2024 30:23


    Michael Robotham talks to Cheryl about celebrating his 20-year writing career, exploring the evolution of crime fiction, and sharing personal stories and insights into his writing process. His latest book, Storm Child, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    JULY - J.P. Pomare on the validation process through publishing

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2024 31:43


    J.P. Pomare talks to Cheryl about the reality of writing as a profession, the validation process through publishing, and the necessity of building a support network. His latest novel, 17 Years Later, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Louise Candlish on the triumphs of being a long-standing author

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2024 27:34


    Louise Candlish talks to Cheryl about her approach to writing, the evolution of reader expectations, and the challenges and triumphs of being a long-standing author. Her latest book, Our Holiday, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Linwood Barclay on the pressures of sustaining success in the literary world

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2024 30:07


    Linwood Barclay talks to Cheryl about the pressures of sustaining success in the literary world, the evolution of crime writing over the years, and the challenges of following up a successful book. His latest novel, I Will Ruin You, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Amy Neff on Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2024 28:13


    Amy Neff talks to Cheryl Akle about her ten-year journey to becoming an author, profound connections, and finding inspiration in the little moments of everyday life. Her debut novel, The Days I Loved You Most, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Anna Johnston on Humanising Older Adults Through Storytelling

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2024 24:58


    Anna Johnston talks to Cheryl about aging, empathy, and the importance of storytelling in understanding and humanising the experiences of older adults. Her latest book The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind The Story: Jane Sullivan on The Evolution of Journalism and the Representation of Women in Literature

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2024 30:56


    Jane Sullivan talks to Cheryl about the evolution of journalism, the representation of women in literature, and the importance of research in historical writing. Her latest book Murder in Punch Lane is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stories Behind the Story: Andrew Caillard on the Evolution of the Australian Wine Industry.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2024 38:14


    Andrew Caillard talks to Cheryl about his unique perspective on the evolution of the Australian wine industry, his favorite Australian wine regions and writing a three-volume work. His latest work The Australian Ark, is now available Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Claim Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel