Stories Behind The Story With Better Reading

Caoilinn Hughes (The Alternatives, Orchid & the Wasp) and Bri Lee (Eggshell Skull, Who Gets to Be Smart) share some laughs and talk about their latest books, the differences between young and older readers, how they met and how their books have impacted both their own lives and the lives of others. Learn more about the two authors, how they went on a 'Mafia Tour', the impacts of success, and of course, the publishing industry in this new episode of "Authors on Authors". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January Gilchrist talks to Cheryl about the beginnings of her writing journey, her adventures in the Blue Mountains and the transformative experience of attending a writing retreat. She also shares insights into the path to publication that ultimately led to her novel, The Final Chapter, which is out July 29, 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cheryl Leavy talks to Cheryl Akle about the moment she realised she wanted to write her debut and its emotional connection to her mother, the role of poetry in contrast to First Nations language, her family heritage and its ties to the Stolen Generations, and the deeper meanings she’s woven into her own poetry. Her debut, Yanga Mother, which was illustrated by Christopher Bassi, is out now. Fresh Voices: A Debut Author Spotlight is sponsored by the Copyright Agency's The Cultural Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karen Brooks talks to Cheryl about her family-run brewery in Hobart, the influence of feminism on her writing, how she approaches research for her historical fiction, her connection to fantasy stories and what lies ahead in her writing journey. Her latest book, The Whisky Widow, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marly Wells talks to Cheryl about the inspirations that led her and her mother to co-write their first book, the global conflicts shaping today's world, embracing self-pride, her First Nations heritage, and the journey from manuscript to publication. Her debut, Desert Tracks, which she co-wrote with her mother, Linda Wells, is out now. Fresh Voices: A Debut Author Spotlight is sponsored by the Copyright Agency's The Cultural Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Patterson talks to Cheryl about the history of agriculture in Australia, First Nations agricultural practices, the Equal Wages decision, the beauty of coming together, and the story of his family and the community they’ve been part of. His debut, Australia's Agricultural Identity - an Aboriginal yarn, is out now. Fresh Voices: A Debut Author Spotlight is sponsored by the Copyright Agency's The Cultural Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wanda Gibson talks to Cheryl about publishing her picture book, the influence of her childhood on her writing and illustrations, her connection to the Lutheran church, the impact the book has had on her and her family, and how her life has evolved over the years. Her debut, Three Dresses, is out now. Fresh Voices: A Debut Author Spotlight is sponsored by the Copyright Agency's The Cultural Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lenora Thaker talks to Cheryl about her Aboriginal Australian heritage, the impact of World War II on First Nations communities, her passion for writing and for Cairns, and the first book she ever read, which ended up sparking her love of reading. Her debut, The Pearl of Tagai Town, is out now. Fresh Voices: A Debut Author Spotlight is sponsored by the Copyright Agency's The Cultural Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalia Figueroa Barroso talks to Cheryl about her family's immigration journey, the deep longing many migrants feel for their homeland, the influence of her childhood on her writing and the pivotal role her grandmother played in getting her published in The Spanish Herald. Her debut, Hailstones Fell without Rain, is out August 5, 2025. Fresh Voices: A Debut Author Spotlight is sponsored by the Copyright Agency's The Cultural Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fiona McKenzie Kekic talks to Cheryl about her parents, the real-life experiences that shaped her novel, her career in television, the groundbreaking book that exposed sexism in Australia's TV and news industry, and the journey to publishing her latest work, Eva Reddy's Trip of a Lifetime, which is out July 29, 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve MinOn talks to Cheryl about his unique cultural heritage, the significance of names, his career in advertising and how personal experiences shaped his first book. His debut, First Name Second Name, is out now. Fresh Voices: A Debut Author Spotlight is sponsored by the Copyright Agency's The Cultural Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Patterson talks to Cheryl about the art of poetry, the ways he weaves identity into his work, the significance of place in his writing, his First Nations heritage and the impact of his travels across Europe. His debut, A Savage Turn, is out August 12, 2025. Fresh Voices: A Debut Author Spotlight is sponsored by the Copyright Agency's The Cultural Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jenny Ashcroft talks to Cheryl about real-life anonymous letter cases, the thrill of writing historical fiction, and the power of community in the book world. Her latest novel, Secrets of the Watch House, is out now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Robotham talks to Cheryl about his nineteenth novel, the evolution of the acclaimed Joe O'Loughlin series, the shifting landscape and challenges within today’s publishing industry and his experiences transforming his gripping stories into successful film and television adaptations. His latest book, The White Crow, is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Paris talks to Cheryl about the challenges of navigating rejections, the timing of book releases, and the importance of perseverance. Her latest work, See How They Fall, is out now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angie Faye Martin talks to Cheryl about the challenges she encountered while writing her first book, her journey as a writer, the influence of her First Nations heritage on her identity and her career in government. Her debut, Melaleuca, is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marian Keyes talks to Cheryl about the life experiences that shaped her books. From her journey through addiction and recovery to her reflections on feminism, resilience and finding happiness in unexpected places, Marian shares how writing became both a lifeline and a source of joy. With her trademark wit and honesty, she reveals how personal hardship can fuel creativity and connection. Her latest book, My Favourite Mistake, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Madeleine Cleary talks to Cheryl about her path to publication, the importance of collaboration with editors, and how balancing a full-time job with writing has shaped her creative process. Her latest work, The Butterfly Women, is out now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Omar Sakr talks to Cheryl about resistance, censorship, and the power of poetry to bring clarity, connection, and hope in turbulent times. His latest work in collaboration with illustrator Safdar Ahmed, The Nightmare Sequence, is out now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew HC McDonald talks to Cheryl about his journey to publication, the editing process that transformed The Monticello School of Swearing, and his love for languages, including his experience learning Mandarin. He shares insights into the charm of Sicily, where his novel is set, the realities of book marketing, and the balance between passion and practicality in a writing career. His latest novel, The Monticello School of Swearing, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.