Writing Podcast Episode 679: Laila Lalami discusses her latest novel, 'The Dream Hotel'

Have you noticed how everything Korean is so hot right now? From Squid Game to KPop Demon Hunters, the world is enamoured. Of course, for bestselling Korean-Kiwi author and AWC graduate Graci Kim, trends had nothing to do with her choice to mix stories from childhood with fantasy in her new novel, Dreamslinger. In this episode, Graci discusses the many experiences and inspirations that led her to this point, her writing process, advice and much more! 00:00 Welcome03:29 Writing tip: Reread a book you hated07:02 WIN!: We’ll Prescribe You Another Cat by Syou Ishida09:01 Word of the week: ‘Pantechnicon’10:40 The world of words: ‘Practice vs Practise’12:38 Writer in residence: Graci Kim13:30 Graci’s fascinating pre-writing lives21:07 Her relationship with writing over the years22:59 Rediscovering childhood stories and purpose25:40 Embracing her Korean name and heritage27:19 Graci’s journey into writing YA Fantasy31:21 Discovering a community through AWC32:00 The value of the Novel Writing Essentials course33:54 How Graci went about getting an agent37:13 Joining ‘Rick Riordan Presents’38:54 Introducing her new book, Dreamslinger40:35 What she did differently in this series.42:22 Graci’s world-building process43:33 Fun extras and connecting with fans48:06 Her writing routine and her creative process49:50 Advice for aspiring writers53:23 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if you could be locked away simply for having disturbing dreams? That’s part of the premise in internationally acclaimed author Laila Lalami’s latest novel, The Dream Hotel. In this episode, Laila discusses the themes that inspired and eventually mirrored her book, along with her background in writing, her daily routine, writing tips and more. 00:00 Welcome04:50 Writing tip: Avoid clichés!07:58 WIN!: A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan09:35 Word of the week: ‘Apophenia’10:03 Writer in residence: Laila Lalami11:02 Laila outlines The Dream Hotel12:17 Speculative Fiction and real-world parallels14:20 The language of this near future world19:40 Dreams and their cultural significance21:58 Speculative Fiction and dreams as data22:50 Researching the novel27:17 The role of algorithms in society30:11 Laila’s journey to becoming a writer34:33 Balancing teaching and writing37:27 The challenges of book promotion39:20 Future writing projects40:59 Laila’s writing tips42:43 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With more than 35 books under her belt, Australian author Christine Keighery has written across a range of age groups and genres. In this episode, she shares some insights from that time, along with details about writing her latest adult thriller, We’re Not Us Without You – all about modern day cults. 00:00 Welcome03:58 Writing tip: ‘Your best friend’s work’07:58 WIN!: The Bourne Escape by Brian Freeman10:55 Word of the week: ‘Desideratum’11:28 The world of words: Riband vs. Ribbon13:33 Writer in residence: Christine Keighery15:15 Christine’s fascination with cults17:17 Getting to know her characters20:20 Writing four perspectives22:00 Having great editors23:40 Religion vs cults25:20 The ingredients of a good thriller26:13 Balancing character and plot27:05 Transitioning from junior fiction to adult fiction28:27 Writing the Go Girl series33:02 The importance of character in all writing36:21 Christine's writing process40:56 Advice for aspiring writers45:28 What's next for Christine?47:04 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you love true-crime podcasts? Author A.L. Tait got obsessed with them for a while and pulled those themes into her latest middle-grade crime-thriller novel Danger Road. She joins us to discuss her experience writing and publishing this one, along with her busy year of writing, her process and how she found her unique voice. 00:00 Welcome02:51 Writing tip: ‘Geolocating writing prompts’06:26 WIN!: Lights, Camera, Love by Natalie Murray09:36 Word of the week: ‘Objurgate’10:13 Writer in residence: A.L. Tait12:00 The inspirations for Danger Road16:41 Creating distinctive voices20:07 A busy year of writing.23:48 The importance of continuous writing24:41 Challenges of underwriting27:21 How Tait found her storytelling voice30:09 The ‘Your Kid’s Next Read’ community34:43 On writing nonfiction and ghostwriting36:00 Say yes to new writing avenues and genres38:18 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you go about adapting a stage play into a compelling murder mystery novel? For acclaimed actor and playwright Toby Schmitz, this was his challenge in creating his debut, The Empress Murders – set on the high seas amid the glamour and clamour 1920s. In this episode, Toby shares his inspirations, aspirations and perspirations in bringing his story to the page. 00:00 Welcome02:29 Writing tip: ‘Magazine apps to combat doomscrolling’07:32 WIN!: Arcana Academy by Elise Kova10:30 Word of the week: ‘Vicissitude’11:11 The world of words: Tack vs. Tact12:59 Writer in residence: Toby Schmitz14:02 Toby describes The Empress Murders16:06 Storytelling in the 1920s18:11 Themes of colonialism20:19 How the story started as a play22:05 Defining what an Australian story is26:17 The journey from play to novel27:01 Finding freedom in novel writing27:22 Crafting the story with index cards28:13 Maintaining the playwright's touch29:32 Exploring colonial guilt30:30 Switching genres throughout32:32 Inspirations for Toby35:36 Navigating historical authenticity37:16 The research process39:11 The emotional experience of publishing43:10 Reflections on feedback and notes45:08 Hopes for the reader's experience46:36 Acknowledging influences and support49:19 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When award-winning author Demet Divaroren decided to write a fantasy novel, she went down a completely different path first, before finally arriving at what would become Blood Moon Bride. In this discussion, Demet shares the inspiration for this YA fantasy novel, the creative freedom of writing in this genre and how motherhood changed her perspective on storytelling. 00:00 Welcome04:51 Writing tip: ‘Tinder for writers’08:45 WIN!: A Passion for Passion by Alice Fraser11:53 Word of the week: ‘Kickshaw’12:25 Writer in residence: Demet Divaroren16:00 Starting with a different book19:45 Creating a fantasy world22:13 Writing for young adults25:42 Balancing writing and life26:12 How motherhood changed her writing29:14 The publishing journey32:07 The magic of writing33:08 Promoting the book35:16 Future projects 37:00 Demet shares a writing tip38:05 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Toby Walsh wrote his first book on AI, he figured he’d said all he had to say. But just a handful of years later, this British computer scientist and current Chief Scientist at UNSW Sydney’s AI Institute is here to discuss his FIFTH book, The Shortest History of AI – how it came about and some of the challenges around explaining this subject to a general audience. 00:00 Welcome10:05 Writing tip: ‘Just start writing’12:52 WIN!: The Midnight Estate by Kelly Rimmer14:39 Word of the week: ‘Psithurism’15:09 Writer in residence: Toby Walsh15:55 Explaining The Shortest History of AI17:00 Deciding on the six ideas for the book18:25 How Toby developed his writing voice20:06 Balancing the academia and hysteria22:37 The purpose of writing AI books23:24 The challenges of writing for the public25:00 On becoming an accidental science communicator28:03 The secret circle of science communicators29:58 Untimely deaths in the timeline of AI30:30 Adding his expertise to the ‘Shortest’ series32:20 On designing his book cover and subtitle35:48 The role of great editors in writing37:24 Toby’s late night writing process 38:55 His next book project39:59 A pivot to writing fiction?42:07 Toby’s tip for writers43:23 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Self-confessed writing course junkie and former lawyer Sarah Clutton’s central character literally appeared at the door while she was busy writing another book at the end of the world. In this episode, Sarah elaborates on this unusual inspiration and her writing process for her new novel, The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains. 00:00 Welcome05:54 Writing tip: ‘Number your pages!’09:35 WIN!: Chinese Parents Don't Say I Love You by Candice Chung11:09 Word of the week: ‘AA Lava’13:09 The world of words: ‘Filling out vs Filling in’14:46 Writer in residence: Sarah Clutton15:35 Explaining The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains17:30 Sarah’s early years19:00 Getting started as a writer via lawyering up22:01 Taking courses with the Australian Writers’ Centre24:37 On creating Alfie Bains: inspirations and challenges27:09 Turning 50 and crafting a witchy thriller in Tasmania31:08 Alfie comes knocking at the door34:51 Sarah’s writing process – have a deadline!37:58 What it’s like living in a book town 39:07 Sarah’s next book: a sneak peek40:06 Themes and messages of the book41:43 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What effect has the internet, social media and AI had on language? Should you judge a book by its cover? This week, linguistic legend and British OBE recipient David Crystal joins us to discuss all things words, idioms, dialects and the curious facts he found while researching his latest publication, Bookish Words. 00:00 Welcome10:07 Writing tip: ‘Write your Why’12:47 WIN!: Audition by Katie Kitamura14:09 Word of the week: ‘Testudo’16:37 World of Words: ‘One Fell Swoop’18:06 Writer in residence: David Crystal19:19 David’s love of words21:30 The wonders of different dialects22:30 Language and change27:16 Discussing his latest title, Bookish Words33:00 Judging a book by its cover36:05 British and American English differences37:59 The Influence of Sports on Language40:18 David and Dean discuss puns42:11 Nat’s question corner: balancing form and meaning46:33 The role of technology and social media49:30 Language in a world of AI51:34 The impact of COVID-19 on language53:14 Tips on making your writing engaging55:27 David reading preferences01:05:00 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much research is too much when writing historical fiction? This is just one of the topics that bestselling author Emilia Hart discusses in this episode as she shares details of her latest novel, The Sirens – a blend of nautical history and fantasy across two stories separated by time and distance. 00:00 Welcome04:23 Writing tip: ‘The Most Dangerous Writing App’07:25 WIN!: The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs08:51 Word of the week: ‘Luthier’11:01 Writer in residence: Emilia Hart12:48 Inspirations for the books two timelines19:45 Writing about Australia during the pandemic20:24 Exploring the themes of distance and journey22:17 Researching convict history25:00 Note taking methods25:59 The importance of her day job in her writing  28:11 Deleting 300,000 words30:00 There’s no such thing as a perfect draft30:32 Learning to sail for the book31:20 The book deal and publishing process32:50 Balancing writing with public engagement35:10 Emilia’s writing tips37:29 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.