Australian Book Lovers

In episode #182, Veronica and Laurie get to fly into magical and supernatural places and stories, with our three fantasy authors: T.L. Brechin, Stephanie Bosshard and Ingrid J. Adams. We chat story inspiration, monsters, world building and so much more.

Intro - 00:57
Bio and story inspiration - T. L. Brechin - 02:38
Book Spotlight - Pentark - 03:42
Bio and story inspiration- Stephanie Bosshard - 05:33
Book Spotlight - The Trials of Browid - 08:06
Bio and story inspiration - Ingrid J. Adams - 09:49
Book Spotlight - Descended - 12:28
Why do found families ring...

In episode 181 Veronica and Laurie explore some Other Wordly words from Yee-Lum Mak (fuubutsushi, kintsukuroi and nunchi), share industry news and events, and chat all about writing. Laurie has a brilliant catch up with author Nicole Kelly about her middle-grade book Shifters and the joy of an on-the-run, over-the-shoulder review. And of course there are quotes and book spotlights.

Book spotlights this ep:
1. Three Times Buried by Jane Smith – historical
2. Dogs of War by Nigel Allsop – non-fiction
3. Hidden Scars: From Crime Scenes to Crisis, The Price of Service by Justyn Backhouse – memoir
4. Juniper’s Painti...

Episode 180 has Veronica and Laurie chatting about the benefits of reading (some of the many), sharing new and events (TGBC Book Day Out), comparing book reading habits (page corner turner or bookmarker), quotes and so much more. Veronica has an inspiring chat with author Sarah Cochrane Ridout about Sisters in Arms: Oodgeroo Noonuccal, Kathie Cochrane and the Battle for the 1967 Referendum.

Book spotlights this ep:
1. Australia’s Coastal War by Dr Tom Lewis – non-fiction, military history
2. Dreaming Soldiers by Catherine Bauer – children’s
3. Wobbles by Ian Hunter – biography
4. Calm your Farm by Dale Baker – ch...

In episode #179 Veronica and Laurie have collected a trio of terrifying storytellers to delve into all things horror: Matthew R. Davis, Chuck McKenzie and David Schembri. Scary tales and useful advice for budding writers of all genres. And a fabulous author reading of 'My Clare' from David Schembri.

Intro - 00:57
Book Spotlight - Songs of Shadow, Words of Woe - 02:44
Bio - Matthew R. Davis - 03:58
Book Spotlight - The Dark Man, By Referral - 05:14
Bio - Chuck McKenzie - 6:22
Book Spotlight - Careful with that Axe - 07:52
Bio - David...

Episode #178 is a celebration of words, writing competitions, festivals and short stories. Veronica and Laurie chat with Kailum Graves, the winner of the 2026 Furphy Literary Award about his writing and art. (There's a link in the show notes to read his winning story 'The Magpies have Unionised'. A beautiful Australian tale a decade in the making.

Book spotlights:
1. BANG! by Taliyah Stone - crime thriller
2. Broken by Magick by T.W. Howis – urban fantasy, police procedural
3. Cherish (A Blemished Tale) by Faye Hall – romance
4. Against the Rising Sun by Jeff Steel – biography military histor...

In episode #177 Veronica and Laurie share their writing progress, publishing news (Ingram Spark Share & Sell), special guest reading news from Shay Leighton (Tough Guy Book Club), events, and quotes. Laurie has a fascinating chat with Penny Tangey, author of What Rhymes with Murder? Plus lots of lovely book spotlights and a sneak peak at this month's book giveaways.

Book spotlights:
Dead on the Dolmen by Cameron Trost - mystery, thriller, suspense
Bethan's Flame by AJ Miles - fantasy
Dragon Rising by Stuart Buchanan - military thriller
Wanted Dead or Alive by Ramona Riot...

Ep 176 has Veronica and Laurie on writing groups (Ascolta Women Inc), reading groups (Book Doof), book bedazzling classes (Romancing the Novel Bookshop), first sale doctrine and machine learning, and the latest from the ASA on publishing push and pull market forces. Veronica chats with Emma Gerts and Esme Stevenson AKA Alexis Roberts on their debut Revelation (Book 1 of The Second Coming Trilogy). Plus seven book spotlights, quotes, and lots of writing and publishing tips.

Book Spotlights:
1. Dogtooth by S.F. Sowter - Aussie Tales
2. The Trials of Browid by Stephanie Bosshard - Fantasy
3. Home...

It's episode 175 and we are back in school. Veronica and Laurie chat with middle-grade authors Leisa Fail, Tina Strachan and Charlie Archbold about story inspirations, animals, adventures, learning from messing it up, caring for the environment and solving injustices together. 

*How many writers does it take to remember the word 'exclusive'? Have a listen ...

Intro - 0:57
Book Spotlight - Stormy Normy's Christmas Surprise - 5:19
Bio - Leisa Fail - 7:05
Book Spotlight - Neeka and the Great Search - 12:15
Bio - Tina Strachan - 13:19
Book Spotlight - The Sugarcane Kids and t...

It's episode 174, Veronica & Laurie chat writing and publishing, share news and events, including Bernadette Eden telling us all about 'Queens of the Desert', this year's Romance Writer's Australia conference. Laurie shares her great feedback on Alan Baxter's Write the Fight Right Workshop, and we sneak a peak at next month's book giveaways. Plus Laurie has a fabulous with 'debut' romance author, Bride Blake.

Book spotlights:
1. Might Cry Later by Kay Kerr – rom com
2. My Invisible Battle with Multiple Sclerosis by Shruti Ghate – memoir
3. The Case of the Hydegild Sacrifice by David Cairns – historical mystery
4...

Episode 173 has Veronica and Laurie on a deep dive into non-fiction writing. We chat with Debbie O'Shea, Hacia Atherton and Valentyna Solowij, on their writing inspiration, their incredible experiences and generously sharing their life changing messages through their books.

Intro - 0:57
Book Spotlight - The Stalagmite Effect - 4:50
Bio - Debbie O'Shea - 5:54
Book Spotlight - Billion Dollar Blindspot - 9:04
Bio - Hacia Atherton - 10:14
Book Spotlight - Banishing Back Pain - 13:55
Bio - Valentyna Solowij - 15:27
Who's your audience and what's your message? - 19:45
Tell us about your...

In episode 172 Veronica and Laurie talk books and writing from opposite sides of the country (and not without some technical glitches). We have news, WA writers resources, and the newly amalgamated Public and Educational Lending Rights. Laurie has a wonderful chat with poet Shannon Jade.

Book spotlights this ep:
1. Alba: Hidden Secrets by Verity Croker - mystery
2. The Next Round by Eva Frances - romance
3. The Medusa Situation by Gabiann Marin - fantasy
4. A Kingdom of Curses: The Emergence by Danielle Drummond – fantasy
5. The Grimsdale Claimant by BG Hilton – science fiction
6. A Ga...

Episode #171 has Veronica and Laurie diving into industry news and events, manuscript assessment pros and cons, and science fiction craft writing books. We chat with the fabulous Amie Kaufman about her latest book Red Star Rebels, her writing day, her dissertation topic, useful writing podcasts, thoughts on how we should go to the stars, and so much more. Plus Amie shares practical tips and helpful advice for all writers and tells us some wonderful stories.

Book spotlights:
1. All in on Tomorrow by James Ynson - memoir
2. Embers of Doubt by D.T. Bella - fantasy<...

Episode #170 is Laurie Bell's 2nd podcast co-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...