Talking Aussie Books

A former script-writer for 'Home and Away', a long-running popular Australian TV drama, Kaneana May has now cracked the literary market with her intriguing exploration of a reality dating show in her debut novel, 'The One'. It follows the lives of three women - each of whom must decide how far they will go to find the one. . . Join me for this fascinating chat with an exciting new voice in Australian fiction writing.

It's been just over a week since Tess Woods' latest novel, "Love and Other Battles" (HarperCollins Australia) hit Australian bookshelves and it seems the reading public can't wait to get stuck into this heartwarming story. A multi-generational story that delves into the lives of three women - each a product of their own time - it offers both an insight into our past and a glimpse of challenges we face as a society now and into the future. Join me as I chat to this passionate, Aussie story-teller about her inspiration for the novel, her research and much more.

This week I chat to Maya Linnell, another fabulous debut Aussie author. Her book "Wildflower Ridge" (Allen & Unwin) was a delightful read that had me yearning to travel in the protagonist's footsteps through country Victoria and into the Grampian ranges. A heartwarming family saga that will leave you breathless and wanting more. Loved it!

In this Episode, I chat to Tabitha Bird about her remarkable debut novel, 'A Lifetime of Impossible Days' (Viking, Penguin Random House 2019). It's a magical story that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. It will make you laugh and cry and no doubt will leave a lasting impression long after you've turned the final page. I was enchanted by the Willas' story and I know you will be too.

Ashley Kalagian Blunt is a Sydney-based writer whose debut book "My Name is Revenge" is a fictional exploration of a significant historical event and its continued effect on the geopolitics of the modern era along with impact of violence as a way of resolving violence. A thought-provoking and informative book and interview.

Christian White's debut novel "The Nowhere Child" has catapulted him to overnight international success. Winner of the 2017 Victorian Premier's Literary Award and shortlisted for the 2019 ABIA's, "The Nowhere Child" is a gripping story of secrets, cults and memories taking readers on a journey full of twists and turns, through the past and present to find out: who took Sammy Went. Join me as Christian and I chat about his inspiration for the book, his research and writing practices in what is one of the funniest and most entertaining interviews I have done to date. You'll love it!

Josephine Moon is one of Australia's favourite story-tellers. Famously describing her books as being "like chocolate brownies", more and more readers are tucking into these moreish stories. And her new novel, "The Gift Of Life" is another heartwarming tale that will have you flipping pages well into the night. A very special treat! Tune in as we chat organ donation, heart transplants, food, animals and much more.

Richard Beasley is a Sydney barrister who exploded on the Australian literary scene with his first novel "Hell Has Harbour Views". A satirical look at life in a big city law firm, this novel resonated with many a young lawyer and was adapted for TV not long afterwards. After sixteen years and another four books, Richard wrote, "The Burden of Lies", the second in his Peter Tanner series. It's a legal thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat - one that explores the underbelly of Sydney's property development scene and the ethical and moral dilemmas often faced by criminal defence lawyers. A delightfully entertaining interview that will have you chuckling as I did!

With six novels already under her writing belt, Natasha Lester is one of Australia's fastest rising literary stars. Her novels are sweeping tales of love and war; of by-gone eras when women faced significant hurdles in their struggle for social change. Her latest novel, "The French Photographer" is another stunning example of Natasha's skill in the historical fiction space. A novel you won't forget in a hurry. Listen in as we chat about Natasha's inspiration for this story, the research she undertook to bring this novel to the page and much more.

Cassie Hamer is yet another fabulous debut Australian author whose book "After the Party" was released by HQ Fiction in February 2019. A heart-warming and humourous look at parenthood, love, marriage and school-yard politics, fans of Liane Moriarty will love this book! Join me for this entertaining chat with Cassie - a new and exciting voice in contemporary Australian fiction.