Podcast
So You Want to be a Writer
Hosted by Australian Writers' Centre · EN
Everything you’ve always wanted to know about succeeding in the world of writing and publishing. Learn practical writing techniques, go behind-the-scenes and discover how real-life authors got their big break. Uncover the creative processes of writers who have made it. Your host is Valerie Khoo – author, journalist, creative and CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre.
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Writing Podcast Episode 699: William J. Byrne and his historical novel, 'The Warrumbar'
Jan 1200:39:46Tap to summarizeIt was a single photo of AWC graduate William J. Byrne’s grandmother standing outside a ramshackle home that formed the spark that inspired this self-confessed history buff to explore stories of his past and the experiences of Aboriginal people leading up to the 1960s. The result is his debut novel, The Warrumbar – spanning half a century and casting light on a lesser-told chapter of Australia. In this episode, William shares his inspirations and publishing journey, and the AWC course that made all the difference. 00:00 Welcome04:03 Writing tip: Enter writing competitions07:18 WIN!: What Happened That Night by Nicci French09:55 Word of the week: ‘Puissance’10:45 Writer in residence: William J. Byrne11:05 What The Warrumbar is about12:58 Why he wrote for this time frame15:00 What inspired William to write the book16:45 Stories from family members18:00 Writing a teenage character19:00 Balancing research with family stories21:12 The note-taking process22:23 Moses as a lens for the Aboriginal experience23:38 Australia's historical awareness25:44 The path to publication29:11 Completing a writing course with AWC30:50 The importance of writing communities33:42 Major themes of the book35:55 Advice for writers36:34 Future writing projects37:59 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.
Transcribe →
Writing Podcast Episode 693: Belinda Castles walks us through her new book, Walking Sydney
Dec 1Tap to summarizeDo ideas come to you while you’re out walking? There’s a unique connection between writers and walking – and in this episode, Belinda Castles shares the inspiration and experience in creating her new book, Walking Sydney. The book is a curated collection of talks had while on walks with authors around various parts of the city and exploring the concepts of nostalgia, change and a sense of place. 00:00 Welcome03:59 Writing tip: Dictionary of Australian Words06:11 WIN! Jack Reacher Book Pack Giveaway08:58 Word of the week: ‘Catenary’09:37 Writer in residence: Belinda Castles10:22 What Walking Sydney is about11:09 Inspiration for writing this book13:04 How the book came together18:18 The connection between writers and walking24:50 Writing and the connection to place28:57 Reader experience and audience31:18 Why there are no maps in this book32:31 The armchair travel experience34:12 Balancing writing with teaching36:06 The writing process and time management41:58 The book trailer and filmmaking experience44:56 A tip from Belinda for writers46:48 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.
Transcribe →