Writes4Women Podcast

Feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of writing?

Join Maya Linnell as she chats with New York Times bestselling author Katherine Center on the Writes4Women Podcast! Catherine shares her journey of moving from a slow burn to success, her love for the joyful process of writing, and the art of self-encouragement. Discover how hope and humor blend seamlessly in her stories, and why embracing joy can make all the difference. Don't miss out on this inspiring episode filled with wisdom, laughter, and heartening advice for aspiring writers! 

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Sometimes publishing hurts, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on writing!

Pam gets personal in this special Heart 2 Heart episode of Writes4Women, giving you 5 reasons you should keep writing that DON’T include signing a book contract. If the sometimes fickle publishing industry has you a bit down, have a moment with Pam and find your mojo again

Timestamps:

(01:30 - 02:45) Sometimes Publishing Hurts - What Inspired this Episode
(15:08 - 16:57) Reason 1: Writing as Creative Expression
(18:01 - 19:33) Reason 2: The Cathartic Nature of Writing
(19:35 - 20:51) Reason 3: Escaping into Imaginary Worlds
(22:20 - 24:50) Reason 4: Being Part of the Writing Community
(26:05 - 28:17) Reason 5: Writing as an Act of Hope

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Guest host Mary-Lou Stephens chats to fellow historical fiction author Julie Bennet about her second novel, The Lost Letters of Rose Carey. 

A former journalist Julie's novels are inspired by her experiences on stage as a child extra in the newly-opened Sydney Opera House (The Understudy) and now by her research into the life of 1920's movie icon Annette Kellerman. Set in 2024 and 1923 the dual timeline story is a stirring tale of mystery and romance about the 'million dollar mermaid'. 

Julie talks about the inspiration for the story and how she turned fact into fiction to create the character of Rose Carey. It's a great conversation between two talented writers of historical fiction.

In the intro Pam reveals all (well, some) about her recent Next Chapter Writing Retreat.

Grab a cuppa, pop on your walking shoes and enjoy the ep.

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Discover the inspiring story of Ber Carroll in this captivating episode of Writes4Women. Join us as we trace her 20-year publishing journey, from the release of her debut novel to her latest work, ONE OF US IS MISSING. Gain invaluable insights into Ber's process of dealing with publishing highs and lows, her approach to creating compelling family drama, and the crucial role of rewriting. This episode is a treasure trove for aspiring writers and fans of Ber Carroll's novels, offering practical advice and deep dives into the realities of a writing career.

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In this episode of Writes4Women (hosted by Pamela Cook), acclaimed author Karen Viggers delves into the nuances of crafting issues-based fiction, sharing her personal experiences and the challenges she faces in the writing process. Discover how she weaves real-world issues into compelling narratives and explores the emotional landscapes of her characters. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a seasoned author, this discussion offers valuable insights into the creative process, character development, and the motivation behind writing as a vocation. Tune in to learn how to enhance your own writing and engage more deeply with your themes!

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Explore the journey of author Renae Black, from her roots in rural Australia to becoming a published novelist, in this insightful episode of Writes4Women. Delve into her writing process, character development in RED DIRT HOME, and the supportive writing community.

Timestamps:

[00:01:11] Renae Black: From Social Worker to Author
[00:03:11] The Impact of Personal Experiences on Writing Fiction
[00:16:02] Developing Themes and Characters in "Red Dirt Home"
[00:26:29] Insights into Renae Black's Writing Process
[00:41:13] The Role of Community in Writing and Upcoming Projects

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Lauren Chater is the author of the historical novels The Lace Weaver, Gulliver's Wife and The Winter Dress. Her latest book, The Beauties is a seductive story of rivalry, artistic passion and a woman bold enough to use her beauty as a weapon.

It's a dual timeline, multiple point of view narrative set in the seventeenth century written in Lauren's beautiful prose style, and meticulously weaving fact and fiction.

In this episode Pamela chats to Lauren about the inspiration for the book, her writing process, developing a sense of self as a writer and how she incorporates writing into her life. It's a great conversation that will appeal to both readers and writers.

In the introduction Pam talks about her upcoming retreat and our latest Patreon bonus, The Diary of a Procrastinator.

Grab a cuppa or put on your walking shoes, and settle in for another fabulous episode of Writes4Women.

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Jenna Lo Bianco is a writer, educator, PhD Candidate, and advocate for Italian language education in Australia. She is the author of the newly released contemporary fiction title, The Italian Marriage, the first of three books all set in Italy.

With nearly 60 publications to her name, Jenna is trusted nationally and internationally to write about all things ‘Italian’. She is a Fellow of the International Specialised Skills Institute and Italian Australian Foundation, regular contributor to Segmento Magazine, and has written and consulted in educational publishing for more than a decade.

A romantic at heart, Jenna writes contemporary romances set in Italy that read like a fictional slice of ‘la dolce vita’, but are steeped in candour and truths – both the convenient and inconvenient – drawing upon her personal life experiences in Italy, and her intimate knowledge of the Italian language and culture.

She may appear to live in Melbourne, but her heart and soul are Rome’s most permanent residents.

In this episode Jenna chats to guest host Laura Boon about strategising to get a book deal, writing what she loves and infusing her stories with her own experiences.

Grab a cuppa or pop on your walking shoes for this chat with Laura and Jenna.

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Brendan Novak is the New York Times bestselling author of over 75 books. She has been writing for over 25 years, and began when she found her childcare provider drugging her children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep. Horrified and not able to trust anyone with her babies anymore, she needed something to do while working from home.  

A diehard bookworm, Brenda decided to try her hand at writing fiction.That first book was a historical romance. In the last 25 years, Brenda has also written contemporary romance, romantic suspense, women's fiction, and more. She also runs a successful book club with over 25,000 members.

Brendan Novak is the New York Times bestselling author of over 75 books. She has been writing for over 25 years, and began when she found her childcare provider drugging her children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep. Horrified and not able to trust anyone with her babies anymore, she needed something to do while working from home.  

A diehard bookworm, Brenda decided to try her hand at writing fiction.That first book was a historical romance. In the last 25 years, Brenda has also written contemporary romance, romantic suspense, women's fiction, and more. She also runs a successful book club with over 25,000 members.

In this episode Brenda chats to guest host Rachael Johns about her latest release, Tourist Season, her writing process, genre mash ups and a whole lot more.

Grab a cuppa or pop on your walking shoes and headphones and enjoy this conversations between Brenda and Rachael.

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Tate James, USA Today Bestselling Author of Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, and Urban Fantasy chats to host Pamela Cook about life as an indie author and her reverse harem Maddison Kate series.

Unable to find enough of the books she wanted to read, Tate turned her hand to writing reverse harem novels. Since then she has written over 45 novels and hit the best-seller lists time and time again. In this episode she reveals the secrets of her success, her writing process and talks about how writing the books you want to read will help ou find your audience.

A great episode for both indie and trad authors! Grab a cuppa or pop on your headphones and walking shoes and join Pam and Tate on the Writes4Women Convo Couch.

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Mary-Lou Stephens talks to host Pamela Cook about her second historical fiction novel, The Chocolate Factory.

As the title suggests it's a tale of intrigue and romance, woven into the factual story of the beginnings of the Cadbury chocolate factory in Tasmania. Mary-Lou talks about the inspiration for the novel, the pressures of writing 'the second book', research rabbit holes and bringing her characters to life on the page. Pam also delves into Mary-Lou's writing process, particularly now she's on the road, slow travelling around the world.

In the intro, Pam discusses the issue of narrative perspective and writing in deep point of view.

Grab a cuppa or put on your walking shoes and headphones, and enjoy this chat with Mary-Lou Stephens.

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Guest host Meredith Jaffé, author of The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah and The Tricky Art of Forgiveness, chats to Jane Tara about her new release Tilda is Visible.

Jane has published over a hundred children's books, several plays ya in romance novels, as well as travel and educational books and journalism. She spent 13 years wandering the world and lived in five countries, but is now happily at home in Sydney.  Jane is also the general manager of Better Reading, a community of engaged readers, and a powerhouse of support for Australian writing. Her new novel Tilda is Visible, was one of the buzz titles of the 2023 Frankfurt Book Fair and is getting rave reviews.

Jane chats to Meredith about the quite personal inspiration for the novel, the evolution of the story, her writing process, and the theme of the novel: the invisibility of women as they age.

This is a fabulous conversation between two talented authors. Grab a cuppa or put on your walking shoes and enjoy this episode with Meredith and Jane.

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Rae Cairns hosts a compelling interview with bestselling crime author Dervla McTiernan, who shares insights on her latest book WHAT HAPPENED TO NINA?. The conversation delves into McTiernan's writing process, the evolution of her craft from her first book to her ninth, and the thematic exploration of toxic relationships and the weaponization of media in her novel. McTiernan's personal journey, including her remarkable path to publication and her battle with a brain tumour, is also highlighted, offering an inspiring look at resilience and dedication to storytelling.

Grab a cuppa, or pop on your headphones and walking shoes and enjoy!

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Dr Amy T. Matthews is an award-winning author, an Associate Professor in Creative Writing at Flinders University, and the co-host of the podcasts Word Docs and Love on Campus. Her most recent release, Someone Else's Bucket List, a P.S. I Love You for the digital age, is about an outgoing social media influencer who leaves crippling medical debt behind after her tragically young death from leukemia, and her final wish is for her introverted younger sister to take over her accounts and complete her bucket list while her millions of fans follow along. Perfect for fans of Josie Silver and Rebecca Serle, Amy T. Matthews’ wryly funny, bittersweet new novel puts a uniquely poignant, achingly uplifting twist on life after loss, dreams that can come true—and how a strong sister bond can be timeless.

Amy also writes under the pen name Amy Barry and has had huge success with her western romances. She also previously wrote historical romances under the name Tess LeSue.

Grab a cuppa, pop on your headphones and enjoy this chat between two best selling romance authors.

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Kylie Orr is an Australian author of dark and twisty contemporary fiction. Her debut novel, Someone Else's Child was published in 2022 to industry and reader acclaim.  Her new novel, The Eleventh Floor, is a page turning read about a sleep deprived first time mum and a crime she wishes she didn't witness.

In this episode Pam chats to Kylie about her experience of writing 'the second novel', pushing the 'make things worse' mantra to the limit and the importance of determination in pushing through rejections. It's a jam packed episode with an intro on Pam's experience in writing in a new point of view and new genre, and the importance of understanding your character's wants and needs.

Grab a cuppa, pop on your head phones and enjoy this chat with Kylie Orr.

 

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Ever wondered what it would be like to have the same name as a famous literary character?

Pam chats to best-selling Australian author Rachael Johns about her new release The Other Bridget, a fabulous contemporary romance which draws inspiration from one of the all time great rom coms, The Diary of Bridget Jones by Helen Fielding.

Rachael shares where the original idea for the story came from, how she developed a large cast of characters, the enemies to lovers trope and all ab out her librarian protagonist's love of books. She also discusses what she's learnt about writing and publishing and why she's such a passionate supporter of the romance genre.

Grab a cuppa, pop on your headphones and enjoy this fun chat with Rachael.

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Welcome to Season 5 of Writes4Women!

In this captivating episode of Writes4Women, we sit down with acclaimed author Hannah Richell to dive into her writing journey, the challenges she's faced, and her change of direction as she takes on the psychological thriller genre in her new release The Search Party.

Hannah opens up about overcoming writer's block, the profound influence of setting in her stories, and the joy of rediscovering her passion for writing. Additionally, she discusses the impactful Richell Prize for emerging writers, sharing valuable insights and encouragement for aspiring authors. Join us for a heartfelt exploration of creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling.

Hannah Richell’s latest novel THE SEARCH PARTY is out now!

Join Pam and Hannah on the Writes4Women Convo Couch for this fabulous chat to kick off Season 5

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Join us for a fascinating year-end discussion as we sit down with some of our favourite guest authors from 2023 who share their writing highlights, challenges and some delightful book recommendations to snuggle up with this holiday season. We celebrate 25,000 downloads of the podcast and look back on the year that was.

We believe that the best gift we can give our readers this Christmas is the love of reading, so here's to a year filled with writing, challenges, triumphs, and of course great books. Let's make a toast to the stories that make us who we are and the ones yet to be written.

Grab a cuppa - or your favourite Christmas bevvy - and join us as we celebrate the 2023 writing and podcasting year.

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