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The Write Way
By Samuel ElliottArts
The Write Way episodes
- Sarah Bailey Discussing 'The Housemate'Writer and award-winning novelist, Sarah Bailey, joined me to talk about her latest (and first standalone) novel, ‘The Housemate’.Topics discussed include:- The origins of the idea. How it had been lodged in Sarah’s brain for several years and eventually became ‘The Housemate’.- Choosing to set the story (the main timeline) in 2015 – when the medium of podcasts were still somewhat in their infancy, and true-crime podcasts in particular were yet to take off.- How character Cooper Ng embodied the emergence of the ‘new’ type of journalist, in contrast with the ‘old school’ type exemplified in main character Olive ‘Oli’ Groves. The contrast between the two and their methods.- Why cases like the fictional ‘Housemate Homicide’ and real life/true crime cases can have such an impact on Australia’s collective psyche – ‘I can remember the headlines, but for the life of me, I can’t remember the details of the case’.- The shifting and possibly alarming way in which Australians/the world consume true-crime, including the emergence of internet sleuths and the like – how they have a tendency to fail to appreciate the lives lost/the victims at the centre of the cases, and are instead swept up in the craze of the culture.- The way in which the scape has shifted for journalists doing their job – no longer afforded the ‘anonymity to hide behind the byline’ – making the work even more dangerous and subject to horrific online harassment and/or worse.- How it felt to write a standalone novel after the Gemma Woodstock trilogy.- And so very much more!Thanks heaps to Sarah for chatting with me on the show, you can get your hands on a copy of ‘The Housemate’ from A&U publishing house, here:https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/fiction/crime-mystery/The-Housemate-Sarah-Bailey-978176052933853 min
- Tania Farrelly Talking 'The Eighth Wonder'Former advertising strategist, writer and now novelist, Tania Farrelly, joined me to discuss her debut novel, ‘The Eighth Wonder’.Topics discussed include:- Bringing the close-of-the-19th/turn-of-the-20th century New York/‘gilded age’ setting to life. The immense research that went into it (including visiting the real life, still-standing locations) and how Tania went about filtering all her findings through the lens of her narrative.- The novel’s central character, Rose Kingsbury Smith, the real-life inspiration for the character, how Tania went about creating a fictional character that the brilliant real-life female pioneers from the era would be proud of.- The inclusion of real-life historical figures into the story, the freedom that this afforded – how it also served to bring their names and stories to the attention of contemporary society, many members of which may not know of the story/significance of said historical figures.- Not shying away from depicting the barbaric treatment of animals as was typical of the time. Why it was necessary to show this and the difficulties this presented in writing some scenes.- Tania’s journey to becoming a novelist, the contrast of writing styles of that of her advertising strategist career and that of her novel/creative writing one – also delving into how Fiona McIntosh and her Masterclass was instrumental in the shaping of what would become ‘The Eighth Wonder’.- And so much more!Thanks heaps to Tania for appearing on the program, you can pick up your copy of ‘The Eighth Wonder’ here:https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-eighth-wonder-978176104073358 min
- Max Easton On 'The Magpie Wing'Former rugby league player, scientist, podcaster and writer, Max Easton, joined me to discuss his debut novel, ‘The Magpie Wing’.Topics discussed include:- Familial themes and dynamics explored throughout the novel, including how unearthing the secrets of a parent(s) can alter our perception of them, sometimes permanently. Also, how those that have passed away can inspire and inform our outlook and beliefs on life.- Max explains his take on the intersection between punk music and the working-class history of rugby league.- The condescension sometimes exhibited by the inner-city/inner-west towards ‘the west’ – how this has maybe become even more evident in the recent lockdown, making the themes explored in the novel, all the more relevant.- Identifying from Western Sydney – how problematic it can be explaining it to others. How contradictory one’s identity can be. How the identity of self and oneself identifying where they come from can be confusing or clash with others from the same area i.e. ‘Mt. Druitt isn’t Marrickville.’- A gradual acceptance of self, as seen through perhaps Helen, perhaps the most enlightened character of the novel, and her changing outlook – embracing being caught between worlds.- His unique journey and process with writing the novel.Thanks heaps be to Max for chatting with me on the show – you can pick up your copy of ‘The Magpie Wing’ from his publisher, a very cool publisher, Giramondo, here:https://giramondopublishing.com/books/the-magpie-wing/1 hr 6 min
- Karyn Sepulveda On 'The Women's Circle'Writer, blogger, editor, podcaster/host and novelist, Karyn Sepulveda, joined the program to chat about her novel, ‘The Women’s Circle’:Topics discussed include:- The power of unity – how we all seek out some kind of community. What strength can be found in a community, enabling us all to accomplish great things. How Anna’s narrative of emerging from gaol, and meeting the women’s circle within the novel, exemplifies this.- How objects can be imbued with such power, not necessarily (or not just) magical, but also the power of memories, and other lives, even lives in the past that are running concurrently or transcending time (we got deep!)- The titular women’s circle – the power and ineffable sense of unity that can come from meeting and bonding with like-minded people. Anna’s initial scepticism about it all, perhaps partly informed by her upbringing back in Chile - ‘catholic country – it must be in my DNA’. Along with the dichotomy of beliefs that can exist within us all.- Nora’s techniques, ‘breathing my words’ – how Karyn’s own meditation and meditative endeavours helped shape this character.- The appreciation not only for oneself and the hardships one has gone through, but also the appreciation for those of your fellow person – how this can lead to the foundation of a community spirit, even the betterment of society. Leaving the world better than you found it – and so on. (seriously, we went deep!).- And so, so much more!Thanks so much to Karyn for talking on the program, you can pick up your copy of ‘The Women’s Circle’ from the good folks at Ventura, here:https://www.venturapress.com.au/fiction#/the-womens-circle55 min
- S.C. Farrow Talks 'This Is Not A Lie'Author, writer, editor, S.C. Farrow appeared on the program to discuss her novel, ‘This Is Not A Lie’. Trigger Warning: Drug addiction, homophobia and homophobia-related violence is discussed, among other things.Topics discussed include:- How S.C.’s own youth served to inform what would become ‘This Is Not A Lie’ from the real-life counterparts to the fictional characters in the story, to the Crystal Ballroom era setting framing the novel.- The depiction of heroin-addiction. The different types and levels of addiction depicted and the self-medicating nature of addiction. Along with the prevalent misconception of the ‘rock & roll’ lifestyle, dismissing this addiction as just a part of such a hedonistic lifestyle.- Australia’s of-era homophobia – pervasive even in the supposedly progressive music scene.- Music prevails, music is the best – how music unifies us all, how it is the strongest and most enduring bond between Joel and Harry and their ‘devastating love’.- And so much more!Thanks so much to S.C. for appearing on the program, you can pick up your copy of ‘This Is Not A Lie’ from here:https://www.scfarrow.com/Be sure to check out and purchase from The Bookshop Darlinghurst. As many Sydney bookshops are only operating limited hours during lockdown, have paused deliveries, or some services.The Bookshop Darlinghurst is operating seven days a week, although they are closed to in-store customers. Their staff are in-store from 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and slightly condensed hours on Saturday and Sunday.They have an excellent website which is very comprehensive for LGBTIQ+ books and DVDs but also includes a curated range of general interest titles.Phone orders are very welcome on 02 9331 1103.You can have your order posted – and it’s free if you spend $75 or more. Or you can collect it from the shop if you prefer.They have regular promotions and are currently offering double loyalty points.Check them out, here:https://www.thebookshop.com.au/57 min
- J.P. Pomare Discussing 'The Last Guests'Crime author and novelist J.P. Pomare appeared on the show to discuss his latest novel, ‘The Last Guests’. Topics discussed include:- The inspiration for the novel.- The dual mindset of home-owners – of living in inherently mistrusting times and therefore suspicious of strangers, yet still offering up their place to be used by complete strangers.- Normalised ‘stalking’ behaviour – something that most, if not all, of us have done at some point – stalking people’s social media accounts to get an overall and thorough picture of them – also, the frightening ease in which this is possible.- The various and disparate types of voyeurs exemplified within the novel – the justifications voyeurs give themselves to continue the behaviour.- And so much more!Thanks heaps to JP for appearing on the show – you can pick up ‘The Last Guests’ and all others from his publisher, Hachette, here:https://www.hachette.com.au/jp-pomare/the-last-guests1 hr 7 min
- Meshel Laurie On 'CSI Told You Lies'Comedian, television personality, writer and true-crime podcaster host of ‘Australian True Crime’, Meshel Laurie, appeared on the program to discuss her book – ‘CSI Told You Lies’.TRIGGER WARNING: The discussion including touching on cases, including the tragic manslaughter of cricketer David Hookes and the murder of Melbourne comedian Eurydice Dixon and Aya Maasarwe, along with addressing the ongoing national crisis of violence against women & DV.Topics also discussed include:- Meshel’s earliest forays into true-crime podcasting. The impact and inspiration she found in Sarah Koenig’s ‘Serial’ podcast series.- The titular term ‘CSI Told You Lies’ – coined by Professor ‘Prof’ Stephen Cordner – the lasting negative effect that shows like CSI has had on the judicial system, particularly juries not believing experts etc, along with how these shows have also served to dehumanise a victim, rendering them as just a ‘body on a slab’.- Tales of the luminaries from the VIFM that Meshel has met and formed ongoing connections with through her podcasting. Touching on the astonishing careers (and career-defining cases) of some of them, along with the places in which they orbited and did their thing – including the little-know but historic Flinders Street Extension.- The emergence and importance of true-crime podcasts – offering an unprecedented level of discourse on a national level about the issues and policies enabling, or majorly contributing to, offenders of monstrous crimes.- The dos and donts for those looking to enter into true-crime podcasting.- And a whole ton more!Thanks heaps to Meshel for appearing on the show – you can purchase your copy of ‘CSI Told You Lies’ from Penguin Random House here:https://www.penguin.com.au/books/csi-told-you-lies-978176089800759 min
- Josephine Taylor On 'Eye Of A Rook'Writer, editor, lecturer and novelist, Dr Josephine Taylor, appeared on the program to discuss her novel, ‘Eye Of A Rook’. Topics include:- Josephine’s real-life experience with vulvodynia – how her experiences formed into creative and academic writings that eventually culminated in ‘Eye Of A Rook’ - and the long, innately tough journey to writing the novel.- The history of modern medicine’s treatment of the condition, from the days of Isaac Baker Brown’s butchering of female patients, to the more contemporary – where much is still not known about vulvodynia (though medical practitioners are perhaps more forthcoming about their not knowing). How the belief that vulvodynia is perhaps a psychosomatic condition has still not been completely eradicated, despite the passage of 100+ years.- Finding a community – how meeting others with vulvodynia helped forevermore shape Josephine’s life. The invaluable support this community provided.- The theme and myriad applications of the question – what is our body telling us?- And so, so much more!Absolutely huge thanks to Josephine for chatting with me on the program about her incredible story and novel. You can purchase ‘Eye Of A Rook’ from the good folks at Fremantle Press here:https://www.fremantlepress.com.au/products/eye-of-a-rook1 hr 4 min
- Katherine Kovacic Talks 'Just Murdered'Writer, teacher and novelist, Katherine Kovacic, appeared on the program to discuss her latest book – ‘Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries – Just Murdered’ (on publication day no less!).Topics discussed include:- The unique way in which Katherine came by the project.- The writing process for the story – originally based on a screenplay – how Katherine balanced the need to make the novel a faithful adaption of the source material while ensuring her own writerly vision was realised.- How Katherine, an already accomplished historical and true-crime fiction author, went about bringing the 1960s Melbourne to life. From cars (Austin Healey 3000) to the fashion, exquisite dresses and a giant faux cake!- The writing of the Adventuresses’ Club Of The Antipodes – a place where Peregrine might’ve finally found her community, her people.- Fun! Fun found in the writing of Peregrine - the intrepid sleuth.- What, if any, alteration to Katherine’s own writing style were made in order to deliver what the pre-existing fans might’ve wanted/expected.- And so much more!Thanks heaps to Katherine for appearing on the program, you can pick up ‘Just Murdered’ from Allen & Unwin, here:https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/fiction/Just-Murdered-Katherine-Kovacic-978176087939653 min
- Hannah Bent On 'When Things Are Alive They Hum'Writer Hannah Bent, appeared on the program to discuss her debut novel, ‘When Things Are Alive They Hum’.Topics discussed include:- The ten-year writing and gestation process of the novel, balancing real-life with fiction – the difficulties and freedoms this can and did impose on Hannah.- In a novel called ‘A gift’ by Trent Dalton – how Hannah went about passing on the gifts given her by her real-life sister, Camilla, into the book. An appreciation of life, of beauty and so much more.- How she went about making the literary voice of the character of Harper, authentic.- The sibling bond at the core of the story between Marlow and Harper. Its complexities. A Ying and Yang dynamic.- Another main component – a love-story between the two down (up) syndrome characters featured. How real-life institutions have discouraged such loving relationships before and how that both informed and compelled Hannah to write such a one.- A central theme of - respecting the wishes of a loved one, but wanting to do what (one thinks) is best for them, even if that goes against said wishes.- How in a novel full of love, everything is traced back to love. How it endures us through a lifetime and its hardships.- Plus, a whole bunch more!Thanks so much to Hannah for appearing on the program, you can pick up your copy of ‘When Things Are Alive They Hum’ from Ultimo Press here:https://www.ultimopress.com.au/39 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.
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