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In this episode Helen and Leigh speak to Hayley Scrivenor. 

Hayley shares insights into her writing process, character development, and the evolution of her novels 'Dirt Town' and 'Girl Falling'. We discover how her background, research approach, and love for place shape her compelling stories.

Hayley Scrivenor shares her journey as a writer, the creative process behind her novels, and insights into the Australian crime writing scene. Discover how she crafts her stories, the importance of community, and her upcoming projects.

Find Hayley's books on Booktopia 

• Dirt Town
• Girl Falling

https://hayleyscrivenor.com/

Booktopia Affiliate Program

The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back! 

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.

Disclaimer

The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.

www.killcitypodcast.com.au

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In this episode, we're joined by Troy Hunter who shares his journey from marketing professional to acclaimed young adult crime author. 

We explore his writing process, the importance of place in storytelling, and how he thoughtfully handles complex themes like identity and mental health in his books. 

In this episode, Troy Hunter shares his insights on the importance of diverse storytelling, and strategies to encourage reluctant readers, especially boys, to develop a love for books.

The books of Troy Hunter

• Gus and the Missing Boy
• Gus and the Burning Stones

Follow Troy 

• Instagram

Booktopia Affiliate Program

The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back! 

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.

Disclaimer

The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.

www.killcitypodcast.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we're joined by Troy Hunter who shares his journey from marketing professional to acclaimed young adult crime author. 

We explore his writing process, the importance of place in storytelling, and how he thoughtfully handles complex themes like identity and mental health in his books. 

In this episode, Troy Hunter shares his insights on the importance of diverse storytelling, and strategies to encourage reluctant readers, especially boys, to develop a love for books.

The books of Troy Hunter

• Gus and the Missing Boy
• Gus and the Burning Stones

Follow Troy 

• Instagram

Booktopia Affiliate Program

The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back! 

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.

Disclaimer

The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.

www.killcitypodcast.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

The 2026 Davitt Award winners have been announced, and in this bonus episode we look at these thoroughly deserving winners. 

A huge congratulations to the below winners of this year's awards. 

Learn more about the Davitt Awards and Sisters in Crime. 

Best Adult Fiction:  Joanna Jenkins, The Bluff (Allen & Unwin)

Best Nonfiction: Kate Wild, The Red House (Allen & Unwin)

Best Young Adult Novel: Amy Doak, What Have They done to Liza McLean? (Penguin Random House Australia)

Best Children’s Novel: Sarah Armstrong, Run (Hardie Grant Children’s)

Highly Commended – Children’s Novel: Amelia Mellor, Oceanforged: The Wicked Ship (Simon & Schuster Australia)

Best Debut: Angie Faye Martin, Melaleuca (HQ Fiction) 

Kerry Greenwood Readers’ Choice Award: Sally Hepworth, Mad Mabel (Macmillan Australia)

Booktopia Affiliate Program

The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back! 

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.

Disclaimer

The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.

www.killcitypodcast.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

In part two of our conversation with Sam Elliott, we talk about how he crafts his characters, including the lead character of his novel, Haze, Dahlia Turner (and 2027's Deep Fake). 

He also discusses the solitary journey that is writing, the process of writing and re-writing and how his preferred kind of feedback is "brutal honesty, scorched earth... don't sugarcoat anything." 

Plus, he talks about not letting anyone "dim your shine." It's an open, honest and insightful chat. 

Sam's debut novel, Haze

• Haze, by Sam Elliott

Sam's podcast

• The Write Way (hosted by Sam)

About the Write Way
A program founded and hosted by author and interviewer Samuel Elliott, that features a broad and disparate range of writer folk guests, ranging from international best-selling authors, to debut novelists or those as-yet unpublished writers. 

Regardless of what stage of their career they might be at, all of them are united by a love of writing, as well as having overcome some brutal challenges to get to where they are. This program will discuss not only each guest’s latest and greatest work or project, but also delve into what they’ve faced and conquered along their way to inevitable success.

Booktopia Affiliate Program

The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back! 

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.

Disclaimer

The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.

www.killcitypodcast.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode Helen and Leigh speak to Sydney crime writer, Sam Elliott, who shares his journey from childhood obsessions to publishing his debut novel 'Haze'. Sam discusses character creation, researching for authenticity, and the intense process of bringing a story to life, including the impact of editing and the significance of Australian settings and themes. 

Samuel details his writing process and the importance of community, how he handles feedback, and his upcoming projects including the novel Deep Fake. He also discusses the challenges and rewards of a writing career and offers advice for aspiring authors.

Sam's debut novel, Haze

• Haze, by Sam Elliott

Sam's podcast

• The Write Way (hosted by Sam)

About the Write Way
A program founded and hosted by author and interviewer Samuel Elliott, that features a broad and disparate range of writer folk guests, ranging from international best-selling authors, to debut novelists or those as-yet unpublished writers. 

Regardless of what stage of their career they might be at, all of them are united by a love of writing, as well as having overcome some brutal challenges to get to where they are. This program will discuss not only each guest’s latest and greatest work or project, but also delve into what they’ve faced and conquered along their way to inevitable success.

Booktopia Affiliate Program

The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back! 

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.

Disclaimer

The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.

www.killcitypodcast.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

In part two of our conversation with Sarah Bailey, we talk about the relationship she has with the team around her; her agent, editor and publisher and how this helps shape her work. 

We talk about Ai and its impact, and then - as we always do - we finish part two with our quick and the curious questions... which is always fun!

Books by Sarah Bailey

The Gemma Woodstock series

• The Dark Lake
• Into the Night
• Where the Dead Go
• Body of Lies

The Oli Groves series

• The Housemate
• Click

He Read, She Read podcast (with J.P Pomare)

https://www.sarahbaileyauthor.com/

Booktopia Affiliate Program

The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back! 

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.

Disclaimer

The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.

www.killcitypodcast.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode we speak to and explore the journey of Sarah Bailey, acclaimed crime writer known for her gripping crime thrillers. With a background in PR and communications, Sarah transitioned from a successful corporate career to focus on her writing. 

Books by Sarah Bailey

The Gemma Woodstock series

• The Dark Lake
• Into the Night
• Where the Dead Go
• Body of Lies

The Oli Groves series

• The Housemate
• Click

He Read, She Read podcast (with J.P Pomare)

https://www.sarahbaileyauthor.com/

Booktopia Affiliate Program

The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back! 

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.

Disclaimer

The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.

www.killcitypodcast.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Leigh and Helen explore the vibrant landscape of Australian children's and young adult crime and mystery books. They discuss award-winning titles, influential authors like John Marsden, and upcoming releases, highlighting how these stories shape the next generation of readers and writers.

Children's Book Week 2026

• https://cbca.org.au/childrens-book-week/

Books we discussed

• The books of John Marsden
• The books of Amy Doak
• The books of Aaron Blabey
• We saw what you started, by Carla Salmon
• True South, by Gisela Ervin-Ward
• Run, by Sarah Armstrong
• The books of Kate Emery

Key Topics

• Australian children's and YA crime books
• John Marsden's influence on Australian literature
• Upcoming Australian crime book awards and nominations
• The role of mystery in young adult fiction
• Notable Australian authors and series in YA crime
• The importance of nurturing young readers in the crime genre.

Keywords

Australian children's books, young adult crime fiction, John Marsden, Children's Book Week, Australian authors, mystery books, YA series, crime adjacent stories, Australian literature, book awards

Booktopia Affiliate Program

The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back! 

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.

Disclaimer

The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.

www.killcitypodcast.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

In the second part of our conversation with Australian crime writer Dinuka Mackenzie, we dive into her new novel, She Lied First and continue our chat as she shares her journey from environmental planner to acclaimed crime.

Author of the Kate Miles series, featuring a female detective navigating the chaotic world of regional policing and motherhood. With her debut novel, The Torrent, winning the prestigious HarperCollins Banjo Prize in 2020, she has proven her talent in crafting compelling stories.

Dinuka's books

• The Torrent (Kate Miles, book one)
• Taken (Kate Miles, book two)
• Tipping Point (Kate Miles, book three)
• She Lied First (standalone, released July 2026)

Booktopia Affiliate Program

The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back! 

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.

Disclaimer

The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.

www.killcitypodcast.com.au