What really happens when a writing retreat turns deadly? 🕯️✍️

In this episode, our host Fiona Taylor chats with January Gilchrist, author of the twist-filled thriller The Final Chapter — a story that takes the idea of “writer’s block” to a whole new level.

We talk about the dark side of creativity, the lure of isolation, and how far people will go for a story worth telling.

It’s atmospheric, unsettling, and utterly compelling — the perfect listen for your evening walk, your commute, or while you’re curled up with a candle burning low.

You can listen now on the Reading By Candlelight podcast or watch the full interview on YouTube🎙️📺

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

Our host, Fiona Taylor, had the absolute pleasure of chatting with author Alli Parker about her brilliant new novel, Until the Red Leaves Fall, our September Historical Fiction Book Box pick

Set in the velvet seats and backstage shadows of 1950s Melbourne theatre, it’s a story of secrets, betrayal, and resilience — with unforgettable characters like Emmy Darling, dancer Isadora Westlake, and the formidable actress and theatre owner Virginia van Belle.

Alli and I discussed the spark that inspired the book, the way her Japanese–Australian heritage influences her storytelling, the delicate balance between weaving history and character, and what it takes to build a voice that’s both lyrical and deeply moving. It was a rich and generous conversation, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

You can listen now on the Reading By Candlelight podcast or watch the full interview on YouTube🎙️📺

Have you read Until the Red Leaves Fall yet? We’d love to know what you thought on socials or in the Reading By Candlelight Book Club on Facebook!

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Mark Muptosa-Russell, author of The Wolf Who Called Boy, for the @readingby.candlelight Book Club.

Mark’s debut is a powerful, lyrical story that blends myth, memory, and the search for belonging. In our conversation, he shared the inspiration behind the book, how his own personal experience shaped the story, and what it means to write about identity, courage, and the ties that bind us.

It was such a thoughtful and moving discussion — one that reminded me why we love shining a light on fresh voices in fiction 🌟

A huge thank you to Mark for joining us, and to all of you who tuned in live. If you missed it, don’t worry — the replay is available now on YouTube and wherever you love to listen.

Have you read The Wolf Who Called Boy yet? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the Reading By Candlelight Facebook group or on Instagram.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.