Episode 16: Play and Whimsy

In this episode we talk all about play.

What is play? How can it benefit our writing? And how exactly can writers play?

Play helps with problem solving, sparking creativity and connecting with our inner child.

Sarah shares about how the recent Banksy Exhibition has had an effect on the YA novel she is writing.

We mention the Journal of Play in Adulthood, and also The Artists Way by Julia Cameron.

We also talk about whimsy, and how we can incorporate that into our writing lives.

Episode 15: You Are Not Too Old, And It Is Not Too Late

This week we interviewed author Pat Simmons and figure skater Pippi Eisner, two women who started pursuing their passions later in life.

We discussed the joy, the challenges and advice for those who are hesitant to chase their dreams.

Episode 14: The Zine Scene (Beyond the Books Series)

In this episode we chat to 3 Zine and Comic creators at the Ryde Zine Fair:

• ​Estee Sarsfield
• ​Annie Huang from TAKEON Publishing
• ​Samuel McEwen

And we share some places where you can find out more about zines including:

• ​Sydney Comics Arts Market Place: SCAMP
• ​MCA
• ​Northern Beaches Libraries
• ​City of Sydney Libraries
• ​https://zinemap.com

Head to our website to download The Society of Unpublished Authors Zine for free!

This is part 1 of our new series Beyond the Books, where we learn from creators of different mediums.

This week we speak to Australian author and international award-winning screenwriter Lauren Hackney. She shares about her journey from aviation into writing, and how all her success has come from being told ‘No’.

Lauren also shares about her upcoming picture book Panda coming soon from Daisy Lane Publishing.

Episode 12: All The Feels

In this episode with have two interviews conducted at the recent Sydney Writers’ Festival.

The first is with popular and awarded Western Sydney writer Adam Byatt. Adam chats to us about his experience as a first time Writer’s Festival attendee, his love of verse novels, and what he learned from The Anatomy of a Verse Novel panel. He shares his thoughts about young adult writing and gives his unique perspective as a high school English teacher.

The second interview is with Phil Wilcox from The Story Factory, a not-for-profit creative writing organisation for young people. Phil talks about their Plant-a-Poem stall at the festival, what he and his Year of Poetry students were doing, and the marvellous reaction from the public. He also speaks about the power of poetry to tell us something that prose cannot. Hear more about what The Story Factory does and where to find them.

Episode 10: Creating In The Cracks

This week's episode is all about writing in the cracks of time we have.

We talk about what works for us and hear from some fellow creatives about their ideas.

Sarah shares some thoughts from Holly Ringland about procrastination and shame.

We discuss creating versus consuming and challenge ourselves to track the data of our own creativity, thanks to a book by Jon Acuff called Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done.

Episode 10: Writing In The Cracks

This week's episode is all about writing in the cracks of time we have.

We talk about what works for us and hear from some fellow creatives about their ideas.

Sarah shares some thoughts from Holly Ringland about procrastination and shame.

We discuss creating versus consuming and challenge ourselves to track the data of our own creativity, thanks to a book by Jon Acuff called Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done.

Episode 9: Dani Vee Interview! Pitching, Podcasting & Publishing

In this episode we speak to Dani Vee, host of the popular Words and Nerds Podcast, publisher at Larrikin House and author of multiple books for children.
Dani shares her secret to managing such a busy and creative life. Spoiler: It’s doing what you love!
She talks about finding the joy and the positives in neurodivergence, and her great desire for children to see themselves in books.
Listen in for pointers about pitching and bio writing and hear Dani’s most important tip for the upcoming submission window at Larrikin House.

Episode 8: Finding Your Tribe (The ins and outs of critique groups)

This week’s episode is all about critique groups. We talk about what they are, how to find or start one, and even how to leave a critique group.

Sarah shares about how helpful mixed genre groups can be, and Jo explains how her very structured picture book group operates in the capable hands of Mo Davey.

We hear from children’s authors Liz Ledden and Kate Simpson about their experience of being in critique groups.

We dicuss whether jealously and comparison are helpful or harmful.

We’re using royalty-free music by Geoff Harvey—be sure to check out his full catalogue on his YouTube channel @GeoffHarveyMusic