Episode 140 has Veronica and Laurie exploring epic fantasy and imposter syndrome, sharing industry news and events, and learning the meanings of momophobia and siso. Plus Veronica chats with WA fantasy author Abigail Mader about 'The Crystal Dynasty' series.

Book Spotlights:
1. The Spirit Circle by Tara Calaby – speculative historical fiction
2. The Body Next Door by Zane Lovitt – suburban thriller
3. A Killer Among Friends by Andrea Barton – mystery
4. Holy Parrot by Angel A – contemporary/mystery/magical realism
5. Mary Poser by Angel A – YA
6. Last Saturday in Invermay by Zane Pinner – contemporary
7. Love Connections Series: Saoirse’s Story – AM Jaxon romantic suspense

Intro - 00:57
Industry news - 8:04
Book spotlights - 18:21
Author Interview - 34:30
Post interview chat - 1:12:05
Quotes - 1:29:56

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In Australian Book Lovers podcast episode 139, Veronica and Laurie are back in the Writer's Room, diving into suspense and speculative fiction with Ann Dombroski and lifting the contemporary theatre curtain with Deborah Pike, two authors with some unexpected things in common.

Intro - 0:57
Deborah Pike Bio - 2:58
Ann Dombroski Bio - 4:03
Book Spotlight - After the Great Storm by Ann Dombroski - suspense and speculative fiction - 9:40
Book Spotlight - The Players by Deborah Pike - contemporary - 11:05
Should you write for an audience or yourself? - 15:26
Emerging themes in your stories - 24:07
Research, too much, too little, most interesting - 29:32
Share your writing process - 35:22
Students and literature - 49:38
Advice for new writers - 56:52

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Episode #138 has Veronica and Laurie delivering industry news and events, and getting sidetracked on their favourite authors and the meaning of bildungsroman. Laurie shares a fabulous interview with prolific Australian author John Kinsella.

Book Spotlights:

• After the Great Storm by Ann Dombroski - Speculative Fiction Thriller
• The Unintentional Medium by Suzi Samuel - Non-fiction
• The Dark at the Threshold by Suzi Samuel - Supernatural Thriller
• Criminal Cove: Home for Retired Supervillains by SF Sowter – Science Fiction
• The Buried Life by Andrea Goldsmith – contemporary

Intro - 00:57
Industry news - 9:42
Book spotlights - 22:37
Author Interview - 33:24
Post interview chat - 1:38:16
Quotes - 1:39:55

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In episode 137 Veronica and Laurie are in the Writer's Room with wonderful picture book authors Frances Mackay and Richard LeCouteur. Both generously share their experience, their passion for picture books, tips for educating and entertaining children, and advice for authors.

Intro - 0:57
Frances Mackay Bio - 3:25
Richard LeCouteur Bio - 6:35
Children's books and resources 12:25
Book Spotlight - Nate's Noisy Nose - Frances Mackay - children's picture book - 19:09
Book Spotlight - Nasty names are hurtful - Richard LeCouteur - children's picture book - 20:14
Finding the right illustrator - 22:06
Teacher resource children's book catalogue - 38:22
(https://booksforteachers.mailerpage.com/)
Share your writing process - 43:33
Advice for children's picture book writers - 56:46

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In Episode 136 Veronica and Laurie bring you industry news and events from the world of publishing including the Understanding Australian Readers Report from Australian Reads, and how to find your own writing group. They share more treasures from the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows and dive down twisty writing rabbit holes. Plus Laurie interviews author Stephen Downes about his inpsiration and writing.

Book Spotlights:

• Neeka and the Missing Key by Tina Strachan - children's
• Cupid's Kiss by Anna Ceguerra - science fiction
• Get Off My Lawn by Anna Ceguerra - middle grade
• Dear Friend: A Warm Hug for Your Mind & Soul by Christina Marie Giuffré - non-fiction
• The Players by Deborah Pike - Contemporary

Intro - 00:57
Industry news - 10:35
Book spotlights - 26:10
Author Interview - 35:23
Post interview chat - 1:18:51
Quotes - 1:21:27

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In episode #135 Veronica and Laurie dissect what goes into creating a great story villain, and share news, events and grants for the writing community. Laurie gets the long straw and has a chat with fabulous sci-fic and fantasy author S.F. Sowter.

Book spotlights:

• A Night So Dark and Full of Stars by Nikky Lee - fantasy/sci-fi/horror
• The Rarkyn's Fall by Nikky Lee - fantasy
• Out of Time: Roaring into Queensland by Bruce Lowery - memoir
• Agnes: A childhood betrayed and reclaimed by Judy King - memoir
• Fame & Other Disasters by Maria P Frino - contemporary

Intro - 00:57
Industry news - 14:16
Book spotlights - 19:30
Author Interview - 34:27
Post interview chat - 1:24:12
Quotes - 1:29:30

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Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.

In episode #134 of the Australian Book Lovers podcast, Veronica and Laurie chat industry news, writing events, trends in Australian book sales. Plus made up words from John Koenig, a shout out to Holden Sheppard for the launch of Invisible Boys on Stan, and a delightful interview with super early rising, middle-grade author Tina Strachan (no relation).

Book Spotlights:

• The Subjugate by Amanda Bridgeman - cyberpunk, genetic reengineering science fiction
• Sound of Light: Marvel: School of X by Amanda Bridgeman - Superhero Science Fiction
• Patient Zero: A Pandemic Novel by Amanda Bridgeman – Science Fiction Thriller
• Aurora: Darwin (Aurora Book 1) by Amanda Bridgeman – military science fiction
• Nate’s Noisy Nose by Frances Mackay – children’s interactive book
• Panic by Catherine Jinks – Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

Intro - 00:57
Industry news - 3:53
Book spotlights - 18:46
Author Interview - 37:12
Post interview chat - 1:19:06
Quotes - 1:26:15

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Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.

In episode 133, Veronica & Laurie tap into the inner worlds of two wonderful non-fiction authors. Bronwyn Frazer and Adrian Emery share their life and writing stories, philosophies and reflections on life purpose. It's a wide-ranging chat that gives listeners an opportunity to look at life from a different angle.

Intro - 0:57
Bronwyn Frazer Bio - 2:40
Adrian Emery Bio - 3:41
Change and transitions 10:23
Book Spotlight - What if? - Bronwyn Frazer - non-fiction - 11:17
Book Spotlight - Tao Tuning - Adrian Emery - non-fiction - 13:15
What inspired you to put your message into words? - 14:35
What does self-reflection mean to you? - 32:32
Share your writing process - 50:50

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Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.