WRITER 621: Children’s author Carla Fitzgerald shares her five must-do tips for aspiring middle-grade authors

Meet Amanda Willimott, who talks about her historical fiction novel Winter of the Wolf, informed by extensive research. Amanda reveals how she got her book deal with Penguin Random House and the power of persistence, planning and mentorship. 00:00 Introduction03:56 Writing tip: Attend events07:19 Competition: Win The Dictionary of Terrible Ideas by Dominic Knight09:25 Word of the week: Riparian10:48 Interview with Amanda Willimott, author of Winter of the Wolf25:24 Deciding to write a novel26:12 Setting goals and overcoming challenges27:56 The importance of planning and research29:35 Writing discipline and tracking progress36:04 Editing and refining the manuscript37:58 The path to publication41:19 Celebrating success and future plans45:11 Final thoughts and advice for aspiring writers47:13 Fun fact: What is a circadian novel? 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.

Meet bestselling author and screenwriter Christian White on his novel The Ledge and writing the Netflix hit Clickbait. his writing process, and his transition from books to screenwriting, including his work on TV shows like Clickbait and Apartment 7A. 00:00 Welcome to episode 63501:46 Nat Newman's writing tip02:41 Nat's creative writing journey04:34 The importance of elevator pitches09:07 Win: Cherrywood by Jock Serong11:20 Word of the week: Panoply14:01 Interview with Christian White, author of The Ledge31:43 The journey to Clickbait33:15 Balancing success and stress35:16 Appreciating the moment36:11 From Clickbait to Apartment 7A41:36 The collaborative process45:43 Balancing writing and family life55:30 Tips for aspiring writers01:01:29 Conclusion 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.

Meet Ariane Beeston, who shares insights into her powerful memoir Because I'm Not Myself, You See, exploring postpartum psychosis, her writing journey, and the therapeutic yet challenging process of recounting personal experiences. This memoir is brave and beautifully written. As a graduate of Australian Writers' Centre, we’re so thrilled for Ariane. 00:00 Introduction00:19 Using prompts to discover your character03:39 Nat Newman’s writing tip08:32 Setting writing goals11:23 Win: The Paris Gown by Christine Wells14:22 Word of the week: Vestige6:22 Interview with Ariane Beeston, author of Because I'm Not Myself, You See28:03 The proposal journey28:17 Navigating rejections and acceptances29:01 The challenge of writing a book29:26 Creative Nonfiction insights30:00 Seamlessly weaving research and personal story31:14 Overcoming personal obstacles32:35 The emotional toll of writing33:36 The urgency to finish34:58 Post-writing reflections35:49 The writing timeline36:52 Managing deadlines and mental health39:52 Reliving the past through writing42:04 Ethics and accuracy in memoir writing46:20 The book's impact and reader responses48:18 Top tips for writing a memoir54:02 Conclusion 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.

Meet bestselling author Paula Hawkins, whose new book The Blue Hour explores a psychological thriller set on a Scottish island. Paula discusses her writing process, research on art, transition from a finance journalist to a novelist, how she wrote four romance novels under a pen name and her experiences following the success of The Girl on the Train. She also shares her writing advice, emphasising the importance of feedback and understanding your readers’ experiences. 00:00 Introduction00:34 Writing tip with Nat Newman02:53 Storyboarding for writers06:22 Win: The Stranger at the Wedding by A. E. Gauntlett08:14 Word of the week: Palmy09:30 Paula Hawkins and her latest novel The Blue Hour21:19 From financial journalism to fiction21:46 First foray into fiction23:40 How Paula writes romance under a pseudonym24:52 Finding the right genre25:38 The birth of The Girl on the Train27:48 Dealing with success and pressure30:12 Writing process and challenges40:34 Advice for aspiring writers43:02 Fun fact: apophony 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.

Meet Ryan Butta, author of the new biography, The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli – a previously untold story of one of Australia’s forgotten wartime heroes. In this lively and interesting conversation, Ryan shares what led him to tell this particular story, his research process and other fascinating stories from here and overseas that inadvertently prepared him for a life as a published author. 00:00 Introduction and host welcome00:19 Upcoming travel writing course00:38 Special bonuses for enrollees05:42 Writing tip: Imagination game09:42 Win: Diving, Falling by Kylie Mirmohamadi11:32 Word of the week: Imbrication14:12 Interview with Ryan Butta28:36 Organising research and writing process30:13 Starting the writing journey31:23 From fiction to nonfiction34:18 Pitching and publishing success36:54 Challenges and realities of being published39:51 New projects and future plans45:48 Passion and motivation in writing49:50 Top tips for nonfiction writing 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.

Meet Dani Vee, publisher at Larrikin House, whose latest book is Riley's Failproof Guide to Breaking a School Record, and her soon-to-be-released book is My Pet Croc. Dani shares her writing process but also provides insights into the children’s publishing industry, her role as a publisher and what she is looking for in a manuscript. Dani discusses the importance of finding the right voice, creative control, and the submission process for aspiring authors. 00:00 Introduction to the podcast and special series02:14 Meet Dani Vee: Author, publisher, and podcaster03:43 Riley's fail-proof guide to breaking a school record05:02 From picture books to junior fiction06:00 The creative process and challenges of writing12:44 The magic of writing My Pet Croc14:43 Transitioning from teaching to publishing17:26 The role of a publisher in a small publishing house20:52 Exploring different book genres21:24 The story behind The Bogan Book Club22:20 The importance of voice in publishing23:33 Breaking stereotypes in literature24:26 Defining the Larrikin voice27:05 Submission process and common mistakes32:13 Working with authors: Challenges and considerations34:58 Evaluating submissions: Key questions37:36 Future plans and writing aspirations40:08 Conclusion and 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.

Meet writer and comedian Jennifer Wong, who discussed her new book Chopsticks or Fork, a nostalgic exploration of Chinese-Australian restaurants, based on her TV series. Jennifer shares insights into her writing journey and balancing her work across different media. 00:00 Introduction and welcome00:20 Catching up after a trip00:52 Listener shoutouts and publishing advice03:20 Writing tip from Nat Newman03:45 Exploring Disney Studios07:21 Writing tip: Take a research trip12:31 Competition announcement14:21 Word of the week15:07 Travel writing special edition course18:12 Interview with Jennifer Wong23:43 Finding the right talent for a show23:59 Comedy and personal growth25:06 Writing with personal experience27:15 Exploring favorite writing topics29:06 The journey of Chopsticks or Fork32:58 Creating a nostalgic and joyous book42:58 Balancing book promotion and new projects44:20 Upcoming shows and future plans48:34 Final thoughts and fun facts 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.

Meet children's author Jess Horn, who shares her journey in writing, the inspiration behind her book Bernie Thinks in Boxes, and her intensive writing process. Jess also details her experience securing a book deal, the value of feedback, and the importance of community in the writing world. Jess provides tips for aspiring authors on maintaining passion, embracing feedback, and connecting with the writing community. 00:00 Introduction to the podcast01:09 App tip of the week: Clockify11:19 Interview with children's author Jess Horn13:46 Jess Horn's writing journey and tips23:05 Exciting news and future projects 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.

Meet Scott Ryder, a former Australian commando, who discusses his memoir Forged in Fire, detailing his 22-year military career and the transition to civilian life. Forged in Fire takes us inside the secretive world of the commandos. 00:00 Introduction01:18 Nat Newman’s writing tip09:15 Giveaway: The Blanket Cats by Kiyoshi Shigematsu11:31 Word of the week: lenitive12:11 Creative nonfiction13:44 Interview with Scott Ryder25:06 Reflecting on military life and writing26:04 The writing process: Chronology and challenges27:36 Confronting memories and emotional transparency29:27 The impact of writing on personal growth33:13 Transitioning to civilian life41:57 Fact-checking and authenticity in memoir writing43:29 Future plans and final thoughts48:43 Fun fact: Words that only exist in plural form49:39 Closing remarks 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.

Meet Sandhya Parappukkaran, a picture book author with four wonderful books that have all been shortlisted or have won Premier’s Literary awards. This is a huge achievement for this former food technologist who started writing picture books on a whim not that long ago! Sandhya discusses her journey to becoming an award-winning writer, the inspiration behind her stories, and shares valuable tips for aspiring picture book writers. 00:00 Introduction to the podcast00:20 Special series on children's authors01:48 Weekly app tip: Submittable07:53 Interview with Sandhya Parappukkaran09:14 Sandhya's journey to writing picture books14:40 The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name: From idea to book deal23:55 Exploring Sandhya's recent works33:12 Tips for aspiring picture book writers37:59 Conclusion 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.