Podcast: So You Want to be a Writer

In Episode 277 of So you want to be a writer: What happens when writing is hard? Meet AWC alumna Megan Blandford, author of I’m Fine (and other lies): Postnatal depression, motherhood and trying to actually be fine. We share tips on how to cut mundane elements from your story. Plus,

In Episode 276 of So you want to be a writer: International bestselling author Amie Kaufman joins us to chat about her YA and middle grade fiction. We have double passes to Burning, a film based on a story by Haruki Murakami, to give away. You’ll also learn the meaning

In Episode 275 of So you want to be a writer: What you need on your author website. Meet Peg Fraser, author of Black Saturday: Not the End of the Story. Learn how to supercharge your fiction writing. Our new online course Fiction Essentials: Dialogue has launched. Plus, we have

In Episode 274 of So you want to be a writer: Australian literary festivals to add to your diary. Meet Jenna Guillaume, AWC alumnus and former Buzzfeed editor-at-large and author of What I Like About Me. Valerie tries to impress Allison with more “Word of the Week” prowess.  Plus, we

In Episode 273 of So you want to be a writer: We chat to Karen Viggers, author of the bestselling book The Lightkeeper’s Wife and The Orchardist’s Daughter. Allison goes surfing (yes, really). You’ll learn tips for doubling your freelance writing income. So you want to be a writer is

In Episode 272 of So you want to be a writer: Allison and Valerie talk about the perils you might face when your book is translated into another language and chat with Bren MacDibble, author of ‘The Dog Runner’ about how she writes award-winning fiction under two names! You have

In Episode 271 of So you want to be a writer: Allison and Valerie chat to bestselling crime author Dervla McTiernan, author of The Scholar about writing, plotting and the best (and worst) day of Dervla’s life. Discover when the next round of Furious Fiction is happening. Plus, we have 3 copies

In Episode 270 of So you want to be a writer: Allison and Valerie chat to author and musician Penny Flanagan, author of Surviving Hal and one half of acclaimed folk-pop duo Club Hoy. Discover your kid’s next read and we have 3 copies of Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables: On the Lookout to

In Episode 269 of So you want to be a writer: Allison and Valerie talk about how your book covers can impact your sales. And they chat to J.P. Pomare, author of the psychological thriller Call Me Evie on plotting, setting and how shaving your legs can help you get into the

In Episode 268 of So you want to be a writer: Allison and Valerie talk about crime writing for the young adult market, interview children’s author R.A. Spratt and discuss what Allison really does with her feather boa! We also have 5 copies of Baby – a sunburnt psychological thriller of obsession

In Episode 267 of So you want to be a writer: Allison and Valerie confess the mistakes they’ve made and what they’ve learnt from them. You’ll meet Laura Sieveking, author of the children’s series Amelia Chamelia who shares how she writes for one publisher while working for another. We also have 10 double

In Episode 266 of So you want to be a writer: Meet Barbara Lasserre, author of Words That Go Ping. We discuss when does self-publishing become a first choice? Discover which new podcast Valerie’s been hosting. And we have 5 copies of Death on the Derwent by Robin Bowles to give away.

In Episode 265 of So you want to be a writer: Meet Jane Harper, author of The Dry and The Lost Man. We have 3 copies of Three Little Lies by Laura Marshall to giveaway. Plus, you’ll learn how to avoid a saggy middle in your manuscript and more. Click play below

In Episode 264 of So you want to be a writer: Happy new year! You’ll meet Fiona McIntosh, author of The Pearl Thief and How to Write Your Blockbuster. Val and Al answer more of your listener questions. Plus, we have 3 copies of Rewording the Brain by David Astle to give away. 

In Episode 263 of So you want to be a writer: Val and Al open up the podcast to your questions in an “Ask Us Anything” Christmas special! And, have you entered the 12-book summer reading pack competition yet? Click play below to listen to the podcast. You can also listen on

In Episode 261 of So you want to be a writer: Discover a whole heap of literary gifts for Christmas. Meet Bernadette Schwerdt, SEO copywriter and author of How to Build an Online Business. Plus we have a 12-book giveaway up for grabs. Don’t miss out. Click play below to listen to

In Episode 261 of So you want to be a writer: Discover planning tips for the next year and meet Alice Pung, author of Close to Home. We have a HUGE stash of books to give away to one lucky winner. Plus, the Newcastle Short Story Award is now open and more.