Stories Behind The Story: Chris Hammer on Journalism, Storytelling Craft and His Latest Thriller

Chris Hammer talks to Cheryl about his lifelong love of writing and how his career in journalism, including international reporting for Dateline, shaped his storytelling. He reflects on developing his craft, transitioning from nonfiction to fiction, and how fellow author Benjamin Stevenson helped bring Scrublands to life. His latest novel, Legacy, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soren Tae Smith talks to Cheryl about the deeply personal process of writing her memoir, Honey from the Ground. She reflects on the loss of her son, the ongoing journey through grief, and the emotional challenges of continuing to parent after such a profound loss. She also shares how she discovered her desire to write, her love of novellas, and the role storytelling has played in her healing. Her memoir, Honey from the Ground, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning author Tim Winton joins Cheryl to talk about his first nonfiction book for children, Ningaloo. He shares fascinating facts about the iconic reef and its diverse marine life, the creative challenges of making science both fun and visually engaging, and reflects on why this story is important to him and his hopes for the future. Ningaloo, which was illustrated by Cindy Lane, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Craig Silvey talks to Cheryl about the challenges he faced while writing his latest book, the ways his children have changed his life, the lasting impact of Jasper Jones, how he began writing books in high school, and how his career has evolved over the years. His newest book, Runt #2: Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Garry Disher talks to Cheryl about his pride in being an Australian author, his book tours in Germany, what sets his Hirsch series apart from other crime novels, and the complexities of Australia’s police forces. His latest book, Mischance Creek, is out September 30, 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison Rushby talks to Cheryl about the differences between writing historical fantasy and middle grade fiction, her career before becoming an author, 25 years of writing books, and the highs and lows of publishing her latest novel, Slashed Beauties, which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Hammer (Scrublands, The Valley) and Caroline Overington (Last Woman Hanged, The Cuckoo's Cry) talk about Australian books, self-publishing and how their books have changed over time. Learn more about the two authors, how the TV adaptation of Scrublands has impacted Chris, Caroline's work at The Australian, and as always, the book industry in this new episode of Authors on Authors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melina Marchetta (Looking for Alibrandi, The Piper's Son) and Tess Woods (The Venice Hotel, Beautiful Messy Love) have a chat about Melina's career, Venice and the difficulties of writing different genres. Learn more about the two authors, the importance of Looking for Alibrandi, not only for Melina, but also for Tess, and as always, the book industry in this new episode of Authors on Authors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jackson Harvey & Alex Towler talk to Cheryl about their LEGO® exhibition in Sydney, how they first met, what goes into creating their impressive builds, the impact LEGO® has had on their careers and lives, and the highs and lows of life on a press tour. Their book A New World Rises: Tales of a LEGO® Future, which they co-wrote with Cristy Burne, is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lauren Chater (Gulliver's Wife, The Winter Dress) and James Bradley (Clade, The Resurrectionist) talk about how they met, being an artist and the lasting impacts of the pandemic. Learn more about the two authors, how Sydney impacted James' career, the difficulties of writing, and as always, the book industry in this new episode of Authors on Authors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.