James and Ashley Stay at Home

James McKenzie Watson and Ashley Kalagian Blunt
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Through discussions and interviews with writers, artists and health professionals, author friends James McKenzie Watson and Ashley Kalagian Blunt explore the big questions: how do books get written? How do people navigate life with chronic illness? And just what ARE you reading? Hosted by James McKenzie Watson, winner of the 2021 Penguin Literary Prize, and Ashley Kalagian Blunt, author of 'Dark Mode.'

  1. 6D AGO

    Invisible and insidious with Susan Francis, author of Revelation Beach

    In episode 128, author Susan Francis joins James and Ashley to share the insidious ways invisible illness and ageism have impacted her sense of self and forced her to reframe her thinking.  At 65 years old, Susan lives with atrial fibrillation (AF), a type of arrhythmia that can lead to heart failure. She shares the challenges of this condition and her creative efforts to be a good (literary) friend despite the limitations of her health.  Susan also discusses her shift from memoir to fiction, and how she crafted her debut historical novel, Revelation Beach, which explores East Timor during the era of the Balibo Five.  Plus, in this month's What Are You Reading segment, Ashley and Susan go deep into Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (warning: slight spoiler), we return to the frustration/brilliance of Tana French's In the Woods, and James introduces his razor-blade theory of novel endings.  Susan Francis is a writer, teacher and editor. Her memoir The Love that Remains was published in 2020. Her debut novel, Revelation Beach, came out in 2025. Find Revelation Beach and Susan's memoir at Booktopia or from your local bookshop or library.  Books & authors discussed in this episode: Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan So Late in the Day by Claire Keegan The Twenty Days of Turin by Giorgio De Maria, translated by Ramon Glazov The Gambler by JP Pomare Recursion by Blake Crouch In the Woods by Tana French Upcoming events  Central Coast – join Ashley and Anna Downes for the launch of Like, Follow Die on Thursday 27 March, 6pm Sydney – James and Ashley are in conversation with Claudia Karvan for the launch of Like, Follow – Tuesday 31 March, 6pm at Gleebooks, Glebe  Adelaide – join Ashley and Michelle Prak for the launch of Like, Follow, Die on Tuesday 14 April, 6pm Orange, NSW – join Ashley for her first-ever Orange author talk on Thursday 14 May, 5.30pm   Bathurst, NSW –  join Ashley for her first-ever Bathurst author talk on Friday 15 May 14, link to come    Sydney – join Ashley, Pip Drysdale, Hayley Scrivenor and Rachael Johns for Booked for Lunch, a special She Journeys celebration of books and writing, Saturday 16 May, 9am-3pm Sydney – join Ashley at the BAD Sydney Crime Book Club to discuss the spoilers and behind-the-scenes of Like, Follow, Die, Wednesday 27 May, 12.30pm  Darwin – Ashley's first NT author events TBA soon!  Winter Writing Retreat – join Ashley for a multi-day writing retreat from Writers at the Woolshed, 12-17 July in the Southern Highlands  Online – Ashley is teaching Online: Crime Writing for Faber Academy starting 12 May Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode, Cold Truth, and Like, Follow, Die and get your copies from your local bookshop or library.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

    54 min

  2. FEB 17

    'I don't think I'll ever write another book like that' with author and publisher Anita Heiss

    It's been 30 years since award-winning author Anita Heiss made her debut on the Australian literary scene. She reveals the moment she finally felt she'd made it in the industry and why her powerful historical novel, Dirrayawadha, was one of the most challenging books of her career. Anita opens up about crafting a love story against the violence of the Bathurst War, and how she balances stories of trauma with scenes of profound love and joy. Plus, she shares about her forthcoming rom-com with a political heart, The Paradise Pact, and the insights she's learned from her latest role as publisher-at-large of Bundyi, a First Nations imprint from Simon & Schuster.   Dr Anita Heiss is an internationally published, award-winning author of over 20 books, including non-fiction, historical fiction, commercial women's fiction and children's novels. She is a proud member of the Wiradyuri Nation of central New South Wales and Publisher at Large of Bundyi, an imprint of Simon & Schuster cultivating First Nations talent. Today we're discussing her career, including her historical fiction novel, Dirrayawadha (Rise Up), about the Bathurst War of 1824, and her latest rom com, The Paradise Pact.  Find The Paradise Pact and Anita's other books at Booktopia or from your local bookshop or library.  Books & authors discussed in this episode: Who Am I? The Diary of Mary Talence, Sydney 1937 by Anita Heiss Not Meeting Mr Right by Anita Heiss  Secrets by Judy Morrison I Am Nannertgarrook by Tasma Walton  Robbie Arnott  Larissa Behrendt Tell Her She's Dreaming by Simone Amelia Jordan, from ep 106 It's Been a Pleasure Noni Blake by Claire Christian  The Pearl of Tagai Town by Lenora Thacker The Strangers by Katherena Vermette Test Cricket: A History by Tim Wigmore  The Graduate by Rebecca Lim  Upcoming events James is speaking at Fresh Voices: The Penguin Literary Prize Shortlist on Wednesday 11 March Ashley is on book tour across Australia with events in Canberra, Perth, Bowral, Hobart, Launceston, Brisbane, Melbourne, Mornington, Wollongong, the Central Coast, Sydney and Adelaide (and Darwin TBA) Ashley is Teaching Unexpected Editing Strategies in person at Avid Reader on Sunday 15 March  Ashley is at Manly Writers Festival on Friday 20 March  James is teaching Setting & Landscape for Writers at the Woolshed on Saturday 21 March Ashley is teaching Online: Crime Writing for Faber Academy starting 12 May Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode and Cold Truth, and get your copies from your local bookshop or library. Plus check out Like, Follow, Die from Audible or pre-order the book – out 24 February 2026! Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or library.   Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

    32 min

  3. 12/16/2025

    How to keep readers hooked with Christian White, author of The Long Night

    In episode 126, internationally bestselling author Christian White describes, in graphic detail, how he thinks of his readers as lobsters. He also shares how his grandmother convinced him to fear trees (but only at night) and why he finds comfort in horror stories, like his latest novel, The Long Night. Plus, he shares his one key takeaway – and it's not what you'd expect.  Christian White is an Australian author and screenwriter whose credits include feature film Relic and Netflix series Clickbait. His debut novel The Nowhere Child was one of Australia's bestselling debut novels ever, with rights sold in 17 international territories and a major screen deal. The Wife and the Widow, Wild Place and The Ledge were all instant bestsellers. The Long Night is his fifth novel. Find The Long Night and Christian's other books at Booktopia or from your local bookshop or library. Books and authors discussed in this episode: Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz  The Gambler by JP Pomare  The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden  Different Seasons by Stephen King  -The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King  Four Past Midnight by Stephen King Bag of Bones by Stephen King  Aubrey Wants to Die by Pip Knight (aka Pip Drysdale from ep 113)  Upcoming events:  Ashley is teaching Year of the Novel for Writing NSW starting 4 February 2026  Like, Follow, Die launches in Brisbane at Avid Reader on Saturday 14 March  Ashley is Teaching Unexpected Editing Strategies in person at Avid Reader on Sunday 15 March  James is teaching Setting & Landscape for Writers at the Woolshed on Saturday 21 March Ashley is teaching Online: Crime Writing for Faber Academy starting 12 May Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode and Cold Truth, and get your copies from your local bookshop or your library. Plus check out Like, Follow, Die from Audible.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or your library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

    45 min

  4. 11/11/2025

    An early Christmas present - what we've read in 2025

    It's that time of year again! (Well, almost … it's actually a bit early.) Collected here is a varied selection of 2025's 'What Are You Reading' book recommendations, nice and early so you can get your Christmas shopping started sooner rather than later! Books and authors discussed in this episode: From ep. 110 Translations by Jumaana Abdu (Michelle See-Tho) The Profound Benefits of a Stint in Prison by Andrew Hamilton (Ashley) The Third Realm by Karl Ove Knausgård (James) From ep. 111 Everyone and Everything by Nadine Cohen (Ashley) My Dream Time by Ash Barty (James) From ep. 112 The Lady's Handbook to Her Mysterious Illness by Sarah Ramey (Ashley) From ep. 113 I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman (Pip Drysdale) From ep. 114 Girl in a Pink Dress by Kylie Needham (Lynne Ainsworth) Clare Keegan (Lynne Ainsworth) The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald (Lynne Ainsworth) We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer (James) Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra (James) Freedom by Lea Ypi (Ashley) From ep. 115 Anatomy of a Secret by Gerard McCann (Jay Martin) The Hollow Girl by Lyn Yeowart (Ashley) The Silent Listener by Lyn Yeowart (Ashley) Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams (Ashley) From ep. 117 The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler (Melenie Cheng) Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, translated by Oliver Ready (James) Bat Eater (and other names for Cora Zheng) by Kylie Lee Baker (Ashley) From ep. 119 My First Book by Honor Levy (Nathan Dunne) The Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana Zuboff (James) Luminous by Silvia Park (Ashley) From ep. 120 Just Another Missing Person by Gillian McAllister (Michelle Prak) A Fortunate Life by AB Facey (Michelle Prak) Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt (Michelle Prak) Universality by Natasha Brown (James) The Last Victim by Tracy Hall and Summer Land (Ashley) From ep. 122 Falling TJ Newman (James & Ashley) Drowning by TJ Newman (James & Ashley) Worst Case Scenario by TJ Newman (James & Ashley) From ep. 123 She Rides Shotgun by Jordan Harper (Matt Rogers) Orbital by Samantha Harvey (James) Legend of a Suicide by David Vann (James) From ep. 124 Outback Cop by Neale McShane and Evan McHugh (Ashley) This episode Moderation by Elaine Castillo The Eyes are the Best Part by Monica Kim Molka by Monica Kim 'Salem's Lot and Cujo by Stephen King Upcoming events  James is teaching Setting & Landscape for Writers at the Woolshed on Saturday 21 March, 2026 Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode and Cold Truth, and get your copies from your local bookshop or your library. Plus check out Like, Follow, Die from Audible.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or your library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

    1h 13m

  5. 10/07/2025

    How nature can heal your brain with Darryl Jones, author of (Be)Wilder

    In episode 124, urban ecologist and past guest Darryl Jones returns to discuss the power of nature to heal your brain and other topics from his latest book, (Be)Wilder, which delves into  elephants in Thailand, bearded pigs in Borneo, and conservationist farmers in the Snowy Mountains.  Darryl also speaks about the recent brain surgery he underwent as treatment for Parkinson's, and the story of how the disease got its name.  Darryl Jones is a Professor of Ecology at Griffith University in Brisbane, where for over 30 years he has been investigating the many ways that people and wildlife interact. He is particularly interested in why some species have been so successful in urban landscapes while many others have not, and how best to deal with the ensuing conflicts. His books include Getting to Know the Birds in Your Neighbourhood, Feeding the Birds at Your Table and Curlews on Vulture Street, which we spoke to him about in J&A Stay at Home episode 67. Find Darryl at Brisbane Writers Festival or any of his upcoming events.  Books & authors discussed in this episode: Mark Cocker  Enchantment by Birds by Russell McGregor  Apeirogon by Colum McCann Ghost Cities by Siang Lu  Outback Cop by Neale McShane and Evan McHugh Upcoming events  Ashley is at the Mount Beauty Writers Festival on Saturday 18 October  James is speaking with Christian White at Manly Library on Sunday 2 November Ashley is teaching crime writing at Gosford Library on Monday 10 November James is teaching Setting & Landscape for Writers at the Woolshed on Saturday 21 March, 2026 Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode and Cold Truth, and get your copies from your local bookshop or your library. Plus check out Like, Follow, Die from Audible.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or your library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

    38 min

  6. 09/16/2025

    How to sell a million copies with Matt Rogers, author of 'The Forsaken'

    How do you write thirty-five novels in a decade and sell a million copies while doing it? Bestselling author Matt Rogers is here to share his secrets.  Matt began writing fiction at age six, then dropped out of university to pursue writing full time. He discusses the differences in traditional and self-publishing, how his obsession with philosophy has bled into his thriller writing, and why he believes quantity leads to quality.   Matt Rogers is the internationally bestselling author of the Dante Jacoby series. Matt began self-publishing at the age of 18, and in the following eight years he single-handedly wrote and marketed more than 35 thriller novels. His books have collectively sold over one million copies. 'The Forsaken' is his debut novel for Simon & Schuster. Books & authors discussed in this episode: Henry David Thoreau  Eragon by Christopher Paolini Lee Child  'Things that aren't doing the thing' from Strangest Loop The War of Art by Steven Pressfield  She Rides Shotgun by Jordan Harper Denizen by James McKenzie Watson  Orbital by Samantha Harvey  Legend of a Suicide by David Vann  Upcoming events: James is speaking to Siang Lu, winner of the Miles Franklin Award and previous podcast guest at the State Library for SWF on October 2 Ashley is at the Mount Beauty Writers Festival on Saturday 18 October Ashley is teaching crime writing at Gosford Library on Monday 10 November Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode and Cold Truth, and get your copies from your local bookshop or your library. Plus check out Like, Follow, Die from Audible.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or your library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

    42 min

  7. 09/02/2025 ·  BONUS

    Bonus ep! How to be a fictional character with Felix Shannon

    In episode 122, Ashley asks fellow crime fiction fan and podcaster what it's like to find yourself as a fictional character in a new novel from one of your favourite authors.  Felix 'Flex' Shannon shares his experience of being fictionalised in the latest mystery novel from Sulari Gentill, Five Found Dead. Hear from Sulari in ep 121!  Felix Shannon is a radio presenter, producer, technician and educator. Together with Benjamin Herder, Felix hosts the crime and mystery fiction podcast Death of the Reader.  Books & authors discussed in this episode: All the Tears in China by Sulari Gentill After She Wrote Him by Sulari Gentill Five Found Dead by Sulari Gentill  Benjamin Stevenson  When They Cry by Ryukishi07 Denizen by James McKenzie Watson  Kill Your Husbands by Jack Heath  Learned Behaviours by Zeynab Gamieldien The Scope of Permissibility by Zeynab Gamieldien All the Missing Children by Zahid Gamieldien (from ep 102)  Falling TJ Newman  Drowning by TJ Newman  Worst Case Scenario by TJ Newman  I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt  Chris Hammer  Upcoming events: Ashley is teaching a one-day narrative drive workshop for Writers at the Woolshed on Thursday 11 September and providing manuscript feedback sessions on Friday 12 September  Ashley is doing one-on-one manuscript assessments for BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival on Saturday 13 September (only two spots available!)  James is teaching Writing Setting and Landscape at Writing NSW on Saturday 20 September  Ashley is teaching Online: Crafting Memoir for Queensland Writers Centre on Sunday 28 September  James is speaking to Siang Lu, winner of the Miles Franklin Award and previous podcast guest at the State Library for SWF on October 2 Join Ashley and podcast fav Hayley Scrivenor for the Mystery and Mayhem Readers Retreat at the 5-star Tamborine Mountain Glades, 3-5 October Ashley is at the Mount Beauty Writers Festival on Saturday 18 October Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode and Cold Truth, and get your copies from your local bookshop or your library. Plus check out Like, Follow, Die from Audible.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or your library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

    28 min

  8. 08/26/2025

    The crucial element is not panicking with Sulari Gentill, author of 'Five Found Dead'

    When bestselling author Sulari Gentill was diagnosed with stage four cancer, she decided to write the ending she wanted. In episode 121, she joins James and Ashley to discuss her seventeenth novel, Five Found Dead, which features a main character riding the Orient Express to celebrate his recent cancer recovery – and who ends up solving several murders along the way.  Sulari shares her own experience of riding the Orient Express and describes how her creativity and writing reminded her who she was at a time when her illness was reducing her sense of self to 'patient'.  Plus she shares an excellent story involving red carpets, international awards and to-die-for chocolate cake.  Published in English in Australia, the UK and the US, and in translation in more than a dozen territories, Sulari Gentill is the author of The Hero Trilogy and the multi-award-winning Rowland Sinclair Mysteries. The first book in this ten-book series was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers' Prize and the second won the Davitt Award. Her novel After She Wrote Him won the Ned Kelly Award. The Woman in the Library was a USA Today Bestseller, and The Mystery Writer won the 2025 Mary Higgins Clark Award. Her latest novel, Five Found Dead is out now in the US, UK and Australia. Books & authors discussed in this episode: Agatha Christie; Death of the Reader podcast;  Kylie Ladd (from ep 92);  The Unquiet Grave by Dervla McTiernan; Congo, Sphere, Jurassic Park and State of Fear by Michael Crichton;  Stephen King; Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott Upcoming events: James is teaching Writing Setting and Landscape at Writing NSW on Saturday 20 September  Ashley is teaching Online: Crafting Memoir for Queensland Writers Centre on Sunday 28 September  James is speaking to Siang Lu, winner of the Miles Franklin Award and previous podcast guest at the State Library for SWF on October 2 Join Ashley and podcast fav Hayley Scrivenor for the Mystery and Mayhem Readers Retreat at the 5-star Tamborine Mountain Glades, 3-5 October Ashley is at the Mount Beauty Writers Festival on Saturday 18 October  Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode and Cold Truth, and get your copies from your local bookshop or your library. Plus check out Like, Follow, Die from Audible.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or your library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

    46 min
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About

Through discussions and interviews with writers, artists and health professionals, author friends James McKenzie Watson and Ashley Kalagian Blunt explore the big questions: how do books get written? How do people navigate life with chronic illness? And just what ARE you reading? Hosted by James McKenzie Watson, winner of the 2021 Penguin Literary Prize, and Ashley Kalagian Blunt, author of 'Dark Mode.'

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