What do you get when you mix house-sitting frenemies with a big lovable dog? You get My Hot Housemate – the latest rom-com from Susannah Hardy, who joins us to discuss the characters and the writing process behind the book.
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Links mentioned in this episode
- WIN Elphie: A Wicked Childhood by Gregory Maguire
- Buy So You Want to be a Writer – the book!
- Facebook group for So You Want to be a Writer
Writer in residence: Susannah Hardy
Twenty years ago, Susannah Hardy made a New Year's resolution to turn her passion for writing into a viable career—and she’s never looked back. Her first byline appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, and since then, her work has featured in a wide array of print and digital publications. Along the way, while juggling freelance writing and motherhood, Susannah also began crafting fiction. Today, she is a published author of romantic comedies known for their wit, warmth, and heart.
A former actor, Susannah holds a Bachelor of Arts in French and Theatre from the University of New South Wales. After graduation, she chased her creative impulses all the way to Paris, where she trained with world-renowned clown Philippe Gaulier. Her acting career in Australia has been as varied as it is colourful—from roles in film and television to performing as one half of the rollerblading Carmen Miranda duo, Tutti & Frutti (she was Frutti), and creating sketch comedy for Foxtel’s Arena TV as part of the all-female trio, The Girls. She still appears on screen from time to time—perhaps even in a Nurofen commercial.
Her love of storytelling and rom-coms led to the publication of her debut novel, Loving Lizzie March (Pan Macmillan Australia, 2021). Her second novel, My Hot Housemate, was released by Hawkeye Publishing. In 2019, she was shortlisted in the Australian Writers’ Centre’s Furious Fiction short story competition.
Based in Sydney, Susannah lives with her husband, two daughters, and their spirited moodle, Jo Jo March. Whether it’s writing features, fiction, or eCommerce content, she brings energy and humour to every word she crafts. She is currently a Partnerships Writer at news.com.au (Checkout and Kidspot), and is proudly represented by Duke Actors Management. She is also a member of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance, Romance Writers of Australia, and the Australian Society of Authors.
Follow Susannah on Twitter and Instagram.
Follow Hawkeye Publishing on Instagram.
This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre and our course Freelance Writing Stage 1.
Find out more about your host, Valerie Khoo (@valeriekhoo on Twitter and @valeriekhoo on Instagram).
