Talking Aussie Books

Liz Foster is a Sydney-based author originally from Britain who began her writing journey some seven years ago. 

'The Good Woman’s Guide to Making Better Choices', published by Affirm Press is her first novel. And listeners, it’s a cracker. 

A thoroughly enjoyable read about marriage, parenting, fraud, infidelity and…of all things…goat’s cheese!

I was delighted to have the chance to speak with Liz about her book and journey on the podcast recently.

Michelle Upton in a Brisbane-based author whose first novel ‘Terms of Inheritance’ was shortlisted for the Banjo Prize in 2021.  

A little over 12 months later 'Terms of Inheritance' was published by HarperCollins Australia. 

And I can see why.  With a strong hook and a cast of strong, vibrant female characters, this was one heck of a good story. Hard to believe it was Michelle’s debut, frankly.

Another 12 months on, Michelle’s second book ‘Emergency Exit Only’ was published. 

When I first picked up ‘Emergency Exit Only’ I wondered if it would live up to the spectacular arrival of her debut. And after reading it and LOVING it, I can honestly say it EXCEEDED my expectations. 

It’s a wonderful, feel-good story about second chances and opening yourself up to possibilities.  

Michelle
recently

After more than 260 interviews to this point and attendance at bookish events too numerous to count, I meet a lot of Australian authors. 

Some are well into their writing careers, others are just at the start or trying to break in like me while many are somewhere in the middle.  

So when someone I know - someone who has been trying to get published for a while - finally succeeds, it’s an occasion well worth celebrating. 

My friend, Joanne Spiers, works as an editor in her own business - Nuturing Words. And when she’s not wrangling other people’s manuscripts, Jo is writing her own.  

Her debut novel, Second Chance Love in Point Perry, was published by Harlequin’s Escape Publishing earlier this year. 

And I couldn’t be happier for Jo.  

A warm and tender story inspired by Jo’s upbringing on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia and grief over the death of her beloved mum, Second Chance Love in Point Perry ushers a bright and promising career (and more Point Perry books) for this talented storyteller. 

I was delighted to welcome Jo to the podcast recently. 

It’s impossible not to be excited about interviewing an author whose career I have been fortunate to witness from it’s infancy. 

From the first interview I conducted with this author more than five years ago until now, this woman’s skill as a storyteller has simply gone from strength to strength.

With 4 bestselling books under her belt now, Tania Blanchard has become an international bestselling author and a powerhouse in the historical fiction space. 

I was thrilled to have the chance to speak with Tania again ahead of the release of her brand new novel, ‘A Woman of Courage’ published by HarperCollins Australia. 

Steve Matthews is the author of the bestselling Hitler trilogy: Hitler’s Brothel, Hitler’s Assassins and Hitler’s Resurrection. 

Each of these books are based on true events - constructing unique narratives and perspective around the horrific deeds and atrocities committed by the Nazi regime in World War II.

It was following the publication of Hitler’s Brothel that I first became acquainted with Steve’s fascinating work. 

This year, Steve is celebrating the publication of a new novel. A move away from the events of World War II, going back in time to examine the sacrifices, heroism and courage displayed by many who fought in the Great War. And one man in particular - Private Ted Watts. 

Filled with Steve’s trademark wit and incredible attention to detail ‘Ted Watts’ Diary’ (Big Sky Publishing) is a poignant examination of one man’s remarkable courage, determination and will to survive - despite the overwhelming obstacles he faced. Not only as a soldier, but as a man. 

Brilliantly researched, colourful and at times confronting, this is a book that doesn’t shy away from the awful toll of war, but which still remains hopeful.

A terrific read.

I was delighted to welcome Steve back to the podcast recently .

Kell Woods in an Australian historical fantasy author whose debut novel has just been released in Australia/New Zealand, the UK and the US.

Called ‘After the Forest’ Kell has written a rich, compelling and utterly remarkable fairytale retelling.   

Set in the Black Forest of Wurrtemberg during the mid-17th century, the story picks up 15 years after Greta and her brother Hans escape from an old witch and her gingerbread house. In the aftermath of a brutal war and with no one but her gambling brother to help look after her, Greta bakes the best gingerbread around in an effort to keep her family afloat.  But rumours about her continue to swirl and the superstitions of the villagers are becoming harder to keep at bay.

Weaving history, fantasy, romance and fairytale together, this book had me turning pages deep into the night and had me in awe of Kell’s storytelling abilities. 

I was thrilled to chat about this incredible book with Kell on the podcast recently.

Shelley Burr is an award-winning Australian author whose debut novel ‘Wake’ was a top five bestseller.

Published in the US and the UK as well as here in Australia, 'Wake' won the CWA Debut Dagger Award in 2019 (a UK award for an unpublished writer), it was shortlisted for the Indie Book Awards Debut Novel Award, the Kill Your Darlings Unpublished Manuscript Award and the Bath Novel Award. 

And only last week ‘Wake’ won the 2023 Ned Kelley Award for best debut crime fiction!

Recently I had the chance to speak with Shelley about her brand new novel ‘Ripper’ - which was also released by Hachette Australia last week. 

A clever, twisty novel set in a tiny town between Sydney and Melbourne: a town long past its heyday and struggling under the weight of its dark history. 

As with all the very best crime novels,  I was hooked from its opening page.

If you loved Shelley’s first book ‘Wake’, then ‘Ripper’ is a MUST-read. 
Tune in to hear Shelley talk about her rapid rise to literary fame, her inspiration for her books, writing tips and much more.

Steph Vizard is a Melbourne-based writer who won the 2022 Banjo Prize with her then unpublished manuscript 'The Love Contract'.

Twelve months on and that book has now been published by HarperCollins.

I have no doubt that readers will fall in love with this charming story about enemy neighbours - Zoe and Will - who reluctantly come to the realisation that they each had the power to help the other one out of a difficult situation. 

The question is of course, will they?  And what are the consequences?

To find out if they do or don’t you’ll have to read the book. But in the meantime you can enjoy listening to the delightful Steph and I chat about her debut novel ‘The Love Contract'.  

This was SO much fun.

Jane Harrison is an award-winning playwright and novelist as well as Festival director whose work has been performed across Australia and internationally.

Jane is descended from the Muruwari people and believes stories have the power to strengthen cultural connection. 

Jane’s YA novel ‘Becoming Kirrali Lewis’ won the 2014 Black & Write Prize and that same novel was shortlisted for the 2014 Prime Ministers Literary Award and the Victorian Premiers Award. 

Jane’s stage play ‘The Visitors’ was performed to critical acclaim at the Sydney Festival back in 2020 and a Sydney Theatre Production of the 'The Visitors' is playing at the Sydney Opera House in September 2023.

If that wasn't enough, HarperCollins has recently published Jane’s debut adult novel inspired by her hit stage show - also called ‘The Visitors’.

This is a book that reimagines a crucial moment in Australia’s history from the point of view of our First Nations people.  A story that challenges our understanding of this event by revisiting the landing of the first fleet in 1788 from the perspective of seven Aboriginal men, all of whom represent nearby clans.

A stunning, evocative and thought-provoking novel which I loved. 

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with Jane about her book on the podcast recently.

Memorable books are the ones that make me feel something. Books that make me laugh or hold my breath with anticipation; stories that make me feel hopeful and most of all... the books that make me cry. These are the ones that become indelibly printed on my heart.

‘Saving Charli’ (Scholastic Australia) written by Victorian-based author, Di Walker is a book that made me feel SO many of these things all at once.

Until ‘Saving Charli’ I hadn’t read any of Di’s work.  But that’s something I’m going to have to change in the near future. 

‘Saving Charli’ is a middle-grade novel about a set of twins and their friends as they finish primary school and begin their first year of high school, trying to navigate a momentous change in their collective lives at the same time. 

Exploring friendships, family, love and loss - it’s a tender, insightful, beautifully written book which can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike.

Highly recommended reading!

I was delighted to welcome Di to the podcast recently to chat about this wonderful book.