Stories Behind The Story: Karen Brooks on Brewing, Her Writing Journey and Bringing History to Life Through Fiction

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.

Megan Kelleher talks to Cheryl about the many ways people share stories, her personal journey of self-discovery, the influence of her family on her worldview, and the significance of NAIDOC Week. Her debut, Snake Talk, which she co-wrote with Tyson Yunkaporta, is out September 2, 2025. Fresh Voices: A Debut Author Spotlight is sponsored by the Copyright Agency's The Cultural Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Robotham (The Suspect, Good Girl, Bad Girl) and Dinuka McKenzie (The Torrent, Taken) discuss Michael's 20 years of publishing, the hardships of writing, the crime genre, what inspires their books and the art of crafting interesting characters. Learn more about the two authors, their publishing history, the number of words they've had to sacrifice, and of course, the publishing industry in this special episode of "Authors on Authors LIVE". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jacqueline Harvey (Alice-Miranda series, Kensy and Max series) and Kristin Darell (Taronga Presents series and Football Fever Series) share some laughs and talk about what inspires their books, how they got into the publishing industry, and believe it or not, koala poo. Learn more about the two authors, how Jacqueline once spied on MI6, Kristin's experience at Taronga Zoo, and as always, the book industry in this episode of "Authors on Authors". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caoilinn Hughes (The Alternatives, Orchid & the Wasp) and Bri Lee (Eggshell Skull, Who Gets to Be Smart) share some laughs and talk about their latest books, the differences between young and older readers, how they met and how their books have impacted both their own lives and the lives of others. Learn more about the two authors, how they went on a 'Mafia Tour', the impacts of success, and of course, the publishing industry in this new episode of "Authors on Authors". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January Gilchrist talks to Cheryl about the beginnings of her writing journey, her adventures in the Blue Mountains and the transformative experience of attending a writing retreat. She also shares insights into the path to publication that ultimately led to her novel, The Final Chapter, which is out July 29, 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cheryl Leavy talks to Cheryl Akle about the moment she realised she wanted to write her debut and its emotional connection to her mother, the role of poetry in contrast to First Nations language, her family heritage and its ties to the Stolen Generations, and the deeper meanings she’s woven into her own poetry. Her debut, Yanga Mother, which was illustrated by Christopher Bassi, is out now. Fresh Voices: A Debut Author Spotlight is sponsored by the Copyright Agency's The Cultural Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karen Brooks talks to Cheryl about her family-run brewery in Hobart, the influence of feminism on her writing, how she approaches research for her historical fiction, her connection to fantasy stories and what lies ahead in her writing journey. Her latest book, The Whisky Widow, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.