Talking Aussie Books

The last time I chatted with Pamela Cook for the podcast was back in 2019 - to celebrate her self-published release 'Cross My Heart'.

Six years later and 'Cross My Heart' is being re-released by Vinci Books and I took the opportunity to talk to Pamela about her journey from traditional published author, to indie publishing and back to traditional and the lessons she's learned along the way.

An illuminating discussion about the highs and lows of the writing life and what happens if you keep writing and stay open to new opportunities.

I loved this chat and hope you will too.

Brooke Crawford is a Melbourne based author of the terrific debut novel ‘Better Than the Real Thing’ published by HQ Fiction.

Described as ‘Notting Hill’ meets ‘Bridget Jones’ Baby’ this novel is smart, pacy, funny, drama filled and utterly romantic. 

I can’t recommend it highly enough!!

The perfect summer read and one I suspect will be filling Christmas stockings around the country before too long. 

I enjoyed a wonderful chat with Brooke about her wonderful novel for the podcast recently.

Darry Fraser is a bestselling Australian author of some twenty books the latest of which is 'The Adventuress of Albany'.

Published by HQ Fiction, 'The Adventuress of Albany ' follows Molly Bentley who in 1881 chafes against the constraints of English society and with her father's help ventures to the unknown in the bustling port city of Albany in Western Australia. What starts out as a quest for freedom turns into perilous journey where secrets are revealed and loyalties tested.

A brilliant new novel from one of Australia's most loved historical fiction authors.

Join Cassie Hamer as she chats with Darry about her longstanding career and the inspiration for her work.

Darcy Green is a Melbourne-based queer author whose debut novel 'After the Siren' (Penguin) has got readers hot under the collar for all the right reasons.

A footy rom-com inspired by Darcy's own love of AFL and experience as a player, 'After the Siren' is a delightfully playful, sexy novel that will leave you wanting more.

To learn more about Darcy and their book, tune in to this marvellous chat Cassie Hamer recently enjoyed with this talented author and exciting new voice in the Aussie rom-com space.

Fiona McKenzie Kekic's debut novel ‘Eva Reddy’s Trip of a Lifetime’ was published by HQ Fiction earlier this year and what a cracker novel it is!

A tale about one middle-aged woman’s quest to get back to the person she knew she could be. A literal and figurative journey set between Sydney and India that had me laughing out loud.

Funny, insightful and heartwarming, this is a book you'll want to rip through at breakneck speed, but which should be savoured and appreciated like a wonder tour.

A terrific debut from a truly talented story teller. 

Ky Garvey is a Brisbane-based author and host of the Totally Lit Podcast. A podcast dedicated to the celebration of reading, writing and creating literature. 

With 100 episodes on offer right now, Ky has chatted with a wide-range of authors, industry professionals and booksellers while also managing to showcase events and other happenings that are important to her. 

Things like the Totally Lit Micro Fiction Prize which Ky instigated last year to provide opportunities and exposure for Aussie creatives along with the AuthorPenPals program and Books in Homes amongst others. 

Ky is the author of the kids picture book ‘Easy Peasey’ which was published by EK Books in 2023. In addition, Ky has won or been shortlisted in a number of writing competitions which include the Hunter Writers Centre Grieve Project.

'The One Remaining' (Fearless Press) is Paula McLean's debut novel.

A stunningly written story about a novelist coming to terms with the grief and trauma she experienced as a child as she works through the writing of her memoir.

As the first book published by new publishing imprint Fearless Books, it heralds the start of a new and exciting chapter in the lives of novelist Paula McLean and her publisher daughter Ginny Grant.

I thoroughly enjoyed my chat with Paula recently for the podcast.

With thanks to Fearless Press for the opportunity to interview Paula.

Rhonda McCoy is a Tasmanian-based author whose debut novel 'Crow' was released by Ventura Press recently.

A gripping family drama combined with medical intrigue, 'Crow' explores the tragic death of Harold Crow following routine surgery and the dark secrets his death exposes that threaten to tear two families apart.

Cassie Hamer enjoyed a wide-ranging, insightful and deeply touching chat with Rhonda about her inspiration for 'Crow' along with her journey to publishing success.

Amy Hutton is a Sydney-based author who grew up on the northern beaches and became an award-winning television producer. But about 7 years ago now, Amy gave up her job in network television to pursue her love of writing. 

‘Sit Stay Love’  - Amy’s first novel - was published by Simon & Schuster in 2023 and Amy followed that up with her second novel ‘Love from Scratch’ only a year later. 

Amy describes herself as the writer of swoony love stories.  And having read all three of her books now, I can definitely attest to the veracity of that description. 

I was thrilled to welcome Amy to Talking Aussie Books recently to talk about the publication of her third novel ‘Ghosted’  - a delightfully dark and sexy paranormal romance publised by Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. 

I recently had the pleasure of chatting to author Holly Cardamone about her sparkling debut novel 'Summer, In Between' (Hawkeye Publishing).

When not writing Holly runs a boutique communications and writing consultancy from Melbourne where she helps people tell their story and grow their brand.

‘Summer, In Between’ won the 2024 Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize and has now been officially released into the world. 

An evocative coming of age novel, Holly has captured the essence of a beachside Australian summer along with the teenage angst of being no longer a child, but not yet an adult.

Its about teenage romance and future dreams. About family, cultural identity and about belonging. 

A gorgeously uplifting novel and thoroughly enjoyable read and a chat well worth listening to.