Writes4Women

Writes4Women

By Pamela CookArtsBooksFictionDrama
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Writes4Women episodes

  • A Paige-Turning Plot: Vanessa McCausland’s Secrets to Success

    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

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    Vanessa McCausland

    Website : click here

    Facebook: click here

    Instagram: click here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

     

    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.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writes4women.substack.com/subscribe
    50 min
  • Tips for Editing a First Draft: A Solo Episode with Pam

    Ever wanted to know how to edit a first draft?

    In this week’s solo episode Pamela Cook focuses on the craft of editing, sharing all of her insider tips–from structural elements, point of view, voice and more. With resources and insights galore, this episode is like a free mentoring session with one of Australia’s best-love writing coaches.

     

    SHOWNOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    W4W Patreon

    https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-patreon

     

    Sandy Barker

    Website: click here

    Facebook: click here

    Instagram: click here

    Buy Someone Like You here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook @pamelacookauthor

    Twitter @PamelaCookAU

     

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

     

     

     

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writes4women.substack.com/subscribe
    54 min
  • From Dreams to Reality: Sandy Barker's Journey in Publishing

    Join us for a fascinating chat with Sandy Barker, an Australian author known for her travel-inspired romance and rom-com novels.

    With 12 books under her belt, Sandy shares insights into navigating the publishing industry, the importance of determination and resilience, as well as tips on keeping the joy of writing alive.

    We discuss her latest books, writing schedules, the balance of travel and writing, and her unique approach to story planning. Plus, discover special content for Writes4Women Substack subscribers!

     

    SHOWNOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    W4W Patreon

    https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-patreon

     

    Sandy Barker

    Website: click here

    Facebook: click here

    Instagram: click here

    Buy Someone Like You here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook @pamelacookauthor

    Twitter @PamelaCookAU

     

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

     

     

     

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writes4women.substack.com/subscribe
    48 min
  • Whales, Words & Wisdom: A Deep Dive with Joanne Fedler

    Jump into the latest episode of Writes4Women where Pamela Cook chats with international bestselling author Joanne Fedler about her enchanting new book, 'The Whale's Last Song.'

    Joanne and Pamela share deep discussions on the writing process, the transformative power of words, and the inspiration drawn from the sea. Get a sneak peek into Jo's journey from law to literature, her raw reflections on grief, and the magic behind her storytelling.

    AND paid Substack subscribers get an exclusive 15-minute bonus with must-hear writing tips! 

    SHOWNOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    W4W Patreon

    https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-patreon

     

    Joanne Fedler

    Website: click here

    Facebook: click here

    Instagram: click here

    Buy The Whale's Last song  here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook @pamelacookauthor

    Twitter @PamelaCookAU

     

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

     

     

     

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writes4women.substack.com/subscribe
    54 min
  • From Music to Words: Gillian Wills’ Journey

    Summary:

     Join us in this week's episode as guest host Laura Boon chats with Gillian Wills about her new novel, Big Music!  Discover how Gillian pours her rich background in music into her writing, creating a riveting tale that intertwines passion, politics, and power plays within the world of classical music. Learn about her transition from a musician to an author, the challenges of writing fiction, and her advice to aspiring writers. 

     

     https://pod.link/1275851144

     

    Timestamps:

    0:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

    01:50 Pamela’s Personal Update

    03:01 Upcoming Webinars and Substack Bonuses

    04:01 Listener Survey and Writing Prompts

    08:04 Upcoming Podcast Episodes and Guests

    09:30 Laura Boon Interviews Gillian Wills

    32:14 The Sacrifices of a Musician's Life

    32:40 Challenges Faced by Musicians

    33:17 The Importance of Acoustics in Music

    36:14 Publishing Journey and Rejections

    39:57 Inspiration Behind 'Big Music'

    42:20 Writing Process and Craft

    53:39 Advice for Aspiring Writers

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    W4W Patreon

    https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-patreon

     

    Gillian Wills

    Website: click here

    Instagram: click here

    Facebook: click here

    Buy Big Music here

     

    Laura Boon

    Website: click here

    Instagram: click here 

    Facebook: click here

    Buy Tips From an Insider Insider here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

     

    This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women.

     

     

     

     

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writes4women.substack.com/subscribe
    1 hr 6 min
  • The Joy of Historical Christmas Novels with Mary Anne O'Connor

    This week, guest host Mary-Lou Stevens chats with bestselling author Maryanne O'Connor about her delightful new historical Christmas novel, MARY CHRISTMAS.

    Discover how this fun and festive romance came about while also getting insights into the writing journeys of both Mary-Lou and Maryanne.

    Plus, hear about exciting updates from Writes4Women and find holiday cheer with special giveaways and more! 

    SHOW NOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    W4W Patreon

    https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-patreon

     

    Maryanne O'Connor

    Website: click  here

    Instagram: click here

     

    Mary Lou Stephens

    Website: click here

    Instagram: click here

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter:  click here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

     

    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.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writes4women.substack.com/subscribe
    39 min
  • Exploring Fantasy Worlds with Madeleine Te Whiu

    Guest host Jo Riccioni chats with fantasy author Madeleine Te Whiu about her Assassin trilogy's final instalment, crafting complex characters, balancing a vet nursing career with writing, and insights into her creative journey.

    Madeline's passion for books began when she was growing up in rural South Australia. Her youngest memory of books is sitting on the lounge room floor while her mum read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. She was shortlisted for the WA Premier’s Prize for Emerging Writers 2023 and her Assassin series she creates an unforgettable world rife with grave secrets and suspenseful romance. The last book in the trilogy, The Queen's Thief will be released on October 31st 2024.

    Expect world-building wonders, fan experiences, and the evolution of her dark fantasy series! 

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    W4W Patreon

    https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-patreon

     

    Madeline Te Whiu

    Website: click here

    Instagram: click here

    Tik Tok: click here

     

    Jo Riccioni

    Website: click here

    Instagram: click here

    Facebook: click here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

     

    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.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writes4women.substack.com/subscribe
    1 hr 1 min
  • Writing Her Story: The Power of the Feminine with Megan Dalla-Camina

    Unlock the secrets of radical confidence, take steps to silence that inner critic and learn the profound distinction between the Hero’s and Heroine’s Journey in this week’s bumper episode with Megan Dalla-Camina, author of WOMEN RISING.

    Megan Dalla-Camina is the Founder and CEO of Women Rising and a world leading expert in women’s leadership. A celebrated coach, influential writer, researcher and advocate for change, Megan is known for her brave and refreshing approach to women’s empowerment, wellbeing and leadership.

    This conversation is jam-packed with aha moments about recognising and dealing with our inner critic, battling imposter syndrome and finding a way out of the internalised structures of patriarchy we don't even know we've absorbed.

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    Nikki Gemmell

    Website: click here

    Instagram: click here

    Twitter: click here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

     

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

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    https://megandallacamina.com/women-rising/#program

     

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writes4women.substack.com/subscribe
    50 min
  • From the Archives: Dive into Deep Point of View with Lisa Hall-Wilson

    In this 'From the Archives' episode of Writes for Women, host Pamela Cook sits down with award-winning author and mentor Lisa Hall-Wilson, author of 'Method Acting for Writers', to explore the craft of writing in deep point of view (DPOV). 

    Pam and Lisa chat about the nuances that distinguish DPOV from limited third-person narrative, the flexibility it offers in storytelling, and its popularity in genres like romance and fantasy. Lisa shares insights on using DPOV to achieve emotional depth and character immersion, touching on subjects like trauma representation and avoiding author intrusion. 

    The episode offers valuable tips and anecdotes for writers striving to deepen their narrative technique and engage readers through a vivid, character-driven perspective.

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    W4W Substack

    https://writes4women.substack.com/

     

    Lisa Hall-Wilson

    Website : click here

    Facebook: click here

    Pinterest: click here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

     

    This episode produced by Pamela Cook on unceded Dharawal country.

     

     

     

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writes4women.substack.com/subscribe
    35 min
  • A Celebration of Books and Writing: A Round Up of The Northern Beaches Readers Festival

    Did you see Pam and some of the Writes4Women gang at the Northern Beaches Readers Festival last weekend?

    In this week’s episode Pam gives you her top takeaways after spending a weekend with amazingly talented writers and shares her exciting news! 

    SHOWNOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    W4W Patreon

    https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-patreon

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook @pamelacookauthor

    Twitter @PamelaCookAU

    Buy A Country Farm Christmas here

     

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

     

     

     

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writes4women.substack.com/subscribe
    43 min

About Writes4Women

From the publisher's feed

Writes4Women is all about celebrating women's voices and supporting women writers. It's about writing the voice, reading the voice and being the voice. Every week host Pamela Cook, or a special guest…