Everything you’ve always wanted to know about succeeding in the world of writing and publishing. Learn practical writing techniques, go behind-the-scenes and di...
WRITER 651: Beau Donelly, co-author of the book that inspired the hit Netflix series about Belle Gibson
Belle Gibson fooled the world as a health influencer who lied about having brain cancer. In this re-released conversation, we speak with Beau Donelly – co-author of the book that inspired the hit Netflix series, Apple Cider Vinegar. 00:00 Introduction02:41 Nat Newman’s writing tip: Write what you want to write07:57 WIN! You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego09:55 Word of the week: ‘Tintinnabulation’12:41 Re-release conversation: Beau Donelly18:50 Beau’s first connection with the scandal22:55 Initial research on Belle’s story26:00 Fundraising fraud27:25 Archiving social media30:30 Categorising the information32:49 Turning the story into a book35:11 Dividing the workload between two authors40:25 Exposing the ‘wellness’ influencer phenomenon41:42 Painting a picture of Belle’s parents46:20 The biggest challenge of writing the book54:20 Belle Gibson’s lack of remorse55:34 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.
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WRITER 650: Olivia Isaac-Henry and her new book, 'Sorrow Spring'
A ‘folk horror’ that spans 40 years – awash with intrigue, magic and dark secrets! That’s what awaits you in this episode as we meet British author Olivia Isaac-Henry and discuss her latest suspense novel, Sorrow Spring. Olivia shares what inspired the location and themes, how she blended historical events with fiction, and the challenges of straddling two time periods and different character narratives. 00:00 Introduction02:22 Nat Newman's writing tip: You’re not ‘bad’10:17 WIN! The Last Days of Kira Mullan by Nicci French12:10 Word of the week: ‘Wolver’15:41 Writer in residence: Olivia Isaac-Henry18:47 Olivia’s inspiration for her story and themes19:59 Setting the scene: Time periods and locations21:35 Character backgrounds and motivations23:40 Crafting distinct voices for characters26:03 Incorporating real-life events into fiction26:58 Writing process and challenges28:19 Upcoming projects and future plans32:37 Olivia’s tips for aspiring writers33:56 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.
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WRITER 649: Alexandra Almond and her cosy fantasy novel, 'Thoroughly Disenchanted'
Feeling cosy? Then you’ll love meeting author Alexandra Almond, as she shares her cosy fantasy novel, Thoroughly Disenchanted. Alexandra unpacks how she built her distinct characters, the role of magic in everyday life and her experience in finding an agent and getting published, along with advice for aspiring writers. 00:00 Introduction04:08 Words at dawn: a unique writing practice09:55 Nat Newman’s writing tip: change things up13:43 WIN! Chickenpox by Remy Lai15:33 Word of the week: ‘diaphanous’18:16 Writer in residence: Alexandra Almond21:17 Character origins and development23:42 The unexpected romance26:21 Magic in everyday life27:44 The historical setting and character evolution32:05 Alexandra’s writing process and challenges36:28 Finding an agent and publisher40:22 Advice for aspiring writers43:01 Current and future projects43:57 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.
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WRITER 648: Kate Solly on 'The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-up'
Crafting a novel is one thing, but author Kate Solly loves crafting ‘crafty’ novels – including her latest title, The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-up. Kate shares her journey from casual writing in her family group chats to getting her first publishing contract, as well as how she manages to stay accountable and fit writing in while bringing up six kids! 00:00 Introduction05:37 Nat Newman’s writing tip: overcoming ‘the doldrums’10:28 WIN! The Last Fashion House in Paris by Renee Ryan12:52 Word of the week: ‘ravel’14:11 Writer in residence: Kate Solly15:34 Getting started in writing17:11 How she kept accountable20:04 Kate’s inspiration for her first book22:30 Writing the next book26:14 Pre-kids career and charity work28:40 Getting the first novel published34:29 The second novel: process and challenges35:30 Balancing writing with family life42:15 Editing and future plans45:25 Building an author platform47:42 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.
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49:46
WRITER 647: Sophie Clark on writing and pitching her ‘romantasy’ novel, 'Cruel is the Light'
From the halls of Australia’s Parliament House to the dark corners of the Vatican! In this episode, author Sophie Clark talks about her writing process and how she pitched her debut ‘romantasy’ novel, Cruel is the Light. She chats about her political background and how walking the ‘halls of power’ influenced her writing, as well as offering tips for aspiring writers. 00:00 Introduction03:06 Nat Newman's writing tip: systematic editing09:02 WIN! Death in the Arctic by Tom Hindle10:47 Word of the week: ‘disputation’12:29 Writer in residence: Sophie Clark14:25 Defining ‘romantasy’15:49 Inspiration for her book18:35 Researching on location22:29 Writing action and fight scenes24:28 Drafting and experience in Pitch Wars26:24 Mentorship and guidance27:38 Securing an agent30:11 Sophie’s writing process and challenges34:30 Political influence in writing36:31 Building a writing community39:13 Publicity and promotion41:17 Asking “who’s my audience?”45:38 Sophie’s top tips for aspiring writers48:04 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.
Everything you’ve always wanted to know about succeeding in the world of writing and publishing. Learn practical writing techniques, go behind-the-scenes and discover how real-life authors got their big break. Uncover the creative processes of writers who have made it. Your host is Valerie Khoo – author, journalist, creative and CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre.
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