Category: Fiction writing

Win $5000 and a publishing deal for your romance manuscript

Australian romance writing is heating up. And with the return of the XO Romance Prize for 2017, it’s going to get even more exciting. If you’re an Australian romance writer with an unpublished manuscript, the XO Romance Prize will be right up your alley. What’s up for... read more

The secrets to writing successful short stories

Back in 2002, an author you may have heard of by the name of Stephen King said that “there are few pleasures so excellent as sitting in my favorite chair on a cold night with a hot cup of tea, listening to the wind outside and reading a good story... read more

Shankari Chandran: From lawyer to published 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... read more

#WhereIWrite: Crime author Emma Viskic

Yes, it’s that time again. Where we delve into the shelves, explore the doors and investigate the desk space of authors. Today it’s award-winning Australian crime writer Emma Viskic – winner of the 2016 Ned Kelly Award for her critically acclaimed debut novel, Resurrection Bay. That same book... read more

Kimberley Freeman discusses “Stars Across the Ocean”

Today it’s a quick chat with rural romance author and dual-timeline specialist Kimberley Freeman, on her latest book – Stars Across the Ocean. So Kimberley, we know that the main character’s name is Agnes, but perhaps you could tell our readers a smidge more about her and her... read more

Charlotte Nash invites you to “The Paris Wedding”

Today we’re speaking with Brisbane-based bestselling Australian author Charlotte Nash about her new book, The Paris Wedding – hitting bookstores July 2017. Charlotte has up until now written “rural lit” – tales of life and love in remote Australia. So, naturally the idea of Paris seems about as far from... read more

Picture this: An interview with illustrator Giuseppe Poli

Giuseppe Poli is a leading illustrator in his field. His latest children’s book Baby Band (words by Diane Jackson Hill) was released this year. Giuseppe lives in Queensland and we had a chat with him about his insights into the world of illustrating... Hi Giuseppe. Hey, before we start... read more

Eliza Henry Jones has an ‘Ache’

When Australian author Eliza Henry Jones hit the shelves in 2015 with her debut novel In the Quiet, it was anything but quiet – earning the then-25-year-old a clutch of awards, kudos and positive press. Now back for her ‘tricky follow-up album’ second book, Eliza is drawing... read more

Claire Corbett discusses her new wartime novel, “Watch Over Me”

Today we’re chatting to Australian author Claire Corbett about her new book, Watch Over Me. Described by Tom Keneally as “a tale of pilgrimages and adventures, all beautifully textured and lovingly narrated”, this is a story that Claire feels very strongly about telling. Hi Claire, can you describe your... read more

‘Pride’ and prejudice with author Lazaros Zigomanis

Today we’re chatting to Australian author Lazaros Zigomanis. No, not about how much his name would score in Scrabble, but rather his new book Pride – his first foray into Young Adult fiction. So Lazaros, can you give us a quick rundown of this book – what’s it all about... read more

Kirsty Manning strolls “The Midsummer Garden”

Today we’re chatting with Kirsty Manning about her debut novel, The Midsummer Garden – a kind of tasty time travelling tale. For those readers who haven't read The Midsummer Garden yet, can you tell us what it's about? “The Midsummer Garden brings to life the stories of two... read more

6 questions: Sandra Leigh Price’s “The River Sings”

When a new book comes along, we like to leave a trail of breadcrumbs (or coffee beans) out – leading authors straight to our interview questions. And this week, we’ve lured Sydney-based author Sandra Leigh Price to chat about her new book, The River Sings. (Sandra’s 2015 debut... read more

Ouyang Yu talks “Billy Sing”

Today we’re chatting with acclaimed author Ouyang Yu about his latest historical fiction, Billy Sing. William ‘Billy’ Sing was a real person – born in 1886 to an English mother and Chinese father, and grew up in rural Queensland. He was one of the first to enlist in 1914 and... read more

At my desk: Gabrielle Tozer

This is the column where we break into authors’ homes and have a look through their desks while holding a mini torch in our mouth. Okay, no, that’s not true. We actually have a civil chat with them about their writing space, writing habits and their latest books. So... read more