So You Want to be a Writer

Australian Writers' Centre
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So You Want to be a Writer

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. 

  1. WRITER 646: Rebecca Heath invites you to 'The Wedding Party'

    1 DAY AGO

    WRITER 646: Rebecca Heath invites you to 'The Wedding Party'

    Want to know the formula to writing success? In this episode, scientist-turned-author Rebecca Heath discusses her latest domestic thriller novel, The Wedding Party and her unique journey from the laboratory to the library, as well as how she crafts each story and the importance of building a writing community. 00:00 Introduction03:43 Nat Newman’s writing tip: the art of writing06:45 WIN! More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova09:12 Word of the week: ‘Psychrophile’10:36 Writer in residence: Rebecca Heath13:10 Rebecca’s scientific beginnings17:33 Making the move to fiction and thrillers18:55 Discovering the Australian Writers’ Centre19:20 Building a community of likeminded writers21:15 How Rebecca wrote The Wedding Party23:34 The writing timeline, routine and sprints27:19 Character development and observations30:43 How walking and recording works for her33:05 Rebecca’s challenges and joys in this book34:13 Future plans 37:35 Rebecca’s advice for authors40:22 Final thoughts 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.

    42 min
  2. WRITER 645: Kathy George on her classic Dickens retelling, 'The Scent of Oranges'

    6 JAN

    WRITER 645: Kathy George on her classic Dickens retelling, 'The Scent of Oranges'

    “Please sir, can I have some more Dickens?” In this episode, author Kathy George discusses her latest novel, The Scent of Oranges – a retelling of the classic Dickens story Oliver Twist from the perspective of character Nancy. Kathy shares her love for gothic literature and why she chose this story to rewrite. 00:00 Introduction04:46 Nat Newman’s writing tip: Character milestones08:36 WIN! The Hidden Hand by Stella Rimington10:30 Word of the week: ‘Susurrous’13:02 Writer in residence: Kathy George16:25 Getting the narrative voice right22:22 Researching Nancy’s character24:51 Kathy’s love for gothic literature25:53 Understanding what “gothic” means28:39 Thoughts on Dickens' female characters30:24 On fleshing out Nancy's story33:01 Retelling classic stories36:48 Writing process and discipline40:26 Kathy’s advice for aspiring writers44:35 Final thoughts 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.

    47 min
  3. WRITER 644: Karina May on 'That Island Feeling' and how to set yourself up for success as a writer

    30/12/2024

    WRITER 644: Karina May on 'That Island Feeling' and how to set yourself up for success as a writer

    Would you like to reinvent yourself as a writer? In this episode, accomplished author Karina May shares her advice on how to grow and setting yourself up for a successful author career. Karina also discusses her third print book, That Island Feeling, staying accountable as a writer, using social media, music playlists and more! 00:00 Introduction06:05 Nat Newman’s writing tip: Desk love!10:23 WIN! Pictures Of You by Emma Grey12:10 Word of the week: ‘Inanition’12:48 Writer in residence: Karina May19:06 Advice for setting yourself up for success22:20 Adjusting goals and rewards24:01 Finding accountability buddies25:56 Connecting with fellow writers27:20 Building an online presence30:20 Reading outside your genre31:29 The importance of having a routine32:30 How Karina uses a playlist36:34 Ensuring you have the right tools39:58 Progress on the next book40:54 Reflecting on the writing journey43:24 Attention bad spellers! 44:30 Inspiring final thoughts 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.

    47 min
  4. WRITER 643: Tabitha Carvan discusses her memoir, ‘This Is Not A Book About Benedict Cumberbatch’

    23/12/2024

    WRITER 643: Tabitha Carvan discusses her memoir, ‘This Is Not A Book About Benedict Cumberbatch’

    Described as a ‘memoir with a message’, This Is Not A Book About Benedict Cumberbatch deals with many themes including celebrity obsession and shame. In this episode, author Tabitha Carvan discusses her experience writing this uniquely personal story, as well as offering advice for aspiring memoir writers. 00:00 Introduction06:20 Nat Newman’s writing tip: Editing10:23 WIN! Pictures Of You by Emma Grey11:22 Word of the week: ‘Thalassic’13:40 Writer in residence: Tabitha Carvan16:01 How the book came about20:35 Defining the book's genre22:47 Incorporating other perspectives26:00 Exploring the concept of shame28:10 Writing process and tools34:41 Publicity and promotion40:54 Advice for aspiring memoir writers43:20 Final thoughts 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.

    47 min
  5. WRITER 642: Madeline Te Whiu on her trilogy and latest book, ‘The Queen Thief’

    16/12/2024

    WRITER 642: Madeline Te Whiu on her trilogy and latest book, ‘The Queen Thief’

    If you love fantasy, you’ll love our delightful interview with author Madeline Te Whiu, who shares her journey from writing her first book The Assassin Thief to completing her trilogy with her latest release, The Queen Thief. Madeline talks about her experience writing while working full-time, her planning process, harnessing social media and advice for aspiring writers.  00:00 Introduction03:29 Holiday book recommendations08:33 Nat’s writing tip: Structure12:24 WIN! The Bogan Book Club by John Larkin13:51 Word of the week: ‘Chrestomathy’16:51 Writer in residence: Madeline Te Whiu27:05 Finding time for writing28:56 The journey to getting published31:05 Madeline’s experience pitching her trilogy31:58 Experiencing reader reactions35:36 Writing the second and third books37:15 Overcoming writer's block43:11 Balancing writing and full-time work45:36 Madeline’s approach to social media53:21 Advice for aspiring authors56:07 Final thoughts 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.

    58 min
  6. WRITER 641: Joe Aston on his tell-all book on Qantas, ‘The Chairman’s Lounge’

    09/12/2024

    WRITER 641: Joe Aston on his tell-all book on Qantas, ‘The Chairman’s Lounge’

    Fasten your seatbelts and stow those tray tables, as we interview Joe Aston about his latest book, The Chairman's Lounge – The inside Story of How Qantas Sold Us Out. Joe is a former Australian Financial Review columnist and he discusses his experience writing about Qantas, its CEO and the company’s public branding crisis. He also shares insights on journalism, research and balancing objective reporting with creating a compelling narrative.  00:00 Introduction03:36 Nat Newman’s writing tip08:50 WIN! Murdle Australia by G.T. Karber11:16 Word of the week: ‘penetralia’12:32 Writer in residence: Joe Aston21:10 Joe’s switch from corporate life to journalism27:25 The evolution of journalism28:04 The pressure of producing quality content29:02 Balancing reporting and opinion31:18 The role of CEOs in public perception34:06 Joe’s experience writing his book37:28 Research versus the writing process42:34 Future plans and new ventures49:02 Joe’s advice for aspiring authors50:50 Final thoughts 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.

    53 min
  7. WRITER 640: Susannah Glenn on her novel 'Between Husbands and Wives'

    02/12/2024

    WRITER 640: Susannah Glenn on her novel 'Between Husbands and Wives'

    Meet Susannah Glenn, author of Between Husbands and Wives. Susannah discusses her writing process, overcoming self-doubt, and the importance of setting and character development. She highlights the impact of persistence, learning from setbacks, and taking writing courses. 00:00 Introduction01:53 The importance of doing the work07:07 Writing tip: Keep it simple11:13 WIN! Literary Journeys by John McMurtrie13:07 Word of the week: pedicular14:26 Writer in residence: Susannah Glenn21:57 The writing process: Finding the sweet spot22:35 Character development24:23 Balancing writing with everyday life25:51 From manuscript to book deal31:54 The importance of writing routines37:38 Navigating the emotional roller coaster of writing44:45 Top writing tips for aspiring authors46:57 Conclusion 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.

    50 min
  8. WRITER 639: Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Sebastian Smee on his latest book ‘Paris in Ruins’

    25/11/2024

    WRITER 639: Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Sebastian Smee on his latest book ‘Paris in Ruins’

    Meet Sebastian Smee, a Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic, who discusses his new book Paris in Ruins, its historical context, and the challenges of writing it. He also touches upon his previous book The Art of Rivalry, how to approach writing art criticism, and tips for aspiring writers. Sebastian now writes for The Washington Post, but got his start writing for The Sydney Morning Herald. He then went on to write for The Boston Globe, The Spectator, The Guardian, The Australian and more. 00:00 Introduction02:35 Nat Newman’s writing tip10:28 Win Endgame by Sarah Barrie12:44 Word of the week: Hypnagogic16:47 Interview with Sebastian Smee20:27 Diving into historical context20:59 Early career and education21:49 Breaking into art criticism23:55 Writing art reviews25:50 Journey to America27:34 The Art of Rivalry31:02 Crafting Paris in Ruins38:30 Challenges and reflections42:21 Advice for aspiring art critics47:57 Final thoughts 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.

    51 min
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Hosts & Guests

About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Australian Writers' Centre
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2025
  • Episodes
    646
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Australian Writers' Centre
  • Show Website
    So You Want to be a Writer

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