Finding Elara

DL Nix

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LEISURE
UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

Building worlds with words and sharing those words with the world. A podcast for writers, world builders and artists that would like to take a mindful look inside their creations. This is an interview series that provides an opportunity for Authors to share their Worldbuilding style and Mindfulness tactics.

17 MAR

Cecelia de Gzell Interview Part 2 of 2

Host: DL Nix Guest: Cecelia de Gzell Show Notes: Worldbuilding starts with the characters Returned to old haunts for research with the fam. There is a contemporary framework for the setting. Some of the characters have smatterings of people that she is familiar with. Medical terminology listed at the front and we talk about the different types. Relishes the opportunity to expand on the characters in later books. Character play: Poppy - Pirate ship, ballroom, dragon. Discovery writer during the plotting stage Needs to be really efficient with her time Biggest lesson: getting the first chapter right - you need to grab the reader quickly, help readers care about the character. More dialogue to help with pace. Writing requires ongoing education. Fast Fire Questions: 1. Is your fictional world photogenic? Yes 2. Do you wear socks with ugg boots? No 3. Would you rather fight I bear sized chicken or 10 chicken sized bears? 10 chicken sized bears 4. Would you rather Immortality and no magic or magic at the cost of your lifespan? Magic at the cost of lifespan. 5. Would you read your own book for pleasure? Yes Linking to Elara: Lisa: What do you find inspires you Most - People and character inspire me Garry: How many books are they planning in the series and what inspired them into their field of doctoring? 6-8 in this series. Inspired by a specialist who spoke about the specialisation. Izzy: Have you drawn inspiration from real cases? How medically accurate is the story? Occasionally drawn from personal and close friend experiences. Tried to maintain medical accuracy without impacting the story. Dianna: Do you think when writing medical dramas you need to fib a little to amp the drama if a medical procedure is considered boring? Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story. Guest Bio: Cecelia Gzell is a debut Author of the novel 'The Swell' which was released in June. As a radiation Oncologist who specialises in the treatment of patients with brain tumours. She had 14 peer reviewed medical publications and a PHD in glioblastoma research and is a regular presenter at international and national conferences. A period of burnout in 2019 reignited an old passion for writing and 'The Swell' is her debut novel. She lives in Sydney with her husband and 3 children and a goofy sheepadoodle, Fudge, who keeps escaping. Both her work and family exhaust her but provide endless fodder for the imagination. Dr de Gzell is aiming to release the second book in the series, 'Caught in the undertow' in 2026. Links Website: cedegzellauthor.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cedegzell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ce_degzell_author/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/C-E-De-Gzell/author/B0F9LJM99Y?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast Discord: https://discord.gg/YAhRF6J2 Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164 Treasure Chest: From Cecilia: Tote Bag with Bookmark and Magnet (From BCP:) Signed copy of The Swell to go in Tote bag. From BCP: 1 Season Three coffee cup Music by: Izzy Name: Podcast Music

39 min
17 MAR

Cecelia de Gzell Interview Part 1 of 2

Host: Dianna Evans Guest: Cecelia De Gzell Show Notes: First Book June 2025 Second book March 10 2026. Lost count with the number od Drafts for the first draft. Used a self publishing service - The book Reality Always loved reading and writing but knew it wasn't a career. Didn't grow up in a medical family; had a strong personal drive. Loved science. Burnout in 2019 brought her back to the craft of writing. Writing the book was a chance to balance out experiences Her avatar was people like her. Limited writing time around her work, but writes notes when she is between sessions. Only 2ish hours a week to write Likes to write in silence When rejected: Limit how long she can feel down and her family has been supportive. Made sure she was kind to herself. Motivation: Always excited to get back to it. Fast Fire Questions: 1. What colour best describes your personality? Red 2. Is your main character capable of antihero actions? Yes 3. What is your favourite fictional holiday destination? Officially don't know but she mentioned fourth wing and banksia college. 4. Would you ever swap places with any of your characters? No 5. Would you main character save a loved one or save the world? Don't know Buffy night: ER Tv show and how it inspired her to become a Dr. Guest Bio: Cecelia Gzell is a debut Author of the novel 'The Swell' which was released in June. As a radiation Oncologist who specialises in the treatment of patients with brain tumours. She had 14 peer reviewed medical publications and a PHD in glioblastoma research and is a regular presenter at international and national conferences. A period of burnout in 2019 reignited an old passion for writing and 'The Swell' is her debut novel. She lives in Sydney with her husband and 3 children and a goofy sheepadoodle, Fudge, who keeps escaping. Both her work and family exhaust her but provide endless fodder for the imagination. Dr de Gzell is aiming to release the second book in the series, 'Caught in the undertow' in 2026. Links Website: cedegzellauthor.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cedegzell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ce_degzell_author/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/C-E-De-Gzell/author/B0F9LJM99Y?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast Discord: https://discord.gg/YAhRF6J2 Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164 Treasure Chest: From Cecilia: Tote Bag with Bookmark and Magnet (From BCP:) Signed copy of The Swell to go in Tote bag. From BCP: 1 Season Three coffee cup Music by: Izzy Name: Podcast Music

44 min
14 MAR

101 S03E01 Welcome

Show Notes Solo show with Dianna so she can share the plan for the series. She gave updates on the podcast, Writing, BCP and Personal adventures. Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast Discord: https://discord.gg/YAhRF6J2 Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164

21 min
11 FEB · BONUS

100th Episode Special from host to guest with Dianna and Izzy

Host: Izzy Guest: DL Nix Show Notes: Izzy steps up to the mike for the first time and interview Dianna about her creative journey and her plans for the future od Finding Elara and Bushland Castely Productions. Guest Bio: DL Nix (Dianna) is an Author, Podcaster and Publisher from the Wheatbelt of Western Australia. Starting her Podcast, Finding Elara, in 2018 to build connections while waiting to hear back from an agent, helped her develop her writing skill set. She is now actively working on her Elaran stories and several smaller fantasy tales. Additionally she has created some low content books and creative non-fiction. She is a founding member of a new publishing company, Bushland Castle Productions with a small team in 2024. This company has a unique quest to publish a themed novella series every year, starting with the Otherworldly Emergence Series. Married for almost 2 decades and mothering three unique personalities has kept her imagination alive. The worlds created within the sanctuary of her home office and caravan have inspired her to revisit them on a regular basis with a cup of tea at the ready. Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast Discord: https://discord.gg/YAhRF6J2 Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164 Music by: @keysofmoonmusic Name: The epic hero

35 min
4 FEB · BONUS

Ian Hooper Minisode

Show Notes: Interview: Dianna Ian Andrew for Fiction and Ian Hooper for memoirs and Poems Started the Indie Author Book fair has lots of help First book, a time to every purpose Was lucky to have book reviewed and sold well. Because of the coverage build confidence Ran a training course and then then was asked to help others Has helped over 120 books. Trad publishes under Leschenault press Didn't understand the scope of self publishing until he tried it. Made all the mistakes on his ones and then knew for the others Describe 5 words: Detailed, Research Driven with Comedy Advice: Take your time and hire professional that do the stuff you cannot Indie Author book fair. If one can't join them, beat them Most Indies don't get invited and this is a space for Indies Book reality: Great Stories from Great Writers Want stories that are engaging and people want to read Commercial Viability is second. Need to be able to take editorial advice. Where the Excerpt Came From: Guest Bio: Ian Hooper grew up in the coastal town of Larne, Northern Ireland. He joined the Royal Air Force at age eighteen and worked initially as an aircraft technician before being commissioned as an Intelligence Officer. After serving for two decades, he and his Australian wife relocated to the southwest of Western Australia. In 2014, writing under the pen name of Ian Andrew, his first novel, A Time to Every Purpose, was released to critical acclaim, and in 2018, the first of his 'Wright and Tran' crime series, Face Value, won the Publishers Weekly Booklife prize for fiction. In 2024, his poem, Just Enough won the Shore Lines writing for performance prize. He is now the executive director of independent publisher, Leschenault Press and its imprint, The Book Reality Experience, as well as being an author, editor and ghost-writer. In addition, he is the co-founder of the international series of independent author book fairs. A fellow of the Australian Institute of Management, he holds qualifications in management, training, and learning design as well as a master's in creative writing. Living in rural Western Australia, surrounded by a resident mob of kangaroos, he is currently working on the next novel in the Wright & Tran series of detective stories. Booklist: Face Value: A UK Military Detective Thriller (Wright & Tran series Book 1) Flight Path: A UK Military Detective Thriller (A Wright & Tran Novel Book 2) Fall Guys: A UK Military Detective Thriller (A Wright & Tran Novel Book 3) A Time To Every Purpose The Little Book Of Silly Rhymes & Odd Verses You'll Never Walk Alone: A Very Rough Guide to the Camino Francés Carrying the Light: A Collection of Short Stories by Graduates of the University of Hull's MA in Creative Writing Slaughtered Nursery Rhymes: For Grown-Ups Best places to buy: Book Reality: https://ianandrew.leschenaultpress.com/book-menu/ Amazon1: https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/Ian-Andrew/author/B00IOXOQE6 Links Contact Ian Website: https://bookreality.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IanAndrewAuthorWA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianandrewauthor/ Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164 Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025 Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes Contact Chris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5 In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/ Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/ Music by: @keysofmoonmusic Name: The epic hero

19 min
4 FEB · BONUS

Shannon Riley Minisode

Show Notes: Interview: Dianna Has full romantasy trilogy 99% Romance with a little variety Inspired by Nan who was also an author Wanted to be an author since she was 10 Went for self publishing because she wanted creative control. Had an idea how hard small business was going to be but learning along the way. Audio Conversion: harder in Australia but Generally writes at night time with a glass of wine Spice is subjective but her stories are around 3-4 Describe: Original, writes for self, Sex positive Editing, formatting and Publishing. There is a lot of support in Australia, you just need to find them. Couple of recommendation Interview: Chris Book store - The Indie Realm Surprising how many Indie authors there are Quite popular to still have the papeback People want the special edition Where the Excerpt Came From: Guest Bio: Shannon is the author of Fox Fire, a complete romantasy trilogy. She lives in Perth, WA with her partner and two kids. Shannon is also the owner of The Indie Realm in Subiaco. Perth, a romance bookstore for indie authors. When she's not spending time with the family or busy with The Indie Realm she's deep in the writing cave of her next project. Booklist: A Flicker in Shadow Fox Fire Trilogy: Fox Fire Shadow Crown Broken Kingdom Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/author/B0B9L7995J?ingress=0&lp_context_query=shannon%20riley%27&visitId=f88cc704-8d14-472b-a300-0dce9e2aadc1&ref_=ap_rdr Links Contact Shannon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565399310604 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonrileyauthor/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorshannonriley Contact BCP Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164 Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025 Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes Contact Chris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5 Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164 Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025 Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes Contact Chris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5 In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/ Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/ Music by: @keysofmoonmusic Name: The epic hero

22 min
3 FEB · BONUS

Vanessa Savundra Minisode

Show Notes: Interview: Paul It is about a star (Baby) being Born The star is the person listening Baby board book. Deliberately black and white for focus Has rounded corners, thick cardboard and glossy features Designed for practical use Wrote 21 years ago when eldest son born Rhyming couplet poem Friend suggested the print and the kids helped illustrate Green hill publishing did the board printing Published 18 months ago. Ordered third print run Indie Experience. Greenhill made it easy. They helped put it all together. Describe: Creative, Educational, Fun, Playful and Childlike Writing is very fast. Discovery writer Easy words and quick to read Inverview: Chris High Contract Baby Board book b/w for infant focus Basic Rhyming Lucky to be supported and encouraged by family and friends Has primary school teacher background Wants to share Infant literacy Where the Excerpt Came From: Guest Bio: The author's journey is a testament to her lifelong passion for education and creativity. From a young age she dreamt of becoming a teacher, driven by a love for working with young children and nurturing their development. Growing up in Perth, her childhood was filled with creative pursuits, particularly poetry and a deep appreciation for literature. Her academic path led her to the University of Western Australia (UWA) where she pursued an Arts degree with a double major in English. Following this she earned a teaching degree from Edith Cowan University, honing her skills to inspire and educate future generations with a strong interest in early childhood development. Family plays a central role in her life, as she shares her journey with a supportive husband, three children and two dogs. Together, they enjoy the enriching experiences of travel, the joy of reading and music and cherished moments with family and friends. Given that the story is based on her Experience with her newborn and the fact that her children have illustrated the book – the pages are literally filled with love and family. Booklist: Baby Star Best Place to Buy: https://www.babystarbook.com.au/stockists Links Contact Website: https://www.babystarbook.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550559290655 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babystar_book/ Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164 Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025 Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes Contact Chris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5 In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/ Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/ Music by: @keysofmoonmusic Name: The epic hero

19 min
2 FEB · BONUS

Vanessa Joyce Minisode

Show Notes: Interview: Dianna Been writing since 16 - thriller and romance Sitting with Son Cayden who has kids books Describe: Outside box, big on merch, like big events, explore different genres Writes what she wants to read Plenty of books planned for both in the future Self pub: was more effort than she thought. Advice: Easy to get overwhelmed but take time and research. EDIT EDIT EDIT When you are happy with your story, be happy with your story. Merch: Book marks. Bags. Hats Pillows. Interview: Chris Blood of the Titan is more of a journey. Has war based theme but still has the tropes people expect Read books are for escape. Choosing what to write: what we want to read. Only writes things that she likes. Dark fantasy is escapism Discovery writer Where the Excerpt Came From: Home of the Harpies Guest Bio: Vanessa Joyce is an Australian author based in Western Australia, where she lives with her fiancé and their two children. After writing for 20 years, storytelling has been a lifeline. Her writing spans multiple series across fantasy, dystopian, contemporary, and dark fiction, including Titan Realms. Her epic fantasy world of Titans, dragons, harpies, and woven realms. Titan Realms was a six-year labor of love, something she built layer by layer through grief, resilience, rage, and hope. It continues to grow with each book and is the heart of her work and the world he will return to again and again. She began publishing her debut novel in her mid-twenties, starting with a dystopian werewolf short-story series Hunter's Moon, Which has ranked as an Amazon Best Seller multiple times and is known for its raw realism, emotional intensity, and unflinching approach to survival and humanity. Collaborating with J.R. Prosser on the novelette A Killer Ride, allowed her to lean into darker themes in a world of murder and a lot of chaos. While writing Home of the Harpies, it became clear to her early on that her fantasy worlds demanded a visual structure. That need gave rise to my work as a fantasy map illustrator, and I've since created maps for a wide range of authors. What began as a practical tool became another storytelling language that connected her across the world with other authors. A tool that now allows readers to see a world before they ever step into it. Writing, however, remains her first love. She stays deeply involved in the global writing community, collaborating with readers, writers, and artists to create immersive experiences through books, illustrated maps, art illustrations and collector-focused merchandise tied to her series. Her roots are in horror, tension, and emotional stakes, but refuses to be boxed in. You'll find fantasy, romance, brutality, tenderness, and the occasional indulgence in smut woven through her work. She believes stories should make you feel something, even if it's uncomfortable. She writes boldly, honestly, and without apology, because the worlds she built demand it. Booklist: Hunter's Moon series (V.J. Garland) Hunters Moon Jax's Retribution The Precinct Caged Omnibus Editions (Vanessa Joyce) Blood of the Titan Duology (Vanessa Joyce) Blood of the Titan Home of the Harpies Music Magic and Courage (Kaedyn Christian) Amazon Link: V. J. Garland https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/Vanessa-J-Garland/author/B0B5P9Z38Q?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Vaness Joyce https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/author/B0F1N13FDR/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=97f07a94-8e39-4c08-ba6f-325fec3a0528&ref_=aufs_ap_ahdr_dsk_aa Kaedyn Christian https://www.amazon.com.au/Music-Magic-Courage-Kaedyn-Christian/dp/B0F1YCB14H/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.mTB1sDtPS2jcejhMFQvdgdRYgtd02gF4FoOyPvWntKE.t5cREmLyrJZ7FQ1lAfrdW9c6mWQQakFimfjvsSndFfA&dib_tag=se&qid=1770019139&refinements=p_27%3AKaedyn+Christian&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Kaedyn+Christian Links Contact Website: https://www.vjgarland.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessa_joyce_author/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessa.carino.5 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vanessajoyce89 Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164 Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025 Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes Contact Chris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5 In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/ Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/ Music by: @keysofmoonmusic Name: The epic hero

23 min

Building worlds with words and sharing those words with the world. A podcast for writers, world builders and artists that would like to take a mindful look inside their creations. This is an interview series that provides an opportunity for Authors to share their Worldbuilding style and Mindfulness tactics.

Creator

DL Nix
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

98
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2019
Show Website

Finding Elara