ArtsBooksFictionEducation

Australian Book Lovers

Veronica Strachan

Australian Book Lovers is on a mission is to bring fabulous Australian and Indigenous literature from all genres to book lovers around the globe, as well as fantastic resources and information for passionate authors looking to write their next bestseller. Visit www.australianbooklovers.com to learn more!

Play

Open in

21 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 1 hr 21 min
English

Support the show

Goes straight to the publisher. podnod takes nothing.

Support this Podcast

Episodes 21

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

S2 · E179
September 21 · 1 hr 10 min
Writer's Room with Matthew R. Davis, Chuck McKenzie and David Schembri
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 Schembri - 09:06 Horror and short form writing - 10:50 How has the horror genre evolved in the last decade or so? - 21:30 National Australian Horror Convention - 43:44 Best writing advice - 50:20 Author Reading: My Clare by David Schembri Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.
S2 · E178
August 31 · 1 hr 29 min
Author Kailum Graves
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 history 5. The Vandemonium: Wall Street and Silicon Valley Collide by Allan Charles Branch – memoir 6. Come on Australia: The Great War Service of Lieutenant Colonel Terence McSharry CMG DSO MC by Lewis Frederickson & Victor Nurcombe – non-fiction 7. Under the Same Moon by Peter Mitchell – non-fiction Intro - 0:57 News - 13:05 Book spotlights - 23:36 Author interview - 42:11 Post interview chat - 1:25:00 Quotes - 1:27:27 Read 'The Magpies have Unionised' HERE Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.
S2 · E177
August 23 · 1 hr 32 min
Author Penny Tangey
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 - memoir The Happy Ending by Christopher Keenan - Aussie tales and humour The Calloways Reincarnation by Big Dog - Fantasy Miss Metamorph by Camille Fitzgerald - memoir Intro - 0:57 News - 06:25 Shay Leighton (Tough Guy Book Club) - 8:03 Book spotlights - 21:42 Author interview - 34:18 Post interview chat - 1:26:12 Quotes - 1:28:30 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.
S2 · E176
August 8 · 1 hr 24 min
Authors Emma Gerts and Esme Stevenson
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 for Christmas by Clare Anne McGrory - Romance 4. Ancient Odyssey by K. D. Wright - Historical Fantasy 5. Murder and Masquerade by Catherine McCullagh - Thriller 6. Crow by Rhonda McCoy - Contemporary 7. The Sawmillers Daughter by Sarah Smith - Historical Intro - 0:57 News - 06:17 Book spotlights - 22:18 Author interview - 35:36 Post interview chat - 1:17:06 Quotes - 1:20:47 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.
S2 · E175
July 30 · 56 min
Writer's Room with Leisa Fail, Tina Strachan and Charlie Archbold
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 the Empty Cage - 15:39 Bio - Charlie Archbold - 16:57 Writing for kids - 21:42 Finding the balance between education and entertainment - 26:46 Keeping track of a large character cast - 32:50 Advice for emerging middle-grade authors - 44:21 What's on your writing horizon? - 49:13 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.
S2 · E174
July 12 · 1 hr 37 min
Author Bridie Blake
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. The Battle for Victoria Street by Gabiann Marin – middle grade 5. The Truth About Love by Mark Worthington – non-fiction 6. Midnight Angel by Kevin Klehr – urban fantasy 7. Three Ghosts by Kevin Klehr – urban fantasy Intro - 0:57 News - 08:34 Book spotlights - 25:18 Author interview - 44:38 Post interview chat - 1:31:14 Quotes - 1:33:17 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.
S2 · E173
June 30 · 1 hr 5 min
Writer's Room with Debbie O'Shea, Hacia Atherton and Valentyna Solowij
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 book journey - 34:07 With all the channels available these days, how impactful are books in sharing a message? - 40:13 What's next? - 58:29 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.
S2 · E172
June 8 · 1 hr 10 min
Poet Shannon Jade
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 Game of Masquerade by Shani Cossins – speculative historical thriller Intro - 00:57 Industry News - 06:47 Book Spotlights - 12:59 Author Interview with Shannon Jade - 27:59 Post Interview chat - 1:05:39 Quotes - 1:07:10 Author Reading - 1:09:37 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.
S2 · E171
May 16 · 1 hr 56 min
Author Amie Kaufman
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 3. Shrewd Little Sleuth by Scott Leckie - Biography 4. Deck the Hall by Susan Horsnell - Romance 5. Time Kneels Between Mountains By Amra Pajalić - Historical 6. Hollow Peak by Max Jeffries - mystery 7. Little Book of Influence by Jordana Borensztajn - non-fiction Intro - 00:57 Industry News - 04:01 Book Spotlights - 20:22 Author Interview with Amie Kaufman - 41:01 Post Interview chat - 1:51:52 Quotes - 1:53:29 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.
S2 · E170
April 27 · 1 hr 34 min
Authors Elise Wackett and Jane Abbott
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: When Will It Happen for Me by Phoebe Rogers - non-fiction My Brother Otto by Ingrid Laguna - middle grade The Exiled: A Web of Lies Book 1 by Jason Smith - fantasy The Outpost at Tal Ghrna by Simon Dell - science fiction Hearts and Diamonds: The Anchor and The Moon Book 2 by Maxx Victor - fantasy Name and Number: The Anchor and The Moon Book 3 by Maxx Victor - fantasy Meandering to Manila by Keith Dalton - memoir The Swimming Group by Bella Ellwood-Clayton - contemporary Intro - 00:57 Laurie's 2nd co-hosting birthday- 1:47 Industry news - 13:02 Book spotlights - 22:54 Author interview - 39:20 Post interview chat - 1:22:42 Quotes - 1:26:46 Author reading - 1:30:54 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.
S2 · E169
April 18 · 1 hr 1 min
Writer's Room with Maria P Frino, Conchita GarSantiago, Hayley Walsh and Uma Srinivasan
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 Bio - Conchita GarSantiago - 9:16 Book Spotlight - A Cry For Home - 10:03 Bio - Uma Srinivasan - 11:49 Book Spotlight - Etched in Gold - 12:54 How did Sydney Authors Inked start? - 18:11 What is success and what has helped you be more successful? - 31:41 What is the most frequent question you've been asked? - 39:05 Advice for people wanting to replicate a group like SAI? - 43:41 What's on your writing list for the next 12-months? - 53:47 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.
S2 · E168
April 9 · 1 hr 2 min
Writer's Room with Danielle Sartorelli, Angelina Mastrippolito and Bo Kitty
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 you? - 37:15 What would you tell your younger self - 44:46 What's on your writing horizon? - 52:15 Advice for new writers - 56:36 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.
S2 · E167
March 31 · 55 min
Writer's Room with Alejandra Martinez, Monica Raszewski and Paula McLean
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 relatable? - 23:44 How do you find time to write? -31:52 What's on your writing horizon? 42:35 Advice for new writers - 46:04 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.
S2 · E166
March 16 · 1 hr 47 min
Chris Munnery from Ingram Spark
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 Jaideep Padwalar – memoir 4. Crimson Velvet Heart by Carmel Bird – historical fiction 5. The Canvas Killings by Elise Janes – mystery, thriller and suspense 6. Return to Silkeborg by Vanessa Benford – contemporary 7. Tarzan Loves Jane by John Comerford – contemporary Intro - 00:57 Publishing tips - 4:00 Industry news - 26.05 Book spotlights - 33:52 Author interview - 52:02 Post interview chat - 1:43:12 Quotes - 1:44:29 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.
S2 · E165
March 6 · 1 hr 38 min
Author George Ivanoff
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 Pose by Susan Rogers & John Roosen - thriller 6. Warrior Pose by Susan Rogers & John Roosen - thriller 7. One suitcase, two pets and a breakdown – Athena Martinez – memoir Intro - 00:57 Marketing tips - 4:32 Industry news - 21:55 Book spotlights - 25:54 Author interview - 43:08 Post interview chat - 1:33:30 Quotes - 1:35:52 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.
S2 · E164
February 19 · 1 hr 30 min
Author Naomi Shippen
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: What is Your Workplace Culture Costing You? By Hacia Atherton – non-fiction 7. Bird Deity by John Morrissey – science fiction Intro - 00:57 Publishing tips - 4:20 Industry news - 17:35 Book spotlights - 22:43 Author interview - 41:40 Post interview chat - 1:24:26 Quotes - 1:26:27 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.
S2 · E163
February 12 · 59 min
Writer's Room with Annie Kwan and Tania Moloney
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 children about emotions and the world - 21:44 Working with illustrators - 31:38 Which of your characters would make the best podcast guest? - 42:21 What surprised you about publishing your book? - 47:23 Advice for new picture book writers - 53:41 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.
S2 · E162
February 1 · 1 hr 11 min
The Furphy Literary Award with Robyn J Black
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 Poet by Phil Brown - memoir Intro - 00:57 Industry news - 16:04 Book spotlights - 21:33 Author interview - 35:54 Post interview chat - 1:07:57 Quotes - 1:09:07 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.
S2 · E161
January 22 · 1 hr 6 min
Writer's Room with Duncan Graham, Anne Vines & Paul Rushworth-Brown
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 Writing relatable characters - 33:05 Individual writing process - 45:38 Which historical period would you like to go back to? - 54:51 Advice for new writers - 1:01:05 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.
S2 · E160
January 10 · 1 hr 39 min
Author January Gilchrist
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 suspense 3. The Finch who lost her wing by Annie Kwan – picture book 4. The Wildflower of Asam by Gayatri Sarkar – historical 5. Moor to Sea: A journey along the Cleveland Way by Vicki Foote – memoir 6. The Tyranny of Tomorrow by Magda Mizzi – dystopian scifi 7. Grayson’s Magical Mishaps by Kevin Klehr – fantasy Intro - 00:57 Industry news - 8:10 Book spotlights - 18:06 Author interview - 38:00 Post interview chat - 1:26:53 Quotes - 1:29:11 Author reading - 1:32:17 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.

Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes