Talking Aussie Books

Megan Rogers is a debut novelist with impeccable credentials.

Starting her working life as an editorial assistant at Allen & Unwin before taking up a position in Marketing at the State Library of Victoria Megan has a PhD in Creative Writing as well as a Bachelor of Arts/Science, a Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing, a Graduate Diploma in Professional Communication AND a Masters of Marketing. 

Incredible!

Megan penned a non-fiction book called ‘Finding the Plot, A Maternal Approach to Madness in Literature’ published by Demeter Press in 2017. 

And this month, her debut novel ‘The Heart is A Star’ was published by Harper Collins Publishers. 

Having had the pleasure of devouring this book recently, I can tell you listeners, this is a beautifully written, highly evocative and enthralling read to add to your piles. 

About a woman at the cross-roads of her life and her quest to uncover the truth behind her father’s death, 'The Heart is A Star' is a book I won’t forget in a hurry. 

I chatted with Megan about it on the podcast recently.

Rae Cairns is a Sydney-based author who shot to notoriety when her debut, self-published novel, ‘The Good Mother’ was shortlisted in 2021 for the Ned Kelly Award in the Best Debut Crime Fiction category. 

Following this auspicious event, Rae was offered a two-book deal with HarperCollins publishers and 'The Good Mother' was revised and reissued allowing even more readers to discover Rae’s storytelling prowess with this gripping thriller. 

This month, Rae is celebrating the release of her second novel ‘Dying to Know’. And I have to say, listeners, much like ‘The Good Mother’, this book was thrilling and heart-stopping in equal measures.  From it’s opening pages, Rae sinks her storytelling hooks into us and doesn’t ease up until the very end. 

With its intriguing premise, expertly researched details and propulsive action - I picked this book up on a Sunday afternoon and simply couldn’t put it down again until I was done. 

For several hours everything took a backseat to this incredible story of love, loyalty corruption, betrayal and a sister’s search for the truth. 

I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t wait to chat with Rae on the podcast again.

Jessica Dettmann's new novel 'Without Further Ado" (HarperCollins) is a delightful romantic comedy about one woman's search for love and how the stories we read and films we watch impact that journey.

Based loosely on Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing', this book had me laughing out loud.

A terrifically entertaining read filled with witty dialogue and Jessica's trademark warmth and humour.

I was thrilled to welcome Jessica back to the podcast recently.

Karina May is a Sydney-based author whose debut print novel, 'Duck À L'Orange for Breakfast' was published by Pan Macmillan at the end of March.

A fun, romantic, satisfying and oh-so-delicious book which comes with 14 delectable recipes to sink your teeth into, 'Duck À L'Orange for Breakfast' is rom-com, foodie-fiction and armchair travel rolled into one gorgeous story that will leave you wanting more. More of everything!

If that doesn't pique your interest, think 'Julie & Julia' meets 'The Flatshare' with a bit of 'Emily in Paris' thrown in for good measure.

With its warmth, humour and witty dialogue, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

I loved welcoming Karina to the podcast recently to chat about this delightful book.

Sandie Docker burst onto the Australian literary scene in 2018 with her debut title ‘The Kookaburra Creek Cafe’ followed by 'The Cottage at Rosella Cove in 2019', 'The Banksia Bay Beach Shack' in 2020 and 'The Wattle Island Book Club' in 2022.

Each of these stories have cemented Sandie’s reputation as a masterful storyteller.  Weaving past and present timelines together in heart-wrenching, tear-inducing tales.

Sandie’s novels spotlight both the joys and challenges of living in small communities along with some fascinating, often little known aspects of Australia’s history. 

As a testament to the power of Sandie’s stories, Australia has voted Sandie’s books onto Better Reading’s top 100 — three years in a row! A magnificent achievement to be sure. 

I was more than delighted welcome Sandie back to the podcast recently to chat about her brand new novel ‘The Redgum River Retreat’ (Penguin).

Author Dianne Yarwood is a Sydney-based writer with a background in accounting and corporate advisory work, who also loves to cook.

Her debut novel 'The Wakes' (Hachette Australia) was published in early March 2023. A tender, funny and heartfelt book about two failed marriages, two strangers who fall in love, friends who start a catering business and the four funerals that connect all these people together.

A life-affirming and uplifting book that will stay with you long after you’ve finished.

I was delighted to have the opportunity to chat with Dianne recently.  

Michelle Johnston is the author of two novels and juggles her writing career with her work as an emergency physician the Royal Perth Hospital and as a Professor of Emergency Medicine at St John of God Murdoch. 

If that's not impressive enough, Michelle's debut novel 'Dustfall' was awarded the Hachette/Queensland Writers Centre Developing Manuscript Award in 2014 and later published by UWA Publishing in 2018.

Last year, Michelle's second novel 'Tiny Uncertain Miracles' was published by HarperCollins to widespread, critical acclaim. 

A tender, funny, sad and sharply-drawn novel about family, friendship, faith, love, grief and alchemy. 

I was thrilled to have the chance to speak with Michelle about it recently on the podcast. 

I first interviewed Canadian-born Ashley Kalagian Blunt in 2019 when her debut book 'My Name is Revenge' was published.

Since, Ashley has published a memoir ‘How to Be Australian’ along with other writing which has appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, Overland, the Griffith Review of Books and Kill Your Darlings, just to name a few.

Ashely also teaches creative writing and co-hosts the popular podcast “James and Ashley Stay at Home” - a podcast about writing, creativity and health.

And this year, Ashley can add another feather to her already-crowded cap, with the publication of her much anticipated crime thriller novel ‘Dark Mode’.

A compulsive, highly relevant and riveting book, 'Dark Mode' will have you guessing until the very end. A chilling insight into the dangers we face every day, 'Dark Mode' shines a spotlight on the darkest and most disturbing aspects of society.

An absolute must-read for all crime fiction fans.

I was thrilled to welcome Ashley back to the podcast a few weeks ago.

Last year I was privileged to interview an award-winning novelist whose debut novel became an overnight sensation. 

As the winner of the illustrious Banjo Prize in 2020, Dinuka McKenzie quickly became a household name when her book 'The Torrent' was published by HarperCollins at the beginning of 2022. 

Now, in 2023, Dinuka has followed up on the success of 'The Torrent' with another brilliant book - 'Taken'.

In this novel, we pick up where 'The Torrent' left off. 

Tense and page-turning, this story had me invested from the get-go - riding alongside Detective Kate Miles as she navigates the emotional rollercoaster that is her life.  

I was delighted to have the chance to speak with Dinuka about 'Taken' earlier this year. 

Jo Dixon is one of Australia's newest debut authors.  Her novel, 'The House of Now and Then' was published in January 2023 by HQ Fiction. 

Beautifully written, evocative, intriguing and heart-rending, 'The House of Now and Then' is a tale about a decades long mystery, deadly secrets and the consequences of discovering the truth.  

I absolutely loved it and I know many of you out there will too. 

I was more than a little delighted to chat with the marvellous Jo on the podcast recently.