Words and Nerds: Authors, books and literature.

In this wonderful episode with Jackie French we discuss a broad range of topics beginning with her passion for cooking (check out her website for some incredible recipes), and why authors are compelled to create - even in the kitchen. Jackie also discusses the significance of cheese throughout history, as a symbol of survival and social status.

Jackie's extensive knowledge of history and how she brings this knowledge into the present is the highlight of this episode. History encourages us to better understand the present and move forward with greater empathy of others. Jackie is known for creating strong female protagonists in her novels, and we discuss how important it is to provide a voice for the voiceless or who were silenced because of their context.

We chat about the wonderful Shakespeare series, how we can find truth within our society, and the hope that humankind will continue to strive to better itself. 'Humans are at their best when challenged.'

Jackie discusses her writing process, and how to move students are writers beyond the cliche.

It is the perfect episode for avid readers, lovers of history (and wombats), foodies, parents and teachers. Enjoy this bumper episode!

“Heart of Mist is captivating in its world-building and brilliant character development. Scheuerer is a true master at weaving together magic, mystery, passion and politics in her standout debut.” – The Literary Casanova

We chat to Helen about her beautiful novel Heart of Mist, Part 1 of the Oremere Chronicles and discuss the importance of girl power, publishing and supporting emerging artists and magic! A must listen for YA fiction fans, authors and publishers.

Helen Scheuerer is a YA fantasy author from Sydney, Australia. ‘Heart of Mist’ is the first book in her high fantasy trilogy, ‘The Oremere Chronicles’. It explores themes of identity, belonging, loyalty, addiction, loss, and responsibility.

Helen is also the Founding Editor of Writer’s Edit, an online literary magazine and learning platform for emerging writers. In its first year, Writer’s Edit reached thousands of new authors, and soon became its own small press. It’s now one of the largest writers’ platforms in the world.

Best selling author Beverley Lee chats to us about her beautiful Gabriel Davenport series – The Making of Gabriel Davenport and Shining in the Shadows.

We chat to Beverley about the romance and innocence of her young vampires, and how their relationships transcend gender and traditional expectations of love.

Beverley talks about how hard it is being a character in her book, and how she brings them all to their knees in order to show humanity at its very core.

Vampires, the paranormal, demons and finding the beauty amongst the frightening, and this series will terrify you!

Award winning Australian Young Adult Fiction writer discusses the importance of coming of age, portals, the importance of magic as escapism and family in his novel Jack Gregson and the Forgotten Portal from the Jack Gregson series.

Multi-award winning Australia author, feminist and overall good bloke with a social conscience chats to us about his novels The Pause and The Shadow Girl; as well as encouraging men to begin a dialogue about mental illness, the stupidity that exists in politics and the importance of believing that humans are inherently good.

Dadprenuer and digital marketer Kevin Spiteri unpacks the challenges of marketing using social media in his book ‘I just want it to work.’ A robust and interesting discussion about what it means to be seen in an oversaturated world of social media.

International bestselling UK urban gothic author

James Fahy chats to us about the Phoebe Harkness series,

role-playing video games, being a foodie and the intrigue

of the underworld. We also discuss how to write your self

out of a corner, sexy vampires, and literary influences

from Yorkshire including the local witch who lives

nearby. Are you a Helsing?