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. Aug 11 ·  Bonus

    Bonus ep! Have a listen to ... The Word Count podcast

    In ep 133, James and Ashley share an episode one of their favourite Australian writing podcasts – The Word Count with Jo Dixon, Fiona Taylor and Jacq Ellem. If you've not heard The Word Count before, this bonus episode will give you a taste of what it's all about. If you have, then you already know you're in for a treat. We'll be back in a fortnight with another author interview!  The Word Count episode 59: It's the news we've been bursting to share for months … Jo spills all the behind-the-scenes details of her HUGE FOUR-BOOK DEAL with Poisoned Pen Press! Jo shares: How the deal actually came about Why having an agent changed everything What happened when "the call" finally came And whether she's come down from cloud nine yet! Plus our usual segments – Accountability and Goal Setting – because even life-changing book deals don't stop the writing chaos! About the Word Count: The Word Count follows three Australian writers navigating the road from blank page to published book – and everything in between. Every fortnight, Jo, Fiona and Jacq share their progress, set new goals and hold each other accountable, with plenty of honest conversation and laughter along the way. Jo Dixon is the bestselling author of three psychological thrillers, published by HQ/HarperCollins. Fiona Taylor is the host of Three Questions with Fiona Taylor and is writing her first psychological thriller. Jacq Ellem is the host of the internationally award-winning podcast Tales From Three Corners and has her debut book forthcoming with Affirm Press. Upcoming events  Brisbane – Ashley is making a special appearance at the Books@Stones crime book club on Wednesday 19 August, 6-7pm  Sydney – Ashley is teaching From Scene Structure to Story Structure for the BAD Sydney Crime Festival, Friday 21 August, 10am-1pm, in person   Central Coast – join Ashley for an in-conversation at Umina Book Nook on Friday 21 August, 6pm Nowra – Ashley is in conversation at Nowra Library, Wednesday 2 September, 5.30pm Canberra – Ashley returns to Ginsights on Thursday 3 September, 6pm Kiama – join Ashley for an in-conversation at Kiama Library on Tuesday 8 September, 5.30pm Sydney – Randwick's Reading Takeover is a celebration of books happening over two weekends and features author panels with James and Ashley, plus workshops with Kavita Bedford and Ashley    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

  2. Jul 28

    Being resilient when the feedback is tough with author Susannah Glenn and creativity coach Ginger Moran

    In episode 132, author Susannah Glenn joins us to discuss the creative process behind her second novel, Without a Trace, alongside her creativity coach and writing mentor, Ginger Moran.  Ginger and Susannah discuss what goes into a relationship centred on both support and skill development, and the tough love and resilience required to make a story the best it can be.  Susannah shares what initially led her to approach Susannah, when she transitioned to full-time writing while working on her first novel, and Ginger shares her approach to mentoring and the common challenges creatives face.   Susannah Glenn is a domestic noir author. She has worked as a print journalist, editor, magazine publisher and managing editor. She has also worked in corporate communications, public relations, marketing, publications, media and event management. Susannah divides her time between her farm on the Mid North Coast of NSW and Adelaide. Her debut novel was Between Husbands and Wives, and her latest novel, Without a Trace, is out now.  Dr Ginger Moran is an award-winning writer and book mentor. She has a PhD in Literature and Creative Writing, and has published books, articles and essays. She taught literature and writing in universities, schools and organisations until she became a full-time mentor.  This episode features a special guest appearance from Morwyn the collie puppy.  Find Without a Trace through Booktopia or from your local bookshop or library.    Books & authors discussed in this episode Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden The Widow of Walcha by Emma Partridge Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke The Gambler by JP Pomare (from ep 130) The Couples Retreat by Mercedes Mercier Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern  The Wolf Tree by Laura McClusky  It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe  The Years by Annie Ernaux  In the Woods by Tana French  I Won't Bite by Rod Campbell (note: major spoilers discussed)  She Lied First by Dinuka McKenzie  Shari Lapena Paula Hawkins  Gillian Flynn Sally Hepworth Liane Moriarty Kelli Hawkins Ali Lowe  Virginia Woolf  Upcoming events  Sydney – Ashley is in conversation with Petronella McGovern about her latest thriller, Every Time She Wakes, at Berkelouw Paddington, Thursday 30 July, 6pm Sydney – Ashley is part of Woollahra's Library After Dark event, happening from 6-10pm on Thursday 30 July. RSVP for free Central Coast – Ashley is part of the Crafting Crime Panel for Crime Fic Fest at Gosford Regional Library, Thursday 6 August, 6-7pm Brisbane – Ashley is making a special appearance at the Books@Stones crime book club on Wednesday 19 August, 6-7pm  Sydney – Ashley is teaching From Scene Structure to Story Structure for the BAD Sydney Crime Festival, Friday 21 August, 10am-1pm, in person   Central Coast – join Ashley for an in-conversation at Umina Book Nook on Friday 21 August, 6pm 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

  3. Jun 23

    Your body is a scam with Penguin Literary Prize winner Mary Colussi

    Mary Colussi says her debut novel Touch Grass, winner of the 2025 Penguin Literary Prize, is a 'Noah's ark of her weird interests.' Penguin Literary Prize judge Jack Harkin puts it a little differently: 'part warning, part screwball comedy - and a riot of brilliant, incisive writing about social media, body politics and the effects of worshiping false gods.' In episode 131, Mary shares with James how she went from writing Buzzfeed listicles to finishing the first draft of Touch Grass in under 90 days, and how she used her writing to 'metabolise her anxieties about the future'. She describes how illness has turned her into a 'diplomat for her own physical form' and how she took inspiration from Kurt Vonnegut to juxtapose the absurd with the deeply philosophical.  Mary Colussi is an Australian American writer currently based in Sydney. A graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and the National Institute of Dramatic Art, she was shortlisted for the 2025 Katie Lees Fellowship and received a 2025 Residential Fellowship at Varuna, the National Writers' House. As well as fiction, she writes satire, plays and screenplays. Touch Grass, her first novel, won the 2025 Penguin Literary Prize. Find Touch Grass through Booktopia or from your local bookshop or library. Books & authors discussed in this episode:  A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut  Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell Will and Testament by Vigdis Hjorth, translated by Charlotte Barslund   Shark Heart by Emily Habeck Upcoming events  Adelaide – Ashley is teaching Crafting Narrative Drive for Writers SA, Saturday 27 June 10.30am   Sydney – Ashley is reading at Twisted Fiction, a free event at the Shakespeare Hotel in Surry Hills, Tuesday 7 July, 6pm Sydney - James is in conversation with Nicholas Timms about his debut crime novel, The Lineup, at  The Rose Red Bookshop in Summer Hill on Friday July 10, 7pm Penrith – Ashley is in conversation with Petronella McGovern about her latest thriller, Every Time She Wakes, at Penrith Library, Friday 27 July, 6pm Geelong – join Ashley for her first-ever Geelong event with Dymocks Books in Bars, Wednesday 22 July, 6.30pm  Sydney – Ashley is launching Dinuka McKenzie's latest thriller, She Lied First, at Gleebooks Glebe on Monday 27 July, 6.30pm Sydney – Ashley is in conversation with Petronella McGovern about her latest thriller, Every Time She Wakes, at Berkelouw Paddington, Thursday 30 July, 6pm Central Coast – join Ashley for an in-conversation at Umina Book Nook on Friday 21 August, 6pm 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

  4. May 26

    How to be a career author with JP Pomare, author of The Gambler

    Bestselling crime author JP Pomare joins us to discuss his latest novel The Gambler, and reflects on how his writing process has changed since his debut in 2018. He discusses his start as a sandwich artist, his impulse to write away from cliche, and his advice for aspiring authors.   JP Pomare is an award-winning author whose debut novel, Call Me Evie, won the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best First Novel. In the Clearing was made into a Disney+ Original Series, The Clearing, while Tell Me Lies was shortlisted for the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel and the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction. The Last Guests was made into a Stan Original TV series, Watching You. Seventeen Years Later was shortlisted for both the 2025 Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction and the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel, and is currently being adapted for the screen. The Gambler is his eighth novel. Find The Gambler through Booktopia or from your local bookshop or library.    Books & authors discussed in this episode   On Writing by Stephen King  Karl Ove Knausgaard Tierney Page  Sally Hepworth  He Read, She Read podcast with author Sarah Bailey The Genetic Book of the Dead by Richard Dawkins Land by Maggie O'Farrell The Correspondent by Virginia Evans In the Woods by Tana French  Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman  Dune by Frank Herbert (aka 'June')  Vigil by George Saunders  Departure(s) by Julian Barnes  The Bee Sting by Paul Murray  Cursed Bunny by Bora Chung The Midnight Timetable by Bora Chung The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton Upcoming events  Darwin – join Ashley for her first-ever Darwin event, part of NT Writers Festival, Sunday 31 May, 10.15am  Darwin – join Ashley in conversation for a Book Besties Darwin special event, Monday 1 June, 6pm  Sydney – join James for the launch of Touch Grass by Mary Colusi, Tuesday 2 June, 6.30 pm Sydney – join Ashley and Petronella McGovern at Balmain Library, Thursday 4 June, 6.30pm  Sydney – join Ashley for a **free** workshop, Connecting with Your Creative Practice, Friday 19 June, 10am-2pm  Adelaide – Ashley is teaching Crafting Narrative Drive for Writers SA, Saturday 27 June 10.30am Winter Writing Retreat – join Ashley for a multi-day writing retreat from Writers at the Woolshed, 12-17 July in the Southern Highlands  Geelong – join Ashley for her first-ever Geelong event with Dymocks Books in Bars, Wednesday 22 July, 6.30pm  Central Coast – join Ashley for an in-conversation at Umina Book Nook on Friday 21 August, 6pm 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

  5. Apr 28

    Claudia Karvan joins Ashley & James at the Sydney launch of Like, Follow, Die, recorded live

    In March, Ashley launched her new thriller 'Like, Follow, Die.' In episode 129, hear a live recording of the very special Sydney launch event at Gleebooks, Glebe, where James interviewed Ashley and superstar actor and audiobook narrator Claudia Karvan. Claudia Karvan is one of Australia's most respected and acclaimed film and television actors. She co-created, produced, and starred in the Stan series Bump, earning AACTA and Silver Logie nominations for her performance, and the 2026 AACTA Award for Best Narrative Comedy Series. Claudia also appeared in Disney+'s The Clearing. Earlier, she co-created and produced Doctor Doctor for Nine Network and co-created, produced and starred in the Foxtel series Spirited and Love My Way, winning two Silver Logies and two AFI Awards for the latter. In 2023, she was honoured with an Order of Australia for her service to the industry. Books & authors discussed in this episode: Clown World: Four Years Inside Andrew Tate's Manosphere by Matt Shea and Jamie Tahsin Alain de Botton Find Like, Follow, Die through Booktopia or from your local bookshop or library, or listen to the audiobook only from Audible, narrated by Claudia Karvan, Ryan Corr and Laurence Boxhall.    Upcoming events  Sydney – join Ashley in conversation at Avalon Library, Wednesday 6 May, 5.45pm   Sydney – join Ashley for her Memoir Writing workshop as part of Writer's Toolbox Day at Kirrawee Library, Saturday 9 May Online – Ashley is teaching Online: Crime Writing for Faber Academy starting 12 May 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, 15 May    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 – join Ashley for her first-ever Darwin event, part of NT Writers Festival, Sunday 31 May, 10.15am  Darwin – join Ashley in conversation for a Book Besties Darwin special event, Monday 1 June, 6pm  Sydney – join James for the launch of Touch Grass by Mary Colussi, Tuesday 2 June, 6.30 pm Sydney – join Ashley for a **free** workshop, Connecting with Your Creative Practice, Friday 19 June, 10am-2pm  Adelaide – Ashley is teaching Crafting Narrative Drive for Writers SA, Saturday 27 June 10.30am   Winter Writing Retreat – join Ashley for a multi-day writing retreat from Writers at the Woolshed, 12-17 July in the Southern Highlands  Geelong – join Ashley for her first-ever Geelong event with Dymocks Books in Bars, Wednesday 22 July, 6.30pm  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

  6. Mar 26

    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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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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