It's that time in the 'publication journey' where Kate has to start pitching some loosely book related articles to help with promo. She's determined to do it better this time around and asks Katherine for help. They chat about some excellent recent examples including this one from Mcsweeneys and the excellent Debut in the Age … Continue reading Pitching essays & Kris Kneen on literary mafia, online events & erotica
How do you engage with readers? What's the etiquette when replying to messages and tags on social media? Do famous authors really reply to all their fan mail? And what are the most memorable messages authors have received from readers? We discuss what works and what feels weird and Kate outlines her (very short) plan … Continue reading Reader engagement & Anita Heiss on storytelling, schedules & social media
This week we talk research. Katherine's entertaining the idea of setting her next book in the past and Kate is frothing with excitement at the thought. They talk about research styles, pitfalls, procrastination holes and why the process is different for each book. They mention: Toni Jordan's research process (we interviewed her way back in … Continue reading Research & Mirandi Riwoe on plotting, outrage and writing historical fiction
How to write, right now? Kate and Katherine take two different approaches at this moment, which may of course change! Katherine is taking solace from a delightful listener email and an anecdote about Eleanor Dark, who apparently didn't write for the entire duration of WWII. So give yourself permission NOT to write at this time. … Continue reading How to write, now & Alice Robinson on writing the anthropocene, motherhood & finding joy
Until Tuesday 31st March, 2020, we'd love for you to pitch us for our brand new series Conversations with Friends. All you need is a writer mate, some talking points and a way to record yourselves. We've got space for up to 10 episodes and we want to fit in as many fabulous authors as … Continue reading New Year, New Routines & Emily Clements on memoir, commas and riding the rollercoaster
How do you support your writing tribe? We chat about shout outs, buying books, ways to participate in the industry and Katherine's upcoming debate for Radio National at The State Library. We shout out to some of our fave local bookstores including Eltham Bookshop, Pickwick & Sprout in Hurstbridge and Readings, Carlton and we implore our … Continue reading Supporting other writers & Charlotte Wood on rejection, writing craft and bodies of work
We catch up on editing progress and being on retreat. Then Kate gushes about the fabulous time she had in Sydney meeting First Time fans, running a podcast workshop and hanging out at Glee Books with three fabulous authors, Cassie Hamer, Ashley Kalagian Blunt and John Purcell in First Time Feels, our first recorded live … Continue reading Live event: Cassie Hamer, Ashley Kalagian Blunt & John Purcell at Glee Books
We put on our most professional outfits to discuss professionalism. We discuss: email signatures the difference between gravity sewer and pressure sewer (you really do have to listen) websites (Kate's new website will be live soon, and if you like the look, she used Jin & Co) Nina Kenwood (who we interviewed recently) and her … Continue reading Professionalism & John Purcell on pseudonyms, writing sex & what sells books
Someone gave us a two star review. Katherine got a bit worried. We talk about the (mostly) fabulous feedback we get from our amazing listeners and we do a completely transparent request for your lovely reviews on iTunes, if you are so inclined. We also attempt to answer a question from one listener who wanted us … Continue reading Listener feedback & Jannali Jones on NanoWriMo, persistence & cultural identity
Katherine's been gallivanting in NY and London. So was it all champagne soaked publisher lunches? Katherine's adventures were partly for new book research and she had the wonderful help of The Neilma Sidney Travel Fund. Check it out! Fabulous opportunity from Writers Victoria and it's open RIGHT NOW! And just how much candour is too much? … Continue reading Travels & Ben Hobson on book tours, soundtracks & second books
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