So You Want to be a Writer

Australian Writers' Centre

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. Writing Podcast Episode 704: Fergus Craig discusses 'I’m Not the Only Murderer in my Retirement Home'

    1D AGO

    Writing Podcast Episode 704: Fergus Craig discusses 'I’m Not the Only Murderer in my Retirement Home'

    The cosy crime genre has exploded in recent years, with older protagonists featuring heavily (they tend to have more time on their hands for solving mysteries, you see). But what happens when your older protagonist has a murderous past? That’s the hilarious set up for British actor, comedian and author Fergus Craig’s new ‘cracked cosy’ whodunnit I’m Not the Only Murderer in my Retirement Home. In this episode, Fergus talks about how he started writing crime books, the joys and challenges of bringing his latest novel to life, its international bidding war, and why he decided to walk from the UK to New Zealand. 00:00 Welcome03:59 Writing tip: Keep track of your stories07:29 WIN!: On the Edge by Kate Horan09:47 Word of the week: ‘Infuscate’12:05 Writer in residence: Fergus Craig13:00 Fergus explains I’m Not the Only Murderer in my Retirement Home15:30 The attraction of cosy crime16:55 Getting a book deal via social media17:54 The appeal of a whodunnit plot22:42 The writing process: Planning vs. improvisation24:27 Challenges and joys of writing the book26:04 Differences between writing for TV and books28:02 Fergus’s daily writing routine29:49 Publishing journey and success32:59 Advice on writing comedy35:32 Promoting the book and social media success39:20 Extra tips about writing40:46 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.

    43 min
  2. Writing Podcast Episode 703: Molly O’Neill and her fantasy novel 'Nightshade and Oak'

    FEB 9

    Writing Podcast Episode 703: Molly O’Neill and her fantasy novel 'Nightshade and Oak'

    Two thousand years ago in Britain, the historical figure of Boudicca famously revolted against the Roman Empire and carved a path across the land. This later sparked many myths and stories – including the new historical fantasy novel Nightshade and Oak by author Molly O’Neill. In this episode, Molly discusses her inspirations for telling this story and the experience of writing and editing it. She also shares her take on blending science and creativity and the joys of writing under contract.  00:00 Welcome06:18 Writing tip: Block in time for your writing08:12 WIN!: The Ironbark Promise by Léonie Kelsall9:56 Word of the week: ‘Parvenu’10:22 Writer in residence: Molly O’Neill10:57 Molly explains her new book, Nightshade and Oak12:42 Landing on the point of view character18:08 How Molly fits writing into her geologist life21:53 Balancing science and creativity23:04 The importance of accurate physics in writing23:53 Molly’s prolific reading and reviewing pastime25:44 Backing yourself as an author26:40 Landing her first publishing deal28:10 The pressure of writing under contract30:19 Engaging with readers and book clubs31:34 Upcoming projects and genre exploration33:23 A writing tip on editing34:26 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.

    40 min
  3. Writing Podcast Episode 701: Emma Pei Yin discusses her wartime novel, 'When Sleeping Women Wake'

    JAN 26

    Writing Podcast Episode 701: Emma Pei Yin discusses her wartime novel, 'When Sleeping Women Wake'

    War stories are often famously told by the victors. But what of the stories of civilians caught up in the conflict? These themes intersect in World-War-II-era Hong Kong in AWC graduate Emma Pei Yin’s debut historical novel, When Sleeping Women Wake – and in this episode she shares her inspirations, the book’s themes and the publishing process, including a fascinating connection with the cover designer. 00:00 Welcome03:41 Writing tip: Avoiding info dumping07:05 WIN!: The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave08:39 Word of the week: ‘Gimcrack’12:03 Writer in residence: Emma Pei Yin13:05 Emma explains When Sleeping Women Wake13:53 Why this story?16:20 Influences and inspirations for the book17:35 Balancing historical fiction and fact19:10 The research process21:20 The note collection process22:27 Telling the authentic voices of Chinese people23:39 Character development and their unique resistance25:55 Class structure and historical contexts27:35 Language and authenticity in this story29:03 Morally ambiguous choices in war30:49 The publishing process34:51 Cover designs and market differences38:04 Promoting the book and meeting readers39:44 The importance of solidarity in telling niche stories40:52 Emma’s advice for writers42:03 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.

    45 min
  4. Writing Podcast Episode 699: William J. Byrne and his historical novel, 'The Warrumbar'

    JAN 12

    Writing Podcast Episode 699: William J. Byrne and his historical novel, 'The Warrumbar'

    It was a single photo of AWC graduate William J. Byrne’s grandmother standing outside a ramshackle home that formed the spark that inspired this self-confessed history buff to explore stories of his past and the experiences of Aboriginal people leading up to the 1960s. The result is his debut novel, The Warrumbar – spanning half a century and casting light on a lesser-told chapter of Australia. In this episode, William shares his inspirations and publishing journey, and the AWC course that made all the difference. 00:00 Welcome04:03 Writing tip: Enter writing competitions07:18 WIN!: What Happened That Night by Nicci French09:55 Word of the week: ‘Puissance’10:45 Writer in residence: William J. Byrne11:05 What The Warrumbar is about12:58 Why he wrote for this time frame15:00 What inspired William to write the book16:45 Stories from family members18:00 Writing a teenage character19:00 Balancing research with family stories21:12 The note-taking process22:23 Moses as a lens for the Aboriginal experience23:38 Australia's historical awareness25:44 The path to publication29:11 Completing a writing course with AWC30:50 The importance of writing communities33:42 Major themes of the book35:55 Advice for writers36:34 Future writing projects37:59 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.

    40 min
4.9
out of 5
42 Ratings

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. 

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