Beyond The Plot Podcast

Lisa El-Behnaihy
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Books

Ever wonder about the person behind your favourite book? I'm diving deep with authors to uncover the real personal stories behind their work. If you love reading, writing or you're simply interested in learning more about your favourite authors, this podcast is for you!

  1. 1d ago

    Anne Freeman: Writing Through Perfectionism, Motherhood, and the Journey to The Time After Now

    In this episode of Beyond the Plot, I sits down with author Anne Freeman to talk about the winding path from lifelong reader and reluctant beginner to published novelist. Anne shares how motherhood, perfectionism, accountability, and one pivotal writing craft book helped her stop waiting for the “right” time and start writing. She takes us behind the scenes of drafting her first novel on her phone while breastfeeding, setting a simple 400-word-a-day goal, and discovering that finishing a novel might be less about confidence and more about simply starting. Me and Anne also explore Anne’s latest novel, The Time After Now — a dual-timeline story inspired by the idea of resurfaced intimate photos and shaped by Anne’s own experience with type 1 diabetes. We talk about writing invisible disability, motherhood and identity, creating messy and believable characters, and the courage it takes to put your inner world on the page. In the episode: Anne shares how books became a refuge for her as a quirky kid who found it difficult to make friends — and how writing was part of her life long before she thought of herself as a writer. She recalls the moment after the birth of her second child in 2018 when she decided to finally “have a go” at writing fiction. A conversation about psychology and accountability prompted her to ask: “What can I do today in service of that dream?” Anne talks about discovering perfectionist block and recognising how it had been keeping her from starting. She explains how Save the Cat Writes a Novel demystified the novel-writing process and finally gave her a way in. Her first novel, Returning to Adelaide, was drafted on her phone in Google Docs while she was breastfeeding her daughter. She set herself a daily goal of 400 words and completed the first draft in around four and a half months. Contest submissions led to recognition in the Romance Writers of Australia Valerie Parv Award and the Hawkeye Prize — opportunities that ultimately helped lead to a publishing deal. Anne reflects on the reality of being an author today: part writer, part marketer, part event host and part community builder. She shares how Instagram, book events and simply asking for help helped her build a supportive network of writer friends. Anne reveals how The Time After Now grew from an idea about resurfaced intimate photos into a story shaped by her own experience with type 1 diabetes. We discuss the emotional truth of motherhood, identity shifts and why readers connect so strongly with messy, believable characters. Anne talks about the vulnerability of writing invisible disability and putting parts of your own “inner weirdness” onto the page. They explore perfectionism, creative courage and why sometimes the best thing you can do is write the imperfect first draft. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Beyond the Plot on YouTube or follow the podcast on Spotify, and share the episode with a writer who might need the reminder that the first draft doesn't have to be perfect.

  2. Aug 11

    Joanna Jenkins: From Corporate Lawyer to Author of Bad Neighbours | Publishing, Thrillers & Starting Again

    What happens when a life-changing accident makes you rethink everything you thought your future would look like? In this episode, I’m joined by Australian author Joanna Jenkins, who made the remarkable transition from a 30-year career as a corporate lawyer to pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a published author. Joanna shares the story behind her unexpected career change, her journey from childhood storytelling to writing and publishing her first novel, and the persistence it took to navigate manuscript revisions, rejection, publishing contracts, and the realities of building a career as an author. We also dive into her latest novel, Bad Neighbours, a gripping mystery set in Sydney’s vibrant Potts Point. Joanna explains what drew her to the area and how its contrasts between wealth, poverty, privilege, and vulnerability helped shape the story and its characters. With a background in law, Joanna brings a unique perspective to her fiction, drawing on her professional experience, family life, research, and observations of the world around her. We discuss character development, plotting, pacing, research, social media, book marketing, and the importance of finding a supportive community as an author. Whether you’re a fan of Australian crime fiction and psychological thrillers, an aspiring writer, or simply curious about changing careers later in life, Joanna’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue a creative dream. In this episode; Joanna Jenkins’ journey from corporate lawyer to published author How a life-changing bike accident prompted a major career change From childhood storytelling to writing her first novel Writing about the realities of law firm life The five-year journey of drafting and revising her debut novel Overcoming rejection and finding the resilience to keep going Moving between non-fiction, mystery, and thriller writing The inspiration behind Bad Neighbours Why Potts Point became the perfect setting for the novel Exploring wealth, poverty, privilege, and community through fiction Creating characters inspired by family and real-life observations Researching locations, characters, and storylines The challenges of plotting, pacing, and developing suspense Building a readership through social media and author communities Lessons Joanna has learned after publishing three books Advice for aspiring Australian authors Subscribe to the podcast for more conversations with Australian authors, debut writers, bestselling novelists, and publishing professionals discussing writing, books, publishing, creativity, and the stories behind the stories.

  3. Aug 4

    Olivia Simons on Lying Is My Love Language | From Aspiring Writer to Published Romance Author

    How do you go from dreaming about writing a novel to becoming a published romance author? In this episode, I sit down with debut romance author Olivia Simons to discuss the journey behind her heartwarming rom-com, Lying Is My Love Language. Olivia shares the realities of breaking into the publishing industry, navigating manuscript rejection, finding the right literary agent, and balancing motherhood while bringing her debut novel to life. We also explore how her background as a copywriter shaped her storytelling, why she made the leap from fantasy to romantic comedy, and how dreams, real-life experiences, and strong female friendships inspired her writing. From crafting authentic romance and memorable characters to designing the perfect book cover, Olivia offers an honest behind-the-scenes look at the publishing process. Whether you're an aspiring author, a romance reader, or curious about what it takes to publish your first book, this episode is packed with practical advice, encouragement, and inspiration. In this episode: Olivia Simons' journey from copywriter to published romance author The story behind Lying Is My Love Language Overcoming manuscript rejection and finding a literary agent Literary speed dating, pitching, and networking in publishing Why Olivia transitioned from fantasy to romantic comedy Balancing pregnancy, motherhood, deadlines, and writing The importance of female friendships in romance novels Writing believable romance and emotionally driven spicy scenes Behind the scenes of cover design and working with a publisher Building an author platform and brand Advice for aspiring writers on networking, persistence, and embracing rejection Subscribe for more conversations with bestselling authors, debut novelists, publishing professionals, and creatives sharing their writing journeys, publishing advice, book recommendations, and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of books.

  4. Jul 28

    Christy Ann Jones on Theodora's Tea Shop | Fantasy Author, World-Building & Publishing Journey

    How do you turn a lifelong love of magic and storytelling into a published fantasy novel? In this episode, I sit down with debut fantasy author Christy Anne Jones to discuss the incredible journey behind her debut novel, Theodora's Tea Shop. From writing stories as a child to signing with Hachette after a competitive publishing auction, Christy shares the perseverance, creativity, and resilience it took to bring her dream to life. We explore the inspiration behind Theodora's Tea Shop, her passion for fantasy, folklore, and immersive world-building, and how her experiences living in Japan helped shape the magical setting of her novel. Christy also shares valuable insights into building an online audience through YouTube and social media, overcoming rejection, protecting creative work in the age of AI, and staying authentic throughout the publishing journey. Whether you're a fantasy reader, an aspiring author, or fascinated by the publishing industry, this conversation is filled with practical advice, creative inspiration, and behind-the-scenes insights. In This Episode; Christy Ann Jones' journey from aspiring writer to published fantasy author The inspiration behind Theodora's Tea Shop Building magical worlds inspired by folklore, history, and Japanese culture Writing fantasy fiction and developing memorable characters From short stories to a Hachette publishing deal Finding a literary agent and navigating a publishing auction The realities of rejection and staying motivated as a writer Building a community through BookTube, YouTube, and social media Protecting creativity in the age of AI Balancing storytelling, pacing, and structural revisions Why authenticity matters in both writing and content creation Advice for aspiring authors pursuing traditional publishing Subscribe for more conversations with bestselling authors, debut novelists, publishing professionals, and creatives sharing their writing journeys, publishing advice, book recommendations, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of books.

  5. Jul 21

    Emma Babbington on The Gardens, Psychological Thrillers & Her Journey from Journalist to Published Author

    How do you go from a career in journalism to publishing psychological thrillers after years of perseverance? In this episode, I'm joined by British-born, Sydney-based author Emma Babbington to discuss her inspiring writing journey, from working as a magazine journalist to securing a publishing deal after writing five novels. Emma shares how her family's love of storytelling sparked her passion for writing, why psychological thrillers became her genre of choice, and how years of persistence, rejection, and determination eventually led to the publication of The Neighbours and her latest novel, The Gardens. We also explore the realities of today's publishing industry, the differences between the UK and Australian book markets, the importance of building a writing community, and Emma's meticulous approach to researching, plotting, and creating unforgettable characters. Whether you're an aspiring author, a fan of psychological suspense, or curious about the publishing process, this episode is packed with practical advice, behind-the-scenes insights, and plenty of inspiration. In this episode; Emma Babbington's journey from magazine journalist to published author Writing five novels before securing a publishing deal The inspiration behind The Neighbours and The Gardens Creating psychological thrillers with family secrets and unexpected twists How journalism shaped her writing style Overcoming rejection and staying motivated Building a supportive writing community Character development, plotting, and the editing process Researching cults and intentional communities for authentic storytelling The differences between the UK and Australian publishing industries Why physical bookstores still matter Advice for aspiring writers looking to get published Subscribe for more conversations with bestselling authors, debut novelists, publishing professionals, and creatives sharing their writing journeys, book recommendations, publishing advice, and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of books.

  6. Jul 14

    Paula Johnston on Self-Publishing, Traditional Publishing & The Lie She Told | Author Journey

    How do you go from self-publishing your debut novel to signing a traditional publishing deal and seeing your book stocked by major bookstores? In this episode, I'm joined by thriller author Paula Johnston, who shares her incredible journey from independently publishing her debut novel, The Lie She Told, to securing a publishing deal with Bloodhound Books. Paula opens up about the highs and lows of building an author career, the impact of social media on book sales, and how one viral moment helped change everything. We also discuss the realities of self-publishing versus traditional publishing, handling rejection, overcoming imposter syndrome, writing psychological thrillers with dark humour, and staying creative while managing multiple book deals. Whether you're an aspiring author, an indie writer considering traditional publishing, or a thriller fan curious about the publishing industry, this episode is packed with practical advice, honest insights, and inspiration. In this episode: Paula Johnston's journey from self-publishing to traditional publishing The story behind her debut novel, The Lie She Told Signing with Bloodhound Books How BookTok, Instagram, and social media helped grow her readership The differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing Overcoming rejection and imposter syndrome Writing psychological thrillers with dark humour Managing expectations after publishing success Writing standout query letters Balancing creativity while working on multiple books Finding inspiration from real-life experiences Advice for aspiring authors looking to build a publishing career About The Lie She Told: Originally self-published in 2020, The Lie She Told quickly found readers through social media and word of mouth before attracting the attention of traditional publishers. Its success ultimately led Paula Johnston to sign with Bloodhound Books, opening the door to a new chapter in her publishing career. Subscribe for more conversations with bestselling authors, debut novelists, publishing professionals, and creatives sharing their writing journeys, publishing advice, marketing strategies, and behind-the-scenes insights into the book industry.

  7. Jul 7

    Laura Carter on Out of Bounds, Writing Burnout & Becoming a Bestselling Sports Romance Author

    What does it take to write fifteen novels, build an international readership, and avoid creative burnout? In this episode, bestselling UK romance author Laura Carter joins me to discuss her incredible journey from corporate lawyer to full-time author, the inspiration behind her fifteenth novel, Out of Bounds, and why embracing change has transformed both her writing career and her life. Known for her heartwarming romantic comedies and sports romances, Laura shares how her love of sport, healthy living, and happily-ever-afters influences every story she writes. We also dive into the realities of publishing, navigating changing market trends, working with multiple publishers, and building a long-term author career. One of the most powerful parts of our conversation is Laura's honest discussion about burnout. She reveals how completely flipping her daily routine—including joining a 5 a.m. writing club—helped her rediscover her creativity, become more productive, and find a healthier balance between work and life. Whether you're a romance reader, an aspiring author, or looking for inspiration to overcome burnout and reignite your creativity, this episode is packed with practical advice and behind-the-scenes insights into the publishing world. In this episode; Laura Carter's journey from lawyer to bestselling romance author The inspiration behind her fifteenth novel, Out of Bounds Writing sports romance and romantic comedies Why sport plays such a big role in her books Moving from dark romance to rom-coms Managing multiple publishers and reclaiming publishing rights Building a successful author brand How social media and BookTok have changed book marketing Navigating industry trends and market saturation Overcoming burnout by completely changing her daily routine The benefits of joining a 5 a.m. writing club Using personal experiences to create authentic stories Advice for aspiring writers on building a sustainable writing career Out of Bounds is Laura Carter's fifteenth novel and another irresistible addition to her bestselling collection of romantic comedies and sports romances. Inspired by Laura's passion for sport, healthy living, and heartfelt relationships, the novel delivers humour, chemistry, emotional depth, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. Subscribe for more conversations with bestselling authors, debut novelists, publishing professionals, and creatives sharing their writing journeys, publishing advice, book recommendations, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of books.

  8. Jun 30

    Emma J Warrender on Writing Driven | Dark Romance Author, Publishing Journey & Writing Tips

    How do you go from a career in journalism to publishing your debut dark romance novel? In this episode, I sit down with Australian author Emma J Warrender to discuss her debut novel, Driven—a thrilling blend of street racing, romance, suspense, and unforgettable characters. Emma shares her inspiring journey from journalism and acting to becoming a published romance author, taking us behind the scenes of writing her first manuscript, finding the right literary agent, overcoming rejection, and building a supportive writing community. We also explore the inspiration behind Driven, how The Fast and the Furious influenced the story, the importance of authentic character representation, and Emma's unique involvement in casting the voices for her audiobook.Whether you're an aspiring author, a romance reader, or interested in the publishing industry, this episode is packed with practical advice, honest insights, and inspiration for anyone pursuing their creative dream.In This Episode ​Emma Warrender's journey from journalism to published author​The inspiration behind Driven and blending romance with suspense​Writing street racing romance inspired by The Fast and the Furious​From first draft to literary agent: navigating the publishing journey​Handling rejection and staying motivated as an author​Finding critique partners, beta readers, and a supportive writing community​Creating authentic, diverse characters readers connect with​The audiobook production process and casting voice actors​Balancing deadlines while writing book two​Advice for aspiring authors on writing, publishing, andAbout Driven Driven follows Gianna, a determined young woman navigating a dangerous world of underground street racing, romance, and hidden secrets. As relationships deepen and the stakes rise, she must decide who she can trust while confronting the past that's been chasing her. Packed with high-speed action, emotional tension, suspense, and romance, Driven is perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with heart-pounding twists. If you enjoyed this episode... Subscribe for more conversations with bestselling authors, debut novelists, publishing professionals, and creatives sharing their writing journeys, book recommendations, publishing advice, and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of books. Keywords Emma Warrender, Driven book, dark romance author, romance author interview, romance writing podcast, debut novel, street racing romance, suspense romance, writing tips for authors, publishing journey, literary agent, audiobook production, aspiring writer, Australian author, romance books, book podcast, writing community, indie author, author interview, book launch

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About

Ever wonder about the person behind your favourite book? I'm diving deep with authors to uncover the real personal stories behind their work. If you love reading, writing or you're simply interested in learning more about your favourite authors, this podcast is for you!

Information

  • Creator
    Lisa El-Behnaihy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lisa El-Behnaihy
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Plot Podcast

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