Podcasts about writing podcasts

Free Video Tutorial for ScreenwritingStories shape how we understand truth, authority, morality, and reality itself. In this Season 6 premiere of The Storyteller's Mission, Zena Dell Lowe explores why storytelling has become one of the most powerful forces shaping modern culture—and why that power carries enormous responsibility for writers and storytellers.We are living in a cultural moment where trust in institutions and expert knowledge has fractured. As authority collapses, narrative fills the vacuum. Story becomes the new source of meaning, identity, and belief. This episode examines the deeper epistemological crisis underneath modern culture and what it means for storytelling, writing craft, and moral responsibility.This episode explores:How storytelling shapes truth, authority, and belief systemsWhy narrative authority replaces institutional trustThe relationship between story, culture, and moral imaginationHow writers influence worldview through narrativeWhy storytelling becomes more powerful—and more dangerous—when truth loses its refereesThe ethical responsibility of storytellers in shaping realityIf you're a writer, filmmaker, screenwriter, or storyteller who believes stories don't just entertain—but form culture, shape belief, and influence justice—this season will change how you think about your craft.Watch this episode on YouTube Sign up for The Storyteller's Digest, my exclusive bi-monthly newsletter for writers and storytellers. Each edition delivers an insightful article or practical writing tip straight from me, designed to help you master your craft and tell compelling stories.The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube.  Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement.Support the Show!Contact us for anything else!Send us a textSupport the show

War stories are often famously told by the victors. But what of the stories of civilians caught up in the conflict? These themes intersect in World-War-II-era Hong Kong in AWC graduate Emma Pei Yin’s debut historical novel, When Sleeping Women Wake – and in this episode she shares her inspirations, the book’s themes and the publishing process, including a fascinating connection with the cover designer. 00:00 Welcome03:41 Writing tip: Avoiding info dumping07:05 WIN!: The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave08:39 Word of the week: ‘Gimcrack’12:03 Writer in residence: Emma Pei Yin13:05 Emma explains When Sleeping Women Wake13:53 Why this story?16:20 Influences and inspirations for the book17:35 Balancing historical fiction and fact19:10 The research process21:20 The note collection process22:27 Telling the authentic voices of Chinese people23:39 Character development and their unique resistance25:55 Class structure and historical contexts27:35 Language and authenticity in this story29:03 Morally ambiguous choices in war30:49 The publishing process34:51 Cover designs and market differences38:04 Promoting the book and meeting readers39:44 The importance of solidarity in telling niche stories40:52 Emma’s advice for writers42:03 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot of old bands these days seem to be reforming for reunion tours – allowing older fans to reminisce (usually while sipping wine and sitting in a comfy picnic chair). This idea fascinated author Rebecca Heath, so in her new book The Last Encore, she decided to not only get a fictional old-school band back together but add a documentary crew and a dead body into the mix! In this episode, Rebecca shares the real-life music inspirations for the book, her editing insights and much more! 00:00 Welcome04:09 Writing tip: Watch Shrek07:39 WIN!: Kill Your Boss by Jack Heath09:30 Word of the week: ‘Cucumiform’13:59 Writer in residence: Rebecca Heath14:34 Rebecca outlines The Last Encore17:55 Music inspirations for the book20:00 Defining what a ‘boy band’ is22:28 Exploring the theme of secrets23:55 Publishing journey insights24:52 Writing process and routine27:52 Balancing writing and editing29:00 Deciding whodunnit31:22 What to cut34:21 The role of community in writing37:23 Future projects and staying on brand41:04 Rebecca’s tip for writers43:00 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a single photo of AWC graduate William J. Byrne’s grandmother standing outside a ramshackle home that formed the spark that inspired this self-confessed history buff to explore stories of his past and the experiences of Aboriginal people leading up to the 1960s. The result is his debut novel, The Warrumbar – spanning half a century and casting light on a lesser-told chapter of Australia. In this episode, William shares his inspirations and publishing journey, and the AWC course that made all the difference. 00:00 Welcome04:03 Writing tip: Enter writing competitions07:18 WIN!: What Happened That Night by Nicci French09:55 Word of the week: ‘Puissance’10:45 Writer in residence: William J. Byrne11:05 What The Warrumbar is about12:58 Why he wrote for this time frame15:00 What inspired William to write the book16:45 Stories from family members18:00 Writing a teenage character19:00 Balancing research with family stories21:12 The note-taking process22:23 Moses as a lens for the Aboriginal experience23:38 Australia's historical awareness25:44 The path to publication29:11 Completing a writing course with AWC30:50 The importance of writing communities33:42 Major themes of the book35:55 Advice for writers36:34 Future writing projects37:59 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When was the last time you visited a zoo? Well, now imagine you’re visiting the last zoo on Earth and you have the premise for Emma Sloley’s new book, The Island of Last Things. In this episode, Emma shares the inspiration, research and publishing experience for this book and some of the larger themes this piece of fiction evokes. 00:00 Welcome04:10 Writing tip: Aim for rejections!08:30 WIN!: Tom Clancy Executive Power by Andrews & Wilson11:22 Word of the week: ‘Pelf’11:56 Writer in residence: Emma Sloley13:03 What is The Island of Last Things about?13:50 How Emma got the idea for the book16:00 Discussing the term ‘climate fiction’19:00 Researching Alcatraz for the book21:37 Gathering insights from zookeepers24:19 Transition to American characters25:35 Publishing journey and agent experiences28:34 Editing process with agents and editors31:34 Balancing writing and travel34:39 Current writing projects38:40 Tips for aspiring writers41:06 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are YOU ready to unlock your potential in 2026? Join us for a special ‘manifestation’ episode of the podcast, as Valerie is joined by Matt Cooke, author of Beyond Wanting: The Art of True Manifestation. Matt shares his personal story into manifestation – from skeptic to believer AND how he manifested his book deal – and some key ideas you can use immediately in taking actionable steps towards achieving goals. It’s a positive blend of inspiration and practical advice for anyone looking to make meaningful changes in the year ahead! 00:00 Welcome03:25 Practical steps and skepticism04:34 Valerie's personal connection to goal setting07:53 Writer in residence: Matt Cooke09:06 Understanding ‘Beyond Wanting’ and manifestation13:35 Common manifestation mistakes17:10 Matt’s own journey17:50 Getting the book deal of his dreams – literally26:01 How Matt got into manifestation33:40 The power of gratitude for future events34:20 The science of reality39:23 Signs and synchronicities to look for43:20 The numerical significance of 202648:18 Manifestation stories and lessons57:07 Practical steps for the year ahead1:03:01 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve all heard of the ‘muse’ but what about the ‘mewwwws’? That’s the sound of authors' cats, and in this episode, Susannah Fullerton discusses her wonderfully titled book, Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them – exploring the unique relationships between famous authors and their feline companions. Susannah shares how she researched the topic, choosing the authors and the magical publishing story, as well as offering tips to aspiring nonfiction writers. 00:00 Welcome07:26 Writing tip: Follow the formatting guidelines09:36 WIN!: Tailored Realities by Brandon Sanderson12:24 Word of the week: ‘Clerisy’12:59 Writer in residence: Susannah Fullerton14:10 Explaining her book, Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them14:45 The inspiration for the book17:50 Choosing and placing authors in the book19:30 Animal protection and authors22:30 Research methods24:40 Organising all her notes26:41 The timeline of writing the book27:35 The pitching process30:01 The joy of getting published32:22 Publicity and promotion of the book36:34 Merchandising and collaborations37:27 Balancing lecturing and writing38:22 Where her ideas come from 42:51 The timeless appeal of classics46:32 Advice for aspiring nonfiction writers48:58 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve heard of crashing weddings, but what about funerals? That’s the topic that bestselling author Joanna Nell has tackled for her sixth book, The Funeral Crashers. In this episode, she joins us to discuss the experience behind writing this latest novel as well as the turning point in her life that got her publishing her first book in her fifties. 00:00 Welcome06:44 Writing tip: Overcoming technology distractions11:16 WIN!: A Complete Fiction by R.L. Maizes12:46 Word of the week: ‘Emolument’13:22 Writer in residence: Joanna Nell15:05 What her latest book, The Funeral Crashers, is about18:36 Patients inspiring her writing22:06 Rediscovering a passion for writing24:58 The joy of finding a writing community26:23 Lessons learned from a decade of writing29:29 A word about writing short fiction31:23 A day in the life of a full-time writer33:40 Writing retreats35:22 Creating memorable characters40:06 Promoting the latest novel41:02 Future Projects41:58 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you go about writing a personal memoir that heavily features your very-much-alive parents? Author Candice Chung grappled with this and her culturally private family while curating her book, Chinese Parents Don’t Say I Love You. In this episode, she joins us to discuss the inspiration for a book that uses food as a storytelling device, some of the rituals around dining and the story behind the title of her book! 00:00 Welcome07:10 Writing tip: Developing your own editing checklist12:44 WIN!: How to Live an Artful Life by Katy Hessel14:17 Word of the week: ‘Anhedonia’14:49 Writer in residence: Candice Chung15:05 Writing about food rituals17:25 Inspiration for writing the book20:20 Selling the book to publishers22:15 The story behind the title26:29 Telling parents about the book31:33 Fact checking emotional details34:05 Grappling with sharing personal thoughts38:20 Why Candice decided to get into journalism42:37 The ‘frozen sandwiches’ anecdote44:21 Literary inspirations for the book49:24 Future projects51:14 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OUT NOW — New Episode! Host PMELA COOK sits down with author KATHARINE POLLOCK for a smart, candid and joyfully nerdy conversation about creativity, fandom, rejection, resilience and the winding road to publication — from PhD manuscript to debut, and now her latest novel Starry-Eyed. They dive into writing craft, comedy, character development, confidence, comparison, and surviving the emotional rollercoaster of the publishing world, with warmth, wit and honesty for writers at any stage of the journey. #writes4women #writingpodcast #australianauthors #femalewriters #booklaunch #authorslife #amwriting #writingcommunity #fictionwriters #booksbooksbooks Timestamps: [00:00] Finding creative community & weathering rejection[01:59] Early writing memories & first sparks[04:52] Studying writing — Honours to PhD[07:02] Turning academic work into a debut novel[16:00] From manuscript to Penguin Random House[21:36] Writing Starry-Eyed: fandom, obsession & humour[30:11] Craft, character growth & mother-daughter complexity[40:14] Publication, promotion & lessons learned[41:45] A new book in the works — nearly 60K words in SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Substack: https://writes4women.substack.com/ Katherine Pollock Website: click here Instagram: click here Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here Instagram: click here This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal Country. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do ideas come to you while you’re out walking? There’s a unique connection between writers and walking – and in this episode, Belinda Castles shares the inspiration and experience in creating her new book, Walking Sydney. The book is a curated collection of talks had while on walks with authors around various parts of the city and exploring the concepts of nostalgia, change and a sense of place. 00:00 Welcome03:59 Writing tip: Dictionary of Australian Words06:11 WIN! Jack Reacher Book Pack Giveaway08:58 Word of the week: ‘Catenary’09:37 Writer in residence: Belinda Castles10:22 What Walking Sydney is about11:09 Inspiration for writing this book13:04 How the book came together18:18 The connection between writers and walking24:50 Writing and the connection to place28:57 Reader experience and audience31:18 Why there are no maps in this book32:31 The armchair travel experience34:12 Balancing writing with teaching36:06 The writing process and time management41:58 The book trailer and filmmaking experience44:56 A tip from Belinda for writers46:48 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special bonus episode of 'So You Want to Be a Writer,' Valerie is joined by her original podcast co-host Allison Tait in a live-streamed event celebrating 20 years of the Australian Writer Centre. Together, they discuss important topics for all writers – including goal-setting, overcoming writing obstacles, and structuring one's writing career. They also reflect on their own writing journeys, give writing tips, and offer valuable advice on managing impostor syndrome, planning writing schedules, understanding genre requirements and MORE! 00:00 Welcome02:24 Reunion with original co-host A.L.Tait.08:55 Writing Roadmap: Setting Goals and Overcoming Obstacles19:00 Giving yourself writing rewards21:44 Overcoming common obstacles26:46 The importance of discipline in writing31:04 Networking and community in writing34:41 Understanding your genre37:15 The role of revision in writing41:54 Flexibility and pivoting in writing48:48 Q&A session52:53 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you found yourself newly single after not dating since being a teenager, what would you do? Author and AWC graduate Holly Brunnbauer asks that question in her award-winning romance novel, What Did I Miss? –and in this episode she shares what inspired her to write it, her exciting story about getting an agent and book deal, plus the unusual window of time she writes in during each day! 00:00 Welcome02:00 Our SALE is on 05:21 WIN!: ‘Every Day I Read’ by Hwang Bo-reum06:54 Word of the week: ‘Orrery’07:58 Writer in residence: Holly Brunnbauer09:07 What is What Did I Miss? about?10:20 What inspired Holly to write the book12:50 The experience writing it14:55 Holly’s year of writing a novel16:27 Discovering the AWC courses17:15 Getting an agent and a book deal21:44 Pitching to screen professionals24:00 Balancing writing with a busy life26:24 Planning and Structuring a Novel28:55 Documentation31:50 The joy of writing and future plans33:53 Publication surprises and realities35:28 Bonus short interview with Charlotte Barkla38:09 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Writes for Women, host Pamela Cook interviews Melbourne-based author Brooke Crawford about her debut novel, 'Better Than The Real Thing.' Brooke shares her journey to becoming a published author, which began after her 40th birthday and was accelerated during the COVID-19 lockdown. They discuss her writing process, the development of her relatable characters, and the support cast that enriches her romcom storyline. Brooke also talks about the significance of the settings in St. Kilda and London, and how these locations are integral to the story. Additionally, she provides insights into her research process and the challenges of balancing serious themes with a romantic-comedy tone. As Brooke prepares for the book's release, she reflects on the editing process and her experience working with HQ Harper Collins. Looking ahead, she offers a glimpse into her next writing project, set in England's Lake District. This episode provides valuable advice for aspiring authors and celebrates the release of a heartfelt and humorous novel. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements 00:45 Meet Brooke Crawford 01:36 Brooke's Writing Journey 04:59 The Impact of COVID and Turning 40 06:49 Writing Process and Challenges 14:41 Character Development 21:29 Setting the Scene: St. Kilda and London 23:13 Exploring the Book's Settings 24:21 Weaving Backstories and Balancing Tones 27:10 Research and Expert Consultation 30:04 The Journey to Publication 34:06 Editing and Feedback Process 35:46 Cover Design and Title Change 38:14 Preparing for the Book Launch 41:11 Sneak Peek into the Second Book 42:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Substack: https://writes4women.substack.com/ Brooke Crawford Website: click here Instagram: click here Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here Instagram: click here This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal Country. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Ian Scott and Kirsty McHugh – curators at the National Library of Scotland – created an exhibition on pen names, they never imagined it would become a book. But that’s exactly what happened, and in this episode, Ian joins to discuss some of the curious motivations and stories behind some of the world’s most famous and infamous pseudonyms in their book Pen Names – including examples of authors who fully immersed themselves in their imaginary personas! 00:00 Welcome00:18 Rewriting your personal narrative07:06 Writing tip: Tracking your time10:05 WIN!: The Funeral Crashers by Joanna Nell13:33 Word of the week: ‘Edentulous’14:14 The world of words: Short forms of ‘until’16:10 Writer in residence: Ian Scott16:57 The inspiration for the book Pen Names18:42 An exhibition on pen names23:00 The stories behind the stories27:00 Common reasons for pen names27:58 Gender bias in literature31:55 Other reasons for not using your own name32:10 Famous examples34:55 Authors wanting to be judged independently38:47 Deceptive use of a pen name: Fiona Macleod40:55 Modern pen names and marketability43:19 Collaborative writing under one name45:01 Authors like Lee Child and book cover real estate46:49 Would Ian choose a pen name for himself?48:45 Wait – is his co-writer Kirsty McHugh even real?50:30 Is his book in his own library?53:02 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author Zanni L. Arnot has carved out a prolific career as a children's author – publishing more than 40 books in the past decade as ‘Zanni Louise’. In this episode, Zanni discusses how she got into writing children's books and her first YA novel, A Guide to Falling Off the Map. She also shares the differences between different age range stories, juggling multiple projects, plus provides insights and advice for aspiring authors. 00:00 Welcome00:28 How a setting can become a character07:53 Writing tip: Learn to love grammar and punctuation13:42 WIN!: Reacher by Lee Child17:14 Word of the week: ‘Headwork’17:48 Writer in Residence: Zanni L. Arnot18:46 An overview of her new book21:03 Why a YA novel?23:43 How Zanni got into writing26:52 Discovering a passion for writing27:30 Building a writing community28:16 On creating 41 books in ten years!30:47 Crafting stories for different age groups32:57 Balancing writing with a busy life34:15 Navigating the multiple projects35:33 The process of writing the story39:42 Is adult fiction next?41:11 Advice for managing your time43:30 Zanni’s approach to social media45:44 Keeping track of ideas and choosing the next one48:19 Promoting books from overseas50:15 Advice for authors looking to try YA53:16 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Iranian Embassy siege that unfolded in the UK in 1980 was a huge world event at the time, although perhaps lost in the fog of history today. Prolific British author Ben Macintyre brings it back into focus in his latest book, The Siege: The Remarkable Story of the Greatest SAS Hostage Drama and he joins us to discuss his writerly beginnings, turning real-world espionage into captivating reads and how he balances the personal and factual details in his stories. 00:00 Welcome00:48 The power of constraints in writing11:30 Writing tip: The iceberg theory13:52 WIN!: Torn by Nicole Madigan15:26 Word of the week: ‘Nonpareil’16:11 Writer in residence: Ben Macintyre17:05 Ben gives an overview of The Siege21:00 His personal experience with the events25:43 Ben’s background in writing28:33 Exploring the SAS archive32:05 The TV series Rogue Heroes33:20 Character depth and authenticity35:20 Challenges of taking an oral history37:40 Pacing and structuring the book40:15 Real life being stranger than fiction42:18 Research and writing process45:27 From book to screen51:05 Advice for aspiring writers54:22 Balancing sensory and factual details57:12 Ben’s upcoming project58:13 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textWelcome back to The Writing Apothecary Podcast and back to our writing process section of the show. Today we have the amazing Mazrine L Amaris, who I adore, this episode was recorded a good year or so ago and we are now amazing friends. She is such a wonderful and thoughtful person and author and I can't wait for you guys to hear her chat. I'm patiently (or not so patiently) awaiting book 3 so make sure you read up on book 1 and 2, and whatever you do? Don't hound her...it makes her do the opposite of write. (I'll be over here pining for it, don't mind me.)Tell me what you think about it. Head on over to https://dreamingfullyawake.com to tell me about it. Or hit us the socials.About Mazrine:Mazrine L Amaris is the Vietnamese-Australian author of the Two Realms series.Based in Melbourne, Australia, she's just here to have fun. She's a creative at heart who enjoys writing stories she wants to read and making music she wants to listen to. The pandemic catapulted her desire to dream up a story worth reading. Woven with her lived experiences, a bit of magic and a pinch of spice, the Two Realms series is a world she hopes is worth escaping to.Her links:Website: https://mazrinelamaris.com/ Social media links: https://www.tiktok.com/@mazrinelamaris https://www.instagram.com/mazrinelamaris/ https://www.facebook.com/mazrinelamaris/ Want exclusive behind the scenes and early access to episodes join up to the mailing list over here.If you're looking for a cheerleader for your writing, then head on over to https://dreamingfullyawake.com/work-with-me/ and let's have a chat about how we can work together to get your writing on track. Follow the podcast on Instragram @thewritingapothecaryFollow Mandi on all socials: @mandikont

The search for ‘a better life’ is the classic motivation for immigrants arriving in a new country and so often we hear about the success stories. But author Moreno Giovannoni wanted to tell the more overlooked migrant stories for his latest novel, The Immigrants – drawing on his family’s own experiences in Australia. Giovannoni shares his approach to writing, his thoughts on translating, as well as past and future projects. 00:00 Welcome04:47 Writing tip: Creative Mottos07:46 WIN!: The Watervale Ladies’ Writing and Firefighting Society by Mette Menzies10:20 Word of the week: ‘Gibbous’11:46 Writer in residence: Moreno Giovannoni12:20 What his new book The Immigrants is about16:30 Fiction versus the real life inspirations20:10 Bringing his style to the Australian setting23:25 The research and notetaking26:20 Structuring the book29:31 Fitting the seven key events into the story31:35 The publishing journey33:22 The writing process and challenges34:56 A typical writing day37:40 Balancing writing and translating41:33 Publicising the book43:33 Future writing plans and pure fiction50:32 Moreno Giovannoni’s writing tip52:48 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"You should be writing, because that's the only thing that ultimately you can have even a hope of controlling." ~Valerie Valdes Welcome back to the talented Valerie Valdes, also known as Lia Amador! We are here to launch her newest book, a fantasy rom-com titled Witch You Wood. We talk magical reality shows, romance, and tropes. We also get real about the struggles that persist even after being published. Valerie discusses her experiences with self-doubt and how she manages to push through these challenges. We also explore the nuances of writing romance, the balance between subtlety and straightforwardness, and the significance of knowing your audience. (This post went live for supporters on October 20, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon!) Download Transcript Links Valerie Valdes / Lia Amador Escape Pod  International Latino Book Award Ali Hazelwood Mary Balogh India Holton Jackie Lau Archive of Our Own Baldur's Gate 3 Hades 2 Behooved Evergreen Links See all books from Season 21 Like the podcast? Get the book! I Should Be Writing. Socials: Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube, Focusmate Theme by John Anealio Savor I Should Be Writing tea blends Support local book stores! Station Eternity, Six Wakes, Solo: A Star Wars Story: Expanded Edition and more! OR Get signed books from my friendly local store, Flyleaf Books! — "Exploring Romance and Reality in Writing with Valerie Valdes" is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon! Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please! CREDITS Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja, and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon. October 23, 2025 | Season 21 Ep 19 | murverse.com "Exploring Romance and Reality in Writing with Valerie Valdes" by Mur Lafferty is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 In case it wasn't clear: Mur and this podcast are fully supportive of LGBTQ+ folks, believe that Black Lives Matter, and trans rights are human rights, despite which direction the political winds blow. If you do not agree, then there are plenty of other places to go on the Internet.

In this podcast professional brewer Adam Mills takes all of your beer and brewing questions live with a special focus on Recipe Writing!#probrewer #professionalbrewer #howtobrew #brewery #homebrew #waterchemistry #ipa #dryhop #neipa If you are interested in my consultation & marketing services, or just want to know more, please check out www.adammakesbeer.com Adam Makes Beer Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Si7TqiEY7ZeTq3D7CwqMUApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adam-makes-beer/id1695229502Instagram: @adammakesbeer Equipment Sponsor: Blichmann Engineering Pro BrewingWebsite: https://www.blichmannengineering.com/pro-brewingEmail: Probrewing@Blichmannengineering.com#howtobrew #probrewer #brewerylife #howtobrewbeer #howtomakebeer #craftbeerbrewing ---Hello, I am Adam! I am professional brewer and educator outside of Cincinnati, OH. I am a former high school and university educator, and I have been making beer for a living for over a decade. My goal here is to give a behind-the-scenes look into the craft brewing industry, and to share any knowledge I have. I am not the perfect brewer, but I am always pushing myself to get better and to learn more. Our goal in the brewhouse is to always aim for the bullseye, knowing we will never hit it. That mantra keeps us focused on continual growth, and helps us appreciate the journey of improving as brewers.If you have questions like: How to keg beer in a brewery - How to make beer in a commercial brewery - How to harvest yeast in a brewery - How to dry hop in a brewery - How to can beer in a brewery - How to clean a fermenter in a brewery - How to transfer beer in a brewery - How to purge a tank in a brewery - How to add fruit to a beer in a brewery - How to brew beer in a microbrewery - How to add coffee to a beer in a brewery - How to become a professional brewer, you have come to the right place!

[Worldcon] was my first convention where I went to panels, gave a reading, and had a big party. It made my sweet little book feel like the huge thing it is in my heart and mind. -Tim Chawaga S21 Ep18 In this episode, we welcome Tim Chawaga, author of Salvagia, as we dive into the depths of his near-future science fiction mystery set in a flooded Florida. Tim shares the inspiration behind his book, where a freelance Salvagia diver uncovers a dead body while searching for valuable artifacts from the past. We explore the blending of genres in Salvagia, from climate fiction to humor, and discuss the delicate balance between plot and world-building in writing. Tim reflects on his debut at Worldcon, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the importance of building connections within the writing community. (This post went live for supporters on October 16, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or get my newsletter at Ghost!) Download Transcript Links Tim Chawaga Salvagia Seattle Worldcon Evergreen Links See all books from Season 21 Like the podcast? Get the book! I Should Be Writing. Socials: Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube, Focusmate Theme by John Anealio Savor I Should Be Writing tea blends Support local book stores! Station Eternity, Six Wakes, Solo: A Star Wars Story: Expanded Edition and more! OR Get signed books from my friendly local store, Flyleaf Books! — "From Idea to Ink: Tim Chawaga on Crafting Salvagia" is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon! Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please! CREDITS Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja, and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon. October 16, 2025 | Season 21 Ep 18 | murverse.com "From Idea to Ink: Tim Chawaga on Crafting Salvagia" by Mur Lafferty is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 In case it wasn't clear: Mur and this podcast are fully supportive of LGBTQ+ folks, believe that Black Lives Matter, and trans rights are human rights, despite which direction the political winds blow. If you do not agree, then there are plenty of other places to go on the Internet.

Halloween is just around the corner, so what better way to mark the occasion than by celebrating AWC grad Amy Hutton’s latest book – a paranormal romance novel, Ghosted! In this episode, Amy shares her writing process, how she wound up writing paranormal romance, afterworld-building and much more! 00:00 Welcome06:39 Writing tip: Work with teachers and mentors10:06 WIN!: Remain by Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan12:29 Word of the week: ‘Bodacious’13:52 Writer in residence: Amy Hutton15:09 What her latest book Ghosted is about16:30 What inspired this topic of paranormal romance?19:48 Edits to the story21:05 Amy’s approach to (after) world building23:13 Pacing the story and unravelling the mystery24:16 Writing short stories as a writer’s block strategy28:10 Amy’s first break29:22 The thing she didn’t know when she started32:45 The one thing you can control33:38 Amy’s average writing day and how it has differed over time37:25 Freaking herself out in her own writing39:54 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If there were ever a decade that evoked such a strong emotional resonance, the 1980s would surely be it! Author Tegan Bennett Daylight channels this in her new time-travelling YA novel, How to Survive 1985, in all its neon-coloured, acid-washed glory, and in this episode, she shares her experience bringing that time period to life and some tips for aspiring writers. 00:00 Welcome06:52 Writing tip: Grounding details in world-building09:31 WIN!: The Gifts of Reading for the Next Generation edited by Jennie Orchard11:20 Word of the week: ‘Noisome’13:22 Writer in residence: Tegan Bennett Daylight14:18 Describing her book How to Survive 198517:13 Research vs lived experience of the time period20:00 Why 1985?21:59 Writing about motherhood now and then25:51 Navigating the publishing world26:33 Early writing experiences28:14 Tegan’s first children’s book29:42 Challenges and successes in writing31:49 The reality of being a writer and inspiring new writers36:25 The appeal of writing for young adults40:43 Tegan’s writing routine43:10 An easy early morning tip for writers44:38 Engaging with the writing community45:45 Upcoming projects47:40 Writing tip and the Spotify playlist50:17 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would YOU do anything to protect your 18-year-old child? That’s core to the premise behind AWC graduate Alex Dook’s outback thriller novel, Gunpowder Creek – and in this episode, he shares the milestones and research that led to this latest successful book. 00:00 Welcome07:12 Writing tip: Turn jealousy into inspiration13:11 WIN!: The Occupation by Chloe Adams14:56 Word of the week: ‘Cynosure’18:34 The world of words: ‘Bated vs baited’19:59 Writer in residence: Alex Dook20:38 Describing his debut book, Gunpowder Creek 22:15 Alex’s writing history25:30 The reason to keep persisting27:10 The pitching process29:33 The invisible threshold of becoming published31:00 Editing and polishing tip32:08 Advice for aspiring writers33:54 Using AWC’s‘Anatomy of a Crime course36:44 Research road tripping38:00 Discovering the titular Gunpowder Creek town42:40 Alex’s writing process46:20 The second book experience48:30 Alex’s book recommendation49:34 Thoughts on persistence and passion51:06 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for an electrifying interview with Alexis L. Menard, author of the hit Romantasy novel, House of Bane and Blood!Alexis dives deep into how she blended the dark grit of Peaky Blinders with a unique magic system to create her “Rivals to Lovers” story, where a woman enters a marriage of convenience to save her family's business, only to be plunged into a world of serial killers and inescapable attraction.In this interview, Alexis shares invaluable advice for authors, including:* The Author's Journey: Her path from working as a nurse to becoming a published author after the birth of her child.* Publishing Secrets: The key differences and benefits of transitioning from a successful self-published author on Amazon to securing a traditional deal with Second Sky and Forever.* Crafting Tension: How to create palpable chemistry and tension in a dual POV romance and the inspiration behind her male main character, Nico (inspired by Tommy Shelby).* Writing Spicy Romance: Using “spice” as a powerful tool to serve the character's emotional arc and progression, rather than just for shock value.* Actionable Tips: Practical advice on securing a good agent, the importance of a professional cover and editor, and why new writers need to build a readership on social platforms like TikTok.This episode of The Writing Community Chat Show continues our streak of over 360 interviews. We are proud to have recently been ranked Number 3 in the Top 10 Writing Podcasts in the UK 2025!But Alexis L. Menard's book, House of Bane and Blood, today!Interview: Other podcast platforms, just search: The Writing Community Chat Show.Support Our Non-Profit CIC.As many of you know, The Writing Community Chat Show is now officially a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). Our mission is to support authors and creatives through interviews, workshops, competitions, and community projects.Running the show takes time, effort, and resources — from live streaming and editing, to event hosting and outreach. If you enjoy what we do and want to help us continue providing a platform for authors, please consider donating directly to our PayPal. Every contribution goes right back into growing the show and supporting the writing community.Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCSEven the price of a coffee makes a difference in helping us keep the lights on, the mics live, and the conversations flowing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

In this episode, I'm thrilled to be joined by historian Dr. Ruby Lal.  When I first started thinking about this interview more than a year ago, I read Ruby's book Vagabond Princess: The Great Adventures of Gulbadan. I was swept away by the book, which is a history biography of Princess Gulbadan in the early decades of the Mughal Empire. Ruby is also the author of Empress: The Astonishing Reign of Nur Jahan, another remarkable narrative about a remarkable woman in the Mughal Empire. But before I had a chance to interview her, Ruby came out with another project: Tiger Slayer, which she describes as an illustrated remix of Empress for a young adult audience. I can't tell you how excited I was to talk about all of these projects, and how Ruby brings these narratives from hundreds of years ago to life in such vibrant, enchanting books.  Dr. Ruby Lal is a professor of South Asian History at Emory University. In addition to the books I've already mentioned, she is also the author of two academic books, Domesticity and Power in the Early Mughal World, and Coming of Age in Nineteenth Century India: The Girl-Child and the Art of Playfulness. And as you'll hear in the episode, she thinks deeply and beautifully about crafting historical narrative and the stakes of bringing these stories to readers of all ages.

We’ve all been to a pub. They’re places to meet friends, meet lovers, to celebrate, commiserate and even do weekly trivia. But do you REALLY know pubs? This is the question author Philip Howell poses and attempts to answer in his latest book, the aptly named Pub. Philip joins us to discuss the inspiration for this book, the pitching process, researching topics and his overwhelming love of one particular app! 00:00 Welcome05:12 Writing tip: Night-time whiteboards07:49 WIN!: The Butterfly Thief by Walter Marsh10:09 Word of the week: ‘Vexillology’12:10 Writer in residence: Philip Howell12:55 Describing ‘Pub’ as a concept and book14:00 History vs Geography in this book15:33 Inspirations for writing this book19:06 The pitching process21:53 The structure of the book23:30 Choosing what to leave out28:05 Range of writing topics and side hustles30:42 The social dynamics of pubs32:52 Writing popular geography vs academic34:49 Research methods and tools36:53 The importance of readability in writing37:21 Love of Scrivener40:35 Repurposing cut content42:41 Australian pubs?43:20 On being an expert in ‘pubs’45:40 Future projects48:31 Philip’s writing tip52:17 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Collaborative writing is fairly rare in the world of publishing – and writing while working alongside each other in a bookshop cafe is even rarer! But that was exactly how friends and workmates Clayton Zane Comber and Conor McCammon went about co-authoring their new junior fiction illustrated adventure, The Marvellous Submarine. In this episode, they share their experience creating the story together, illustrating it and getting it published. 00:00 Welcome05:32 Writing tip: Using paintings as a writing prompt06:54 WIN!: The Verifiers by Jane Pek09:27 Word of the week: ‘Blatherskite’10:40 The world of words: ‘Thank you’12:25 Writers in residence: Clayton Zane Comber and Conor McCammon13:40 Describing The Marvellous Submarine14:30 The inspiration for the project17:33 Writing for a particular age group19:59 How sharing the writing worked24:53 The inconsistencies of bizarre worlds25:49 Conor on illustrating the book29:27 The defining moment of the project31:49 Their publishing journey35:30 The book promotion experience39:53 Advice for aspiring authors42:45 Upcoming projects44:44 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arrrr me hearties! That’s right, landlubbers – this week we walk the plank to delve into the intriguing real history of female pirates as Francesca de Tores discusses her new historical fiction novel, 'Saltblood.' Francesca goes into her meticulous research process, spanning everything from nautical details to the lives of real historical figures, plus shares a surprising ‘Comic Sans’ tip for writers! 00:00 Welcome07:36 Writing tip: Social media for writers11:15 WIN!: When We Were Monsters by Jennifer Niven12:55 Word of the week: ‘Virga’16:19 Writer in residence: Francesca de Tores17:07 Francesca outlines ‘Saltblood’18:20 What drew her to writing about female pirates19:42 The public perception of pirates21:55 Francesca’s pirate research for the book25:21 Nautical research and influences28:23 Transition to historical fiction30:37 Publishing journey and challenges33:45 Using a different pen name36:32 Writing routine and tips38:34 Upcoming projects and inspirations41:37 Francesca shares her writing tips44:38 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Insights from the Romance Writers of Australia Conference In this special bonus episode of 'Writes for Women,' host Pamela Cook shares her key takeaways from the Romance Writers of Australia conference held in Hobart. Pamela provides summaries of workshops and sessions from renowned authors like Sarah McClean, Sarra Cannon, Stacey McEwen, Brenda Novak, and many more. Topics include writing conflict in romance, writing through fear, different paths to publication, effective marketing tools, and tips for indie authors. Additionally, she offers insights from panels featuring publishers on what they look for in submissions and advice for avoiding common pitfalls. Grab a cuppa, a pen and notepaper and get ready for some fabulous writing tips! 1:04 Key Takeaways from RWA Conference 03:55 Insights from Indie Hybrid, and Traditional Authors 10:54 Publisher and Agent Panel Highlights 19:08 Tips for Tackling the Saggy Middle 25:39 How to Write a Romcom 28:13 Conclusion and Upcoming Events SHOWNOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast Substack https://writes4women.substack.com Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook @amelacookauthor Twitter @PamelaCookAU Sarra Cannon on Youtube here Sarah Maclean on Fated mates here This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women and recorded on unceded Dharawal land. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you noticed how everything Korean is so hot right now? From Squid Game to KPop Demon Hunters, the world is enamoured. Of course, for bestselling Korean-Kiwi author and AWC graduate Graci Kim, trends had nothing to do with her choice to mix stories from childhood with fantasy in her new novel, Dreamslinger. In this episode, Graci discusses the many experiences and inspirations that led her to this point, her writing process, advice and much more! 00:00 Welcome03:29 Writing tip: Reread a book you hated07:02 WIN!: We’ll Prescribe You Another Cat by Syou Ishida09:01 Word of the week: ‘Pantechnicon’10:40 The world of words: ‘Practice vs Practise’12:38 Writer in residence: Graci Kim13:30 Graci’s fascinating pre-writing lives21:07 Her relationship with writing over the years22:59 Rediscovering childhood stories and purpose25:40 Embracing her Korean name and heritage27:19 Graci’s journey into writing YA Fantasy31:21 Discovering a community through AWC32:00 The value of the Novel Writing Essentials course33:54 How Graci went about getting an agent37:13 Joining ‘Rick Riordan Presents’38:54 Introducing her new book, Dreamslinger40:35 What she did differently in this series.42:22 Graci’s world-building process43:33 Fun extras and connecting with fans48:06 Her writing routine and her creative process49:50 Advice for aspiring writers53:23 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if you could be locked away simply for having disturbing dreams? That’s part of the premise in internationally acclaimed author Laila Lalami’s latest novel, The Dream Hotel. In this episode, Laila discusses the themes that inspired and eventually mirrored her book, along with her background in writing, her daily routine, writing tips and more. 00:00 Welcome04:50 Writing tip: Avoid clichés!07:58 WIN!: A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan09:35 Word of the week: ‘Apophenia’10:03 Writer in residence: Laila Lalami11:02 Laila outlines The Dream Hotel12:17 Speculative Fiction and real-world parallels14:20 The language of this near future world19:40 Dreams and their cultural significance21:58 Speculative Fiction and dreams as data22:50 Researching the novel27:17 The role of algorithms in society30:11 Laila’s journey to becoming a writer34:33 Balancing teaching and writing37:27 The challenges of book promotion39:20 Future writing projects40:59 Laila’s writing tips42:43 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for this week's episode as host Pamela Cook gives us a post Romance Writers of Australia wrap-up chat and the talented Camille Booker returns to the convo couch. Camille's latest novel, The Woman in the Waves, is a haunting historical mash-up that is getting a lot of buzz. In this episode she chats historical research, genre-bending and life with a small press. There's something in there for everyone! And in the bonus ep for paid Substack subscribers Camille talks about the pros and cons of being with a small press AND what she looks for when she judges the Hawkeye Publishing Prize. SHOWNOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast Substack https://writes4women.substack.com/ Camille Booker Website: click here Facebook: click here Instagram: click here Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook @amelacookauthor Twitter @PamelaCookAU This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women and recorded on unceded Dharawal land. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With more than 35 books under her belt, Australian author Christine Keighery has written across a range of age groups and genres. In this episode, she shares some insights from that time, along with details about writing her latest adult thriller, We’re Not Us Without You – all about modern day cults. 00:00 Welcome03:58 Writing tip: ‘Your best friend’s work’07:58 WIN!: The Bourne Escape by Brian Freeman10:55 Word of the week: ‘Desideratum’11:28 The world of words: Riband vs. Ribbon13:33 Writer in residence: Christine Keighery15:15 Christine’s fascination with cults17:17 Getting to know her characters20:20 Writing four perspectives22:00 Having great editors23:40 Religion vs cults25:20 The ingredients of a good thriller26:13 Balancing character and plot27:05 Transitioning from junior fiction to adult fiction28:27 Writing the Go Girl series33:02 The importance of character in all writing36:21 Christine's writing process40:56 Advice for aspiring writers45:28 What's next for Christine?47:04 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you love true-crime podcasts? Author A.L. Tait got obsessed with them for a while and pulled those themes into her latest middle-grade crime-thriller novel Danger Road. She joins us to discuss her experience writing and publishing this one, along with her busy year of writing, her process and how she found her unique voice. 00:00 Welcome02:51 Writing tip: ‘Geolocating writing prompts’06:26 WIN!: Lights, Camera, Love by Natalie Murray09:36 Word of the week: ‘Objurgate’10:13 Writer in residence: A.L. Tait12:00 The inspirations for Danger Road16:41 Creating distinctive voices20:07 A busy year of writing.23:48 The importance of continuous writing24:41 Challenges of underwriting27:21 How Tait found her storytelling voice30:09 The ‘Your Kid’s Next Read’ community34:43 On writing nonfiction and ghostwriting36:00 Say yes to new writing avenues and genres38:18 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arts - Ted Fox

And we're back! That's right, Season 4 of I Got Nothing is in the works! Leani shares the exciting news and what you can look forward to during the new season. Keep an eye on her revamped website for more details or join her on Patreon! Music by Kevin MacLeod 

How do you go about adapting a stage play into a compelling murder mystery novel? For acclaimed actor and playwright Toby Schmitz, this was his challenge in creating his debut, The Empress Murders – set on the high seas amid the glamour and clamour 1920s. In this episode, Toby shares his inspirations, aspirations and perspirations in bringing his story to the page. 00:00 Welcome02:29 Writing tip: ‘Magazine apps to combat doomscrolling’07:32 WIN!: Arcana Academy by Elise Kova10:30 Word of the week: ‘Vicissitude’11:11 The world of words: Tack vs. Tact12:59 Writer in residence: Toby Schmitz14:02 Toby describes The Empress Murders16:06 Storytelling in the 1920s18:11 Themes of colonialism20:19 How the story started as a play22:05 Defining what an Australian story is26:17 The journey from play to novel27:01 Finding freedom in novel writing27:22 Crafting the story with index cards28:13 Maintaining the playwright's touch29:32 Exploring colonial guilt30:30 Switching genres throughout32:32 Inspirations for Toby35:36 Navigating historical authenticity37:16 The research process39:11 The emotional experience of publishing43:10 Reflections on feedback and notes45:08 Hopes for the reader's experience46:36 Acknowledging influences and support49:19 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When award-winning author Demet Divaroren decided to write a fantasy novel, she went down a completely different path first, before finally arriving at what would become Blood Moon Bride. In this discussion, Demet shares the inspiration for this YA fantasy novel, the creative freedom of writing in this genre and how motherhood changed her perspective on storytelling. 00:00 Welcome04:51 Writing tip: ‘Tinder for writers’08:45 WIN!: A Passion for Passion by Alice Fraser11:53 Word of the week: ‘Kickshaw’12:25 Writer in residence: Demet Divaroren16:00 Starting with a different book19:45 Creating a fantasy world22:13 Writing for young adults25:42 Balancing writing and life26:12 How motherhood changed her writing29:14 The publishing journey32:07 The magic of writing33:08 Promoting the book35:16 Future projects 37:00 Demet shares a writing tip38:05 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ready to transform your manuscript from a rough draft into a polished gem? Discover the secrets to navigating the entire editing process, whether you're working with a professional editor or sharpening your skills to self-edit your book!In this episode, join Erin P.T. Canning and special guest Allyson Wilkins, an expert editor for YA and adult fantasy and fairy tale retellings, as we demystify everything you need to know about getting your book ready for readers. Learn how to know if your manuscript is truly ready for professional eyes, debunk common myths about working with editors, and get practical and actionable tips you can apply right away!What you'll learn: Understanding Editing Stages: The key differences between developmental editing, line editing, and proofreading, and when your manuscript is ready for each phase.Finding the Right Editor: How to choose a great editor who enhances your unique author voice, not changes it, and what happens once your manuscript leaves your hands.Editor Rates & Time: Get transparent insights into how editors charge, what goes into their work (the 1K–3K rule!), and realistic turnaround times.Self-Editing Masterclass: Actionable strategies for self-editing your own book, including the power of beta readers, show, don't tell, avoiding LY adverbs, and unique proofreading techniques.Common Mistakes to Avoid: Learn common pitfalls authors make before and during the editing process, and how to set your book up for success.Pacing Your Publication: Honest advice on managing publishing deadlines and preventing burnout.Guest Spotlight — Connect with Allyson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getitwrite_editing Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getitwriteedit Website: https://getitwrite-editing.com Resources discussed: Editorial Freelancers Association: https://www.the-efa.org/ Connect with us: Website: https://erinptcanning.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinptcanning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinptcanning/ Send us a textREADY TO TAKE YOUR WRITING FURTHER? Join our Patreon community and access our vibrant Discord writing group to get writing prompts, participate in sprints, download free resources, and more: https://www.patreon.com/erinptcanningeditor

Ever struggle to get into a widely popular book? Check out these potential reasons why.In this episode, host Erin P.T. Canning discusses the interesting choices Callie Hart, a successful former indie author, made with her romantasy novel, Quicksilver.Tune in to this unique case study from an editor's and reader's perspective. You will gain valuable insights into the flexibility of publishing guidelines, learning how authors can make informed decisions about manuscript length and structure. You will also uncover the nuanced reasons behind reader engagement and connection with characters, ultimately equipping you with a fresh perspective on the craft of writing and reading. Send us a textLOOKING FOR WRITING SUPPORT & FRIENDS? Join my Patreon to access my Discord writing group, get writing prompts, participate in sprints, download free resources, and more: https://www.patreon.com/erinptcanningeditor

Stephanie Gorton is a writer, editor, and journalist whose work has been published in a range of outlets including The New Yorker, Smithsonian, and Paris Review Daily. She has worked in editorial roles at several independent presses, and her first book came out in 2020, titled Citizen Reporters: S. S. McClure, Ida Tarbell, and the Magazine that Rewrote America. Her second book, which came out in November, is The Icon and the Idealist: Margaret Sanger, Mary Ware Dennett, and the Rivalry that Brought Birth Control to America. It's a fascinating dual biography that brings to life two complicated leaders of the birth control movement in the early 1900s, and the lasting impact of their actions and interactions. We spoke early this year, and I loved getting to hear more about Stephanie's research and writing process, especially how she thought about narrative structure and revising with feedback.

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Padraic Scanlan. Padraic is an associate professor at the University of Toronto. His research focuses on the history of labor in Britain and the British empire. He's the author of three books, including Freedom's Debtors: British Antislavery in Sierra Leone in the Age of Revolutions and Slave Empire: How Slavery Made Modern Britain. His newest book, out this year, is called Rot: An Imperial History of the Irish Famine, and it offers a reinterpretation of the Irish Great Famine of the mid-1800s that shows how massive income inequality, debt, housing prices, precarious employment and more contributed to the disaster. I spoke with Padraic about how he thinks about writing for a general audience, his work with a developmental editor and why he loves editors, and his writerly inspirations.

Do you start writing fervently but get lost in the murky middle? Or have you ever had an idea for a story but you're not sure where to start? And sitting down to write a massive number of words feels intimidating?In today's episode, learn how discovery drafts can help you capture your story idea much more quickly—and provide flexibility for pantsers. Topics discussed in this episode: Two case storiesWhat is a discovery draft?What goes into a discovery draft?Many benefitsStructuring your discovery draftDevelopmental edits vs manuscript evaluationsJoin writing sprints and get my promptsResources discussed: Document navigation with styles: https://youtu.be/qjbMeZBrrOA Different types of editors: https://erinptcanning.com/book-coaches-and-editors-whats-the-difference/Send us a textLOOKING FOR WRITING SUPPORT & FRIENDS? Join my Patreon to access my Discord writing group, get writing prompts, participate in sprints, download free resources, and more: https://www.patreon.com/erinptcanningeditor

Hosts: Kristen Hicks, Alyssa Clark, Christy Cook, Ashley Deffenbaugh, and Kelly Epperson  |  Released Monday, May 26, 2025 Kristen, Kelly, and Ashley talk about modern day idolatry – what it looks like in its many forms, why it’s such a difficult struggle for all of us, and why it’s important to keep putting God back […]

"We contain multitudes; you can be happy and jealous at the same time." -Mur Lafferty (This post went live for supporters on May 21, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!) We're back! In this episode, we talk about the bullies that can sap our confidence and creativity again, today's bully is the Blade, a stern knife that can cut deep. (I also announce my new cozy fantasy, it's real now! I am of course stressing over storytelling complexities (again).) Let's talk about the Blade, and everything it stands for: mainly, jealousy, a feeling that can be sharp and painful. But fear not, we also discuss how to deal with these feelings and how to shut this bully up. Transcript Links Ted Chiang and "Story of Your Life" Arrival (Film) Six Wakes (Book) Evergreen Links See all books from Season 21 Like the podcast? Get the book! I Should Be Writing. My newsletter, The Hot Mic, and the community of Fabulists over at Patreon. Supporting either of those will get you perks like access to the discord, exclusive content, and early, ad-free episodes. Socials: Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube, Focusmate Theme by John Anealio Savor I Should Be Writing tea blends Support local book stores! Station Eternity, Six Wakes, Solo: A Star Wars Story: Expanded Edition and more! OR Get signed books from my friendly local store, Flyleaf Books! — "Jealousy and Bully #2: The BLADE" is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack! Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please! CREDITS Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja, and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon. May 20, 2025 | Season 21 Ep 8 | murverse.com "Jealousy and Bully #2: The BLADE" by Mur Lafferty is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 In case it wasn't clear: Mur and this podcast are fully supportive of LGBTQ+ folks, believe that Black Lives Matter, and trans rights are human rights, despite which direction the political winds blow. If you do not agree, then there are plenty of other places to go on the Internet. May 23, 2025 | Season 21 Ep 8 | murverse.com | CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Hosts: Kristen Hicks, Alyssa Clark, Christy Cook, Ashley Deffenbaugh, and Kelly Epperson  |  Released Monday, May 12, 2025 Kelly, Ashley, & Kristen meet up again to discuss what God means by “broken cisterns” and why heeding His warning is so important to having an unshaken faith. Idolatry = adultery against God, but was it only […]

Hosts: Kristen Hicks, Alyssa Clark, Christy Cook, Ashley Deffenbaugh, and Kelly Epperson  |  Released Monday, May 5, 2025 Listen in as Kristen interviews 5 sweet friends who also have faith-based businesses/ministries: Melissa Flanagan with Lissa Sue Designs, Emily Hatfield with Wifey Wednesdays, Emily Hayes with The Pearly Peacock, Laura Jenkins with Thought Garden, and Rebecca […]

Hosts: Kristen Hicks, Alyssa Clark, Christy Cook, Ashley Deffenbaugh, and Kelly Epperson  |  Released Monday, April 28, 2025 Ashley, Kelly, and Kristen talk about (intentionally) training ourselves for godliness, forming good study habits, and understanding how trials can help us grow spiritually. Episode Resources: Waiting on the Lord scripture writing plan:https://www.theruffledmango.com/march-scripture-writing-plan-waiting-on-the-lord/ Waiting on the Lord […]