James and Ashley Stay at Home

'The doctors were telling me, "We’re going to take your greater omentum out" … I had no idea what these terms meant.' In episode 96, author Tracy Sorensen joins us to discuss her remarkable novel/cancer memoir, The Vitals, narrated by her internal organs. After her original cancer diagnosis, a desire to better understand her body led Tracy to crochet her peritoneal organs. This in turn helped her to develop each organ's personality as they became point-of-view characters in the novel. She delves into her creative process, including the three-word sticky note that guided her writing. Part of her goal was a deliberate departure from conventional 'battle' narratives surrounding cancer, opting instead for a more nuanced approach that challenges societal expectations. She also shares her approach to crafting narrative drive. Tracy Sorensen is a writer and scholar. She grew up in Carnarvon on the north coast of Western Australia and now lives in Bathurst, New South Wales, with her partner, Steve. Her first novel, The Lucky Galah, was longlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Award in 2019. The Vitals, her second novel, is based on her experience with advanced primary peritoneal cancer, a form of ovarian cancer. Books and authors discussed in this episode Fight ClubThe Poseidon AdventureI’ll Leave You with ThisNumber Go UpThe TrialLoosely Based on a Made-Up Story Get your copy of The Vitals from Booktopia or your local bookshop. Upcoming events Ashley is teaching Writing Crime Fiction, a six-week online course with Faber starting 15 May 2024 Ashley is teaching Pathways to Publication for Writing NSW on Saturday 15 June, 10am-4pm Learn more about Ashley's psychological thriller Dark Mode and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. Learn more about James' award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson

‘I had thought I was going to be like Harper Lee. I was going to write one book, it was going to be a massive global success, and then I would go into hiding.’ Hear from award-winning Irish author Liz Nugent, whose novel Strange Sally Diamond may have turned Ashley into a total fangirl. Liz discusses her journey from a childhood accident leading to dystonia, to finding success and self-confidence through writing, and to her recent brain surgery. Liz also dives into her latest novel, sharing insights into the creation of its unique protagonist and her writing process. Plus, Liz makes a call on the greatest crime novel of the past ten years! Before becoming a full-time writer, Liz Nugent worked in film, theatre and television. Her five novels – Unravelling Oliver, Lying in Wait, Skin Deep, Our Little Cruelties and Strange Sally Diamond – have each been number one bestsellers. She has won four Irish Book Awards, as well as the James Joyce Medal for Literature. She lives in Dublin. Books and authors discussed in this episode The Lost ManTo Kill a MockingbirdThe Prophet SongIn the WoodsThe HunterThe SearchTender is the FleshTime ShelterNever Let Me GoA Little Life Get your copy of Strange Sally Diamond from Booktopia or your local bookshop. Upcoming events Ashley is teaching Crafting Narrative Drive as part of the Newcastle Writers Festival on Friday 5 April, 10am-4pmSee Ashley in conversation with Mirandi Riwoe at Newcastle Writers Festival, Saturday 6 AprilAshley is teaching Writing Crime Fiction, a six-week online course with Faber starting 15 May 2024Ashley is teaching Pathways to Publication for Writing NSW on Saturday 15 June, 10am-4pm Learn more about Ashley's psychological thriller Dark Mode and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. Learn more about James' award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson

Throughout their writing careers, James and Ashley have each picked up some excellent writing tricks, plus developed a few of their own. In the coming months, they’ll each share a few of their most effective writing techniques, starting with James’ shortcut to compelling characters. British science-fiction author Karen Traviss writes remarkably nuanced characters. She also writes remarkably quickly, once tapping out 37,000 words in two days. In this episode, James delves into one of Traviss's novels to understand what makes her characters so compelling. He then shares the four questions he now always asks himself about his characters before writing. Plus, we talk about the latest novel from one of our very first guests. You can find a summary of James’ tips here. You can find Karen Traviss’ wildly entertaining and informative FAQ page here. Books and authors discussed in this episode Upcoming events Ashley is teaching Crafting Narrative Drive as part of the Newcastle Writers Festival on Friday 5 April, 10am-4pmSee Ashley in conversation with Mirandi Riwoe at Newcastle Writers Festival, Saturday 6 AprilAshley is teaching Writing Crime Fiction, a six-week online course with Faber starting 15 May 2024Ashley is teaching Pathways to Publication for Writing NSW on Saturday 15 June, 10am-4pm Learn more about James' award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. Learn more about Ashley's psychological thriller Dark Mode and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson

’I kept this condition very, very secret from everybody.’ Adele Dumont's remarkable new memoir, The Pulling, details her life with trichotillomania — a mental health condition that, at times, has consumed her life. In this episode, she discusses the unique writing process that enabled her to put long-held secrets first on the page and then into the public sphere. She also describes the impact of revealing her illness through her memoir, especially to family and friends who knew nothing about her condition. We discuss the shame linked to trichotillomania and whether sharing her story has shifted this feeling. Adele Dumont is an Australian writer and critic. Her work has appeared in Griffith Review, Meanjin, Southerly, ABR, and Sydney Review of Books. Adele’s first book, No Man Is an Island, is an account of her experiences teaching English to asylum seekers in detention. Adele lives in Sydney, where she works as an English language teacher and examiner. 'Get your copy of The Pulling from Booktopia or your local bookshop.' Books and authors discussed in this episode: episode 76Adele’s Guardian articleepisode 48 Upcoming events Ashley is teaching Online Feedback: Manuscript Development for Writing NSW starting 4 March 2024As part of Seniors Week, Ashley is teaching memoir writing at Glen Street & Warringah Mall Library, on 15 and 19 MarchAshley is teaching Writing Crime Fiction, a six-week online course with Faber starting 15 May 2024 Learn more about Ashley's psychological thriller Dark Mode and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. Learn more about James' award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson

'The whole concept of transplantation still blows me away. There is something a bit magical about it. But as with most things people do, it can also find ways to blow up in people’s faces.' Author and neuropsychologist Kylie Ladd joins us to speak about her latest book, 'I'll Leave You with This.' She shares her research into the incredible science of human organ and tissue donation, and the family tragedy that inspired her beautiful novel. Plus, you'll never guess what James is reading! Kylie Ladd is a novelist, psychologist and freelance writer. Her novels have been published in Australia and overseas, and her short works appear widely across Australia. She holds a PhD in neuropsychology. Get your copy of 'I'll Leave You with This' from Booktopia or your local bookshop. You can register to become an organ donor online. Books and authors discussed in this episode: episode 5 Upcoming events Ashley is teaching Online Feedback: Manuscript Development for Writing NSW starting 4 March 2024Ashley is teaching Writing Crime Fiction, a six-week online course with Faber starting 15 May 2024 Learn more about Ashley's psychological thriller Dark Mode and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. Learn more about James' award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson

If you listen to James and Ashley Stay at Home, you know that both Ashley and James credit much of their skill development to their writers group. And they're not the only ones! You can hear rom com author Jonathon Shannon talk about what he learned from the group, as well as literary fiction author Amy Lovat. Like Ashley and James, they joined as aspiring writers, and their manuscripts have gone on to be published. Ashley's such a big fan of writers groups, she's put together a new on-demand workshop on the topic – and this short bonus ep tells you all about it. This one-hour course covers everything from how to find a group near you, or start or your own, how to give and receive feedback, and how to know when your group isn't working and what to do about it. Find Ashley's course, Get the Most from Writing Groups and Get Published at Bold Authors. Learn more about Ashley's psychological thriller Dark Mode and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. Learn more about James' award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. Upcoming events Ashley is teaching Online Feedback: Manuscript Development for Writing NSW starting 4 March 2024Ashley is teaching Writing Crime Fiction, a six-week online course with Faber starting 15 May 2024 Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@AKalagianBlunt@JamesMcWatson@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson

The tables are turned! Recorded live at the Inaugural Boorowa Literary Festival, festival director, book lover, and all-round excellent human Jeremy Clarke interviews James and Ashley. Learn more about the Absolutely Superb Bibliothèque and Occasional Wine Bar and its upcoming literary events here! Hear the James and Ashley Stay at Home origin story! Discover the connection between wine bars and readers. Plus, get an answer to the classic question, 'You’ve just had a farm visit – how was it?' Learn more about Ashley's psychological thriller Dark Mode and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. Learn more about James' award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. Upcoming events Ashley is teaching Online Feedback: Manuscript Development for Writing NSW starting 4 March 2024Ashley is teaching Writing Crime Fiction, a six-week online course with Faber starting 15 May 2024 Books and authors discussed in this episode Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@AKalagianBlunt@JamesMcWatson@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson

It's books wrap-up season! James and Ashley are getting on the bandwagon and discussing their favourite reads from 2023 in the first annual 'Bed on a Plinth Awards.' Books and authors discussed in this episode (warning: spoilers!): Learn more about Ashley's psychological thriller Dark Mode and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. Learn more about James' award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. Upcoming events Ashley is teaching Online Feedback: Manuscript Development for Writing NSW starting 4 March 2024Ashley is teaching Writing Crime Fiction, a six-week online course with Faber starting 15 May 2024 Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@AKalagianBlunt@JamesMcWatson@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson

Our most popular episode of the year is back! James has gathered the best 'What Are You Reading?' segments from 2023 into a comprehensive summary of book recommendations from our guests. We discuss a huge variety of books, including thriller, mystery, memoir, rom com, literature, essays, poetry, nonfiction, plays and audiobooks. We also delve into reading habits. Do you read several books at a time, or restrict yourself to one? Do you finish most books you pick up, or allow yourself to quit? And so much more. This episode features Hilton Koppe, Sanchana Venkatesh, Lee Kofman, Anna Spargo-Ryan, Karina May, Hannah Bent, Holden Sheppard, Hayley Scrivenor, Danielle Binks, Julie Janson, Mark Brandi, Indira Naidoo, Amy Lovat, Jonathon Shannon, Ali Thomas, Jacinta Dietrich, and Annette Higgs. Books and authors discussed in this episode: from ep 18from ep 76from ep 13from ep 50 Learn more about Ashley's psychological thriller Dark Mode and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. Learn more about James' award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. Upcoming events Ashley is teaching Online Feedback: Manuscript Development for Writing NSW starting 4 March 2024Ashley is teaching Writing Crime Fiction, a six-week online course with Faber starting 15 May 2024 Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson

‘I wanted to find compassion for me and for any writer out there who’s doing the best they can but it’s not working out the way they planned.’ Author Laurie Steed shares how crippling anxiety affected both his literary career and his experience of fatherhood. Before he could address the anxiety, he first had to unlearn the lessons around masculinity that prevented him from expressing vulnerability. Working with a creativity coach, Laurie has developed new ways of thinking about his writing, his career, and himself. Plus, James and Ashley discuss their own ongoing health challenges and how their approaches to discussing health have changed (or not) over time. Laurie Steed is the author of You Belong Here, which was shortlisted for the 2018 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards, and Greater City Shadows, which was shortlisted for the 2022 Dorothy Hewett Award for an Unpublished Manuscript. His debut memoir is Love, Dad: Confessions of an Anxious Father. Get your copy of Love, Dad from Booktopia or your local bookshop. Upcoming events James is in conversation with Benjamin Stevenson about his newest novel, Everyone on this Train Is a Suspect – Wednesday 6 December, 6.30pm at Warringah Mall, $5Ashley is teaching Online Feedback: Manuscript Development for Writing NSW starting 4 March, 2024 Books and authors discussed in this episode: Ashley's psychological thriller Dark Mode is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. James' novel Denizen is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@AKalagianBlunt@JamesMcWatson@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson

‘When I was a lawyer, I knew what was good enough, because if you did the job properly, you were paid, and if you didn’t do the job properly, you were sued. It was very clear-cut. With writing, you never know. There’s a lot of subjectivity.’ James speaks with Penguin Literary Prize winning author Annette Higgs about her debut novel, On a Bright Hillside in Paradise. They discuss the process of researching family ancestry to craft historical fiction, as well as the challenge of taking up writing later in life. Plus, Annette shares the story of how she learned she won the Penguin Literary Prize during a trip to Norfolk Island. Annette Higgs is a writer living in Sydney, Australia. She has lived, worked and studied in Sydney, London and Italy, and holds a Doctor of Arts from the University of Sydney. A Pushcart nominee, her short work has appeared in literary journals and anthologies in Australia, the USA, the UK and India. You can read Annette's March 2023 essay for the Bangalore Review, entitled 'Starting Late: Reflections on Becoming a Writer' here. Get your copy of On a Bright Hillside in Paradise from Booktopia or your local bookshop. Upcoming events Ashley is in Goulburn on Saturday 11 November running her Joy of Creative Writing workshop (1-3pm) and in conversation about Dark Mode (3.30-4.30pm) at Goulburn Mulwaree Library – RSVP for freeAshley is Brisbane in conversation with podcast guest Fiona Robertson on Saturday 25 Nov at 10am, Ashgrove Library –RSVP for freeCrafting Narrative Drive – an in-person workshop with Ashley at Avid Reader in Brisbane, Sunday 26 November, 10am-1pm James is in conversation with Benjamin Stevenson to celebrate the release of his new book 'Everyone On This Train is a Suspect' on Wednesday 6 Dec at 6:30pm at Warringah Mall Library - bookings required, $5 Books and authors discussed in this episode: Ashley's psychological thriller Dark Mode is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. James' novel Denizen is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@AKalagianBlunt@JamesMcWatson@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson

Ashley reveals the inspiration behind the twists and turns in her bestselling psychological thriller, Dark Mode. Together with return guest Jacinta Dietrich and self-described enthusiastic reader Ali Thomas, Ashley and James delve into every scintillating Dark Mode detail they normally can’t discuss, including the novel's real-life inspirations. Jacinta Dietrich is the author of This Is Us Now, and co-hosts Differently Brained, a podcast focussed on neurodivergent celebration and mental health awareness. Ali Thomas is a former high school English teacher and featured as part of the inaugural Boorowa Literary Festival. Upcoming events: Terror Australis Readers and Writers Festival is happening October 26 to 29, and Ashley will be part of two days of panel sessions happening that weekend in the Huon Valley, Tasmania Online: Creative Nonfiction – Ashley is teaching her six-week online Writing NSW course starting 30 October Crafting Narrative Drive – an in-person workshop with Ashley at Avid Reader in Brisbane, Sunday 26 November, 10am-1pm Books and authors discussed in this episode: Ashley's psychological thriller Dark Mode is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. James' novel Denizen is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. Get in touch ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@AKalagianBlunt@JamesMcWatson@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson

'I was still in that really optimistic, sort of naive, wonderful space as an early writer, where you think everything you write is just publishable.' Debut author Jonathon Shannon shares his journey from aspiring writer to published author – including the decision to join James and Ashley's writers' group. We discuss how he took his debut romcom from a four-word pitch to a publishing contract, the rejection of his first manuscript, and his transition to writing romantic comedy alongside his wife, author Elodie Cheesman. Plus, do you have a book you're saving to read before you die? Jonathon Shannon is a Sydney-based writer and creative director. His work has been recognised at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, screened at the St Kilda Film Festival, and is housed in the permanent archives of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. Bound to Happen is his debut novel. Get your copy of Bound to Happen or from your local bookshop. Upcoming events James is in conversation with Hayley Scrivenor as part of the National Young Writers Festival, 28 Sept to 1 OctAshley is appearing in-person at the Mount Beauty Writers Festival, happening Saturday 7 OctoberTerror Australis Readers and Writers Festival is happening October 26 to 29, and Ashley will be part of two days of panel sessions happening that weekend in the Huon Valley, Tasmania Online: Creative Nonfiction – Ashley is teaching her six-week online Writing NSW course starting 30 October Crafting Narrative Drive – an in-person workshop with Ashley at Avid Reader in Brisbane, Sunday 26 November, 10am-1pm Books and authors discussed in this episode: I’m the Wrong Ghost for This Haunting Ashley's psychological thriller Dark Mode is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. James' novel Denizen is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@AKalagianBlunt@JamesMcWatson@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson

‘I conflate so many experiences throughout my life with the level of pain I was in at the time.’ Amy Lovat, debut author of Mistakes and Other Lovers and founder of Secret Book Stuff, gets real with us about the challenges of maintaining a creative practice with endometriosis. She also discusses writing about the dark side of modern evangelical Christianity, setting her novel in her hometown of Newcastle, and that time she was rushed to emergency in agonising pain and – well, you’ll just have to listen. Plus, James and Ashley receive personalised reading recommendations from this master bibliophile! Amy Lovat is a writer, editor and the founder of Secret Book Stuff. She has a PhD in English and Writing from the University of Newcastle and lives with her partner Laura, two dogs, a bird and thousands of books in Gadigal Country, Sydney. Get your copy of Mistakes and Other Lovers or from your local bookshop. Upcoming events Ashley is appearing at Bloody Scotland on 15 September! Catch her in person in Stirling, UK, or online!James is in conversation with Hayley Scrivenor as part of the National Young Writers Festival, 28 Sept to 1 OctTerror Australis Readers and Writers Festival is happening October 26 to 29, and Ashley will be part of two days of panel sessions happening that weekend in the Huon Valley, Tasmania Online: Creative Nonfiction – Ashley is teaching her six-week online Writing NSW course starting 30 October Crafting Narrative Drive – an in-person workshop with Ashley at Avid Reader in Brisbane, Sunday 26 November, 10am-1pm Books and authors discussed in this episode: from ep 24read Ashley's review Secret Book Stuff in ep 34 Ashley's psychological thriller Dark Mode is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. James' novel Denizen is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. Check out Writing NSW's online course program, and Podcasting 101. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@AKalagianBlunt@JamesMcWatson@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson

After Indira Naidoo lost her sister to suicide during the pandemic lockdowns, she unexpectedly found herself turning to nature to help her heal. Speaking with Ashley, Indira shares the journey through grief that led to her memoir 'The Space Between the Stars,' including her relationship with an especially consoling Moreton Bay fig. She describes the challenge of writing the book when she struggled even to speak her sister’s name, and delves into our innate need to connect with the natural world. Indira Naidoo is one of Australia’s most popular broadcasters and authors. During her multi-decade award-winning journalistic career, she has hosted and reported for some of the country's most distinguished news and current affair programs, including the ABC TV’s Late Edition and SBS TV World News, and she is currently the host of ABC TV’s Compass and ABC Radio Sydney’s Evenings Program. She is an ambassador for Sydney’s homeless crisis centre the Wayside Chapel. Get your copy of The Space Between the Stars online or from your local bookshop. The South Coast Writers Festival is happening 18 to 20 August at Wollongong Town Hall. Hear from James, Ashley, Hayley Scrivenor, Shankari Chandran, and more! Authors include Alan Baxter, Alexis Wright, Caroline Baum, Emma Viskic, Helena Fox, Indira Naidoo, Kate Holden, Kate Scott, Loraine Peck, Meredith Jaffe, Mykaela Saunders, Pamela Cook, Sara Ayoub, Sarah Saleh, Tim Ayliffe, Tim Flannery and Will Kostakis. Indira is appearing on the panel 'Ritual, Nature and Grace,' alongside poet Tamryn Bennett, to discuss nature mysticism and medicine, rituals, and how writers express the things that strain beyond words. They’ll be speaking with festival director Sarah Nicholson. Upcoming events South Coast Writers Festival, 18-20 August, Wollongong Town Hall Online: Building Suspense in Writing – Ashley is teaching this online workshop through Writers Victoria, Sunday 27 August, 10am-4pm Bound to Happen launch – Join Ashley in conversation at Better Read than Dead in Newtown for the launch of Jonathon Shannon's debut romcom, Saturday 2 September, 6.30-8pm Online: Creative Nonfiction – Ashley is teaching her six-week online Writing NSW course starting 30 October Crafting Narrative Drive – an in-person workshop with Ashley at Avid Reader in Brisbane, Sunday 26 November, 10am-1pm Books and authors discussed in this episode: Ashley's psychological thriller Dark Mode is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. James' novel Denizen is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@AKalagianBlunt@JamesMcWatson@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson

Mark Brandi is the author of four novels, including his latest, Southern Aurora. He joins us to discuss how a short story he began in 2015 became his newest novel, his choice to set the story in rural Australia in the 1980s, and how he writes so convincingly from a child's point of view. We also talk about sustaining yourself creatively over multiple books. Plus, who's going to die first – Ashley or James? Is one of us dead already? Listen to find out! Mark Brandi's bestselling novel, Wimmera, won the coveted British Crime Writers' Association Debut Dagger, and was named Best Debut at the 2018 Australian Indie Book Awards. Mark's second novel, The Rip, was published to critical acclaim in 2019, and his third novel, The Others, was shortlisted for the Best Fiction prize in the 2022 Ned Kelly Awards. His fourth novel is Southern Aurora. He graduated with a criminal justice degree and worked in the justice system before changing direction and deciding to write. Get your copy of Southern Aurora online or from your local bookshop. Upcoming events Ashley is conversation with Hayley Scrivenor about Dark Mode at Penrith Library, Monday 7 August, 6.30 pm Ashley and James in conversation about Dark Mode at Mona Vale Library, Tuesday 8 August, 7pm Ashley is in conversation with Petronella McGovern about Dark Mode at Concord Library, Thursday 10 August, 6.00pmSouth Coast Writers Festival, 18-20 August, Wollongong Town Hall Building Suspense in Writing – Ashley is teaching this online workshop through Writers Victoria, Sunday 27 August, 10am-4pm Crafting Narrative Drive – an in-person workshop with Ashley at Avid Reader in Brisbane, Sunday 26 November, 10am-1pm Books and authors discussed in this episode: from ep 76from ep 13from ep 50 Ashley's psychological thriller 'Dark Mode' is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. James' novel 'Denizen' is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@AKalagianBlunt@JamesMcWatson@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson

It wasn’t until a year into working on her novel 'Madukka the River Serpent' that Julie Janson decided to make it a crime novel. At once a story of corporate greed, environmental destruction and government inaction, 'Madukka the River Serpent' also celebrates older women who hold their families together in the face of extreme challenges. In this episode, Julie discusses the writing of her first crime novel, how she juxtaposes humour with serious political issues, and why she recommends getting involved with some outrageous men. The South Coast Writers Festival is happening 18 to 20 August at Wollongong Town Hall. Hear from James, Ashley, Hayley Scrivenor, Shankari Chandran, and more! Authors include Alan Baxter, Alexis Wright, Caroline Baum, Emma Viskic, Helena Fox, Indira Naidoo, Kate Holden, Kate Scott, Loraine Peck, Meredith Jaffe, Mykaela Saunders, Pamela Cook, Sara Ayoub, Sarah Saleh, Tim Ayliffe, Tim Flannery and Will Kostakis. Julie Janson is a NSW Burruberongal woman of Darug Aboriginal nation and a critically acclaimed novelist, playwright, and poet. 'Madukka the River Serpent' is Julie's first Indigenous crime novel. Her earlier work, 'Benevolence', is an Indigenous historical novel. 'Madukka the River Serpent' has been longlisted for the 2023 Miles Franklin Award. Upcoming events: Boorowa Literary Festival is happening July 14 and 15 Mark Brandi in conversation with Ashley Kalagian Blunt, Thursday, 20 July, 6.30-7.30 pm Ashley is conversation with Hayley Scrivenor about Dark MOde at Penrith Library, Monday 7 August, 6.30 pm Ashley and James in conversation about Dark Mode at Mona Vale Library, Tuesday 8 August, 7pmSouth Coast Writers Festival, 18-20 August, Wollongong Town Hall Building Suspense in Writing – Ashley is teaching this online workshop through Writers Victoria, Sunday 27 August, 10am-4pm Books and authors discussed in this episode: from ep 18 Ashley's psychological thriller 'Dark Mode' is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. James' novel 'Denizen' is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@AKalagianBlunt@JamesMcWatson@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson

How can winning an artistic residency impact your creative career? Hear from four Australian authors about their experiences entering and winning the ASA/Varuna Ray Koppe Young Writers Fellowship, and how their careers have developed since. Hannah Bent is the author of When Things Are Alive They Hum. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art and Film from Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design in London. She undertook further study in both directing and screenwriting at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School and has a Masters in Creative Writing from the University of Technology, Sydney. She won the Ray Koppe Young Writers Award in 2013. Holden Sheppard is a multi award-winning author from Geraldton, Western Australia. His debut young adult novel, Invisible Boys, won multiple accolades including the 2018 TAG Hungerford Award and the 2019 Western Australian Premier's Book Award. His writing often focuses on themes of masculinity, sexuality and mental health. Hayley Scrivenor is the author of the number one Australian bestseller, Dirt Town, published as Dirt Creek in North America. An earlier version of the book was shortlisted for the Penguin Literary Prize and won the Kill Your Darlings Unpublished Manuscript Award. Hayley has a PhD in Creative Writing and is a former Director of Wollongong Writers Festival. To hear more from Hayley, listen to ep 68. Danielle Binks is a writer, reviewer, agent and book blogger. She edited and contributed to Begin, End, Begin, an anthology of new Australian young adult writing inspired by the #LoveOzYA movement. The Year the Maps Changed, Danielle's debut middle-grade novel, was a CBCA Notable Book for Younger Readers 2021. The Monster of Her Age is Danielle's debut YA novel. We also speak with Hilton Koppe, author of the memoir One Curious Doctor. To hear more from Hilton, listen to episode 70. The ASA/Varuna Ray Koppe Young Writers Fellowship for 2024 is open for applications from 15 June 2023. Each year, thanks to the generosity of the Koppe family, the Australian Society of Authors awards a two-week residential fellowship to an aspiring or emerging writer under the age of 35. The fellowship includes a two-week Varuna residency, a one-hour consultation, a year’s membership to the ASA, and travel subsidy for writers outside of NSW. For more information and to apply, visit the ASA website. Upcoming events: $25-$40, book hereBoorowa Literary Festival will take place on July 14 and 15 this year Mark Brandi in conversation with Ashley Kalagian Blunt, Thursday, 20 July, 6.30-7.30 pm Books and authors discussed in this episode: from ep 45from ep 66from ep 76 Ashley's psychological thriller 'Dark Mode' is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. James' novel 'Denizen' is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@AKalagianBlunt@JamesMcWatson@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson

The idea for Karina May's novel came to her while she was in the ICU, recovering from brain surgery. In this open-hearted interview, Karina shares the experience of living with a brain tumour for two decades before undergoing multiple surgeries to have it removed, and the resulting anxiety and creative inspiration she experienced. Despite now being the author of the popular romcom 'Duck à l’Orange for Breakfast,' Karina admits there was a time in her life when she didn't believe she was creative. We discuss the connection between her writing and health experiences, and what she's learned from both. Karina May is a Sydney-based former magazine journalist turned digital marketer, avid reader and writer of lively love stories that span the globe. 'Duck à l’Orange for Breakfast' is her debut novel in print. Get your copy of Duck à l’Orange for Breakfast from Booktopia or your local bookshop. Note: Nothing in this podcast is intended as medical advice. If you have concerns about your mental health, speak to your GP. Books and authors discussed in this episode: Upcoming events with Ashley: Enter the Dark Web – in conversation at Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts, Tuesday 30 May, 12.30-1.30 pm, free Words on the Waves Festival Shaping Australia panel – Sunday 4 June, 11.30 am-12.30 pm, day or weekend pass The Joy of Creative Writing – Ashley's online writing workshop, Tuesday 6 June, 7.45-9pm, $14 Upcoming events with James: $5 – book here$15-$25 – book here$25-$40 book here Ashley's psychological thriller 'Dark Mode' is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. James' novel 'Denizen' is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@AKalagianBlunt@JamesMcWatson@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson

‘There’s a reason that this has happened. Science could predict this outcome for me, even though I feel like I’m in constant chaos.’ Anna Spargo-Ryan is the author of the memoir A Kind of Magic. In this illuminating interview, she describes the gap between what science understands and what she’s experienced over a lifetime of mental illness. Anna speaks about the profound impact one ‘silly’ suggestion from her therapist had, as well as the deficiency of language about mental illness and resulting misunderstandings. She also reads to us about the years when she faced an inability to exist on the weekends. Anna Spargo-Ryan is the author of two novels, The Gulf and The Paper House, and an acclaimed nonfiction writer and teacher. She was the inaugural winner of the Horne Prize and is the current nonfiction editor at Island Magazine. Books and authors discussed in this episode: A psychologist handed my partner an article to help with my anxiety. I’d written it Note: Nothing in this podcast is intended as medical advice. If you have concerns about your mental health, speak to your GP. Upcoming events with Ashley: Taking the Next Step: Australian Society of Authors online workshop – Wednesday 3 May, 1-2 pm, ($30-60) Brisbane Writers Festival Thrills and Chills – Saturday 13 May, 4-5 pm, Stale Library Queensland ($25) Author Talk, Sutherlandshire Libraries – Monday 15 May, 6.30-7.30 pm, free, RSVP required The Listening Station – Tuesday 16 May, 6.45-8 pm, Art Bau Gallery, Brookvale ($30) Enter the Dark Web – in conversation at Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts, Tuesday 30 May, 12.30-1.30 pm, free Words on the Waves Festival Shaping Australia panel – Sunday 4 June, 11.30 am - 12.30 pm, day or weekend pass Upcoming events with James: $5 – book here$15-$25 – book here$25-$40 book here Ashley's psychological thriller 'Dark Mode' is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. James' novel 'Denizen' is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.comjamesmckenziewatson.com@AKalagianBlunt@JamesMcWatson@akalagianblunt@jamesmcwatson