Discover how to skyrocket your writing productivity using Focusmate. I chat to Australian icon, author Tom Keneally about his novel 'Corporal Hitler's Pistol'. Plus, you could win a copy of 'Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens' by AWC alumna Shankari Chandran.
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WRITER 464: Meet Tom Keneally, author of 'Corporal Hitler's Pistol'.

Everything you&rsquo;ve always wanted to know about succeeding in the world of writing and publishing. Learn practical writing techniques, go behind-the-scenes and discover how real-life authors got their big break. Uncover the creative processes of writers who have made it. Your host is Valerie Khoo &ndash;&nbsp;author, journalist, creative and CEO of the Australian Writers&rsquo; Centre.&nbsp;

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Explore the world of ghostwriting with Radek Sali and ghostwriter Bernadette Schwerdt. They explore the collaborative effort behind writing Radek’s book, How to Build a Billion Dollar Business, discussing challenges, the process of ghostwriting, the importance of capturing emotional depth in storytelling, and the profound impact of building a purpose-driven business. The episode touches on effective writing strategies, including the importance of starting your day with creative work and offers listeners a chance to win three copies of The Underhistory by Kaaron Warren.
00:00 Welcome to the podcast & upcoming seminar announcement
00:16 Deep dive into writing chapters
02:24 Nat Newman's writing tips & personal journey
13:29 Win The Underhistory by Kaaron Warren.
17:57 Meeting Radek Sali and his ghostwriter Bernadette Schwerdt
21:50 From idea to ghostwriter
22:32 Challenges, editors, and finding the right partner
24:02 Bernadette's approach: From manuscript assessment to starting fresh
24:57 Crafting the narrative via nterviews, structure, and voice
37:01 The business of ghostwriting: Financials and working with publishers
40:08 Insights on ghostwriting
47:38 Reflections and future directions
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WRITER 604: Explore the world of ghostwriting with Radek Sali and Bernadette Schwerdt

Meet Megan Daley, author of The Beehive. Megan talks about her passion for children’s literature, her role as a teacher librarian, and her picture book The Beehive. She also discusses her book Raising Readers, which emphasises the importance of instilling a love of reading in children from a young age and offers practical advice for parents.
00:00 Welcome to the world of writing and publishing
00:22 Unlocking creativity with story seeds
03:48 Nat Newman's writing tip
07:54 Crafting engaging openings in writing
14:58 Megan Daley: A passion for children's literature and bees
21:30 The journey from blog to book: Unveiling a love for reading
23:01 Empowering reading habits: Tips for parents and educators
23:48 A creative approach to encouraging reading
29:34 Encouraging savvy teen readers in a digital age
32:41 The path to becoming a teacher librarian
34:02 From educator to children's book author
36:28 Strategies for busy creatives
42:34 From writing dreams to picture book reality
44:22 A dive into the history of the exclamation mark
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Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook 
Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WRITER 603: Picture book author Megan Daley on how to nurture your children to become readers.

Meet Jo Peck, whose memoir Suddenly Single at Sixty details her journey through divorce and rediscovery. Jo discusses her writing process, the therapeutic value of journalling, the challenges of constructing a memoir , and her inspirations. She also offers advice for writers on being honest in their writing and the importance of self-analysis.
00:00 Welcome to the podcast & updates
02:03 Nat Newman’s writing tip
05:15 Crafting secondary characters
07:44 Book giveaway: Ghost Cities by Siang Lu
10:39 Word of the week: Desultory
11:26 Writer in residence: Jo Peck on Suddenly Single at Sixty
24:23 The journey of writing a memoir
25:58 From school gate to bookshelf
29:12 Structuring a memoir
34:16 Jo’s writing process
38:18 Exploring future writing projects and reflections
41:09 Receiving feedback and sharing advice for aspiring writers
46:27 Closing thoughts and fun facts
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Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook 
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WRITER 602: Meet Jo Peck, author of the memoir 'Suddenly Single at Sixty'.

Meet Deborah Abela, author of The Kindness Project. Deborah is one of Australia’s most beloved children's authors. Her latest middle grade novel is The Kindness Project, which is her 29th book. Recently, she also released the Book of Wondrous Possibilities. While Deb writes mainly in middle grade, she has also written chapter books and picture books, such as Bear in Space and the upcoming No More Room in the Bed. Also hear about 'Words at Dawn', a writing initiative for students of the Australian Writers’ Centre. And your chance to win the novel The Many Lies of Veronica Hawkins.
00:00 Welcome to the world of writing and publishing
01:09 Busting myths about writing for kids
02:30 Guest spotlight: Nat Newman's writing tips
04:38 Words at dawn: A creative writing initiative
15:27 Deborah Abela: A deep dive into middle grade novels
27:12 The Kindness Project: From concept to creation
29:57 Exploring kindness through storytelling
31:38 The creative process and writing in verse
32:05 From pitch to publication
34:06 Character development and creative inspiration
37:55 Rejections and successes in the publishing world
39:16 From film to children's books: A career journey
43:21 The art of writing across different formats
50:51 Engaging with young readers: The importance of school visits
55:13 Top tips for aspiring middle grade writers
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Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook 
Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WRITER 601: Meet Deborah Abela, author of 'The Kindness Project', her 29th book!

Meet Indah Ahmad Zahri, author of 5 picture books including her latest How To Measure The Ocean. Indah, a doctor turned picture book author, delves into her career transition, the inspiration behind her books, and her advocacy work.
00:00 Celebrating 600 episodes: A journey of writing and publishing
01:19 Upcoming seminar: Mastering action in storytelling
03:45 Nat Newman’s writing tips
10:40 Book giveaway: The North Wind by Alexandra Warwick
13:00 Word of the week: propinquity
15:06 Writer in residence: Indah Ahmad Zahri’s multifaceted career
24:25 A magical moment at the beach: The power of picture books
25:28 From inspiration to authorship: The journey begins
26:57 Celebrating diversity and heritage through children's literature
29:09 The challenges and joys of writing for children abroad
31:44 Embracing new creative ventures
33:13 Balancing creativity and parenthood
35:07 Exploring new horizons in writing and art
41:36 Leveraging courses for creative growth
43:36 Top writing tips and a call to action for writers
47:18 Closing thoughts and fun facts
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Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook 
Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WRITER 464: Meet Tom Keneally, author of 'Corporal Hitler's Pistol'.

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