The Write Way

The Write Way

By Samuel ElliottArts
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The Write Way episodes

  • Publisher Meredith Curnow Discussing The Industry
    Former festival director of the Sydney Writers Festival, and publisher at Penguin Random House Australia, Meredith Curnow, joined me on the show.
    Topics discussed include:
    Meredith’s journey to becoming a publisher, from being a festival director and her life before that. Along with some career highlights and challenges she’s encountered along the way.
    How the ever-changing industry has changed since the pandemic. How TikTok has become a great platform for finding literary talent.
    Insights into the process of publishing, from how Meredith selects titles (and what makes a title stand out) to the ‘end’ of the journey, with the title on the shelves.
    Advice for aspiring authors, as well as those looking to work in the industry.
    And so much more!
    Thanks heaps to Meredith for appearing on the show - and for everything she does at PRH!
    52 min
  • Alicia Thompson On 'Something Else'
    Writer and now novelist, Alicia Thompson, joined me on the show to discuss her debut novel, ‘Something Else’.
    Topics discussed include:
    The fictional small-town setting of Bruce - a place that’s not much to look at. How a place has an impact on the shaping of a character and a story, as much as a character shapes the place in which they live.
    The instant and profound connection David feels with Martin. How these chance encounters can happen and can permanently alter us.
    Acceptance - an acceptance of self and an acceptance of others. How we can be confused, or devastated, when we find that those we love and supposedly know are not who we thought they were, but how we can and do move forward with a newfound appreciation for them, as well as ourselves.
    How people can come into our lives and cleanse or free us from what has haunted or burdened us, be it trauma or guilt or anything else impairing us - allowing us to go on and live the lives we’ve denied ourselves.
    And seriously so much more! We went down a veritable rabbit-hole of a discussion we did.
    Thanks heaps to Alicia for chatting with me on the show, you can pick up a copy of ‘Something Else’ from the good folks at Ninestar Press, here:
    https://ninestarpress.com/product/something-else/
    1 hr 4 min
  • Mia Hansen - Love Talks 'Bergman Island'
    Former actress, screenwriter and film director, Mia Hansen-Love, appeared on the program to discuss her latest film, ‘Bergman Island’.
    Topics discussed include:
    How the soul of an influential creative such as Ingmar Bergman, can inhabit a place for long after they have passed away. How Mia herself felt Bergman’s presence during her time spent at ‘Bergman Island’/Fårö and what a positive effect this can have on oneself and their creativity.
    Noticing the similarities between totally different locations. How someone can visit a place they’ve never been before, but be reminded of another place including from their youth i.e. places from Mia’s youth and their peaceful silence, reminding her of Bergman Island.
    The connection and resonance one feels with a natural landscape, such as Bergman did with Fårö - ‘it was as if he found a place that had lived inside him all along.’
    Why people/aspiring creatives embark on pilgrimages to places hallowed by their idols - i.e. those that visit Bergman Island and how, in Mia’s experience, she encountered people that found the island to ignite creativity, not just for filmmakers but for all creatives.
    And much more!
    Thanks be to Mia for joining me all the way from France to discuss ‘Bergman Island’. The film is out in Australian cinemas now, so go see it!
    21 min
  • Lizzie Pook On 'Moonlight And The Pearler's Daughter'
    Journalist, travel writer and now novelist, Lizzie Pook, joined me to discuss her debut novel, ‘Moonlight And The Pearler’s Daughter’.
    Topics discussed include:
    How Lizzie’s research process of visiting such idyllic, historic sites along W.A.’s coastline, paired with her travel writing repertoire, served as the groundwork for the novel.
    Creating Bannin Bay - along with featuring the frequently ugly and often underknown history of pearling and the pearler trade.
    The father and daughter dynamic at the core of the story that Lizzie wanted to explore - how we can consider our parents to be perfect in our youth and how we accept their flaws as we age. The goodness/badness and moral quandary in all people and how acknowledging its existence, is what can bring us together.
    How trauma can propel us, as much as leave as in a state of stasis.
    The unique writing of the novel, how pandemic-related circumstances prompted the novel and how Lizzie managed to write a novel during such a tumultuous time.
    And so much more!
    Huge thanks to Lizzie for appearing on the program, all the way from London, be sure to pick up your copy of ‘Moonlight And The Pearler’s Daughter’ now!
    57 min
  • Anke Zet talking 'Deception - Unearthly Talents Series Book 1'
    Doctor, writer and now novelist, Anke Zet, joined me to discuss her debut novel, ‘Deception’ (Book 1 in the Unearthly Talents Series).
    Topics discussed include:
    The unique writing process for writing the story - the decision to split the mammoth novel into separate installments and what challenges that presented.
    Her persistence and need for self-belief, which was especially crucial in the decision to tell the story that she wanted to, despite pressure from editors etc to change elements/the entire story.
    Anke’s publishing journey, from exploring and undertaking the more ‘traditional’ publishing routes of established publishing houses and literary agents, to taking the plunge into self-publishing. The challenges encountered with the ‘red-tape’ of self-publishing and how she feels now, looking back on it all.
    The importance of making writerly promises - and keeping them. How one promise Anke made to herself, propelled her through the tumultuous and tough journey to get to this point.
    And so much more!
    Thanks be to Anke for appearing on the show, you can pick up your copy of ‘Deception’ and all others to follow here:
    https://www.amazon.com.au/Deception-Book-one-Unearthly-Talents-ebook/dp/B09Q311C1L/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1644809797&sr=8-4
    54 min
  • Irma Gold on 'The Breaking'
    Writer, author, editor and Ambassador for Thailand’s Save Elephant Foundation, Irma Gold, joined me to discuss her debut adult fiction novel, ‘The Breaking’.
    TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses the ongoing plight of elephants in Thailand.
    Topics discussed include:
    The novel’s genesis, blending fact and fiction, Irma’s own experiences and imagination. How central characters Deven and Hannah led her by the hand in the writing of the story.
    How Irma captured the essence of, and depicted the ‘real’ Thailand - how her diary keeping and photography documenting her visits helped achieve the novel’s sense of place.
    Depicting animal abuse, including the Phajaan, ‘the breaking’ - along with many other atrocities still faced by elephants. How it was necessary to include such scenes in order to truly depict the situation.
    What draws people from all over the world, to take up the cause of elephant conversation and liberation.
    The beauty and the ugliness, the balance between the two and blending the two in the novel’s story.
    And so much more!
    Thank you so much to Irma for appearing on the show, you can pick up your copy of ‘The Breaking’ from the good folks at MidnightSun publishing.
    54 min
  • Emma Young Talks 'The Last Bookshop'
    First episode for 2022!
    Journalist, author and writer Emma Young joined me on the program to discuss her novel, ‘The Last Bookshop’.
    Topics discussed include:
    - The plight of the brick and mortar/independent bookshop. How many are subjected to constant rent hikes, sometimes resulting in relocating to more affordable locations, or going out of business altogether.
    - What makes bookshops such a unique and vital fixture within a community. How the pandemic has strengthened ties with communities and their local independent bookshops.
    - Examples of times when independent bookshops have nearly been forced to close their doors, and the communities have rallied together to support them.
    - And so much more!
    Thanks heaps to Emma for appearing on the show, you can get your copy of ‘The Last Bookshop’ from the good folks at Fremantle Press.
    47 min
  • Dasha Nekrasova On 'The Scary Of Sixty - First'
    Podcaster, actor and filmmaker Dasha Nekrasova joined me from New York to discuss her directorial debut, ‘The Scary Of Sixty-First’. TRIGGER WARNING: the Jeffrey Epstein case is discussed.
    Topics discussed include:
    - The origins of the idea – how the infamous case served to shape a Giallo-influenced, 70s-esque horror film.
    - Why the world is obsessed with the case of Jeffrey Epstein.
    - Filming in the locations that the real-life Epstein frequented. The importance of filming in the real-life places i.e. Epstein’s townhouse/the jailhouse he died in – places charged with the ‘aura’ of him.
    - Making the film Dasha wanted to – a potentially tough undertaking for a directorial debut.
    - Why horror movies can be the best platform for serious social commentary.
    - And so much more!
    Thanks heaps to Dasha for talking to me from the U.S. – check out Arcadia’s website to find out where you can catch ‘The Scary Of Sixty-First’ here:
    https://www.thisisarcadia.com/thescaryofsixtyfirst
    17 min
  • The Write Way Podcast - A Year In Review
    The official Year In Review for The Write Way podcast.
    Topics include:
    - The history of me – an overview of the past 17+ years of my writerly pursuits, the endless trials and tribulations, all of which have been vital to getting to this crazy junction.
    - The lead-up to podcasting – the scary point, taking the plunge from written interviews, into the seemingly technical realm of podcasting. How Dani Vee’s advice and support helped me get things going.
    - Those shaky first few eps – how far the show has come since those shame-job technologically-challenged days i.e. recording eps with guests on loud-speaker.
    - Some highlights from the year – a glimpse of just some of the guests I was blessed enough to speak to – how all the guests have invaluably benefited my life and soul.
    - The future of The Write Way, including the first slate of guests for 2022.
    - The official introduction of the new show, with a fancy new name (you wanna know the name, you gotta listen to the ep!).
    If you haven’t already, be sure to follow the show on Spotify. Danke to all and to all a good 2021 (what remains of it!).
    1 hr 3 min
  • Christos Tsiolkas On '7 1/2'
    Writer, essayist, screen-writer, playwright and novelist Christos Tsiolkas joined me to discuss his latest novel, ‘7 ½‘. Topics discussed include:
    - The journey from writing an entirely different novel, Damascus, to undertaking 7 ½. How Christos’s experience with the outbreak of COV-19, further drove him to write what would ultimately become 7 ½.
    - How nature and its beauty are tied in with the creative process. How the appreciation for the stillness afforded by nature, is so important in the creative process.
    - Sexuality – its shaping and how moments in our youth can define it. How everything is erotic.
    - How a writer’s/creative’s own memories can shape our fictional characters. How difficult it can be to distinguish or pinpoint where the use of our memories ends and our pure imagination begins.
    - How the ‘safe’ mindset can be hazardous and can limit the amount of impactful, lastingly meaningful novels.
    - And so much more.
    Thank you so much to Christos (one of my favourite Australian writers) – for talking to me – (what a surreal experience!). You can get your copy of 7 ½ from the good folks at Allen & Unwin, here:
    https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/fiction/Seven-and-a-Half-Christos-Tsiolkas-9781761065330
    #writer #writing #novel #novelist #book #books #contemporary #Australian #fiction #chat #discussion #talk #podcast #program #episode
    1 hr 11 min

About The Write Way

From the publisher's feed

A program founded and hosted by author and interviewer Samuel Elliott, that features a broad and disparate range of writer folk guests, ranging from international best-selling authors, to debut novelists or those as-yet unpublished writers. Regardless of what stage of their career they might be at, all of them are united by a love of writing, as well as having overcome some brutal challenges to get to where they are. This program will discuss not only each guest’s latest and greatest work or project, but also delve into what they’ve faced and conquered along their way to inevitable success.