In this episode, we welcome Brisbane author Diane Clarke who explains how her debut novel 'The Photograph' was inspired by the evacuations of children in London during world war 2 with the plot centred around a missing boy and the discovery of an old photograph which uncovers a dark family secret. Her second novel, 'The Bracelet' is a family drama and murder mystery due for release in March 2025. During the discussion, Diane breaks down her strategies for blending historical facts with fictional storylines and the importance of research to ensure authenticity. Finally, Diane describes her journey to publication, her disappointments, successes and learnings.

So sit back, relax and enjoy!

In the second episode with author Alicia Thompson, the topic of author marketing is explored. Alicia breaks down marketing strategies that have worked for her including speaking events and workshops, registering with corporate book buyers, planning regional library road trips, networking within the writing community, social media, getting reviews, and thinking outside the box in terms of book distribution. A great episode for authors ready to scale up their marketing.

So sit back, relax and enjoy!

This week's special guest is author Alica Thompson whose debut novel 'Something Else' was published in 2021 and her follow up crime novel 'Ex' was released in 2024. Alicia has a masters in creative writing and delivers workshops for emerging authors. In this episode, we explore the topics Alicia teaches including how to kick start your novel, exercising your writing muscles, and finding the plot. She also provides advice for authors who are considering delivering their own workshops or speaking events and how to approach libraries and other venues to host and market these events.

So sit back, relax and enjoy!

In this week's episode, Dr Jo Skinner returns to talk about how she uses long-distance running to clear her mind and problem solve story plot issues. She also shares some interesting insights into the similarities between running a marathon and writing a novel. In this second and final episode, Jo delves deeper into the social issues that inspire her writing including domestic violence, positive masculinity and role modelling appropriate behaviours, and gender equity. Finally, Jo breaks down the book category of 'Women's Fiction' and where she sits on the debate about defining genres.

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy!

This week’s special guest is Doctor Jo Skinner, a Brisbane based GP who writes contemporary women’s fiction as well as freelance non-fiction articles about women’s issues and mental health. She also has a long-distance running habit. When she’s not working or writing you’ll find her accruing kilometres while plotting her next story.

In this first of two episodes, Jo discusses how the creative writing bug took hold and how she balances her fiction writing and author marketing commitments with her professional career as a medical practitioner. Jo also discusses how her creative writing and story themes are inspired by social issues she’s witnessed as a community doctor.

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy!

In this episode, Jack Roney and Harry Colfer chat with author, poet and editor, Lauren Daniels about benefits of participating in writers groups for feedback and support as well as how working with an editor can propel your writing to the next level.

This episode is sponsored by the Brisbane Writers Workshop and The Fellowship of Australian Writers Queensland.

In this final instalment of Harry and Jack’s chat with writer David Shield, he breaks down and explains 8 steps for creating characters, from making your characters visible and nuanced with believable faults, using placeholder names, giving characters a redeeming quality and unique vocal attributes. David also explains the importance of giving your character goals and fears and ensuring their behaviours and dialogue remain consistent. 

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy!

In this episode, Jack Roney and Harry Colfer chat with author, poet and editor, Lauren Daniels about how authors can improve their public speaking skills for public events such as writers festival panels, workshops and library author talks.

This episode is sponsored by the Brisbane Writers Workshop and The Fellowship of Australian Writers Queensland.

In episode 2 of the 3-part series with Japanese language translator and writer David Shield, he explains the rules for translating stories between English and Japanese and how AI will never replace the human element needed for accurate storytelling.

David Shield is a writer and professional Japanese interpreter and translator, with a BA in Japanese language and Asian Political Studies, Master of International Studies and Master of Japanese Interpreting and Translation. David writes across genres including fantasy, historical fiction and sci-fi. His middle-grade fiction work My Dad’s an Evil Necromancer was shortlisted for the Qld Writers Centre’s Publishable Program in 2022; his short story translation won the Australian Society of Interpreters New Translator Prize in 2021.

In episode 1 of this 3-part series, our guest David Shield explains how his alter ego, a purple octopus named Angus, has come into his life, and how he came to embark on a professional career as a Japanese language translator. David also explains his love for storytelling and how he juggled academic studies and career to still find the time to indulge his creative writing interests.  

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy!