Writer, editor and now novelist Seth Robinson joined the program to talk about his debut novel, ‘Welcome To Bellevue’. Topics touched on (among others) include: 
-	Creating the titular town – from the detailed geography to the prodigious cast of colourful characters and the challenge imposed with the weaving of the two. 
-	His broad and eclectic mix of influences – can Bellevue be interpreted as purgatory in the Christian sense? How ancient religious parables can serve as inspiration for contemporary stories. 
-	Inclusion of raw and poignant moments in such a surreal setting, how Seth went about including these without them seeing contrived or incongruous – the importance of getting a character ‘right’. 
-	‘It takes a village to raise a novel’ – how the story was invaluably improved thanks to the committed efforts of other like-minded writerly souls at Grattan Street Press who shared his vision. 
-	How such a unique publishing house might be a promising sign of things to come for writers. 
-	 And much more! 
You can purchase Seth’s books and other titles from Grattan Street Press’s website, here:
https://grattanstreetpress.com/fiction/

Seth Robinson talks 'Welcome To Bellevue'

Journalist and author Shannon Molloy joined the program to discuss his truly devastating memoir, ‘Fourteen’. Please be aware that this episode delved into some traumatic and confronting issues. TRIGGER WARNING: suicide, self-harm, homophobia, violence. Topics discussed include: 
-	Yeppoon – the town setting of the story – its masculine ecosystem, what can cause its young males to go angry and what can arise from this pervasive anger and aggression. 
-	The culture of homophobia, the lack of positive and realistic gay role models and the ubiquitous derision of gay people (i.e. offensive caricature characters in popular television shows/movies) and how this served to stoke up fear and hatred among young men.
-	The institutionalised normalisation of homophobia and homophobic acts i.e. teachers not correcting the use of slurs and, conversely, the dedicated teachers and professionals who saved Shannon’s life with their kindness and devotion to him.
-	The darkness and the light - the fashion show and Brooke Satchwell’s selfless instinctual act that had such a positive lifelong impact on Shannon.
-	And so much more. 
I have never had such an emotional interview before. This book, Shannon’s story and Shannon in general got me right in the feels and soul. 
If this episode has affected you in any way, please contact: https://www.lifeline.org.au

Shannon Molloy On 'Fourteen'

The winner of Allen & Unwin’s prestigious Vogel Award for 2021, Emma Batchelor, dropped by on the show to discuss her Vogel-winning novel, ‘Now That I See You’. 
TRIGGER WARNING: We touched on a great many topics and issues, including trans/non-binary transitioning, gender identity, use of pronouns, depression, suicide/suicidal ideation etc. 
Topics discussed include:
-	Emma’s real-life experience inspiring and framing the story, the inherent complexities and difficulties of writing such a novel and how she went about that.
-	Love – the double-edged sword – how it can be splendorous and allow us to achieve amazing things, but also, how one can destroy themselves with futilely trying to keep a love or relationship that could be already over. 
-	Communication – the unique way in which the story is told, largely through emails and diary entries – but also exemplify both good and communication between partners and a disintegrating relationship. How communication, much like love, progresses in stages.
-	Societal misconceptions – exemplified in a few characters, what they include and how they could be changing in real life.
-	Education – how educating and the desire to learn and generally be better is on the rise.  
-	Mental health – the beautiful hospital analogy – what that means for the story and what it says about mental health in general. 
-	And so much more!

Thanks so much to Emma for appearing on the show, you can pick up your copy of ‘Now That I See You’ here:
https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/fiction/Now-That-I-See-You-Emma-Batchelor-9781760879761

For a wealth of information on trans/non-binary issues, please check out the excellent site listed below:
https://www.transhub.org.au/

Emma Batchelor On 'Now That I See You'

Former journalist and travel writer, Rosie Ayliffe, appeared on the program to discuss her memoir, ‘Far From Home: A True Story Of Death, Loss, And A Mother’s Courage’. TRIGGER WARNING – This memoir is about the tragic murder of Rosie’s twenty-year-old daughter, Mia, during completing her 88-day work scheme in exchange for a 2nd-year visa for Australia. 
Topics discussed include: 
-	Her life with Mia – how it was mostly just the two of them for much of Mia’s young life – forging the strongest bond (that has endured after Mia’s death). How Mia is still with her. 
-	The hurdles faced with trying to accurately describe such a vivacious person, to capture their spirit, in only a few hundred pages.
-	The 88-day work scheme – a government scheme that is unregulated – with no vetting of potential employers and allowing for dangerous, oftentimes fatally dangerous, workplace conditions. Also, the practice of debt bondage and passport withholding – enabling Modern Day slavery. The countless people that came forward to Rosie to tell their horrific stories of abuse of every kind, within these environments. 
-	The international attention thrust on Rosie – from communicating with the then-prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, to having the case specifically (wrongly) mentioned by then-U.S. president Donald Trump. 
-	Coming to terms with such an unimaginable loss – how Rosie wanted to use her grief for ‘something’ – and that something potentially leading to major reform within Australia. 
-	Her thoughts on if the situation has, is, improved/improving. Has the Modern Day slavery legislation passed had any positive effect? What needs be done to continue to improve the situation? 
Thanks so much to Rosie for appearing on the program – please check out these below sites: 

https://www.facebook.com/tomandmiaslegacy
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/migrant-workers

(and check out all the others, listed in the back of the book) – when you pick up a copy of ‘Far From Home: A True Story Of Death, Loss, And A Mother’s Courage’ from Penguin Random House, here: 

https://www.penguin.com.au/books/far-from-home-9780143796398

Rosie Ayliffe Discussing 'Far From Home'

Former policeman, private investigator, writer and journalist, Duncan McNab, appeared on the show to discuss his latest book ‘The Ruby Princess’ – an exhaustively researched probe into the now-infamous ship and its ill-fated voyage ending in Sydney.
Topics discussed include: 
-	The history of luxury cruising, from its humblest of humble origins where cruisers were fuelled by ‘the smell of an oily rag’ to Carnival’s CEO awarding himself a 90,000,000 bonus during the year of the Oceania disaster.
-	A perennial pattern of illegal acts chronicling the company’s history (quite probably the entire industry) of dumping bilge/grey water and tons of plastic into pristine environments. How this serves as a fine indicator of Carnival and others habitually doing the wrong thing and silencing those that work within their fleet to cover up the truth.
-	What happened that fateful morning of arrival back to Sydney harbour – decisions made and not made. How communication was key. How almost all of the perfect storm that was the Ruby Princess’s arrival, docking and disembarking of passengers, can be traced back to horrendous communications by parties of well-meaning individuals. 
-	The oft-forgotten plight of the crew remaining on the Ruby Princess – both during and after the disastrous cruise, including being ‘stashed away’ in Port Kembla and being forced by the powers-that-be to wave and smile on-deck when departing from the port. 
-	The Special Inquiry Into The Ruby Princess – how much of a sideshow it became, what were the findings etc. 
-	And so much more! 
Thanks to Duncan for appearing on the program. You can grab a copy of ‘The Ruby Princess’ and Duncan’s other books here:

https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781760982973/the-ruby-princess/

Duncan McNab On 'The Ruby Princess'

Writer and novelist, Laura Elizabeth Woollett, appeared on the program to discuss her second novel, ‘The Newcomer’.
Topics discussed include:
-	What drew Laura to writing this story, from the real-life case of Janelle Paton, to her own extended stays in Norfolk Island. How she went about corralling her time in the location into her narrative and creating the completely fictional Fairfolk Island. 
-	‘The Newcomer’ as her first attempt at a crime novel – yet it is not a traditionally told crime novel. Why Laura has chosen to tell the story the way she has. 
-	The mother/daughter relationship at the core of the novel. How the love is there, how it endures. How Laura showed a realistic, sometimes dysfunctional relationship that still had love at its core. 
-	The writing of the titular newcomer, Paulina – challenging the stereotypical ‘perfect’ victim. 
-	Grief – the authentic depiction of Judy’s grief. What can trigger someone grieving. 
-	The sisterly dynamic between Judy and Caro – another prominent relationship in the story. 
-	The inherent pressure of writing a second book, after such a highly-acclaimed debut novel. 
-	And so much more! 
Thanks heaps to Laura for talking on the show. You can pick up ‘The Newcomer’ and Laura’s other works from the good folks at Scribe Publishing, here:
https://scribepublications.com.au/books-authors/books/the-newcomer

Laura Elizabeth Woollett On 'The Newcomer'

Writer Hannah Bent, appeared on the program to discuss her debut novel, ‘When Things Are Alive They Hum’.
Topics discussed include:
-	The ten-year writing and gestation process of the novel, balancing real-life with fiction – the difficulties and freedoms this can and did impose on Hannah. 
-	In a novel called ‘A gift’ by Trent Dalton – how Hannah went about passing on the gifts given her by her real-life sister, Camilla, into the book. An appreciation of life, of beauty and so much more. 
-	How she went about making the literary voice of the character of Harper, authentic. 
-	The sibling bond at the core of the story between Marlow and Harper. Its complexities. A Ying and Yang dynamic. 
-	Another main component – a love-story between the two down (up) syndrome characters featured. How real-life institutions have discouraged such loving relationships before and how that both informed and compelled Hannah to write such a one. 
-	A central theme of - respecting the wishes of a loved one, but wanting to do what (one thinks) is best for them, even if that goes against said wishes. 
-	How in a novel full of love, everything is traced back to love. How it endures us through a lifetime and its hardships. 
-	Plus, a whole bunch more!
Thanks so much to Hannah for appearing on the program, you can pick up your copy of ‘When Things Are Alive They Hum’ from Ultimo Press here:
https://www.ultimopress.com.au/

Hannah Bent On 'When Things Are Alive They Hum'

Writer, editor, lecturer and novelist, Dr Josephine Taylor, appeared on the program to discuss her novel, ‘Eye Of A Rook’. Topics include:

-	Josephine’s real-life experience with vulvodynia – how her experiences formed into creative and academic writings that eventually culminated in ‘Eye Of A Rook’ - and the long, innately tough journey to writing the novel. 
-	The history of modern medicine’s treatment of the condition, from the days of Isaac Baker Brown’s butchering of female patients, to the more contemporary – where much is still not known about vulvodynia (though medical practitioners are perhaps more forthcoming about their not knowing). How the belief that vulvodynia is perhaps a psychosomatic condition has still not been completely eradicated, despite the passage of 100+ years. 
-	Finding a community – how meeting others with vulvodynia helped forevermore shape Josephine’s life. The invaluable support this community provided. 
-	The theme and myriad applications of the question – what is our body telling us? 
-	And so, so much more!
Absolutely huge thanks to Josephine for chatting with me on the program about her incredible story and novel. You can purchase ‘Eye Of A Rook’ from the good folks at Fremantle Press here:

https://www.fremantlepress.com.au/products/eye-of-a-rook

Josephine Taylor On 'Eye Of A Rook'

Writer, independent researcher and historian Barbara Minchinton, appeared on the program to discuss her book – ‘The Women Of Little Lon’.
Topics discussed include:
-	Barbara’s collaborations with several archaeological teams operating on sites around Little Lon – uncovering artefacts and their history - how that served as the impetus for what would become the exhaustively researched ‘The Women Of Little Lon’.
-	The difficulty with researching and tracing the history of the sex workers featured in the book – including conflicting accounts and people going by many aliases. The missing puzzle pieces of accounts. 
-	Those that opposed and condemned the sex workers – from politicians to policemen and journalists – many of them out and out misogynists – how their descriptions of, or recordings of events, shaped (wrongly) the historical accounts Barbara had to sift through, in order to find the truth/truest accounts (i.e. family history accounts).
-	How far removed from the truth the stereotypes peddled by these types were from the true lives and the characters of sex workers of Little Lon. Failing to mention, or choosing to completely ignore the support, documented support, and care the sex worker community gave to one another, from child minding and rearing to the helping of delivering babies and more – and how it shines through the accounts dimmed by the pervasively misogynistic historical accounts.
-	Just how significant and important the sex work and the sex workers were, not only within their own community, but within the broader society at the time – the many businesses and tradespeople who were reliant on their business – from milliners and dressmakers to landlords and grog suppliers, and everything in between. 
-	The book’s purpose – shedding light on a place and the people that inhabited it, who are  rarely mentioned, or even given the acknowledgement and respect they are due, throughout the annals of history. How Barbara has sought to create the true/truest account in order to rectify the grossly incorrect history perpetuated by the misogynistic accounts from the era. 
-	Plus, a whole ton more! 
Thanks heaps to Barbara for appearing on the show, you can pick up your copy of ‘The Women Of Little Lon’ from her publisher, Black Inc, at: 
https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/books/women-little-lon

Barbara Minchinton Talks 'The Women Of Little Lon'

Filmmakers and co-directors, Justin Krook and Luke Mazzaferro, joined me to discuss their feature-length documentary, ‘A Fire Inside’.
TRIGGER WARNING: Topics discussed include the devastating effects of the 2019-20 bushfires that decimated Australia. Including discussing the resultant loss of lives, human and animal, and property, along with mental health/PTSD issues.
Topics discussed include:
-	How Luke and Justin went about the making of the film – compiling so much unbelievable, apocalyptic footage, with stories, both heartbreaking and uplifting, of survivors and members of these ravaged communities. 
-	The disparate people that are every-day Australians that go into these hellish scenes to save lives. How some do this for a very Australian reason - ‘it’s what we do’.
-	How heroes don’t just wear uniforms, extending beyond the volunteer fighters, to all other members of the community featured, all the selfless acts of altruism they did – and still do, for other members of their community. 
-	Australia’s collective response to the efforts of these volunteer firefighters – phones never stopping ringing, so many donations people can’t move – the outpouring of assistance and kindness. How for every 1 person caught looting, there’s 9-10 more that are helping any way they can. 
-	The changing of one emergency to another - from when the rains came and the fires ended, to when mental health/PTSD issues arise and continue to affect community members/volunteer firefighters. How the nation’s attitude has changed over the years – to that of, ‘it’s ok, to not be ok’. 
-	Hope – lasting (and realistic) hope – how one person can truly make a difference.
Be sure to see ‘A Fire Inside’ at the Sydney Film Festival:
https://www.sff.org.au/program/browse/a-fire-inside
Check out Finch Films, and their works, including ‘A Fire Inside’:
https://www.finchcompany.com/production/a-fire-inside-feature-documentary/

Justin Krook And Luke Mazzaferro Discuss ‘A Fire Inside’

Podcaster, actor and filmmaker Dasha Nekrasova joined me from New York to discuss her directorial debut, ‘The Scary Of Sixty-First’. TRIGGER WARNING: the Jeffrey Epstein case is discussed. 
Topics discussed include:
-	The origins of the idea – how the infamous case served to shape a Giallo-influenced, 70s-esque horror film. 
-	Why the world is obsessed with the case of Jeffrey Epstein.
-	Filming in the locations that the real-life Epstein frequented. The importance of filming in the real-life places i.e. Epstein’s townhouse/the jailhouse he died in – places charged with the ‘aura’ of him.
-	Making the film Dasha wanted to – a potentially tough undertaking for a directorial debut. 
-	Why horror movies can be the best platform for serious social commentary. 
-	And so much more!  

Thanks heaps to Dasha for talking to me from the U.S. – check out Arcadia’s website to find out where you can catch ‘The Scary Of Sixty-First’ here:

https://www.thisisarcadia.com/thescaryofsixtyfirst

Dasha Nekrasova On 'The Scary Of Sixty - First'

Former actress, screenwriter and film director, Mia Hansen-Love, appeared on the program to discuss her latest film, ‘Bergman Island’. 
Topics discussed include: 
How the soul of an influential creative such as Ingmar Bergman, can inhabit a place for long after they have passed away. How Mia herself felt Bergman’s presence during her time spent at ‘Bergman Island’/Fårö  and what a positive effect this can have on oneself and their creativity. 
Noticing the similarities between totally different locations. How someone can visit a place they’ve never been before, but be reminded of another place including from their youth i.e. places from Mia’s youth and their peaceful silence, reminding her of Bergman Island. 
The connection and resonance one feels with a natural landscape, such as Bergman did with Fårö - ‘it was as if he found a place that had lived inside him all along.’ 
Why people/aspiring creatives embark on pilgrimages to places hallowed by their idols - i.e. those that visit Bergman Island and how, in Mia’s experience, she encountered people that found the island to ignite creativity, not just for filmmakers but for all creatives. 
And much more!
Thanks be to Mia for joining me all the way from France to discuss ‘Bergman Island’. The film is out in Australian cinemas now, so go see it!

Mia Hansen - Love Talks 'Bergman Island'

In the second instalment of TWW’s ‘Publisher Talk’ series, Catherine Milne, Head of Fiction at Harper Collins, joined me on the show to talk shop:
Topics discussed include:
- What changes the industry has undergone post pandemic. 
- Titles Catherine has/is looking for - what makes a title stand out. 
- Harper Collins’s Banjo Prize - the idea behind it and how it has launched careers since its inception.
- Invaluable advice galore, for both writers looking to get published, to those wishing to work within the publishing industry.
- And so much more! 
Thanks heaps to Catherine for chatting with me on the show - and for publishing epic Australian titles (looking at you ‘Boy Swallows Universe).

Publisher Talk With Catherine Milne, Head Of Fiction At Harper Collins

Writer, interviewer, podcaster (of ‘Words & Nerds’ fame), novelist and now children’s author, Dani Vee, joined me on the program to discuss her debut published children’s picture book, ‘My EXTRAordinary Mum’.
Topics discussed include:
- The importance of self-expression in a mum - how that is conducive to a child becoming/embracing themselves and their own identity too. 
- The many different versions of extraordinary - how extraordinary is not just classified as being loud and colourful. 
- To thine own self be true - how crucial it is to be ourselves. 
- Important traits and qualities parents hope their kids inherit. 
- How it is okay to not be ok - segueing into anxiety in creatives, along with our own lived experiences.
- And so much more! 
Thanks heaps to Dani for chatting with me on the show - grab your copy of ‘My EXTRAordinary Mum’ from Dani’s publisher, Larrikin House from here:
https://larrikinhouse.com.au/products/my-extraordinary-mum

Dani Vee Talks 'My EXTRAordinary Mum'

Advocate, documentary host, interviewer, writer and novelist Tara Moss appeared on the program to discuss her latest novel, ‘The Ghosts of Paris’.
Topics discussed include:
- The inclusion of real-life historical characters within a fictional novel/novel series, why they can be included and the respectful balance required to include them. 
- Weaving in the societal sensibilities and attitudes of the era - how they serve to fully realise a historical fiction setting.
- How physical places can be imbued with such strong memories, traumatic or joyful, how we/Billie feels this (i.e. returning to Europe still reeling from war).
- The powerful need to find the truth - even when it can damage or harm us - how this drives Billie in ‘The Ghosts Of Paris’.
- And so much more! 
Thanks so much to Tara for joining me - all the way from Canada! Get your copy of ‘The Ghosts of Paris’ now!

Tara Moss On 'The Ghosts Of Paris'

Writer, academic, researcher and now published novelist Victoria Brookman appeared on the show to discuss her debut published novel, ‘Burnt Out’. 

Topics discussed include:

- The Blue Mountains. The very real threat of fires in the region and the lasting devastation they can cause on the locals, such as the unprecedented 2019/20 Black Summer Fires. 
- Victoria’s own experiences with living in the region and having to be ready for such conditions. How such experiences and the questions that arose from them shaped what became ‘Burnt Out’.
- The innate struggle writers face with writing the dreaded second book. What problems that can cause and what such problems caused Cali, the novel’s central character, to do.
- The powers and perils of becoming an influencer and/or author of a hashtag.
- Compromise and its various forms, how they are similar/different. 
- An individual’s moral/ethical compass. How vital it is to obtain/retain one’s own agency.
- And so much more!
Huge thanks to Victoria for chatting with me on the show. Grab your copy of ‘Burnt Out’ from Harper Collins Australia now!

Victoria Brookman On 'Burnt Out'

Screenwriter, filmmaker, documentarian, author and novelist Greg Woodland 
joined me on the show to talk about his latest novel, ‘The Carnival Is Over’.
Topics discussed include:
How the novel’s idea developed, with characters recurring from Greg’s first published novel, ‘The Night Whistler’. The joys and challenges of writing a new novel with established characters - ‘like going home and visiting old friends again.’
How we can feel that the mistakes of our past can determine our future, as exemplified by the recurring character of Hal.
Writing full-realised characters. Characters that refuse to be victims  - replete with agency. First Nation’s character, Allie - and the origins of her character.
Greg’s writerly journey - from venturing into long-form writing because the screenplays were stuck in development hell - to now working on green-lit screenplays of his long-form work.
And so much more!
Big thanks to Greg for chatting with us on the program. Get your hands on ‘The Carnival Is Over’ from the good folks at Text now!

Greg Woodland Talks 'The Carnival Is Over'

Writer, podcast host, and now novelist, James McKenzie Watson, joined me to discuss his 2021 Penguin Literary Prize-winning debut novel, ‘Denizen’.
Trigger Warning: Mental health/mental health issues were discussed.
Topics discussed include:
- The origins of ‘Denizen’ - an examination of family and friendship dynamics and mental health in small-town rural Australia. 
- The notion of ‘just be good’. 
- The cycle of ‘tension’ endemic to rural Australia. 
- The importance of writing the story as earnestly and unflinchingly as possible. How to tone it down, or to otherwise make it more palatable would be a disservice to the real-life issues/subject matter. 
- Writing for self vs an audience. 
- And so much more!
Thanks again to James for discussing all things ‘Denizen’ and writing with me on the show. What a superb guest to close out the year! 
Get your copy of ‘Denizen’ now!

James McKenzie Watson Talking 'Denizen'

Film director, Brandon Cronenberg, joined me on the show to discuss his latest science fiction/horror film, ‘Infinity Pool’, starring Alex Skarsgard, Mia Goth and Cleopatra Coleman.

Topics discussed include:

The themes of self-control and self-identity and their variations found in Brandon’s previous movie, ‘Possessor’ and ‘Infinity Pool’.
What types of people are drawn to dangerous and exotic locations.
The demarcation between those that commit transgressions and are remorseful, and those that aren’t. 
Subverting/trivialising punishment - when punishment without true or lasting repercussions becomes tokenistic and what can arise from that both within the offender and for the society they inhabit.
Strength and cowardice - what constitutes both - what both are seen as by characters in ‘Infinity Pool’. 
And so much more!
Big thanks to Brandon for chatting with me on the show. ‘INFINITY POOL’ is in cinemas May 11 - go and see it!

Brandon Cronenberg Talks 'Infinity Pool'

Journalist, editor, writer, poet and co-artistic director for Addi Road Writers Festival 2023, Mark Mordue, joined me on the show.

Topics discussed include:

A brief overview of Addi Road Writers Festival, and its pandemic/post-pandemic journey. 
The festival’s theme for the year - ‘inner worlds’. 
Festival highlights, including events and appearing guests.
And so much more!

Thanks to the festival’s artistic directors Mark Mordue and Sheila Ngọc Phạm, along with Addi Road CEO Rosanna Barbero and all others involved in putting on such an epic and important local writers' festival! 

The gorgeous illustration of this post is by Peter Bainbridge.

So, get your tix to attend the festival on (next) Saturday, May 20th here: 

https://addiroad.org.au/writers-festival/#

Addi Road Writers Festival 2023 Preview With Artistic Co-Director Mark Mordue

Writer and novelist, Rae Cairns, joined me on the show to discuss her 2nd crime/thriller novel, ‘Dying To Know’.

Topics discussed include: 

The origins of ‘Dying To Know’.
The theme of belonging, the desire to belong to a group/family found in several characters throughout the novel.
Rae’s boots-on-the-ground research into Sydney’s motorbike scene - from the social clubs to meeting ex-members of outlaw gangs - how all that served to bring the novel to life.
The juggling act of Gen - the day-to-day of raising Charlie and Lily, while investigating the abduction of her sister, Amber.
‘Second Book Syndrome’ - what it was for Rae with writing this novel, and how she prevailed. 
And so much more!

Thanks so much to Rae for discussing ‘Dying To Know’ with me on the program!

Rae Cairns On 'Dying To Know'

The first guest for 2024 is writer and novelist, Dinuka McKenzie!

She joined me to discuss her latest novel, the 3rd in the Detective Kate Miles series - ‘Tipping Point’.

Topics discussed include: 

- The inspiration for Tipping Point - the brother and sister dynamic and the decision to open the novel with a chapter not from Kate’s perspective - a series first!
- The importance of family/the goings-on of a family in Kate’s life/this series.
How our understanding of others can be shaken/changed by certain events - contrasted with a family’s blind belief in one of their own. ‘They aren’t capable of this’ etc.
- Guilt as a driving force.
- Writing a series with a recurring central protagonist - the freedoms and restrictions it presents.
- And a whole ton more!

Thank you muchly to Dinuka for talking all things ‘Tipping Point’ and Kate Miles with me on the show!

Dinuka McKenzie Talks 'Tipping Point'

Writer and now novelist Maxine Fawcett joined me to talk about her debut novel, ‘Everything Is Perfect’.

Topics discussed include: 
- What sparked ‘Everything Is Perfect’.
- Deconstructing a ‘perfect’ marriage - tracing the history of a lifetime spent together with a partner - how it can be less a love story and more a life story. 
- The process (and importance) of ‘writing scared’.
- Obsession - how it can form and how social media can enable it.
- And heaps more!

Thanks heaps to Maxine for chatting all things ‘Everything Is Perfect’ with me on the program!

Maxine Fawcett Talks 'Everything Is Perfect'

Writer and author of 40+ books, Jack Heath, joined me to discuss his latest thriller, ‘Kill Your Husbands’.

Topics discussed include: 
	
- The inspiration for ‘Kill Your Husbands’ - and its unique origins during the height of 50 Shades popularity.
- The endurance of unlikely friendships - how shared experiences can sustain them - i.e. memories turning from tragedy to comedy.
- Fear of losing a relationship as a driving force - the concept found in ‘I lost them because I tried so hard to keep them.’ 
- Overcoming self-doubt.
- And lots more!

Thanks very much to Jack for discussing ‘Kill Your Husbands’ on the show!

Jack Heath On 'Kill Your Husbands'

Award-winning journalist and novelist, Michael Brissenden, joined me to talk about his latest crime novel, ‘Smoke’.

Topics discussed include: 
	
- The origins of ‘Smoke’.
- Shifting writing stories set in Australia to the U.S. - the similarities and differences of the two countries and settings.
- Journalists - the individuals that frequently risk both life and limb in the pursuit of the truth.
- The power of loyalty - and the various versions of loyalty presented throughout the novel. 
- And lots more!

Thank you Michael for chatting with me about all things ‘Smoke’.

Michael Brissenden Talks 'Smoke'

Journalist and novelist, Ali Lowe, joined me to discuss her latest novel, ‘The School Run’.

Topics discussed include: 
	
- The real-world inspo for ‘The School Run’.
- St Ignatius Boys’ School - what such an institution represents to these characters and how they can find themselves willing to do anything - anything at all - in order to secure a spot for their child in such a place. 
- The similarities between parent and child - how parents can be hard and harsh on their child out of fear that they are seeing mini versions of themselves. 
- Obligations. How promises and the keeping of them can define and drive characters. 
- And a ton more!

Thanks very much to Ali for talking with me about ‘The School Run’ on the show.

Ali Lowe On 'The School Run'

Writer, podcaster and novelist, Karen Viggers, joined me to discuss her latest novel, ‘Sidelines’.

Topics include: 
	
- The origins of ‘Sidelines’.
- How ultra-competitive parents can be drawn to highly-ranked clubs.
- The insatiable at-all-costs need to win that drives some parents and (by extension) their children.
- Passion being used as an excuse for toxic behaviour and how some people aren’t even aware of their own behaviour.
- And so much more!

Thanks heaps to Karen for chatting with me about ‘Sidelines.’

Karen Viggers Talks 'Sidelines'

Writer and novelist, Hayley Scrivenor, dropped in to chat about her second novel, ‘Girl Falling’.

Topics include: 
	
- The genesis of ‘Girl Falling’ - including the idyllic setting of the Blue Mountains.
- The need (and total inability) to know what someone else - someone close to ourselves - is thinking. 
- How others sometimes, seemingly, know us even better than we do.
- Book Two Syndrome - how did Hayley prevail over it? 
- And so much more!

Thanks very much to Hayley for talking all about ‘Girl Falling’ with me on the program - get your copy from the good folks at Pan Macmillan now!!

Hayley Scrivenor Talking 'Girl Falling'

Musician, writer and author, Jack Ellis, joined me to talk about his 2nd novel, ‘Home And Other Hiding Places.’ 

Topics discussed include: 

- What inspired ‘Home And Other Hiding Places’.
- How children's lives are shaped by what they are/aren’t told and how their imagination fills out the rest.
- Children taking on the roles of protector and provider for parents.
- Writing from a child’s perspective - how it isn’t innately optimistic, but more a story told from someone that hasn’t yet ‘soaked in expectations’.
- And so much more!

Big thanks to Jack for discussing ‘Home And Other Hiding Places’ with me on the show. Be sure to check out his next EP dropping very soon too!

Jack Ellis Talks 'Home And Other Hiding Places'

The first (and likely only) guest for 2025 is novelist Alicia Thompson! 

She joined me to discuss her second published novel, ‘Ex’.

Topics we covered include:
	
- The origins of ‘Ex’.
- The freedoms and limitations imposed by writing such a unique novel.
- Alicia’s exhaustive research process and how it informs her writing. 
- Memories, how they can change over time and how they can shape our life.
- And plenty more!

Huge thanks to Alicia for talking with me on the show. Get your copy of ‘Ex’ now! 


Alicia Thompson discusses 'EX'

Best-selling Australian novelist Monica McInerney joins the program to discuss her latest novel, ‘The Godmothers’. We delve into all things familial, from how those lost are remembered by those that remain, to how lies are sometimes kept to spare us from devastating truths and much more. Monica also shares a story about a recent trial in her writing career.

Monica McInerney discusses 'The Godmothers'

A program founded and hosted by author and interviewer Samuel Elliott, that features a broad and disparate range of writer folk guests, ranging from international best-selling authors, to debut novelists or those as-yet unpublished writers. Regardless of what stage of their career they might be at, all of them are united by a love of writing, as well as having overcome some brutal challenges to get to where they are. This program will discuss not only each guest’s latest and greatest work or project, but also delve into what they’ve faced and conquered along their way to inevitable success.
Thanks for your patronage, please be sure to subscribe. 
You can also find out the program’s news and upcoming guests at:
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The Write Way Podcast

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