Writes4Women

In this episode of Writes for Women, guest host Mary-Lou Stephens sits down with historical fiction author Emily Maguire to discuss her latest novel, 'Rapture', set in the ninth century.

They delve into Maguire's transition from contemporary fiction, the extensive research involved, and the challenges of writing historical content while maintaining authenticity. Maguire also shares insights about her personal connection with faith and nature, the writing process, and the collaborative role of her editors.

For paid Substack subscribers, additional content includes Maguire's experiences with literary awards and mentoring emerging writers.

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Writes4Women

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Emily Maguire

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Mary Lou Stephens

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Pamela Cook

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This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

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 Join Pamela Cook on Writes for Women as she chats with Lauren Keegan about her debut novel 'All the Bees in the Hollow.'  Learn how Lauren's background in perinatal psychology shapes her storytelling and character development. Discover the intriguing folklore of Lithuanian beekeeping and the challenges of writing historical fiction. 

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Navigating the Journey of Indie Publishing with Sal Gallagher and Kirsten Nixon.

In this episode of Rights for Women, host Pamela Cook delves into the world of indie publishing with guests Sal Gallaher and Kirsten Nixon. Sal discusses her novel 'Secrets in the Lakes', her journey through editing, and the challenges of self-publishing. Kirsten shares her experience writing 'Voices of Entrepreneurial Women', detailing her approach to interviews and the decision to go the self-publishing route. 

If you've ever thought about self publishing your book, or wondered what the process is like you'll love this chat with these two amazing women.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

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 WRITING LOVE, LOSS & VENICE 

What happens when a bestselling author walks away from publishing—only to return with her biggest book yet? This week on Writes4Women, Pamela chats with Tess Woods about her five-year break from writing, rediscovering her passion, and the inspiration behind The Venice Hotel.

Tess shares the highs and lows of her journey, the real-life Venice stories woven into her novel, and—yes—how George Clooney and a “hot priest” made their way into the book!

For our Substack subscribers, there’s an exclusive bonus chat on writing multiple POVs, navigating tough editorial feedback, and balancing a writing career with real life.

 New episode out now—link in bio!

SHOW NOTES:

Writes4Women

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Tess Woods

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Pamela Cook

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This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

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 STITCHING STORIES TOGETHER 

How do you turn fragments of family history into a novel that spans generations?

This week on Writes4Women, Pamela sits down with Chrissie Bellbrae to talk about the magic of uncovering forgotten stories, the inspiration behind The Florentine Quilt, and what happens when real-life twists shape our creative journeys.

Chrissie opens up about the thrill of researching family secrets, why she took the leap into self-publishing, and how surviving breast cancer gave her a new perspective on writing. Plus—how do you balance three timelines, three protagonists, and one legendary quilt without losing the thread? (Spoiler: It’s all about trusting the process.)

For our Substack subscribers, there’s an exclusive bonus chat where Chrissie takes us deeper into the research, travel, and history behind The Florentine Quilt. Don’t miss it!

Plug in. Get inspired. Let’s talk about storytelling, resilience, and the art of bringing the past to life.

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Writes4Women

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Chrissie Ballbrae

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Pamela Cook

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This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

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WRITING FAIRYTALES FOR GROWN-UPS 

What does it take to turn folklore into a rich, immersive novel? This week on Writes4Women, guest host Jo Riccioni chats with the brilliant Kel Woods about crafting historical fantasy, blending research with imagination, and the writing process behind her stunning books After the Forest and Upon a Starlet Tide.

Kel shares how she found her unique voice, why mentorships transformed her writing, and the delicate balance between historical accuracy and storytelling magic. Plus—how do you create a male lead readers swoon over without falling into clichés? (Spoiler: Samuel might just be your new book boyfriend.)

For our Substack subscribers, there’s an exclusive bonus chat where Kel and Jo go deeper into the craft and business of publishing—don’t miss it!

Plug in. Get inspired. Let’s talk about writing stories that last.

SHOW NOTES:

Writes4Women

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W4W Patreon

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Kell Woods

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Jo Riccioni

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Pamela Cook

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This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal land.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Season 6 of Writes4Women!

Join host Pamela Cook and Megan Dalla-Camina, a leader in women's empowerment and leadership and author of 'Women Rising', as they delve deep into the psychological aspects of writing, discussing inner critics, procrastination, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome.

Both authors share personal anecdotes on how they manage their time, nurture their creativity, and handle feedback and criticism. Megan also speaks about the evolution of her writing process and balancing her many professional commitments, offering insights into maintaining resilience and cultivating a growth mindset.

The episode emphasises the importance of honouring individual writing processes and staying true to one's creative journey. 

SHOW NOTES:

Writes4Women

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Megan Dalla-Camina

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Pamela Cook

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This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looking for inspiration as you wrap up the year? Ready to dive into the highs and lows of the writing life, with insights from writers who’ve truly walked the path?

This week on Writes4Women, it’s our 2024 Wrap-Up Episode! Join @pamelacookwrites as she chats with guest hosts @rachaeljohnsisanauthor @maryloustephenswriter, @joriccioni, and her VA @anniebucknall, reflecting on a transformative year in writing and podcasting.

Why you’ll love this episode: 

Insider reflections: Hear how our guests overcame challenges, celebrated triumphs, and tackled their writing goals this year. 

Behind-the-scenes wisdom: Discover how Annie’s role in managing Writes4Women’s socials and Substack has strengthened the podcast community. 

Creative practices that work: Learn tips for building a sustainable writing habit, even amidst life’s chaos. 

What’s next: Get a sneak peek into the exciting plans for 2025, from book releases to writing retreats and more.

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Writes4Women

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Annie Bucknall - Well Creative Services

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Pamela Cook

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This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

Celebrate the wins. Learn from the journey. Keep writing.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

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Struggling to find your unique voice or create stories that truly resonate? Wondering how to weave big ideas into page-turning narratives?

This week on Writes4Women  with @pamelacookwrites, best-selling author @nikki.gemmell shares the secrets behind her latest feminist literary thriller, Wing, and how she transformed personal experiences into powerful, compelling fiction.

Here’s why you don’t want to miss this episode: 

Build unforgettable tension: Discover how Nikki crafts layers of suspense and mystery, weaving together themes of friendship, gender politics, and generational divides. 

Write with authenticity: Learn about her unique approach to second-person narrative and why it creates such an intimate, immersive experience. 

Channel personal experiences: Nikki shares how journaling and reflecting on her own life fuels her stories, including Wing, which reimagines the darkness of the Australian bush and explores the complexity of female friendships. 

Stay inspired: Hear how Nikki balances a prolific writing career with family life while creating works that resonate deeply with readers.

Get Inspired. Get Encouraged. Get Writing.

SHOW NOTES:

Writes4Women

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Nikki Gemmell

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Pamela Cook

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This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Struggling to write a story that hooks readers? Feeling unsure about how to balance plot, character, and big ideas?

This week on Writes4Women  with Pamela Cook, Vanessa McCausland shares the secrets behind her latest novel, The Last Illusion of Paige White, and how she overcame the exact challenges you might be facing as a writer.

Here’s how listening can help YOU:
Tighten your plot: Vanessa breaks down how she crafted a twist so good her first reader (her husband, a plot genius) didn’t see it coming. Learn how to set up red herrings and keep readers guessing without losing the heart of your story.
Make your characters unforgettable: Discover how she layered emotional depth into her characters, giving them flaws, secrets, and complexity that resonate.
Get unstuck: Vanessa shares how she overcame self-doubt, followed her instincts, and pushed through creative risks to write her most ambitious book yet.
Navigate the writing process: From messy first drafts to revisions that matter, this episode is packed with practical tips to keep your project on track.

Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the trenches of a draft, this episode will give you fresh ideas, clarity, and the encouragement you need to write a story that stands out.

Get Inspired. Get Encouraged. Get Writing.

SHOW NOTES:

Writes4Women

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Vanessa McCausland

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Pamela Cook

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This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal land.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.