Q&A: ‘INXS’, ‘Oasis’, ‘Blink 182’: Name origins of 1980s-90s bands
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
Writing Podcast Episode 654: Sonia Orchard shares her impactful memoir, ‘Groomed’
How do you go about writing a deeply personal story? In this episode, Sonia Orchard discusses her memoir, Groomed, and the process of writing about
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Best, First and Last’ by Amy Matthews
This week, we’re giving away three copies of Best, First and Last by Amy Matthews. Feeling stuck in life, Heather Russo is reluctantly swept into
Q&A: Why is it called ‘tupperware’?
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
Millie Lewis builds on her picture book success
“Writing Picture Books showed me that I could learn to master something I knew very little about (and trust me, there are transferable lessons there when it comes to parenthood!) For the first time since having a baby, I felt competent at something, and that was truly transformative for me,” Millie says. “Of course, getting a picture book contract the same year was icing on the cake!”
Writing Podcast Episode 653: Sean Wilson and his powerful novel, ‘You Must Remember This’
How do you write about a subject not often represented in fiction? In this episode, Sean Wilson shares his latest novel You Must Remember This
Bec Nanayakkara shares 5 tips for picture book success
For New South Wales-based picture book author Bec Nanayakkara, the past few years have been quite a whirlwind. A graduate of the Australian Writers’ Centre
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Perspectives’ by Laurent Binet
This week, we’re giving away three copies of Perspectives by Laurent Binet. In Perspectives, Laurent Binet blends art, scandal, and murder in Renaissance Florence. When
Shankari Chandran: From lawyer to award-winning author
When Shankari Chandran took time out of her career as a lawyer to have her fourth child, she turned her hand to writing in between baby feeds and family demands. This pastime has turned into a new career and Shankari has now released her first novel The Barrier, a futuristic fast-paced thriller that has been compared to the works of Michael Crichton and Matthew Reilly.
Q&A: Why are they called ‘blockbusters’?
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
Furious Fiction: February 2025 Story Showcase
Welcome to February’s creative showcase – and our SEVENTH birthday! (Help yourself to some cake.) Since 2018, we’ve been challenging you to give us your
Kell Woods finds international success as fantasy author
After studying a suite of courses, starting with Novel Writing Essentials, and including History, Mystery and Magic and Plotting and Planning, Kell’s publishing dream came true when she landed a two-book deal with publishing powerhouse Tor US. Kell’s debut novel, After the Forest, was published in 2023, with international publication by Titan Books in the UK and HarperCollins in Australia/New Zealand.
Writing Podcast Episode 652: Emma Pignatiello discusses her romantic suspense novel, ‘Last Shot’
Author Emma Pignatiello wondered why romance novels didn’t have more murders in them – so she wrote her own! In this episode, she discusses her
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Head Cases’ by John McMahon
This week, we’re giving away three copies of Head Cases by John McMahon. In Head Cases, the FBI’s Patterns and Recognition unit – a team
COPYWRITER 085: How to set up your copywriting business for financial success with Andrew Nicholls
Starting a copywriting business is exciting, but navigating the financial and legal aspects can feel overwhelming. From choosing the proper business structure to understanding tax
How Melissa Garside found children’s book publishing success
Melissa Garside always dreamed of becoming a published author, and her children’s novel, Lexie Moon & The Word Burgling Bungle, is out now with Riveted Press!
Bidding war as Emma Pei Yin publishes ‘When Sleeping Women Wake’
Emma Pei Yin has always loved stories, and she was constantly creating characters and worlds in her head. When she went looking for those stories on bookshelves, however, she discovered that there were hardly any Asian voices being published. So she decided to write her own – and the result is her debut novel, When Sleeping Women Wake – releasing in 2025 in Australia through publishers Hachette, in the UK via Quercus Books, and in the US through Ballantine.
Graci Kim completes middle grade trilogy with ‘The Last Fallen Realm’
Graci Kim has worked as a diplomat, cooking show host and even made kids’ toys – but it was when she sat down to reread her favourite childhood novels that she discovered her passion.
Q&A: ‘Gulf of Mexico’ vs ‘Gulf of America’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
Writing Podcast Episode 651: Beau Donelly, co-author of the book that inspired the hit Netflix series about Belle Gibson
Belle Gibson fooled the world as a health influencer who lied about having brain cancer. In this re-released conversation, we speak with Beau Donelly –
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘You Are Fatally Invited’ by Ande Pliego
This week, we’re giving away three copies of You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego. In this twist-filled thriller, six bestselling authors are invited to
Q&A: The origin of ‘a kettle of fish’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
Writing Podcast Episode 650: Olivia Isaac-Henry and her new book, ‘Sorrow Spring’
A ‘folk horror’ that spans 40 years – awash with intrigue, magic and dark secrets! That’s what awaits you in this episode as we meet
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Last Days of Kira Mullan’ by Nicci French
This week, we’re giving away three copies of The Last Days of Kira Mullan by Nicci French. In this tense psychological thriller, Nancy North suspects
Q&A: Why do we call them ‘byes’?
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
Q&A: ‘INXS’, ‘Oasis’, ‘Blink 182’: Name origins of 1980s-90s bands
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, name that band… Q: Hi
Writing Podcast Episode 654: Sonia Orchard shares her impactful memoir, ‘Groomed’
How do you go about writing a deeply personal story? In this episode, Sonia Orchard discusses her memoir, Groomed, and the process of writing about a traumatic childhood experience. She also shares tips for others looking to write their own memoir. You can listen to the episode below, on Apple
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Best, First and Last’ by Amy Matthews
This week, we’re giving away three copies of Best, First and Last by Amy Matthews. Feeling stuck in life, Heather Russo is reluctantly swept into a surprise hiking trip to Machu Picchu with her spirited grandmother. Along the way, family secrets unravel, unexpected romance sparks, and Heather is forced to
Q&A: Why is it called ‘tupperware’?
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, we’re talking about household names…
Millie Lewis builds on her picture book success
“Writing Picture Books showed me that I could learn to master something I knew very little about (and trust me, there are transferable lessons there when it comes to parenthood!) For the first time since having a baby, I felt competent at something, and that was truly transformative for me,” Millie says. “Of course, getting a picture book contract the same year was icing on the cake!”
Writing Podcast Episode 653: Sean Wilson and his powerful novel, ‘You Must Remember This’
How do you write about a subject not often represented in fiction? In this episode, Sean Wilson shares his latest novel You Must Remember This and his unique journey bringing a story of dementia to the page. You can listen to the episode below, on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or
Bec Nanayakkara shares 5 tips for picture book success
For New South Wales-based picture book author Bec Nanayakkara, the past few years have been quite a whirlwind. A graduate of the Australian Writers’ Centre Writing Picture Books course, Bec found success immediately with her first two books Grow Big, Little Seed and Book Star – published by Hardie Grant
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Perspectives’ by Laurent Binet
This week, we’re giving away three copies of Perspectives by Laurent Binet. In Perspectives, Laurent Binet blends art, scandal, and murder in Renaissance Florence. When a painter is found stabbed, art historian Giorgio Vasari investigates, uncovering intrigue involving the Medici family, Michelangelo, and Vatican censors. A richly immersive historical thriller.
Shankari Chandran: From lawyer to award-winning author
When Shankari Chandran took time out of her career as a lawyer to have her fourth child, she turned her hand to writing in between baby feeds and family demands. This pastime has turned into a new career and Shankari has now released her first novel The Barrier, a futuristic fast-paced thriller that has been compared to the works of Michael Crichton and Matthew Reilly.
Q&A: Why are they called ‘blockbusters’?
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, we’re blockbusting… Q: Hi AWC,
Furious Fiction: February 2025 Story Showcase
Welcome to February’s creative showcase – and our SEVENTH birthday! (Help yourself to some cake.) Since 2018, we’ve been challenging you to give us your best 500-words-or-fewer stories, and we want to say thank you, whether you’ve been with us for years or are a recent arrival. Let’s revisit what
Kell Woods finds international success as fantasy author
After studying a suite of courses, starting with Novel Writing Essentials, and including History, Mystery and Magic and Plotting and Planning, Kell’s publishing dream came true when she landed a two-book deal with publishing powerhouse Tor US. Kell’s debut novel, After the Forest, was published in 2023, with international publication by Titan Books in the UK and HarperCollins in Australia/New Zealand.
Writing Podcast Episode 652: Emma Pignatiello discusses her romantic suspense novel, ‘Last Shot’
Author Emma Pignatiello wondered why romance novels didn’t have more murders in them – so she wrote her own! In this episode, she discusses her book Last Shot, the inspiration behind it and the Australian Writers’ Centre course that helped her get there. You can listen to the episode below,
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Head Cases’ by John McMahon
This week, we’re giving away three copies of Head Cases by John McMahon. In Head Cases, the FBI’s Patterns and Recognition unit – a team of brilliant misfits – races to stop a killer who hunts other serial killers. Led by analytical genius Gardner Camden, they must crack cryptic clues
COPYWRITER 085: How to set up your copywriting business for financial success with Andrew Nicholls
Starting a copywriting business is exciting, but navigating the financial and legal aspects can feel overwhelming. From choosing the proper business structure to understanding tax obligations, there’s a lot to consider. In this episode, Andrew Nicholls, an experienced finance expert and business advisor, breaks it all down in a way
How Melissa Garside found children’s book publishing success
Melissa Garside always dreamed of becoming a published author, and her children’s novel, Lexie Moon & The Word Burgling Bungle, is out now with Riveted Press!
Bidding war as Emma Pei Yin publishes ‘When Sleeping Women Wake’
Emma Pei Yin has always loved stories, and she was constantly creating characters and worlds in her head. When she went looking for those stories on bookshelves, however, she discovered that there were hardly any Asian voices being published. So she decided to write her own – and the result is her debut novel, When Sleeping Women Wake – releasing in 2025 in Australia through publishers Hachette, in the UK via Quercus Books, and in the US through Ballantine.
Graci Kim completes middle grade trilogy with ‘The Last Fallen Realm’
Graci Kim has worked as a diplomat, cooking show host and even made kids’ toys – but it was when she sat down to reread her favourite childhood novels that she discovered her passion.
Q&A: ‘Gulf of Mexico’ vs ‘Gulf of America’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, gulf wars… Q: Hi AWC,
Writing Podcast Episode 651: Beau Donelly, co-author of the book that inspired the hit Netflix series about Belle Gibson
Belle Gibson fooled the world as a health influencer who lied about having brain cancer. In this re-released conversation, we speak with Beau Donelly – co-author of the book that inspired the hit Netflix series, Apple Cider Vinegar. You can listen to the episode below, on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify,
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘You Are Fatally Invited’ by Ande Pliego
This week, we’re giving away three copies of You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego. In this twist-filled thriller, six bestselling authors are invited to a private island retreat hosted by reclusive mystery writer J.R. Alastor. What begins as a week of literary games turns deadly when one guest is
Q&A: The origin of ‘a kettle of fish’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, there’s something fishy… Q: Hi
Writing Podcast Episode 650: Olivia Isaac-Henry and her new book, ‘Sorrow Spring’
A ‘folk horror’ that spans 40 years – awash with intrigue, magic and dark secrets! That’s what awaits you in this episode as we meet British author Olivia Isaac-Henry and discuss her latest suspense novel, Sorrow Spring. Olivia shares what inspired the location and themes, how she blended historical events
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Last Days of Kira Mullan’ by Nicci French
This week, we’re giving away three copies of The Last Days of Kira Mullan by Nicci French. In this tense psychological thriller, Nancy North suspects her neighbour Kira Mullan’s death isn’t a suicide. Battling her own mental health challenges and dismissed by others as unreliable, Nancy must uncover the truth
Q&A: Why do we call them ‘byes’?
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, bye for now… Q: Hi
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