Karen and Irma chat about the ins and outs of contracts.

Then Irma talks to Hilde Hinton about the way her work polarises people, how an argument with her brother (actor Samuel Johnson) led to her first novel, why Lego is an important part of her writing process, how novels can make space for important conversations about big topics like mental illness and suicide through joy rather than the sadness, how AI has revolutionised the way she researches, the ways in which writing her debut changed her feelings about her mother, why she formulated a three-book plan (and pulled it off), , not being timid during the editing process, and how eating milk bottle lollies with Tony Birch in a green room led to a watershed moment.

About Hilde
Hilde Hinton’s critically acclaimed debut novel, The Loudness of Unsaid Things, made a number of bestseller lists, when it hit the shelves. Her next book was Heroes Next Door, written with her brother Samuel Johnson. Hilde’s second novel, A Solitary Walk on the Moon, was published in May 2022. She is currently head down bum up, working on her third novel, currently untitled, to be published in May 2025.

Irma and Karen reveal exciting new partnerships with Ubud Writers and Readers Festival and Writers Victoria.

Then Karen chats with Beejay Silcox about literary criticism in Australia – what good critics endeavour to do, the blowback from a tough review, what is lacking in Australian criticism, the impact of shrinking page space, the inability to make a sustainable career out of criticism, and her deep regret over one particular review. And then on judging the Stella Prize – how the process works, the role of chair and how the panel is selected, how a shortlist and then a winner is decided, and the alchemy of a strong process.

About Beejay
Beejay Silcox is an Australian writer and literary critic. She is the Artistic Director of Canberra Writers Festival, and was chair of the 2024 Stella Prize judging panel. Her literary criticism regularly appears in national and international arts publications, and her award-winning short fiction has been published in several literary magazines. She also teaches creative writing.

Irma tries to convert Karen to writing program Scrivener.

Then Irma chats to children’s creators Anna Walker and Andrea Rowe about how authors and illustrators work together (or don’t!), why illustrator notes are a no-no, the profound impact of picture books on both adults and children, the biggest mistakes that new writers and illustrators make, what to expect from the editing and publishing process, how to network and build connections in the industry, the effects of crippling self-doubt, why we should all be library lurkers, the failures of literary festivals in relation to children’s authors, the devastating impact of a public complaint on Andrea’s debut book, and why Anna jetted off to New York for a publishing lunch.

About Anna and Andrea
Anna Walker is an illustrator and author of picture books. Using traditional mediums, she creates stories inspired by the quiet and sometimes joyful details of life. Her books include Florette, (New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Book), Mr Huff, (shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards and winner of a CBCA Award), and, most recently, A Life Song with Jane Godwin, which has been shortlisted for the Australian Book Industry Awards.

Andrea Rowe is an award-winning children’s author, ghost-writer and copywriter. She has published three children’s books – Jetty Jumping, Sunday Skating and In the Rockpool – and has won or been shortlisted for several major awards, including the CBCAs. She has another six picture books currently in production and has been awarded the prestigious May Gibbs Fellowship for 2024. Andrea is also Founding President of the Peninsula Writers’ Club.