What's it like putting your creative work out in the world and discovering that some people hate it? 

In episode 103 of James and Ashley Stay at Home, international bestselling author Robyn Harding joins James and Ashley to explore her extensive career in writing. She shares her experience of releasing her first book in 2004, and how her journey has evolved up to the launch of her latest novel, The Haters. 

Robyn also shares insights into the challenges of dealing with online negativity, the psychological impact of reviews, and what inspired her to write a story centered around an author’s worst nightmare. We also discuss managing negativity bias and maintaining a long-term career in the ever-changing literary world.

Robyn Harding is the author of numerous international bestsellers, including The Party, The Arrangement and The Drowning Woman. She is also the screenwriter and executive producer of the independent film, The Steps. She lives in Vancouver, BC, with her family and two rescue chihuahuas. 

Books & authors discussed in this episode:

• Troll Hunting by Ginger Gorman;  
• This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead;
• The Last Housewife by Ashley Winstead; 
• Girl Falling by Hayley Scrivenor; 
• Dirt Town by Hayley Scrivenor; 
• Tyranny of the Minority by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt; 
• How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt;
• Catherine Wheel by Liz Evans

Get your copy of 'The Haters' from your local bookshop or library. Supporting libraries and neighbourhood bookshops supports authors. 

Upcoming events:

• Ashley is part of the Northern Beaches Readers Festival, 27-28 September
• Ashley is teaching Online: Creative Nonfiction for Writing NSW, a six-week online course starting 30 September
• Ashley is in conversation with Heather Taylor Johnson in celebration of her latest novel, Little Bit, on Thursday 3 October, 6.30pm 
• James is teaching an online creative writing workshop for Laneway Learning,  Wednesday 11 Sept, 6.15pm AEST
• Ashley is teaching Crafting Memoir for the New England Writers Centre online, Saturday 12 October, 2-3.30pm 
• James is in conversation with Zahid Gamieldien at Manly Library on Tuesday 15 October, 6:30pm
• James is teaching Writing Setting and Landscape for Writing NSW, Saturday 26 October, 10am-4pm

Learn more about Ashley's bestselling psychological thriller Dark Mode and get your copy from your local bookshop or your library.

Learn more about James' 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