In this episode of Pagecast, recorded at the Kingsmead Book Fair, Shakti Pillay is chatting to three incredible authors about the art of storytelling and how they build fictional worlds that resonate with real emotions and reflect complex human experiences.

Join us for an intimate conversation with:

Louisa Treger, acclaimed author of The Paris Muse, who brings to life the untold stories of women silenced by history and explores the responsibilities of fictionalising real lives.

Bonnie Espie, writer and poet, whose latest novel Making A Killing blends dark comedy with crime fiction, offering fresh perspectives on identity, motherhood, and mental health.

Alistair Mackay, the Cape Town-based author of The Lucky Ones, whose fiction challenges social norms while championing love, kindness, and connection in uncertain times.

Together, they reflect on their writing rituals, how their voices have evolved, and the ways their work contributes to both local and global literary landscapes. Discover what it means to truly feel “seen” as a writer, how they balance humour and serious themes, and the books that have recently inspired them.

Whether you’re a writer, reader, or lover of stories that touch the heart and mind, this episode offers rich insights into the power of fiction to illuminate real emotions and lived experiences.

#PagecastPodcast #SouthAfricanAuthors #FictionWriting #Storytelling #LiteraryPodcast #MakingA Killing #TheParisMuse #TheLuckyOnes #WritingCommunity #RealEmotionsInFiction #BookPodcast #KingsmeadBookFair