In this conversation, we sit down with Shailee Thompson to talk about her novel How To Lose a Guy In Ten Dates. It's a fabulous book unlike one you will have read before - a mix of Rom Com and Slasher, which will have you on the edge of your seat waiting for the potential kiss, and the next inevitable death.

We discuss the heart behind her writing, the themes that shaped this book, and the deeper questions it asks about identity, relationships, and what it means to truly see yourself clearly.

This is one of those episodes where we go beyond the plot.

We talk about:

• The inspiration behind the story

• How personal experience shapes fiction

• The emotional undercurrents running through the book

• The complexity of relationships and self-discovery

• What readers might notice on a second read

This episode touches on:

• Growth and change

• The tension between who we are and who we think we should be

• Vulnerability and courage

• The power of storytelling to help us understand ourselves

If you love character-driven stories and conversations that dig into the "why" behind a book, you'll enjoy this one.

• Shaylee sharing what first sparked the idea for the book

• The discussion around how characters develop beyond the original plan

• Reflections on what readers have connected with most

• The reminder that stories often reveal something back to us

Have you read the book yet?
What did you notice about the characters?
Did anything surprise you?

We'd love to hear your thoughts.

AND IF YOU LOVE DISCUSSING BOOKS:

Join our bookclub here for insider author chats: https://www.betweenthelinesaustralia.com/bookclub2026

If you'd like to join our book discussions, you're always welcome inside the Between the Lines Book Club. The details are in the show notes. Join us for the next chapter.

You can join our bookclub here

BOOKCLUB SPECIAL: Someone Else's Child with Kylie Orr

Step into this thoughtful and engaging conversation as Chelle sits down with author Kylie Orr to talk about her debut novel Someone Else's Child and the long, winding road to becoming a published author.

Together, they explore the heart of the novel, female friendship, community generosity, moral grey areas, and the emotional complexity that emerges when a child is unwell and a whole town rallies to help. Kylie reflects on empathy, boundaries, and how easily good intentions can become complicated. The conversation also touches on her second novel The 11th Floor, writing trauma with care, and the persistence required to keep going through years of rejection.

You'll hear:

• How Someone Else's Child explores loyalty, power imbalance, and the limits of empathy

• Why community fundraising raises uncomfortable but important questions

• Kylie's seven-year journey from first draft to book deal

• What rejection taught her about resilience and backing herself

• How The 11th Floor differs in pace, structure, and psychological intensity

Discussion prompt:
This book asks us to reflect on generosity, trust, and judgement. When you donate or show up for someone in crisis, where do you think responsibility ends, and empathy begins?

P.S. Someone Else's Child is a compelling read for anyone who loves slow-burn psychological fiction that asks hard questions about friendship, morality, and what we owe each other in moments of crisis.