Meet Deborah Frenkel, author of four picture books including her most recent: 100 Schools Days and The Truck Cat. Deborah reveals her journey to publication, her creative process and tips for aspiring authors.

00:00 Introduction to the podcast
00:19 Special series on children's authors
01:34 Nat Newman's app tip of the week
10:43 Interview with Deborah Frenkel
19:29 The journey to getting published
20:18 The impact of writing courses
22:27 Pitching The Sydney Harbour Fairy
24:19 Creating 100 School Days
26:15 Showcasing published works
31:37 Upcoming projects and writing routine
35:12 Tips for aspiring authors
37:28 Conclusion and final thoughts

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JP Pomare on writing gripping crime thrillers and his latest novel 17 Years Later. JP discusses his writing process, research methods, and experiences with book adaptations into TV series. The episode features insights on maintaining creativity, the importance of method writing, crafting captivating crime narratives, and tips for aspiring writers. JP highlights the intricacies of plotting and characterisation in crime fiction, his unique approach to developing a story, and how he navigates the darker aspects of true crime.

00:00 Introduction and upcoming event
02:06 Creative catch-up with Nat Newman
05:48 Writing tip of the week
08:46 Book giveaway: Precipice by Robert Harris
10:19 Word of the week: Cantillate
11:55 Interview with J.P. Pomare
28:12 Challenges of writing crime fiction
29:50 Balancing plotting and pantsing
32:21 Crafting memorable scenes
35:46 Daily writing routine
39:16 From book to TV series
51:12 Handling dark themes in writing
55:24 Future plans and advice for writers
01:01:19 Conclusion and fun fact

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Meet Lian Tanner, who reveals 5 strategies you need to build longevity into your author career. Lian also discusses her latest picture book, When the Lights Went Out. Lian covers: writing to your passions rather than market demands, seeking valuable feedback, continually learning the craft, and being open to reinvention. She also shares her process and experiences in writing middle grade and picture books.

00:00 Introduction to the podcast
00:17 Special series announcement
00:56 Writing for children
02:10 Nat Newman's app tip
09:18 Interview with Lian Tanner
10:23 Lian Tanner's writing journey
13:25 Writing for different age groups
14:35 Balancing writing projects
20:12 Advice for aspiring authors
21:39 Writing with passion and originality
23:22 Early career temptations and lessons
25:33 The importance of quality feedback
29:05 Developing thick skin and learning mindset
35:17 Reinventing yourself as a writer
40:09 Crafting picture books: A deep dive
43:16 Conclusion and final thoughts

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Meet Julie Bennett, author of The Lost Letters of Rose Carey. Julie discusses her writing process, the inspiration behind her novel, researching historical fiction and career journey so far.

00:00 Introduction and welcome
00:19 Exploring Rocketbook
04:06 Shoutout to Jane Sullivan
05:29 Nat Newman writing tip: Introduce a dinosaur
14:12 Book giveaway: The Wilds by Sarah Pearse
15:55 Word of the week: avoirdupois
18:37 Interview with Julie Bennett
26:03 Plotting vs. pantsing: A writer's journey
26:42 Discovering the inspiration behind the novel
28:49 From child performer to author
30:52 Committing to writing
31:51 A lifelong love for stories
32:37 Writing The Understudy: From idea to manuscript
34:03 Getting published
36:06 Balancing PR work and writing
40:38 Researching historical fiction
45:51 The reality of being an author
48:50 Future plans and writing tips
52:27 Conclusion and final thoughts

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Meet Anna Johnston, author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, her rapid success, and her writing process.

00:00 Introduction
01:15 Literary competitions and overcoming fear
02:58 Nat Newman writing tip: Taking your character on a date
10:24 Book giveaway: Two Daughters by Alison Edwards
11:52 Word of the week: Desuetude
13:23 Interview with author Anna Johnston
20:33 The importance of a writing group
21:00 Forming and maintaining a writing group
22:20 Balancing writing with life
23:02 Getting serious about writing
24:21 The book deal journey
25:42 Pitching at virtual speed dating
29:31 The role of an agent
31:49 Writing process and character development
34:09 Challenges and inspirations
41:10 Future plans and advice for aspiring writers
45:11 Fun fact: The world’s oldest library

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Meet author Victoria Purman, an accomplished historical fiction writer, who delves into her research and writing process, the inspiration behind her latest book The Radio Hour. Victoria offers valuable writing tips and the episode provides a deep dive into her journey, character development, and practical advice for aspiring writers.

00:00 Welcome to Episode 614
02:42 Upcoming webinar: Matching Style to Genre
04:37 Nat Newman’s writing tip of the week
12:14 Competition: Win Highway 13 by Fiona McFarlane
14:23 Word of the week: Cacography
17:21 Interview with Victoria Purman
25:49 Exploring the creative process
26:59 Researching historical context
29:33 The journey to becoming an author
32:03 Teaching and learning writing
33:07 Writing routines and challenges
36:40 Character development insights
41:43 Setting and location research
49:06 Finding inspiration for stories
53:28 Top writing tips for aspiring authors
55:35 Fun Fact and conclusion

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Meet Amy T. Matthews, an award-winning author and associate professor, about her varied writing career under different pseudonyms, where she shares her approach to balancing multiple writing projects and her thoughts on the romance genre. All of Amy’s books are traditionally published and she also writes under Amy Barry and Tess LeSue.

00:00 Introduction
00:18 TikTok and who is doing it right?
02:41 Nat Newman writing tips
22:03 Interview with Amy T. Matthews, also known as Amy Barry and Tess LeSue
29:55 From bad poetry to a PhD in creative writing
31:30 Transitioning to romance writing
32:11 The fascination with romance
34:01 The birth of Tess LeSue
35:23 Navigating the publishing world
42:56 Balancing writing and teaching
47:06 Intensive writing process
57:42 Future aspirations and tips for aspiring writers
01:01:38 Conclusion and fun fact

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Meet Petronella McGovern, author of The Last Trace. Petronella shares her top 5 tips on creating narrative tension and so that readers keep turning the page. You'll discover techniques on character development, the challenges of editing, writing cliffhangers, ensuring you have internal and external conflicts and much more.

00:00 Introduction and welcome
00:18 TV series based on books
02:28 Nat Newman's writing tips on writing accents
10:46 WIN: Lies & Weddings by Kevin Kwan
13:51 Word of the week: Psephology
15:12 Interview with Petronella McGovern, author of The Last Trace
23:09 Introducing the multi-generational characters
23:46 Crafting emotional connections with characters
24:55 Narrative tension and point of view decisions
26:40 Internal and external conflicts
27:56 Writing realistic teenagers
30:41 Drip feeding secrets and foreshadowing
34:18 The importance of cliffhangers
35:15 The evolution of writing process
39:52 Balancing subplots and multiple POVs
42:25 Final thoughts and future projects
45:16 Conclusion and fun fact

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Meet award-winning poet, novelist, and translator Lia Hills. Lia reveals her innovative approach of narrating her novel, The Desert Knows Her Name, using voice recognition software while on location in the desert. She completed her first draft in TWO WEEKS! You’ll discover Lia’s methodology, challenges, and the profound connection between place and narrative.

00:00 Introduction and host's update
02:00 Nat Newman’s writing tips
05:51 Words at Dawn writing community
08:00 Keep it simple
10:21 Useful apps for writers
12:31 Book giveaway: The Haters by Robyn Harding
14:53 Word of the week: Imbroglio
15:35 Interview with Lia Hills
27:01 Immersing in character narration
28:23 Writing in the desert
29:11 Specific writing spaces
31:50 Challenges and reflections
34:39 Community engagement and research
38:47 Editing and software tips
49:23 Future writing methods
51:17 Final thoughts and tips
53:42 Podcast conclusion and resources

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Meet Kyra Geddes, author of The Story Thief. Kyra discusses her journey from idea to publication, the importance of research, and the challenges of editing her manuscript. The episode concludes with writing tips and a book giveaway: The Wrong Man by Tim Ayliffe.

00:00 Introduction
01:33 Nat Newman’s writing tips
09:10 Book giveaway: The Wrong Man by Tim Ayliffe
11:20 Word of the week: Fuscous
11:54 Interview with Kyra Geddes
28:48 The journey to starting the manuscript
29:53 Overcoming the fear of the blank page
30:56 The long writing process
31:54 The path to publication
32:51 Facing rejections and manuscript assessments
34:06 Pitching to publishers
35:45 The epiphany: Switching to first person
37:58 Securing a publishing deal
42:38 The structural edit challenge
50:01 Future writing plans
51:33 Top tips for aspiring writers
53:28 Conclusion and final thoughts

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