Crafting a novel is one thing, but author Kate Solly loves crafting ‘crafty’ novels – including her latest title, The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-up. Kate shares her journey from casual writing in her family group chats to getting her first publishing contract, as well as how she manages to stay accountable and fit writing in while bringing up six kids!

00:00 Introduction
05:37 Nat Newman’s writing tip: overcoming ‘the doldrums’
10:28 WIN! The Last Fashion House in Paris by Renee Ryan
12:52 Word of the week: ‘ravel’
14:11 Writer in residence: Kate Solly
15:34 Getting started in writing
17:11 How she kept accountable
20:04 Kate’s inspiration for her first book
22:30 Writing the next book
26:14 Pre-kids career and charity work
28:40 Getting the first novel published
34:29 The second novel: process and challenges
35:30 Balancing writing with family life
42:15 Editing and future plans
45:25 Building an author platform
47:42 Final thoughts

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From the halls of Australia’s Parliament House to the dark corners of the Vatican! In this episode, author Sophie Clark talks about her writing process and how she pitched her debut ‘romantasy’ novel, Cruel is the Light. She chats about her political background and how walking the ‘halls of power’ influenced her writing, as well as offering tips for aspiring writers.

00:00 Introduction
03:06 Nat Newman's writing tip: systematic editing
09:02 WIN! Death in the Arctic by Tom Hindle
10:47 Word of the week: ‘disputation’
12:29 Writer in residence: Sophie Clark
14:25 Defining ‘romantasy’
15:49 Inspiration for her book
18:35 Researching on location
22:29 Writing action and fight scenes
24:28 Drafting and experience in Pitch Wars
26:24 Mentorship and guidance
27:38 Securing an agent
30:11 Sophie’s writing process and challenges
34:30 Political influence in writing
36:31 Building a writing community
39:13 Publicity and promotion
41:17 Asking “who’s my audience?”
45:38 Sophie’s top tips for aspiring writers
48:04 Final thoughts

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Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook
Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

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Want to know the formula to writing success? In this episode, scientist-turned-author Rebecca Heath discusses her latest domestic thriller novel, The Wedding Party and her unique journey from the laboratory to the library, as well as how she crafts each story and the importance of building a writing community.

00:00 Introduction
03:43 Nat Newman’s writing tip: the art of writing
06:45 WIN! More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova
09:12 Word of the week: ‘Psychrophile’
10:36 Writer in residence: Rebecca Heath
13:10 Rebecca’s scientific beginnings
17:33 Making the move to fiction and thrillers
18:55 Discovering the Australian Writers’ Centre
19:20 Building a community of likeminded writers
21:15 How Rebecca wrote The Wedding Party
23:34 The writing timeline, routine and sprints
27:19 Character development and observations
30:43 How walking and recording works for her
33:05 Rebecca’s challenges and joys in this book
34:13 Future plans
37:35 Rebecca’s advice for authors
40:22 Final thoughts

Read the show notes

Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook
Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.