In this episode, Leon Mitchell—author and creative director—shares how he transitioned from working in music and film into building a career as an independent author.

We explore how his creative background shaped his storytelling approach, the realities of self-publishing, and what it takes to maintain creative control while building an audience.

Perfect for aspiring authors, creatives, and anyone looking to turn their ideas into meaningful work.

In This Episode

• Creative journey across music, film, and writing
• Transitioning into authorship
• Visual storytelling and writing techniques
• Self-publishing insights and challenges
• Collaboration and creative process
• Marketing and growing an audience

In this April special, author Laura Carter shares powerful writing advice, surprising research stories, and career-defining moments.

Perfect for aspiring authors, novelists, and creative writers looking for inspiration and practical tips.

✨ Topics covered:

• Best advice for new writers
• Weird research behind stories
• Unpublished scenes and ideas
• Emotional reader connections
• Career-changing writing advice

How do you turn an idea into a published book—and then into a full writing career?

In this episode, author J.M. Simpson shares her journey from a spontaneous moment of inspiration to building multiple crime thriller series across self-publishing and traditional publishing.

We talk about writing, marketing, branding, and what it really takes to succeed as an author today.

🔑 In This Episode

• Starting your writing journey at any stage of life
• Turning ideas into book series
• Self-publishing vs traditional publishing
• Building an author brand
• Marketing strategies for authors
• Overcoming rejection and staying consistent

⭐ If You Enjoyed This Episode

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In this segment, five authors, five friends we hear from Rebecca Armitage this week.

From writing the book you want to read to the unexpected research behind fiction, this episode is a fast dose of inspiration for writers at any stage.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-motivation and ownership in writing
• Practical advice from experienced authors
• Creative storytelling ideas and reinterpretation
• The impact stories can have beyond the page
• Surprising research behind realistic fiction

In this episode, we sit down with rising crime thriller author Mercedes Mercier to explore how she turned rejection into success and built a thriving writing career.

From early storytelling as a child to publishing gripping crime fiction, Mercedes shares how she found her voice, transitioned from romance to crime thrillers, and developed her latest novel The Couples Retreat.

If you're an aspiring author or curious about how to become a writer, handle rejection, and get published, this episode is packed with real-world insights and practical advice.

✨ In this episode:

• ​Mercedes Mercier’s journey from childhood storytelling to published author
• ​How rejection and feedback shaped her writing career
• ​The impact of a masterclass with Fiona McIntosh
• ​Why she shifted from romance writing to crime thrillers
• ​Behind-the-scenes of writing The Couples Retreat
• ​Her research process and approach to character development
• ​Navigating self-doubt and balancing writing with everyday life
• ​Collaboration with Rachel Johns
• ​Practical writing tips: feedback, networking, and persistence

📖 Featured Book:

The Couples Retreat – A suspense-driven crime thriller exploring relationships, secrets, and psychological tension.

In this segment of Five Authors, Five Questions, we dive into the creative world of Lucy Jane Wood and her journey as a writer of magical, witchy stories. From embracing messy first drafts to building rich character backstories that never make it onto the page, Lucy shares honest, insightful advice for writers at any stage.

We also explore the quirky realities of writing fantasy—from Googling unusual potion ingredients to finding the perfect character names—and hear how meaningful reader connections, like tattoos and handmade gifts, have shaped her experience as an author.

This episode is a reminder that there’s no single “right way” to write—and that storytelling is as much about community as it is about craft.

In this episode, author Georgia Harper shares her journey from hearing an inner voice to becoming a published novelist.

We explore the realities of writing, editing, and securing a publishing deal, along with the importance of authenticity, resilience, and trusting your creative voice.

Georgia also dives into her character development process, the themes of female empowerment and safety in Dove, and how her background in psychology and criminal justice shaped her storytelling.

In This Episode:

• ​Writing your first novel and getting published
• ​Navigating rejection and building resilience
• ​Behind-the-scenes of Dove
• ​Character development and storytelling techniques
• ​Advice for aspiring writers
• ​

Key Takeaway:Success in writing isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence.

What does it really take to go from hobby writer to published author?

In this episode, we sit down with author Seána Tinley to explore her journey into professional writing, the realities of publishing, and how she successfully writes across multiple genres using different pen names.

Seána shares powerful insights into building a sustainable writing career, including the importance of mentorship, community, and structured writing routines. We also dive into her passion for midwifery stories and how relationships and emotional support can shape birth outcomes—bringing a unique perspective to her work.

Whether you're an aspiring author, romance reader, or curious about the publishing world, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.

What you’ll learn:

• How to transition from hobby writing to a professional author career
• The role of beta readers, editors, and self-editing
• How to balance multiple genres and pen names
• Why writing communities and mentorship matter
• The connection between storytelling and real-life birth experiences

Actionable tips:

• Join writing associations for support and growth
• Build a consistent writing routine
• Get feedback before publishing
• Stay authentic in your creative process

Keywords:
writing journey, how to become an author, publishing tips, romance writing, midwifery stories, author interview, writing community, book marketing, writing advice, self editing

How do you go from building a book community on Instagram to publishing your own gothic vampire romance?

In this episode, debut author Lily Crozier shares her inspiring journey from working in the publishing industry to landing a book deal and releasing her atmospheric vampire novel “Vow of Eternal Night.”

We dive into Lily’s creative process, how Bookstagram and TikTok helped grow her platform, and what it’s really like navigating the editorial and publishing process. She also shares practical advice for aspiring writers on starting a novel, dealing with self-doubt, and marketing your book in the modern publishing landscape.

If you love gothic romance, vampire fiction, writing advice, and behind-the-scenes insights into publishing, this episode is packed with inspiration.What You’ll Learn

• Lily’s journey from bookseller and publisher to debut novelist

• The inspiration behind “Vow of Eternal Night” and its gothic vampire world

• How Bookstagram and TikTok helped amplify her visibility

• What happens behind the scenes in the editorial and publishing process

• The importance of book cover design and branding

• Marketing strategies for debut authors

• Overcoming perfectionism and self-doubt as a writer

• Upcoming book festivals and touring plans across Australia

  
  

  Connect With Lily Crozier on - Instagram and TikTok

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Follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with fellow writers and book lovers.

Ali Lowe joins us to discuss the real journey behind becoming a published thriller author.

Originally from the UK and now based in Australia, Ali shares how she moved from a successful journalism career into fiction writing and eventually became a bestselling novelist.

In this conversation we explore her creative process, the inspiration behind her latest thriller The Second Wife, and the realities of navigating the publishing industry.

Ali also talks about balancing writing with family life, overcoming rejection and confidence challenges, and the importance of supportive author communities.

This episode offers an honest and insightful look at the path to publishing — perfect for readers, writers, and anyone curious about how books are really made.

Topics covered include:

• Transitioning from journalism to writing novels

• The impact of the Faber Academy writing course

• Finding inspiration for thrillers

• Securing agents and publishing deals

• Balancing writing with family life

• Handling feedback, reviews and rejection

• Author communities and support networks

• Opportunities for TV and film adaptations

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