We are BACK from hiatus, and while we have to wait just a little longer to share some exciting news, we’ve got this brand-spanking-new episode where we talk about writers groups; being in them and how we found our own tribes. We also try to answer a listener question about when it might be time to leave them.
Keen for more writers group chat? Come along to see Kate and one of her writing gangs, Penni Russon, Zana Fraillon and Penny Harrison, spill their beans at Inside the Writers Group at the YPRL Booklovers Festival, Wed Sept 11.
Then Kate speaks with writer Surf Coast writer, Mark Smith.
Mark Smith lives on Victoria’s Surf Coast, where he writes novels and stories, and, until recently ran outdoor-education programs for young adults. His debut novel was The Road to Winter, followed by Wilder Country, which won the 2018 Indie Book Award for Young Adults. His latest novel, Land of Fences, concludes his hugely popular trilogy.
Our conversation covers:
- Mark’s path to publication
- writing short stories
- first readers and taking on feedback
- the drafting process
- how to nail a school visit
- how to double down on publicity and marketing
- cultivating confidence
- finding a writing tribe
Mark’s advice for debut writers?
Keeping your feet on the ground is really important…You’re incredibly lucky to be in the situation that you are.’
For his fave debut book, Mark recommends Favel Parrett’s Past the Shallows.
Follow Mark on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook to find out more.
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