598 episodes
So You Want to be a Writer Australian Writers' Centre
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- Arts
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4.0 • 6 Ratings
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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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WRITER 598: Mary Anastasiou, picture book author and managing editor at Five Mile.
Meet Mary Anastasiou, picture book author and managing editor at Five Mile Press, as well as a former creative director at Larrikin House. Mary shares her journey from aspiring writer to influential figure in the children's book industry, highlighting the challenges and rewards of publishing picture books. She discusses the importance of illustrator-author dynamics, how to successfully submit manuscripts, and offers invaluable advice to aspiring authors and illustrators. Additionally, the episode includes insights into the process of creating picture books, from conception to finished product, and touches on the nuances of the publishing industry. Mary also talks about her latest picture book Julius Squeezer.
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Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com
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WRITER 597: Kell Woods on her novel 'After The Forest'.
Meet author Kell Woods, who discusses her approach to writing, her novel After the Forest, a sequel to Hansel and Gretel, and the blend of history and fantasy in her work. Kell shares insights on the research and discipline required to weave together historical accuracy and compelling storytelling.
Read the show notes
Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
WRITER 596: Carrie Sun on her memoir 'Private Equity'
Meet Carrie Sun, whose memoir Private Equity explores her journey from a high-paced finance role to embracing a writing career. Carrie discusses her writing process, the challenges of memoir writing, and the transformation she underwent during her time in the finance industry.
Read the show notes
Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
WRITER 595: Jodi Gibson on the world of indie publishing and her latest novel Reinventing Emily Brown
Is indie publishing right for you. Discover the intricacies of indie publishing with author Jodi Gibson. Delve into Jodi’s journey across traditional and independent publishing avenues for her novels. She highlights the distinct processes involved in each. Jodi shares valuable tips for indie authors, ranging from understanding why you want to indie publish to learning to love the hustle of marketing your work. The conversation covers the importance of a professional presentation of your book, meeting genre expectations, and the crucial role of building a mailing list. Additionally, Jodi discusses the necessity of assembling a publishing team, including editors and cover designers, to ensure a book's success. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the dedication required for indie publishing and the importance of defining one's own success in the literary world.
Read the show notes
Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
WRITER 594: Charlotte Barkla on her latest novel '11 Ruby Road: 1900'.
Meet Charlotte Barkla, who discusses her latest novel 11 Ruby Road: 1900, a series set over a hundred years in the same house, capturing the essence of family, friendship, community, and historical events. Charlotte shares her journey from engineering and teaching to becoming a children's author, the challenges and joys of writing for young readers, and her processes in research and idea generation for her books. The episode concludes with insights into authors' careers, tips for writers, and a library's unique cat-themed event promoting book forgiveness.
Read the show notes
Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
WRITER 593: Liam Pieper on his latest novel Appreciation and his ‘day job’ as a ghostwriter for bestselling books.
Meet author and ghostwriter Liam Pieper about his latest novel Appreciation. The novel centres around a famous artist trying to rehabilitate his fame with the help of a ghostwriter. Liam also discusses his “day job” as a ghostwriter, the importance of getting along with the client and shaping their narrative according to their needs.
Read the show notes
Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Customer Reviews
Fantastic writing podcast!
This is a wonderful, informative, friendly podcast. I find this show refreshing and makes no apologies for the work required or practicalities of the writing vocation. And the app recommendations and interviews are a great inclusion in every show.
I binge-listened to all your episodes and now I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment! I also love the yarns about typewriters - I am a typonut too and have one at home!
Best binge
Oh my! Binge watching in summer move over. I’m binge listening to the back catalogue of So You Want to be a Writer. In the gym, doing housework (my cleaner’s on holiday but I don’t care!), the bathroom. Love the mix of craft advice, interviews with writers, social media insights, word of the day even! This is motivating and topical. And did I mention the humour? And rapport? Just saying. Thank you Valerie. Thank you Allison. Don’t ever stop!
My current favourite podcast
I've just finished listening to the back catalogue. Al and Val keep me amused and motivated about my writing, which is awesome. But their 'writer in residence' feature has introduced me to so many new authors and loads of fantastic books. Win win - go you guys.