Australian Book Lovers

Episode #170 is Laurie Bell's 2nd podcast hosting birthday! Veronica has a chat with the fabulous crime writing duo of Elise Wackett and Jane Abbott. Plus industry news, including cautions on spammers, literary events, books spotlights and a reading from The Canvas Killings.

Book spotlights:

In episode #169 Veronica and Laurie explore the writer's journey with Maria P Frino, Conchita GarSantiago, Hayley Walsh and Uma Srinivasan from Sydney Authors Inked. The group share how SAI began, and how it's evolved to become a fabulous community for local writers. Their monthly 'Writers at the Pub' events are a wonderful platform for authors to connect, collaborate and share resources on writing, publishing and promoting.

Intro - 0:57
Bio - Hayley Walsh - 4:01
Book Spotlight - Making March - 4:40
Bio - Maria P Frino - 6:41
Book Spotlight - The Robot's Heart - 7:18
...

Episode #168 has Veronica and Laurie meandering through memoir with Danielle Sartorelli, Angelina Mastrippolito and Bo Kitty. Our three debut authors tell us why they're sharing their very personal stories. We chat about secrets, families and their unique writing processes. 

Intro - 0:57
Bio - Danielle Sartorelli - 2:44
Book Spotlight - Life in Instalments - 4:39
Bio - Angelina Mastrippolito - 7:20
Book Spotlight - Le Seconde - 9:22
Bio - Bo Kitty - 13:53
Book Spotlight - Always Eat the Weird Stuff - 14:59
Delving into family secrets - 27:52
How has writing the memoir changed y...

In episode #167 we're exploring contemporary storytelling, cultural inheritance, identity, family relationships and belonging with Alejandra Martinez, Monica Raszewski and Paula McLean. They share their story inspiration, writing process and great advice for new writers.

Intro - 0:57
Bio Alejandra Martinez - 2:36
Book Spotlight - Salsa in the Suburbs - 3:40
Bio Monica Raszewski - 6:58
Book Spotlight - Crimson Light, Polished Wood - 07:51
Bio Paula McLean - 10:29
Book Spotlight - The One Remaining - 11:26
Thoughts on the threads of cultural inheritance, identity and belonging - 14:13
How do you make a written family...

Episode 166 is all about publishing and print on demand. Veronica and Laurie have a fabulous chat about all things self-publishing with the wonderful Chris Munnery from Ingram Spark. We have news, book spotlights, and we dive into great resources from: Ingram Spark, So You Want to Be A Writer by Allison Tait and Valerie Khoo (book and podcast), About Writing by Gareth L. Powell.

Book spotlights:
1. The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-bottomed Boat by Charlie Archbold – middle grade
2. The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage by Charlie Archbold – middle grade
3. Engineering the Australian Dream by J...

In episode 165 Veronica and Laurie share book marketing tips from K.M. Allan, Seth Godin, Bryan Cohen and Joanna Penn. We have news, quotes, book spotlights and lots more. Laurie has a lively chat with the fabulous middle grade and children's author George Ivanoff.

Book spotlights:
1. The Boyfriend Clause by Bridie Blake - romance
2. Forever and Ever by Allanah Hunt - contemporary
3. The Sugarcane Kids and the Mystery at Angel Bay by Charlie Archbold – middle grade
4. Birthing with Trauma and Fear: A Guide to an Empowering Birth Experience by Moran Liviani – non-fiction
5. Tree...

In episode #164 Veronica and Laurie share writing and self-publishing tips, ISBNs, industry news, literary grants, quotes, new segment stings and more. Laurie catches up with thriller author Naomi Shippen about her latest book Before She Killed Him. Plus seven spectacular book spotlights. 

Book spotlights:
1. All we need by Magdalena McGuire – contemporary
2. Songs of Shadow, Words of Woe by Matthew R. Davis – horror
3. Stormy Normy Goes Reining by Leisa Fail - middle grade
4. The Sky’s Edge by Clare Anne McGrory – thriller
5. A Child Called Faye by Jess Senff – fantasy
6. Billion Dollar Blindspot...

In episode #163 we're getting down onto the little chairs and exploring the outside world with Australian picture book authors Annie Kwan and Tania Moloney. They share their unique inspiration and writing process, the delights of working with an illustrator and which of their characters would make the best podcast guest.

Intro - 0:57
Bio Tania Moloney - 2:38
Book Spotlight - Nature Ninja Saves The Natural World - 3:26
Bio Annie Kwan - 5:06
Book Spotlight - The Finch Who Lost Her Wing - 05:57
Using Aussie fauna to tell powerful stories - 11:27
Using characters teaching...

In episode #162 Veronica and Laurie have industry news, literary events, book spotlights and more. The Furphy Literary Awards 2026 are open and we chat with Robyn J Black, coordinator of the award and previous winner who shares the history of the competition, short story writing tips and so much more.

Book spotlights:
1. Lee Gordon Present by Jeff Apter - biography
2. Love Beyond Borders by Joshua Campbell - historical
3. Wending by Bel Hawley - contemporary
4. Soul Comfort by Alistair Conwell - non-fiction
5. The Maskeys by Stuart Everly-Wilson - contemporary
6. Confessions of a Minor...

In episode 161 we're riding the coattails of three historical fiction writers into the past. We chat with authors Duncan Graham, Anne Vines and Paul Rushworth-Brown about their story inspiration, their writing process and what period in history they'd love to go back to.

Intro - 0:57
Bio Duncan Graham - 3:36
Book Spotlight - Where the Dust Settles by Duncan Graham - 4:33
Bio Anne Vines - 8:54
Book Spotlight - Flight by Anne Vines - 10:59
Bio Paul Rushworth-Brown - 16:15
Book Spotlight - Outback Odyssey by Paul Rushworth-Brown - 17:46
Research, fact and fiction - 21:54<...

And we're back! Ep160 has Veronica and Laurie chatting author incomes, getting teens to read, Anna Featherstone's List of Australian Writers Festivals, and K.M. Allan's Writing Habits Checklist to get you into the New Year groove. So many lovely book spotlights, plus a wonderful chat with January Gilchrist about 'The Final Chapter' and a reading from The Serpent's Kiss from our very own Laurie Bell. And so much more...

Book spotlights:
1. The Serpent’s Kiss: Stones of Power Book 4 by Laurie Bell – YA Fantasy
2. Before She Killed Him by Naomi Shippen – mystery, thriller, domestic suspen...

Episode 159 has Christmas written all over it. Veronica and Laurie chat rituals, folklore, food and book stocking fillers with six Australian authors whose work is set in the festive season: Madeleine D'Este, Sandy Barker, Lisa Heidke, Kevin Klehr, BG Hilton & Kay Kerr. Plus we share seasons greetings from 30 Australian Book Lovers authors - a little about their books and a little festive cheer.

Seasons Greetings from James Ynson, Nicole Kelly & Lisa Kenway - 0:57
Intro - 2:18
Seasons Greetings from Faye Hall, DT Bella, Max Jeffries - 5:11
Chat with Madeleine D'Este author of A Very Evangeline...

Episode 158 is up and humming. We chat book covers, Laurie's BookBub experience for White Fire, and tips for writing flash fiction. Veronica chats with contemporary author Johan du Toit about his stories in 'When Only Today Matters' and Johan reads an excerpt from the title story. Plus we have news, quotes, K.M. Allan's Unpredictability Checklist and so much more... 

Book spotlights:

In episode #157, Veronica & Laurie explore fantasy in many forms with authors Maria Linwood, Dmetri Kakmi, Heather Ewings & Maxx Victor. Why does fantasy speak to so many readers? How do you keep a fantasy story relatable for modern readers? And so much more...

Intro - 0:57
Maria Linwood Bio - 4:37
Book Spotlight - Mistress of Amber and Flame by Maria Linwood - 5:25
Demetri Kakmi Bio - 6:52
Book Spotlight - The Woman in the Well by Dmetri Kakmi - 8:42
Heather Ewings Bio - 10:21
Book Spotlight - Klaria's Battle by Heather Ewings - 11:28
Maxx...

Episode #156 is packed full of writer's resources. Veronica and Laurie have industry news and discussions (congrats to Holden Sheppard for making the WA Local Hero shortlist), K.M. Allan's Reverse Outlining checklist from her book Writing and Editing Checklist, plus book spotlights and quotes. We chat with Dr Alexandra Dane about Community Publishing in Regional Australia and the DIY Publishing Toolkit (by Beth Driscoll, Kim Wilkins, Sandra Phillips and Alexandra Dane).

Book spotlights:
1. Dear Little One: You're Perfect, Just As You Are by Christina Giuffré - children's 
2. Authorpreneurship: The Business of Creativity by Hazel Edwards – non...

In episode #155, Veronica & Laurie are chasing adventure across the country and diving into dark alleys with mystery, crime and thriller authors Susan Rogers, John Roosen & Sean Gorman. What makes a great Aussie crime? What twists keeps readers turning the page? Have a listen and hear what these story tellers have discovered.

Intro - 0:57
Susan Rogers and John Roosen Bio - 3:31
Book Spotlight - Cobra Pose by Susan Rogers and John Roosen - 4:58
Sean Gorman Bio - 8:07
Book Spotlight - Shootin' Through by Sean Gorman - 8:56
What makes a good twist for a...

It's episode #154, and Laurie's 50th co-hosting. Veronica and Laurie have industry news and events, and discuss K.M. Allan's Foreshadowing checklist from her book Writing and Editing Checklist. Plus book spotlights, giveaways and quotes. Laurie chats with poet Gregory Day about his collection SouthSightedness. And Gregory reads his poem 'Anytime before Byzantium'.

Book Spotlights:
1. Salsa in the Suburbs by Alejandra Martinez - contemporary
2. Looking Out and Beyond by Toby Hammerschlag – historical
3. Wasted? By Hazel Edwards – Young Adult
4. A Song for the Earth by Shannon Jade – poetry
5. In Her Own Time by Delaney Starli...

In episode #153, Veronica & Laurie are ramping up the romance with authors Sandy Barker, A.M. Jaxon and Susannah Hardy. Our fabulous authors chat on romance as escapism and activism, how hot is hot enough, the inspiration behind their stories, and so much more.

Intro - 0:57
Sandy Barker Bio - 3:08
Book Spotlight - I knew you were trouble by Sandy Barker - 4:38
A.M. Jaxon Bio - 6:03
Book Spotlight - Saoirse's Story by A.M. Jaxon - 8:27
Susannah Hardy Bio - 10:44
Book Spotlight - My Hot House Mate by Susannah Hardy - 11:34<...

In episode #152, Veronica and Laurie share industry news and events, some brilliant ideas on writing Deep Point of View from K.M. Allan's book Writing and Editing Checklist, book spotlights, giveaways and quotes. Laurie and author Laura J Fitzwilson dive deep into fantasy, fan-fiction and Laura's book, The Fool. Plus, listen all the way to the end, you'll hear a special reading from The Fool by the author. 

Book Spotlights:
1.The Favourite of the Harem by Cindy Davies – Historical
2.The Final Chapter by January Gilchrist – Mystery Thriller
3.Tchaikovsky (Almost) in Love by David Reiter – Romance...

In episode #151 Veronica & Laurie explore alternate realities, world building and writing sci-fi with a panel of fantastic speculative fiction authors: Alistair Conwell, Clare Rhoden & Ishmael A. Soledad. 

Intro - 0:57
Alistair Conwell Bio - 2:58
Book Spotlight - Circadian Web by Alistair Conwell - 3:38
Clare Rhoden Bio - 4:32
Book Spotlight - The Chronicles of The Pale by Clare Rhoden - 6:26
Ishmael A. Soledad Bio - 7:43
Book Spotlight - Diathesis by Ishmael A. Soledad - 9:02
How did you choose what to include in your fictional world - 11:05
Does your fictional world reflect y...

Episode 150 has Veronica & Laurie chatting about their favourite topic - Australian authored books - and industry news, events and some John Koenig words. Want to know how to use agnosthesia, tarrion or proluctance in a sentence? Then have a listen. Veronica chats to the wonderful Ginny Grant, founder of Bakers Lane Books, Fearless Press and the recently launched Fearless Prize for an unpublished manuscript by an Australian woman writer. Plus book spotlights, quotes and so much more...

Book Spotlights:
1. Mistress of Amber and Flame by Maria Linwood - fantasy
2. Flight by Anne Vines – Historical
3. Sh...

Ep149 has Veronica & Laurie back in school chatting all things middle grade with authors Eileen O'Hely, Rosie Schonell & Ingrid Laguna. We cover '50 Ways to Die in Space', how 'Breaking School Rules is Easy' and what happens when 'Edie Tells a Lie' - and that's just the book titles. How much harder is it to engage middle-graders in reading? These authors share some brilliant and helpful answers to this and many more questions.

Intro - 0:57
Eileen O'Hely Bio - 3:34
Book Spotlight - 50 Ways to Die in Space by Eileen O'Hely - middle grade - 06:09
...

Ep 148 has Veronica and Laurie in the Writer's Room and under the (book) covers with Miranda Luby and Holly Cardamone. They're two writers who capture some of life’s most precious and unique moments through a young adult (YA) lens. 

Intro - 0:57
Miranda Luby Bio - 3:47
Book Spotlight - The Edge of Everything - YA contemporary - 04:13
Holly Cardamone Bio - 6:23
Book Spotlight - Summer, In Between - YA contemporary - 07:37
The inspiration behind the stories: 09:47
How does the filter of young adult help you tell your stories? - 18:43
How do...

Episode #147 has Veronica and Laurie sharing the latest literary news and views, quotes and new book spotlights. Veronica chats with the trio of talented creatives behind The Brownout Murders, a graphic novel based on a horrifying true event. Luke Jackson, Maya Graham and Kelly Jackson share their inspiration and creative process.

Book spotlights:
1. Dogs, A Counting and Comparing Book by Frances Mackay – children’s picture book
2. Nature Ninja Saves the Natural World by Tania Moloney – children’s picture book
3. Jana’s Brightly Coloured Socks by Sally Fetouh – children’s picture book
4. A Day on the Brine b...

In episode 146, Veronica and Laurie talk quirky second hand book shops, literary events and industry news. Laurie chats with speculative fiction author and musician Stephen Higgins about his words, music and Aurealis the magazine. We preview next month's book giveaways, share book spotlights, quotes and so much more.

Book spotlights:
1. Friends of the Flood by Rhyll Ganter – children’s
2. Golden by Jade Timms – Young Adult
3. Dead Man’s Pose by Susan Rogers and John Roosen - Mystery Thriller
4. The Woman in the Well by Dmetri Kakmi - fantasy
5. Where the Dust Settles by Dunca...

Love stories? Then join Veronica and Laurie in Australian Book Lovers podcast episode #145. They're in the Writer's Room with Madeleine D'Este and Zena Shapter talking dark and stormy stories, worldbuilding, Australian flavour, and writing advice for emerging writers.

Intro - 0:57
Zena Shapter Bio - 2:49
Book Spotlight - When Dark Waters Burn by Zena Shapter - science fantasy - 04:47
Madeleine D'Este Bio - 6:02
Book Spotlight - Black Soil White Bread by Madeleine D'Este - dark mystery, folk-horror - 07:06
Worldbuilding fantasy and horror - 16:25
Why does an Australian setting make for a good...

In Episode 144, Veronica and Laurie discover John Koenig's meaning of vellichor, keir, and keta. They share industry news, writerly events, quotes, ideas for getting your books into libraries and local stores, and book spotlights. Laurie chats with Elly Both, author of 'A Kids Book about ADHD'.

Book spotlights:

In Australian Book Lovers podcast episode #143, Veronica and Laurie are in the Writer's Room with Christina Giuffré & Suzi Samuel. Two wonderful authors who write beautifully about what they know, sharing their life experience in unique ways.

Intro - 0:57
Christina Giuffré Bio - 3:32
Suzi Samuel Bio - 5:05
Book Spotlight - Dear Friend by Christina Giuffré - self-help/personal development - 09:01
Book Spotlight - The Unintentional Medium by Suzi Samuel - memoir - 12:27
Favourite reads as a child - 21:24 
Best response to your writing - 40:35
Most useful advice you've ever been given - 51...

In episode #142 Veronica and Laurie discover beloiter and ecury, share industry news, giveaways and quotes. They both chat with the brilliant mother daughter author team of Linda and Marly Wells about their YA time travel fantasy 'Desert Tracks', which is based in and around Mparntwe (Alice Springs). Marly is a proud woman of Warlpiri and white Australian descent and Linda is of white settler descent and proud to be Marly's mother.

Book spotlights:
1. It is What it Isn’t by Stephen Higgins – Science Fiction Short Story Collection
2. When Dark Waters Burn by Zena Shapter – science fantas...

In Australian Book Lovers podcast episode #141, Veronica and Laurie are exploring crime fiction in the Writer's Room with Andrea Barton and Zane Lovitt. We chat about how to use your friends and contacts (nicely) to write better stories. We also dive into fictional financial grey areas and tortured twists on romantic notions of love.

Intro - 0:57
Zane Lovitt Bio - 2:42
Andrea Barton Bio - 3:43
Book Spotlight - The Body Next Door by Zane Lovitt - crime - 05:33
Book Spotlight - A Killer Among Friends by Andrea Barton - crime - 7:15
Publishing pitfalls...

Episode 140 has Veronica and Laurie exploring epic fantasy and imposter syndrome, sharing industry news and events, and learning the meanings of momophobia and siso. Plus Veronica chats with WA fantasy author Abigail Mader about 'The Crystal Dynasty' series.

Book Spotlights:
1. The Spirit Circle by Tara Calaby – speculative historical fiction
2. The Body Next Door by Zane Lovitt – suburban thriller
3. A Killer Among Friends by Andrea Barton – mystery
4. Holy Parrot by Angel A – contemporary/mystery/magical realism
5. Mary Poser by Angel A – YA
6. Last Saturday in Invermay by Zane Pinner – contemporary
7. Love Connections...

In Australian Book Lovers podcast episode 139, Veronica and Laurie are back in the Writer's Room, diving into suspense and speculative fiction with Ann Dombroski and lifting the contemporary theatre curtain with Deborah Pike, two authors with some unexpected things in common.

Intro - 0:57
Deborah Pike Bio - 2:58 
Ann Dombroski Bio - 4:03
Book Spotlight - After the Great Storm by Ann Dombroski - suspense and speculative fiction - 9:40
Book Spotlight - The Players by Deborah Pike - contemporary - 11:05
Should you write for an audience or yourself? - 15:26
Emerging themes in your s...

Episode #138 has Veronica and Laurie delivering industry news and events, and getting sidetracked on their favourite authors and the meaning of bildungsroman. Laurie shares a fabulous interview with prolific Australian author John Kinsella.

Book Spotlights:

Intro - 00:57
Industry news - 9:42
Book spotlights - 22:37
Author Interview - 33:24
Post inte...

In episode 137 Veronica and Laurie are in the Writer's Room with wonderful picture book authors Frances Mackay and Richard LeCouteur. Both generously share their experience, their passion for picture books, tips for educating and entertaining children, and advice for authors.

Intro - 0:57
Frances Mackay Bio - 3:25
Richard LeCouteur Bio - 6:35
Children's books and resources 12:25
Book Spotlight - Nate's Noisy Nose - Frances Mackay - children's picture book - 19:09
Book Spotlight - Nasty names are hurtful - Richard LeCouteur - children's picture book - 20:14
Finding the right illustrator - 22:06
Teacher resource...

In Episode 136 Veronica and Laurie bring you industry news and events from the world of publishing including the Understanding Australian Readers Report from Australia Reads, and how to find your own writing group. They share more treasures from the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows and dive down twisty writing rabbit holes. Plus Laurie interviews author Stephen Downes about his inpsiration and writing.

Book Spotlights:

In episode #135 Veronica and Laurie dissect what goes into creating a great story villain, and share news, events and grants for the writing community. Laurie gets the long straw and has a chat with fabulous sci-fic and fantasy author S.F. Sowter.

Book spotlights:

In episode #134 of the Australian Book Lovers podcast, Veronica and Laurie chat industry news, writing events, trends in Australian book sales. Plus made up words from John Koenig, a shout out to Holden Sheppard for the launch of Invisible Boys on Stan, and a delightful interview with super early rising, middle-grade author Tina Strachan (no relation).

Book Spotlights:

In episode 133, Veronica & Laurie tap into the inner worlds of two wonderful non-fiction authors. Bronwyn Frazer and Adrian Emery share their life and writing stories, philosophies and reflections on life purpose. It's a wide-ranging chat that gives listeners an opportunity to look at life from a different angle.

Intro - 0:57
Bronwyn Frazer Bio - 2:40
Adrian Emery Bio - 3:41
Change and transitions 10:23
Book Spotlight - What if? - Bronwyn Frazer - non-fiction - 11:17
Book Spotlight - Tao Tuning - Adrian Emery - non-fiction - 13:15
What inspired you to put your message into...

In episode #132 of the Australian Book Lovers podcast, Veronica and Laurie chat industry news (so many events), story seeds, editing and the fabulous K.M. Allan's latest blog which has tips for overcoming author burnout. Veronica interviews the wonderful author Diane Clarke about mystery, history and the inspiration behind her writing.

Laurie reviews The Rarkyn's Fall by Nikky Lee

Book Spotlights:

In episode 131 Veronica and Laurie are joined in the Writer's Room by Australian romance writers Rowena Mabbot and Jodie Benveniste. They chat about happily ever afters, Australian settings, simpler times, youth mental health and healing. Both writers are great observers of the human condition and share their fabulous insights and experience as well as their transitions to published authors.

Intro - 0:57
Jodie Benveniste bio - 03:39
Book spotlight -  Never, Not Ever - Jodie Benveniste - YA Romance - 06:03
Rowena Mabbott bio - 07:57
Book spotlight - Avoiding the Friend Zone - Rowena Mabbott - C...