Talking Aussie Books

Any book that explores the role fate plays in our lives is always going to be one I will enjoy.  So it was with great interest that I read Rhianna King's and brilliant debut novel ‘Birds of a Feather’ published at the end of March by Affirm Press.  Rhianna is a Melbourne-based author who has spent more than two decades working as a communicator in the public and not for profit sector. During the long lockdowns of 2020 and 2021,  Rhianna fancied company of people other than those she was in lockdown with and so decided to create characters with whom to spend time with. The result was 'Birds of a Feather': an absolutely delightful novel about forbidden romance, second chances, taking yourself beyond your comfort zone and of course, fate.  I laughed, I cried and just fell in love with this charming and assured story from a talented newcomer.  Rhianna and I had a wonderful chat for the podcast recently about her inspiration, writing, visiting London and... what we would do if we won the lotto!

Debut Australian novelists are enjoying their heyday at the moment.  It seems that every other day I’m learning about another fabulous Aussie writer ticking getting published off their bucket list.  Moreover, the quality of these stories are simply outstanding. None more so than the debut novel from my next guest author.  Maxine Fawcett is a Sydney-based author who runs a media and marketing business with her husband. Hailing from England originally, Maxine obtained a BA in Communication and Art History from the University of East London before moving on to gain lots of different experiences doing variable work until landing on her feet with an advertising company and later moving out here to Australia.  I first met Maxine or Max (as she’s known by many) a few years back as a fellow aspiring author and it has given me immense joy to see Max hit her stride in her publishing journey and find a home for her wonderful novel.  ‘Everything is Perfect’ published by Penguin earlier this year is a book that takes a wry look at marriage, motherhood and how in middle age we can lose sight of our true selves.  A compulsive novel that had me flipping pages well into the night. I was simply delighted to speak with Max on the podcast recently.

Regular listeners might remember a few years back I welcomed debut novelist Kelli Hawkins to the podcast.  Kelli is a Newcastle-based author who landed a rare four-book deal with HarperCollins for two adult books and two children’s books in 2020.  Back then we were chatting about her bestselling gripping psychological thriller - Other People’s Houses. A gritty and compelling novel I simply could not put down.  Three years on, and Kelli has cemented her place amongst some of the best crime writers in this country - with follow up titles like All She Wants and Apartment 303.  And recently, Kelli celebrated the release of yet another fabulously compulsive novel into the world.  A fourth novel for adults called ‘The Miller Women’.  And having just finished it, I can attest to its brilliance!   Tightly woven, disturbing and incredibly satisfying, I read this absolute page-turner in one sitting - with an end that will leave you breathless.  I was thrilled to welcome Kelli back to the podcast to chat about her new book.

Listeners, as you can imagine I read a lot of books. Mostly Australian fiction - given that this is the genre on which the Talking Aussie Books podcast was founded.   I do try and read the international titles everyone is talking about (I think Yellowface was the latest) and then of course, I throw in a couple of non-fiction titles for good measure.  However, I am far from an authority on what the majority of Australians are reading. There are people out there reading hundreds of books each year…some of the titles I’ve heard of and others, sadly, I haven’t.  So, in an attempt to gain greater insight into the reading tastes of the Australian public, I decided to mix things up a tad and chat to a reader, author and bookseller. To that end, I was delighted to welcome Mishell Currie (reader), Sandie Docker (author) and Anna Loder (bookseller) to the podcast recently.  

The Black and Bright Festival is a literary festival dedicated to the diverse expressions of First Nations storytelling. Established in 2016 this four-day festival is based in Naarm (Melbourne) and covers all genres from oral stories, novels, to plays and poetry.  With over 60 first nations artists set to appear at the upcoming festival between 14 and 17 March 2024, it is sure to be a fabulous celebration of black stories.  And in honour of this premier cultural event, I spoke with Julie Janson. Julie is a Darug woman of the Burruberongal Clan.   A playwright, poet and novelist, Julie’s 2022 novel, 'Madukka the River Serpent', an Indigenous crime novel, was long listed for the Miles Franklin Award.  Julie was also a recipient of the Oodgeroo Noonuccal Poetry Prize 2016 and the Judith Wright Poetry Prize 2019.  Julie’s historical novel 'Benevolence' was published by Magabala Books in 2020  and published in the US and UK in 2022.  'Compassion' is the follow-up novel to 'Benevolence' and has just been released by Magabala.  I was thrilled to have the chance to speak with Julie about her work on the podcast recently. 

Jane Tara is an author and wanderer who is best known in Australia for her role as general manager of Better Reading - one of Australia's largest online book communities. Jane is the author of more than 100 books, several plays and five novels. Recently, Jane's new novel, 'Tilda is Visible' was released by Affirm Press. A wonderfully surprising, quirky, funny and spellbinding book that I absolutely adored. A must read for ALL women. I was thrilled to welcome Jane to the podcast to chat about Tilda is Visible.

Today listeners I’m introducing you to another author whose gorgeous debut novel, called ‘All the Golden Light’ has just been published by HarperCollins. A richly detailed, sweeping historical novel, 'All the Golden Light' is a snapshot of life for one woman living on the south coast of NSW at the tail end of WWI. A time of darkness, deprivation and trauma - not only for the those who saw active service, but for those who were left behind.  Author Siobhan O’Brien is no stranger to the publishing industry and has written for the Sydney Morning Herald, Vogue, InDesign and Monument.  Siobhan’s other notable work was published back in 2004. A biography of Australian designer and socialite Florence Broadhurst, published by Allen & Unwin. I was delighted to chat with Siobhan recently.

Liz Foster is a Sydney-based author originally from Britain who began her writing journey some seven years ago.  'The Good Woman’s Guide to Making Better Choices', published by Affirm Press is her first novel. And listeners, it’s a cracker.  A thoroughly enjoyable read about marriage, parenting, fraud, infidelity and…of all things…goat’s cheese! I was delighted to have the chance to speak with Liz about her book and journey on the podcast recently.

Michelle Upton in a Brisbane-based author whose first novel ‘Terms of Inheritance’ was shortlisted for the Banjo Prize in 2021.   A little over 12 months later 'Terms of Inheritance' was published by HarperCollins Australia.  And I can see why.  With a strong hook and a cast of strong, vibrant female characters, this was one heck of a good story. Hard to believe it was Michelle’s debut, frankly. Another 12 months on, Michelle’s second book ‘Emergency Exit Only’ was published.  When I first picked up ‘Emergency Exit Only’ I wondered if it would live up to the spectacular arrival of her debut. And after reading it and LOVING it, I can honestly say it EXCEEDED my expectations.  It’s a wonderful, feel-good story about second chances and opening yourself up to possibilities.   Michellerecently

After more than 260 interviews to this point and attendance at bookish events too numerous to count, I meet a lot of Australian authors.  Some are well into their writing careers, others are just at the start or trying to break in like me while many are somewhere in the middle.   So when someone I know - someone who has been trying to get published for a while - finally succeeds, it’s an occasion well worth celebrating.  My friend, Joanne Spiers, works as an editor in her own business - Nuturing Words. And when she’s not wrangling other people’s manuscripts, Jo is writing her own.   Her debut novel, Second Chance Love in Point Perry, was published by Harlequin’s Escape Publishing earlier this year.  And I couldn’t be happier for Jo.   A warm and tender story inspired by Jo’s upbringing on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia and grief over the death of her beloved mum, Second Chance Love in Point Perry ushers a bright and promising career (and more Point Perry books) for this talented storyteller.  I was delighted to welcome Jo to the podcast recently. 

It’s impossible not to be excited about interviewing an author whose career I have been fortunate to witness from it’s infancy.  From the first interview I conducted with this author more than five years ago until now, this woman’s skill as a storyteller has simply gone from strength to strength. With 4 bestselling books under her belt now, Tania Blanchard has become an international bestselling author and a powerhouse in the historical fiction space.  I was thrilled to have the chance to speak with Tania again ahead of the release of her brand new novel, ‘A Woman of Courage’ published by HarperCollins Australia. 

Steve Matthews is the author of the bestselling Hitler trilogy: Hitler’s Brothel, Hitler’s Assassins and Hitler’s Resurrection.  Each of these books are based on true events - constructing unique narratives and perspective around the horrific deeds and atrocities committed by the Nazi regime in World War II. It was following the publication of Hitler’s Brothel that I first became acquainted with Steve’s fascinating work.  This year, Steve is celebrating the publication of a new novel. A move away from the events of World War II, going back in time to examine the sacrifices, heroism and courage displayed by many who fought in the Great War. And one man in particular - Private Ted Watts.  Filled with Steve’s trademark wit and incredible attention to detail ‘Ted Watts’ Diary’ (Big Sky Publishing) is a poignant examination of one man’s remarkable courage, determination and will to survive - despite the overwhelming obstacles he faced. Not only as a soldier, but as a man.  Brilliantly researched, colourful and at times confronting, this is a book that doesn’t shy away from the awful toll of war, but which still remains hopeful. A terrific read. I was delighted to welcome Steve back to the podcast recently .

Kell Woods in an Australian historical fantasy author whose debut novel has just been released in Australia/New Zealand, the UK and the US. Called ‘After the Forest’ Kell has written a rich, compelling and utterly remarkable fairytale retelling.    Set in the Black Forest of Wurrtemberg during the mid-17th century, the story picks up 15 years after Greta and her brother Hans escape from an old witch and her gingerbread house. In the aftermath of a brutal war and with no one but her gambling brother to help look after her, Greta bakes the best gingerbread around in an effort to keep her family afloat.  But rumours about her continue to swirl and the superstitions of the villagers are becoming harder to keep at bay. Weaving history, fantasy, romance and fairytale together, this book had me turning pages deep into the night and had me in awe of Kell’s storytelling abilities.  I was thrilled to chat about this incredible book with Kell on the podcast recently.

Shelley Burr is an award-winning Australian author whose debut novel ‘Wake’ was a top five bestseller. Published in the US and the UK as well as here in Australia, 'Wake' won the CWA Debut Dagger Award in 2019 (a UK award for an unpublished writer), it was shortlisted for the Indie Book Awards Debut Novel Award, the Kill Your Darlings Unpublished Manuscript Award and the Bath Novel Award.  And only last week ‘Wake’ won the 2023 Ned Kelley Award for best debut crime fiction! Recently I had the chance to speak with Shelley about her brand new novel ‘Ripper’ - which was also released by Hachette Australia last week.  A clever, twisty novel set in a tiny town between Sydney and Melbourne: a town long past its heyday and struggling under the weight of its dark history.  As with all the very best crime novels,  I was hooked from its opening page. If you loved Shelley’s first book ‘Wake’, then ‘Ripper’ is a MUST-read.  Tune in to hear Shelley talk about her rapid rise to literary fame, her inspiration for her books, writing tips and much more.

Steph Vizard is a Melbourne-based writer who won the 2022 Banjo Prize with her then unpublished manuscript 'The Love Contract'. Twelve months on and that book has now been published by HarperCollins. I have no doubt that readers will fall in love with this charming story about enemy neighbours - Zoe and Will - who reluctantly come to the realisation that they each had the power to help the other one out of a difficult situation.  The question is of course, will they?  And what are the consequences? To find out if they do or don’t you’ll have to read the book. But in the meantime you can enjoy listening to the delightful Steph and I chat about her debut novel ‘The Love Contract'.   This was SO much fun.

Jane Harrison is an award-winning playwright and novelist as well as Festival director whose work has been performed across Australia and internationally. Jane is descended from the Muruwari people and believes stories have the power to strengthen cultural connection.  Jane’s YA novel ‘Becoming Kirrali Lewis’ won the 2014 Black & Write Prize and that same novel was shortlisted for the 2014 Prime Ministers Literary Award and the Victorian Premiers Award.  Jane’s stage play ‘The Visitors’ was performed to critical acclaim at the Sydney Festival back in 2020 and a Sydney Theatre Production of the 'The Visitors' is playing at the Sydney Opera House in September 2023. If that wasn't enough, HarperCollins has recently published Jane’s debut adult novel inspired by her hit stage show - also called ‘The Visitors’. This is a book that reimagines a crucial moment in Australia’s history from the point of view of our First Nations people.  A story that challenges our understanding of this event by revisiting the landing of the first fleet in 1788 from the perspective of seven Aboriginal men, all of whom represent nearby clans. A stunning, evocative and thought-provoking novel which I loved.  I was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with Jane about her book on the podcast recently.

Memorable books are the ones that make me feel something. Books that make me laugh or hold my breath with anticipation; stories that make me feel hopeful and most of all... the books that make me cry. These are the ones that become indelibly printed on my heart. ‘Saving Charli’ (Scholastic Australia) written by Victorian-based author, Di Walker is a book that made me feel SO many of these things all at once. Until ‘Saving Charli’ I hadn’t read any of Di’s work.  But that’s something I’m going to have to change in the near future.  ‘Saving Charli’ is a middle-grade novel about a set of twins and their friends as they finish primary school and begin their first year of high school, trying to navigate a momentous change in their collective lives at the same time.  Exploring friendships, family, love and loss - it’s a tender, insightful, beautifully written book which can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike. Highly recommended reading! I was delighted to welcome Di to the podcast recently to chat about this wonderful book. 

Veronica Lando is a crime writer who burst onto the Australian literary scene a couple of years ago when her then unpublished manuscript won the 2021 Banjo Prize. That manuscript 'The Whispering' was published by HarperCollins in 2022 to widespread acclaim. This year, Veronica's second book 'The Drowning Girls' was also published by HarperCollins. And if it's anything like 'The Whispering', I can see why Veronica's literary star is well and truly on the rise. Dark, tense and twisty, 'The Drowning Girls' was a story about small-town secrets underscored by the ever-present menace of a hostile landscape. Utterly captivating. I was super excited to chat with Veronica recently about her books and meteoric writing career.

Philippa Kaye is a mother, educator, and now published novelist who lives on the Central Coast of NSW and was inspired to write her debut novel, 'Girl Detectives Just Wanna Have Fun' during COVID. Set in 1984, 'Girl Detectives Just Wanna Have Fun' is a pacy mystery novel flavoured with lots of fun eighties nostalgia - big hair, short skirts and shoulder pads - not to mention a spicy romance for some extra fun! I enjoyed this novel and welcomed the chance to speak with Philippa on the podcast recently about her novel and journey to publication.

Lucy Lever is a former social worker who lives in the bush on Sydney’s coastal fringe with her husband.  As proof that it is never too late to follow your dreams, Lucy decided to give creative writing a go later in life.  The result is 'Mystic Ridge' published earlier this month by HQ Fiction. It was on her frequent visits to family on the NSW North Coast that Lucy found inspiration for Mystic Ridge - a delightful, contemporary novel with a fun twist on the rural romance genre.  I was delighted to have the chance to welcome Lucy to the podcast recently to chat about her debut novel.