543 episodes

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. 

So You Want to be a Writer Australian Writers' Centre

    • Arts
    • 4.8 • 39 Ratings

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. 

    WRITER 543: Richard Pritchard, co-author of Wylah The Koorie Warrior series

    WRITER 543: Richard Pritchard, co-author of Wylah The Koorie Warrior series

    Meet Richard Pritchard, co-author of Wylah The Koorie Warrior series. How to the select the right quotes of praise for your pitch to a publisher. The unique meaning behind lagom. And win The Interpreter by Brooke Robinson.

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    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
    WRITER 542: Janette Paul, author of The Summer Place

    WRITER 542: Janette Paul, author of The Summer Place

    Meet Janette Paul, author of The Summer Place. She talks about her crime writing alter ego Jaye Ford, her creative process and much more. You'll also discover tips on how to get the most out of a writers' festival, whether or not you should court book bloggers, and much more. And win Fire with Fire, the latest novel by Candice Fox.

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    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
    WRITER 541: Samera Kamaleddine, author of The Sideways Orbit of Evie Hart

    WRITER 541: Samera Kamaleddine, author of The Sideways Orbit of Evie Hart

    Meet AWC graduate Samera Kamaleddine who reveals the writing process behind her second novel The Sideways Orbit of Evie Hart. What you need to do if you have two main point-of-view protagonists. And win Search History by Amy Taylor.

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    Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 44 min
    WRITER 540: Joanna Jenkins, author of 'How To Kill A Client'

    WRITER 540: Joanna Jenkins, author of 'How To Kill A Client'

    Joanna Jenkins, author of How To Kill A Client, talks about her big break. 

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    Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 15 min
    WRITER 539: Ilsa Evans, author of 'Family Baggage'

    WRITER 539: Ilsa Evans, author of 'Family Baggage'

    Ilsa Evans on her latest novel Family Baggage. How to motivate yourself to finish your novel. And win Everything and Nothing by Heather Mitchell

    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.

    • 41 min
    WRITER 538: Emma Grey on her novel 'The Last Love Note'.

    WRITER 538: Emma Grey on her novel 'The Last Love Note'.

    Emma Grey on her novel The Last Love Note. Gearing up for the Sydney Writers’ Festival. When should you write a scene versus a summary? And win The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece by Tom Hanks.

    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.

    • 1 hr 12 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
39 Ratings

39 Ratings

Alexstrath1 ,

A dynamic duo here to help you through the writing journey

Valerie and Allison bring you great authors to learn more about the writing journey

Petteri.Harlove.♥ ,

Loving These Podcasts!

I just started listening to this when I saw that you guys interviewed my favorite author! I got sucked in and I am loving all of these podcasts!

Colleen in the Car (USA) ,

Yes, I want to be a writer.

I first tuned into "So You Want To Be A Writer" podcast when my kids were all in high school, and I was spending a lot of time driving them here and there. I listened to Val and Al chit chat about all things writing while I was trying to figure out what I would do when I was no longer driving to this or that. Through their conversations and author interviews, I began to believe that maybe, I too could be a writer. I tuned in every week, sometimes every day trying to catch up on the back catalog, and learned something, sometimes many things, from each episode.
A couple of months ago, I launched my youngest chick out of the nest, and last week, I finished my first manuscript. I'm so grateful to Val and Al for all that they do every week to encourage new writers like me. Their honesty about their experiences and generosity with their knowledge is what helped me get the pages written. No matter where you are in your writing journey, this podcast will enhance the ride.

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