We often talk about persistence in the journey of an aspiring author, and for podcaster Sam Elliott, his 20 years of working towards publication had many twists and turns. Now finally with his debut crime/thriller novel Haze under his belt, in this episode Sam shares the turning points that got him to this stage – including completing a particular AWC course – and the inspiration for telling this particular story. He also shares advice for other aspiring writers and the importance of a writing community.

00:00 Welcome
03:45 Writing tip: Check your Notes app
07:41 WIN!: The Violin Maker’s Secret by Evie Woods
09:07 Word of the week: ‘Ditheism’
10:41 Writer in residence: Sam Elliott
11:55 Sam describes his debut crime thriller, Haze
14:00 Sam’s history of writing
16:45 The inspirations for the bushfire storyline
18:03 Creating and developing characters
19:02 Writing about cults
20:55 The experience of completing the AWC course
22:20 Finding a last writing community
24:29 Advice for aspiring writers
25:54 Making peace with the publishing journey
27:40 Writing the book and securing an agent
30:30 Getting the offer and how surreal it was
32:53 Research for this book
36:44 The best and worst part of writing the book
38:10 Being on the other side of interviews
39:55 Balancing writing with life
41:37 Final thoughts

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