Madeleine chats with debut Aussie novelist, Shannon Kelly-White.

Shannon is a happy country girl who writes gritty, hopeful fiction about women who push back. Fascinated by freedom and spirit, she writes stories that blend fierce heart, a longing for connection, and a love of the landscapes that shaped her. A former nurse turned award- winning cookbook author turned novelist, she spends her days buried in books, accompanied by fluffy dogs and one opinionated orange cat. She lives in Yarrawonga with her most precious thing—her family.

Shannon's debut novel, Billie King (HarperCollins Australia, July 2026), has been described as Leah Purcell's The Drover's Wife meets Trent Dalton. Madeleine loved it! A gusty colonial girl meets Australia's last female bushranger who is on a quest for revenge.

00:56 Introduction
01:33 Billie King
03:40 Inspiration
05:57 Finding Billie’s Voice
06:54 Kids are the best
10:52 From Nurse to Novelist
15:52 Mentorship
17:58 HarperCollins acquisition and editorial
22:26 Vulnerabilities
28:28 The setting
31:08 Writing flawed characters
41:08 Shannon's next novel
41:59 Writing historical fiction for a modern audience
43:55 Writing Routine
45:30 Top Tip

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