So You Want to be a Writer

By: Australian Writers' Centre
  • Summary

  • 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.

    2024 Australian Writers' Centre
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Episodes
  • WRITER 617: Lian Tanner reveals 5 strategies you need for longevity in your author career.
    Aug 15 2024

    Meet Lian Tanner, who reveals 5 strategies you need to build longevity into your author career. Lian also discusses her latest picture book, When the Lights Went Out. Lian covers: writing to your passions rather than market demands, seeking valuable feedback, continually learning the craft, and being open to reinvention. She also shares her process and experiences in writing middle grade and picture books.

    00:00 Introduction to the podcast
    00:17 Special series announcement
    00:56 Writing for children
    02:10 Nat Newman's app tip
    09:18 Interview with Lian Tanner
    10:23 Lian Tanner's writing journey
    13:25 Writing for different age groups
    14:35 Balancing writing projects
    20:12 Advice for aspiring authors
    21:39 Writing with passion and originality
    23:22 Early career temptations and lessons
    25:33 The importance of quality feedback
    29:05 Developing thick skin and learning mindset
    35:17 Reinventing yourself as a writer
    40:09 Crafting picture books: A deep dive
    43:16 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.

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    45 mins
  • WRITER 616: Meet Julie Bennett, author of 'The Lost Letters of Rose Carey’.
    Aug 12 2024

    Meet Julie Bennett, author of The Lost Letters of Rose Carey. Julie discusses her writing process, the inspiration behind her novel, researching historical fiction and career journey so far.

    00:00 Introduction and welcome
    00:19 Exploring Rocketbook
    04:06 Shoutout to Jane Sullivan
    05:29 Nat Newman writing tip: Introduce a dinosaur
    14:12 Book giveaway: The Wilds by Sarah Pearse
    15:55 Word of the week: avoirdupois
    18:37 Interview with Julie Bennett
    26:03 Plotting vs. pantsing: A writer's journey
    26:42 Discovering the inspiration behind the novel
    28:49 From child performer to author
    30:52 Committing to writing
    31:51 A lifelong love for stories
    32:37 Writing The Understudy: From idea to manuscript
    34:03 Getting published
    36:06 Balancing PR work and writing
    40:38 Researching historical fiction
    45:51 The reality of being an author
    48:50 Future plans and writing tips
    52:27 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.

    Show more Show less
    56 mins
  • WRITER 615: Meet Anna Johnston, author of 'The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife'.
    Aug 5 2024

    Meet Anna Johnston, author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, her rapid success, and her writing process.

    00:00 Introduction
    01:15 Literary competitions and overcoming fear
    02:58 Nat Newman writing tip: Taking your character on a date
    10:24 Book giveaway: Two Daughters by Alison Edwards
    11:52 Word of the week: Desuetude
    13:23 Interview with author Anna Johnston
    20:33 The importance of a writing group
    21:00 Forming and maintaining a writing group
    22:20 Balancing writing with life
    23:02 Getting serious about writing
    24:21 The book deal journey
    25:42 Pitching at virtual speed dating
    29:31 The role of an agent
    31:49 Writing process and character development
    34:09 Challenges and inspirations
    41:10 Future plans and advice for aspiring writers
    45:11 Fun fact: The world’s oldest library

    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.

    Show more Show less
    47 mins

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