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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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:

1. When Will It Happen for Me by Phoebe Rogers - non-fiction
2. My Brother Otto by Ingrid Laguna - middle grade
3. The Exiled: A Web of Lies Book 1 by Jason Smith - fantasy
4. The Outpost at Tal Ghrna by Simon Dell - science fiction
5. Hearts and Diamonds: The Anchor and The Moon Book 2 by Maxx Victor - fantasy
6. Name and Number: The Anchor and The Moon Book 3 by Maxx Victor - fantasy
7. Meandering to Manila by Keith Dalton - memoir
8. 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

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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

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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

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