Meet bestselling author Paula Hawkins, whose new book The Blue Hour explores a psychological thriller set on a Scottish island. Paula discusses her writing process, research on art, transition from a finance journalist to a novelist, how she wrote four romance novels under a pen name and her experiences following the success of The Girl on the Train. She also shares her writing advice, emphasising the importance of feedback and understanding your readers’ experiences.

00:00 Introduction
00:34 Writing tip with Nat Newman
02:53 Storyboarding for writers
06:22 Win: The Stranger at the Wedding by A. E. Gauntlett
08:14 Word of the week: Palmy
09:30 Paula Hawkins and her latest novel The Blue Hour
21:19 From financial journalism to fiction
21:46 First foray into fiction
23:40 How Paula writes romance under a pseudonym
24:52 Finding the right genre
25:38 The birth of The Girl on the Train
27:48 Dealing with success and pressure
30:12 Writing process and challenges
40:34 Advice for aspiring writers
43:02 Fun fact: apophony

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.

Meet Ryan Butta, author of the new biography, The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli – a previously untold story of one of Australia’s forgotten wartime heroes. In this lively and interesting conversation, Ryan shares what led him to tell this particular story, his research process and other fascinating stories from here and overseas that inadvertently prepared him for a life as a published author.

00:00 Introduction and host welcome
00:19 Upcoming travel writing course
00:38 Special bonuses for enrollees
05:42 Writing tip: Imagination game
09:42 Win: Diving, Falling by Kylie Mirmohamadi
11:32 Word of the week: Imbrication
14:12 Interview with Ryan Butta
28:36 Organising research and writing process
30:13 Starting the writing journey
31:23 From fiction to nonfiction
34:18 Pitching and publishing success
36:54 Challenges and realities of being published
39:51 New projects and future plans
45:48 Passion and motivation in writing
49:50 Top tips for nonfiction writing

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.

Meet Dani Vee, publisher at Larrikin House, whose latest book is Riley's Failproof Guide to Breaking a School Record, and her soon-to-be-released book is My Pet Croc. Dani shares her writing process but also provides insights into the children’s publishing industry, her role as a publisher and what she is looking for in a manuscript. Dani discusses the importance of finding the right voice, creative control, and the submission process for aspiring authors.

00:00 Introduction to the podcast and special series
02:14 Meet Dani Vee: Author, publisher, and podcaster
03:43 Riley's fail-proof guide to breaking a school record
05:02 From picture books to junior fiction
06:00 The creative process and challenges of writing
12:44 The magic of writing My Pet Croc
14:43 Transitioning from teaching to publishing
17:26 The role of a publisher in a small publishing house
20:52 Exploring different book genres
21:24 The story behind The Bogan Book Club
22:20 The importance of voice in publishing
23:33 Breaking stereotypes in literature
24:26 Defining the Larrikin voice
27:05 Submission process and common mistakes
32:13 Working with authors: Challenges and considerations
34:58 Evaluating submissions: Key questions
37:36 Future plans and writing aspirations
40:08 Conclusion and 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.