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'

Sydney Writers’ Festival’s new artistic director, Michael Williams, appeared on the program to discuss the upcoming 2021 Sydney Writers’ Festival, with its timely theme ‘Within Reach’.
Topics covered include: 
-	His appointment to the position in the midst of COV-19 lockdown, how that shaped his start to the role and ultimately the organising of the festival.
-	This year’s theme, ‘Within Reach’ and how the festival is underpinned with a strong sense of hope and what that means moving forward.
-	What is it about writing and writers that can unite a society and assist them in such dark, unprecedented times.
-	What he hopes for festival-goers to take away from the festival.
-	And much more! 
Thank you to Michael for chatting on the show. Here’s the link to SWF’S 2021 Program line-up, get stuck in quick to not miss out:
https://www.swf.org.au/festivals/festival-2021/

SWF Artistic Director Michael Williams talks 'Within Reach'

Founder, producer, host and all-round brilliant human, Dani Vee, of the ‘Words And Nerds Podcast’ discussed with me her incredible, hundreds-episodes-strong program and related accomplishments. 
Topics we delved into include:
-	What drew us to podcasting and interviewing, what did we want to focus on, thematically, with our shows? 
-	Funny stories with guests/interviewees encountered along the way.
-	Some book titles that have blown us away this year.
-	Hopes/dreams/aspirations for the future of the shows. 
-	What we’re up to, chip-chipping away with our own big writing projects. 
-	One question of mine that I thought was a good one – but never expected to be directed back towards me! 
-	And much, much more. 

Thanks so much to Dani for chatting with me on this epic mash-up episode. Be sure to get stuck into the Words And Nerds Podcast program available for your listening pleasure on Spotify and Soundcloud now!

Dani Vee and 'Words & Nerds' Podcast Mashup With 'The Write Way'

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'

Writer, creative writing teacher and now novelist, Belinda Lyons-Lee, joined the program to discuss her debut novel, ‘Tussaud’. Topics discussed include: 
-	Her fascination with the era and how it fuelled this daringly imaginative novel. 
-	Writing a story with real-life historical figures, the basis for which her creativity catapulted from.
-	Research – including the exquisitely described building of the automaton, Marie’s hands becoming her hands and so on.
-	The juggling act of including just enough the research – if it’s supposed to be the ‘wallpaper’ of the narrative, what about if the of-era wallpaper was riddled with arsenic?  
-	Delving into themes featured in the story – the creation of artificial life and playing god, the moral quagmire that elicits and the motivations the character Marie felt in the need to ‘protect’ her latest creation.
-	Loneliness as a driving force for a character. 
-	Penning a decidedly gothic tale that nevertheless featured the realistic oppression of women of the time, exemplified in several of the male characters. Including the oft used technique of declaring someone to be a ‘hysterical woman’ and carting them off to an asylum to do away with them. 
-	How Belinda’s career has in some ways informed her writing, the appreciation for the human condition and how that has enabled her to create such densely-layered characters.
-	And much more!
Thanks so much to Belinda for appearing on the program, you can purchase a copy of ‘Tussaud’ from her brilliant publisher, Transit Lounge, here:
https://transitlounge.com.au/shop/tussaud/

Belinda Lyons-Lee Talks 'Tussaud'

Author Anna George appeared on the program to discuss her third and latest novel, ‘Tipping’. Subjects discussed include:
-	The fictional (but unnervingly realistic) setting of Carmichael Grammar – how such a place can be a breeding ground for misogyny and assorted related behaviour leading to cases of sexting. 
-	How parents might be becoming more informed (for good or ill) about the lives of their teenagers, through social media and technology. 
-	The teenage twin brother characters of Jai and Oscar, how their personalities diverge from one another and can also mirror their parents and contemporary society’s, along with what it means to raise teenage boys. The challenges it presents and the importance of doing it right. 
-	The research – the work of (fictional, but again, very realistic) Dr. Vic Cato and the strategies she implements to address this behaviour – the research that Anna completed, and how effective it is being used or not used within real-life school environments (i.e. Harvard). 
-	Writing from the perspectives of the Jess and Liv, the two mothers from the rival factions, how Anna resonated with both and conveyed that to the reader. 
-	Writing from Duncan’s perspective, the decision to include his perspective in the novel and what challenges or difficulties that presented in the writing. 
-	Unconscious bias and techniques to alter this – how change, very much like that depicted in ‘Tipping’ can and has happened in real-life industries and institutions, complete with case studies. 
-	Hope, the feeling of hope imbued within ‘Tipping’ – and how there can be hope for societal change now and even more in the future. 
Huge thanks to Anna for chatting with me about ‘Tipping’. You can purchase it and her other novels from Penguin Random House, here:
https://www.penguin.com.au/books/tipping-9781760897789

Anna George Discussing 'Tipping'

In an unprecedented first for the show - documentary filmmaker, criminologist and novelist, Cassandra Austin, chatted with me today, all the way from the U.S. of A., about her 3rd novel, ‘Like Mother’.
Topics discussed include: 
-	The novel’s setting, Bennelong, how a small township causes big problems with its treatment of its denizens. How the stain of a tragedy can affect oneself and their treatment in a town, for life.
-	The decision to set the novel in the 60s and how Cassandra went about bringing it all to life. The subtlety of the referencing and references, illustrating everything nicely for the reader. 
-	The opinions people form of others (and refuse to change). How oftentimes they have a serious disconnect, or inaccuracy to the way people perceive themselves or who they know themselves to be. Delving into this human condition being featured on a grand scale (the town vs the central characters) and a narrowed one (the family members views of each other at the novel’s core). 
-	The common, but seldom depicted familial relationships at the novel’s centre – a mother’s devotion that can, at face value, appear dysfunctional to fanatic, yet throughout the course of the story, show clear elements of true love and devotion. The inherent difficulties in creating such realistic and complex relationships and dynamics. 
-	The pitfalls and challenges faced with the creation of the central character, Louise, both within the writing of her and her admittedly bizarre behaviour and getting it ‘right’.
-	An overview of Cassandra’s career thus far, including some of the serious writerly trials she’s faced and prevailed over to keep penning her novels.
-	And much more! 


Thank you again to Cassandra for talking to me all the way from the U.S. today, you can pick up your copy of ‘Like Mother’ from the good folks at Penguin Random House, here:
https://www.penguin.com.au/books/like-mother-9781760895556#:~:text=Secrets%2C%20lies%20and%20crying%20babies,won't%20leave%20her%20alone.

Cassandra Austin On 'Like Mother'

Co-founder of publishing house, Busybird Publishing, Blaise Van Hecke, joined me on the program today. Topics discussed include:
-	A brief history and mission statement for Busybird Publishing, created with her husband. What inspired two photographers (and writers!) to become publishers. 
-	How the COV-19 pandemic and consequent lockdown has affected, if at all, Busybird Publishing. 
-	The ‘Untitled’ anthology – one of the first endeavours that Busybird embarked on (and continue to produce yearly), how it has transformed, including now in these unprecedented times.
-	The limitless freedom afforded an anthology that doesn’t have a set, or specific theme. 
-	Issue No. 9 – the selection process from the outset and how the final product came to be, along with the disparate stories told, from the harrowing to the heart-warming, and everything in between. 
-	Has Australian storytelling and have the types of stories coming into Busybird changed since COV-19? 
-	What makes a story stand out to Busybird. How all writing is subject to subjectivity and how this should never discourage you as a writer. 
Thanks heaps to Blaise for appearing on the show and for publishing one of my stories in such a stellar anthology. You can purchase a copy of the Untitled Anthology (9), along with all others here:
https://www.busybird.com.au/

Publisher Talk With Busybird's Blaise Van Hecke

Today, in yet another first for the program, I was joined by Rod Barton – a former high-ranking Australian Intelligence Officer. Rod appeared on the show to discuss his remarkable life and career that he has now committed to paper with, ‘The Life Of A Spy’. Topics discussed include:
-	Growing up in a small town with an intriguing Weapons Research Establishment – how that, along with his extensive Boy Scout work and passion for chemistry might’ve aggregated into shaping him to take on such a unique career. 
-	The serendipitous turn of events, applying for a vague-sounding job, that would lead to him becoming a Junior Analyst and ultimately see him pursue a career within the national intelligence sector. 
-	The Yellow Rain/Bee Poo scandal – how that put him out of odds with CIA (being branded by the then-Director of the CIA as ‘perverse and mischievous’) and how a later sharing of information obtained by his work with a Russian defector might’ve restored that somewhat.
-	Being present at (and contributing to) historical events and meetings, from Bob Hawke’s Kuwait-related outburst, to serving as advisor to Kofi Annan and Hans Blix. 
-	Risking life and limb – from using his boy scout training to try saving the life of a gunshot victim in Somalia, to nearly plunging into the highly-volatile ‘volcano’ in a bombed-out plant facility in Iraq. 
-	His decision to become a whistle-blower with the Camp Cropper story, what led to that and what arose from that. Including major change within the U.S. and Australia’s policies. 

Big thanks to Rod for appearing on the program, and for Black Inc books for publishing such a unique and cracking book! You can purchase your copy of ‘The Life Of A Spy – An Education In Truth, Lies and Power’
https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/books/life-spy

Rod Barton On 'The Life Of A Spy'

Contemporary Australian poet, dancer, actor and filmmaker and all-round prolific creative, Richard James Allen, appeared on the show to discuss his latest (and one of his largest) project(s) – starring as lead character, Hans, in a new delightfully weird independent Australian film – ‘Blood-Short Heart’. Topics discussed include:
-	‘Blood-Shot Heart’ (briefly) dissected - its influences, from the Giallo sub-genre of Italian horror movies of the 70s, to Shakespearian plays and prose and Greek tragedies, along with a dash of Opera and Operatic stories. 
-	What drew Richard to the project, to take on the role of the lead character, Hans, his process with getting into character and what served to inspire and helped him build the final Hans seen on screen.
-	Subverting the cliches and tiresome tropes of the psychological thriller genre – how this came about organically through the want of creating a fully-realised, densely-layered character. 
-	The difficulties imposed by his dual role in the production, that of producer as well as lead actor, how he went about successfully balancing the two almost diametrically opposed roles. 
-	A lively discussion on the current state of Australian cinema – in particular, the importance of audiences attending and supporting (and supporting by attending) independent Australian films such as ‘Blood-Shot Heart’.
Huge thanks to Richard James Allen for appearing on the program, and for contributing to such a great new Independent Aussie film. You can find out more:
Bloodshot Heart at FanForce Films:
https://fan-force.com/films/bloodshot-heart/

"Bloodshot Heart: A Cinematic Moment" (FilmInk):
https://www.filmink.com.au/bloodshot-heart-a-cinematic-moment/

Richard James Allen Talking 'Blood - Shot Heart'

Animator, teacher, former Sydney Harbour Bridge tour guide and now novelist, Bernard Gallate, joined the program to delve into his debut novel, ‘The Origin Of Me’. Topics discussed include: 
-	The two different writing styles that the story is told with – from the book within a book (‘My One Redeeming Affliction), historical fiction tale, to that of the present-day setting of the central character, 15-year-old Lincoln Locke’s and his distinctly contemporary story. How Bernard married the two to tell the unique story he wanted to. 
-	Balancing humour with harder topics, from the eugenics and human zoo and travelling oddity show practices that were the norm and depicted in the historical fiction account, to that of homophobia and bullying/associated deplorable behaviour shown in the contemporary setting. How there was still a humour to be found prevalent within the overall story and why this was important.
-	How his animation provenance and skillset informed, or helped shape, his writing process and style. 
-	How Bernard went about paring back the original colossal 800+ page version. A brutal and gruelling, but necessary process. And how he ensured that the story he wanted to tell was retained within this onslaught of huge edits. 
-	And much, much more!
Thanks heaps to Bernard for appearing on the program – you can pick up your copy of ‘The Origin Of Me’ via Penguin Random House, here:
https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-origin-of-me-9780143789628

Bernard Gallate Chatting About 'The Origin Of Me'

Writer and novelist Angela O’Keeffe joined me on the show to talk about her latest (first published) novel, ‘Night Blue’. Topics we discussed include:
-	Writing from the perspective of a (seemingly) inanimate object, in this case Jackson’s Pollock’s iconic ‘Blue Poles’ painting – the formation of its voice, its perception, and its interaction with its environment and Alyssa (the novel’s other perspective character).
-	The symbiotic relationship between a creation and its creator.
-	Perception – how the perception of oneself is forever changing, how our perception of others, of art, also forever changes. 
-	The journey to get to this point in her writing – invaluable advice gifted her along the way and how that has enabled her to embrace writing such a unique and original novel. 
-	And so much more! 
Thanks again to Angela for appearing on the program, and for Transit Lounge for publishing such a cracking book. You can pick up a copy of ‘Night Blue’ and all other titles from Transit Lounge, here:
https://transitlounge.com.au/shop/night-blue/

Angela O'Keeffe Talking 'Night Blue'

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, editor and now novelist, Lyn Yeowart, joined me on the program to discuss her debut novel, ‘The Silent Listener’. TRIGGER WARNING: The chat included lengthy discussions of child abuse, domestic violence, partner/spousal abuse, etc. If these subjects or their offshoots might trigger you, I do not recommend listening to this episode.
Topics discussed include:
-	How the novel came to be, arising from a collection of creative non-fiction writings, along with a Masterclass and everything in between, ultimately forming into ‘The Silent Listener’.
-	How items, seemingly innocuous ones, can be imbued with such power. How our empirical experience with them defines/denotes their importance and meaning to us. How a writer can be good at articulating to a reader the power of an item that might previously not have any sort of significance to them in their lives.
-	Terror. How terror can subside, but never completely go away, for those living in such a setting. Lyn’s use of ‘eels’ – a fine description to capture such a sensation. How this terror is lifelong, including even when visiting an enfeebled abuser on their deathbed. 
-	Joy’s love of words, married with her imagination and synesthesia – the infinity library, what a good afterlife that would be.
-	Reading. The bliss of reading. How it is Lyn’s form of meditation (mine too). 
-	And seriously so much more! 

Thanks so much to Lyn for appearing on the program and discussing her incredible novel with me. You can pick up your copy from PRH here:

https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-silent-listener-9781760895730

Lyn Yeowart On 'The Silent Listener'

Best-selling Australian noir author, Chris Hammer (Scrublands, Silver, Trust), joined the program to talk about his new standalone novel, ‘Treasure & Dirt’. 
Topics discussed include:
-	The story of creating Finnigans Gap, the setting of ‘Treasure & Dirt’, from visiting Lightning Ridge and learning about opal mining from real-life opal miners. How Chris uses real-life landscapes as a basis for creating fictional towns and settings – letting the needs of the story shape the geography of them accordingly. 
-	How Chris goes about creating his characters, be they major or minor – from their memorable names, to how they orbit the setting and interact with other characters, including discussing in detail the lead characters in Treasure & Dirt – Sydney homicide detective, Ivan Lucic and investigator Narelle ‘Nell’ Buchanan. 
-	The challenges faced and new experiences gained with writing from members of the police force – how different they were/are to Chris’s experience in writing journalist protagonist of his other three novels, Martin Scarsden. 
-	His writing process. Of the pantser persuasion, Chris talked about how his stories and novels evolve throughout their writing. How his process has changed, for the better and become smoother with repetition (including talking about re-writing the ending of Scrublands repeatedly). 
-	Chris’s journey to becoming one of Australia’s leading crime fiction/noir writers – from writing a novel when he was younger, to two creative non-fiction books – and his journalist years, how it all served to bring him to the point of penning Scrublands and beyond.
Thanks heaps to Chris for chatting with me on the show – you can pick up a copy of ‘Treasure & Dirt’ and all the instalments thus far in the Martin Scarsden novels, at Chris’s publisher, Allen & Unwin, here:
https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/fiction/Treasure-and-Dirt-Chris-Hammer-9781760877606

Chris Hammer On 'Treasure & Dirt'

Writer, essayist, screen-writer, playwright and novelist Christos Tsiolkas joined me to discuss his latest novel, ‘7 ½‘. Topics discussed include:
-	The journey from writing an entirely different novel, Damascus, to undertaking 7 ½. How Christos’s experience with the outbreak of COV-19, further drove him to write what would ultimately become 7 ½.
-	How nature and its beauty are tied in with the creative process. How the appreciation for the stillness afforded by nature, is so important in the creative process. 
-	Sexuality – its shaping and how moments in our youth can define it. How everything is erotic. 
-	How a writer’s/creative’s own memories can shape our fictional characters. How difficult it can be to distinguish or pinpoint where the use of our memories ends and our pure imagination begins. 
-	How the ‘safe’ mindset can be hazardous and can limit the amount of impactful, lastingly meaningful novels.
-	And so much more. 
Thank you so much to Christos (one of my favourite Australian writers) – for talking to me – (what a surreal experience!). You can get your copy of 7 ½ from the good folks at Allen & Unwin, here:
https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/fiction/Seven-and-a-Half-Christos-Tsiolkas-9781761065330
#writer #writing #novel #novelist #book #books #contemporary #Australian #fiction #chat #discussion #talk #podcast #program #episode

Christos Tsiolkas On '7 1/2'

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'

Former festival director of the Sydney Writers Festival, and publisher at Penguin Random House Australia, Meredith Curnow, joined me on the show.
Topics discussed include:
Meredith’s journey to becoming a publisher, from being a festival director and her life before that. Along with some career highlights and challenges she’s encountered along the way. 
How the ever-changing industry has changed since the pandemic. How TikTok has become a great platform for finding literary talent.
Insights into the process of publishing, from how Meredith selects titles (and what makes a title stand out) to the ‘end’ of the journey, with the title on the shelves.
Advice for aspiring authors, as well as those looking to work in the industry.
And so much more! 
Thanks heaps to Meredith for appearing on the show - and for everything she does at PRH!

Publisher Meredith Curnow Discussing The Industry

Former bookshop owner/seller and director of books at Booktopia, John Purcell, joined me to discuss his latest novel, ‘The Lessons’. 
Topics discussed include:
The origins of ‘The Lessons’ stemming from an idea from an unfinished novel twenty years ago - to unexpected arrival of the the voice of Harry, launching what would become the completed novel. 
The change in process of the novel (pantser) - how it differed greatly to John’s other works and the challenges it presented. 
The study in contrasts in characters - from their understanding of themselves and others - the masculinity/femininity (real or imagined) some characters might feel they have or lack and how that is perceived by others.
How we as people can struggle to accept the people we know and love can change - the desire to want them to be ‘that’ version as we cherish and remember. The problems this can cause and how people can dedicate their lives to pursuing ‘that’ version of someone.
How writers can often have the hardest time trying to articulate themselves to others when speaking - the power of the written word/form. 
And so much more!
Thanks so much to John for talking to me on the program, get your copy of ‘The Lessons’ now!

John Purcell Talks 'The Lessons'

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

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'

The show returns after a brief mid-year break with the next instalment in the ‘Publisher talk’ series - with Martin Hughes, CEO and publishing director at Affirm Press. 
Topics discussed include:
- Changes that Martin/Affirm Press have experienced with the industry and role of a publisher, post-pandemic.
- The importance of authors and publishers establishing a long-term relationship. How a shared vision for the future can ensure that early challenges (i.e. one title being a tough sell for a debut novelist) are conquered and ultimately a strong working relationship can be forged. 
- As always - the most priceless of advice about what an aspiring author can do to ensure their manuscript really shines and stands out. ‘Don’t be afraid to fail’ - advice that extends to those also looking to take the plunge into publishing too. How a surplus of passion can guide you - up until you find that person(s) to collaborate with. 
- Finding unique/original voices through working closely with writing groups/organisations - i.e. SweatShop. 
- And so much more!
Huge thanks to Martin for chatting with us on the program. Check out all the titles Affirm Press have:
https://affirmpress.com.au/books/

Publisher Talk With Martin Hughes CEO/Publishing Director Of Affirm Press

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'

Speaker, podcast host, author and writer, Ashley Kalagian Blunt, appeared on the 1st episode of the show for 2023 - discussing her thriller novel, ‘Dark Mode’.

Topics discussed include:

The inspiration for ‘Dark Mode’ - Ashley’s research into infamous cases of stalking and murders, along with her own educational excursions onto the dark web.
The era (2017) - the last time someone could get away without having a smartphone, along with Donald Trump’s comments embodying a new online misogynistic movement. 
Enmore/Inner-West - writing a psychological thriller set in the location Ashley first wrote about, very differently, in ‘How To Be Australian’.
The unshakable presence of “the other” - knowing they would/could be anywhere and everywhere - how this can detrimentally alter and define a victim’s life. 
How contemporary life and society make it almost impossible for an individual to be ‘off-the-grid’ i.e. no smartphone, no social media accounts.
The terrifying reality of how technology has enabled unprecedented access to, and power over, an individual - i.e. deepfake technology, invasion/control over finances/assets/entire life.
Ashley’s experiences with long-form writing with her C.F.S. (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome).
And so much more!
Thanks again to Ashley for talking all things ‘Dark Mode’ with me. What a brilliant guest to kick off the show’s 2023! 
Get your copy of ‘Dark Mode’ now!

Ashley Kalagian Blunt On 'Dark Mode'

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, Mercedes Mercier joined me on the show to discuss her second novel, ‘Black Lies’.

Topics discussed include:

- The genesis of ‘Black Lies’ - how Mercedes work within the criminal justice system has inspired her novel(s).
- The writing of interrogation/conversation scenes - where minute changes in facial expressions and body language are vital. The challenges such scenes present and the fun Mercedes’ had writing them.
- MC Criminal Psychologist Laura Fleming’s incredible talent for connecting with others (from chatting with cold-blooded killers about their love of dogs, to talking babies with the wives of motorcycle gang leaders) - how it serves as the basis and drive for some scenes.
- The disparate nature of the work as a criminal psychologist - speaking with offenders and suspects of all types.
- And so much more!

Thanks to Mercedes for chatting all things ‘Black Lies’ with me on the program. Get your copy now!

Mercedes Mercier Talks 'Black Lies'

Writer, producer, comedian and now novelist, Carolyn Swindell, joined me on the show (all the way from Korea!) to discuss her debut novel, ‘We Only Want What’s Best’.

TRIGGER WARNING: There were brief mentions of child grooming and child abuse and citing a real-life case. If you are triggered by such subjects/themes - please reconsider listening to this episode. 

Topics discussed include:

The inspiration behind the novel - its themes, characters and unique setting.
The allure of performing at Disneyland - how this (supposedly) glamorous goal/destination can entice even the most reluctant, or wary, of performers and their parents. 
The fictional ‘Expressions’ Dance Troupe - what it represents - how it fosters a cult-like culture and environment that affects parents and performers alike. 
The disconnect/disparity between what parents think their daughters are like and up to - and the reality. 
The tightrope presented to teenagers - of respecting the power/rule of a monolithic institute, while at the same time developing one’s own agency. 
The differences/similarities in Carolyn’s comedic work and writing a novel depicting such serious subjects and themes. 
And so much more!

Huge thanks to Carolyn for discussing ‘We Only What’s Best’ with me on the show. Get your copy from Affirm Press now!

Carolyn Swindell On 'We Only Want What's Best'

Professional communicator, writer and novelist, Michelle Prak, appeared on the show to talk about her debut crime novel, ‘The Rush’.

Topics discussed include: 

- The genesis of ‘The Rush’ - including Michelle’s extensive travelling and road-tripping through some of the country’s remotest locations. 
- The importance of getting the setting right - including the ‘character’ of the rain/flood - how Michelle went about doing this. 
- The nature of trust - as applied to random people thrust together.
- The gut instinct(s) we feel - trusting/being suspicious of someone - how our gut instincts and first impressions can be wrong. Or how ignoring our gut instincts can be to our detriment! 
- And so much more!

Thanks heaps to Michelle for discussing all things ‘The Rush’  with me on the program.

Grab your copy from Simon & Schuster now! 

Michelle’s photo is credited to Kalyn Woodbury.

Michelle Prak Discussing 'The Rush'

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'

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.
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